Colorful Hibiscus

Tone-on-tone colors are the rage this year and designer Diane Samandi (creator of the luxury lingerie line - Jonquil, and the recently launched playwear line, In Bloom by Jonquil) designed a great dress for those upcoming warm summer nights; the dresses are already popular with Hollywood starlets. She’s introduced her Hibiscus Collection, available in cool aqua, juicy melon, and mouthwatering lemon these delicious frocks are available in flirty tank tunics or sweet yet sassy dresses. With vintage ivory lace appliqué at bust line, these silk pieces go effortlessly from day to evening cocktails with the girls. Diane Samandi’s Hibiscus collection is available at Lisa Kline, Saks, and other specialty boutiques nation wide and retail $223-$245

Little Riddel Rings
Inspire Women, Girls

Holly Riddel is a jewelry designer on a mission to empower young women around the world. Her very simple, yet powerful new rings are intended to inspire and bring joy.

Little Riddel®, the creation by Riddel, helps remind young women of what’s important. Each ring has a tiny letter of the alphabet on it to help girls remember what matters most and inspires them in their life. The rings are designed to be stacked for multiple inspirational messages.


“I remember being 10 years old standing on the pitchers mound, my team yelling my name and cheering me on as I pitched to victory. That same feeling of being powerful and supported is always there when I need it,” says Riddel, a life long entrepreneur and daughter of a jewelry-designing Mom.

“Little Riddel is my way to share that feeling of being empowered, inspired or just not feeling alone, with girls everywhere. By using letters to represent words on a ring, young women are continually reminded of the people and events that bring them joy. Inspired by my baseball story, I wear a V for Victory!”

According to Riddel, one girl chose the letter L for Life so that she could make a difference in her lifetime like her grandparents. Another chose D for Dreams so she would never give up her dream of becoming a dancer. These rings are the beginning of a line dedicated to positive growth for young women.

Every Little Riddel ring has a tiny 4mm (1/8 inch) letter on the top and comes in a round metal tin. The rings have a little amethyst inside the band to bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of human kind in each woman. Amethyst is also known to provide the spiritual understanding required to reach the state of bliss and is considered the stone of transformation.

Katherine Moennig on the L Word has a Holly Riddel ring, as does Courteney Cox (who says she won’t take her ring off) and Paris Hilton was spotted wearing one. Little Riddel rings are available online for $ 44.00 per ring. www.LittleRiddel.com or call (760) 904-8978.

About Holly Riddel Designs
A passionate creator of business concepts from a young age, Holly Riddel has created a design house for inspiration and realizing dreams in her Holly Riddel Designs business. Her company, which produces Dedication Rings® in addition to the revolutionary Little Riddel collection, is bringing Joy to women everywhere. Riddel’s zest for life and desire to have women experience their own magnificence are felt at every level of operations. What began as an expression of appreciation and love for humanity is rapidly becoming a movement that’s touching lives around the world.

In the Pink(y)

Hand-Blended Ingredients. Blended with twelve delicately balanced flavors, Pinky is dubbed the most beautiful vodka. The vodka, which is from Sweden, currently is only available in California. Pinky Vodka is hand blended by wine tasters using 12 botanicals of violets, rose petals, and wild strawberries. It is a new product available in the USA from Swedish-based Facile & Co. The vodka has an alcohol content of 40 percent by volume and is packaged in a 750ml over-boxed glass bottle that is priced between $29.95 and $32.99. www.pinkyvodka.com/

Sparkling Water Gets Literal

And expensive. Savvy suitors always lay the table with non-alcoholic drink options, and the smartest will up the ante this year with Bling H20, award-winning spring water that comes in a bottle hand-decorated with pink or black Swarovski crystals (among others colors).

Bling H2O was developed by Kevin G. Boyd, a Hollywood writer-producer. Working on various studio lots, Boyd thought you could tell a lot about a person by the bottled water they carried.

To Boyd, it seemed as if people in Hollywood flaunted their bottled water like it was part of their presentation (BeansTalk note: we drink tap; if we do have bottled water, it's Kirkland, from Costco).

Whether bottles sported a cool shape or came from an exotic island, Boyd believed that none truly made a defining statement.

He says that BlingH2O is strategically positioned to target the expanding super-luxury consumer market. Initially introduced to athletes and actors (ie. the folks with money), Bling H2O is expanding availability. Bling H2O was featured at celebrity events including the MTV Video Music Awards and the Emmys. Bling H2O is pop-culture in a bottle. But it's not for everyone, just those that Bling. $40-$55
www.blingh2o.com

Healthy Nails
Vibrant Colors

Perhaps your vision of healthy nails are short, clean with a coat of clear polish. But that clear polish you picked up at CVS might not be so healthy after all. Last fall, during the Emmys, we came across the vegan line, SpaRitual. Since then, we've learned of a couple of other lines that eliminate the toxicity that many of the established popular lines still contain. Did you know that most polishes feature formaldehyde? Here are three lines that stepped up and considered not only the fumes, but what you're putting on your nails.


Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System

Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System - a full lineof nail polish colors, a topcoat and a base coat for natural nails that dry in minutes. The Dazzle Dry Quick Dry Nail System cuts the time it takes for a normal manicure to dry by more than half. This complete system includes a full line of nail polish colors.

Dazzle Dry is the world’s first Nitrocellulose, Phthalate, Toluene and Formaldehyde Free Nail Care System. Created by Dr Vivian B. Valenty, an innovative bio-organic chemist, Dazzle Dry’s revolutionary Quick Dry formula thoroughly air-dries in just 5-10 minutes. So advanced it’s patent pending, Dazzle Dry’s flexible yet durable surface is both highly chip resistant and non-yellowing. For high-gloss, lightening fast manicures and dazzling results that last and last – Dazzle Dry!

All-In-One
Everything you need to produce gorgeous nails at home. Dazzle Dry Nail System Retail Kit consists of one 1oz. Nail Prep and one 0.5oz. Base Coat for natural nails. You will also receive one 0.5oz. Dazzle Dry quick drying Top Coat and three 0.5oz. Nail Lacquers of your choice. Choose from the current list of beautiful nail colors available. Dazzle Dry Nail System Retail Kit, for a quick drying manicure and/or pedicure in the luxury of your own home. Caution: Use as directed only. Keep this and other products out of the reach of children. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur. Never tested on our animal friends. Nail System Retail Kit Price: $54.00

www.dazzledry.com or call 1-866-398-9357.



nubar

nubar from their site–The Healthy Alternative for Beautiful Nails For many years, the safety focus for nail salons has been the risk of bacterial or fungal infections from salons practicing sloppy hygiene. Now those concerns have been expanded. Facing mounting criticism from consumers as well as health and environmental groups, many nail polish manufacturers have acknowledged that their products contain Formaldehyde, Toluene or (DBP)Phthalate, linked to cancer and birth defects. All three chemicals are on California's Prop. 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity, yet the larger companies are still adding these cancer-causing ingredients to their products.

