I have to agree with BuzzBop, MacWorld was disappointing. Other than the extremely thin notebook, there wasn’t much that caught my attention. And about the MacBook Air, sure it’s tiny and light, but as BuzzBop points out, how much durability has been sacrificed? I would expect, given its conveniently transportable size, I would want to take it everywhere…that’d make for an awful lot of abuse, don’t you think? Could it withstand it all?

I tried to question Quickbooks about whether or not they will be introducing a Mac version of Quickbooks Premier…they were unable to tell me much except that they aren’t able to talk about new products being worked on…or not being worked on…thanks for nothing.

What did catch my eye:

1. Vertus Fluid Mask 3, photo imaging software, makes cutting and blending images quick and easy; can be used as a plug-in or stand alone (this would make En Wrapture’s graphic design guru’s work much easier)
2. DataPilot software that allows you to backup and sync contacts, calender, music, photos, etc. between your computer, cell phone (not just for the iPhone), and iPod
3. iVolta Wireless Charging System which allows you to charge multiple devices at the same time on a charger plate without the usual tangled mess of wires
4. Hybrid Solar Charger - soon to be featured on the En Wrapture website as an option for an eco-friendly gift, this is the perfect gadget for travelers and the environmentally conscious and is able to power a GPS, mobile phone, mp3 player, PDA, digital camera, game console, etc. with the adapter tip system cable and USB tip
5. EcoSmart computer gear by Targus - line is priced from $50-130 and includes laptop slipcase, computer bag, messenger bag, and backpack, and are made of 100% recycled polyester, contains no PVC, metal hardware is nickel-free, plastic hardware is recyclable, and a portion of every sale is donated to the Conservation Fund to replant trees in Southern California in areas that have been destroyed by fires

Tip: If you aren’t going to hear the Keynote speaker, skip the first day and avoid the lines and crowds because you can get the skinny online and the following days are much more pleasant and more productive.

Last year was the first time I attended, in search of the newest techno gadgets for En Wrapture’s corporate clients.

And no, I’m not a Mac user, much to my significant other’s chagrin, as it is he who handles the many malfunctions of my PC. My frustrations quickly become his. As we surf side by side, he loves nothing more than to throw the inadequacies of my PC in my face, which occurs often and easily since I am usually bemoaning that I can’t connect to the internet or my wireless printer, have been knocked off, or am crawling at a snail’s pace, all the while he happily surfs uninterruptedly.

So, why am I not a Mac user? I have long been sold on the advantages to owning a Mac by S.O., how I can easily do everything I currently do in Microsoft Office etc. That’s not the problem. The problem is that we use Quickbooks Premier for our bookkeeping. Although Quickbooks has Mac versions of several of their programs such as Pro, Premier is not one of them…otherwise, after the year I’ve had with HP and Microsoft and how the time lost due to problems has wreaked havoc on inputting our financial data and keeping inventory current - we are way behind (and here it is the end of the year – Yikes!) so, I’d be there.

Back to MacWorld…rumors abound regarding what’s in store: MacBook Tablet, next generation iphone…if you want to follow what’s up with Apple check out www.mac-sage.com for a wealth of information.

Aromatherapy is an age old alternative medicine, and in recent years has become all the rage as a natural way to feel better physically and psychologically. The inhalation of certain essential oils (oils that are extracted from plant parts through distillation) stimulates the brain, causing reactions that affect our mood and overall well-being. In additon to their mood enhancing capabilities, they also provide pharmacological benefits, with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to name a few.

There are over 90 essential oils, each with their own benefits, and often combined with others for a particular effect. My favorite is lavender oil since it has a plethora of benefits worthy of a post all by itself (I say this while I slip around on my keyboard after just applying a liberal dose of lavender hand cream to help me relax).

