Giftsandvouchers.ie

Grandparents Day - What's it all about?

2010-09-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Grandparents Day originated in the United States. It is now officially recognised in a number of countries on various days of the year, either as one holiday or sometimes as a separate Grandmothers Day and Grandfathers Day. In Ireland its National Grandparents Day on 26th September 2010.

Founder Marian McQuid made it her mission to educate the youth about the important contributions seniors have made throughout history and encouraged the youth to 'adopt' a grandparent. What a nice idea. Through contacting government, senators and congressmen relentlessly for three years legislation was passed proclaiming the first National Grandparent Day in 1977 signed by then-President Jimmy Carter.

The purpose of the day is '...to honour grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information and guidance older people can offer'.

Some people claim the origin of the holiday resides with the efforts of Hermine Beckett Hanna (NY), recognizing seniors and their importance as early as 1961. There is now an official song 'A Song for Grandma ans Grandpa' by Johnny Phil and the official flower is the 'forget-me-not'

This day may not be as well recognised in Ireland, in fact many people don't know about it. Why not surprise your grandparents or your children's grandparents this week. If you don't have Grandparents why not 'adopt' and treat them instead. There are plenty of excellent gifts idea's on www.giftsandvouchers.ie

Comments Welcome :)
Orlagh

House and Homes

2010-05-07T02:54:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to have been featured this month in the well known Irish Magazine House and Homes. The wonderful Lorna Sixsmith featured us in her Little Black Book as one of her top shops for online shopping. She listed some other fabulous online businesses as well such as Mabel and Violet, The Blue Door and of course Garrenderry Lane Interiors. This magazine is in shops now.

Thanks a million Lorna!!

Local Hero

2010-03-03T01:27:00.000-08:00

I would think the greatest Mothers Day Gift for Darren Cawley's Mum would be the call from Beaumont Hospital that I received 15 years ago this May that changed my life calling me for my kidney transplant. Darren was on Ireland AM this morning tirelessly promoting the cause of organ donation again. He is a credit to his family and to everybody who is waiting for an organ transplant.

He has just won the title Local Hero and there has never been a more worthy title for this person. As part of his prize, he won €10,000 which he has donated to the European Transplant and Dialysis Games in Dublin later this year, and at which he hopes to compete.Who despite being on dialysis 4 times a week never stops promoting this cause and spending time educating people on the problems of kidney failure and how important it is to carry an organ donor card. I tip my hat to him and hope that he will soon get that important call that will change his life. There is nobody as deserving.

If you are looking for information on how to get an organ donor card please just contact the Irish Kidney Association at http://www.ika.ie/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=50

You are definitely a hero Darren,

Sian x

Mothers Day Gifts

2010-02-26T04:45:00.000-08:00

With Mother's Day fast approaching I thought I would give you a few ideas for Mothers Day Gifts for the women who deserves special pampering on this day of the year. The noun Mother in the Oxford English Dictionary is defined as "the female parent" and the verb is "to look after kindly and protectively, sometimes excessively so"! As a lot of women will agree to when taking on Irish men!! A lot of people think that Mothers Day is in fact another commercial day created by the likes of Hallmark. But as a Mum my self I think it is a lovely day to sit back and appreciate your Mother, your Family and try and spend time with them. It need not be commercialised and cost a lot of money. It is what you make it. I am lucky to still have my Grandmother alive and with us.

I know a gift in particular I wouldn't mind receiving is a hamper of chocolate! I think there are very few Mums out there that would say no to one of those. Flowers are always a great way to show you care and will brighten up any home. Clodagh McKenna, TV Chef and writer has a fabulous range of aprons and personally signed books which make a fabulous gift. For the Mum who likes to bake we have a fabulous range of cake stands and cupcake stands. I purchased one of these cupcake stands for my sister for Christmas and it makes any party an instant hit and is the talk of the party. I was delighted to be included in a book released by Susan Odev recently which would make a great gift for working Mums. The book is Mum Ultrapreneur and is a fantastic read and is available on Amazon.

I hope these give you some ideas and if not check out Gifts and Vouchers for plenty of more!

Have a great day,

Sian

History of St Valentine's Day

2010-01-28T01:57:00.000-08:00

Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D. The Roman 'lottery' system for romantic pairing was deemed un-Christian and outlawed. Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February — Valentine's Day — should be a day for romance. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was common for friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By the end of the century, printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s.

Esther Howland was a pioneer in the American valentine manufacturing industry. It was after her graduation from Mount Holyoke College, in 1847, that she received her first English valentine. She then became fascinated with the idea of making similar valentines and imported the necessary paper lace and floral decorations from England. Surprised by the demand for them she recruited friends to assist her, and issued her first advertisement in a Worcester paper, The Daily Spy, on Feb 5th, 1850. The assembly line operation that began in her home eventually led to a thriving business grossing $100,000 annually. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) Approximately 85 percent of all Valentines are purchased by women!! Are they trying to say that men aren't romantic are that ladies are perhaps just a little more organised!!

This Valentines Card is rumoured to be the most expensive card around as it is valued at over £4000 stg and held by the British Postal Museum and dated from 1790. The card is a handcrafted puzzle that unfurls to reveal different poems such as:

“My dear the Heart which you behold,
Will break when you the same unfold,
Even so my heart with lovesick pain,
Sure wounded is and breaks in twain.”

How romantic is that. They certainly do not make them like they used to....

Better start shopping for mine!!
Sian x

Future Positive On TV3

2010-01-15T01:50:00.000-08:00

Congrats to our client Future Positive who we appeared with on TV3 a few months ago on making their second appearance yesterday morning. Niall was looking suave and made a great impression on all the viewers with his range of mobile and landline phones. Future Positive have a fantastic range of phones which are fantastic for the visually impaired or people with hearing difficulties. They are also fantastic to give the extended family peace of mind as they all have SOS facilities enabling the person to push an alarm button and call specially allotted numbers in an emergency.

A fantastic business and run by a gentleman going from strength to strength. These phones can be used by any sim card and are a one off payment with no hidden charges just peace of mind. A great investment. Well done Niall!!

Sian x

Last minute Christmas Gifts!!

2009-12-13T04:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Shopping has never been easier than at www.giftsandvouchers.ie. With over 1500 gifts to choose from we have something for everybody. From luxury branded gifts to vouchers for local businesses all over Ireland. Gifts and Vouchers will deliver all over Ireland right up until Christmas week. And for those last minute gifts we have a fantastic new gift which will suit everybody young and old – eVouchers!

Check out our eVouchers. These can be bought instantly and emailed directly to you or to somebody else. And not only that, it takes the pressure of choosing a gift away from you! They can then spend the eVoucher online choosing from over 1500 gifts themselves! Never get caught out again for a last minute gift with these eVouchers.

So if you find yourself stuck for a Christmas Gift right up until Christmas Day just log onto Gifts and Vouchers and check out our eVouchers. Don't get caught out for those last minute gifts ever again!!

