The Cheap Diva

The Great Holiday Light Fight

The battle for the most brilliant holiday light show is back! The Great Christmas Light Fight turns holiday decorating into a competitive sport. I loved watching this hugely popular holiday themed show last year and I look forward to a new season of truly amazing holiday displays.

In this televised Christmas lights competition, families and entire neighborhoods compete each week for a chance to win $50,000, which is almost enough to cover their light bill! These festive families from across America go to extremes to transform their homes for the holidays with over-the-top designs.  The Great Christmas Light Fight premiers Monday, December 7 (8:00-7:00 p.m., ET/PT). Celebrity judges Carter Oosterhouse (HGTV’s Million Dollar Rooms) and Taniya Nayak (Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible) decide who gets bragging rights and the ultimate Christmas gift of $50,000.00.

Get Your Game on This Holiday Season

Holiday gatherings often involve bringing people together that don't know see each other often. To turn this potentially social awkward situation into a fun time for all, consider introducing a few ice breaker games to the party mix. From poker, to bunko to every card and dice game in between, this Cards and Dice Game set from Z Gallerie is ready for all kinds of fun and games! Housed in an attractive and portable black lacquer , the set features two decks of cards printed with a black and white geometric pattern, and five matching black dice.

Bring on the bling and let the games begin! Complement your the sparkling conversation with this sparkling Bling Dominoes set from Z Gallerie. This glamourous game is embellished with shimmering clear crystals and contained in a sleek and chic case with a clear lid to showcase all those dazzling dominoes in between games. The set makes for an attractive gift.

Get in on the act with a classic game of Charades by Z Gallerie. It's a raucous race against time as players mime gestures that give clues to the hundreds of possible topics  while onlookers blurt out possible answers. Charades requires a little skill and a lot of imagination. It's a game that encourages everyone to be a bit of a performer.

 

Cozy and Chic Red Sweater Dresses from Kohls

Holiday dressing is a balancing act. For holiday get togethers you want to look well dressed, but not overdressed. The ideal dress is festive enough for holiday parties, but versatile enough that it can be worn outside of the party scene. The one dress that does this balancing act beautifully is a red sweater dress. It's chic, cozy comfortable and festive enough to brighten up holiday gatherings. For red sweater dresses that don't cost a lot of green, check out the dresses at Kohl's.

The classic cable knit sweater gets a chic update with this Women's Sharagano Cable-Knit Dress. This richly textured dress works best with simple accessories, like a statement belt or bold cuff bracelet.

Plaid is a popular pattern in winter, but too much plaid can make you look like you are wearing a plaid blanket. A little plaid perks this otherwise Chaps Plaid Sweaterdress - Women's. The fit and flair dress features just the right amount of red and black plaid to add dramatic flair to the dress. Keep the accessories simple, like shown in the picture, to keep the focus on the attractive plaid pattern and feminine flared skirt.

This Chaps Turtleneck Shift Dress - Women's offers a fresh twist on the traditional turtleneck. The intense red color spices up the simple silhouette for a look that transitions easily from festive holiday look to everyday elegance.  This basic style can be accessorized countless ways, allowing you to create a variety of distinctive looks with the same dress.

Save Money on Holiday Trimmings

After strategizing to hit the sales to save money on Christmas gifts, it's shocking to get hit with a high credit card bill at the end of the holiday season. What often happens is that in the mad dash to save money on gifts it's easy to overlook all the other expenses that add up over the holiday season, like trimmings and home décor. To avoid sticker shock when the credit card bill comes, it pays to pay close attention to saving money on holiday trimmings. Here are a few tips to save money this holiday season.

• Look for cheap holiday cards at unexpected places like dollar stores and used book stores such as Half Price Books. Dollar stores are also terrific places to shop for gift accessories like gift bags, tissue paper and containers for gifts.
• It's easy to put together a personalized gift basket filled with goodies hand picked for that special someone. What's not always easy is finding budget friendly baskets. A good place to find super cheap baskets and containers is your local thrift store. A thrift store is typically cheaper than your local hobby and craft store. If the thrift store doesn't have what you need, hobby and craft stores a great place to find a variety of containers, just wait for a sale or coupon to bring the price down.
• Discount stores like Gordman's, Home Goods as well as bargain oriented stores like Walmart are great places to shop for holiday home décor, tableware and more.
• If shopping in brick and mortal store appeals to you about as much as drinking expired egg nog, there is always eBay. On eBay you can shop by category and by lowest price. Shopping on eBay is cheap and efficient since the sell everything and anything you could possibly need for the holiday season.

 

 

Black Friday is a Bad Time to Shop

The Saturday before Black Friday I hit the shopping mall with a friend to buy gifts. She needed a specific pair of pants in a certain size and I needed a certain top in a specific size. After scouring the store she ended up with the very last pair of pants in the size she needed and I got the very last top in the size I needed. Had we waited until Black Friday I'm sure both of these items would have been gone. Finding the exact size of gift before it sells out is just one of the reasons I refuse to shop on Black Friday.

Black Friday creates a false sense of urgency, as if the stores will never have a sale again or the items you want will disappear before you have a chance to buy them.  This kind of competitive shopping atmosphere leads to news stories showing shoppers stampeding into stores and trampling innocent bystanders, sometimes to death. I love a great deal but I won't risk my life for one. It's the holiday season people, stores will have nothing but sales going on through New Years!

