4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


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Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


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5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland


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Chewy Post Cyber Monday Sale!


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12.23.2012
Celebrate Festivus!


If you’re any kind of Seinfeld fan, then you KNOW about the best holiday of the year, Festivus, occurs on December 23rd (today)!  I still remember the first time I watched the episode where Festivus was introduced (a YouTube recap below) and guys, it’s all kinds of awesome.  

Step 1: Don’t get a tree, get a metal pole.  And don’t decorate it because Frank Costanza “finds tinsel distracting.”

Step 2: When is there a more appropriate time to tell your loved one about ALL the ways they pissed you off that year?  Well, that would be “the airing of grievances.”  In the words of George’s father, “I’ve got a lot of problems with you people, and now you’re going to hear about it!”

Step 3: Sit down to Festivus dinner.  The Costanza clan adheres to meatloaf and spaghetti in red sauce and no alcohol – although personal hip flasks with uncertain contents permitted.  Now while I don’t condone the no alcohol rule (with the exception of hip flasks, obviously), I’m way into the heavy carbs in red sauce policy.  I will be serving myself a TON of pasta on December 23rd.

Step 4: Then, once you’re all worked up, you can particpate in the “Feats of Strength.”  This post-dinner ritual means that a chosen guest, preferably a son, must physically pin down the family head – unless they have something better to do instead. Festivus is not over until the host has been pinned!  It’s kind of a big deal…and what better way to work off all those carbs?!

For a more detailed Festivus “how to,” see HERE and, if you’re feeling especially festive, I found this Festivus t-shirt at Delia’s that is reduced to $6!!!!  Done deal.

12.21.2012
Get the Look: Lauren Conrad’s ugly Christmas sweater


My first reaction when I saw Lauren Conrad wearing this outfit at The Grove in LA?  Holy ugly sweater party…but then it kind of grew on me and I started to think that she actually looks super chic.  I’m loving the look of mixing the ugly sweater with sleek leather pants, pointy pumps and an edgy bag.  And I mean, to top it off, she has her hair styled in a deep side part with cranberry lips, to match the “Ho! Ho! Ho!” lettering.  The only downside?  Her sweater costs $325 and is actually no longer even available.  Really?  I complained about spending $50 on my ugly Christmas sweater from T.J. Maxx about three years ago.  Hmmm. 

I found a few cheaper options, that are just as cute, at Urban Outfitters and ASOS and I’m actually really digging the “Mistletoe” version from ASOS since it’s simple (and also, you might get a make out session out of the whole deal).


House of Harlow 1960 Rachel sunglasses; $100
Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Effects Lipstick in Cranberry Cream; $20
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo; $498
Dex Vegan Leather pants; $59
Nine West Flax black pumps; $75

 

12.20.2012
Holiday Gift Guide: what this girl wants

It’s the season to give, not receive, BUT that doesn’t mean that a girl can’t dream, right?  Here’s a selection of a few things that have been on my “want” list for some time now.  I decided to start a Pinterest page as a sort of “to get” checklist…we’ll see if I ever actually even buy any of this stuff (especially the MacBook Air) but, hey, like I said, a girl can dream!  It’s funny how, as we get older, our wants and needs totally change.  My friend Devon recently posted a story to Facebook called “50 Things You Will Never Get For Christmas Again” (and I literally laughed out loud while reading it).  It’s kind of amazing that I used to own nearly everything on this list, not kidding, and even more amazing, what the hell were my parents thinking buying me all this stuff?  I’m not complaining, they were (and still are) the best parents ever and I know they clearly just wanted to make me happy, but this year especially, with all the tragedy that’s happened recently, makes me really stop and appreciate the little things; things like my family (especially my nephew!), my friends and, most of all, my health.  As I mentioned in my guest post for Dina, I recently found out that a long-time friend has been diagnosed with Leukemia and, on top of that, the recent school shooting in Connecticut has really shaken me (and many people) at the core.

2012 has been a rough year for me personally AND the world, so here’s to a more positive 2013…let’s remember to be kind to each other.

Oh, and after that long, depressing rant, here are my actual gift picks:

1. J. Crew Printed Backup Battery for iPhone: I already have the matching leopard print case so why wouldn’t I want the backup battery?  This is genius and I’m not quite sure why they didn’t think of this before.  Cheers to a longer-lasting cell phone battery!

2. Vince Camuto Pyramid Stud Bracelet Watch: I don’t usually wear watches and when asked why, I’m one to usually quote Clueless: “a watch doesn’t really go with this outfit, Daddy” BUT I’m way into this bracelet/watch combo.  It’s modern and chic and the ugly watch part is hidden.

