October 2006 Archives

« September 2006 | Main| November 2006 »

Shop For a Cure

Over the past few years I've noticed a huge trend - companies selling "pink" items in October and donating a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer research. I think this is pretty darn cool - being given the opportunity to shop for a cause.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in addition to all the cool stuff we post every day, we're going to post great items that will also let you shop your support for the cause and donate toward it.

Red Envelope (one of my favorite on-line stores) has a whole page of pretty pink items that you can purchase to support breast cancer support. This bracelet here is one of my favorite breast cancer support items on the site.

To see Red Envelope's "Think Pink" collection, visit the link below"

We also encourage you to visit Komen web site and donate directly to the cause.

Posted by megan on October 2, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Is Your Man Getting Lucky Tonight?

I was so inspired by Megan's recent post about Lucky, that I headed to Macy's and picked up a bottle for myself. While I was there I noticed Lucky Number 6 for men and thought it would be just perfect for my honey. This sexy blend of neroli, hydropnoic plum and sandalwood is swoon worthy. What I like most is that even though this fragrance isn't overpowering, it still lasts for hours. Definitely an excellence choice if you prefer a spicey/woodsy cologne for your man.

Posted by Krista on October 3, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Wait, You've Got Some Chocolate on Your Shirt!

Oooh! Two of my favorite things - chocolate and t-shirts! What could be better? A t-shirt DYED in chocolate. Yup, you heard me right, this t-shirt has been dyed naturally in Ghirardelli chocolate.

I spotted this t-shirt and a bunch more in different styles when I was in San Francisco and of course I just had to have one. Now you want one don't you? Go ahead and pick one out!

Now if chocolate's not your thing (bite your tongue!) there are a ton of other specialty-dyed shirts on the site. You can get shirts in the following items as well: Kona Coffee, Pale Ale, Wine, Chile, Money, Hemp, Blue Hawaii, Crater, Hibiscus, Key Lime, Rum, and Sunflower. Now you've got a ton to choose from!

Posted by megan on October 4, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

The Friendliest Ghosts of All

Not all ghosts are scary. These four little ghosts perched on individual glass dishes are the cutest ghosts that I've ever seen. In fact, they're going to look pretty darn adorable at my house on Halloween. And what's even better - they're on SALE! Normally $24, these sweetie-pies are now $9.99 at Red Envelope. Get 'em while they're hot!

Posted by megan on October 5, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

An Owly Clutch for You-Know-Whoooooo!

I have this thing with owls. I had this shirt when I was growing up with an owl on it and I've had a soft spot for the pretty birdies every since. I came across this handy clutch while at my very favorite store in the whole wide world - Target. It's got a cool strap and a hidden inside pocket so your loose change won't be all over the place. But the best part?! It's on sale! Normally $16.99, it's now on sale for $11.89. What a bargain!

Posted by megan on October 6, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Steppin' out in style

Bring back a classic look in new style, with these d'Orsay pumps from Payless of all places! It's a modern variation on the old-style spectators, but this ain't your grandma's shoes. Nicely suited for the independent woman of today, with a cute bow that suggests just a hint of flirtatiousness in her character. Whether you're at work or out on the town, these shoes are sure to keep you one step ahead!

Posted by tracy on October 9, 2006
Comments (3) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Tricks and treats for your ears

Planning a Halloween party, but tired of playing "Ghostbusters" and Warren Zevon over and over again? The Halloween Hootenanny CD, compiled by Rob Zombie, will put some old-fashioned thrills in your monster bash with spirited chants from the 50s and 60s! Whether your guests are 8 or 80, these fun, retro tunes are sure to keep the ghosts and goblins rockin' the night away!

Posted by tracy on October 10, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Natural-looking lipstick for shiny, happy people

Have you been desperately trying to find a lipstick that actually looks natural on your fair skin, but to no avail? Well, look no more. Clinique has the most amazing, flattering lipstick that combines the staying power of a lipstick with the natural finish of a gloss. The Color Surge Butter Shine Lipstick truly does feel like butt"ah" on your lips, and the Berry Blush color is the perfect rosy, slightly-shimmery everyday hue for fair-skinned chicas like me. No more buying a lipstick that you think looks good in the tube only to realize when you get home that it looks totally different on your lips! I am so hooked on this stuff that I actually went through it in only three months! My lipstick woes are over!