Since the nails are an extension of the skin, the chemicals are absorbed into your body and can make you feel sick. Here are a few facts about these common toxic nail polish ingredients: Toluene Toluene is a human reproductive and developmental toxin. It may affect the nervous system with symptoms like tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken-type actions, and memory loss. It is thought to cause liver damage and skin irritation. In high levels it may affect the kidneys.

Toluene has been linked to birth defects in laboratory animals. Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and a common indoor air pollutant because its resins are used in many construction materials. Formaldehyde has caused cancer in the nose and throats of lab animals. Inhaling the fumes can result in watery eyes, headache, burning in the throat, and labored breathing.

(DBP) Dibutyl Phthalate Phthalates are used to soften plastic, and are known to affect hormone function. Studies have linked phthalates to early puberty in girls and low sperm counts in men. Environmental groups claim phthalate exposure may contribute to the rising number of uterine problems in women and testicular cancer in men. It could also be one of the contributing factors to a rise in infertility in both sexes. Repeated and heavy exposure to dibutyl phthalate may cause nausea and/or vomiting, tearing of the eyes, dizziness, and headache. Long-term exposures may cause damage to kidneys and the liver. Pregnant women must consider that dibutyl phthalate may harm the developing fetus and the male testes.

After being touched with the effects of cancer within his own family, Noubar Abrahamian, founder of nubar, didn’t want to produce a product that could possibly harm customers so he set out to develop a healthy alternative for this industry.

nubar set the standards high for this task; they did not want to compromise wear-ability, durability or strength in the process. nubar, “The Healthy Alternative For Nail Care” exceptional nail lacquers, nail art and nail treatments containing zero Formaldehyde, Toluene or (DBP) Phthalate. nubar’s non-toxic line includes 14 exceptional Nail Treatments, more than 180 colors, Moodies-48 color changing nail lacquers.

nubar also carries 48 colors of nail art complete with individual stripping brush and dotting tool. nubar introducted “Nail Art Pens.” Each pen features a fine-tipped pen allowing the nail artist even more diversity in their creations.

nubar is available through over 500 distributors throughout 22 countries worldwide. Our new offices are now open in Moscow,and coming soon in France and Dubai,UAE.
www.bynubar.com/


SpaRituals

SpaRitual has developed 12 sophisticated Nail Elixirs to nourish cuticles, build strong nails and establish a flawless environment for color. SpaRitual Elixirs are vegan and free of DBP and toluene. SpaRitual Elixirs come with the sleek, patented Plum Cap™ with a signature brush for ease of opening, smooth control and a delicate finish.

The line also features a comprehensive collection of nail laquers. Their website features good photos that are clear, and likely accurate.

DBP, or dibutyl phthalate, is a plasticizing ingredient that has recently been banned for use in cosmetic products in the European Union. DBP is a potential developmental and reproductive toxin that may cause a broad range of birth defects. SpaRitual products do not contain DBP. Because your safety is our concern.

sparituals.com/

3 Beauty No-Nos

by Dr. Stuart H. Kaplan
kaplanMD Skincare


While there are obvious beauty tips, such as wearing sunscreen even in overcast days, Woman_applying_moisturizerand taking care not to over-tweeze your eyebrows because the hair there has a tendency not to grow back, here are three tips that everyone should practice:

1. Cuticles are on our nails for a reason. They act as a protective barrier to keep dirt and bacteria from collecting under the skin at the base of your nail. Do not have them cut off or pushed back too far, or you risk a very painful infection called paronychia. I see this happening often, even after expensive manicures. See your dermatologist for a prescription ointment and antibiotics.

2. Pimples should not be treated like bubble wrap. Do not pop them, even if they are blinking and screaming, "squeeze me!" When you squeeze a pimple, you push stuff out the top, but also push more stuff deeper inside the skin. This causes more inflammation, which leads to more pimples. By squeezing and picking, you also create a scab that takes 2 weeks to heal, instead of the three days it would have taken, had you not picked.

3. Avoid drinking fruity beverages outdoors. If the peels or juices of lemons, limes, and some other citrus fruits come in contact with your skin while you are out in the sun (think lime margaritas) you can get a blistering sunburn in those areas. These fruits contain compounds called psoralens that dramatically increase your sensitivity to the sun. Affected patients don't realize the cause, and think they have developed brown age spots, or even worse, herpes. So take precautions when enjoying your citrus beverages outdoors.

kaplanmd.com

Let's Start A
Rock Band

Yes, we know it’s been awhile since the Grammys, but BeansTalk's Chairman of the Board is extremely fixated on getting Rock Band for his prized Wii, and we think these pics are cute, taken at Distinctive Assets gifting suite.

Our COB is very down with his Guitar Hero and of his quartet of tight friends half of them have it. Another friend, SD, his closest friend who is not a boy, also has Guitar Hero.

Actual Conversation a couple of Fridays ago (dinner with SD’s family at Nichol’s):

COB to a classmate, a friend of SD, another girl, A: Do you know the Police song, “Message in a Bottle?”

A: Oh…yeah, (begins to sing the chorus)

COB: That is the best song on Guitar Hero!

The other interesting thing about Guitar Hero (and potentially Rock Band – we’ll have to see when the COB actually gets one) is that it has introduced him and his generation to a host of songs that were significant to BeansTalk’s CFO and ME. So there you go.

Teen sensation Miley Cyrus takes a break from her double life as Hannah Montana to show off her skills on Xbox 360’s hottest new game Rock Band at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Gift Lounge on February 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Country music star Taylor Swift (hey, we don't know who she is either) jams out on Xbox 360’s Rock Band, at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Gift Lounge at the Staples Center, February 7, 2008.

Only at Wal-Mart
Journey's Latest Release
June 3

Multi-platinum band Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals)—will begin on June 3 with the release of Revelation, a three-disc CD and DVD package to be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores in North America.

The first disc features 11 re-recorded classics, the second, 11 new songs, and the third is a live, in-concert DVD. All music on Revelation was produced by Kevin Shirley (who previously worked with Journey on their Platinum-certified Trial By Fire album).

Journey will tour with Revelation in the U.S. concert in July, with details to be announced. www.journeymusic.com

Beach Blonding Series with Rachel Lindy

Before you question why BeansTalk is writing about Blonding when none of the principals are blonde, we’d like to point out that one of our editors, Teena Hammond, although a self-proclaimed red-head, has often been referred to as a “strawberry blonde.”

At any rate, our friend Sadie sent this info over and if you have light locks you might want to check this out….

