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Christmas gift guide by the 12 Sun signs

Not sure what to give them? This handy guide to the 12 Sun signs’ interests, hobbies and personality types could give you a clue or two.

Aries
They love being number one so personalized gifts are ideal. Favourite colour: red. Impatient types, they’ll rip off the wrapping in microseconds. For that reason, they’re happy with a gift sent via email they can use straightaway. They fancy themselves as James Bond – or a Bond girl – so give something cool, even gadgety. Do not – under any circumstances – give them anything that’s been regifted. They’ll know, and they’ll hate it. It’s one of the reasons personalised gifts do so well – unless you’ve recycled it from another Michael, Christine or John, that is.

Taurus
They adore anything that feels, smells, tastes, looks and sounds good. You could give them a topiary tree, a herb garden, indulgently expensive cooking equipment, music, cashmere throws, Egyptian cotton sheets or scented candles. They like stuff that doesn’t date. They are sweetly sentimental about their friends. No money to buy them something luxe? Make them something you’ve crafted with your bare hands.

Gemini
Multi-faceted Geminis are insatiable about reading and disseminating what’s going on. So they really would love a gift certificate to Amazon, a Kindle or a magazine subscription. Why not create a book for them via the internet. Geminis bore easily and, unlike say, Leo, prefer a range of cheap-ish items so they have many little presents to open, rather than one big-ticket item. Look for something fun and inexpensive that’s also wildly trendy. Accessories – both electronic and clothing – are great choices.

Cancer
Write a lovely Christmas card: they’ll keep it along with the wrapping paper to re-use next year. Give them cash, a gift card or gift certificate so they can buy themselves something when it’s on sale, saving some of it for later. Incredibly house-proud, anything hardware, DIY, homewares or decor-related is fine. Famously keen on family, what about children’s furniture, tickets to a show, museum, or theme park to create some memories, a heraldic name plaque, a guestbook, a leather photo album or a cool collage of family photos. Antiques are great. Help them work from home – a phone/fax/answering machine, laptop, scanner or home printer might be possible gift ideas.

Leo
Team up on a group gift for that one amazing thing. These guys need to boast what amazing, wonderful, generous goodies they received to feel better about themselves. Spoil them with a spa gift certificate or a weekend away at an impressive resort. Mirrors are a weakness: give one of those small mirrored jewellery/cufflink boxes. Leos LOVE personalised gifts. Give them a Warholesque photo, a customised blanket, something that features them etc. Amuse them with concert tickets, movie vouchers, a theatre, art gallery opening night or sporting season tickets. Think of them as rock chicks/gods. Glamour wins. Please do not donate a pet goat on their behalf to a Third World country.

Virgo
When Virgos are overwhelmed they clean, polish, sweep, vacuum, scrub, and wash etc to get some order. Spoil them with a gift certificate for cleaner, a closet organiser, or storage accessories. Let a professional stylist suggest more flattering clothes, a haircut or better make-up choices. They just lurrve makeovers! Books are good, especially how-to tomes and self-help/inspirational books. Treat these workaholics to a new desk, chair or attractive office accessories, or, with their interest in health, spring for a personal trainer, gym gear, a new wok, or herb seedlings from the nursery?

Libra
Hmmm. Imagine a charming and well-mannered beauty queen and you’re getting close! Think about the type of upkeep it takes to be a beauty queen. Facial? Mani/pedi? Perma-tan? And that’s just the men. Since Libra rules relationships and marriage, you can’t go wrong with something couple-y, whether that’s tickets for two to something stylish, or something lovely featuring them. Symmetry is vital so please give decor in matching pairs – candlesticks, lamps, vases, garden accessories, for example. They lurrrve clothes, jewellery, shoes and accessories – but it’s gotta be in InStyle at least.

Scorpio
Scorpios are fascinated by knowing how people tick, via astrology, numerology, psychology, even witchcraft in some cases but while they give nothing away about themselves, they will analyse what the gift you gave them really means! Both sexes have an interest they’re completely passionate about… They like  things that are contraband or hard to get. Think books/DVDs with raunchy sex, unauthorised biographies on powerful VIPs, billionaires, criminals, politicians and rock stars, items which highlight their sex appeal eg a sultry new perfume, candelabras, expensive sheets, killer heels or some shocking underwear. Anything adults-only is just about right…

Sagittarius
Travel junkies, surprise them with a flight, accommodation, hot air ballooning, scuba dives, whitewater rafting, jet ski hire, golf days etc. No homey stuff, though! Outdoorsy, they may love a deluxe camping chair, bed, outdoor shower unit or gas-powered refrigerator, or maybe roofracks for their surfboard, skis or bike. They delight in other cultures and philosophy so what about a coffee table book on Africa, an amazing Asian souvenir, The God Delusion, a book on the Dalai Lama, Amelia Earheart, Jacques Costeau, Joy Adamson, or Ernest Hemingway? And you can give them gag gifts, too.

Capricorn
These ambitious, classy, elegant types want just the very best, but no bling, thanks. They prefer classics to fads and natural fibres to sweaty polyester. Help them feel like an old-fashioned millionaire: smoking jackets, velvet slippers, cashmere coats, real ivory jewellery, vintage accessories, green glass reading lamps and Monopoly! They just adore craftsmanship and beauty. Antique objet d’art, jewellery, homewares or industrial items could appeal. These workaholics need a break but will go if they have a good chance of a meeting a VIP businessperson!

Aquarius
Most Aquarians have a strange, rare or alternative hobby. Go cutting-edge technology: they already have an iPhone, iPod, iPad etc. They love nonconformity, unpredictability and scorn convention. Friends are family: help them entertain all their acquaintances. This is a no-chintz zone. Kitsch things like egg chairs, lava lamps or those fibre optic lamps (like Dr Evil in Austen Powers) are a hit. Let these humanitarians make the world a better place. Regifting is fine with these guys! Many adore astronomy, astrology, science and metaphysics. A telescope, a star or an acre of the moon could appeal.