Get my favorite "Berry Blush" for $14 or choose the similar "In the Pink" color for the same price and $10 from your purchase helps support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Posted by Tara on October 11, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Cook up some laughs tonight

Feeling a bit nostalgic for some old fashioned home cooking? Worry that with your busy lifestyle, your hurried food creations can't possibly measure up to the moms of Beaver Cleaver's era? Well, you might view the 40s and 50s kitchen legacy a bit differently after reading The Gallery of Regrettable Food. In this hilarious volume, James Lileks dissects some original food advertisement and cookbook blunders of yesteryear - including some ill-advised 7-Up recipes, an hommage to Jello, and fine dining with marshmallows. Add this to your cookbook collection, and you'll never look at meat the same way again.

Posted by tracy on October 12, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Highly recommended by Norman's mother

What better way to celebrate this frightful time of year, than with a classic scary movie! For me, nothing beats Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 thriller Psycho, which is now available in a Collector's Edition on widescreen in its original aspect ratio. There's some great extras on this DVD, including Hitch's original trailer, and a 90-minute documentary on the making of the film! See this black and white masterpiece as the first audiences did, on a big screen in a dark room, with lots of popcorn. And maybe skip your nightly shower, just this once.

Posted by tracy on October 15, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Let me tell you how to get, how to get back to Sesame Street

Do you remember Sesame Street before Elmo? It's scary, but to a lot of kids growing up now, Sesame Street IS Elmo. Personally, I prefer the days when Sesame Street was less of a merchandising tool for toy companies, and more of a grassroots experiment in the then largely unchartered waters of children's programming. Like when Grover taught us the difference between near and far, and the animated pinball machine helped us count to ten. And when Bob, Gordon, Maria and the rest of the gang delivered valuable life lessons in their garishly glorious plaid 70s fashions. Classic.

If you were a kid during the early years of Sesame Street, and you know a toddler who can appreciate some vintage muppet humor and maybe a bit of Spanish to boot, definitely check out Sesame Street - Old School, which covers some of the greatest hits of this landmark children's show from its inception in 1969, till 1974. I'll be buying this for my 2-year-old niece this Christmas!

Posted by tracy on October 16, 2006
Comments (3) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Spring forward with these fall bags

Why wait till spring to appreciate the flowers? This Marimekko Blum Bag is for the gal who is unafraid to show her colorful, exhuberant side. It's a great accessory to show off your fashion sense in full bloom! I fell in love with this pattern at Crate & Barrel and was thrilled to find it on a bag at Repro Depot. This site carries a wide variety of bags with funky, yet tasteful, geometric patterns and colors.

Posted by tracy on October 17, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Chocolate: The cure for what ails ya!

I received a sample box of these chocolates on Thursday and they were gone by Sunday. I devoured most of them by myself, but did share one or two with my sister Tara and contributor Janet.

They were decadent. I'm normally a dark chocolate girl myself, but these milk chocolate sweets made me seriously rethink that position.

I started off with a positively twisted crispy salted pretzel which was generously coated with a thick layer of milk chocolate. It was the perfect combination of sweet and salty (A salt-lover at heart, Janet really dug the saltiness).

The crackin' up classic graham was similarly covered with tons of milk chocolate and transported me back to the days of s'mores in front of the campfire. I love that the graham was crisp and not stale like other chocolate-covered grahams I've tried. Hmmmm, I wonder if they'll try chocolate covered s'mores next! If so, count me in!

I have to say that my very favorite was the pillow talk melt-in-your mouth marshmallows. Again with the generous layer of chocolate over a soft squishy marshmallow. Decadent.