Blonding expert and owner of the Mathis Murphy Salon in Venice Beach, Rachel Lindy begins her "Beach Blonding Series" in May. The Beach Blonding Series is 10-12 week process that gets hair ultra blonde for summer. Rachel says, "Start the series with me in May you'll have the brightest blondest hair by 4th of July weekend."

Phase One begins with Rachel's customized Clarifying Treatment. This rids hair of all of the summer toxins, sunscreen, sweat, sand, chlorine, etc. Next, Rachel highlights on the natural base with her signature balayage painting style. If you want to look like the sun is responsible for those streaks, then you can't go too blonde the first time. In between Phase One and Phase Two of the Beach Blonding Series, Rachel says, "Please go out in the sun!" The sun will naturally pull out the highlights, so no hats until the next time you see Rachel.

Phase Two: Rinse and Repeat. Rachel clarifies hair again and then repeats Phase One. Except this time, Rachel throws in some extra highlights in two areas of the hair. She highlights anywhere the sun highlighted. Then Rachel paints a lighter color blonde around the hairline. This is what Rachel is famous for in Venice because she gives girls that true surfer girl blonde. Highlighting itty-bitty pieces along the hairline, right around the face, gives a halo effect that really brightens you up.

Phase Three: Go Blonde or Go Home. This is the time when Rachel really revs it up and pulls the blonde all the way through the hair from root to tips. Hair is popping with color and when all is said and done, her final touch is the clear gloss treatment...hair will be more sparkly and bright than a 4th of July firecracker.
Mathis Murphy Salon (1221 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291) (310) 396-5600. www.mathismurphysalon.com.

A Regal Theron

Actress Charlize Theron attends a Cinema Society screening of 'Sleepwalking' at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, March 11, 2008 in New York. She carried a handbag by Mary Norton. The actress accessorized her blush-colored fringe dress with the HRH (Her Royal Highness) – a steel metal minaudiere with hematite cabochon. Mary Norton’s handbags and footwear are handcrafted by artisans in Italy and produced in small quantities. Mary Norton products can be found at: www.marynorton.com Mary Norton - Melrose Place, Los Angeles
Mary Norton – King Street, Charleston Other high-end retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Green Home Giveaway
(Sign Us Up!)

For the first time ever, HGTV is building a Green Home, located in Tradition Hilton Head, a 5,300-acre master-planned community near the popular beach resort of Hilton Head, South Carolina and giving it away to a lucky winner in a national sweepstakes that kicks off via the HGTV Green Home 2008 special hosted by "Carter Can" handyman (and Nautica model) Carter Oosterhouse on March 23, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The HGTV Green Home Giveaway, with a total prize value of approximately $850,000, will be held in addition to the network's wildly popular HGTV Dream Home Giveaway. The HGTV Green Home is a traditionally-styled, low country cottage under construction near Hilton Head. At just over 2,000 square feet, the fully-furnished home includes three bedrooms and two and a half baths and features both construction and design elements that are known to contribute to a healthier living environment. When completed, the HGTV Green Home will have achieved a significant LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED for Homes, a voluntary rating system, is a project of the U.S. Green Building Council, which plans to launch a nationwide residential LEED certification program later this year.

From HGTV
If your passion for your home is tinted "green," then HGTV, the lifestyle network for all things home has a place for you: a custom built "green home," located near miles of popular beaches and an eco-friendly golf course! HGTV is building its first "green" home in Tradition Hilton Head, a 5,300-acre master-planned community near the popular beach resort of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. During the HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2008, from March 21-May 9, 2008, viewers can enter to win the home and prize packaged valued at approximately $850,000. Fans can get their first on air tour of the home on the HGTV Green Home 2008 special on Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The HGTV Green Home Giveaway will complement the 12th annual HGTV Dream Home Giveaway. "We are aware that many of our viewers are interested in hearing more about green lifestyles," said HGTV President Jim Samples. "The HGTV Green Home Giveaway provides an excellent opportunity to showcase examples of affordable, accessible and eco-friendly approaches to living."

The HGTV Green Home is a traditionally styled, low-country cottage under construction near Hilton Head. At just over 2,000 square feet, the fully-furnished home includes three bedrooms and two and a half baths and features both construction and design elements that are known to contribute to an energy efficient, cleaner and even healthier living environment. Public tours of the home will be available in spring, 2008.

"Our involvement with the HGTV Green Home allows us to showcase our environmental commitment while demonstrating techniques people can use in their own homes to conserve natural resources," said David Page, president of Tradition Hilton Head of South Carolina. "The HGTV Green Home is an important first step in our plans to build Tradition as a green community, a place where our builders are required to utilize green design and conservation elements will be incorporated throughout."

The HGTV Green Home has been registered to receive a significant LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. LEED for Homes, a voluntary rating system, is a project of the U.S. Green Building Council, which plans to launch a nationwide residential LEED certification program later this year.

Jack Thomasson, the HGTV Green Home House Planner who has overseen construction of 11 out of the 12 HGTV Dream Homes says that today's construction materials and building practices provide many options for environmentally-friendly elements that can be incorporated into a home. "The HGTV Green Home is designed to demonstrate that you don't have to be extreme to be green," said Thomasson. "Through thoughtful design and selection of products, the HGTV Green Home uses the latest building technology and easily attainable materials to create a beautiful, comfortable home that provides affordable examples for an audience passionate about making eco-friendly lifestyle decisions."

The home will be decorated with eco-friendly products and materials by designer Linda Woodrum, well-known for her work on the past 11 HGTV Dream Homes. Online at HGTV Green Home Central, HGTV.com/GreenHome, viewers can learn about the materials and processes that make the home green, and follow the construction process or share their thoughts on the HGTV Green Home blog. Whether constructing a new home or remodeling a current one, they can pick up green-building advice plus Woodrum's tips for earth-friendly decorating. In addition, fans can take a 360 degree online tour of the home beginning Monday, March 3, 2008.

HGTV's sponsor partners who are participating in the HGTV Green Home Giveaway will be able to highlight their eco-friendly products for HGTV's loyal audience. Sponsors include: Shaw Industries, Inc., Sears, General Motors, SCJ, Kohler, Caesarstone and Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation. www.hgtv.com

Room With A View Revisited
On Masterpiece Theatre

There’s a lot to like initially in the much-reviled (at least in England where it’s already aired; and those of us, like BeansTalk who have the Brit DVD) new version of “A Room With A View.”

Sophie Thompson is excellent as fussy Charlotte, a role that fans of the 1985 Helena Bonham Carter/Julian Sands feature-film version, may remember as played to perfection by a preening Maggie Smith.

In that regard, the leads, here played by Elaine Cassidy (The Others) and Rafe Spall (although George Emerson’s role is considerably reduced), are very likeable, too.