Instead of getting up at the crack of dawn and joining the shopping stampede on Friday, shop from the comfort on home on your computer. By avoiding the high pressure environment of a retail store you can take your time with your purchases and seriously consider which ones are worth buying.

Hitting the shopping malls on Black Friday can lead to buying too many boring assembly line gifts. Instead of buying the same items everyone else is buying, consider shopping at small independent stores that carry hand crafted merchandise, like Ten Thousand Villages. Instead of hitting the mall, hit the kitchen and bake up some goodies to put in jars or cookie tins to give away. Or find a grocery store with a good bakery section and stock up on goodies to give. For the person who has everything and then some, you could donate some money to one of their favorite charities or buy them tickets to an event you know they would enjoy.

The best way to handle Black Friday is to sleep in, develop a personalized shopping strategy that fits your schedule and your budget so you can relax and focus on having fun this holiday season.

 

 

Fresh Scents to Complement Your Winter Fashions

Wearing a light floral summer scent with cozy cold weather fashions is like wearing flimsy flip flops with a heavy winter coat. A change in seasonal wardrobe calls for a change in fragrance. One of the best places to find fabulous seasonal fragrances is Bath and Body works. Their collection of fragrance mists offer a sophisticated blend of fragrances delivered in a conditioning aloe mist the nourishes the skin.

 

Snowkissed Sugar is a sweet treat for the senses.

Top Notes: Sparkling Lemon, Juicy Blackberry, White Peach

Mid Notes: White Chocolate, Vanilla Orchid Jungle Essence, Plum Nectar

Dry Notes: Toasted Coconut, Sandalwood, Sugared Musk, Vanilla Infusion

 

 

For a refreshing twist on cool weather fragrance, indulge in Twisted Peppermint. 

Top Notes: Cool Peppermint

Mid Notes: Sugared SnowDry Notes: Vanilla Buttercream, Fresh Balsam, Hint of Musk...

 

 

Get into the holiday spirit and have a very Merry Berry Christmas!

Top Notes: Frosted Raspberries, Holly Berries, Kir Royale Accord, Crystalized Orange Zest

Mid Notes: Pink Prosecco, Jasmine Wreath, Crème de Cognac

Dry Notes: Red Velvet Vodka, Skin Musk, Crystal Musk

Holiday Lights Tour

A leisurely drive through neighborhoods or parks featuring holiday lights display can become an easy and casual get together with friends with a little planning. Check local newspapers, tourist website and parks and recreation web sites for locations of holiday lights displays or Google "Holiday lights" or "Christmas lights" and the name of your city or state for local diplays. After choosing a display, invite a handful of people you want to participate in your lights tour. If the number is small enough, around six people, then you might be able to use one minivan for the tour. If the number is larger than six or no one in your party owns a minivan, then take two cars and keep in contact with stragglers via cell phone.

Have guests meet at your home at an appointed time. Don’t serve drinks before the tour. Drinking a lot of liquids before taking a long drive creates a potentially uncomfortable situation for some of the passengers.  Home owners with display lights expect people to admire their handywork from afar, their holiday spirit might not extend to letting a bunch of strangers user their bathroom.  Besides, leaving in the middle of a party to pile into a car for the holiday lights tour disrupts the flow of the party.

Before starting out on your journey you need a detailed map and a copilot in the front passenger seat who can read a map.  As soon as your guests are settled into the vehicle start playing instrumental holiday music softly to set the mood.  Soft instrumental music is more conducive to conversation while subjecting your passengers to an upbeat to the point of annoying songs about Frosty the Snowman will probably receive a rather frosty response.

It helps to have someone acting as a hostess if it’s going to be a long drive. The hostess can quiz passenger on such topics as what are the 12 things listed in the song the 12 days of Christmas or have guests take about their favorite holiday memories. A hostess with an irreverent sense of humor can also act as a tour conductor keeping a running commentary on the displays “and folks if you look to your left you will see the worlds tackiest collection of plastic Santas….”

After the tour is finished, head back to your house for hot drinks like coco and spiced cider and some snacks. Talk about your favorite displays and enjoy a leisurely break from the high pressure holiday season.

Tune In and Chill Out with Great Holiday Music

I wish Santa would deliver some decent Christmas music to the local radio stations. So many perfectly good holiday songs are ruined by singers with weak voices better suited to predictable pop tunes. If you are looking for great holiday music your best bet is to buy it. On amazon.com you can preview samples of the music before buying it.

Josh Groban is one pop star that is clearly not getting by on good looks alone. He has the kind of soaring voice and beautiful range that brings the holiday classics to life in a way that is simply uplifting. His Noel by Josh Groban CD is sure to become a Christmas classic.

The song Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer! serves as an important reminder that listening to "fun" holiday songs can get pretty irritating pretty fast. To ensure that you won't have the lyrics to Frosty the Snowman stuck in your head through the New Year, add some instrumental holiday music to your play list.  Mannheim Steamroller is famous for putting a contemporary twist on the holiday classics. Their best selling Christmas by Mannheim Steamroller CD is worth a listen.

If you're feeling nostalgic for classic holiday tunes such as White Christmas sung by Bing Crosby or The Christmas Song sung by Nat "King" Cole then Christmas All-Time Greatest, Vol. 01 is worth a listen. This compilation CD includes songs ranging from the serious (I'll Be Home for Christmas sung by Glen Campbell) to the silly (Little Saint Nick sung by the Beach Boys).

