7 Must Have Thanksgiving Gadgets

Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday and it’s right around the corner. YAY! These gadgets are sure to make your Thanksgiving dinner a definite hit. With these clever yet subtle accents to the dinner table such as the necktie napkins or the plate for the person “in-between” tables, they are sure to be a conversation starter and keep everyone in good spirits!

Dress For Dinner Napkins

Since most Thanksgiving celebrations start on Wednesday about 5 minutes after you leave work  (hey… a 4 Day weekend… how often does that happen?) it might be a little rough to roll out of the sack when the dinner bell is rung on Thursday. Just tack one of these napkins under your unshaven chin and over your 2-Day Tee, pop on a Unabomber FBI custody sports jacket and you’re all set!

Plate For People Who Sit Between

Since you rolled out of bed drunk and slapped on that crappy tie, you’ll probably be rewarded with a seat at the awkward joining of mismatched tables. No worries! This plate automatically compensates for the difference in table height and gives you an edge over the other suckers who the host wishes would have stayed home… like the kids.

The Glass Tank

Now that you’re stuck in that awkward spot with no leg room and next to the kiddies, you won’t want to have to get up too often or reach to refill your drink. In fact, the less you have to interact with anyone, the better! That’s why this never ending wine glass comes in real handy. By the time you drain this beauty no one will even notice you haven’t asked for seconds.

For more great Thanksgiving Gadget Must Haves, head on over to EgoTV.

CONTEST: You Could Be The Next Vita-Mix Host!

Remember my post about how the Vita Mix blender was pretty much the best thing on earth? Well that’s good news, because not only is the blender still the star of my mom’s kitchen, but they are having a contest called “Pitch Me” (Which I am totally going to enter, by the way.)

All you have to do is submit a video of yourself showing off your Vita-Mix blender and demonstrating how you’d be the next greatest demo star and you could win $10 grand in cash! Yay! Overall, they’re giving away $20,000 in prizes. Hey, even if you don’t win, you could walk away with a Vita-Mix, and that’s a great prize just by itself!

Here are some more details:

“Participants must showcase their skills with a Vita-Mix blender and are judged on their video’s creativity, popularity and overall quality. As the competition progresses, Vita-Mix will air highly-rated submissions on national commercials, to drum up support for the leading videos and further publicize the contest. Vita-Mix is offering over $20,000 in total prizes including the single Grand Prize of $10,000 cash.”

GOOD LUCK!

Super Hot Pregnant Celebs!

A lot of people got offended when I called Nicole Richie fat, when she was clearly prego. People, I know that she was pregnant and by “FAT” I mean looking larger than the average person, not that’s she’s unhealthy or a lazy slob. See, this is what tabloids and beauty magazines tell us: that the term fat refers to a lazy, ugly, unhealthy, pig. When I just meant that she’s “bigger.” The word fat used because for a normally skinny person, she was way “heavier” (obviously because she was with child.) Anyway, I have made of list of top 10 Prego Celebs who still look hot. Damn them! (in no particular order.)

1. Jessica Alba

2. Christina Aguilera

3. Angelina Jolie

4. Ashlee Simpson – Wentz

5. Britney Spears

6. Nicole Richie (Yup, she made the list!)

7. Halle Berry

8. Jennifer Lopez

9. Kate Hudson

10. Gwen Stefani

Red Hot Lips for the Holidays

It’s not rocket science. It’s a proven fact. Red lips are sexy and hot. Ask any guy. And especially with all the red dresses making their debut appearances for the company holiday parties, red lips are the perfect accessory. Now I would be lying if I said that Dita Von Teese doesn’t have the red lips down to a perfect science. She’s always on point and she looks fabulous with her dark red lips.

If you’re looking for the perfect set that settle all your red lip needs for the holiday, you must check out Korres Lip for the Cure in Radiant Red. This kit is perfect because it has everything you need to achieve the perfect lips. 2 lipliners depending on your skin tone (or you can use both!) and a deep red lipstick, that will leave everyone asking where you got it. Plus can you really beat the price tag of just under $20? I didn’t think so. And did I mention that 10% of the proceeds go to the support of Breast Cancer Coalition Fund? Double whammy.

Check out these celebs who rock the red lips the best:

7 Shopping Tips for Black Friday

Ah, Black Friday. A shoppers dream. A fashionista’s haven. My favorite holiday. It’s the time of the year when all people let loose and the shopping madness officially commences to kick off the holiday season. It’s also the only day that stores open at ridiculous hours so people like me and you can snag super discounts on our favorite clothing and electronics. But, like any other event, you need to be prepared. So I’d like to offer some of my favorite tips to help you get through Black Friday.