It’s a pretty film, too, with lush locations; since Forster’s novel is so specific in where the tale is set, the locations will look familiar, although there is a decidedly different tone to the watershed moment of the Italian murder-among-friends.

But there is a major problem here (and it’s beyond the common internet complaint that this version’s Cecil isn’t as icky).

While we have loved pretty much all of brilliant screenwriter Andrew Davies’ adaptations, for some inexplicable reason, Davis has put together, whole cloth, a completely new future-set storyline. We certainly won’t give away any spoilers, but as a fan of Forster’s original novel, we can tell you that Davies’ wasn’t going to the book for inspiration. The one "new" element we can mention is that, here, Mr. Beebe (played by Harry Potter's Mr. Weasley, ) is, if not necessarily openly, clearly gay. He's seen chatting up (ie soliciting) young Italian boys and going off with them. He also makes very blunt statements about why he, notably, knows why Cecil should remain a "bachelor."

Davies’ beautiful 1995 adaptation of “Pride & Prejudice,” spawned a massive revival (that continues today) of Jane Austen appreciation. His new 2008 (as yet unseen in the U.S.) version of “Sense & Sensibility” (which features a young cast of new talent, but also such top actors as Janet McTeer and David Morrissey) is very, very good. As a mini-series, this latest television adaptation (Emma Thompson’s 1995 version was a feature film) is able to flesh out Austen’s story and remains very faithful to the original. The previous made-for-TV “Sense and Sensibility” was another BBC production, presented in 1981. While serviceable, that version completely omitted youngest sister Margaret).

We have no complaint with the huge list of credits Davies has amassed – we loved and recommend his wonderful 1996 Emma (with Kate Beckinsale), 1999’s Wives and Daughters, 2000’s Take a Girl Like You, 1998’s Vanity Fair, 2002’s Doctor Zhivago (gorgeous, and starring Keira Knightley) but still, an ultimately sad, sad story), 2002’s Daniel Deronda, 2004’s He Knew He Was Right, 2007’s Northanger Abbey (a vast improvement on the almost un-watchable 1986 telefilm).

Davies not only wrote the 1994 Middlemarch, which starred Rufus Sewell, but he’s currently at work on the 2009 version, to be directed by Mr. Kate Winslet, Sam Mendes.

There was a charming relationship between the late Denholm Elliot as Mr. Emerson and Sands as his son George, but in 2007’s Room With a View, there is a truly warm connection between the actors, Timothy and Rafe Spall, who are, indeed, father and son.

Certainly the BBC knows that viewers are crazy-hungry (we are, certainly) for new versions of beloved books and even, beloved film and television (yes, we own them all and have watched them with the frequency that BeansTalk’s Chairman of the Board once watched Thomas the Tank Engine).

MASTERPIECE™ “A Room With a View” Sunday, April 13, 2008, 9:00-10:30 p.m. ET on PBS
In Andrew Davies’ adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel, Elaine Cassidy stars as Lucy Honeychurch, who is disappointed upon her arrival at a guest house in Florence, Italy, because her room has no view. Timothy Spall and son Rafe Spall play Mr. Emerson and his eccentric son, George, who offer Lucy their room — which has a view.

Rafe and Timothy Spall

Project Runway's Winner Soiree

Jane Cha, Executive Producer of Project Runway and VP of Full Picture Productions, hosted a dinner for this season’s winner Christian Soriano on the Marilyn Monroe Bridge at Dakota in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Also helping celebrate: fashion editors, stylists Cameron Silver, Jessica Pastor, Blair Late from The Rachel Ray Show & Intermix as well as filmmakers, agents, and rapper Eve.

Soriano displayed the dress he made for Victoria Beckham on the series final episode, as well as various other designs. Earlier that day he did fittings with Beckham at her Hollywood home, then proceeded onto Heidi Klum’s house – both are having him make clothing for them personally. Soriano will appear on Jay Leno’s show, as well as Ugly Betty shortly. Soriano, Eve and friends finished the evening at Teddy’s and danced the night away.

Image above: Cha, Soriano and Klum.

Stop Stinky Feet Now

When the Chairman of the Board was a toddler, there was little that would make him laugh as much as saying “Monty [his English Cocker] is a wiggle butt,” and, for some reason, “stinky feet!” We miss the giggles those little phrases would elicit.

Having stinky feet is never a good thing. Speaking of Monty, even with his Wookie feet, always shoeless, tromping about the tiny, muddy backyard of the BeansTalk offices, even he doesn’t have stinky paws. And for that matter [let me check; o.k.] neither does the COB.

But any adult, although perhaps loathe to admit it, may, at some point, suffer from less-than-sweet smelling tootsies. And a woman with odiferous feet may find herself categorized with tooters and burpers. Ick!

If you’ve experienced the same problem as we have, with insoles (let’s call them Dr. Moles, for example), as they bunch up or curl up, you might not trust insoles in general, but we’re open minded and are intrigued with the Finely Fragranced Insoles New Fragrant Footings™ by Summer Soles®. We haven’t tried them yet (we admittedly wear some version of a sandal nearly 95% of the time, even in winter) but they sound great. And, as we read up about them, they’re actually made to look good in sandals. Cool.

The rep tells BeansTalk that the insoles feature a “release [of] subtle bursts of jasmine, mint or lemon” with a “step-to-release technology.” They also cushion feet and absorb foot perspiration.

Since Stevie Nicks (who we adore) sings that she “wears boots all summer long,” she would be among the many who’d appreciate the virtues of this new product.

The insoles offer both Stay-dry and Cushioned styles. Summer Soles® founder and CEO Shannon McLinden says. “Regardless of whether you’re looking to relieve ball of foot pain when wearing your high heels or to reduce slipping or sliding due to perspiration during the summer months, my Fragrant Footings™ insole line is posh enough to complement your most prized Jimmy Choos or Ferragamos.”

How step-to-release technology works, per Summer Soles: Each time friction takes place, the step-to-release technology releases microscopic bursts of the finest essential oils from the soft fabric liners, which keep feet fragranced and feeling refreshed. “There are no heavy, smelly synthetic perfumes, just a soft, dry, natural aroma withthese Fragrant Footings™ insoles,” says McLinden.

The three essential oil scents available include:
- Bare Shoulder Smolder Jasmine – a freshly-picked-from-the-garden essence
- Garden Party Lemon – what freshly sliced lemon adds to pretty
cocktails
- Kiss Me Till Morning Mint – a breathtakingly cool mint

Fragrant Footings™ have “peel and stick” liners that remove without leaving residue on the shoe bed. Designed for sandals and other open or closed shoes with leather or non-fabric interiors.