Janet and Tara quickly snatched up the two peanut crunch bars and looooved them. Tara tried it first and tasted coconut. Janet showed up afterward and said the EXACT same thing.

I give these chocolates an A+. If I were you, I'd order some right now. What's even better is that b.sweets is donating 20% of its online sales of the ultimate Chocolate Rx 12 oz. sampler box to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Chocolate for a cause! What could be better!

Posted by megan on October 18, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Crazy Hair Alert!

Unfortunately, I was not one of those lucky people born with beautiful, silky-straight hair. Mom and Dad had curly hair, so I didn't even have a chance. Instead of accepting the genes I inherited, I spent most of my teen years fighting my natural curls with a blowdryer and straightening iron.

Years later, I finally realized that taking an hour and a half to do your hair every morning is just not worth it (sleep is so much better!). I've finally learned to embrace my curls after finding (through much trial and error) an amazing product from Paul Mitchell.

This Sculpting Foam (Medium Hold) is a conditioning mousse that gives your curls lift without the sticky, crunchy-hard texture that comes with other alcohol-laden mousses. For even more moisture, try a great tip I learned from my hair stylist: start with a dime-sized amount of any hair serum (such as Biosilk Silk Therapy Treatment or John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum) and then dispense the foam directly on top, mix it together and scrunch it into your hair. You'll get bouncy, shiny curls that last all day!

Posted by Tara on October 19, 2006
Comments (2) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

I want the natural glow too!

After hearing all the buzz about the Bare Escentuals line, I finally gave in and realized what they have been saying is true; this is the most amazing foundation I have ever used!

Because my fair, freckled skin tends to get splotchy and dry, I have a really hard time finding makeup. I was gifted the starter kit for my birthday and from the very first use I could tell I was going to love this product. My freckles still shine through all the while giving my skin a beautiful glow and even tone. What I love the most is that I can hardly tell I have anything on my face.

I got the starter kit from Sephora, but the Bare Escentuals site offers the kit plus three freebies For the same price!

Posted by Krista on October 20, 2006
Comments (4) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Understated Halloween Decor!? Tell me it's true!

If you're like me, you absolutely love Halloween, but the typical garish Halloween decorations make you cringe! My never-ending hunt for minimalist Halloween decorations proves to be very exhausting. Boy was I thrilled when I came across these Haunted Houses. I bought one three years ago and absolutely love it. the line continues every year, and I'm able to add little things like trees, gates and ghosts to build it up. They have a huge selection of similar items for Halloween, Check them out! What's even better is the 15% off and Free Shipping on all orders above $65.

Posted by Krista on October 21, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Toast to a Cause!

Have I mentioned that I love the bubbly? There's nothing better, I tell ya. So, when I heard about these little cans of sparkling wine, I just had to try it myself. The people at Francis Ford Coppola were kind enough to send me a sample and boy was I surprised when I opened an entire bottle. Of course I couldn't devour the whole bottle by myself (which is why I love the idea of the single-serving can), so I brought the bottle to a party and shared it with the girls. It was a huge hit, even with girls who don't normally care for white wine or Champagne! I found it light with a touch of sweetness and just the right amount of sparkle.

'Scuse me, I'm off to pick me up a four-pack. The boys have beer - I'll have my bubbles! And since cans can be unsightly, I've discovered these adorable limited edition, Riedel Pink 'O' Champagne glasses. Not only are these cute as can be, but they're for a cause - 15% of all proceeds will be donated to the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Foundation and shipping is free!

Posted by megan on October 22, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Be warm AND cute

Winters here and in New England are pretty darn cold! On more than one occasion, I find myself layering up with thermal pants and shirts during these cold months. I came across these adorable Meow Thermal Pants that will suit that purpose perfectly! Why settle for boring solid-color thermies when you can be all cute? My sentiments exactly!

Grab the matching Meow Long Sleeve Thermal Top and you've got yourself just about the cutest set of pajamas ever made. And you'll be snug as a bug in a run, to boot!

Posted by megan on October 23, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

What do you think greed smells like?