3. MacBook Air: I was never a Mac girl until about three years ago until a job I had required that everyone work on one.  I immediately went into panic mode.  And then I got used to it and realized that Mac computers are FAR SUPERIOR to PCs.  I, of course, had just recently purchased a new PC laptop before I discovered this little factoid but I think I’ll be ready to make the switch soon.  Santa?

4. De Medici Gastronomia Truffle Oil: My obsession with all things truffle is getting a little out of control.  And, clearly, once I discovered that you can buy truffle oil (and salt!) at specialty grocery stores, it was pretty much game ON for salads, popcorn, eggs, and other goodness.  I can’t get enough.

5. Neiman Marcus for Target Tracy Reese blouse: I was immediately drawn to this top when I saw the pure sparkle of it…but $80???  For a Target top?  I don’t think so.  Well kids, it was just reduced to $39.99. You’re welcome.

12.19.2012
Guest #PISCES CORRESPONDENT on Eye4Style.com!

My friend Dina came up with an absolutely brilliant holiday gift guide idea theme this year – astrological signs.  GENIUS.  Make sure you check out my picks for Pisces women HERE along with her other posts for Aries, Gemini and Leos.

Two of my Pisces gift ideas are pictured above, both ocean-themed, obviously.

12.18.2012
Vodka: Ohhhh so many options

Kids, who would’ve thought that my favorite kind of hard booze had SOOOO many uses?!  Not me, that’s for sure.  I recently saw a BellaSugar article that made me start thinking that I need to research the many uses for the clear liquid.  And, away we go:

  • Deodorize laundry: Forget to wash your favorite pair of jeans?  I haven’t tried it yet (oh, but I will), but apparently you can sray a little vodka on your clothes to freshen them up, Febreeze style.
  • Soothe jellyfish stings: As someone who got a jellyfish sting in the inner thigh before, I can personally attest to the fact that yeah…it HURTS.  Thankfully, the boat guys had some amonia but it’s good to know that if they didn’t, I could just make my way to the nearest pub.
  • Preserve cut flowers: Not that I get flowers very often (unless they’re from my DAD), but apparently adding a little vodka and a teaspoon of sugar makes cut flowers last longer.
  • Clean your jewelry and razors: I always (sorta) knew vodka was an antiseptic but I didn’t know that it could actually CLEAN objects like razors and jewelry.  According to BellaSugar, drop your razor (blade side down) into a cup of vodka and the alcohol will disinfect thne blade and stave off rusting.  Kind of amazing.
  • Freshen your breath and/or feet: Ok, so you’re not supposed to actually swallow, duh, but vodka makes a pretty sweet mouthwash.  Swish about a half shot around your mouth for 30 seconds.  AND, if you have stinky feet, much like your dirty clothing, vodka will also help with killing the odor.
  • Add shine to your hair: Now, this I HAVE to try.  Multiple websites say that adding a shot’s worth of vodka into your deep conditioner will lower your hair’s pH, helping the cuticles to close, and sealed cuticles mean tons of shine and not so much frizz.  AWESOME.


But, if you’re lazy like me, here’s a hot set of vodka shot glasses and LUSH Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub, an awesome scrub that already has vodka in it.

12.18.2012
Tuesday Web Candy

Apparently it really is a thing for couples to look alikeAllure

The most delicious-looking heirloom tomato and roasted eggplant saladPlanet Blue Blog

20 quick DIY ideas (for all you last minute shoppers, like myself) – A Beautiful Mess

5 ways to avoid holiday-fuled freak outs.  Good to know – Refinery29

A farewell tribute to Serena Van der Woodsen’s cleavage, the REAL star of Gossip GirlFashionista

I’m pumped for the Girls nail polish line for Deborah LippmannRacked

A roundup of amazing holiday sweatersBuzzFeed

A few more fun DIY gifts, courtesy of the super creative Emily! – Cupcakes and Cashmere

Gwen Stefani.  On the January cover of VOGUE.  Enough said – People StyleWatch

12.17.2012
Holiday Gift Guide: what to get your cray BFF

1. Baked by Melissa cupcakes: NO ONE can resist these little babies.  I’m obsessed.

2. Catchphrase Photo Albums: Her life is probably “cray,” “amaze” and “fab” so it’s only natural that she’d love this photo album set.

3. Corksicle: Probably the best invention of 2012; I need one myself.  This thing not only corks your open wine but it also chills it. Score.

4. Rebecca Minkoff Best Friends iPhone Case Set: Kinda cheesy but also kinda awesome.  I still remember wearing a gold “BFF” necklace back in elementary school with my BFFs of the moment. Ahhh, nostalgia.  This is the modern-day version, for sure.

5. Colour Me Good Ryan Gosling coloring book: He may have been snubbed for People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” but hey, he’s got a coloring book…so I say that’s a big, gigantic WIN.