1. Know What You Want: Make a List

Black Friday isn’t a day to peruse the mall and seeing what you like. It’s about being aggressive and knowing what you want. Make sure you check out the ads and make a list of what item you want and where so when the big day comes, you can beeline to the exact thing you’re looking for. If it’s a great bargain, make sure you get there first before it all sells out. Just remember that there will be hundreds of other aggressive people looking for the same stuff you want, so if you can check stuff off your list, then you won’t get home forgetting the most important item!

2. Check and Clip the Ads

This is one shopping day when doing your homework and checking the ads in the paper can come in handy. Make sure you clip the ads and bring them to the store with you, just in case of a dispute. How unfortunate would it be if you get to the register and they deny the price that you saw in the paper? Having an ad with you is also a way to bargain with a competitive store for the lowest price.

3. Get There Extra Extra Early

Some stores open extra extra early, like 4am. Make sure you check when they open and if they have an “early bird special.” Some places will offer an extra discount to those who make it there just a bit earlier than everyone else. Plus you’re guaranteed to get the best of the best, instead of showing up late to a picked over bargain bin.

4. Check out their return policy

Yes we all know that with these super low prices, we do tend to make often brash and quick purchases, only to get home realizing that we didn’t need it. Make sure that you check the store policy and see if you can return it or if you’ll get store credit or not. This will allow you to shop more freely without facing consequences later when you realized that you’re didn’t really want that $600 sweater that was on sale for $300.

5. Bring a Shopping Buddy

Just like going to gym (ok, maybe not quite as painful), getting up at 5AM to go shopping is a bit crazy. But if you’ve got a great shopping buddy to help you decide if it’s a good buy or not and give you advice, it will make your day a hell of a lot easier, and more enjoyable. Maybe she or he will even carry some of your bags for you! Just make sure you pick a buddy that has similar taste in clothing as you, or a very dedicated boyfriend!

6. Check out online savings

Many times, the night before Black Friday, stores offer a sneak peak on clothing the night before at comparable or better prices. Check out the site and see if you can’t skip Black Friday altogether and get a better deal online. Plus, you’ll get it delivered right to your door! Also, most places offer free shipping on holidays like these, so take advantage of these savings.

7. Caffeine Yourself!

If you’ve committed yourself to Black Friday, make sure you wake up and have a big cup of coffee or green tea to help jump start your day. You’ll be more alert and ready to make some great shopping purchases. Plus, no one wants to shop with a Zombie!

FREE Coffee Bean, TODAY, NOW!

Is today my lucky day or what? Coffee Bean is offering a free 12oz drink TODAY, right NOW of their favorite holiday flavors. Check it and head on over! Yum, these look delicious! (Sorry I didn’t mention it earlier, totally slipped my mind!)

5 Shopping Resolutions for the New Year

Hey guys!

If you love shopping as much as me, then you’ll know that simply cutting it out completely is not feasible. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 5 great shopping resolutions to keep you stylish while keeping your wallet happy.

Here’s a sneak peek:

1. Don’t Buy Unless You Love It – Many of us see the sale rack and low prices and immediately HAVE to buy something. But, do you really have to buy something? Or are you just buying it because it’s on sale? Refrain from buying things just because. If it’s something you really love, then it’s a deal well spent!

Head on over to Shop It To Me to read the rest!

Mixed Chicks Hair Care…. a great find for everyone!

I ran into the found of Mixed Chicks, Kim, at my gym. I overheard her talking about her company so I asked her about it. First of all, Kim is wonderful and beautiful and has this hair care company that she told me about. Of course, I was dying to try it. After all, Halle Berry raves about this stuff! A couple weeks later, I got some hair products in the mail. Now, let me begin with saying that Mixed Chicks is typically made for people of mixed descent who have frizzy and unmanageable hair. I have straight, thin hair. So I gave some of the products to my cousin who has got very tight curls and my boyfriend whose hair looks like a brillo pad, to say the least. I did use some and I’m hooked, so this stuff, while made for curly haired people, is also great for people with thin – straight hair!

I tried the shampoo and deep conditioner. Let me say, I have stopped using all the organic product that I’ve sworn by in the past because this takes the cake. Why? The shampoo is super lathery and is a great deep clean. Plus, I love the smell- it smells like a fancy hair salon. Yes, that’s the best I can come up with!

The deep conditioner is a wonder. My hair is really long and usually I have to use TONS of conditioner to detangle and still my hair comes out in knots. This deep conditioner is so strong that you only need a dime size – literally – I am not kidding. It detangles and smells great. My own beef with this is that I wish it came in a squeeze bottle. I hate having to unscrew the tub every time.