Pisces
Pisces are sweet when you give them anything, really. Shoe fetishes may apply here, think cool trainers, shapers, Perspex shoe boxes or a gift certificate for customised heels for your favourite Cinderella. Give them magic! They love tinkly windchimes, terrariums, crystal ornaments that create rainbows and crushed velvet throws. Treat them to a clairvoyant, psychic, numerologist, astrologer, tarot card reader or feng shui consultation. Some goldfish in a bowl, plus a castle, treasure chest, diver and plants could work.  They adore glamour. Transport them to an otherworldly, special place. It could even be a silk palm tree even if they’re snowbound. Music is an escape, as is the movies.

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

Scorpio babies born 24 October to 22 November 2011

Occasionally, kids are born during an astrological period when they are not typical of their sign, because they have many planets in other signs.

But not the bunch born between 24 October and 3 November! These youngsters have the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Scorpio, and if they’re born between 26-28 October, they’ll also have the New Moon in Scorpio. And if they’re born at sunrise (giving them an Ascendant there), well, you’ve got a child with five Scorpio placements… Those born until 11 November will have Mars in show-off Leo and Neptune in friendly Aquarius, squaring their planets, so you can expect lots of stormy drama at home, most likely over romances gone wrong, hotly-pursued romances and romances they thought had so much potential – you get the idea. But they also have the massive insight provided by the Sun sextiling Pluto in Capricorn on 29 October and the tremendous executive- and money-making ability of the once-in-four-years phenomenon, Jupiter in Midas touch Taurus trining Pluto on 28 October. Whatever happens love-wise, they will always be in demand in business – you could have yourself quite the little entrepreneur!

The impact of the Jupiter trine Pluto aspect will exist for all other little Scorpios (and Sagittarians too for that matter) born this year. Baby Scorpios born in the first week of November have a lighter air about them, with Mercury and Venus in sociable, free-wheeling Sagittarius on 3 November trining the Planetary Rebel, Uranus in Aries, and by sign, although not by degree, trining Mars in Leo until 11 November. Your kids will have plenty of energy, plenty of friends and plenty of half-started enthusiastic pursuits, and they will be verrrrry popular with the opposite sex, but unwilling to settle down until they’ve seen the world. Those born close to 1 November will be affected by the fantasy-making mischief of Mercury square Neptune so you will have to make Truth a priority in your household. First- and second-week November Scorpio babies are also affected by Mars opposite Neptune. This aspect waters down their energy and can make them easily exhausted, but also drained of vitality by types who sense their sensitivity and compassion. Take care with their choice of companions as alcohol and drugs are all-too-easy escape routes when life is going through a tough patch.

Babies born 11 November 2011 through to July 2012(!) have hard-working, perfectionistic Mars in Virgo, suggesting that after they gain the necessary skills, they will most likely work for themselves, crafting products and services of the highest standards. They will get upset with people not pulling their weight and even at a young age will be curiously persnickety on their “off” days. The wonderful Mars trine Jupiter aspect on 16 November makes these kids natural money-makers. You’ll never have to nag them to get a Saturday morning job and they know just how to get the best out of people to be great bosses. Kids born 7-14 November have Mercury and Venus in Sagittarius still loosely trine Uranus (although the planetary impact wanes considerably towards the end of that particular week), so they may be quite fussy about maintaining their freedom, so they can be with their friends, enjoying life, with some of them unwilling to marry until well into their 40s.

The kids born in the last week of Scorpio are also blessed by Mars in Jupiter as mentioned above, but they’ll be more serious about their relationships with Venus in Sagittarius sextiling Saturn in Libra. These little ones know how to make a commitment and look for a pal to spend their lives with. They are also business powerhouses, with Mars in hard-working Virgo, Jupiter in money-making Taurus and Pluto in capitalistic Capricorn. While the Sun moves into Sagittarius very late on 22 November, there is a incredibly potent Mars-Pluto trine happening on 23 November which will affect all kids born from mid-November through to mid-December. This is the aspect that moves mountains, makes for business visionaries and transforms lives. Watch this space.

Why not find out more about your child with a BabyStars astrology report? Order one now and you’ll be reading about him or her in a couple of days.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Why Lady Gaga has joined the celebrity holiday gift craze

Everybody loves Christmas—even Lady Gaga! This coming holiday, Lad Gaga is teaming up with Barneys New York  and creative director Nicola Formichetti to open up a pop-up store opening limited edition Christmas gifts.

Gaga’s Workshop, the official name of the store, will be occupying the fifth floor of Barney’s, and will be filled with items that Lady Gaga herself would vouch for.

But she’s no Christmas fairy.

Gaga is a tough Sun in Aries businesswoman with Moon in Scorpio (excellent at working with others to maximise resources) and Saturn in Sagittarius on her Ascendant making her much more serious-minded than you’d imagine. Obssessive Pluto in Scorpio in her eleventh house of friends and group activities shows how she’s been able to achieve so much with the rabid support of her fans (called Little Monsters – a very fitting Pluto description!).  Her Mars in Capricorn in her natal second house of income makes her driven to earn money. And with a Virgo midheaven, she’s also a perfectionist.

Expect to find a variety of gift items in Gaga’s Workshop, including books and CDs that were curated by Lady Gaga herself. Also featured in Gaga’s Workshop are sweets, toys, and make-up accessories.

Mark Lee, the CEO of Barney’s New York thinks Lady Gaga represents the holiday spirit perfectly, which frankly, boggles my mind.

The store will be open from November 11 until January 2, so you still have all the time to plan what Gaga-inspired gifts you’re planning to give this Christmas. Gaga’s Workshop will be offering products not just for fans and kids, but also for those who are young at heart.