Happy Christmas,

Sian x

Plants and Flowers Online for Christmas Gifts and others

2009-11-25T01:43:00.000-08:00

One of the most popular gifts for any occasion be it a Christmas Gift, Birthday Gift, Get Well or just to show you care is flowers or plants. They are a gift that can be sent to both men and women and are generally quite easy to select. A lot of people tend to have a favourite flower or colour which makes it easier to choose a bouquet or basket. You can also choose from hanging or window baskets which can then be reused making them very economical.

I always find flowers a fantastic pick me up and love having them scattered through the house and on my doorstep as a welcome to people. I think they brighten up any home and create a warm ambience. They need not be just for Valentines Day or Mothers Day. We have a lovely new range from our new clients Plants Online. One basket in particular which caught my eye was their Strawberry Hanging Basket. I think this would make a fabulous Christmas present for anybody. We also have a wide selection of bouquets and baskets from our client The Flower Yard. Both of which can be delivered anywhere in Ireland.

Now to drop some hints to my darling Hubbie. Roses are my favourite!!!

World's most expensive Handbag!!!

2009-11-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

The one accessory that can always finish off any outfit for a lady, and sometime now a gentleman, is a handbag. Women are known to spend a fortune on these accessories. But they are an accessory that last. I know I have handbags in my wardrobe that come out year after year beacuase they are good quality and stylish and last. But the great thing about them as well is that you can get great value handbags as well for that sparkly outfit which will finish it off perfectly in the likes of Dunnes and Pennys. I was heading to a Ball a couple of months ago and realised an hour prior I had no handbag. A last minute dash into Dunnes Stores and I picked up a perfect little black clutch bag for €7 and a green stone brooch for €3 to pin into the front of it. I felt like I stepped out of Blue Peter!!

If you fancy really splashing out! Earlier this year the most expensive handbag in the world was the Chanel Diamond Forever – A Precious Fashion Accessory at £261,000 Stg!! I think that is just ridiculous. And if anybody bought me a Christmas gift of a handbag of anything over a couple of hunderd euro I would find it hard to take it. But that is me. I know people spend thousands on handbags. But is it as a statement of who they are and what they can afford rather than a style and fashion accessory?

If you would like to see some affordable handbags from Irish Stockists Handbag Heaven, Louth Craftmark and The Deisgn Gallery please check out our ranges on Gifts and Vouchers. These would make some fabulous Christmas Gifts or Gifts for Her.

LA Make-Up Fashion Show

2009-11-11T02:24:00.000-08:00

Photoshoot at LA

2009-11-11T02:23:00.000-08:00

Make Up and Style - Great Christmas Gift

2009-11-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to welcome our new Clients LA Make-Up Academy from Dublin to Gifts and Vouchers. Based in the fantastic location of Dames St in Dublin, the wonderful staff in LA Make-Up Academy have given us some wonderful Gift Packages to offer our shoppers. These packages will make wonderful Christmas gifts, Gifts for Her, Mothers Day Gifts or just pamper gifts for the one you love.

They will give you a makeover or style consultation leaving you looking a million dollars. They do wonderful Bridal makovers where they will create the ultimate wedding experience for the discerning bride. LA White is Ireland’s first five-star dedicated bridal service! So this makes a fantastic wedding gift for the Bride to be.

I hope you love these fantastic new Gifts as much as we do! Just in time for Christmas.

Sian xx

Irish People Spent €300M Online in 2008!!

2009-09-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

Online Shopping grows to €380 million in Ireland and 2008 and set to grow further in 2009. Incredible statistics from Insight through Innovation Survey, iReach Market Research 2009, Life Online and Global Online Survey. Proving that Ireland is spending large amounts online. Not only that but how reliant consumers are on advice they can receive from fellow shoppers and consumers online:

Ireland is ranking 10th in the world for online buyers

69% of Irish people are regular Internet users

90% of consumers believe that they can save money by shopping online

25% of Irish expected to spend more online in 2009

50% of Irish consumers look for advice online before purchasing

1.2 million people are subscribed to broadband in Ireland

€1,700 was the average online spend of an Irish person in 2008

Makes promising reading for online retailers. I am delighted in our further investment in developing and expanding our facilities for consumers and our clients on our new site Talkshop.ie which should be ready to go live next week and our gift site Gifts and Vouchers. So we look forward to welcoming all of these online shoppers to our sites!! With statistics like this, hopefully the future is bright!!

Sian x

Gifts for Her & Gifts for Him

2009-09-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

I am always getting asked by friends and family to recommend some gifts for those closest to them. And always top of the list are Gifts for Him and Gifts for Her. So I thought I would do a quick blog of some of my favourite gifts. I have to say one of my favourite gifts from my Husband a few years ago was an adoption of a chimpanzee from Dublin Zoo!! I have always loved monkeys and would love to hold one. You never know I may get to realise this dream eventually. But this was so thoughtful and such a simple present and he brought me to Dublin Zoo on a day trip then with our Son to see the monkeys. Daft I know, but it is the thought that counts!!

Another firm favourite of mine is Newbridge silver. I have so many pieces of Newbridge Jewellery that I could start up my own collection! And this piece I wore on my appearance on Ireland AM. I think they are timeless and add a piece of class to any outfit. And also the fact that they are Irish is an added bonus. I have been receiving Newbridge for years. And along with Brian De Staic is my favourite jewellery. You can keep your Tiffanys. Newbridge and Brian de Staic for me everytime. I think my Husband is glad we moved back North from Killarney as we left Brian De Staic in the South!

Chocolate!!! Every girl loves chocolate. I love nothing more that relaxing in the evening and indulging in some delicious chocolate. I romantically bought my Husband a fabulous chocolate heart last Valentines Day and actually devoured the whole thing. But it was the thought that counted.

So they are some of my favourite gifts and I hope that they might help you.

Sian x

Wonderful Handy Household Products!

2009-09-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

We are just delighted to welcome on board our new Partner Business Tidi from Limerick. Most of you will probably recognise most of their products as they are a household name on sale already in top shops in Ireland such as Dunnes Stores and Atlantic. Their products are innovative and once you buy one you will wonder how you survived without it.

They produce items from Sock Savers, Double Laundry Baskets, Sink Bins, Car Bins, to Handbag Organisers and Belt and Tie Hangers. An essential component in every household for the person who likes everything in their place. So if you are looking for ideas for a gift for somebody in their new home or an engagement or wedding present these would make great gifts. Or even as a treat for yourself!!

Ireland's talking about shopping at....

2009-08-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

We have just launched our great new site called Talkshop.ie for all those of you out there who love not only shopping, but TALKING about shopping!! The forum is only new but we are hoping that it will become a premier resource for people looking to exchange information and get shopping deals in Ireland.

We have an Ask the Experts section for people looking for advice from Barry Sheridan from our own Wine Buff for what wine to buy for that special meal. Ask Lorna from Garrendenny Lane what fabrics or furnishings will match that specific room. Caroline McElroy from MYA will give you advice on your appearance, your own personal Image Consultant. Ask Peter Donegan, your own Landscape Gardener advice on your garden. Leona Fallon from HipBaby is on hand to advise on what baby gift or clothes to buy and we even have our own Wedding Specialist with Ciara Crossan from Wedding Dates.ie!! So why not hop on over to Talkshop.ie there and ask!