I gave the leave in conditioner to my cousin as well as a sample set which included both of the above and the hair silk serum. She loves it all, and notes that the leave in conditioner is a bit thick, so you really have to work it in, but works wonders, nonetheless. And LADIES, the HIS MIX is perfect for your man. Same great smell as the Mixed Chicks for you. The best part is that you can use it too when you’re at his house!

Michael Kors has BAD Customer Service

I got my first pair of designer sunglasses for a gift last year – Michael Kors NEVIS in tortoise shell. I was super happy to get them, but noticed that they kept falling off my head and the ones at the store didn’t. I put them away because I did not want them to get lost. Finally I decided to take them back to see if they could be tightened and the store clerk told me that they were defected and I should return them to get a new pair. Because they are defected in the hinges, they are more suWhen I called emailed customer service, I kept getting transferred to different departments. Finally, someone from Marchon called me back and said that I would have to mail them back on my own dime, with tracking, and pay to get them fixed.

This is an outrage from a “high end” designer like Michael Kors. If I broke the glasses, then I can understand paying for them. Because I got them defected, that is their fault, not mine! How rude of them to ask me to pay to fix glasses that already cost about $100!

Does anyone else have bad customer service stories to share? Leave them in the comments below!

Do Yourself a Favor, Don’t Share Makeup

Makeup isn’t cheap – especially for the high quality kinds, and we all know that we’re on a tight budget. But please remember to refrain from sharing makeup – ESPECIALLY stuff that you use on your eyes  and lips. Why?

1. Eye make up has the highest risk of contamination with possible irritation and eye infections. Since our eyes are so sensitive, it does not take much bacteria to cause an eye infection. What a horrible way to get pink eye!

2. Lip gloss is also another bad offender. Because it comes in contact with your saliva, it’s easy to share lip infections like cold sores.

3. If you have shared makeup, remember to clean all your brushes (you should be doing this once a week, anyway) and keep the containers on your makeup closed tightly to prevent more germs from getting in. Makeup usually has some preservatives that help with germs, but this is not 100%, so be safe.

And last but not least, here are some safety tips to keep your makeup clean:

• Keep makeup containers closed tight when not in use.
• Keep makeup out of the sunlight to avoid destroying the preservatives.
• Don’t use eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), and throw away any makeup you were using when you first discovered the infection.
• Never add any liquid to a product unless the instructions tell you to.
• Throw away any makeup if the color changes or an odor develops. Preservatives can degrade over time and may not be able to fight bacteria

 

‘Tis The Season For Scarfs

I love to wear scarfs. I think it’s a great accessory to pull your outfit together while keeping your super cozy and warm, and we all know that I’m perpetually cold. I can’t wait to unpack all my stuff from storage and pull out the millions of scarfs that I own. Meanwhile, here are some pretty cute ones this season:

And another question: What is your FAVORITE way to wear a scarf? Do you tie it in a knot around your neck? Hang it over your shoulders? Let me know in the comments!

Top 5 Winter Jackets for Under $100!

If you live in a cold climate city, like NYC or Boston, then you know that having a winter jacket is essential. Well not all of them are stylish and within your budget, but a Fashionista like yourself is gonna have to keep warm. Thankfully, The Budget Fashionista has got you covered, literally – they found the best and most stylish deals out there!

Bundle up on a budget with the top 5 winter jackets under $100.

1. Keegan Plaid Coat. This red and black plaid jacket is great for mild winter weather that can be paired up with a cute scarf and hat for a complete winter ensemble. Available exclusively on dELiAs for $79.50.

2. Marc New York Collar Down Jacket. Keeping warm and looking good sometimes don’t always go hand-in-hand. However, this down jackets by Mark New York certainly fits that description with its contemporary quilted look and duck featured lining that combines fashion and function. This puffy jacket is also water resistant and exclusively available on Bluefly for $99.99.

3. Croft & Barrow Double-Breasted Raincoat. We love raincoats and this double-breasted piece is certainty one of our current favs. Along with protecting you from the elements with its detachable hood, this fierce red jacket will give you a sharp look that is versatile for nearly any occasion. We also love the cute buttons and belt on this classic jacket, and of course the budget friendly price of $53.99 at Kohl’s.

For the rest of the coats, head on over to The Budget Fashionista!

Marc by Marc Jacobs: Aiden vs Groovee

It’s that time again – you know, the time when I search for a new purse that I desperately want and maybe* cannot afford. But hey, fashion is an investment, right? Plus, I gotta do my research!