Presumably she won’t be selling any meat dresses.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Stock up on baby gifts at the Brisbane Baby & Toddler Show

With spring just around the corner, the stork will be busting his beak to deliver all the little Virgos and Librans who arrive at this time of year!

Just in time for the stork (and the stork’s friends, family and colleagues), is the first-ever Baby & Toddler Show in Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southbank.

Running from Friday 2nd through to Sunday 4th September 2011, this is a fabulous opportunity to snap up interesting pregnancy, baby and children’s products and services as gifts – believe me, someone you know will be due around then! – or amazing gift ideas you can buy now and put away for Christmas. Here’s just some of them:

1. Toddlers love to climb, but not everything is safe or sturdy enough to be a jungle gym. Pick up a Anti Tip TV Strap from Mother Knows Best at Kidsafe for $19.95, normally $22.95

2. Visit It’s In The Stars at stand D5 to buy beautifully presented boxed BabyStars gift certificates to be redeemed at the parent’s leisure for a luxury 45-50 page BabyStars astrology report about their child’s personality and potential (great for new babies and baby shower gifts). You can buy one BabyStars boxed gift certificate for $79 (a saving of $30), two for $139 (a saving of $79) or three for $199 (a saving of $128) – why not pick up a few for family and friends with little ones for Christmas! You can also go in a competition to win a Meet The Godparents luxury baby gift basket worth $249.

3. Visit the Nappy Warehouse stand and buy one packet of Little Takas nappies and get ONE FREE. Pick up a Nappy Warehouse showbag to get free Little Takas samples inside!

4. Cushie Tushies, Australia’s leading brand of modern cloth nappies at stand F17, will show you how you can combine the benefits of cloth nappies with the ease of disposables and save money! They have a competition to win a full time stash of nappies and accessories, a generous 20% discount on all our nappy packs plus free home delivery!

6. Want to be a yummy mummy? Save 10% off RRP on all the distinctive, decadent and versatile leather or faux leather VANCHI nappy bags!

7. Finlee & Me who source a range of beautiful baby clothing, feeding, and bathing items are offering $5.00 off any item to those that mention this blog!

8. BellyCo Belly Wraps the modern postnatal belly wrap that supports and flattens your belly after pregnancy, helping you get back into shape quickly and naturally is selling BellyCo ORIGINAL for $40.00 (normally $45.95), BellyCo ECO $50.00 (normally $59.95), BellyCo ORIGINAL Twin Pack $70.00 (normally $84.80), BellyCo ECO Twin Pack $95.00 (normally $109.05), BellyCo COMBO Twin Pack $80.00 (normally $97.15) as well as genuine Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces for $25.00 (normally $34.95) and for $35.00 (normally $44.95).

9. Impressionable Kids, which is Australia’s leader in framed children’s memorabilia, is offering a $20 discount at the show.

10. Travel With Kidz – Maverick Travel is offering one lucky family to their stand (G37) a chance to win a Club Med holiday for two adults and two children.

11. Getting the temperature right on baby food is vital and now it’s easy with Cherub Baby Food Pouch Spoons at stand E45! Simply screw these BPA-free spoons to all major food pouches and they’ll change colour if the food is over 42 degress. Available in a pack of 2 for the special expo price of $3.95. You can also enter the competition to get your free sample pack and go in a draw to win a baby monitor worth $299.

12. Help your little one to take his or her first steps with confidence! Beautiful Soles will be offering one pair of soft sole shoes for $30 (normally from $34.95) and two pairs for $45 while baby leggings and baby cutlery will be $10 each.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Virgo babies born 23 August to 23 September 2011

Who wants to do the best job possible? Who’s unlikely to ever need nagging about doing their homework? Who loves planning everything and is happy to help you whenever possible? Your Virgo baby of course!

Virgo babies born 23-31 August 2011 will be powerful yet loving characters who put every ounce of their passion into their loved ones and personal hobbies. They will become deeply involved with only a few partners, preferring quality over quantity and they’re likely to quite dramatically transform the lives of those they love.

Watch out for their tendency to get demoralised if criticised; they take their workmanship extremely seriously! If born before 27 August they will have a retrograde Mercury in Leo which means it will be harder for them to get their points across without suffering some misunderstanding in the process.

Those born in the first week of September are blessed with a gorgeous Sun-Jupiter trine which will keep their spirits high and thanks to their generosity, their wallets ever-emptying! (Curiously though, they will always be able to find money!) They love the good life but they love to share with their loved ones too. These little Virgins are likely to be incredibly fond of travel – a plane ticket could be one of their favourite birthday presents.

If they’re born 7-14 September, your little boy or girl may have trouble distinguishing fact from fiction with a slippery Mercury-Neptune opposition:  you will need to make truth-telling in your household a top priority; however they will have enormous creativity and imagination as well.  Babies born this week are a magnet for the opposite sex  too, with an appealing Venus-Mars sextile assuring their popularity, even more so if they’re born on the Full Moon of 12 September.

Little ones born 15-23 September are full of beans with endless energy and innovative ideas with a powerful Mars-Uranus trine. They’re also likely to break a few hearts with their off-and-on attitudes towards their partners, yet while craving their own independence, they can’t cope if they don’t have a partner or constant companion so they may have to learn some lessons about compromise. With Mercury having fully retraced its steps to direct mode as of 13 September, Pluto going direct on 17 September and a lovely Mercury-Jupiter trine on 15 September, they have the faith, optimism, focus and mental strength to cope with any adversity.

Buying a baby shower gift for a loved one having a baby shortly? Why not give them a boxed gift certificate for a luxury BabyStars astrology report!

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Avoid Father’s Day, Christmas gift shopping 3-27 August 2011

If you’re shopping for a gift for your Dad for Father’s Day for 3 September, or getting started on Christmas gift-shopping, give yourself and your wallet a break between 3-27 August 2011.

During this period, Mercury will be retrograde – first in Virgo, from 3-8 August, and then in Leo from 8-27 August.

Buying items during Mercury retrograde times is prime time for selecting items which have the wrong size, colour, shape, model, specifications, or which don’t work as they’re meant to.

Mercury in Virgo retrograde (3-8 August) suggests you could have a particular issue with DIY power tools, gym or office equipment, clothing,craft kits, health products or any “organiser” type items as Virgo rules all of these areas. If you intend to buy anything like this for your Dad for Father’s Day, either buy it before 3 August, or wait until 27 August at the very least. If not, you could well be back to the store (online or bricks-and-mortar) requesting a refund, repair or exchange when Mercury fully retraces it steps  on 12 September.

Mercury in Leo retrograde (8-27 August) is rife for problems with toys, games, children’s items, romantic gifts, sports equipment, entertainment, hair products, and anything at all to do with glamour. Whether you’re buying your Dad for Father’s Day – or anyone anything for an anniversary, birthday, engagement, or Christmas, take enormous care that you select the item carefully if buying it at the mall, or that you enter all details precisely if buying online. Or someone could be wanting to refund, repair or regift it!

Always look for a 100% money-back guarantee, too.

Leo babies born 23 July to 22 August 2011

Does your bundle of joy have a surprising amount of hair? Likes having his or her tummy rubbed? And roars when ignored. Welcome to having a little Leo!

Those born in the first week of Leo (23 July to 31 July) will be particularly magnetic, and possess amazing charisma thanks to a powerful Sun-Uranus trine which guarantees electricity! People will notice your little boy or girl the second he/she enters the room and if born within a day of 31 July, your baby lion/ess will be doubly blessed by a New Moon AND a sexy Venus-Uranus trine – a triple-plated charm offensive. Hard to pin down, though and quite a few hearts are destined to be broken. And with a Mercury-Neptune opposition you will have to discuss the importance of telling the truth. Spinning off into fantasyland will be waaaaaay too common!

All Leo babies born from 3 August through to 23 August will be affected by a retrograde Mercury. In Virgo from 3-8 August it could make it hard for them to manage money, and all-too-easy to get conned financially while from 8-23 August Leo children will not realise the effect they have on others, often preferring to be in their own little world.

Those born in the first week of August (1-7 August) will be sweet-natured, hard-working romantic junkies who crave a solid committed relationship. With Mars in Cancer from 3 August onwards, they need to be taught how to express their frustration. Letting them work on projects at home could be excellent at releasing pent-up energy.

Leo babies born 8-14 August could be quite a handful, needing your careful guidance thanks to their sudden temper outbursts. Frustration could boil over with colleagues (in the distant future), particularly those who aren’t reliable or trustworthy. Incredibly creative (encourage dancing, photography, art, music etc) and even psychic, your child could find it hard to separate truth from fantasy. These littlies will also crave to be part of a relationship, particularly if they’re born on 13 August with the Full Moon.

Those born in the last week of Leo (15-22 August) will be ambitious (especially to achieve financial success), and again, in love with love. They will never want to be without a boyfriend or girlfriend! These ultra-romantics will want to be the knight in shining armour, the damsel in distress. You will hear the phrase “This one is The One” oh, many times. Take careful note of who they hang out with as they could be so easily seduced by the glamorous life.

Buying a baby shower gift for a loved one having a baby shortly? Why not give them a boxed gift certificate for a luxury BabyStars astrology report!

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Help alleviate poverty with a Wholefoods gift card

Wouldn’t it be good if you could help out others in need while buying gift cards for your loved ones?

Whole Foods Market is celebrating their fifth anniversary with a new gift card program that will help you do both.

Buy a gift card, and you automatically give a $1 donation on top of the card’s price. The donation will go straight to more than 146,000 struggling entrepreneurs in 36 developing countries.

Whole Planet Foundation, an expansion of Whole Foods Market, provides microcredit to clients in countries where Whole Foods Markets products are sourced.

Each donation you make will help fund microlending projects such as small-scale farming, processing and manufacturing goods, and producing clothes. These microlending projects are part of the Foundation’s 2011 Prosperity Campaign.

How far will your donation go, exactly? Since the Foundation was established it has helped more than 868,000 in 36 countries. Having funded $11.5 million in several microlending projects, it is just a few million dollars short of its $16 million target. Every gift card you buy is a step towards that goal.

With a gift card from Whole Foods Market, the recipient can indulge in a variety of products the store has to offer, ranging from $20 to $500. From delicious breakfast dishes and desserts to body care products and supplements, Whole Foods Market has something for everybody.

Go ahead, why don’t you buy a gift card for a loved one’s special celebration? You’ll also be helping struggling entrepreneurs in the long run!

And it would probably appeal very much to the Virgos watching what they eat and the Aquarians who believe in a better world for everybody.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

No idea? You can always give them gifts based on their job

For the working person who has everything (except maybe enough leisure time), here’s a site that should give you some great gift ideas based on the recipient’s occupation (and I can just see it appealing to ever-practical Virgos and let’s-get-down-to-business Capricorns – as gift-givers AND recipients).

OccupationGifts.com, which is a division of Drum Bum Inc. (specializing in music gifts) has a wide range of gift ideas to choose from that are all occupation-based.

Some of the more obscure occupations like bee-keepers or drag queens might not get a look in, but if you’re shopping for any doctors, teachers, dentists, firefighters, chefs, lawyers, nurses or office workers, then there’s plenty of goodies to choose from.

Apart from the usual catalogue of occupational-themed mugs, ties, socks and wine bottle holders, there’s some unexpected items as well for certain hobbies.

The motorcycle cuff links would be perfect for that special biker in your life, and the gourmet kitchen clock sign a sure fire winner for any (amateur) chefs you might know.

Occupational categories include musicians, medical, office, emergency, service industry, sports, transport and artists. The site has a secure shopping cart system with encryption technology for easy ordering, but unfortunately doesn’t ship outside of the US.

