How did you spend your teenage years? Well, no matter what the answer is, Debbie Gendler has all of us beat! She wanted to not only be in the Beatles orb back in the day, but to really know the guys and their fams. And she manifested it all, beginning at just fourteen years of age!

Photo courtesy of Debbie Gendler, as is the one of her with her signed A Hard Day’s Night poster at the top of this page.

I had to “call for” my best friend on the block, Carol Rampino, just to go to the corner grocery store for a quart of milk! Until I was nineteen!!! No lie. So I’m extra-impressed with all of Debbie’s enviable teen adventures that she shares in her cleverly-monikered new book, I Saw Them Standing There.

I’m absolutely floored by just how much she accomplished in a world before not only email, but cell phones, and even free long-distance calls in general!

As you may have realized over the years, I rarely review books. That lack is because of the incredible amount of time it takes, first to just read them and then to write a thoughtful and informative review. It’s exhausting.

But I just knew that Debbie Gendler’s book would be compelling, so I was more than happy to read this one. And now I’m equally glad to share my thoughts about it with you.

Even for readers who weren’t around for the Beatlemania of the ’60s, (too young, too old to have been into it back then, or just not born yet!,) the history of the group should be fascinating to everyone.

I Saw Them Standing There author Debbie
Gender. Photo courtesy of Debbie Gendler.

I’ve known Debbie for a long time, so, of course I knew that she had a connection to the Beatles. Heck, I met her because of it!* But until I read this book, I had no idea of all the glorious details. *[Debbie wrote a letter to my TV show back then, and when I called her, she asked me to have her good friend, Michael McCartney, (Paul’s little bro,) be a guest on the show. I almost fainted! If you missed that longer story that I shared recently, the link to it is right here—it begins in the tenth paragraph: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/eventbooks-launch-event-for-debbie-gendlers-beatles-book-i-saw-them-standing-there.]

The book goes to show that unless you’ve witnessed every second of someone’s life, you never know the entirety of their story. Just like many of my friends don’t know that I was in a circus, I didn’t know all of this about Debbie. She’s rubbed shoulders with sooo many famous and powerful people! I had no idea! Friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike will appreciate her stories.

Not only is I Saw Them Standing There a must for Beatles fans, I highly recommend it to everyone who loves good real-life stories.

In addition to that her tales pertain mostly to the Beatles, and Debbie’s love and pursuit of them, they’re also a lesson in perseverance. And business. I can’t believe she did so much so young!

And they’re also an education in being considerate and courteous. She appears to have been the most polite semi-groupie-fan-clubber ever!

Debbie in her local New Jersey newspaper in 1965. Photo courtesy of Debbie Gendler.

Of course, a teen-age girl from New Jersey could not have accomplished all this in Manhattan and England by her lonesome–she had the most wonderful parents I’ve ever heard of! In my life experience, I’ve always been aware that my parents did more for me than anyone else’s had ever done for them, (which you’ll read about when I finally finish my tome!,) but after reading this book, I deem Mr. and Mrs. Gendler to have taken the cake!!! The entire cake. With frosted roses on top. What selfless and loving human beings they were. I would have truly loved to meet them.

Debbie’s writing style makes her words sound just like she’s telling you the stories in person, which is a great thing.  (And, if you really want her to read the entire book to you, there’s an audiobook of the tale coming out later this month, so you can hear it all from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, for yourselves.)

I’m sure that everyone who reads it, no matter their age or level of admiration (or not) for the Beatles, will find something to take away from the book. Even something little that will bring a smile to one’s face, such as, for me, the fact that Mike McCarthy’s January 7th birthday is only a week before my January 14th one! I’ve met him twice through Debbie, but somehow, we never discovered that fun tidbit!

Being a “rest of the story” person, I appreciate that she lets us know what became of so many of the people she introduces us to along the way.

A more grown-up Debbie being interviewed on Entertainment Tonight. Photo courtesy of Debbie Gendler.

