Father’s Day is just a couple of weeks away and many may still be searching for that perfect gift … or are they? According to a recent poll, spending money on good ol’ dad is in decline as gas and groceries soar to new heights. It used to be that many of us would do more than the standard greeting card, but over half of today’s consumers (68.4%) will spend an average of $7.49 which includes a trip to Hallmark and maybe an extra doo-dad or two (no funny use of the word “dad” intended). Although 32% of you will head to a department store for the perfect tie or cologne, my thought is spend the money on something you can do together instead of something you’re not sure he’ll ever use.

I’ve always been interested in how the “other half” lives.  The garage sale at Pamela Anderson’s house gives you a glimpse of her taste.  The pink and black website for the sale has pictures of some of the items for sale include many pieces of white furniture including armoires, headboards, vanities, sofas and more. The sale also includes outdoor furniture, clay pots, scooters, skateboards, a Jacuzzi and even an electric car. There is no street parking and everyone who wants to go to the sale must take a shuttle from a local market to get there.

Pamela really liked the Shabby Chic look with all the white, distressed furnishings.  I was into that look when it first came out, but that notion passed.  Thank goodness!

 

One of the most highly anticipated food events of the year is taking place at Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton, Long Island on July 13th.  The 2008 Great Chefs Dinner will have the areas top chefs donating their time and talent to support the Hayground School.  Tickets are on sale for $1,500 inside Nick & Toni’s and $350 in the tent.  It’s a wonderful way to spend an evening with great food and feel good about helping the community.

The race to find missing children.  The 2008 Fireball Run event will start in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and will zigzag through the coolest parts of America to finish in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Each Fireball Run team is assigned a different missing child, through the Child Rescue Network, and each team must draw as much attention to as possible by speaking with the communities and distributing as many posters as they can along the 3500 mile trek.Â

It’s that time of year again.  The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado.  Celebrating its 26th year, this premier festival will once again bring together the best of the food and wine industry for tastings, seminars, tips and demonstrations. From June 13-15 the beautiful Rocky Mountains will play host to celebrity chefs and wine authorities alike.  Sounds like a great excuse to get out and enjoy the summer weather.

This is your turn to be on the “A” list and have a chance to receive the motherload of all goody bags.  W Magazine has just launched their website.  So to celebrate, they have joined up with Saks Fifth Avenue to offer one lucky contestant the opportunity to win four “It” bags worth $11,000!  You can choose between subscribing to the magazine or just entering the contest.