Still, you can probably get some inspiration to get something suitable at your local store.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Give them the gift of learning, somewhere wonderful

Not that I’m a travel agent, but if I was, there are some holidays I know certain Sun signs would love to take – or better yet, receive as an anniversary, birthday, Christmas or wedding gift!

So when I saw that Fairmont Hotels and Resorts had recently launched their Apprentice Trips program, which combines their globally famous luxury brand with a range of accommodation-based activities that relate directly to the culture or landscape of the locale, and, with hotels in 16 different countries, well, that’s a lot of “experiential” packages to choose from.

Talkative Geminis keen to parlez avec vous might enjoy booking the seven-night French Immersion Package at the historic Chateau in Quebec City while environmentally-aware Aquarians could rush for the Eco-Learning Package at the Faimont Kea Lani in Maui. They can choose from one of five eco-learning activities at the resort, which include organic farming in a rainforest, and helping to preserve Hawaii’s archaeological sites by planting native species, among others.

Cancerians may either thrill to Shop With Chef at local markets in Toronto while enjoying a two-night stay at the Fairmont Royal York, or harvesting and hands-on cooking of ingredients from the Secret Garden package in the Fairmont Singapore.

No need for Taureans to book in overnight for the four-hour-plus Sweet Designs package at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver – they can have their chocolate (or cake) – and eat it too.

Virgo golfing nuts might enjoy a Tees to Greens stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale where they receive helpful golfing techniques and a behind-the-scenes look at how golf courses are kept so pristine!

In the United Arab Emirates, the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers a four-night package for guests to master the regal skill of falconry (the falcon is the UAE’s national bird). I can see this appealing to Leos who think they’re a bit sheik.

In Monte Carlo, guests interested in perfume and exotic oils can broaden their knowledge with the Magic of Aromachology Package, which also includes a 60-minute aromachology massage for two. Wonderful for Pisces.

Librans can choose from taking their favourite best friend with them to Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami for the Gal Pal Experience, learning how to do proper back rubs, facials and foot massages, or to learn The Art of Buying Art at the Fairmont Dallas. Since they have a keen eye for art, this one might appeal.

Novice hikers and mountaineers can head to the Fairmont Yangcheng Lake resort in Kunshan, China for the Adventure Awaits package. Gotta-be-first Aries and explorer-mad Sagittarians would love to try this out!

Even politics gets a look-in, with the How to Pass a Bill in Washington Package at the Fairmont, Washington D.C., where a Federally registered lobbyist will advise participants on the crafting and promoting of an agenda. Constitutionally, a bill only requires three steps to become law in the US. Who would have thought that first step could take place while you were on holidays? This is just perfect for power-broking Scorpios and Capricorns.

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

Propose, have a sexy date night on Tuesday 13 July

If you’re keen to ramp up the sensuality factor in an existing relatinship, maybe you’re dating someone newish and want to um, seal the deal, or you’ve been together for ages and it’s time to make a commitment, circle Tuesday 13 July.

That date has a very erotic aspect: Venus (love, beauty) in Virgo trine Pluto (depth, sexuality) in Capricorn. When these two planets meet, glances are exchanged, sensuality dominates and no-one wants to stay platonic anymore!

If you’ve been thinking of proposing, this is the best date in July to get engaged. It follows the New Moon in Cancer (New Moons always mean fresh starts, growth and beginnings) and Cancer rules family.

A Venusian Virgo proposal suggests you’ve thought things out romantically with a cool head - it’s not a Las Vegas quickie-style elopement you’re after – and Pluto in Capricorn points to long-term, unconditional commitment.

These two earthy signs want to build something over a long period of time; Venus wants to be adored and Pluto just wants to have sex!

If you have any interest in having children, you could be extra-fertile today…

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

Eco-friendly wedding gifts great for green brides

If putting together a wedding gift list is torture, at least you know with Green Bride Guide that it won’t cost the earth.

This US website is the most comprehensive resource of environmentally-friendly wedding ideas, products and services. Its gift registry helps couples save themselves and their guests time and money sourcing eco-friendly items as all of them have been pre-screened.

Couples (OK, it’s usually the bride as the groom is happy to stay out of it!) can search for interesting gifts by origin, add items made by fair trade artisans around the world, and select handmade or ethically sourced products.

You can also book your honeymoon at a hotel with a vegan restaurant (hmmm, aren’t you supposed to be on a god-awful diet before the wedding?), buy conflict-free diamond rings (note: that is of course the origin, not the size that avoids conflict), give your guests lovely wedding favours such as seedlings and boxed flower bulbs, and so much more.

The Green Bride Guide is the first green wedding gift registry to offer carbon-neutral shipping. When customers order packages, they calculate the carbon dioxide and other gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect and purchase carbon offsets from its partner, Brighter Planet.

I think this type of registry would really appeal to Virgos and Aquarians in particular.

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

Lindsay Lohan’s Mother’s Day gift sorts out one mess

Lindsay Lohan reportedly gave her mother Dina the Mother’s Day gift of a closet makeover to sort out her parent’s enormous volcano of clothes waiting to erupt on some unfortunate visitor to her bedroom.

Apparently the celebrity organiser, Linda Koopersmith spent seven DAYS – not hours! – organising Dina’s clothes into some sort of structure, with labelled drawers (bet you could do it much cheaper with a Dymolabel).

Anyway, Dina is a Virgo, who are usually known for being neat and organised. Her birthday on 15 September 1962 reveals that on her 47th birthday in 2009, transiting Saturn (responsibility) in Virgo (precision) opposed Uranus (freedom) in Pisces (escapism). This is a tough aspect which will dog her until September 2010. She has already come under fire for being irresponsible, most notably for letting 16-year-old daughter Ali into clubs, and not insisting Lindsay complete rehab therapy, let alone stop drinking yada yada.