Here’s a list of some of the benefits of the more common oils:

• Stress Relief & Calming: lavender, chamomile, sage, bergamont, rosemary, peppermint, frankincense, myrrh
• Insomnia & Restlessness: hops flower, valerian, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, marjoram
• Depression: lemongrass, mandarin, rosemary, basil, clary sage, jasmine
• Revitalize: grapefruit, cinnamon, rosemary, juniper, vanilla, geranium
• Memory Aid: sage, jasmine, peppermint
• Headache & Migraine: rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, sandalwood, lavender
• Cold & Flu: eucalyptus, lemongrass, thyme, chamomile, peppermint
• Antiseptic: tea tree, bergamont, juniper, sage, clove, lavender
• Anti-Inflammatory: chamomile, peppermint, juniper, bergamont, sassafras
• Insect Repellant: citronella, cedar, lemongrass, peppermint

Keep in mind, essential oils tend to be highly concentrated and some should not be applied directly to the skin without first being diluted, while others are unsafe for people with certain conditions, like high blood pressure or pregnancy. Please read up before you begin experimenting with a new oil so you can do so safely.
Tip: Check out our portable aromatherapy for when you or someone you know needs a little boost.

What’s your favorite aromatherapy remedy?

With expectations running high, holidays are notoriously a challenge for many. But for me, I received the most spectacular gift this year. It was from my 3 children…and their 2 significant others…and one of the significant other’s sister…and my significant other… and who knows who else my kids roped into the plan since there is much yet to be revealed as it’s only January 9th.

Christmas morning I was presented with not only the largest package under the tree, but the largest oddly shaped package I think I’ve ever received. This filled me with the anticipation of a 6 year old in the days before Christmas. What I unwrapped was a well planned demonstration of my children’s collective creativity, imagination, generosity, thoughtfulness, and hard work.

I received a bulletin board whose shape had been disguised with mounds of cardboard. Now, I sorely needed a bulletin board for my office (picture sticky notes taped up on the wall) since I hadn’t gotten around to purchasing one, but giving their mother something practical is not what this board is about. It is so much more. They turned it into a calendar for the month of January, with each day marked with large squares of different sized squares and colors. But, that’s not what this gift was about either. That’s just too simplistic for these guys. The real gift, or rather gifts, are revealed on a daily basis inside the pockets they made.

Here’s what I’ve uncovered so far this month:

1. A rhyme by my witty 13 year old daughter that I should say on the first day of the new year for good luck
2. An hour massage from one of the significant other’s sister, who is a massage therapist (and is fantastic!)
3. A day of dishes by my 13 year old
4. A love letter from my very insightful 21 year old daughter
5. A new music CD of an artist my 21 year old and her boyfriend were sure I’d love (they know me so well!)
6. A breakfast of ‘Toad in the Hole’ made by my own significant other (he does it so much better than I do)
7. A gift card to my favorite local coffee shop
8. A love letter from my 18 year old son, who has recently left the nest, with an invitation to meet downtown for a Jamba Juice - his treat; while he’ll come for dinner with his adorable girlfriend, he never brings his laundry home
9. An incredibly sweet note from my daughter’s boyfriend’s sister(’s neighbor’s aunt’s friend…)

I incorrectly referred to these 9 wonderful items as being the ‘real gifts’, but we all know that the true ‘real gift’ is the loving relationship I share with these beautiful people. Thanks guys, for reminding me each day in January how blessed I am.

Now, what was your favorite gift or moment?

We all need to be romanced, whether it’s by that someone special or by ourselves. Now, the elegant Avila La Fonda Hotel, a new hotel in Avila Beach featuring spa rooms with a spectacular tub en-suite and a plethora of other amenities, has paired up with En Wrapture to create a romance package that is sure to set the stage for the ultimate couples get-away. When you enter the hotel you will feel like you have stepped into another world with the vibrant upscale Mexican decor and several fountains surrounded by Mexican tile and the artwork of Diego Rivera. The rooms are tastefully decorated with no expense spared. The amenities are both lavish and practical, from the Bose sound system, iHome dock station/alarm clock, big screen tv, cuisinart coffee maker ready to grind the fresh Starbucks coffee beans, to the dual headed showers and towel warmers. This is hospitality at its best.

As a part of the Romance Package there will be a gift waiting in the room with everything necessary to make you feel like a Latin lover: sexy Bossa Nova music, aromatherapy ‘Inspire Romance’ Travel Set (with candle, linen mist/room spray, shower gel/bubble bath to use in those fantastic 2 person tubs, and massage cream), wooden body and foot massage accessories, sponges and bath accessories, and some sexy Cabernet wine truffles…hmmmm, isn’t it time you got away with your special someone?