Of course, we all know what happened with the Beatles, in general, as life has gone on for these past sixty years! Some events are happy, some are incredibly sad. And Debbie covers it all. But as I got further into the book, the hardest part for my nutty self, even worse than the Beatles breaking-up and moving on with their solo careers, was Debbie growing up. I can’t take those situations. I’m a babbling mess at the end of every Peter Pan I’ve seen, and Mr. X thought I was scaring the neighbors with my wails which went on for hours at the end of my all-time favorite TV series, The OC. I can’t bear to see people grow-up. Perhaps that’s why I’m still so immature. (Ya think???)

So, thank goodness she doesn’t leave the tale there, at just having grown up. She brings it up to today, all with her never-ending involvement with all things Beatles. That makes it even more entertaining.

One of the important telegrams Debbie Gendler received from the Beatles’ Fan Club office. Photo courtesy of Debbie Gendler.

In addition to the text, there are two sections of fabulous pix, along with historical documents and images throughout the pages. There’s even a recipe for cookies in there! Debbie thought of everything!

Well, almost everything–the only thing missing from the book is Mike McCartney’s illustrious appearance on my TV show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, back in the day! So now Debbie might have to do a sequel to I Saw Them Standing There, just to include that tale! Fingers crossed.

It’s been sixty years since the Beatles first hit America. When they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show that early February, they changed the trajectory of music forever! And super-fan Debbie Gendler was there from the very start.

Debbie Gendler’s new book. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Debbie and I have been friends for quite awhile, (I’ll tell you the fabulous story of how we met in a minute,) so I’ve long been fascinated by her magical stories of meeting not only the Fab Four themselves, but also tons of people in their private orb! And now the world is lucky enough to be able to do the same because she’s written a book about her experiences, with the very clever title, I Saw Them Standing There.

To celebrate this major accomplishment, Debbie recently had a book launch and signing on the eve of what used to be known in America as “Beatles Day,” (which, as we lifelong fans know, was February 9th,) at the Barnes and Noble in the Grove. And, even in that *cavernous space, it was packed to the rafters. Mr. X even came willingly! And he loved the entire presentation as much as I did. *[Note: Did you historians see what I did there? The Cavern Club in Liverpool is where the legend of the Beatles began.]

The first part of the event was an interview of Debbie by music historian, and author himself, David Leaf. That lovely convo made the evening so much more special than I had expected.

And not only were her stories user-informative, but they were charming. And often hilarious! Debbie was calmly funny, which was just perfect for the occasion.

Author Debbie Gendler being interviewed by David Leaf. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I thought I knew all her Beatles stories, but I had just scratched the surface of them. I hope you all read the book because the tales are a riot. And so personal; no one else can have stories like these. [Note: I’ll be reviewing the book in the next couple of weeks, if I can calm myself down from all the extreme envy I’m feeling while reading it!]

I especially enjoyed Debbie’s message at the end of the interview, about how much her parents had done for her, not just in supporting her teen-age Beatle-mania, but always. I love a person who appreciates their ‘rents. Many people just complain about them, and never realize nor acknowledge how much the grown-ups in their lives have done for them.

The biggest revelation of the evening for me, (which is not in the book, but an audience member requested this story,) was that when she was still a teen, she was on…The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson! I’ve known Debbie Gendler for ages, and had no idea about that! I had never realized that, in addition to our love of the lads, we had appearances on The Tonight Show in common, as well! Live and learn.

Debbie Gendler signing her new book, I Saw Them Standing There. Photo by Karen Salkin.

After the amusing and interesting chat, Debbie sat down and signed the books for the eager assemblage. While Mr. X and I were catching-up with her lovely and supportive husband, Paul Supnik, a woman came over to him and suggested that he tell Debbie to “move it along,” because she was taking a long time with each person in line. Of course, he wasn’t going to do that because he knew that she cared about each and every person who was there to have their book signed by her. I watched her for awhile and instantly recognized that she wanted to make the experience as special for all the guests as it was for her! You go, girl!

Okay, so now I have to tell you how Debbie Gendler Supnik and I met. It was a long time ago and still, to this day, I get the biggest kick out of this tale. Here goes:

The early days of my television show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, came before the internet, so I received honest-to-goodness fan letters–in the mail–all the time. And I read, and appreciated, all of them.

Just the front center section of the crowd at Debbie Gendler’s book signing. It went all the way back, and to the sides! Photo by Karen Salkin.