Available in two styles, in black and camel:
1. Absorbent Stay-Dry Comfort in full, trim-to-fit size ($15.00 retail for 2 pairs)
2. Cushioned Ball-of-Foot Pads ($11.00 retail for 2 pairs) and Three-Quarter Length Mini’s (15.00 for 2 pairs)

Fragrant Footings solutions for foot-related health problems:

1.Absorbent, full-shoe size insoles utilize a special non-woven, wool blend fabric that wicks moisture away from feet.

2.Cushioned, ball of foot pads and three-quarter length mini’s help reduce foot pain and protect bones and tissue when wearing uncomfortable shoes.

3.Fragranced with dry essential oils utilizing new step-to-release technology to help mask foot and shoe odors, pleasantly adding fragrance to feet.

Fragrant Footings™ insoles are now available and are available at
888-773-9626 Fragrant Footings by Summer Soles www.summersoles.com

Affordable Luxury in High Def on PBS


Moment of Luxury, public television's new weekly lifestyle series, conceived and hosted by award-winning international designer Bill Stubbs, makes the experience of "luxury" — excellence, comfort and exclusivity — accessible to Americans on any budget.

Filmed in high definition from locations in the U.S. and around the world, Stubbs offers viewers tips on how to bring good, yet affordable, living into their homes and daily lives through home design, food, culture and art.

One of Architectural Digest's top 100 designers, Stubbs shares his knowledge and philosophy in 13, half-hour episodes, presented nationally by WLIW New York. The series premieres on Saturday, April 5, 7 p.m. ET on public television stations nationwide (check local listings).

Moment of Luxury invites viewers to join Stubbs as he travels to exotic locales in search of design inspiration — from English palaces to Newport and Palm Beach mansions; from French flea markets to New York City showrooms; from Mexican haciendas to Incan ruins.

Along his journey, Stubbs visits with some of the world's top authorities on design including President and featured designer of Mark Hampton, LLC. Alexa Hampton,Antiques Roadshow expert Eric Knowles, and Architectural Digest Editor-in-Chief Paige Rense.

In each episode, Stubbs explores a different city, gaining inspiration from the design, culture, history and food of each area. Then he demonstrates how to apply these inspirations at home to experience a transformative "moment of luxury."

"As an interior designer, I have created and experienced luxury all over the world," says Stubbs. "But luxury does not have to be a fabulous home or an expensive piece of jewelry…it can be an embroidered pillow or a simple cup of tea. With Moment of Luxury, I am thrilled to be able share with public television audiences the places, things and people who inspire me the most…and the tools to apply these secrets for luxurious living in their own lives."

www.momentofluxury.com will offer travel and design tips as well as blogs, chats, video previews and original webisodes, featuring material not seen in the series and interviews with Stubbs.

Additionally, Moment of Luxury: Discovering the Beauty Around You (Gibbs Smith), a new book written by Bill Stubbs, will be published Fall 2008.

This Saturday!

The Actual Designer Helps Choose
Just the Right Swimsuit for You

Did you know that Vitamin A can help troubled skin? We took a separate Vitamin A supplement in our youth.

But these days, Vitamin A is an amazing swimsuit line. Who doesn't face that dread of trying to find a new swimsuit? We resign ourselves to a modified playsuit, in solid black. But here's a chance, if you live in Los Angeles and can get to the Grove, to have an actual super-hot swimsuit designer help you choose what you'll look best in.  Amahlia Stevens, designer for Vitamin A will be at the Nordstrom at The Grove Saturday, 15 March 2008, from noon to five to help customers choose the right swimsuit. If great bodies like Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudon turn to Stevens and her designs, why not you? It's a treat, and likely to make you feel a little bit like a celeb.

This Weekend!

Pull Out the Pastels:
It’s Mayberry Vice

TV Land Goes On “Mayberry Vice” Patrol Beginning Saturday, March 15 With A Two-Night Marathon Of The Andy Griffith Show

Move over Crockett and Tubbs, Andy and Barney round up Mayberry’s swindlers, crooks, and cheats when TV Land airs “Mayberry Vice,” a two-night marathon of The Andy Griffith Show. Tune in on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM ET/PT as shoplifters, bank robbers, and escaped convicts are seized …sans a Ferrari.



The “Mayberry Vice” schedule is as follows (all times listed are ET/PT):

Saturday, 3/15

6p #002 - Manhunt
6:30p #030 – Barney Gets His Man
7p #037 – Barney On The Rebound
7:30p #039 – Crime Free Mayberry
8p #050 – Jailbreak
8:30p #068 – The Cow Thief
9p #085 – Great Filling Station Robbery
9:30p #116 – The Shoplifters
10p #133 – Barney’s Bloodhound
10:30p #150 - TV or not TV
11p #177 – Legend Of Barney Fife
11:30p #202 – Otis The Deputy

Sunday, 3/16


6p #133 – Barney’s Bloodhound
6:30p #150 - TV or not TV
7p #177 – Legend Of Barney Fife
7:30p #202 – Otis The Deputy
8p #026 – The Inspector
8:30p #044 – Sheriff Barney
9p #053 – Guest of Honor
9:30p #057 Andy Barney Big City
10p #074 – Convicts-at-Large
:30p #095 – The Big House
11p #117 – Andy’s Vacation
11:30p #137 – Goodbye Sheriff

iWHITE Maintenance Stick
Pocket-Sized Teeth Whitener On-The-Go


Remedent’s iWHITE Maintenance Stick is a little lip gloss-sized wonder that brightens pearly whites on-the-go, which has one part breath freshener and one part teeth whitener.

The iWHITE Maintenance Stick is a two inch, two-sided whitener. First step, polish teeth and freshen breath by dipping wand in the liquid cleaning agent and apply to teeth. With its minty taste and scent, the iWHITE Maintence Stick can work in between meals or mid-date (eg. when reapplying lipstick in the bathroom).

Next comes the whitening. Flip the stick and use the wax-based, hydrogen peroxide whitening side. The wax is tough—it sticks and stays on teeth (unlike other whiteners that when painted on, disappear the moment you close your mouth). Scribble on the whitener like drawing with a crayon and let the solution remain on teeth until it dissolves naturally. For best results, try not to eat or drink for 15 minutes.

No mirrors necessary. You can feel where the whitening wax is on the teeth, as it coats the teeth with a thick layer of solution. And, if it gets in between the crevices or all over the mouth, that’s okay.

The iWHITE Maintenance Stick is $14.99. iWHITE products are available at CVS (April 2008) and online at www.beauty.com, www.amazon.com, and www.costco.com. www.iwhite.be

Jeepers!! Mary Ann Likes the Mary Jane!!