Spend Smarter and Avoid Debt this Holiday Season

When I drive by a local shopping mall I can tell the chaos of the holiday shopping season has started before the famous "Black Friday" sales. Between credit cards allowing you to spend far more than is in your band and stores constantly bombarding shoppers with fresh sales it's too easy to go broke or worse, get into the kind debt that lasts long after all the holiday season is over. You can enjoy the holiday season without going broke if you follow these simple money saving strategies.

Spend cash. If you have to put something on a credit card because you don't have the money you can't afford it. If money is tight look for areas to cut your spending. For example, if you entertain over the holidays, have a cookie exchange or some other type of potluck occassion that encourages guest to provide food so all you have to provide is beverages.  

Pay attention to how much you are buying when you shop. One of my greatest shopping weaknesses is Walmart. I go into Walmart looking for specific items, like a cheap throw blanket and suddenly I am buying sweat pants and other items that I didn't intend to buy. The good news is that because I am paying cash I don't buy all the stuff I am tempted to buy, only the stuff I have the money for.

Because every dollar counts, it makes sense to visit dollar stores for gift related items like Christmas cards, gift bags and tissue paper. You can also find holiday cards in unexpected places like discount stores such as Half Price Books.

Use what you have. Create holiday decorations out of items around your home.  Make holiday displays using the holiday cards you receive,  fill a clear bowl with ball shaped tree ornaments, and fill large clear jars with candy. If you have any baking skill you can bake up batches of home made cookies, put them in cheap containers like cookie tins to give out as gifts.

For more money saving ideas check out The Cheap Diva's Guide to Frugal and Fabulous Living: How to Shop Smart, Look Your Best, Decorate with Style, and Have Fun for Less Money! 

Shop, Save and Snack at Holiday Open Houses

Avoid the insanity of the shopping mall and opt for a more civilized and entertaining was to shop this holiday season with your local Holiday Open House events, A traditional Holiday Open House event at local retail stores often feature festive holiday decorating, sales and specials, yummy snacks and sometimes drawings and other promotions. Sometimes the event is limited to an independent store and sometimes entire groups of stores in the same location get in on the act.

My favorite Holiday Open House is the one held every year at Mission Road Antique Mall. The entrance is decorated beautifully in all kind of wonderful sparkly holiday decorations, holiday music plays in the background, and several vendors set out plates of free cookies and candies. There are probably some sales and specials going on but I'm usually too busy scoping out the snacks and taking in the inspiring decorations to notice.

At Brookside's Holiday Season Opener participating stores get create their own unique brand of specials and holiday themed promotions. Not to be outdone, Park Place has their own holiday themed event complete with horse drawn carriages and carolers November 14. Many open house events are happening this weekend, so don't delay, get into the holiday shopping spirit today!

Go on a Treasure Hunt to Find Clutter Worth Some Cash

Finding cash generating clutter hidden inside the dark recesses of your home can be as easy as going on a treasure hunt!  I recently went on a treasure hunt and was surprised by the sellable items hidden away in boxes and in the back of my closets. Once I dug out various items from closets and drawers worth selling I started strategizing about the smartest ways to cash in on my new found "treasures".

Simply decluttering your home often means just getting rid of stuff through selling it, donating it or throwing it out or putting it away. The difference between a treasure hunt and plain old decluttering is that you are only looking for items to sell for money. The first step in going on a treasure hunt is to separate the trash from the treasure. A treasure hunt through your closet for example, would mean ignoring the Walmart brand polyester blend clothing and searching for vintage pieces, designer clothing and accessories or at the very least well made pieces in great shape that don't look dated or scream "fashion victim". 

The thrill of a treasure hunt is the joy of finding long forgotten items that may have been hidden away for years that have the potential to generate cold hard cash today. After some serious digging through boxes tucked away in closets and cabinets I was lucky enough to unearth a beautiful crystal vase that has been packed away and not seen the light of day for years. As lovely as it looks, if I put it on display in my home it would be just another thing to dust. Housework is not a favorite pastime so I am selling it through a consignment store that sells home décor items.

Part of the fun of a treasure hunt is discovering unexpected items that the right buyer would value. While hunting through the far corners of a closet I stumbled across a naked female mannequin mooning me!  I bought it long ago with the intention of using it for home décor to displaying clothing on it in but realized the effect of the dressed mannequin was more fashion victim than fabulous home décor. I am betting some clothing consignment store will be happy to buy a perfectly good mannequin and I will be happy to free up some closet space for stuff I actually use.

At the end of my treasure hunt I ended up with two categories of items, home décor and fashion. My next step is to find one consignment store for clothing and a different store for home décor. Before driving all over town with treasures bouncing around in your trunk check out the web sites for the consignment stores you intend to sell to for information on items they accept and their selling process. If you have any questions it's a good idea to call ahead of time and save yourself a trip. Reading business reviews on yelp.com to see if there are complaints about not getting a fair price for items sold or if the store is getting good feedback is also helpful.

Figure Flattering Graphic Sweaters from JC Penny

Sweaters are tricky. The right sweater can make you look fabulous while the wrong sweater can make you look like a frump. Thankfully there is more to fall fashion than boring solid colored sweaters.  This season it's easy to perk up your cool weather wardrobe with chic graphic sweaters from JC Penney designed to fit your feminine figure and your budget.