One day I received an envelope with “CBS” as part of the return address, so it intrigued me. It turned-out to be from Debbie, a stranger at the time, (who worked at that TV station,) inviting me to the opening of a photography exhibit by none other than Michael McCartney, Paul McCartney’s younger brother! I almost passed-out; on my show, I often told of my younger-self adoration of Paul, and how I even had referred to myself as “Mrs. McCartney” back then. (His wife, not his mum, of course, although, at this point, I’d take either!)

As I read it, I started crying, first with joy, and then with extreme pain because…I was going to be in New York on that date, so I’d have to miss meeting my imaginary former bro-in-law! As I was trying to compose myself to call Debbie to thank her, and decline the invitation in misery, Mr. X said, “Ask Michael to do your show,” to which I replied, “Yeah, right, Michael McCartney wants to do my local cable show!” And besides, at that point, I had never had guests before—the show was all just me, chatting to the studio (and television) audience for the half hour. [Note: I had even turned-down Sarah Jessica Parker, when she asked to guest on KRR! I now know what a dumb move that was on my part.]

So I pulled myself together and called Debbie to thank her, and very sadly explained that I wouldn’t be around on the date of Michael’s show opening. And then she said the magic words—I should just let her know when I’d be back in LA, and she and Michael would take me to the gallery themselves! And then she asked…if Michael could guest on my show!!!  I almost passed-out!

And that’s exactly what we did when I got back to town. We all, (Michael, Debbie, her husband Paul, Mr. X, and I,) went out to dinner first, to get to know each other a bit, and then on my show, Michael surprised me with a wonderful gift–one of his stunning shots of the *(almost) Fab Four in their younger days! (And he even pointed-out Paul as my “huhs-band,” in his charming Liverpudlian accent!) *[Note: That’s original Beatles drummer Pete Best in the photo, not Ringo!]

This is the signed print from Michael McCartney, which is framed on my wall. (The light in the center is just my flash, which I needed for it.) Note his adorbs message to me on the right side. (But please ignore all the fingerprints from my studio audience trying to get a closer look at it back then!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

And Debbie and I have stayed friends ever since. (And no—the friendship is not so that I’d stay just one degree from Paul McCartney!)

I’m often proud of my friends. But knowing how hard writing is, and imagining the humongous effort it takes to finish a book, I’m extra proud of Debbie Gendler Supnik.

Now I have to go read the book this very second. Let the jealousy commence!

Just as we’ve all been hating saying goodbye to summer, along comes the book, Summer of L.U.C.K.,to prolong it a bit, and then put a ribbon on the season for us!

This is the official professional image. The artistic pic at the top of this page is by Karen Salkin.

As some of you may know, I was an elementary school teacher the second I got out of college. In that capacity, and as the daughter of Speech and English teachers, (and just as a human being,) I know the power of books for children. They’re so important for every aspect of their development.

Last year, when I visited a friend who had recently given birth, and one of the gifts I brought was a book, I thought my friend would think I was nuts to give a book to a month-old baby. But another pal there, who had also been a teacher, was impressed—she mentioned that reading to babies is paramount to their language, thinking, and social skills as they go along in life.

In all honesty, my expertise in children’s literature is mostly for the very young, (e.g. The Cat In The Hat and Pat The Bunny.) I’m also familiar with a good number of teen-age novels, such as the Nancy Drew series and my all-time favorite, the very old-fashioned Double Date. But I’ve never gotten into stories for the tween gang; I really haven’t found tons of fun age-appropriate narratives for that group.

So when my eleven-year-old friend, Marcus Josselyn, and I recently discovered the brand new Summer of L.U.C.K., by first time author, Laura Segal Stegman, I was thrilled. (So was his mom, my good friend Amanda, with whom I share all my secrets!) The official description, which we all agree with, is that the story “is about three kids finding their way to self-acceptance with the help of a ghost who haunts a magical carnival.” I love all those components, especially the carnival setting since I was in a circus just out of my teens. The entire time I was reading it, I could visualize every physical description. Laura really knows how to paint a picture!

And there are so many other wonderful aspects to Summer of L.U.C.K., too. First of all, even though it doesn’t feature bullying, per se, reading this scenario may make kids more sensitive to not bully others. (Basically, there are just a couple of less-than-nice girls in the tale. But mean kids might recognize their own behavior a bit, and realize that’s not the way to go.)