This undated photo, supplied by the Teton County Sheriff's Department, shows Dawn Wells, the actress who played 'Mary Ann' on Gilligan's Island, who was sentenced Feb. 29, 2008, to five days in jail, fined $410.50 and placed on probation in Idaho after pleading guilty to one count of reckless driving. The guilty plea came as part of an agreement with prosecutors in which three misdemeanor counts -- driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance stemming from an Oct. 18, traffic stop -- were dropped. (AP Photo/Teton County Sheriff's Department )

Zeta Jones in Sydney
Oscar winner Catherine Zeta Jones walked the red carpet in Pamella Roland’s black-and -white graphic-plaid chiffon asymmetrical dress at the Sydney premiere of Death-Defying Acts on Monday, March 10, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

As Seen on TV

Stuart Weitzman’s “Submit” evening sandals were worn by fashion designer Victory Ford, played by actress Lindsay Price, in the Lipstick Jungle episode “Dressed to Kill.” www.stuartweitzman.com

So It Goes, Some Fil-Am Pop

Filipino-American Pop-Folk with a side of soul
Conchita Campos Releases debut EP, So It Goes

"…it's got this haunting sound that I love... truthfulness and sincerity..."
- Lizette Claudio, Head of Artist Relations, MTV Asia

"Conchita's song "Just Time" makes you want to turn up the volume in your car stereo and cruise down the coast and daydream of what could be."
- Ruben Pimentel, On-Air Personality, Jamz 96.3 FM (Albany)

(BeansTalk Note: We haven’t heard Ms. Campos’ music, but we feel compelled to promote our peeps in their artistic endeavors.)

NEW YORK – Conchita Campos makes no bones about being a stranger in a strange land, with her debut seven-song EP, So it Goes. Campos is described as a “Filipino-American storytelling songstress.” \

Campos’ songs, says her rep, are a mix of sounds hinting at Nina Simone, Alana Davis, Jill Scott, Sade, John Mayer, and Astrud Gilberto. Campos’ influences include the citie, states, and countries she’s lived in, including, Pasadena, Philadelphia, the Philippines, San Francisco, and her current home, Brooklyn, NY.

Here’s some verbiage from her reps: “Part folk, part jazz, part exotic with a touch of acoustic soul, Campos forges her own bold path on So It Goes. The radio-friendly and optimistic “Just Time” is at once mellow, funky, and infectiously melodic. “For Tonight” is a light and fresh take on the old school quiet storm love ballad, and the bright and carefree “Runaway Day” recalls Campos’ joyous days in California. Campos sings from the experience of being both Filipino and American, of being a free-spirited artist in a work-a-day world, and of the search for an emotional place to call home. Each track on So It Goes is an honest and lyrical slice of life straight from the complex contemporary American experience.”

Conchita Campos has performed at New York venues like The Bitter End, Crash Mansion, and The Knitting Factory, as well as regional University shows. Her NYC-based backing band is dubbed Conchita’s Collective.

Campos’ music has already been played on stations in Japan and U.S. college radio.

So It Goes Track Listing:

1 Just Time
2 Runaway Day
3 For Tonight
4 One Chance to Say
5 Ghost of Me
6 Walking on Ahead
7 How It's Gonna End

Upcoming Shows:
March 7 9pm: Carney’s The Other Room, 411 Beach Drive, Cape May, NJ
March 16 8pm: Bowery Poetry Club— Sulu Series Asian-American Artist Showcase,
308 Bowery, New York, NY 212-614-0505
June 11 9pm: The Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard Street, New York, NY 212-219-3006

http://www.myspace.com/conchitascollective

Never Forget Your Baby’s Name


BabiePlates, the Swedish company known for personalized baby license plates, is now offering a flat-rate shipping fee of $8 to anywhere in the world, as well as a 10% discount to all U.S. customers.

Since its stateside debut in January, BabiePlates have been featured in American Baby, Kiwi, and Life After 50 magazines, and online in Celebrity Baby Blog, The Daily Candy Kids LA, and many more. BabiePlates range from $39.95 to $49.95, and are custom-made. In addition to your child's name, you may choose from a flag, picture, or birth-date-- all with safety reflector foil, perfect for evening strolls. BabiePlates can be used to identify baby strollers, as a decorative sign for rooms, and in baby memoirs, or however you might like to use them.. BabiePlates are an ideal, easy gift for showers, housewarmings, engagements, etc.

Visit www.BabiePlates.com and enter "USA" at the checkout to receive 10% off any item(s) and $8.00 flat rate shipping.

Robin Returns


Facing Heartbreak And Betrayal,
Robin Hood Arrows Back To BBC America
For A New U.S. Premiere Season



(BeansTalk note: Richard Armitage is enough reason to watch this. Sigh)

The quest intensifies as Robin and his swashbuckling Outlaws make huge sacrifices for the good of Nottingham, in the all new season of Robin Hood. With no tights in sight, BBC America’s contemporary retelling of this timeless classic sees the gang face betrayal, treason and deadly decisions, as they battle to save England and its King from the evil hand of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin Hood premieres April 26, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.



Coproduced by BBC America’, season two sees Robin (Jonas Armstrong) and his Outlaws – Much, Little John, Will Scarlett, Allan-a-Dale and Djaq - in a rapidly changing world. The dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham (Keith Allen) has launched operation “Shah Mat”- a plot to kill King Richard – and he wants Robin dead.



Robin and Marian’s (Lucy Griffiths) relationship appears to be back on track until the Sherriff’s evil accomplice, Guy of Gisbourne (Richard Armitage), sets fire to Knighton Hall and seizes Marian and her father. As he battles with his heart, Robin soon discovers that he’s not only fighting the evil Sheriff but also a traitor within his own gang – Allan-a-Dale. When Robin is forced to dispel his once trusted comrade, Allan aspires to become Guy of Gisbourne’s right-hand man, exposing Robin and Marian to a far greater danger.



The heroic death of Marian’s father finally sends her to the forest and into Robin’s arms. But she has the ever burgeoning sense that she can achieve more as a spy in the castle, close to Guy of Gisbourne. As the war in The Holy Land intensifies and threats on King Richard’s life become critical, Marian returns to the castle to fight from the inside.