Sian

Yougetitback.com wins Home Office grant to develop mobile phone theft solution

2009-07-24T01:54:00.000-07:00

It is fantastic news and we are delighted to congratulate our Partner Business Yougetitback.com and their success at winning a huge grant of £100,000 (€116,500). Yougetitback.com chosen as one of four winners of the Mobile Phone Security Challenge, part of Design Out Crime, an initiative from Britain’s Home Office’s design and technology alliance against crime and the design council.

We are delighted to have Yougetitback.com as a Partner Business on Gifts and Vouchers. Their products such as Mobile Phone , Security Tags , Keyring Tags and Luggage Tags are a great and novel gift idea. For example the with the keyring all you do is attach your keys to the key ring, then register the unique ID code through our website or call centre. Hopefully you'll never lose your keys, but if you do, they will help you get them back.The unique ID code ensures your complete anonymity and confidentiality, vital for keys to your home or office! Your keys are protected for 3 years from the date of registration, and protection can be extended at any time. Incredible!

We wish them all the best!

Sian x

Phones with Big Buttons!!

2009-07-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

I was delighted on my recent appearance on Ireland Am to meet Niall Lambe from Future Positive. Niall is selling a range of phones that have been specially adapted to make it easier for people that may be visually impaired, have a hearing impediment or just want larger buttons on their phones. I think that it is a fantastic idea. Especially for people as they get older or for people who may have suffered from a stroke. His phones have one touch Functions with Extra Loud Ringers and Flashing LEDs, Big Font for Texting and easy to see. All of his phones are Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC).

We are delighted to be able to welcome him on board Gifts and Vouchers and wish him luck in his new venture.

Sian x

Clodagh McKenna - Fresh From The Sea

2009-06-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

We are absolutely delighted at Gifts and Vouchers to welcome Clodagh McKenna, one of Ireland's most famous Chefs, food writers and TV personalities. Clodagh McKenna trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School and went on to work as a chef in Ballymaloe House for three years. She was also editor of the Slow Food Ireland Guide to Producers and started the national Slow Food Ireland Weekend. She has her own weekly column for the Irish Examiner, a monthly column for RSVP magazine and is editor of LOVE Food online. She lectures at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Colorno, Italy. Her previous book The Irish Farmers' Market Cookbook is a bestseller. Clodagh has presented two RTE series of Fresh from the Farmers' Market and her third series Fresh From the Sea is starting tonight 30th June 09 on RTE 1 at 7pm.

We are delighted to have her book Fresh from The Sea on sale here at Gifts and Vouchers. And Clodagh has also excitingly given us a special offer of her book combined with one of her own uniquely designed Aprons for a special price of €49.50. These would make a wonderful gift for any lady in the kitchen. These Aprons reflect Clodagh's sense of style and come beautifully packaged in a gift presentation box. Stylish from kitchen to table!

Enjoy our clips from Clodagh which we are delighted to have on the blog! I know I will be straight into the kitchen after watching them. And we will have more from her over the months ahead.

fresh from the sea kerry episode from David Hare on Vimeo.

Sian x

Ireland AM Appearance

2009-06-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Gifts and Vouchers was featured this morning on Ireland AM on their slot talking about starting a new business in the recession. This is a fantastic slot they run during which they talk to businesses around Ireland which have launched despite the doom and gloom in Ireland.

It was great fun, even though I was very nervous and the staff at TV3 were lovely. Sinead and Mark were so nice and immediately put us at our ease. Also, it was a pleasure to be alongside such wonderful businesses as Niall Lambe from Future Positive and Kate Moran from Mummy Maps.

Traffic on the day went through the roof and at the weekend was probably running at roughly 4 times what it normally would be. It is still going at double the volume it would normally be and I am getting loads of enquiries for new Businesses joining the site. Which was my main aim. We are just about to launch a new site to run alongside the site to further promote the businesses on Gifts and Vouchers and we are very excited. It really showed to us that television is definitely a very powerful medium!

And here is the clip if you didn’t catch us! Gifts and Vouchers on TV3’s Ireland:AM

Thanks again to all at TV3

Sian

Look and Taste

2009-06-16T08:18:00.000-07:00

Checkout a great Blog by Chef Niall Harbison and his team at Look and Taste. You will find great demo's giving you ideas for tasty meals. You can also purchase their cool IPhone Look and Taste Application directly from their Blog which enables you to download menus directly from your IPhone. It is a blog filled with delights for every foodie!! And they always have great competitions running on the blog from Le Creuset sets to Weekends Away.

Helen from The Kitchen Dresser recommends any of their Kitchenware to any people who like to dabble in the kitchen. They have everything from the serious Chefs to the person who just loves a pizza!

I am getting hungry at the thought of it!

New domain extensions

2009-06-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

Interesting article by Paul Sandle which means that businesses next year should be able to use their own name in place of domain extensions such as .com, .org, or .net. This could potentially help small businesses as they often find that their first choice in domain name is already taken. They will also be able to target specific geographical locations such as .dublin, .cork. The article can be found at http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE5576DM20090609

Sian.

Tuesday Push - FineTuna

2009-06-09T00:50:00.000-07:00

This weeeks Tuesday Push is FineTuna, a product of SpoiltChild Design . FineTuna allows you to upload an image or take a browser screenshot, add comments or markers to your image and send it on to your designer or developer by email.Easy to use for all sorts of projects like web design, icon design and sending family photos. If you want to Fine Tune an image give Finetuna a try today! Congrats Alan and Mary and welcome to Bettystown!! Looking forward to lunch some day!

Sian x

Fathers Day Gifts

2009-06-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

The history of Father's Day dates back to 1909, in Spokane, Washington. Sonora Smart Dodd was listening to a Mother's Day sermon, at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church. The lecture inspired her to have a special day dedicated to her father, William Jackson Smart, who had brought her up and her siblings, single-handedly, after their mother died. Sonora could realize the greatness of her father and wanted to let him know how deeply she was touched by his sacrifices, courage, selflessness and love. To pay a tribute to her great dad, Sonora held the first Father's Day celebration on 19th of June 1910, on the birthday of her father. She was the first to solicit the idea of having an official Father's Day observance. However, unlike Mother's Day, which was readily accepted, Father's Day was received with mockery and hilarity. Though the day was gaining attention, it was mostly for the wrong reasons. Jokes, satire, parody and derision were all that the day was commemorated for. In 1913, a bill in accordance with making the day official was introduced.

And that was how Fathers Day came about! This year it falls on Sunday the 21st June. So put that note in your diary. And don't let yourself get caught out. You will find plenty of ideas online from the many local businesses around Ireland from a round of golf at the recent Irish Open course in Baltray or Clay Pigeon shooting at Courtlough Shooting Grounds to gifts like a Car Messaging System or a crate of fine Wine. A few suggestions from us. But you can contact us at sales@giftsandvouchers.ie if you need any help. But most importantly spend some time with them. That is the greatest gift.