Marcus Jocelyn about to start reading Summer of L.U.C.K. Photo by Amanda Hazel.

And it shows kids, and grown-ups, as well, that no one is ever really alone in their insecurities, and that every single one of us is going through something. That’s a valuable take-away from a fun story.

Another valuable message in Summer of L.U.C.K. is to try to do good for others. I always say that you wind-up getting so much out of those kindnesses yourself, if only the warmth in your soul, so it was wonderful to see the youngsters in this adventure finding that out for themselves.

The main character is Darby, a girl who stutters. (I want to play her if it becomes a movie!) The timing for the debut of this book is perfect–stuttering was just having its moment this summer, because of the young boy who gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention about how Presidential candidate Joe Biden, a fellow stutterer, helped him overcome his pain about his situation. That makes Summer of L.U.C.K. especially appropriate for right now.

By the way, stuttering should be no big deal. Here’s my one little tale about it: An old pal, the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen in my life, stuttered, (and perhaps still does,) but it never mattered to any of us who knew him. He’s darling, has the best and equally-gorgeous wife ever, a lovely mother, an almost-as-gorgeous brother, and a trio of beautiful, healthy, athletic children, (one who’s actually writing a paper on stuttering right now!) He hasn’t let stuttering stop him. (Perhaps he’s had private pain about it, as we all do about something, but it was never obvious when I saw him a lot, coincidentally enough, always in summer!) [Note: There are specific places to go to get help with stuttering, but I’m not an expert in the area. If you’re interested in the topic, maybe you should google Joe Biden and see what he did in the past to help himself get through it.]

Karen Salkin, sans her usual glamour, being surprised while reading Summer of L.U.C.K. on her deck in this cooler weather. Photo by Mr. X.

On a personal note, this is how one of my childhood friends so kindly told her young daughter about how I was back in elementary school: “Karen was a brain—a fat, ugly, little brain!” Delightful, right? Thank goodness for me, I didn’t know that I was “fat and ugly,” (two words that should never be used on anyone,) at the age that I was; I just assumed that I was good-looking. When I saw the photos my father took of me, which showed that I was a tad chubby with sort-of a funny face, I just chalked it up to that he was a bad photographer! How’s that for confidence?!

But, unfortunately, few kids think like that. They envision everything about them as being much worse than it actually is! So books like this one are very much needed, especially for the vulnerable middle-grade set.

Kids go through so much these days, especially because of all the information afforded by technology. It’s a breeding ground for low self-esteem. I feel that reading about the situations that the main characters in Summer of L.U.C.K. go through can help youngsters immensely in dealing with all their feelings.

Marcus Jocelyn again, this time finishing-up Summer of L.U.C.K., fully engrossed in the tale. Photo by Amanda Hazel.

That brings me to what a great book it is to read with their parents or a group of their peers. I wonder if kids have Book Clubs like grown-ups do. If not, they should make one just to discuss Summer of L.U.C.K.! Marcus, Amanda, and I formed our own little club, with Marcus saying that he “liked how Darby made great new friends at summer camp despite her stutter.” Now isn’t that the way the world should be? He added that “it’s really cool that they started the L.U.C.K. club and went on adventures.” Amanda commented, “I like that my son is reading, and enjoying, something that’s not just another graphic novel.” I hear her on that one!

I was worried that perhaps the recent death (before the story begins) of the father of one of the main characters would be hard for tweens, but Marcus didn’t mention it, so I think it’s all good. And it might be a godsend for a reader who has lost someone his-or-herself. This book deals with that topic gently, so it should let those children know that they’re far from alone in that situation.

As someone who always wants people to speak well, (which needs to begin in childhood,) I really appreciate all the great vocabulary in this novel, such as “calliope” and “queasy with mortification.” And I love all the creative monikers, for the characters and the camp groups and areas. It would take me a couple of years to come up with just a few of those!

Like the Harry Potter series, I feel that Summer of L.U.C.K. is as much for adults as it is for tweens and young teens. In addition to all that excellent vocabulary, the life lessons are sooo worthwhile. The main message I got from it, even as a (semi) grown-up, is to have faith and not give up too easily. That’s something I have yet to learn myself, but this story has started me on that path.