The gang encounter lethal Strong Rooms, chemical attacks and indestructible ‘medieval technology’ in their quest to rid Nottingham of poverty, before the tale of Robin Hood takes a deadly turn.

www.bbcamerica.com



Cast And Production Credits



Robin Hood Jonas Armstrong

Marian Lucy Griffiths

Guy of Gisbourne Richard Armitage (North and South)

The Sheriff of Nottingham Keith Allen (Bodies, Viva Blackpool)

Much Sam Troughton (Vera Drake)

Little John Gordon Kennedy

Will Scarlett Harry Lloyd

Allan-a-Dale Joe Armstrong (Viva Blackpool)

Djaq Anjali Jay (The Inspector Lynley Mysteries)

Edward Michael Elwyn (Sharpe’s Challenge)

Principal Writer Dominic Minghella

Executive Producers Foz Allan, Dominic Minghella

A Tiger Aspect production for BBC in association with BBC America



Episode Synopses



Episode One — Sister Hood

Robin and the Outlaws have been busy constructing their ingenious new camp, but, when Knighton Hall is burnt to the ground and Marian and Edward are taken under house arrest, it’s clear that the rules have changed. As the state of Nottingham gets worse, Allan-a-Dale becomes agitated. He wants more recognition and a distracted Robin cannot reassure him – he’s too busy preparing to rescue two girls and their pretty mother, Rose, as well as formulating a plan to help Marian. Allan deserts the cause, determined to make his own way in the world, but everything changes when Allan finds himself in the castle dungeons. Rose is revealed as the Sheriff’s sister and the lure of the two girls is exposed as a brilliant trap to capture Robin. The Sheriff has formulated a devastating new campaign – “Shah Mat” – conspiring with Prince John to overthrow King Richard. Only with the help of Marian and the outlaws can Robin defeat the Black Knights. But, even when Robin and the Outlaws escape with their lives, they are no longer safe – Allan has deflected to the other side, becoming a spy for Gisborne.

Premieres Saturday, April 26, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Two — The Booby and the Beast

In his first mission since discovering the devastating truth about operation “Shah Mat”, Robin launches an abortive raid on the Castle’s new Strong Room. The Sheriff has stored all his “Shah Mat” funding in a medieval Fort Knox, but he’s preparing to make a final deposit before the Black Knights arrive to divide up the silver. Having underestimated the Strong Room’s array of deadly traps, Robin rethinks his attack – resolving to track down the original Strong Room designers who have been mutilated, to prevent them leaking the secrets behind their brilliant designs. With the help of now-blind designer Steven, Robin and his men build up a picture of the Strong Room mechanics and practice how to beat it. Meanwhile, Gisborne has ordered Marian to look after Prince Frederick of Hanheim (Dexter Fletcher – Hotel Babylon), who has arrived to play in the casino. The Sheriff has no intention of losing to the Prince and, when Frederick learns the Sheriff’s plan to trick him using fake dice in the casino, Marian gains a vital ally. Together with Robin and the gang, Frederick and Marian formulate a plan to rob the Strong Room. All Frederick must do is lose in the casino, but he ends up winning. Things aren’t looking so good for Robin in the Strong Room, either. Traitor Allan has leaked information about Robin’s attempt on the vault and Gisborne has ordered modifications.

Premieres Saturday, May 3, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Three — Child Hood

When young boys accidentally stumble on Gisborne’s weapon-testing site, all but one of them is taken prisoner. The resourceful escapee, Daniel, is able to elude Gisborne’s men to alert Robin to the discovery. Robin is horrified to find that Gisborne has developed an indestructible new suit of armour, made of special Damascus steel, as an army with this new protection would easily defeat King Richard. Meanwhile, Gisborne has taken the boys back to Locksley Manor where they will be hanged. Luckily, Robin and his gang arrive in time to save the boys and steal the impressive black diamond, used to create the Damascus steel. However, disaster strikes when Daniel is captured. The Sheriff immediately demands an exchange – Robin can have Daniel in return for the black diamond. Robin and the gang agree to the exchange and, when completed, they intend to torch Locksley and melt the black diamond. Marian learns of Daniel’s capture and puts a plan into action. Feigning interest in seeing Gisborne, she requests a night pass from the Sheriff. She doctors the document so that the signature can be mistaken as a release for Daniel. Marian runs her plan past Robin as she needs one of the outlaws to pose as a guard to take Daniel. To everyone’s surprise Allan volunteers, but he only sees it as a brilliant opportunity to leak Robin’s plan to Gisborne. Gisborne arms himself with his indestructible suit of armour, making a rescue attempt virtually impossible. Robin must think fast to save the boy’s life and stop a vital part of the Sheriff’s war machine.

Premieres Saturday, May 10, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Four — The Angel of Death

The Sheriff and evil scientist, Joseph, are testing a chemical weapon on a street in Nottingham and blame the ill effects on the Pestilence. However, Dan Scarlett, who is in town to visit his son Will, is sure it’s not Pestilence. Dan wants Will to become his apprentice and run the family’s carpentry business, but Will is frustrated that his father is blind to the good work he does as an outlaw. Father and son bicker about what’s best for Will, but tragically fail to resolve their dispute before the Sheriff kills Dan for speaking out against the suspected poisoning. Robin realises that the Sheriff is up to something and resolves to track down the source of the poison before more innocent people die. Bravely plunging into the heart of “pestilence” territory, the outlaws work tirelessly to soothe the sick – not realising that a helper from Leicester is the scientist, Joseph. Worse still, Robin discovers that Will is heading for the Castle to punish the Sheriff for killing his father.

Premieres Saturday, May 17, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Five — Ducking and Diving

A horrified Robin discovers that his plan to capture the Sheriff’s spy, Henry of Lewes, failed because of a traitor in his gang. Fearing for Marian’s safety in the castle, Robin needs to find out who is betraying him. His only clue is supplied by Marian - the spy sells his secrets to Gisbourne at the Trip to Jerusalem Inn. With two missions to complete Robin is relieved when Henry of Lewes arrives at the castle unconscious, his vital information about the King’s landing sites remaining a mystery. Robin infiltrates the castle to silence Henry and is helped by a wise-woman Matilda, who is tasked by the Sheriff to nurse Henry to health. Asking Robin to look after her heavily pregnant daughter, Matilda promises that she’ll silence Henry using special herbs. The Sheriff makes the connection with Robin and Matilda’s life is in danger. Robin returns to the forest with Matilda’s daughter, to a confused and hurt gang - they resent being suspected of treachery. Marian arrives at the camp on a horse, reporting that Matilda is about to be tried for witchcraft. Can Robin trust his gang to save the lives at stake and also silence Henry? There is a spy in his gang who needs catching before the day is out.

Premieres Saturday, May 24, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Six — For England…!

The Sheriff’s Black Knights gather at the castle to attend a feast and declare their allegiance to Prince John. With the outlaws disguised as entertainers, Robin infiltrates the castle to join forces with the only man who can stop them, the Sheriff of Winchester. Winchester’s territory is key to the Sheriff’s “Shah Mat” plan which will apprehend a homecoming King Richard at the southern ports. When Robin is satisfied that he has convinced Winchester to stand up to the Sheriff, he sends the outlaws on a diversionary mission and writes a farewell letter to Marian. Preparing to make his greatest sacrifice alone, Robin hopes to put an end to “Shah Mat” by killing all the Black Knights. As Robin enters the feast disguised as a Black Knight, he discovers that Winchester has double-crossed him, with Marian added as a sweetener to his deal. Surrounded by a roomful of enemies, Robin faces certain death alone.