Sian x

Most expensive Timepiece if you want to splash out!!

2009-05-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well if you really want to splash out for the special person in your life. And think that they might appreciate a classic timepiece. It will only set you back a mere €1.06 million for the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon Ref. 5002 P

But fret not! We have a fine selection of much more affordable timepieces on Gifts and Vouchers. From Newbridge wristwatches and clocks to Handcrafted and Designer Clocks we have everything you need for Wedding and Personal Gifts. And all from your local businesses and craft shops. Our latest range from Harmony Design Studio can be adapted so you can pick whichever colour suits you best. All handmade by the artist herself for that arts and crafts feel. Or there is the funky, contemporary Black & Blum Clock from Garrendenny Lane which allows doubles as a noticeboard and chalkboard. Perfect for the busy family home!

All of these wonderful timepieces at affordable prices. Who needs €1.06 million Patek Phillipe eh!!

Sian x

The Irish Open - Win Tickets to see John Daly

2009-05-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

My Fitness Caddy are giving away tickets to The Irish Open which is being held at our very own Business Partner Baltray Golf Course in County Louth. All you have to do is complete a witty slogan and send it either by direct message on Twitter @tedvickey or email to contest@fitwellinc.com with your name and contact details. They will then contact you with further details on the tickets. Just follow this link to see the picture "My Fitness Caddy". They are also trying to compile a list of the 25 most influential Golf Twitterers. So if you have any ideas of anybody that might make this list please fell free to help them with their survey!

We wish Baltray the best of luck this weekend! And all of our Irish Golfers. Of course in particular our local hero and champion Des Smyth. Not especially because I have him backed at 150/1! Hopefully the rain will stay away despite the forecast. Drogheda has plenty planned for the weekend with Aslan playing and street entertainment planned. It promises to be a great weekend. And you never know you might get to see Padraig Harrington perform his Happy Gilmore Swing!

If you haven't booked there are still some special packages available at the D hotel with access to the Course and their hospitality tent. You are then brought back to the Hotel to rub shoulders with the Players in the Hotel where they are all staying. I actually saw a lot of them here this morning. If you are interested in accomodation you can email me at sales@giftsandvouchers.ie.

Have a ball!

Sian

A Gift of Style!

2009-04-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

Gifts and Vouchers are delighted to have the services of two of Lenister's top leading Fashion Consultants on their website. Caroline McElroy from MYA Dundalk, and Maria Kelly from Maria Kelly Fashion Consultants Dublin. These two ladies have extensive experience in the Fashion trade with Caroline being a former fashion model and writing her own fashion column. Maria also is the style expert for Pigsback.com and has written for the Evening Herald and You & Your Money Magazine.

Buying somebody a gift for a consultation with these Ladies is not only an enjoyable and learning experience and but also often a lesson in economy believe it or not! As they will teach you what colours, fabrics and shapes best suit you. They will give you lessons on how to apply your makeup and on where perhaps you may have been going wrong and buying wrong shapes or colours. They will teach you the tricks of the trade. They can even take on the task of decluttering your wardrobe! And this service is available for men as well as ladies. And also for groups make it ideal for hen parties!

A wonderful gift for for any person or any age.

Sian x

Giftsandvouchers.ie meets new Business Partner David Quaid on Twitter!

2009-04-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

In a possible first for Twitter in Ireland, Giftsandvouchers.ie welcomes a new business partner in the form of PrimaryPosition.com founder - David Quaid. David and Sian met through using Twitter and David has decided to invest in the popular and growing GiftsAndVouchers.ie website. The pair met through posting on twitter and are both said to be delighted with the move announced today from Giftsandvouchers headquarters in Drogheda and PrimaryPosition in the National Technology Park, Limerick.

David will be better know to everybody who uses Twitter as @primaryposition. Likewise, Sian Maloney would be known as @giftsandvoucher. They became friendly through Twitter and through this developed a business interest. This week Twitter became like Cilla in Blind Date looking for a new hat, and they joined alliances (in the business sense of course!).

They are looking forward to the next few weeks as they have exciting new developments planned for the website in taking it forward. The future looks bright for giftsandvouchers.ie thanks to the social networking tool Twitter!

Organ Donor Awareness Week

2009-03-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

Organ Donor Awareness Week which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association and supported by the Irish Donor Network takes place from 28th March until 4th April 2009. The annual life saving awareness campaign aims to highlight to the general public the plight of people with organ failure and the ongoing need for organ donation for transplantation encouraging more people to make an informed decision to carry an organ donor card and to donate their organs in the event of their untimely death. There are currently over 600 people in Ireland awaiting life saving transplant operations.In Ireland last year, there were 146 kidney transplants, 58 liver, 4 heart and 4 lung transplants. 12 pancreas were transplanted simultaneously with a kidney transplant.

By shopping at GiftsandVouchers.ie you can buy a voucher or gift for someone AND donate 5% to the Irish Kidney Assocaiation AND receive a 5% discount by entering the word 'kidney' as the promotion code during check-out.

In May 1994 I became one of the many Irish people to suffer from end stage renal failure. It happened to me overnight due to a rare blood disease. I was admitted to St Vincents Hospital Dublin where initially they thought I had leukemia due to my blood count of 4. I remained in hospital for 4 months where I have Professor Alan Watson and his team to thank for keeping me alive. I developed dilated cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, epilepsy, septicemia, double pneumonia, liver problems to name a few. In the end I had a tube put directly into my stomach to feed me. I had little time left and then I got the call every transplant patient waits for and prays for. But at the same time you feel a guilt for because you know another family has lost somebody. And for this we thank you so much. That in your time of grief and pain you can do so much for others. In May 1995 such a Family did this for me and I had my transplant and I still have my transplant. I slowly built my life back up. And boy it was great! Organ donation means so much to people like me and our families.

Throughout the Week, Irish Kidney Association volunteers will be out on the streets and in shopping centres throughout the country selling 'forget me not flower' emblems (the symbol of transplantation), brooches, magnetic car ribbons and organ donor key rings. Proceeds will go to the Irish Kidney Association’s support programme for patients on dialysis and those patients fortunate enough to have a kidney transplant. The Irish Kidney Association is the organisation charged with the promotion and distribution of the organ donor card in Ireland on behalf of all patient groups with an interest in organ donation who form the Irish Donor Network.

Information fact files which accompany organ donor cards can be obtained (free of charge) from the Irish Kidney Association and are available nationwide from pharmacies, GP surgeries and Citizen Information Offices. Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association LoCall 1890 543639 or Freetext the word DONOR to 50050. Click here if you wish to apply online for your Donor Card

These cards are so important and so vital at letting people know your wishes in case you can't. Please take the time to get one and fill it out. Make sure your loved ones have one and that you know what their wishes are. It could save so many lives, and you never know how close it could be to you.