Ombré stripes on this graphic Liz Claiborne Long-Sleeve Patterned Tunic Sweater create a sophisticated illusion that that flatters the figure by drawing the eye upward and making the bottom appear slimmer. 

With a sleek geometric pattern that pops against the black background, this Liz Claiborne 3/4-Sleeve Triangle Graphic Sweater has a fresh style that fits perfectly in the modern world. This sweater is surprisingly versatile. Wear it with dark wash jeans for a casual chic look, pair it with colorful red or purple jeans for a bold statement, or pair it with a pencil skirt for a posh look.

Dress for dazzling effect with this shimmering Alfred Dunner 3/4-Sleeve Striped Layered Sweater. The diagonal bold stripes create a dynamic sense of movement that is flattering on most figures. The dramatic sweater offers a chic look that blends comfort and style beautifully. The shimmering sequin accents make this sweater an ideal look for evenings out and special occasions.

Fall Leaves Inspire Fabulous Decorative Bowls

Where I live fall weather can last approximately 3 minutes to 3 weeks before cold and dreary winter weather sets in. To hang on to the feeling of fall and the beauty of fall leaves just a little bit longer, I took a look at leaf themed home décor at Pier 1 Imports.

This richly detailed Leaf Condiment Server - Gold  three-leaf server  is molded from solid metal and finished in a burnished gold. The twisted center stem acts as a handle that allows for easy portability. 

The humble acorn is given the luxe treatment in this oversized silver metal Acorn Snack Bowl. The unique snack bowl features a hammered cap and oak leaf detail. Go nuts and serving up your favorite party mix, candy and nuts of course.

  The curving shapes and shimmering gold finish lend contemporary flair to this Golden Leaf Bowl. The elegant leaf-shaped bowl may be inspired by autumn colors and themes, but the timeless design could easily adorn your space throughout all the seasons.

Save More Money at Target and Other Stores

Attention shoppers, Elle Décor magazine's web site recently featured an article called 13 Tricks That Can Help You Save Money At Target! The list includes everything from obvious tricks like asking for a rain check if a sale item is out of stock to unexpected tricks like combining a Target coupon with a manufacturers coupon. This article is a must read for all of us who love shopping at target. Threshold Flannel Sheet Set pictured.         

Here are a few of my own shopping tips for saving money at any store.

• Shop the day after Halloween for candy and Halloween décor. The candy can go in the freezer to be saved for another time and the décor can be saved for next year.
• Just because that clearance item is out stock in your size in store does not mean it's out of stock online. Take note of the brand and size of the item you need and look for that clearance item online if you can't find it in store.
• Visit the store's web site or sign up for a mailing list to stay current on new specials and deals.
• Shop your favorite stores often. The more familiar you become with their merchandise and how often they do markdowns the greater chance you will score deals on things you want.
• Pay attention to coupons attached to the packaging. Some items, such as food items, may have coupons attached that you can use in store right away.
• Learn the location of clearance items. For some stores clearance items are located on end caps at the end of the aisles. For other stores clearance is hidden in the far corners of the store turning shopping into a real treasure hunt.

The Shocking Disappearance of Petite Fashions

I was shocked and disappointed when I discovered my local Macy's store was eliminating there petite clothing department. I shopped there regularly for stylish petite clothing at an affordable price. Yes I know I could find about a zillion clothing options in petite sizes if I shopped online but I don't like shopping for clothing online. I like to see clothes up close enough to touch them. The problem with buying online is that a computer can't tell me that the flimsy fabric in a garment has the texture of sandpaper or the sleeves on the "petite" shirt are actually longer than a regular misses shirt. Sleeves that come down to my knuckles is  not an attractive look by the way.

So where can chic petite women shop for clothing that fits both their body and their budget? I often shop at JC Penny. JC Penney has one of the best budget friendly petite departments around. From yoga pants to business appropriate blouses, JC Penny carries a little of everything including this Alfred Dunner 3/4-Sleeve Scroll Yoke Top. Selection may vary from store to store so if you have multiple JC Penny stores in your area I suggest shopping at the largest store since that's likely to have the best selection.  

Kohl's used to have a decent petite's department but this department has shrunk in size faster that blue jeans thrown in the drier on high heat. This  limited selection is hit or miss and often looks and feels cheap. If you wear petite clothing and shop at Kohls for other stuff you might take a few minutes to wander into the petite department, but it's not a must see for stylish petite women.

The petites department at Dillard's is also worth checking out. Dillard's sells good quality garments in a variety of styles. The prices are reasonable but only if you buy items on sale. If you are done with  disposable fashions and are ready to invest in timeless clothing that looks classy, head to your nearest  Talbots store. The classy and classic investment pieces don't come cheap, even on sale they items aren't great bargains, but these are great pieces for making a great first impression in a job interview or any other situation you want to dress to impress. Tight clothing looks tacky and loose clothing looks sloppy. What makes Talbots clothing look so posh and polished is that they are designed to fit and flatter the petite figure and they often feature rich colors and better quality fabric.

I know I said I don't like to shop for clothing online, but shopping online for petites obviously gives you a lot more options. If you find yourself drawn to specific items in the misses department, write down the name of the brand and the type of item, such as Liz Claiborne blouse. After taking note of the name of the brand you like go ahead and visit the web site for that store to see if some of your favorite misses brands feature petite versions online. Online stock may be greater selection that what is in store. One last shopping tip, if you find something that fits your body, your style and your budget buy it! At the rate petite clothing is disappearing it's better to start building a well rounded wardrobe now.

