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Gift Guide: Book ‘Em, Danno

By |December 19th, 2011|Gift Guide|
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Oh, hey, bookworm here.  You may think that doling out books as holiday gifts is pretty lame and something your Uncle Arthur might do, but I’m here to let you in on a little secret.  You’re wrong.  Yes, yes, it’s true… I’m partial to books… especially of the non e-book/iBook variety… so you may argue that I’m biased.  And let’s be serious, you may very well be right, but have you ever thought about how thoughtful a book can be?  Selecting a book for someone is personal enough to show that you are paying attention to his or her interests without being so personal as to shed light on your stalkerish ways.  Also, just like reality shows, there’s a book out there about just about anything under the sun.  If you find yourself feeling stumped over what to pick out for someone on your list, perhaps you head to your closest Barnes & Noble and start skimming.

California Design, 1930-1965: “Living in a Modern Way”, $49.98, Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Colors, $13.22, Black and White (And a Bit in Between), $33.50, The New French Interior, $33.50

Home Made, $26.66, Momofuku Milk Bar, $23.92, Silver Book of Cocktails: 1,001 Cocktails for Every Occasion, $25.61, Sparkle Cupcakes: The Little Black Book, $13.17

The Art Book, $18.71, Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color, $26.06, Mario Testino: Portraits, $68.08, Helmut Newton: Polaroids, $59.99

 Making Faces, $13.89, The Fashion Questionnaire, $35.05, Jacques Helleu and Chanel, $125, Carine Roitfeld Irreverent, $100

A lot less geeky than you thought, huh?   Could the bookworm be the new black?

xx,

WhyDid

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar, $9.99, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, $15, I’m So Happy It’s Happy Hour, $21.95

Why Did You Eat That: Mulling Things Over

By |December 19th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|
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You know what will clear a cold right up?  Mulled wine.  Okay, not really.  That’s an old wives tale.  You also shouldn’t give your crying baby whiskey.  However, mulled wine is pretty glorious for chilly winter get togethers.  It’s especially delightful when sipped fireside with friends.  You might think warm wine sounds ridiculous, but I promise that once you give mulled wine one sip (or two, or three…) you’ll have a new favorite winter cocktail.  It’s also pretty easy to make (and double for bigger parties).

Ingredients:

  • 2 large oranges
  • 12 whole cloves
  • 12 allspice berries
  • 12 whole black peppercorns
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 bottles (6 cups) fruity red wine – Might I suggest merlot?
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brandy

Directions:

  1. With a fine grater, zest, then juice the oranges. 
  2. In a large pot (not aluminum), combine zest, juice, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon. 
  3. Pour in wine, sugar, and brandy. 
  4. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low; simmer until flavors have melded, about 30 minutes (or until it smells more like cider than well, bad). 
  6. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve and garnish with cinnamon stick, if you’re fancy.
  7. Serve immediately in a mug (a glass will not do- we learned this the hard- and hot- way). 

No need to mull this over any further.

xx,
WhyDid

The List Volume LXI

By |December 17th, 2011|The List|
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Oh hey guys, I’ve been under the weather… hence my disappearing act.  While laying in bed cursing both left and right nostrils, I’ve had plenty of time to think about things that suck.  Here’re just a few.

  1. The Chipmunk movie.  Not everything needs to be re-visited. 
  2. Razor scooters.  If you’re over the age of, let’s say eight, and still riding one, you’re doing it wrong.
  3. Your artsy emo photos.  Not even Instagram is gonna make that apple more interesting.
  4. Facial piercings… unless, of course, you’re Rooney Mara.  Then you can do whatever you want.
  5. “Nom, nom, nom.”  I can’t even put into words what seeing this makes me want to do.  I hate mouth noises in real life… let alone your ridiculous simulated status update ones.
  6. Speaking of food related status updates.  No one wants to see a picture of your shitty dinner or stupid vodka tonic.  If your food is in the shape or Mount Rushmore or perhaps there’s liquid nitrogen coming out of your glass, maybe- maybe– I’m interested.  Otherwise, you’re just taking up space in my feed.
  7. Hey Sofia Vergara- we’ve been over this.  Leggings are NOT pants. 
  8. Parking spot vultures.
  9. Tile countertops.
  10. Mascara commercials that clearly use fake eyelashes and/or CGI.  No mascara is that good.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to drown my sorrows in Nyquil.

xx,
WhyDid

photo via LiveStrong

Guest Post: Look to the Stars

By |December 15th, 2011|Guest Blogger|
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Celebrities are always a step ahead of the game when it comes to hairstyles and fashion, thanks to free “samples” from designers, so it makes sense to look to those in the spotlight for up and coming trends.  Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve or just adding a few items to your wardrobe, take a look at these five trends celebs have been seen sporting lately.