Sian xx

World Vision & Gifts and Vouchers

2009-03-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

Gifts and Vouchers is delighted to be working with World Vision Ireland. We are selling Charity Gifts on their behalf and 100% of your purchase will go to World Vision. World Vision Ireland has launched an appeal for 1500 new child sponsors to support children and communities living in poverty across Africa. We have sponsored a wonderful boy called Felix in Uganda for the last 6 years now and would encourage anybody who can, to do so.

Speaking at the launch of the Appeal, World Vision Ireland Chief Executive Helen Keogh, called for Irish people to consider the benefits of child sponsorship, “By sponsoring a child, you will help to bring clean water, food, healthcare and education to a child in desperate need, as well as bringing about long-term changes in their community."

Child sponsors receive regular updates about how the community where their child is from is developing. They can also write and send photos to their sponsored child. TV3 presenter, Lorraine Keane, sponsors a boy from Tanzania, through World Vision Ireland. 'I have been sponsoring Vicente from Tanzania for 8 years now, since he was 7 years old. It is so rewarding for me and my family to see his progress and know that we are helping him and his community. Such a small gesture on our part can make such a difference in the lives of those less fortunate' said Lorraine.

Almost 14,000 Irish people currently sponsor children through World Vision Ireland. World Vision Ireland child sponsorship costs €25 a month. That’s just 83c a day to change a child’s life.
For more information, or to sponsor a child, please call 01 498 0800 or go to http://www.worldvision.ie/

The team at World Vision can also be followed on their blog as they prepare for their Mini Marathon! Good luck girls! I did it a few years ago on behalf of the Irish Kidney Association.

Sian

A Kitchen Tool for every occasion!

2009-03-18T02:54:00.000-07:00

How would you rate yourself in the kitchen? Would you be a Rachel Allen or a James Martin. And would you be an adventurous chef like Heston Blumenthal? I have to say I love cooking but I am about as adventurous in kitchen as Marlon Dingle in Emmerdale! Despite all the food pyramids I am not great with all the different veg. Rice and pasta you can forget about it. I am a thoroughbred spud woman and proud of it. And I will cook them and devour them in millions of different ways!! When I moved away from Killarney many years ago, and left the Ulster Bank we went for dinner in the fabulous Randle Court Hotel. The then Manageress very kindly organised with the Chef to have several varieties of potatoes cooked in different ways! Good times!!

But for the gourmet and the more accomplished chef in the kitchen you will find endless gift ideas for others and for yourself with some of our Partner Businesses such The Kitchen Dresser, Kevin McAllister Electrical and Garrendenny Lane Living Interiors!! You may go onto Giftsandvouchers.ie with an idea for somebody else and leave with a basketful of gifts for yourself! And you can setup your Wedding list or Gift/Wish list across all of these businesses. What about the Grunwerg Cooking Torch that you always see the Pros use on the cookery shows adding the perfect touches to creme brulees and the likes. Or the extensive range of Le Creuset cooking utensils which make any kitchen look fantastic and also cooking easier. The Kenwood Stand Mixer will create the most divine cakes and buns and is recommended by all the top chefs. It is on my gift list for my Birthday! I cannot bake for my life. I made a hedgehog birthday cake for my son for his birthday a few years ago. It was my last and final attempt. People accused him of being an extra from Trainspotting! Marshmallows for eyes may not have been a good idea!

I hope all of these fabulous ranges will give you food for thought!

Sian x

Feelgood for Mothers Day!

2009-03-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Giftsandvouchers.ie is delighted to welcome on board Ireland's only organic hamper company Feelgood Hampers. Each product in a Feelgood Organic Hamper, has been handpicked and chosen by Founder & Managing Director Amanda Webb and her devoted team. They are selected not only for their exceptional taste and quality, but also for their impeccable eco-friendly and organic credentials.

Amanda, who describes herself as a 'green gastronome' believes strongly that you don't have to give up on taste and luxury to be eco-friendly and committed to organic produce. She is fanatical about handpicking all the products herself. She chooses from specific, certified organic suppliers and artisan producers within Ireland, where possible. And if it is not possible to source a product within Ireland she endeavours to choose fair trade products.

Amanda's Hampers are a gastronomic delight! And they are beautifully presented in a stylish and recyclable gift box continuing the theme of the Business. There are Hampers perfect for weddings, new homes, chocoholics, new babies and a couple which would be perfect for Mothers Day:

The Salad Box Hamper

The Pamper Bath Gift Box

The Chocolate Factory

I know where I will be sending my Husband this week!!

Sian x

International Women's Day

2009-03-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

This coming Thursday is International Women's Day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. The first International Women's Day was held in 1911. There will be events held all over the world to mark these achievements and to celebrate being a woman. As a female starting out in business I have been delighted with all of the support I have come across in Ireland and online. I have to say it has been great. Regardless of gender I have found that the support network in this country is fantastic. All you have to do is ask.

The first port of call I started with when I started looking into my business idea was iamawahm.com. This site is run by Darina Loakman and she gives an invaluable resource to woman who are either working from home or thinking about it. I then moved onto the irishbusinesswomen.com forum which is not only used by women but also by some men!! Frank Fullard set up this forum and it has answered not only a lot of my problems but kept me sane! Womeninenterprise.net by Margaret Andrews was another and Margaret gave me great advice at crucial times and I am sure she has helped many others. There is the networkireland.ie which have groups around the country to help you meet women in different businesses and network.

Then came Twitter and Blogs. Ask a question on Twitter and you can be sure if anybody can help you they will. It is not just a social networking tool, it is a helpline, a human google, a detective agency and a group of friends that you know by avatars and 140 characters. I have struggled with Blogs. I know I am supposed to promote my business but then you ramble and get sidetracked. There are great blogs for women such as womens-blogger-directory . So I will keep working on these and aspire to the likes of our famous beaut.ie and Suzy Byrne at mamanpoulet.

In the meantime cheers to all of the wonderful women out there and thank you to the men who support us along the way!!!

Babycubes sales are on the up!

2009-03-01T02:06:00.000-08:00

Due to running a tighter ship at home. Parents are turning to home cooking to save on their shopping budget. They didn't realise how cost effective it is to home cook and Freeze. And you also know exactly what foods you are giving your child. Since December our Partner Business, Baby Moments, have recorded a massive increase in sales and the demand is huge with their retailers to try and keep these Baby Cubes on the shelf.

Babycubes come in 2 sizes and both sets have lids that are attached to the pot so this rules out loss of the lids. With Stage 1 you get 10, 35ml pots, that are dishwasher safe, microwave safe and of course they can be put in the freezer. Stage 2 you get 8, 70ml pots and they also attach to the tray provided so they can all be put in the dishwasher at the same time. They will also stay secure in the tray.

A great gift for a new Mum or even a treat for yourself!

Fashion Show in aid of Irish Cancer Society

2009-02-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

The Irish Cancer Society founded in 1963 is the National Charity dedicated to the control and eradication of cancer. They are financed entirely by voluntary contributions from the public and receive no Government funding. Members of their committee all serve in a voluntary capacity and they rely on thousands of dedicated volunteer around the country for much of their activities. The generosity of so many people who give so freely of their time and money enables them to provide their service free of charge.