 

 

Make Halloween a Movie Night

Halloween should be just as much fun for adults as it is for kids.  I believe one of the things preventing adults from having grown up Halloween parties is the idea that it has to be some sort of big production.  People look at the pages of Martha Stewart magazine filled with perfectly handcrafted items and homes decorated like  elaborate stage sets and they think "I don't have time for that!"  Don't let your fear of falling short of perfection scare you away from having a great time on Halloween.

Have fun on Halloween by hosting something simple like a movie night.  Pick a Halloween themed movie, preferably something PG, that is fun and light in tone.  I once attended a Halloween party where the main entertainment was a graphic slasher flick that killed my enthusiasm for the party almost as fast as the bad guy was killing off second rate actors.  A party is supposed to make guests loosen up, not lose their appetite.

It's pretty easy to build a general theme around a Halloween themed movie like Ghostbusters.  Since the theme of the movie revolves around ghosts, you can ask guests on the invitation to come as the ghost of their favorite dead person.  The dead person can be someone famous, or an eccentric deceased relative that provides plenty of irreverent inspiration.  Many people don't like to bother dressing up in costumes for Halloween.   To make  everyone feel welcome with our without a costume while still sticking to the spirit of the party you can encourage guests to dress like mourners and wear a lot of black to the party or wear all white for a ghostly effect if they aren't interested in wearing a costume.  

If you feel the need to decorate, throw solid white colored sheets over the couch and chairs that guests will be sitting on.  Turn the lights down a little if you have dimmers.  If you happen to have a solid red tablecloth, maybe left over from Christmas, that would be perfect for decorating whatever you are using as a buffet table.

For snacks set up a popcorn buffet.  Mix a large batch of plain or lightly salted popcorn with a sweet candy like M&Ms in one larg bowl.  Mix another large batch of plain popcorn with chex mix or some sort of trail mix for a saltier take on popcorn and then mix up a third batch in a third bown of popcorn and another type of candy, maybe gummy worms.  Even if you mix candy and popcorn equally, it's still a lot cheaper than serving popcorn by itself.  For drinks you can serve soda pop and regular tea.  You don't want an overly flavorful tea that is going to clash with the popcorn. 

If you are concerned about the party dying when the movie isn't on, buy a few halloween themed games, like Halloween bingo, at your local toy store to bring your party back from the dead.

Have a Great Hair Day with this Versatile Comb

It wasn't until I tossed out my old falling apart comb that I realized how much I depend on my comb to make my hair look presentable. A wide tooth comb is great in the shower to help comb conditioner evenly throughout your hair. A fine tooth comb is better for dry hair that just needs a comb out to look your best. I discovered that Bass Large Ladies Fine/Wide Tooth Combination Comb at my local Natural Grocers for under $5.00 while I was out grocery shopping. This durable comb features both wide tooth and fine tooth options to address any hair care needs. This acrylic comb feels more solid than the flimsy comb I had before so I expect to enjoy many good hair days ahead. Bass Large Ladies Fine/Wide Tooth Combination Comb is available on amazon.com at the rip off price of over $14.00! My suggestion is the next time you are doing a grocery run at your local Natural Grocers, check out their beauty department for this versatile comb.                                

Decorative Container Candles Dress Up Your Home

I hate the idea of burning ordinary candles that leave nothing but a waxy mess behind when they burn out. A more attractive option are the chic container candles from Z Gallerie that include a lovely decorative and reusable containers that can be enjoyed long after the candle has melted away.  

A voluptuous scent presented in a glamourous box adorned with an enamel and metal peacock plume that resembles an elegant brooch. The Plume Candle makes a beautiful gift that is sure to impress. The sleek black glass container houses a lightly scented candle that features notes of Chinese Flower, Lily Of The Valley, exotic Jasmine, and warm Musk. 

Precious metals add a luxe touch to any table. For maximum style impact group multiples of these shiny gold or silver Reflection Candle together. The opulent glass cups are  filled with a light scented soy and palm wax, and packaged in a tasteful gift box suitable for any occassion. Measuring  under 4 inches high, these little luxuries provide an impressive 40 hours of burn time. 

Shimmering swirls of gold bring an element of artistic flair to each simply elegant blown glass globe in these richly hued Esque Candle - Cranberry. These candles are lightly scented with a Citrus Herbaceous spiced floral with subtle leathery amber vanilla musk notes. The decorative candles come with a black satin gift box with glass button enclosure.

Update Your Look with Stylish Scarves

The trick to appearing effortlessly stylish is looking like you simply threw an outfit together and it just happened to work out beautifully. A well designed scarf is one of the best accessories you can own if you want to achieve the illusion of effortless style. Throw on a patterned scarf from Kohl's and suddenly that bland outfit takes on an attitude of casual chic.  

This Softer Than Cashmere? Argyle Oblong Scarf may or may not be softer than cashmere but it certainly cheaper than real cashmere! The classic preppy argyle pattern looks fresh when it's infused with playful colors like purple and aqua.

Tired of wearing the same basic tops over and over again? Spice up your look with this wild Apt. 9 Leopard Pashmina Scarf. The rayon scarf is lightweight enough to wear any season and the fierce pattern makes this accessory the focal point of any outfit. A dramatic scarf does a terrific job of distracting attention away from the fact that your overall outfit is rather plain.