Author of Summer of L.U.C.K., Laura Segal Stedman.

And, while we can’t all happen upon a magic carnival for ourselves, (or can we?,) the book will inspire most to find the magic within themselves. (I swear, since I read it, I keep thinking that I’m finding magical messages everywhere, from getting four aces right off the bat in a game of solitaire, to feeling that a television ad is speaking just to me!)

For most of my age-appropriate years, my parents begged me to go to camp, (which always struck me as curious,) but I never wanted to. Summer of L.U.C.K. made me rethink that choice for the first time in my life! I certainly would have wanted to go to this one!

Interestingly, I got choked-up towards the end. I think I would have done so even if I was still a chronological kid, instead of the emotional one that I am. I have a feeling most readers will wind-up with at least a small knot in his or her throat.

On top of all that worthwhileness, Ms. Stegman was kind enough to publish a preview of the sequel right at the end of this one, which gives us something to look forward to next summer! And don’t we all need that boost for 2021 right about now?

To order yours, click here: www.amazon.com/Summer-L-U-C-K-Laura-Stegman/dp/1947796577

A different look at some of the gifts. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the big pic at the top of this page.

In the middle of these dreary past few months, one of the few bright spots has been the discovery of some fabulous products to tell you about.

Summers for me are usually filled with reviewing parties, play openings, and restaurants, so I rarely get the chance to give you gift suggestions in this season. But as I’ve been discovering and enjoying some worthwhile new items recently, I realized that you guys might like to use some of your superfluous time this month to reward someone (or even just yourself) with one or more of these very fun and useful recommendations.

One of the things I love about this group is that they’re all so different from each other, and are uber-interesting. I’ve even shared some of them with Mr. X and my Reviewing Panel, all with positive feedback. So let’s get right to my suggestions already.

Four Seasons at Angelino’s—Just when we’re all craving a new diversion from the sad situations we’ve been experiencing for most of 2020 comes this entertaining new book from first-time author, Caroline McBride. (Her name is so perfect that I kept thinking it was one of her characters’ monikers!) Four Seasons at Angelino’s is such an effortless read. The story is for everyone, especially world travelers and restaurant lovers. And romantics, as well.

I can totally see this tale becoming a movie. (Thank goodness Kate Hudson has aged out of rom-coms.) The main character, Charlotte McPherson, lives a life that is even more glamorous than my friends think mine is! She appears heavily influenced by the author’s adventures, so I just may have to track down bi-coastal Caroline and make her My New Best Friend!

As an outlying ginger, (my hair is auburn, so both redheads and brunettes can claim me,) I was thrilled to discover this book has a red-headed heroine. And there are so many other aspects to this novel that I appreciate, as well.

First of all, just about all of the story is linear, which makes following and digesting it pretty effortless. And it all makes sense, too—as extravagant as the locations and adventures are, you just know that people do live lives like this. (Just not the majority of us, which is why we have books like this one!) And best of all, it’s easy to read; even though it’s almost three hundred pages, you can whip through it in either a day or a few nights. It’s a perfect beach read. Or a cuddle-up-in-bed one.

Another bonus is that the characters are well-defined; I’m sure the readers will have no trouble casting them in their imaginations as they go along. I had the easiest time with the sexy male bartender, but I’m keeping him to myself!

The best part is that you cannot predict the ending. Just like real-life, it could go so many different ways. Caroline wrote it in a style to keep you guessing while still being in the loop. And it’s fun that the entire scenario takes place over one year, hence the “Four Seasons” of the title! (The “Angelino’s” is the Italian restaurant group for which Charlotte is the PR person.)

My fellow bi-coastal ginger, author Caroline McBride, in the Big Apple.

What makes the read even more special is that the author, Caroline McBride, is a restaurant publicist herself, so she knows of what she writes! And she’s been to all the international cities she takes her readers to, so a lot of the action is based on personal experience. I just wonder if all the romance is! (I’ll try to get the real-life scoops for you when she and I become besties.)

