the Gift

Looking for the perfect gift for your hostess? Why not give a book - local author Jodi Hills has just released her newest book, Heart On My Sleeve. This latest publication stems from the phrase, "you are what you wear" and takes it to a new meaning. Wearing your heart on your sleeve is a lesson we can all learn from - just as times change, our lives change, styles change, and our personalities change. Through our experiences, memories are connected with each item in our closet. And when we can learn to let go of things that happened in the past, only then can we "empty the closet." This book is a work of art, with images that warm the heart, and a message that touches the soul. It is the perfect hostess gift, and with a price tag of $15, it will be a gift to remember that won't break the bank.

Catch Jodi Live on the Kare-11 this Saturday morning, October 10th. She will be sharing her inspiration for Heart On My Sleeve. After her news appearance she is headed to The Bibelot Shop on Grand Ave at 1pm and Borders in Richfield at 2:30pm.

Jodi will also be featured on the main stage at the Affair on Saturday, November 7th.You can also catch Jodi closing out the Style fashion show at the Affair on Sunday, November 8th, from 11:30 - 1:30pm. Tickets are available for the Style at www.theaffairmpls.com.

Heart On My Sleeve is published by local publishing house TRISTAN Publishing, (owned by Brett and Sheila Waldman) and is available at local book sellers.

- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair

the Alternative

Help for the Host

Elegant: Festive Dinner Party with your Besties. Not Elegant: Rubber gloves, pigs-in-a-blanket, lackluster linens, fingerprints on the windows and smudges on your mirrors. What's a modern-day Jackie O to do? Delegate.

Hire-A-Host is an award winning party planning and hosting company. No need to wrinkle your party dress! Hire-A-Host not only offers menu and event design, but also provide professional and friendly wait staff and bartenders!

Before the attire is finalized and accessorized, your turf needs to shine. In The Pink Cleaning Service provides general house cleaning on a regular basis (weekly, bi-monthly, every 3 weeks, and monthly schedules), and they also clean for one-time events. Plus, they offer cleaning tips and encourage phone calls with cleaning questions! Plus, their motto is too cute: "More than pretty clean since 1992."

Festivities of Edina exceeds any expectations that you may have from a party rental and event design company. From linen selection to lending a hand the day-of, their team of professional event stylists work...so you don't have to!

Simplify your search for the perfect hostess gift and floral centerpieces in one lovely stop, Bachman's. If you haven't swung into your local purple paradise lately, you'll be delighted and surprised by what you'll find at Bachman's flagship store on Lyndale Avenue.

- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair