Holiday Gift Guide 2021: LoveLit Candles Is Young Hailei Beckwith’s Labor of Love (Sans Beeswax)

Hailei Beckwith, owner of LoveLit Candles, receives a Young Entrepreneurs Day proclamation from Monroe, LA Mayor Friday Ellis. Photos courtesy of LoveLitCandles.

HEADS UP: Dear Reader, we’re back with a Holiday Gift Guide after a two-year hiatus! Until 24 Dec., the elves at The Wright Wreport will introduce at least one or a series of products, items, services and/or brands that we believe are worthy of consideration as holiday gift(s).

BY VW

HAILEI Beckwith has it going on!

Not only is she a good student, nice person, attractive girl and a pageant winner (Miss Monroe's Outstanding Teen 2022), the 17-year-old is an entrepreneur. And she’s been in the game for four years as the founder of LoveLit Candles. Since she was 13, in case you didn’t do the math.

Who’s to say? One day Hailei might be mentioned in the same breath as Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), Frank DeLuca (Subway) and Mike Kittredge (what became Yankee Candle).

The LoveLit Candles Holiday Collection: Christmas Cabin, Mistletoe + Cranberries, Spiced Pomander and Winter Romance.

Today, she has peers like Maya Penn (Maya’s Ideas: sustainable fashion), Caroline Bercaw and Isabel Bercaw (Da Bomb: bath bombs) and Femi Adebogun (ScholarMe: platform for applying for college aid). All founded their enterprises in their teens; some are still teens.

There are no hard-and-fast statistics on the number of children in the United States who own businesses, but anecdotally the number is in the millions.

The LoveLit Candles room/linen sprays (Graceful Host, for instance) neutralize odors and refresh the air in various spaces.

It’s as though Hailei took the advice of former President Barack Obama: “We are the change that we seek.” Or many a grandmother: “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”

Undoubtedly, these are some of the self-starter/solution-oriented attitudes – plus, a bee allergy – that led the adolescent to start her Monroe, LA-based candle company.

“Most candles use beeswax and I wanted to enjoy candles and also allow that opportunity for other people that are allergic to beeswax to enjoy candles,” she explained during a recent interview after receiving a Young Entrepreneurs Day proclamation from Monroe, LA Mayor Friday Ellis (play video for the entire interview).

Don’t want an open flame? LoveLit Candles has you covered with Wax Melts (Brandied Pear, anyone?).

Beeswax-less Lovelit Candles come in a variety of scents: Mahogany Teakwood, Kakadu Plum + Amber, Southern Belle, Jamaican Me Crazy, Monkey Farts, Baja Cactus Blossom, etc. The Christmas Cabin candle – currently, the candle BFF of Yours Truly – is simply sublime. The evergreen, mess and pine notes combine to create an intoxicating aroma of the forest. Nothing cloying and clingy, here!

Add wax or aromatic oil of choice and plug in with a LoveLit Candles Pluggable Fragrance Warmer.

Each candle comes with care instructions. Who knew that the wick should be cut by one-quarter inch after the first use?! Or that one should burn candles for up to about three hours at a time? Such best practices extend the life of the candle and improve the burning experience. A nice little differentiator, no?

Surprise, surprise, the company peddles more than candles. For those concerned about open flames, there are Wax Melts in hot scents like Cool Citrus Basil. Amongst the stock, too, are Room/Linen Sprays, Pluggable Fragrance Warmers, Diffusers and Car Air Fresheners (new).

The LoveLit Candles DIY Candle Making Kit comes with supplies for two candles (jars, lids wax, wicks, wick stickers, wick bars, fragrance oil, warning labels and instructions).

Incidentally, all LoveLit Candles scented products are made from organic and eco-friendly ingredients. To that end, there may be extra-special enthusiasm for the DIY Candle Making Kit.

Peach Magnolia over here!

Visit https://www.lovelitcandles.com/ to learn more about LoveLit Candles.

Holiday Gift Guide 2021: High Hopes for Potentially Game-Changing (and Award-Winning) Kikkerland Design Turtle Tofu Press

According to Kikkerland Design, its award-winning turtle tofu press can drain tofu within 20 minutes. Photos and video courtesy of Kikkerland Design.

HEADS UP: Dear Reader, we’re back with a Holiday Gift Guide after a two-year hiatus! Until 24 Dec., the elves at The Wright Wreport will introduce at least one or a series of products, items, services and/or brands that we believe are worthy of consideration as holiday gift(s).