As someone who’s spent exactly three months of my life since I was fifteen without a boyfriend, I got to live the single life vicariously through the lead character in this novel. [Sidebar note: If she was a real girl, I would tell her what I’ve always told all my single pals—please enjoy the journey because once you’ve found the love of your life, all those crazy experiences are over. Other adventures come up, of course, but they’re of an entirely different ilk. So please cheer up with that in mind, my single peeps out there!]

And as a decades-long restaurant critic, with tons of access to the behind-the-scenes machinations of eateries, I can ascertain that this is a very accurate depiction of the restaurant scene.

So trust me when I suggest you read Four Seasons at Angelino’s this summer. It’s exactly the kind of entertainment we all need right now. www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-Angelinos-Caroline-McBride/dp/1642935638

Nexsey Neck Tape—This is a show business secret that I’m sharing just this once, so pay attention! Some of us LA actresses had been hearing about this “neck tape” for a while, and were dying to see how it works. Then, because I rail against bad necks all the time to anyone who will listen, someone sent me a roll, suggesting I give it to my “older friends, who may really need it,” (or something to that effect,) which I really appreciated! So a few of us on my Reviewing Panel tried it out. And guess what? We all loved Nexsey! (Now I wish I had not shared it with them—I totally need more, asap!)

Before we received it, I was thinking that it might be something complicated, like the contraption that the character Mrs. Chancellor used on The Young and The Restless back in the day. I was just an impressionable young girl when I saw her do that, and it scared the heck out of me!

But Nexsey is great! It’s nothing like that one, (although some of those are still on the market. How creepy. I guess those companies don’t realize what century this is!)

The demonstration of how to use the tape, straight from the Nexsey website!

To use Nexsey when you’re out and about, your hair just needs to be long enough to cover your neck in the back. But in these days of Zoom calls, where people see you from only the front, everyone can use it, even bald guys!!!

You just pull your neck sort-of tightly in the back and then tape it with Nexsey. And that is it! (Okay, it is a tad more involved than that, but that’s the gist.) It should be a godsend to many now, since elective surgery is a no-no until the pandemic restrictions are lessened greatly. And really, people—would you rather have plastic surgery or just use Nexsey every now and then when you need it?!

But shhh—you guys and my team are the only people with whom I’m sharing this secret! (And, by the way, this technique does not work with any other tape—trust me, we tried!) www.nexsey.com

Bye! Bye! Germs—These are two Double Dare Spa products that every person on earth needs right now! The Bye! Bye! Germs line is made-up of All-Purpose Sanitizing Spray and All-Purpose Sanitizing Wipes.

My entire team has been using them recently, and we love both products. Every single one of us noticed that the spray has a light, lovely fragrance which is not overpowering or obnoxious, as we’ve found with several other antibacterial products. Mr. X and I even spray the inside of our masks with it because it makes us feel better. That could possibly be due to aloe being one of the ingredients.

These convenient travel-size items come in handy for all kinds of disinfecting in these troubled times. (Or anytime in life—I’ve always toted products like these even before the pandemic because I’m a germaphobe. And all the moms I know can’t live without them!)

My own Bye! Bye! Germs! duo. Photo by Karen Salkin.

In addition to using Bye! Bye! Germs on hands, both iterations are perfect to use on packages, phones, door handles, counters, and even clothing! And do not forget those grocery carts! And we should all use the spray version in the air around us, especially on planes.

But there’s one extra, nutty reason I’m such a fan of this product. In addition to how great it smells and how convenient it is and its affordability, (which is not always the case with hand sanitizers nowadays,) I love it because of…the exclamation marks in the title!!! OMG! That’s just what I always do, (in case you haven’t noticed.)

So Bye! Bye! Germs wipes and spray are winners, on every level. www.doubledarespa.com

Twinings Teas—I have a feeling that many of you already know about my obsession with all things tea. It’s just the most relaxing substance on earth, (especially when I have time to savor an entire afternoon tea service.) So I was thrilled when someone recently sent me a “quarantine care package” of a whole bunch of Twinings Tea bags!

I was pleasantly surprised to see that this iconic tea company has a couple of new, hip lines to go along with their time-honored ones. Their “Cold Infuse” products are perfect for this summer of heatwaves. They’re actually not even tea, per se. They’re herbal water enhancers that feature various blends of fruits and herbs. You just add the contents of the package to water and in just five minutes you’ll be deliciously refreshed!