I am viciously torn between Marc by Marc Jacobs Baby Aidan and Baby Groovee. Both are super cute and around the same price. Which do you think I should buy?

Baby Groovee

vs.

Baby Aidan

Nothing Says Holiday Like The Smell of Homemade Apple Cider

Making homemade apple cider is absolutely the best for the holiday season. It’s so easy to make and it makes your home smell AH-Mazing! Plus, how beautiful does it look while simmering on your stove? Great for a party or just for yourself!

Ingredients

* 8-10 apples (I used gala for a less tart or intense taste)
* 1/2-1 cup sugar
* 4 tablespoons cinnamon (or 4 cinnamon sticks)
* 4 tablespoons allspice

Directions

1. Quarter your apples (no need to remove peel or seeds).
2. In a large stock pot add your apples and fill with water–just enough to cover the apples.
3. Add your sugar.
4. Wrap your cinnamon and allspice in a doubled up cheese cloth and tie, and add this to the apples and water.
5. Boil on high for one hour (uncovered) checking on it frequently.

For the rest of the recipe, head on over to Daily Kitten!

Meeting The Parents: What To Wear?

When you’re meeting his parents for the first time this Winter season, you’re going to want to make a great impression, am I right? You’re already going to have to divulge your future plans, healthy eating habits and possibly the number of kids you plan on having in the future. So the last thing you need to think about is how you dress. You need to make a great first impression and that can only be done by having a fabulous outfit!

Keep in mind these 3 simple rules: Turtlnecks always do great, less is more, no shiny or glittery material!

Here are my top 3 FAVORITE sweater dresses that are sure to make you a hit – and remember, be your own judge on the amount of cleavage / leg shown – these dresses may fit different on some people.

1. Marled Cowlneck Sweater Dress – Very elegant with a banded waist to keep your tummy tucked in, just in case you eat too much at dinner.

2. Cotton and Cashmere Sweater Dress – This loose fitting dress looks great on all body types and shapes – especially with the cinched waist band – again, gives a woman without curves some curves!

3. Cowlneck Sweater Dress - A little peasant-like, but moms will definitely dig it. It gives off the “goody two shoes” look and it’s “cute,’ not hot, which will also earn you some extra brownie points. Not to mention you can wear this to the office as well.

 

Jimmy Choo For H&M

It’s no secret now that fashion accessory powerhouse, Jimmy Choo has paired with H&M to create accessories and clothing for men and women. Next Saturday, November 14, Fashionistas who are lucky enough to live near the select 200 H&M stores will have the chance to have these exclusive items.

“We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!” Tamara Mellon, Founder and President, Jimmy Choo.

Mark your calendars and get ready to shop!

I Heart Jeweled Heart Flats

These flats by YesStyle are too adorable not to have and something that I am definitely adding to my wish list. Why must you have them now? Well that’s an easy question.

• Closed Toed – Work appropriate
• Flat Shoe – Comfortable to wear all day long
• Sequined – Dressy for parties or dress up jeans and a T-shirt
• Brown Leather – Classic and good quality

A versatile shoe like this always lasts a long time! It also comes in 2 other colors (black and wine).

Staying Fashionable Without Going Broke!

With the recession in full swing and the holidays coming up, saving money is probably one of the first things on our mind. But saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your look and style. In fact, there are tons of ways to keep your great style all while looking chic and stylish. These tips are only a few money-savers that will help you through these hard times.

• Don’t buy anything piece of clothing that’s so unique, you’ll only want to wear it once. Instead, buy classic and solid colors. You can mix and match almost anything without a pattern and tie it together with some unique accessories. Accessorizing is key to making your outfit different from the day before. Plus, it’s much cheaper to get a new necklace then an entire outfit.
• Check the SALE RACKS! Especially at stores like Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue, if you’re a hardcore designer shopper. Usually around this time, they have great sales going on so you can still keep your designer style at heart while saving your wallet. (Note: Also take advantage of Black Friday – the BIGGEST shopping day of the year!)
• Re-Make Your Clothing. Sites like Threadbanger.com offer endless tips and ideas to refashion something you already have into something new. If you don’t have any clothes worthy of cutting up, hit up your local GoodWill or Salvation Army.
• Shop the expensive stores, buy from the cheap. Usually a lot of the cheaper clothing stores like Forever21 have very similar if not, identical versions of expensive designer clothing. If there’s a MUST HAVE item, shop the more affordable stores first. Splurge when we’re out of the recession.
• Shop Online and Use Promotional Discount Codes. Online shopping makes it so easy to spend a lot.. and save a ton too! Look for discount codes by typing in the store name + promo code or discount code into Google. You can easily find coupons for most stores for a percentage off, free shipping or sometimes a free gift. Totally worth search.
• Make Homemade Gifts. Hit up your local craft stores or bake your friends and family members a tasty original treat that they can share. It’s the thought that counts, not the price-tag and the holidays are about sharing, right?
• Trade With Friends. Need a new cocktail dress for your work holiday party? Raid your friends’ closets and have them do the same. It’s totally free and you’ll both get something new to wear out of it. I even recommend trading items of clothing that you’ve just outworn and are tired of. in 6 months, that old piece of clothing will seem new again and you can trade back!