As a follow-up to my recent entry on a different kind of perfumerie, I wanted to share with you my experiences with the fragrances from the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, which specializes in "formulating intriguing, compelling body and household blends with a dark, romantic Gothic tone."

Tuesday, I wore Laudanum (the essence of the most debauched hunger encapsulated into a perfume. Desire beyond love, anguish beyond sanity. Nutmeg, sassafras, black poppy and myrrh.) to work. The first thing I (and others, whom I asked to take a whiff of it on me) smelled was cinnamon, then an smoky, incense-y type scent followed.

Wednesday, I tried Greed (base and earthy, yet glittering with golden notes: patchouli, heliotrope, copal and oakmoss). This one generated some great unsolicited comments! The patchouli is VERY weak in this...you can smell it, but it's mixed nicely with the flowery scent of the heliotrope; that's not to say this is a true sweet flowery scent, tho. Again, there is a slight smell of incense, which I believe is the copal, the definition of which I had to look up (Copal is a more mature form of resin. The word copal comes from the Spanish word copalli which means incense.)

Thursday, it was Lust (red musk, patchouli, ylang ylang and myrrh), which I thought was particularly appropriate, as I went to an adult toy party ;-) This smelled sweeter than Greed, I'm sure from the ylang ylang. I like the darkness the myrrh gives to it.

Friday, Les Infortunes de la Vertu (...blend of leather, oakmoss, orange blossom, amber, and rose with a breath of virginal French florals and a hint of austere monastic penitential incense): When I first put it on, it smelled JUST like English Leather, an inexpensive men's cologne from back in the day. But after it settled, the incense in it really came through. My first thought was YUCK; my thought after a bit was ... not bad, not bad at all, but more for a man than a woman.

Saturday was Verdandi (Deep herbs and apple with black amber): I was looking forward to trying this one, and I liked it, but in addition to apple, I smell...bubblegum? It reminds me of a car freshener I had when I lived in Japan LOL!

Sunday, it was Calliope--she is the scent of creative inspiration, and it is a boon to writers, poets and arbitrators (lavender and bright mint with bergamot, verbena, thyme and a touch of sweet orange and warm almond): It smells a bit musty, not musty, but...old bookish smelling, if that makes sense. Ahhh, it smells like something, it's right on the tip of my tongue...PLAYDOUGH!!! hahaha it smells like playdough, too funny!

The company also hosts a trading forum; so if you don't like something you ordered, even if it's just an "imp"; you can trade it for something else!

I really liked Laudanum, Greed & Lust. The rest are up for grabs...anyone interested?

Posted by Janet on October 24, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Might as well face it I'm addicted to...lotion!

Maybe it's age, maybe it's habit, maybe it's my neurotic side showing, but I have to put lotion every time I wash my hands. While hanging with my cousin this weekend, I offered her some lotion, because manners dictate that much like gum or mints, if you take out lotion, you have to offer it to everyone. My cousin partook of some of my Aveda Hand Relief lotion and was immediately shocked by how smooth it made her hands feel. I find it a bit pricey at $20 for 5oz. but I'm willing to pay for quality. Pick up the limited-edition Pink Ribbon Hand Relief and $4 goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Get smooth hands and help find a cure for Breast Cancer; two birds, one stone!

Posted by megan on October 25, 2006
Comments (1) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Bananas not included

Turn one of the childhood games of your youth into a stylish fashion accessory with this sterling silver Barrel O' Monkeys necklace. If you ask me, someone should make an entire line of jewelry based on old kids' games from the 70s and 80s. They should make a Cootie, a Mr. Potato Head, and an Atari 2600 joystick, for starters. Collect em! Trade em! Hey, why hasn't anybody from Hasbro called me lately???? I got a million ideas for ya! :)

Posted by tracy on October 25, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Ohhhh, that tingles!

I've finally found a shampoo and conditioner I love - the scent, the bubbles, and even the way the conditioner feels cool on my scalp!

It's by a company called Pureology; their products are 100% vegan, completely biodegradable, made especially for coloured-treated hair and boy do they smell good! I love the Hydrate shampoo and conditioner; it has an AntiFadeComplex, which extends and provides protection for my hair color.