This year for the 15th year the people of Drogheda and the environs will gather in the Westcourt Hotel on the 11th of March to support the Daffodil Day Fashion Show in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. This Fashion Show is one of the social events of the year and supported by all businesses within not only the town but the county. The effort put in behind the scenes by the Committee is incredible. Lizanne Allen, Jennifer Byrne, Edeltraud Kyck, Stephanie Turner, Colette Byrne, Maeve Smith, Mary Fergus, Karen Healy, Mary Convery, Ursula Dillon and Joanne Allen. I am delighted to be able to offer my services this year. The details of the tickets for this year's show are as follows:

Gold - €75. These tickets will entitle the holder to a five course meal in the Westcourt Meal before the Show with wine and a reserved seat at the show.
Silver - €45. These tickets will entitle the holder to finger food and wine in the Barocco Bar before the show and a reserved seat at the show
Bronze - €25. These tickets will included fingerfood at the interval.

There are a reserved number of the Gold and Silver tickets available so if you are interested in these please email me for these quickly. The contact information for the event and for tickets are

Lizanne Allen 086 2774271

Westcourt Hotel 041 9830965

Sian Maloney sian@giftsandvouchers.ie

We look forward to seeing you at the Show, and hope you can support this incredible Society.

Perfume, Memories and Pheromones

2009-02-18T01:11:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I find the smell of something provokes a memory. I know everytime I smell O de Lancome perfume it reminds me of a Christmas gift I received from a lovely customer when I worked in the Ulster Bank in Dundalk in 1990. And my 6 year old Son Matthew has a blanket that he has had since he was in his incubator in Holles St Hospital, Dublin and it is only when it is out of the wash a good few days and starting to get dirty and smelly that it is back to being his "blankie"!

So when do you make the leap from Perfume to Pheromone. Well in fact I would say that your pheromones are your natural perfume. They say that human pheromones have been scientifically proven to be the chemical trigger to sexual attraction between two people. Businesses are forever trying to bottle these and flog them to Casanovas! Surely if it were that easy we would all be falling over at one sniff of these male/female potions!

We are delighted to welcome PerfumeIreland.com as a new Partner Business to GiftsandVouchers.ie. They have a great range of perfumes and after shaves from top brands. They have them at incredible prices and also at free delivery to anywhere in Ireland, North and South. Some of their top sellers are Calvin Klein, Estee Lauder, Ralph Lauren, Issy Miyake, Sean John.

Tell us some of your memories that are associated with smells or perfumes! We would love to hear them.

Sian x

Hens have all the fun....

2009-02-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

I wish somebody I know would get married, so it would give us the excuse to throw a hen party. I was adding our new Partner Business Hen-Party.ie, who are the leading website in Ireland for information on Hens. And it brought back lots of memories, not least my own, of various Hen nights. I have to say I can remember my own, and putting up the usual pre warnings to my Sister of how I better not be dressed up! But numerous bottles of budweiser and champagne later changed my mind. And the entourage put my hair in pigtails, put an extra pair of underwear on. Horns and numerous other attachments were added, and I can remember joining the busker at Market Cross in Killarney. Much to his dismay I have to add. And do you know something, I wouldn't change a thing!!

They are always great nights. They are a great excuse to let your hair down. And for that night you become somebody else. Even for the group with the Hen. It is your responsibility to make sure she enjoys herself. Inhibitions are lost and normally shy people become flirtatious and outgoing. But tomorrow will wake up and will return to being perhaps the Mum and housewife rather than the Vamp with the Flashing Devils Horns on drinking cocktails!!! But we all have to have girlie nights out every now and then don't we! And with this range we have everything you need to make your Hen Party the perfect night.

Sian x

Awaken to a New You!

2009-02-12T10:25:00.000-08:00

I know the New Year has already rolled in but we can all make changes to our lives at any stage. I know if you had asked me a year ago I wouldn't have thought I would be at the stage I am at now. Gone from being devoted Wife (snigger from Hubbie!) and full time Mum to running my own business. Anthea Newburn from Awaken runs numerous courses and sessions that helps people from Mums to Executives in areas such as Stress Management, Life Coaching, Career Coaching and Emotional Intelligence in Dublin City and surrounds.

Anthea together with the person will identify the things that drain their energy, and create a long-term strategy to eliminate them. In addition, she will focus on the things that give them energy, and explore how to maximize their impact. When they are happy, productive and free from tolerations and problems, life is a lot more fun! These gift vouchers would make a wonderful gift for somebody who is at a crossroads in their life or perhaps taking on a stressful or taxing job. We are delighted to welcome Awaken and Anthea on board as Partner Businesses to Gifts and Vouchers.

Who looks outside, dreams - who looks inside, awakens.
Karl Jung

Shugal - Voted Top 10 Ladies Gifts by Ireland AM

2009-02-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful Gift for Her! Adorn her shoes with fabulous shoe clips. Voted Feature No.3 on Laura Cunninghams Top 10 Gifts for women and featured on TV3 TV Am in December. They will dress up any pair of shoes and in these penny watching times they can make two pairs of shoes out of one pair. Carrie Bradshaw would love these. And you can buy a beautiful shoe bag to protect her shoes in for only €10.

Shugal have a range of clips specifically for weddings, as it can be hard to find the exact shoe you want with the comfort you want for the whole day. These clips can also make travelling abroad or away for the weekend an awful lot easier. You can cut down on the number of shoes you need to bring! Another great Business Partner on Gifts and Vouchers

€3,000 diamond pendant could be yours!!!

2009-02-05T06:22:00.000-08:00

This would be the ultimate Valentines Gift! It is always said that diamonds are a girls best friend. But this diamond is a one off! Made especially for the D hotel in Drogheda for Valentine's Day. It will be give to the couple with the lucky key. And the D hotel have just joined http://www.giftsandvouchers.ie/ as their latest Business Partner so we are delighted to say that we are selling gift vouchers for this special weekend! For only €260 you can whisk your beloved away to stay in this luxurious 4 star hotel set on the banks of the River Boyne. Your package includes 2 nights b&b and a 5 course meal on the Saturday night with cava. You will convene in the lobby at 6pm on the Saturday evening for a pink champagne reception where each of the couples will have the chance to try and open the box containing the specially commissioned pendant. Press and media will be there to record the event. Wow!!!

If you are still looking for other ideas, how about a Happy Feet hamper from MeMeMe Hampers. Full of treats to give your loved one the foot massage of their dreams. You would be in their good books for a long time! Or how about the ole reliable and a bouquet of roses. But maybe why not go for white ones instead of red ones. I think these casablanca roses are absolutely incredible! Whatever you do Valentine's Day, have a great day!

Gift with a Twist for the Business Type

2009-02-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

Gifts and Vouchers are delighted that amidst all the doom and gloom about recession and job losses there is one company with a happy story. Whatswhat.ie was set up seven years ago by Barbara Gordon for the sole purpose of helping Irish businesses have a presence on the Internet without costing an arm and a leg. Six successful years later Whatswhat.ie has now teamed up with Expect Talent, a nationwide recruitment specialist to recruit 10 Area Managers and 40 Area Sales Agents throughout Ireland.
Whatswhat.ie is an online website directory providing a service to the general public and other companies searching online for a business, product or service in Ireland. Companies can be listed for free on the directory however for less than €2 a week they could get a direct website link via their online directory plus lots of other features.