Like mother, like daugher, Lindsay is a famous hoarder herself and she’s pretty used to people pawing through her dirty laundry as well.

Lindsay is a Cancer and they’re well-known for being hugely sentimental, unable to throw anything away, attaching emotional significance to their possessions. Owning things in Cancer Land = security therefore decluttering can mean = insecurity! On top of this she has Moon (needs) in Taurus (money, possessions) which increases her tenacious, hoarding style plus a glamourous, look-at-moi Venus (beauty) in Leo (entertainment) which pressures her to look on-trend for the paparazzi.

One of the strongest aspects in Lindsay’s chart is Sun opposite Neptune. The Sun rules your self and your identity while Neptune rules, among other things, glamour, cinema and photography, but also delusions, illusions, escapism and addictions of all kinds.

Lindsay has has a highly publicised battle with alcohol and drugs and it would also seem, with the mall. Shopping is really an escape for her.

If only someone could help her sort her her own mess…

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

How you can give gifts that have the perfect fit

If you buy clothes, shoes or accessories* as birthday or Christmas gifts for babies, kids or teenagers (or your dieting sister or best friend), you’ll know you run the risk of giving them the wrong size!

Too big and the kids will just have to grow into it (and bad luck if they’ve got to wait til next season to wear it). Too small and it’s useless for them and sends an awful message to your dieting sister or best friend). And if it’s too big or too small as a birthday, Christmas or Valentine’s Day gift for your girlfriend or wife – well, ouch!!!

Belgian website OrgaSizer lets you organise all your (or your kids’) sizes and preferences in one place. You’ll never again have to wonder again if little Jimmy has now stretched out to become a Harlem Globetrotter or if Aunt Diana had any luck with that watercress soup diet.

You can also create wishlists and get reminded about important dates, too. I can just see this appealing to Virgos!

* Many people who have lost 5kg or more also find that their fingers lose weight too which means their ring finger sizes change. I’m not sure how much weight they’d have to lose to have a different hat size…

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

A wedding gift registry you can really bank on

It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to request cash, not gifts, for their wedding present.

But many guests feel a bit squeamish about handing over cash and many worry that it’s just going to be spent frivolously.

In 1996, the US Federal Housing Administration encourage lenders to offer bridal registry accounts where couples could stash away cash from family and friends towards a loan for their first home.

SunTrust Mortgage, a subsidiary of SunTrust Bank was one lender which created a wedding registry, where guests would make a deposit and the company would notify the bride and groom to let them know. It is such a practical way to help them get a loan together, that it’s surprising that more banks haven’t got in on the act.

A credit union in Los Angeles, Water and Power Community Credit Union (WPCCU) has just launched the MatriMoney wedding registry savings account to help couples get over the (deposit) threshold. They get gift instruction cards to include with their wedding invitations and gift-givers receive acknowledgement cards of their cash gifts once deposited.

Unlike any other wedding gift registry, WPCCU also offers free online financial webinars for newly engaged couples to learn how to budget and manage their money.

I think this could particularly appeal to couples where at least one of them is a security-conscious, long-term planner Taurus, Cancer, Virgo or Capricorn!

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

How the different Sun signs approach Valentines Day

Some Sun signs luvrrve Valentines Day and all its romantic trappings (guess who?!) while others loathe it. How does your partner react to Valentines Day?

If they’re a typical:

Aries – they could be all hot and heavy, keen and ardent (especially if you have other suitors after you) or frankly selfish and ignore the whole day if you’ve been together for years. They tend to do things in a rush so they might pick up a bunch of flowers and a box of Cadbury Roses from the service station at the last minute.

Taurus – they tend to like doing the same things, over and over and over. If you received roses last year, it’s a pretty good bet you’ll get ‘em this year too. Got a favourite restaurant?  You could well be there too on the day. Most Taureans like floral fragrances, on the sweet side, such as magnolia. Anything that affects their five senses is off to a good start.

Gemini – they love surprises and novelty. They may start the day off with a cute text message or love note on your pillow. They can write fantastic love letters when they’re in the mood. These are the ones who may surprise you with one of those personalised novels with both of you starring in it. Then again these are the guys who will make light of your 50-year marriage with a joke card.

Cancer – male Cancers feel put-upon and obligated to “do” Valentines Day, grumbling it’s all a commercial exercise. Female Cancers are devastated if their mate forgets or organises nothing and will hold a grudge for the following week. No money? Cook ‘em a wonderful meal at home.

Leo – I hope you have some money if you’re with a Leo! Only the best will do, thanks. Valentines Day is your chance (along with their birthday, anniversary, Christmas.. you get the idea) to prove how much you worship (sorry, LOVE) them. While Valentines Day falls on a Sunday this year, they are especially happy if their colleagues go green with envy as a courier delivers a glorious package/hamper etc to them at work.

Virgo – you can probably save your money if you’re with a Virgo as they’re most likely to see it as corny, demeaning and a waste of money. That said though, if you do a load of washing, the dishes, some vacuuming and the bathroom that will put them in the mood for a bit of loving’ and squeezin’ faster than any box of candy will.

Libra – pull out all the stops, guys. I know Valentines Days falls during Sun in Aquarius, but really, this is Libra’s day! Whether you’re giving them chocolates, flowers, jewellery, lingerie, perfume, personalised romantic gifts, a restaurant dinner, weekend away or all of the above, don’t stint – and don’t ignore them.

Scorpio – the types of gifts Scorpios like to receive aren’t the ones I can publish here… Do nothing however and watch out!

Sagittarius – they love chocolate, laugh at lingerie and tend to lose jewellery, so if you can wing it, give them a weekend away where you can explore something. Both sexes see themselves as adventurers so try something new.