BY TAMARA BECK

FOR years now, I have been trying to figure out how to drain tofu. Piling plates over the logs I have laid out in a sifter was an improvisation that yielded less than success.

Such fits and starts would result in my leaving the tofu in the store’s refrigerated section. Some of you might consider that a gift in and of itself. After all, the stuff has very little flavor. But, oh gosh, tofu has a tremendous amount of protein, calcium and iron. And few calories! It is decidedly good for you.

But I digress. There is a possible solution to this drainage problem: Enter the Kikkerland Design Turtle Tofu Press, a design challenge winner. Alas, there is a problem with this possible solution: The tofu press is sold out. Another supply chain issue?

And more questions. How well does the turtle press drain tofu? Is it fast, or more like a snail (or turtle)? Will it make my Tofu Life easier?

Is it really as user-friendly and effective as Kikkerland says:
1. Insert tofu in the strainer
2. Place lid over it
3. Wrap silicone band around the press
4. Excess water is drained from tofu within 20 minutes

Meanwhile, the merits of tofu are many. When prepared in a quick-and-easy stirfry or scramble, it absorbs the yummy around it to make a delicious lunch or breakfast. Tofu complements bell peppers, especially the juicy red ones. And mushrooms, garlic and black pepper. Soy sauce and edamame are a nice addition, too. Well, this is making me hungry.

The Kikkerland Design Turtle Tofu Press is made from bamboo, which fights off bacteria.

Further considering this Kikkerland turtle tofu press, it is cute as a button and exotically fashioned of bamboo. This wood is a natural for use with food because of its antibacterial property. Its place in your kitchen depends so much on the answers to those burning questions. But if it were me reading the tea leaves, I’d say it's a keeper.

Let’s revisit this pressing matter in 2022.

Visit https://kikkerland.com/products/turtle-tofu-press to learn more about the Kikkerland Turtle Tofu Press.

Holiday Gift Guide 2021: What Is One Thing Oprah and David Spade Have in Common? All-Occasion, 'Gift Wrap My Face' Gift Wrap Paper (and More)

The "Gift Wrap My Face" Elfie Dance Smart Gift Wrap is designed with trademarked augmented reality that is activated by a QR code. See video below. Images and videos courtesy of "Gift Wrap My Face."

HEADS UP: Dear Reader, we’re back with a Holiday Gift Guide after a two-year hiatus! Until 24 Dec., the elves at The Wright Wreport will introduce at least one or a series of products, items, services and/or brands that we believe are worthy of consideration as holiday gift(s).

BY VW

YOU see it on the Wall Art, Banner, Gift wrap paper and so on. It is you or possibly someone you know.

Essentially, some likeness is superimposed onto items with themes associated with holidays, celebrations and events. One company – “Gift Wrap My Face” – makes the magic happen. As co-owner Aryel Rivero put it during a recent virtual press conference, “We make all kinds of things with faces on them.”

When the Florida-based company was founded in 2014, it mainly produced themed gift wrap paper. Now, “Gift Wrap My Face” plasters faces on items like Christmas stockings, Posters, Socks and Stickers.

The “Gift Wrap My Face” Little Miss Elfie Selfie Wine Socks – like all of the wine socks – can replace wine-type gift bags. After the bottles are removed from them, they will be ready to wear.

It’s all “kitschy but well-designed,” Rivero pointed out with a smirk.

It’s easy-peasy, too. On the website:
1. Select themed paper (Advent Calendar, Christmas Sweater, Evergreen Christmas, Menorah Head, Selfie Ornaments)
2. Upload a high-res photo
3. Select product and theme (Banner and Birthday)
4. “Gift Wrap My Face” team does its thing and you have your customized order in as few as three to four business days.

The items are tied to themes and occasions that include Anniversaries, Birthdays, Christmas, Everyday, Graduation, Hanukkah, Motivational messages, Pets, Superheroes, Thanksgiving, Weddings, etc. (All products are made in the United States.)

Of course, selfie gift wrap paper and the like aren’t new. After all, we live in a selfie culture.

The personalized “Gift Wrap My Face” banners are 60 inches wide by 24 inches high.

Part of what sets “Gift Wrap My Face” apart, however, is that it is truly custom. It does all of the work for you, saving you the botheration of going to a Zazzle, for instance, and doing much of the custom production – which can be rather tedious and user-unfriendly – yourself.