1. Jewel Tones

Rich, vibrant, saturated colors have been seen on everything lately – from eyelids  to clothing, and even nail polish.  Need a little inspiration?  Browse through your grandma’s jewelry collection and draw ideas from your favorite pieces.  Does the richness of the ruby catch your attention?  Or perhaps the deep, dark shine of the sapphire?  Find the color that speaks to you and make a bold statement by incorporating it into your apparel.

Jewel-toned eye makeup is making a major comeback as well.  The bold look adds drama to the eye, with a smoky application of the rich, pigmented colors.  Emerald green specifically, has been touted as the season’s “it” eye accent color.  Pair it with a dark crimson lip color and you’ll be the hit of your next holiday party.

2. Animal Prints

Though animal print may be considered “tacky” to some, it’s back with a vengeance.  Leopard print is particularly hot and can be found on anything from apparel, to tights, and even shoes. Celebrities have recently been seen wearing the stylish prints on the red carpet, at parties, and even in their casual everyday wear.  Adding a pop of animal print does wonders for an otherwise drab outfit. Just make sure to use animal print responsibly – overdoing it can take you from fashionista to fashion disaster very quickly.

3. Autumnal Tones

Earthy colors are on the rise this season, inspired by the warm, spicy palette of fall.  Mustard yellow is a current favorite, and celebrities are particularly loving cardigans and other knits in the vintage hue.  Adding a scarf or handbag in the color will instantly put you at the top of the trends.  Embrace the retro vibe the deep shade of yellow brings by trying pin curls on your hair or wearing red lipstick on your pout.  Spicy shades of red, sunset orange, cinnamon, and yellow-greens are all excellent choices.

4. Faux Fur

That’s right, fur is back, but not in the head-to-toe, Cruella DeVille sort of way.  Instead, it’s appearing on vests, coat collars, gloves, and hats.  Fur adds an air of cold-weather charm, while keeping the iconic look of wealth.  Pair a furry accessory with jeans and a simple tee to create an appealing mixture of retro and glam.

5. Fair Isle

This traditional knit stems from a small island north of Scotland.  Once again the trend is nothing new, but rather a resurgence of an age old fashion. We’ve been seeing this type of sweater in ski shops and woodsy towns for years, but only recently did it make its way mainstream. Try layering the rustic sweater over a collared dress shirt. The juxtaposition of contrasting styles works together to create a high-fashion ensemble.  The look works for males, females, children, and even the occasional pooch. Wear this Scandinavian-style sweater with some lace-up snow boots to complete the look.

Follow this five simple trends and you’ll be looking like a star in no time.

xx,

Lisa

 

About the Author:  Lisa is an avid yoga enthusiast who enjoys writing in her spare time for Usdirect.com.

Would You Wednesday: Rockin’ Bobbin’

By |December 14th, 2011|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|
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Recently Katy Perry chopped her locks and lightened her heinous pink hue.  In my opinion, this is the look she should have gone with in the first place.  While I’m not into the whole Strawberry Shortcake haircolor trend, I do think that IF you are… this is the way to go about it.  It’s fun.  It’s subtle.  It’s something only a platinum selling pop star could pull off.  She looks kinda fab, right?

The bob was first made popular in the 1920’s by actresses Colleen Moore and Louise Brooks.  The cut was considered a bold statement of “independence” as girls in the West had historically all had long, quite coiffed tresses.  It became more accepted as women’s long hair interfered with their work during the World War.  The popularity of the bob was reignited once again in the 1960’s by Vidal Sassoon.  The look has stuck around since then in modified versions.

Many a stylish celebrity has shorn her long locks for a bolder, more blunt bob. From Rihanna, to Kate Bosworth, to Victoria Beckham… and even more famously Anna Wintour, these ladies have highlighted their striking facial features with this sleek cut.  So, would you trade in your long locks for a brazen bob?

xx,

WhyDid

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