The problem with wearing a chunky cable knit sweater is that it tends to make any woman larger than a size 4 look chunky. Enjoy the look of classic cable knit without looking like a you gained 20 pounds in this cozy Columbia Cable-Knit Scarf. The brilliant red color combined with the traditional cable pattern offers a fresh twist on a classic look. Wear it over shirts, jackets and coats.

Find Organizing Solutions at The Container Store

The Container Store is so confident that there are enough neat freaks in Kansas to support a brick and mortar store they opened a 24,000 square-foot store on the corner of 119th St. and Roe Avenue. The various hooks, boxes, hangers and other containers are typical of the storage solutions you find at other mass retailers. What separates the Container Store from the competition is the sheer volume and variety of their organizing products. This mecca of organization features over 10,000 fabulously functional products separated into several lifestyle departments, including closet, kitchen, office space, gift packaging, travel accessories, bathroom, laundry and more. Many of these products feature a clean, contemporary style that works beautifully in most homes.

Their closet solutions go beyond a great selection of shoe boxes and hangers to helping you design your closet right down to the shelves and drawers.  The closet department at The Container Store takes on the challenge of conquering the chaos of a badly organized closet with their store’s popular product lines of elfa shelving and drawer systems, and their custom-built TCS Closets, which features thick-profile construction in attractive finishes for a high end designer look. 

The appealing promise of a more organized space is that frees up time to lead a more enjoyable life. Whether you are buying a clear box that allows you identify its contents instantly or an entire closet organizing system, the goal is the same. To waste less time and energy trying to find the right stuff and more time doing the things we enjoy doing, like going shopping for more stuff! The Container Store is the ultimate shopping destination for anyone looking for practical and stylish organizing solutions that make life easier.

 

 

 

 

Step Up Your Fall Look with Fashionable Ankle Boots

Given the ridiculously high temperatures (it was over 80 degrees today!) it's hard for me to imagine this endless summer will give way to cool fall weather. Eventually cool weather will come of course, and stocking up on stylish ankle boots is a terrific way to make the transition to cool weather fashion much easier. Payless Shoes is my go to shoe store for ankle boots.

The designer details and chunky heel on this Christian Siriano for Payless Pearce Block Heel Boot  make a confident style statement demands attention. The Pearse by Christian Siriano features an upper with dual gore for easy on/easy off, strap and stud accents, 3 1/2" block heel with 1/2" platform.

Women's Remi Ankle Zip Boot  is the perfect boot to infuse your cool weather wardrobe with rich texture of (faux) suede in vibrant hues. The simply styled Remi boot features a faux suede upper, dual zipper accents - one for fashion, one for function and a slim 1/2" heel. If you aren't feeling the whole blue boot thing, no worries, the boot also comes in neutral colors like black.

The effortless style of this Women's Virgil Comfort Boot will complement your outfits while cradling your feet with a comfy memory foam insole. The sleek and chic wedge heel boot features a contemporary  buckle accent and a side zip to make quick wardrobe changes easier. The tapered 2 1/4" heel is high enough to help make your legs look longer, but still low enough to wear all day.

Now That's What I Call Halloween Music!

Just because your party guests look like they might be dead is no excuse for playing deadly dull music at your Halloween party. Have a great time at your next Halloween party with hauntingly great tunes from the Now That's What I Call Halloween music CD, also available as a digital download. This music collection is packed with enough party favorites to help your ghoulish guests get their groove on. 

Packed with 18 spooky songs, Now That's What I Call Halloween is the ultimate Halloween playlist. From soulful classics like I Put a Spell on You sung by Nina Simone, popular pop tunes like Dead Man's Party, retro classics like Monster Mash, rock classics like Devil Inside by INCXS to downright creepy movie themes like Tubular Bells from the Exorcist this music compilation has it all. The variety of tunes embraces the spirit of Halloween perfectly and is perfect to leave playing in the background at any haunted holiday gathering.    

Popular Myths about Getting Organized

Procrastination is the enemy of organization. Procrastination or resistance to getting and staying organized may stem from some popular myths about getting organized. Before you even attempt to eliminate the clutter, be sure you have eliminated so of the false thinking based on popular myths about organizing. Here are a few popular myths you may want to discard along with the contents of your junk drawer.

• To get organized once and for all I just need to find the one perfect and best organizing strategy/storage materials/system. When it comes to organizing solutions, one size does not fit all. Your organizing system should take your unique preferences, habits and lifestyle into consideration. Ultimately it's easier to stick with an organizing system designed around you than to try to conform to some elses system.
• Getting organized is a major undertaking that requires a major overhaul in how I handle my stuff. You don't have to get rid of everything at once to get organized. For example, you could set a donation bag by the front door and put one item a day or a few items a week in the bag. Eventually the bag will be full and ready for a trip to the thrift store. Repeat the process often enough and soon your space will be free of unwanted items.
• Once I have properly organized a space I can relax and forget about it. Unfortunately getting rid of old stuff does not prevent new stuff from coming into your home. Whether it's controlling clutter, or keeping your closet in perfect order, organizing is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance. The good news is that once you have done the hard work of organizing a space, all you have to do is maintain the systems you have put into place.
• Every space in my home from my closets to my junk drawer needs to be perfectly organized. The purpose if getting organized is not to create the "perfect" home but to eliminate pain. If not finding your keys before you run out the door causes you to feel stressed and potentially run late for important engagements, then solving that issue by always putting your keys in the same easily accessible place solves that pain. On the other hand, if rummaging around your junk drawer to find batteries doesn't happen often and doesn't bother you, don't bother organizing your junk drawer if you don't want to.
• I need to set aside a huge chunk of time to dedicate to larger organizing projects. Over time even small changes can add up impressive results. Imagine taking just a few minutes a day to get rid unwanted items or put things in their proper place. After a month of working on an organizing project for just a few minutes a day you will have spent hours on getting organized.