Further, “Gift Wrap My Face” uses trademarked Augmented Intelligence that can produce floating faces like the one on the paper that Rivero used to wrap a gift that he sent to co-owner and wife, Vanessa Clavijo, who at the time was his girlfriend.

Another “Gift Wrap My Face” product is Video Paper. It has a personalized and private QR code that allows gift givers to share a video message with recipients.

Quality-wise, the paper “Gift Wrap My Face” uses is different from the gift wrap paper one buys in a store in that it is matte and of a heavier stock, preventing ink from bleeding and smudging.

The company also eschews coated paper and paper made with “harmful shiny chemicals.” Socks are a polyester-spandex blend with a reinforced heel and Christmas stockings are made from 100% polyester.

The “Gift Wrap My Face” Money Maker and Aqua socks (inset) are a crew design made from a polyester-spandex blend. All styles come in adult and child sizes.

Not surprisingly, this outfit is on the radar of the celebrity set: Khloe Kardashian and David Spade. Its biggest endorsement to date has come from none other than king and queenmaker, Oprah.

Visit https://www.giftwrapmyface.com/ to learn more about “Gift Wrap My Face.”

Holiday Gift Guide 2018: Joining the Big-Screen, Flat-Screen Television World With a Sceptre

The 50-inch Sceptre television has many attractive features. And the price is right. Images from Sceptre website.

HEADS UP: Dear reader don’t fret / We didn’t forget / You don’t have a clue / Thankfully we do … Until 24 Dec., the elves at The Wright Wreport will introduce at least one or a series of products, items and brands that we believe are worthy of consideration as holiday gift(s).

BY NEIL WOLFSON

WHAT would the holidays be without a buying recommendation
from "real deal" Neil?

Decided to join the world and go big-screen TV. Also embarrassed to admit I’ve just stepped up to wireless Internet at mi casa. Spectrum offered streamable speed access for $20 a month.

Having missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I was tipped off to an $189 active sale at Walmart for a 50-inch Sceptre TV. Final price $206 delivered in two days.

Sceptre is lightweight (under 25 pounds ) and super thin (flat).

That’s not all, though. Consider some of the bang I got for my buck(s): Surround sound, LED (of course), MEMC 120 (auto-enhanced picture quality; good for action scenes), MHL (allows streaming from smartphones / devices to Spectre). And it’s green (Energy Star V7.0)

Such a deal!

Visit http://www.sceptre.com/ to learn more about Sceptre and where to purchase its products.

STOCKING STUFFERS: Socks, STEM and Scripts

Socks depicting the Statue of Liberty, left, are among several featuring the works of Keith Haring. Photo from Fab.com.

HEADS UP: We know, it seems like only six months ago that ‘twas the season to be jolly. How is it that every year you have no idea what in the world to get those on your list?! Never fear, the elves at VEVLYN’S PEN are, of course, on the case. Up until 24 Dec., we will introduce at least one or a series of products, items and brands that we believe is worthy of consideration as a holiday gift(s). Also look for at least one article dedicated to stocking stuffers and at least one highlighting themed gifts. Could be theater. Or food&drink. Fashion, maybe? You’ll just have to stay tuned and read all about it. Happy, responsible shopping!

KEITH Haring believed art should be available and accessible to all.

Aside from his graffiti-based works he created in New York subway stations, arguably the most visible manifestation of this belief is “Statue of Liberty” (1986).


Created for the centennial celebration of the famous landmark, the work depicting Lady Liberty surrounded by dancing figures, was created with youngsters from the organization serving at-risk children, CityKids.

That iconic work and others by the Pennsylvania native live on in socks. In woven jacquard, they come in packs of two knee highs and packs of three crews ($24)

Interestingly enough, the socks are not sold at the online Pop Shop, an extension of the now-shuttered brick and mortar stores selling KH’s memorabilia. Instead, one must visist Fab.com (http://www.bit.ly/1JbsZp0).

It was also at the Fab Holiday Pop-In that the socks were discovered. (http://www.bit.ly/1Jbt0JD). Fab.com also carries socks featuring the works of KH contemporary and friend, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The Keith Haring socks come in packs of two and three. Photo from Fab.com.

It is safe to say the Andy Warhol mentee is not rolling in his grave. After all, KH gleefully commercialized his work when he was alive through Pop Shop, which gave rise to the political and socially conscious themes for which he would become known.

"I could earn more money if I just painted a few things and jacked up the price,” he famously answered critics of the store he opened in the ‘80s.
- YOURS TRULY

Read All About the Comedy, Drama and Tragedy

"The Coward" and hundreds of other play titles are available in script form.