Capricorns – female Capricorns are curiously sensitive to time passing and often put arbitrary deadlines on things ie Christmas – met the parents. New Year’s – decided to move in. Valentines Day – proposal??? This is a good time to let them know where they stand. Married Capricorns like to discuss plans for the future too. Oh, and a little bauble from Tiffany’s doesn’t hurt.

Aquarius – again, this is another bunch who find the concept icky. They’re most likely to arrange a casual BBQ with friends, taking particular care to invite those who are single so no-one feels left out. If you arrange anything, make it novel and unique.

Pisces – these guys are romantics on par with Librans. If you make no effort only to discover they’ve arranged some magical day for you, they will be crushed. Their ability to express their deepest feelings for you is touching – and memorable. While I wouldn’t normally recommend giving pets as gifts, these are the ones who would go ga-ga over a new puppy, kitten, hamster or school of goldfish. They keep all their cards and gifts from exes so ask them casually what their favourite gift was as it will give you a clue.

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces

Valentines Day unlikely for proposals this year

Those of you who are single on 14 February 2010 might be on your Pat Malone for a while longer, while those in newish relationships could have second thoughts, and married couples could just have to grin and bear it.

Saturn (the Grumpy Grandad of the zodiac) goes retrograde in Libra (the sign of relationships) on 15 January and will go further retrograde backwards into Virgo on 8 April. He doesn’t go direct in Virgo until 30 May and it will take him until 22 July to re-enter Libra. Added to this, Mars (the Action Man) is in Leo (the sign of love and romance). He too is retrograde (and has been since 20 December 2009) and won’t go direct until 11 March.

Since the planets of commitment AND courage – both necessary for a relationship! – are retrograde over Valentines Day I don’t think there will be too many proposals happening. Couples may instead be taking time out to think about where their relationship is headed and to confirm if they both have the same future in mind. Couples who marry or go on honeymoon during this time may have much to consider.

While it isn’t the stuff of crazy let’s-get-married-in-Vegas tomorrow type moments a la Britney Spears, it IS a great time to reflect and to understand each other.

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces

Personalised gifts customised in real-time online

People love receiving personalised gifts as it makes them feel special and cherished.

But unless you have a rough idea of what the item’s going to look like, you can worry that you’ve got the spelling right, ticked the right colour or even the correct size.

There are quite a few websites now which provide real-time personalisation so that you can see a mock-up of what your completed gift would look like. Here’s some of my favourites:

American Medical ID – great for family members who may have a serious condition, you can “engrave” in real-time a necklace or bracelet from 14kt, 10kt, sterling silver or stainless steel, and it has engraving samples and tips so you know what to add. If your mum or grandmother is a Cancer, this might stop them worrying.

Just for fun, create a magazine cover with their photo, the theme (ie wedding, anniversary, new baby) and magazine-style headlines ie “6 Things You Never Knew About Samantha and John” or whatever. Perfect for Aries and Leos.

If you really know their favourite colours for their lips, eyes, nails and blush, you can custom-blend cosmetics for them, even including the colour intensity and exras like shimmering glitter for nail polish. Even better, you can send in your old, discontinued favourite lipstick or nail polish etc and get them to colour-match it for you! A lovely gift idea for Taureans and Librans.

One of the most imaginative customised gift websites I’ve ever seen is Shapeways which lets you create 3D printing of your designs. You could have the words of a favourite poem, for example, laser-cut into a candle-holder or into cool napkin rings which would have to be one of the most amazing Valentines Day, anniversary or wedding gifts ever!

Hardcover photo books are not really that new now but Pixable lets you select your photos from Facebook, Flickr or your computer, upload AND receive them within 3 days! Great for Geminis.

For the aviation buff who has nearly everything, you can order a customised airline cart (yes, the trolleys that the hosties roll down the aircraft aisle) from Alcarts in one of 10 colours. Ideal for those with their own plane(!), this storage item is also an original conversation piece as you serve food and beverages in your office, garage, patio, shop or kitchen. I can see this appealing to Aquarians and Sagittarians!

Everyone loves their own name! A cute gift for a new baby or perhaps a housewarming gift is letter art photography by Alphabet Photography. Each “letter” is a photo of an everyday object (such as a door handle) that resembles the letter of the alphabet. A sweet gift for a Pisces as is this one from GrowShow which lets you upload photos in chronological order so you can see the development of your child over time. It also has interlocking photo frames so you can add to them as your child gets older.

Love to theme a party all the way through? Now you can personalise your disposable party plates with photos, text and colour for anniversaries, birthdays, Halloween, with a fun service from Hallmark. I see this being particularly popular for children’s parties!

Candles are always popular with women and now you can customise them with Lumnique, packaged in a nice rectangular glass jar. Select the intention ie peace, love etc, the colour and from 72 fragrances, ranging from the traditional, such as rose, to the frankly unusual, such as Hansel and Gretel (which I’m guessing must smell like gingerbread)!

If you’re looking for a gift with a difference for your favourite health freak, look no further. Now you can customise your own energy bars (chewy, oaty, cripsy), add fruits, nuts and sweets (ranging from chocolate chips to maple syrup), and even fibre or other nutrients, all the while seeing the nutritional panel adjust in real time for sugar, fat, carbohydrate etc. And to cap it off, you can even have your name on the packaging – how cool is that?! I’m going to order some from Element Bars for my Virgo sister!

Most people are familiar with the Successories framed prints in gift shops full of inspirational photos and sayings. Now you can customise your own, using their gallery of images but adding your own message. I think a subversive-style message (ie a straight picture and a sarcastic message) could really amuse a Scorpio, and maybe some Capricorns…

I love the mobile phone covers by GelaSkins – they’re amazing! From manga cartoons to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, you’re sure to find something amazing here. Most importantly, you can upload your own photos, message and designs to cover covers for your mobile, iPod, laptop, gaming device or Kindle which would impress even the hardest-to-please teen.