In 2008 they invested in a new dynamic design for the directory and extensive SEO. A few regional sales staff were recruited and local advertising was placed. The financial director, Sian Phillips says; “We are seeing the results already as we are currently receiving on average 4000 visitors a day, over 3.5 million hits a month and more than 60,000 companies are listed with us. For full details of the positions on offer please email whatswhat@expect.ie or call 021 420 9050 and speak to Julia Foerster.

And they have teamed up with Gifts and Vouchers to offer vouchers for these listings as Gifts that can be bought as a voucher for perhaps somebody starting up in business. They are definitely the team to be listed with!

Interesting Facts about Gifts in time for Valentines!!!

2009-01-23T02:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some statistics you might have to try and live up to just in time for Valentine's Day! Things that you could try and store in the back of your mind that could also come in handy for the next table quiz or for that lull in conversation when you are desperately trying to think of something interesting to say. Instead of coming up with the old cliche hasn't the weather been icy you can say did you know that....

The largest gift ever given was the Statue of Liberty. The people of France gave it to the US in 1886. It's 151 feet, 1 inch high and weighs 225 tonnes.

The Bombardier Executive Jet topped the list of Jim Trippon's most expensive Valentines Day Gifts at a mere $48 million.

The world's most expensive Champagne is a bottle of vintage 1907 Heidsieck, at $275,000.

A Stradiavrius Violin given as a gift, made in 1707, was bought for US$3,544,000 on 16 May 2006. But private sales are rumoured to make even more!

For the collector with a sense of humor, a set of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads by Jay Strongwater is the first collectible choice from the Neiman Marcus 2004 catalogue at a snip at $8,000 but it is covered in Swaraovski Crystals!

A 17K White-Gold 3 Carat Diamond Pacifier valued at more than $17,000 was personally gifted to Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie's daughter Baby Shilo!

A Faberge egg that had been in the Rothschild banking family for more than a century, went under the hammer for $18.5million. The Egg was created in 1902 as an engagement gift for Baron Edouard de Rothschild.

The Golden Jubilee is currently the largest faceted diamond in the world. Since 1908, Cullinan I, also known as the Great Star of Africa, had held the title, which changed following the 1985 discovery of a large brown diamond of 755.5 carats. It's value is estimated at $1.5 billion! Try putting that on an engagement ring!!

Check out great Gifts at http://www.giftsandvouchers.ie/ for Valentines Day! Record breaking delivery prices, handmade chocolate personalised hearts, roses, jewellery, hot air balloon rides, spa treatments! Who needs millions....

Sian xx

Ultimate Scrabble Accessory!!

2009-01-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I love Scrabble! I have gone through several travel scrabble kits. One of the best gifts my Sister ever got me was the deluxe scrabble set with the wooden table that spins around! When we got married in Antigua we had a big gang with us. And some evenings we would sit on the sun loungers watching the sun going down drinking rum punches having very competitive and very drunken scrabble matches! Don't get me wrong, we aren't nerds. I amn't painting a very exciting picture here. The other picture would include the local boatman christening my Dad Puff Daddy!!

The only problem is that most people won't play with me! It is like monopoly. My family refuse to play with me. I can't understand why... buy buy buy... But this is the ultimate keyboard if you could get it for the scrabble fanatic! How cool!!

Sian x

Fairyhouse Cookery School a Sure Bet!!

2009-01-22T12:26:00.000-08:00

Fairyhouse Cookery School are located just 30 minutes from Dublin and in the heart of the south Co. Meath countryside near the famous Fairyhouse Racecourse. Men, women and children can learn to cook in their modern, purpose built teaching kitchen, enjoy their results in the bistro style dining room and adjacent deck to the garden which makes a perfect setting for relaxed instruction indoors or out (if we get the weather!) The friendly atmosphere is a great place to cook, eat and discuss food, and courses are designed to offer a wide choice of themes, recipes and class schedules, which will suit you, whatever your cooking skills or experience.

Their talented cooking instructors and chef tutors use only the freshest and finest ingredients because everything they do is underpinned by a desire to promote local produce and seasonal ingredients which together with easy techniques put truly good food on the table. They run courses designed specially for Men in the kitchen, kids and teens, 1 day courses, demonstrations and corporates.

Billie and Lisa have menus that will make you salivate just by reading them. Your families and friends will be banging on your door once you have mastered them!! These courses make great gifts and are extremely popular. Billie can be seen making her big screen debut on Nationwide when Geraldine Harney visited the school. They were also winners in the Meath Marketing Awards in 2008. We are delighted to have them as partners in http://www.giftsandvouchers.ie/. They are definitely a winner we would back in Fairyhouse!! A great gift for Valentine's Day.

Sian xx

Nappy Cakes and Keepsake Boxes!

2009-01-19T03:33:00.000-08:00

If they are good enough for the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Tori Spelling, Marcia Cross, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, they are certainly good enough for us! The most fashionable gift to give at the moment is Nappy Cakes. And we are delighted to welcome to Gifts and Vouchers our new Partner Business Gillean and Simply Baby who have a wonderful selection of Nappy Cakes along with many other wonderful Baby Gifts. You can choose from 1 Tier, 2 Tier, 3 Tier, and even one for those precious Premature Babies. And as the Mum of a Baby who was born at 28 weeks and only 1.25kg I can tell you how hard it is to find these, so it is great to see. And they even have the option of choosing between standard or eco friendly nappies!

And I think these Keepsake Boxes are just adorable. They would actually make a lovely Valentines gift from the little ones to their Mum or Dad on Valentine's Day! They come in ivory, blue or pink, and you can put in a photo of your loved ones. They also come with a kit so you can take an imprint of their hand or foot! My list for Valentines just keeps getting longer!!

Sian xx

I have become a Twitter!

2009-01-17T03:27:00.000-08:00

People have been telling me all my life and now I have made it official. I am a Twitter! I haven't a clue what I am doing. But like blogging I am sure I will learn as I go along. It is fascinating that you can follow the lives of the famous, as some of them seem to be great fans of it and keep their daily routine updated on it. Stephen Fry and Jonathon Ross are great fans of it. They are going to give official kudos to it!

At the moment it has over 3 million accounts with over 5 million visitors last September. It employees 31 people and is based in San Francisco, California. It is now being used as the latest marketing tool. I don't know, you nearly need to have somebody hired full time now, just to sit in front of the screen to keep up to date with blogging, twitting, tweeting.....

I am still a bird at heart xx

http://twitter.com/giftsandvoucher

Celebrity Big Brother Gifts!!