 

 

Cheap Shampoo Delivers Smoother, Silkier Hair

I used Giovanni brand shampoo for years because this "natural" shampoo is not only easy on the environment but also easy on my budget. Giovanni is a budget friendly beauty brand that you find at mass retailers and some grocery stores.

I was satisfied but not exactly excited about their line of shampoos until I discovered their 2Chic Brazilian Keratin and Argan Oil  Ultra-Sleek Shampoo. For the first time I noticed a real difference in my hair after using this shampoo. It must have some built in conditioners because after using it a while my hair is smoother with a silkier texture and less prone to frizzing. The shampoo doesn't completely eliminate the need to lightly apply frizz serum in spots, but after using this regularly I no longer need to use a conditioner after I shampoo, which saves me even more money. 

The one downside of a smoothing or conditioning shampoo is that the product can build up on the hair over a period of time and weigh it down. If you die your hair or if your hair starts to look a little limp, I suggest using a shampoo that is NOT smoothing or conditioning a few times to remove any product buildup before dying your hair. Giovanni brand shampoos often retail for under $10.00 a bottle so buying an extra bottle shouldn't break the bank.

Get Affordable Home Decor at Hobby Lobby

If decorating is one of your favorite hobbies, then Hobby Lobby is worth a visit. In spite of the name, you don't have to be a glue gun wielding die hard crafter to shop at Hobby Lobby. The store is filled with a wide assortment of home décor accents. The stylish assortment of home décor pieces are clearly aimed at people with great taste who don't want to spend a great deal of money.

The range of home décor items at the warehouse sized Hobby Lobby is mind boggling. Their selection includes pictures, frames, lamps, baskets, decorative accents, candlesticks and too many assorted knick knacks to name here. The styles range from traditional to contemporary with a little rustic thrown in for good measure.

Hobby Lobby is also an excellent place to shop for holiday decorating projects. Hate the idea of a real live pumpkin rotting away after Halloween has passed? Buy a fake decorative pumpkin and avoid the mess. Do overpriced Christmas decorations make you feel like a Scrooge? Peruse their large selection of affordable holiday decorations to find the perfect pieces for your home. And if you are feeling really creative, you can always check out their huge selection of craft supplies too.

Faux Diamond Jewelry offers Affordable Glamour

Costume "diamonds" are a glamour girl's best friend. Costume jewelry embellished with sparkling stones that imitate diamonds offers the glamour of fine jewelry without the highly inflated price. Finding stylish costume jewelry that won't cost a fortune is as easy as shopping at mass retailers like Kohl's. 

Let your sparkling  personality shine in this fabulous Dana Buchman Flower Pin. The dramatically stylized flower pin is the perfect embellishment for a jacket, heavy knit scarf or a hat.

This Simply Vera Vera Wang Two Tone Bangle Bracelet is a simply stunning example of modern glamour. The clean and contemporary style provides the perfect showcase for rich layers of dazzling gems. The chic and sophisticated bracelet will elevate the look of any outfit you pair it with from fancy evening dresses to more casual everyday ensembles.

Croft & Barrow Silver Tone Simulated Pearl & Simulated Crystal Drop Earrings mixes the soft luster of pearls with the eye catching sparkle of diamonds. The elegant combination of pearls and diamonds brings  a touch of class to any look. Because the style is simply elegant and not too fancy or ornate, these earrings transition beautifully from day into evening.

Serve Up Spooky Treats on Halloween Theme Dishes

The scariest thing about Halloween is how tacky some of the dishes and home décor gets. Don't let the plastic skeletons and grinning pumpkins fool you, good taste is not dead! To prove my point I dug up some stylish Halloween theme dishes available at prices that won't scare you. This creepy black ceramic Cauldron Individual Bowl bubbles over with Halloween spirit. The sturdy stoneware bowl serves up soup, sweets and other tempting treats.  

With its Halloween themed colors, this Boston International 2-Piece Hallowchic Chip and Dip Set in Orange/Black is perfect for serving up gourmet chips and dip to your favorite ghouls and guys at your spooky soirees. The chic chip bowl has an orange and black botanical pattern and the dip bowl features an eerie black crow silhouetted against a bright orange background. 

The beauty of this Sagaform Divided Cat-Shaped Bowl is that it's a purrrrrfectly fine to leave it curled up on your table or dresser long after all the Halloween candy is gone.  This feline shaped bowl features a glossy black glaze and convenient two-section design. This contemporary kitty is a stylish addition to your space whether you use it to serve candy or hold jewelry.    