If you find clothes hard to fit and you’re forever getting items altered, you might like to check out the customised outfits at April Marin. They make a small range of pretty, tailor-made dresses, allowing you to customise the lengths and widths of everything important!

Does your favourite friend or family member post particularly witty bon mots on Twitter? Did you know that Tweetbookz now lets you create high-quality books containing Tweets from any Twitter account? It might be a lovely gift for a small business owner!

And last, but certainly not least, I was entranced by Princess Chic which enables you to build your own pair of shoes! From classic stilettos and platform pumps to ballet flats and high-heeled sandals, you can select your material from leather, satin, suede, snake, croc or fish skins, from 17 colours and sizes from 5-11.

katoj

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces

Gift ideas within top 10 bridal trends for 2010

According to the wedding gurus at GetMarried, the US holiday season between Thanksgiving (the last Thursday in November) through to Valentines Day is the most popular season for engagements with approximately 35-40% (or 550,00-650,000 couples) getting married in the 12-18 months afterwards.

Here are their top 10 bridal trend predictions for 2010. Some of them are frankly, a little weird, but there are a few others which could be added to a novel gift registry, especially if you need help with wedding expenses.

1. Non-linear wedding aisle.
Well marriage is hardly linear, more of a game of Twister and Monopoly with a Get Out Of Jail Free card so maybe that’s the idea? Or is it to be photographed on your best angle? I truly doubt this one will take off… If it does, a Gemini, Scorpio or Aquarius would be the most likely candiate.

2. Comfort foods
When the economy tanks, everyone wants to go back to basics which is great news for your wallet (although maybe not your waistline). Why not consider adding your catering bill to your gift registry, ask Uncle Tim to share some of his dusty bottles in the cellar or have your aunt make the cupcakes. And everyone really does love chicken. Comfort foods are nirvana to Taureans and Cancerians.

3.  Gifting techie gadgetry
Technology is a tricky one because it becomes obsolete so quickly, making your friends and family waste their money on something you can’t keep. Whatever PDA, iPhone or other techie gadget you get in 2010 is unlikely to be any use in say 2015.  However, for the retro girl/guy marrying that iPod addict, why not consider buying software that convert records to a digital file? One for the Aquarians.

4. Texture-inspired invitations
Embossed, die-cut and engraved invitations are the go for 2010 as they’re supposed to mimic your wedding decor. Unfortunately the bride will be the only one who notices the seamless theming. Yes, you could ask for someone to pay for your invites as their gift to you but um, don’t. This trend could suit the Virgos.

5. Cobalt blue
This colour is set to be the hottest colour for brides in 2010. And in about oh, 10 years or so when everyone looks at your bridesmaids in this electrically charged 80s colour (I was very fond of it myself then), they will laugh. What about keeping it to gifts like vases, table linen, candlesticks, picnicware, or cushion covers? I see this one suiting fun-loving Sagittarius.

6. Wear-again bridesmaid dresses
I like this trend. Whether you or your bridesmaids are paying for their dresses, it’s nice to think the frocks will get some wear again, like regifting…Pisces are super-sentimental and will appreciate this one.

7. Three-dimensional save-the-dates
Here’s they’re talking about items like paper umbrellas to signify a destination wedding. This is where you might want to add honeymoon excursions and attractions to your gift registry. Or even a B&B gift certificate for when you get home and feel a bit anti-climactic. Sagittarius again.

8. Old Hollywood glam for men
Think Cary Grant – even George Clooney. If your man doesn’t have a good pair of shoes, why not put that in your wedding gift registry. He will have them for years! This will thrill the Librans and Leos.

9. Blogger brides
Blogging about your wedding planning is becoming surprisingly common. If you’re a techie yourself, maybe you could give her free hosting, cool apps or a hand at programming as your wedding gift? If they can make their blog into a money-making exercise, this trend might suit Capricorn while Gemini might try it just for fun.

10. Personalised everything
Last, but definitely not least, brides want a wedding which is completely customised for them, from personalised invitations, monogrammed guest books, and made-to-order favours to gifts which are all about the couple.  Some of these things are fun but just add to the cost of your wedding. In addition to the array of personalised homewares and books you could ask for, I think a personalised set of cards and envelopes embossed with your names and address would be a nice addition to your gift registry. And you just know your aunt would buy it as that would give you the stationery on which to write your thank you cards! This trend will suit Aries, Leo and Libra (who likes everything matching).

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

Cotton on to these second wedding anniversary gifts

Once you’ve chalked up nearly two years of marriage, you graduate from the first paper wedding anniversary gifts and onto the potentially more expensive cotton gifts.

The common thread (ahem) for cotton gifts seems to be mainly homewares or clothing-related items, but you can still have some fun with them!

The ones that caught my eye were the customised queen-size duvet cover (Aries lurrrve personalised gifts) that you can personalise with your own photo (or from the photo gallery) from Vision Bedding or if your partner hogs the bed, you can draw the line who sleeps where – literally with Bedhog.com’s His and Hers sheet sheet (Geminis love a good gag gift) or if you’re after a “classier” cotton-themed present, give them a monogrammed cotton throw from The Golden Ribbon (ideal for your Capricorn or Taurus).

If you happen to be buying a second wedding anniversary gift for say, your best friend and don’t want it to be about their bedlinen, some nice thirsty towels would do the trick!

Have your favourite photo printed on cotton canvas (Leos will be delighted) or what about getting him a custom-made cotton business shirt (great for Virgos) or a fun t-shirt about your second wedding anniversary (Aquarians aren’t that mushy). Or snuggle up together in a comfortable cotton hammock (ideal for dreamy Pisces or sexy Scorpios) after he’s fired up the BBQ (especially if he’s a Sagittarius)…

And what girl doesn’t love a pretty broderie anglaise cami! (Cancers and Librans adore them.)

Read the monthly stars for AriesTaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittariusCapricornAquariusPisces.

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