If I missed any tips that you’ve been practicing during this recession, let me know in the comments!!

8 Great Holiday Gifts For Under $20

The holidays are here (my favorite time of year) and with the holidays comes gift giving. Now, I love giving gifts but I also have to face the fact that we’re in a recession, so spending $50 bucks on a friend isn’t really realistic. Plus, you have coworkers and such. So I’ve compiled a list of the best gifts to give for under $20.

1. Lip Saver Roll by Korres ($15.60 with discount code)- This roll of Lip balm is nothing like you’re used to. I hate those annoying lip balms that smell bad, dry out your lips and come off easily. This is a real treat – since it’s made with shea butters, it offers hydration, a light tint and some shine to your lips. Not to mention the great scent -Remember too, Korres products are all natural, so you can be assured that this product is quality. Anyway, you can never have too many lip butters! (Also enter the keyword URBAN for a special 20% off discount until the end of November!)

2. Totally Bamboo Pineapple Cutting Board and Spreader ($18 for both) – This is for the friend or family member who love to entertain, or just loves to cook. This adorable Pineapple Cutting Board is only $15 and spreader is only $3! What a bargain. It’s great to serve cheese or fruit or for cutting smaller items. This is not only a great holiday gift, but also something that’s good to keep on hand for when you need a quick hostess gift or housewarming present. Also, did you know that Bamboo is 16% harder than maple so the board will last longer. It also has anti-microbial properties to repel bacteria. You get all of this while helping to keep the world green!

3. Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix From Serendipity ($16) – Who doesn’t love hot chocolate during the winter months? Well, this is a new spin – FROZEN Hot Chocolate! It’s absolutely amazing – ask anyone who’s visited the restaurant in New York. This rich, creamy hot chocolate beats anything you can get in the store and you can make it hot or cold. You decide!

4. 88 Piece Makeup Palette by Coastal Scents ($18.95) – Nope, that’s not a type. You do really get 88 super pigmented eyeshadow colors. What else could a girl need? Each color is about a dime size, but since they are super pigmented, you only need a touch of it. Great to travel with and will last a lifetime. Not to mention you can use them wet or dry.

5. Lambie Ballerina Slippers and Shea Butter Socks ($20 for both) – Pamper your feet this holiday season with Lambie Ballerina Slippers and a pair of Shea Butter Socks. These socks have shea butter infused in them to keep your feel silky and smooth, then wear the slippers around the house for even a softer luxurious feel while hanging out buy the fire or cookin’ up a yummy holiday meal!

6. Try me Shea by L’Occitane ($15) – With winter comes dryness and we all know that nothing is less sexy than dry, cracked skin. Which is why ‘Try Me Shea‘ is the perfect holiday gift. This luxurious gift bag comes with shower cream, lotion, hand cream, shampoo, conditioner, face soap and a travel pouch. Say buh-bye to dryness and hello Shea butter!

7. Aunt Sadie’s Holiday Candles ($18) - There is nothing that reminds me of a holiday more so than the fresh scented aroma of baking gingerbread cookies and cinnamon spice. Well, with Aunt Sadie’s Holiday Candles, you can replicate the smell to make your house smell great all holiday season!

8. Knitted Beret from Gap ($19.50) – Stay warm while doing your holiday shopping with a cute knitted beret from Gap. It’s stylish, warm and under $20. This makes a great gift for the friend who lives in cold weather or just loves to be outfitted from head to toe. Comes in 4 great colors.

Well that just about completes this year’s holiday gift guide for under $20. Is there something I missed or something that you’d love to receive for under $20? Leave it in the comments!

Geeky Halloween Costumes FTW!

Halloween is just about the only day when girls can dress slutty sexy and no one can really say anything about it. Am I right? Well, it’s also the day when the geeks show their true inner spirit and come dress as their, well, favorite, uh geek gadget. Hmm. Not very attractive if you ask me. But then who am I to judge? I’m not really in the inner-geeky circuit. These costumes were pretty original and funny and whether or not you love ‘em or hate ‘em, you gotta give them credit!

Check out the rest of the costumes at EgoTV

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