Be a Savvy Collector, Not a Sloppy Hoarder

You don't have to live in some miserable minimalistic space and empty your home of all the collectible things you love just to be organized. You can enjoy your collections of favorite objects and still be organized, just don't act like a hoarder who clings to useless junk like a life raft. There are two kinds of collectors, hoarders and connoisseurs. Someone who compulsively collects objects and  is constantly looking for new places to stuff their ever expanding collection because they have far more stuff than space is probably a hoarder. Connoisseurs know how to edit, curate and fine tune their collection while hoarders simple expand their collection by acquiring more stuff. Hoarders are increasing the volume of their collection, but not the overall quality. For a collector to enjoy a stylish and well organized home you need to act like a connoisseur, not a hoarder.

A true connoisseur knows that often the best way to improve a collection is to get rid of a lot of mediocre items and replace them with fewer, better quality items. This kind of trading up keeps the size of your collection under control while improving the quality of the collection. I applied this strategy to my book collection and it's working out beautifully. Over the years I have accumulated a variety of paperbacks and  ordinary "bargain" books the size of a thick magazine that focus on the topic of fashion, home decor and design in general. The collection of perfectly ordinary books did not match my idea of what a truly fabulous design library would look like. My fantasy library is filled with big and beautiful glossy design books with gorgeous photography. The kind of high style books are so decorative are designed to be set out on a coffee table more for display than reference. Some of these "coffee table" books are almost big enough to serve as a coffee table if you stuck some legs on them. To create my ideal design library I occasionally get rid of what I feel are the more mediocre books to make space for the kind of books that I think of when I imagine a high class design library.  What makes it easier for me to let go of various books is having a vision for what kind of collection I ultimately want to live with. Collecting with a specific intention or vision in mind makes you less susceptible to buying mediocre items just because they are a "bargain" or they fit into a general category of items you collect.

Quality, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. Many cheap mass produced items (baseball cards) sell for big money simply because of the demand. By comparison many items that reflect a high level craftsmanship and better materials have a more modest dollar value on the open market. Ultimately the quality of a collection is not about it's dollar value. It's about much more subjective criteria than that. The goal of any savvy collector is not to have the biggest collection of objects, but to create the best collection. As a collector you get to create your own highly personalized definition of what elements make up your ultimate collection. Your definition of "best" objects may be based on the uniqueness of design, quality of workmanship, rarity or objects that are simply well designed practical items that are- the perfect marriage of form and function or how much certain objects give you pleasure and makes you smile.

I started collecting vintage cameras because many there was a wide selection of them that were affordable and their stylish designs appealed to me.  Some of my cheaper vintage cameras cost little more than what you would pay for a disposable camera today, but I don't care about that. My criteria for buying a vintage camera is that I have to love it. I am always attracted to an interesting design. I have sold off some of my less interesting pieces for less than I paid for them, but that's how curating and editing a collection often works. You don't end up with more money when you get rid of stuff, you just end up with more free space to make room for unique pieces that come your way. Collectibles do not always increase in value over time. Buy what you love and occasionally edit out the pieces that aren't working so you have a curated collection, not a cluttered mess. Ultimately the key to a great collection is the ability to look at it like a museum curator and weed out the weak items so the stronger pieces receive the attention they deserve. It's this strategic approach that separates the connoisseurs from the hoarders. 

Alluring Animal Pattern Totes for Gals on the Go

Whether it's a wild leopard print or a chic crocodile pattern, these fabulous animal pattern totes from JC Penney takes chic women from fun weekend getaways to serious business meetings in style. Take your look from mild to wild with this fashionable nicole by Nicole Miller Suzie Large Tote. The large frame tote with partial chainlink handles offers bold style that takes you everywhere from the corporate jungle to more leisurely pursuits.   

 

Yes you can dress to impress without sacrificing practical considerations, like the 101 "essential" items you simply can't leave home without. This Liz Claiborne Hybrid Tote is the perfect combination of sleek style and practical features. The sharp and sophisticated croc textured tote sports a sleek design with enough pockets and interior space to store your essentials.

Shop til you drop, the generously sized Liz Claiborne Real Fit Tote can fit a boatload of your bargain finds. The textured croc look and metallic finish make this one chic shopping bag. A tote bag of this size makes a terrific travel companion for weekend jaunts or longer vacations.

Dramatic Lip Looks from NYX Cosmetics

The arrival of cool weather suddenly makes all my bright lip glosses appear out of season, like I didn't get the memo that summer is over and it's time to wear deeper shades of makeup to go with the dark colors in my fall wardrobe. A change of season is a good excuse to buy a fabulous new lip gloss. Here are lip looks from ULTA that provide a cheap and easy way to update your beauty look.

The NYX Chunky Dunk Hydrating Lippie 4 Piece Collection offers a wardrobe of different lip colors making it easy to change your makeup look as easily the way you  change outfits. The smooth as satin formula goes on light and sheer at first, but builds in intensity the more you apply. The chunky pencils never needs sharpening, the package propels and retracts for s0 no product is wasted.

Available in a variety of irresistible flavors, Honeybee Gardens Luscious Lip Gloss is enriched with the kind of ingredients your lips love, including Vitamin E , cocoa butter, olive oil and shea butter. The ultra-moisturizing lip gloss provides long-lasting shine without the sticky texture often found in other lip glosses. It comes in great neutral shades to enhance any skin tone.

Revamp your favorite lip looks with a stroke of NYX Cosmetics wicked V'amped Up Lip Top Coat. This clever glossy pencil instantly transforms light lip colors into deep, vampy shades so you can enjoy a darker and richer variation of your favorite lipstick colors. This glossy pencil moisturizes your lips with shea butter and vitamin E so your lips stay soft and smooth.