Photo by Karen Salkin.

But Mr. X and I are in love with their hot teas, especially the ones from their new “Wellness” line. These don’t come in just flavors—they each have a purpose! My fave is Glow, which is said to promote “healthy, glowing skin.” And its flavor is strawberry and cucumber, which I cannot tell you how perfect for every afternoon that is. I just add a bit of honey, and I promise you—I can actually taste both flavors in there! Ahhh.

Mr. X, who has been having trouble sleeping during the pandemic, was thrilled to discover Unwind, which is caffeine-free, and touted to support “a good night’s sleep.” And its flavor is spiced apple and vanilla! Yum. I’d force myself to stay awake just to drink more of it!

And to make it all even more special, there’s a “u” in “flavoured,” so just looking at the packages made me feel like I was in England. And who knows more about tea than the Brits? ‘Nuff said. www.twiningsusa.com

Lynne Reichhart’s Note Cards—As the proud owner of several of this wonderful artist’s paintings, I was absolutely thrilled when a box of her note cards arrived! Each one features a miniature version of one of her now-famous renderings of a variety of subjects. There are still lifes, landscapes, flowers, and a bunch of other topics.

My absolute favorite is one depicting afternoon tea, of course! My mouth literally waters just looking at it.

My fave!

My only problem with all this stunning-ness is–I don’t want to send them to anyone! The only one who would have deserved one of Lynne Reichhart’s gorgeous note cards from me was my little mother. She would have gone berserk over each and every one of them!

Oh wait—there is one more person I’d like to reward with this beauty! And that is…yours truly! I’m bestowing the entire collection upon…myself. I’m going to frame each one and make an installation on a wall, to cheer me up in this dreary year. What an affordable way to bring some happiness into someone’s life. www.artbylmr.com

FabFitFun Fall Box—As with all four seasons, I was thrilled to receive my Fall Box from FabFitFun’s subscription series. In the midst of all the recent turmoil, (the virus, the heatwave, way too many fires, the mailboxes being taken away, and concerns over the upcoming election, along with all the other basic problems in America right now,) I had not given a thought to when it would arrive. So it was a major surprise. And a lovely bright spot in this trying time.

My FabFitFun box with just a few of the gifts inside it. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Subscribers always have several options among the fabulous items, and get to customize their own boxes. But since I receive the Editor’s Edition, the FFF powers-that-be do the choosing for me. That’s always a relief to me because I’ve never been able to make decisions. I know that might come as surprise to many of you, who see me as being so in charge of every situation, but I often can’t even decide between two outfits! I’m always second-guessing myself. So having other beauty-and-fashion fans surprise me with the products is a pleasure!

Some of the highlights of my own FabFitFun Fall Box are: a mist spray to help you sleep, (which I’m going to try as soon as I finish writing this!); a good-quality mascara (which is the only make-up product of which I’m constantly in need!); a spray that removes wrinkles from my always-abused wardrobe; a pricey multi-metal designer bracelet; a pretty liquid highlighter; and a hair oil that doubles as a stress-reliever!

On top of all that, being an art lover, my favorite aspect of the whole shebang is…the colorful and artistic boxes themselves!!! I have never ever gotten rid of any of them. (Just ask the increasingly-annoyed-at-my-way-too-many-possesions Mr. X!) I stack them, (filled with hidden treasures, of course,) in my living room, as an art installation! FFF features a different artist each time, and not one has disappointed me. The existence of the FFF boxes makes me wish there were more than four seasons in a year! (Well, in 2020, it seems that there have been!) www.fabfitfun.com

Well, that’s it for this Gift Guide. I hope it’s given you a happy distraction from all the negativity we’ve been experiencing lately. Now go put some happiness in someone’s life, if even your own, with one or more of these suggestions.

Happy Gift Giving!

If you skip over some of my other columns, (the ones that don’t involve celebs, sports, or gossip,) please do yourself a favor and read this one!  It’s about a fascinating store in New York, Imperial Fine Books.  I never even knew a place like this existed! Books are so very precious.  I’m always worried that younger people won’t realize it.