2009-01-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I have found myself both fascinated and repulsed by some of the people in the Celebrity Big Brother House. I don't watch the usual Big Brother anymore after the first few series when it turned into a mental asylum. Don't get me wrong I am a sucker for reality shows. I love Strictly Come Dancing, I am a Celebrity Get me out of here, X Factor (once they get past the auditions). And I found myself wondering the other night what would be the perfect gifts to get the current inmates!

My favourites are Latoya, Verne and Terry. I thought originally I would buy Verne a megaphone as nobody ever seems to hear or listen to the poor fella. But then after seeing his attempt to crash through the diary door I think it would have to be a set of driving lessons! I think poor ole Latoya is so adorable she is so naive, did you see when she asked Coolio what spooning was. I would buy her some books on real life as I don't think she will venture out to live bless her. I would give Terry a voucher to the fantastic Fastlane Studios where he could show of his music prowess and record his own Rock Song!

I don't know about you but the sight of Tommy the other evening pumping iron bare chested was enough to make me run out of the room. A definite all over body wax would be on the cards for him! And as for the sight of Tina dragging what must be rubber legs up to her Grand Canyon orifice to feast on her nails she would definitely need a pedicure. Michelle I think needs to eat something and pig out. I would love to see her suddenly lose control and dive into a load of food and binge on chocolate!! Coolio seems to have a split personality, so we may need to look at two gifts for him. One for his bullying side and one for his calmer more entertaining side. I think for his bullying side we will just send him to Brat Camp! And for when he is a little nicer I think he could still do with calming down and he could do with an onsite Massage! I don't think he would let the others near it.

The only gift I can think of for poor ole Ben is a pair of tweezers for taking out all of the splinters from his posterior from all of the time he spends sitting on the fence! Mutya I think needs something to cheer her up as she spends all of her time frowning. And in her words she wants plastic surgery. What gift would you give Ulrika? How about a hint to one of the Daddies (so cruel!) to get somebody in and take the house over for a day and let her put her feet up! Bliss..

Hope they never read this!!! I didn't mean a thing

Ideas for Valentines....

2009-01-14T05:23:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for ideas for your loved one this Valentines. I am going to put this picture in and leave it lying around for my other half to see, Chocolate. I have sampled this handmade chocolate by master chocolatier Anne Rudden in Cavan. And believe me it is to die for! I only wish I was famous and on television and that now I could expect a box load of it to appear on my doorstep for mentioning it! Maybe one of these days...a girl can dream...

These dishes are also something a little bit different and would look fabulous if you are planning a romantic meal at home! They are available from the fabulous Garrendenny Lane Living Interiors who have some of the most wonderful furnishings. Heart Dishes

For the man in your life how about a pair of cufflinks from Newbridge Silver, Cufflinks Newbridge. One of our Partners we are delighted to have on board is Wine Buff in Drogheda, Magnum of Wine. They bring a great selection to the wine connoisseur. They specialise in wines of real character and authenticity from small family owned vineyards too small-scale (or too interesting!) for the supermarkets and big brand buyers. Their champagne is fabulous, Champagne. I can vouch for it from personal experience and probably it a bit too much of it on one particular night!

I hope these give you a few ideas! Most importantly spend time with those that are important to you.

xx

Baby Clothes & Accessories Sale!

2009-01-14T04:09:00.000-08:00

One of our Partner Businesses, Hip Baby has a fantastic sale on at the moment of up to 50% sale on all of her items. The idea for HipBaby came about after their baby daughter developed mild eczema. So they went looking for alternatives the choice was very limited and not very exciting, so the idea for HipBaby was born! Stylish clothing made from organic cotton is a significant help in preventing and relieving common children’s skin complaints. HipBaby is also committed to donating 5% of all profit to the Alaistar Ramsay Charitable fund which provides funding and expertise to replicate effective services that promote children’s wellbeing in developing countries. They have the popular brands NooNoo, Green Baby and La Queue Du Chat to name a few.

Baby Moments is another new Partner Business. They have a fabulous selection of cuddly toys, accessories and gifts. They have well known brands such as BabyNat, Cuddledry, GAIA, Totseat and Baby Cubes. One of their best sellers is their baby Cubes as pictured above which is a must have for any parent. They can store babyfood in the freezer and are microwave safe. These are the bestselling product in North and South America!

These two shops would almost make me clucky again!

x

Gift Wrapping Ideas

2009-01-13T05:31:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Found this cool blog that gives you great deas for wrapping gifts. Don't know about you but I find it hard to come up with different ideas and ways of wrapping pressies. She has some great tricks and novel ways and it doesn't cost a fortune. Oh to be artistic! http://www.pepperspollywogs.com/blog/index.php/gift-wrapping-tips

My Sister was telling me about how one of her extended family wrapped her Christmas presents in brown wrapping paper and then had actual holly on them and twisted in them sugar cane sticks. How fabulous is that! People are lucky if I manage to stick labels on mine. My New Years Resolution this year is to give the best looking gifts around! I won't vouch for what is inside them though, but they will look pretty darn smart! My Husband will be delighted with his Valentine's Day Gift!

Irish Open back in Baltray

2009-01-12T02:18:00.000-08:00

Good news for all golf enthusiasts in the North East. The Irish Open is returning to Baltray Golf Course. We are delighted with this news not only because of the projected €7m boost to the economy that it brings with but also because County Louth Golf Course is one of Gifts and Vouchers Partner Businesses, . It has always been rated as one of Irelands best links courses. I have played it myself and it tests every part of your game. And the views from the course are breathtaking.

We can't wait to welcome the Open back to the area and all the fine golfers that come with it. Congratulations Michael Delany and your team. Don't forget you can purchase Gift Vouchers for Green Fees on this magnificent course at http://www.giftsandvouchers.ie/index/store-product?id=37 .

The last time the Irish Open was held in County Louth Golf Course in 2004 was when Australia's Brett Rumford held off a strong challenge from Pádraig Harrington to win. Network 3 have been announced as the tournament sponsors. Paul McGinley is thrilled with the news and he was actually a member in Baltray as a junior.
So great news for the North East and for Gifts and Vouchers.

First Blog!

2009-01-11T03:30:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at a blog so please bear with me! I promise to try not to bore you to tears and try and come up with great ideas for gifts for all of those special occassions. I will post tips from different businesses ranging from Bridal to Interior and I will have a Help section where you will be able to email me if you need help finding that perfect gift and I will do my best to help you and reply to all of the queries. And I will not be confining my answers to my own website.

I can't believe we are into 2009 and are over Christmas and starting to look forward to Valentines Day already! We had great fun with Santa in our house. He delivered a Nintendo Wii to our 6 year old son. I am surprised our neighbours haven't called the gardai at the sight of myself and my hubbie boxing late into the night through the blinds!

This was our first Christmas in Gifts and Vouchers as we only launched in the middle of November. Thank you to all of our new customers and we look forward to welcoming you all back during the rest of the year. Some of our most popular gifts were:

Newbridge Jewellery & Accessories

Personalised Items

Chocolate Hampers

Beauty Vouchers

Men's Fashion Vouchers

Shooting Vouchers

I am starting to get the site ready for Valentines day now! Will let you know all about that in the next post. Thanks for listening.