They also have shampoos and conditioners for Volume and Straightening as well as a ton of different types of styling products.

I find it a bit on the expensive side for shampoo, but my hair is totally worth it! Give it a try...you'll be glad you did!

Posted by Janet on October 26, 2006
Comments (9) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Beauty for a Buck

I've seen it around (in practically every magazine I read) but for some reason I never visited the site until my cousin raved about it. Like me, she's a bargain shopper, so when she happened upon e.l.f., she just had to share.

e.l.f. (eye lips face) is a cosmetics brand that is the uber bargain - every item is just $1. Now, this is no dollar-store quality make-up, oh no. This stuff is great quality, there's a huge selection and it's cheap!

Check out this Color Therapy Kit for just $10 with 20% of proceeds going to Women's Informational Network Against Breast Cancer. A cute bag and a ton of pink goodies for a good cause. Go ahead. You know you want to!

Posted by megan on October 27, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

It was a dark and stormy night...

When I was in Portland, ME recently, I popped into a pub for a pint...of pumpkin ale! It was by the Shipyard Brewery, quite delicious AND was served in the most awesome pint glass! On the front is the pumpkinhead, on the back a VERY scary jack-o-lantern...and the bottom of the glass is orange, to give the pumpkin ale a nice glow. I forgot to pick up a couple of the glasses while I was there, so I ordered some on Monday. Tuesday, they arrived at my house in the mail! Great customer service, and quick too!

Posted by Janet on October 28, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Extra! Extra! Get your free lingere!

Our neighbor lingerie shopping blog is giving away lingerie!

The Lingerie Post, a weblog must like ours, blogs about hot new styles and bargains in the lingerie industry, is giving away luxury lingerie to a lucky subscriber every season. Anyone who is subscribed to the Daily Lingerie Post is eligible to win each season. Four times a year they're going to spoil their readers with the fancy lingerie that they talk about every day. All you have to do is sign up for their Daily Lingerie Post. I'm in!

Posted by megan on October 28, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Cute, cheery, and plenty of room for your bubble gum!

'Round these here parts I'm known for my handbag fetish; I'm always carrying a different bag every time I'm seen. I have a tendency toward bright, cheerful, colorful bags and this little discovery from Karmaloops fits the bill perfectly. I just love the retro bubble gum and candy pattern, it brings me back to the days of 5-cent bubble gum.

Posted by megan on October 29, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Because, in the winter, everyone has dry skin

I got an email from A Girl Must Shop reader monique recently about her favorite dry skin product:

"This is my favorite winter-time product. The cold, dry weather is so harsh on my skin and this is the only thing I've found that can cure dry cracked skin (lips or knuckles) literally overnight. I used to get chapped lips that lasted for months, but since I've started using aquaphor at bedtime I haven't had a problem."

I am also a huge fan of Aquaphor. I keep a tube beside my bed and apply it on all my dry spots before bed. I also find it really helpful for itchy, irritated skin. Thanks Monique!

Posted by megan on October 30, 2006
Comments (0) | Tell a friend
|

Related Entries

Guzman's Blueberry Salsa

Some people LOVE salsa. Me? I like it. Occasionally I'll sit down with salsa and a bowl of chips, but not often. But, when my sister brought home Guzman's Blueberry Salsa from a trek to Maine, I instantly became an addict and quickly depleted my sister's supply. She travels up to Maine a few times a summer and sometimes she'll bring me a jar and I'll be in heaven for a week until the jar is finished and then I begin to suffer from withdrawal.

Well, withdrawal no more! I just discovered that Guzman's Blueberry Salsa can now be purchased on the internet. Not only that, but they have a ton of different flavors. Go ahead, treat yourself. But a word to the wise - grab more than one jar - otherwise you'll be hit with the worst case of withdrawal you've ever know. What a great gift idea, too!

Posted by megan on October 31, 2006
| Tell a friend
|

Related Entries