Seldom are women and men equally attracted to the same store.  Appointments offers such magnetism.

Appointments features gift and personal items that are truly special.  More importantly, the merchandise is extraordinary, unique, and very likely includes just the thing to satisfy your want, need or gift-giving search.

First and foremost, Appointments is a pen store.  There are thousands of ballpoint, roller ball and fountain pens from over three dozen of the world’s elite makers of fine writing instruments.  ST Dupont and Waterman lines are represented, and many others as well.  The lines have been expanded and now include Germany’s diverse Kaweco line of pens. Ohio’s own Bexley Pen Company is featured – and is one of the shops best sellers.

Appointments’ owner, Douglas Kennedy, is a pen aficionado of the highest order.  He knows his fountain pen nibs in the same way that you know your birthday and mom’s name and so on.  He relishes showing off his pens to those who visit his shop in search of something extraordinary.
Kennedy’s leather goods selection is perfect for today’s business and upscale traveler.  Brands include Johnston & Murphy and a host of others, including Chiarugi, a leather goods maker located in Florence, Italy, specializing in dual-purpose bags for men and women.  Chiarugi’s purses and bags feature fine-grain leather and canvas straps—all the rage among European women.  At Appointments, there are genuine leather brief cases, satchels, letter pads, messenger bags and wallets, all of exceptional quality, and the perfect statement for professional types on the go and the climb.  For men, there are gentlemen bags sized to carry an iPad and other odds and ends such as smart phones and accessories.

These exquisite lifestyle items are mixed with other need and gift attractions.  Appointments is an ideal spot to find a special gift for a boss, an employee, a co-worker, a friend or a loved one.  The shelves hold items that would not necessarily come to mind as gifts, but very well could have you saying: “Ah, that’s just what I’m looking for!”

Among the items we found on our visit: a display of famous Rookwood pottery; unique desk, table and wall clocks; walking sticks; elegant shaving sets for the brush, lather and razor crowd; unusual money clips fashioned for style and durability; and a line of British-made cuff links for men’s and women’s French cuffed shirts and blouses.  We even found German beer steins by Thewalt, bottle openers made from Cincinnati Reds’ game-used bats, and pens manufactured of wood seats from beloved Crosley Field!

While visiting Greater Cincinnati, be sure to stop in to Appointments as well—A Key shopping experience we’re sure you’ll enjoy.  Appointments is located on the second floor of  the Carew Tower Arcade, 441 Vine Street.  Call at 513-421-7430.

Kurtzman Plastic Surgery: Destination for cosmetic surgery

Did you know people travel to Cincinnati for plastic and cosmetic surgery? It’s true, and one practice attracting many patients from other parts of the country is Kurtzman Plastic Surgery, a boutique practice in Kenwood. Why so many out-of-towners from New York and California and other distant localities in the U.S. and beyond?

First, there is Lawrence Kurtzman, M.D., who enjoys an international reputation for his plastic and cosmetic surgery work. His reputation is built on solid credentials, including his professional outreach and his teaching skills. He is a certified member of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. This is an important distinction, since so many MDs in the field are not board certified in plastic surgery. Kurtzman is the only area surgeon who is a national trainer for Botox®, Juvederm®, Latisse™, Sculptra® and Voluma®. For years, he has trained many practicing plastic surgeons. Lastly, he is a driving force behind Operation Smile, a philanthropic organization that travels to third-world countries to correct cleft palates and other correctible facial birth defects among the indigent poor.

So what about you; what about your cosmetic or plastic surgery needs?

“One reason people travel long distances to come here is reputation. If you look like you’ve had plastic surgery, then that’s bad plastic surgery. You see it all the time, even with people in the public eye, they look “funny,” not natural. That’s sad. Here, we’ve built our reputation on excellent outcomes for our plastic or cosmetic surgery patients,” Dr. Kurtzman said.

When a patient chooses surgery by Dr. Kurtzman, the doctor makes a life-long commitment to the patient, with no added fees after surgery. He encourages patients to visit once a year after surgery, to stay in touch and for check-ups. “Commitment to my patients after surgery is not about the dollar; it’s about taking care of people who put faith and trust in my surgical skills.

So what care should you exercise in selecting elective cosmetic or plastic surgery? First, take the time to consult and to learn about the procedure you want, and don’t be rushed into it. Two, make certain that the doctor doing your surgery is a certified member of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (there is only one such board; be careful, because similar “boards” with slightly different names abound). And three, make sure that you are comfortable with the surgeon you have chosen to do your procedure.

Kurtzman Plastic Surgery is located at 5050 East Galbraith Road in Kenwood. Call 513-891-4440, or visit www.kurtzmanplasticsurgery.com.