And this is something collectors, interior/set designers, sophisticated people everywhere, or ones who are just thirsty for knowledge, should really know about, especially with so many holidays coming up this Spring.

Here’s my personal story with this antiquarian bookshop:

On what was a particularly hard day for me recently, the doorbell rang, very unexpectedly, and Mr. X answered it, bringing up a giant box. He hates when big things come into the house, so we were both prepared to be upset with what we thought were unsolicited contents.

When we finally got through layers and layers of tissue picture, we discovered three not-big-but-solid objects, wrapped in thick brown paper.  We could not imagine what that wrapping was hiding.

When we opened them, we were overwhelmed!!!  Someone had sent me a gift of a trio of classic, vintage, leather-bound volumes, all from Imperial Fine Books in Manhattan. I actually broke down and cried just looking at all the gloriousness! And I knew right away that I had to share my discovery of this place.

Not only are the books gorgeous, but these selections are all so perfect for not only me, but Mr. X, as well.  And one even ties into my precious little mother.  I’ll tell you that story in a minute, but first I want to point-out that even the packaging shows how much care this establishment takes with their wares.

This is what that kind gift-giver sent me, with knowing me for only a fleeting moment in life:

Photo by Mr. X.

Wuthering Heights—by Emily Bronte. Published in 1945. Illustrated, and bound in three quarters red morocco.

Alice In Wonderland–By Lewis Carroll. (Duh.) Published in 1899!!! Illustrated. Bound in the full red morocco.

Canterbury Tales– By Chaucer, of course. Published in 1934. Illustrated. Bound in full green morocco.

Bibliophiles will understand how significant the binding of the books is. I just appreciate the beauty of them. In such a digital world, what an absolute treasure these volumes are.

And I love that they have personal inscriptions from the original purchasers to the recipients. That meant so much to someone at the time. I cannot even explain what this selection means to me.

Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite stories of all time, (I love Catherine’s quote, “Ellen, I am Heathcliff!,”) and Alice in Wonderland is a classic children’s book that I’ve never even fully read, so this will be my chance. Mr. X is excited about them all, as well. And here’s the amusing story of how one of these novels ties into my mother:

Years ago, when May Rose Salkin was considered the unofficial Poet Laureate of Aspen, the big news station from Denver came to do a story on her one summer because there was an insane controversy over her cute poems that always appeared in the daily newspapers. The piece they did on her was a delightful one. The whole town got a kick out of the story, and my mother was adorable and charming on it. But what came immediately after the segment was even more special to me.

As a segue, the news anchor said something to the effect of, “Now on to a story of another literary endeavor. A rare edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales was discovered…” I don’t really remember anything after that because I was absolutely floored that they were comparing my mother’s pleasant little ditties to a rare edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales! That was just mind-blowing!

The inscription in this edition of Wuthering Heights. Look at the gorgeous handwriting! Photo by Mr. X.

So to now own a rare edition of that book myself means so much to me. Every time I look at it, I think of my funny little mother.

So back to present-day. After I calmed down after crying over these new gifts, I researched Imperial Fine Books, and knew immediately that I had to let you all know about it. I only wish that I had known about this store a few months ago, before my siblings just trashed the hundreds of old and rare books that were in my deceased parents home in New York! I want to prevent other families from doing that wasteful thing. If I had known of this bookshop, I would have brought all my family’s books to them.

The person who sent me these gifts chose all novels for me, which is perfect, but, although Imperial Fine Books carries mostly leather-bound sets with fine bindings, they also specialize in children’s literature, illustrations, color-plates, ones on travel and Americana, and all fine and rare books in every field imaginable.  They can even assist with the rare, hard-to-find first editions!

My parents would have gone nuts in there!!!  Speaking of that, any of these volumes would be perfect gifts for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  Or anybody on any day! I can’t even tell you how much this gift means to me, and I’m someone who always loves receiving just shallow gifts, such as make-up, clothing, and other basically trivial items. This was one of the most creative choices for me ever!

I can’t wait to visit Imperial Fine Books on my next trip to New York, which I hope will be soon.  My desire to see this shop may just be getting me to the East Coast quicker than planned!

Imperial Fine Books
790 Madison Avenue New York 212-861-6620
www.imperialfinebooks.com