Over the years we've encountered some products or services that were so good, we immediately had to tell our friends. We are always on the hunt for unique and high-quality things, so we thought we would share some of our favorites with you.

FavoritesBEST WEDDING GIFT: If you're like most brides and grooms, you were sadly disappointed when you finally received your legal marriage certificate... it was so drab and lifeless! Well, Tara and Joel Green had the same sad experience when they first saw their license and they decided to do something about it: they have created elaborate, gorgeous, frame-worthy marriage certificates you can proudly display in your home. We have one and absolutely love it! It is the ultimate expression of your love. Also, this is the PERFECT wedding gift... it's so much more sentimental than buying a loved one a salad fork! Tara and Joel do certificates for everything from Bar Mitzvahs to new babies, too. You can check out the Gallery of Love by clicking here.
FavoritesBEST CANDLE: Go to Areo to buy the HomArt "100 Hour Candle." It lasts forever... and it's attractively encased in a green hurricane. This candle smells fantastic. We discovered this item while shopping in Santa Monica, California in a little furniture store next to the famed Ivy-By-The-Shore restaurant. The fragrance in the furniture store was so wonderful we quickly snatched the remaining candles off the shelves. Be sure to buy the "Botanical" scented candle... amazing!

FavoritesBEST BABY GIFT: All our friends go crazy when we give them this wonderful, personalized baby frame. All you need is the baby's name, birthdate, height and parents' names and your friends will have a gift they will cherish for a lifetime. You can choose between blue and pink frames. EVERYONE loves this-- our friends always tell us this is their favorite baby present.

FavoritesBEST JAM: The best jam in the world comes out of Sarabeth's Kitchen in New York City. Sarabeth treats you to her family's 200-year-old marmalade recipe and it's off the hook! Since she started selling her marmalade in 1980, she has become a James Beard award-winning Pastry Chef. Sarabeth is best known for her Orange-Apricot Marmalade... our personal favorite. If you feel like sending a friend a housewarming gift, we really thought the Gift Sampler Box was terrific... you get six 4-oz jars of different award-winning jams. Trust us, you'll love this! You can buy this in many upscale grocery or kitchen stores (Williams-Sonoma carries it for sure), or online at www.sarabeth.com.

FavoritesBEST TEA: Julie was first introduced to Market Spice Tea by her best friend Suzie while in college. It is truly the most amazing, delicious hot tea we've ever enjoyed... and it's made in Gene & Julie's hometown of Seattle at the famed Pike Place Market. It has a big, bold flavor described as natural spices, flavored with cinnamon, orange peel, and essential oils. You can buy it on the web here. Market Spice Tea does not sell their product on-line (you have to get it through another vendor), but you can place an order directly with them over the phone and they will ship it to you: (206) 622-6340.
FavoritesFUNNIEST GAG GIFT:
Have you seen those gorgeous motivational posters with inspirational quotes and beautiful photography? Well, one smart guy decided he'd to do the opposite: instead of making motivational posters he created ones that demotivate. These posters are really funny, and would be a fantastic gift. Check out the merchandise at www.despair.com. Gene particularly loves the coffee cup that is half empty (click here to see it.). Click here to see Julie's favorite poster. You'll get a chuckle out of this stuff.
GREAT GIFT WEBSITES:
We have purchased many creative, unique gifts through www.personalizationmall.com and www.redenvelope.com. Both companies have distributed high-quality products and can turn things around quickly if you're in a time crunch. Red Envelope's red box packaging is just gorgeous if you're sending a gift.
FavoritesFavoritesBEST SALSA: After living in the enchanting state of New Mexico, we discovered we have become salsa snobs! In our opinion, the best two salsas in the world come out of Albuquerque. If you're looking for big flavor and a little bit of heat, you can't go wrong with either El Pinto or 505 Southwestern. You will LOVE these salsas... plus, the salsa makers are the neatest people you've ever met!
FavoritesPERSONALIZED ROMANCE NOVELS: We were completely amused when we came across YourNovel.com. These folks make romance novels... featuring you and your loved one! Long-stem roses are nice, but they die in a couple of days. How about getting your loved one a personalized romance novel starring the two of you? This is such a clever idea! YourNovel.com asks for a couple of personal details including your names, nicknames, eye and hair color, then they put your specifics into a pre-written romance novel! They are attractive, professional paperbacks and they're quite a hoot! You can choose from "mild to wild" storylines depending on your taste. Go to www.yournovel.com to order your book. Our novel is hilarious-- it's something we will have for a lifetime!
FavoritesBEST LOTION: Gene first heard about Revolotion on the Oprah Winfrey Show, so he bought some for Julie. Now she is ga-ga for it and telling everyone because this stuff is amazing! When you get out of the shower, why not moisturize your skin with a great lotion... which also has a bronzer in it?!! Revolotion by DuWop is so fantastic, it smoothes out your skin tone and makes you glow from head to toe. You'll just look brighter and healthier. Plus, it doesn't rub off on your clothing. Click here to order some.