Before its animated by scenarist, costumer, director and actors, a play is words in paperback. Reading the script can be enlightening.

It offers a very different way to "see" theater and gives insight into the playwright's vision.

Take a peak into the unique voice of playwright Nick Jones by reading his comedy, “The Coward,” about a young man who initiates a pistol duel then chickens out and sends a ringer to do his part.

NJ, whose “Important Hats of the Twentieth Century” just completed a run at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Stage II, also writes for Netflix's “Orange is the New Black.” A farce about two rival '30s-era milliners who find a key to the future, "Hats" enjoyed wide critical acclaim.

NJ's script is available from Samuel French publishers, along with hundreds of others – from Aeschylus to Emile Zola – each for just under $10 in the actor's edition or an e-version.

Visit http://www.samuelfrench.com/p/10078/coward-the to see “The Coward” script; visit http://www.samuelfrench.com/ for other titles.
- TAMARA BECK

STEM SELLS: Many Teachable and Enjoyable Moments

STEM: science, technology, engineering, math.

Yes, it is an acronym for a school curriculum for which we could all use a refresher.

It is also storytellers, musicians, comedians, actors and, yes, scientists, demonstrating how entertaining the world of science, technology, engineering and math can be.

The second STEM Fest (7-21 Jan 2016) is a theatrical event. (See video above of presentation from last year's STEM Fest).

Visit http://www.horsetrade.info/stem-fest-16ce to learn more about the STEM Fest.
- TAMARA BECK

Move Over Flip, Lassie, Rex and Rover. Make Room for Dino – Man's (and Woman's) New BFF

The Dino Pet is as much fun but not nearly the responsibility of a traditional pet. Photo by Yours Truly.

HEADS UP: We know, it seems like only six months ago that ‘twas the season to be jolly. How is it that every year you have no idea what in the world to get those on your list?! Never fear, the elves at VEVLYN’S PEN are, of course, on the case. Up until 24 Dec., we will introduce at least one or a series of products, items and brands that we believe is worthy of consideration as a holiday gift(s). Also look for at least one article dedicated to stocking stuffers and at least one highlighting themed gifts. Could be theater. Or food&drink. Fashion, maybe? You’ll just have to stay tuned and read all about it. Happy, responsible shopping!

PROBLEM: You’ve always wanted a pet or have wanted a pet for a long time.

But you’re too busy with your career to properly care for one. Or your parents don’t think you are old or responsible enough. You may not feel that you are up to the physical demands of caring for a pet, particularly the care of a dog.

It has to be fed several times a day. Walked at least twice a day. Of course, whether cat, dog, bird or iguana, there are health care costs. What to do?

At night, Dino Pet has a blue glow or bioluminescence. Photo from BioPop Web site.

SOLUTION: Dino Pet, a most perfect solution. And only around $60.

Regardless of your career status, age of consent or physical abilities – even if you are slightly irresponsible – you can very likely be a good parent to a Dino Pet. It is one of several nifty little whatnots that Yours Truly encountered during a recent visit to the Fab Holiday Pop-In pop-up shop on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The pop-up has shut down but the products, including Dino Pet, can still be had.

The diminutive (6"x3"x6") Dino Pet, roughly shaped like a dinosaur without a tail, is a living organism filled with microscopic sea life called dinoflagellates. Though a lifeform, Dino Pet does not require the care of a traditional pet. It does not have to be walked.

And while it does not poop, it should be fed a diet made up of nutrients dissolved in sterile salt water every seven to 14 days to enjoy a long, happy life.

Dino Pet food is nutritious but not for human consumption. Photo from BioPop Web site.

Dino Pet is nontoxic and so is its food. The food is also vegan, gluten-free, nonGMO, nonprocessed with no artificial flavors or colors.

Like the best traditional pets, Dino Pet is interactive. Left to its own devices during the day in a bright room outside of direct sunlight, it – or the dinoflagellates inside – photosynthesizes.

Dino is adorable, no? Photo by Yours Truly.

At night, it glows a brilliant blue. Gently shake Dino Pet, and behold the greatest little light show this side of a solar eclipse. Its blue glow is called bioluminescence.

Speaking of bioluminescence, it is precisely what some mad-dash scientists at an outfit called BioPop were trying to create – or rather biological light – when they birthed Dino Pet.

What a happy accident!

Visit http://www.biopop.com/products/dino-pet to learn more about Dino Pet, including how/where to order.