Premieres Saturday, May 31, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Seven — Show Me the Money

Robin is determined to get hold of the Great Pact of Nottingham, written proof of the Sheriff’s treason. When lovelorn knight John of York and his chest of silver pass by Robin and the gang and the Knight begs the outlaws to save his girl, Robin formulates a plan. The Knight is sent off with the gang’s money as well as his own. Robin intends to rob everything back once it reaches the castle, by using York’s silver to locate where the Sheriff’s treasure, and the Pact, is hidden. As the outlaws gather at the castle they face a devastating blow from their once trusted friend – Allan-a-Dale. While Marian tends to Edward in the dungeons she overhears Allan revealing the outlaws’ secret entrances to the castle. Once Robin realises that Marian’s under threat too, he decides that England can wait. Edward, meanwhile, is spurred to action. If the Pact offers irrefutable evidence of Prince John’s treason, then he resolves to do all he can to retrieve it. Escaping his dungeon, he locates the Pact in the Sheriff’s secret safe. But, while Marian prevents Robin from silencing Allan, Edward is discovered escaping Nottingham with the pact and there are tragic and life-changing consequences for Marian…

Premieres Saturday, June 7, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Eight — Get Carter

Marian wakes up in Sherwood Forest on the first day of her new life as an outlaw. Surprising everyone with a new energy and recklessness, she jeopardises the gang’s mission to bring aid to Clun Village after it’s ransacked by the Sheriff’s men. Luckily Clun’s new avenging hero, Carter, a fearless ex-Crusade fighter, arrives to help them all out. But unfortunately, Carter is the Sheriff’s hired assassin, and the ransacking of Clun village was set up to allow Carter access to Robin. A man with a mortal hatred for Robin, Carter is tasked to infiltrate the camp and retrieve the Pact of Nottingham. Carter’s act is flawless, and he earns the gratitude of the Outlaws – they even take him back to camp to help him with his injuries. Everyone is too busy squabbling about the new dynamics in the gang to notice they have an assassin in their midst. Marian, meanwhile, must contend with worried Gisborne’s attentions as he sends Allan to track her down. Annoyed with Robin, Marian and Allan work together to trick Gisborne into thinking she’s become a nun. While the gang is distracted, Carter strikes a deadly blow against each outlaw. However, he’s concealing a secret of his own – vengeful love for a dead brother – for which he mistakenly blames Robin. As Robin gets to the root of Carter’s hatred, he begins to understand the real Carter and sets about rehabilitating him. Now Carter, Robin’s new ally, turns on the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Premieres Saturday, June 14, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Nine — Lardner’s Ring

A mortally wounded, one-legged messenger from King Richard flees Locksley Manor pursued by Gisborne’s men and ends up in the arms of Robin. With his dying breath, he tells Robin that the King needs him to return to the Holy Land, and he utters the word “Lardner." The Sheriff is furious that the messenger has escaped, especially now that he and Gisborne are also on the hunt for “Lardner” - they received a prediction from a fortune-telling Fool that the “Ring of Lardner” would spell trouble. When Will and Djaq discover that Locksley Village is being scoured for Lardner’s ring, Djaq tells Robin what “Lardner” really is – a Saracen carrier pigeon. Consequently, Robin’s reply to King Richard will only take days to reach him. While Robin and Marian go to the last place they saw the King’s messenger, the gang composes a note to the King. Unfortunately, just as Robin and Marian reach “Lardner”, the Sheriff and Gisborne arrive. Surrounded, and trapped in a tree, Robin and Marian realise that unless they resort to desperate measures they will face certain death.

Premieres Saturday, June 21, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Ten - Walkabout

Tormented by Robin, the Sheriff sleepwalks into Sherwood Forest on the day that Prince John’s messenger, Jasper, arrives to check all is well in Nottingham. By the time Gisborne raises the alarm, Prince John’s private army is on its way, ready to burn Nottingham at sunset. Drastic action is called for, so while keeping up appearances with Jasper, Gisborne and Marian secretly task Robin with tracking down the Sheriff in the forest. Meanwhile, the Sheriff is getting to grips with nature and embarks on a journey of rediscovery. When he comes across some scheming beggars intent on fleecing Robin, he realises he can get his hands on the Pact at last. Little John is fooled by the Sheriff’s blind, poor-man disguise and allows the enemy into the heart of the camp. As sunset and oblivion draw closer, and Prince John’s army looms on the horizon, Gisborne risks his life standing by Marian as they fight together to save the people of Nottingham. Only Robin can save them.

Premieres Saturday, June 28, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Eleven — Treasure of the Nation

The Sheriff has turned Locksley into a garrison, throwing its people out to make room for an army of vicious mercenaries. As Robin and the Outlaws formulate a plan to stop them, they are intercepted by three of the King’s Guards, led by the fearsome Legrand who brings a vital message from King Richard. The King has sent coded information concealing plans to move his thesaurus patriae (Treasure of the Nation). Faced with a difficult decision, Robin decides that he must help the King, even if it means forsaking Locksley. Marian, however, believes that Locksley must be protected and the Nightwatchman goes into action, wreaking vengeance on the mercenaries. Gisborne and Allan predicted trouble, and Marian finds herself trapped and unmasked by Gisborne. Her secret is out and Gisborne swears she will die as punishment for her treachery. Robin is cornered too – the Sheriff has already killed Legrand’s contact, and the man Robin meets is the Sheriff’s spy. Everyone is in for a surprise when King Richard’s treasure is revealed.

Premieres Saturday, July 5, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Twelve — A Good Day to Die

Robin and the Outlaws arrive at a barn for Robin’s birthday party, only to find that they are surrounded by the Sheriff’s mercenaries. The Outlaws share their secrets with one another whilst the traitor, Allan-a-Dale, realises that the Sheriff and Gisborne are heading to the Holy Land to kill the King. The fearless Marian takes it upon herself to stop the Sheriff in his tracks, and Allan must choose his allegiance. Will Robin realise that the mercenaries are a decoy?

Premieres Saturday, July 12, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT



Episode Thirteen - We Are Robin Hood

Robin and his Outlaws, the Sheriff, Guy of Gisborne and Marian are all in The Holy Land. Robin warns the King of the impending threat to his life, but the Sheriff is one step ahead, and instead of a heroes’ welcome, Robin and the Outlaws are treated as traitors. Marian makes a final attempt to redeem Gisborne – if he kills the Sheriff he will have everything he wants, including her. Will fear of the Sheriff or the smell of power win the struggle for Gisborne? The battle for England is on. Will Robin be released in time to save the King’s life? Will Marian escape from the clutches of the Sheriff? High stakes and ultimate tragedy ensue…

Premieres Saturday, July19, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT