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Gift Guide: By the Numbers

By |December 20th, 2011|Gift Guide|

We’re down to the wire, people.  If you still have a few folks left on your list, chances are that you’ve either already spent all of your money on everyone else, or you were saving the best for last (wink, wink).  Whatever the case may be, it can be completely overwhelming to walk into a crowded department store, let alone the internet, full of so much stuff that you don’t know where to even begin.  So, if you’ve got a strict budget to follow, or you’re just cheap, I have sorted out some fun and festive last minute gifts that you can scoop up and save yourself from the surname of Scrooge.  This will save you the trouble of picking out something that you can’t (or don’t want to) afford.  You’re welcome.  Consider this my gift to you.

 

1. Cry About It Bandages, $7, 2. bumble and bumble Pin Tin, $15, 3. MoMA Design Store Cubes Perpetual Calendar, $15, 4. Voluspa Boxed Votive in Crisp Champagne, $7, 5. Banksy Notecard Box, $15.95,  6. philosophy Marshmallows for Toasting, $16, 7. The Modern Cocktail Champagne Topper, $9.99, 8. Salt&Pepper Bank, Oinks! Millions in the Making, $12.99, 9. Archie Grand for J. Crew Blogs Notebook, $10

 1. Monopoly Sephora Edition, $23.25, 2. D.L. & Co. Naughty/Nice Journal, $40, 3. Sonia Kashuk Silver Holiday 6pc. Brust Set, $22.99, 4. Stila Music’s Biggest Night Makeup Player, $50, 5. Bike Navigation System iPhone Case, $45, 6. Little Black Dress Hanging Jewelry Organizer, $24.99, 7. Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio, $28, 8. Bodum Eileen 8 Cup French Press Coffee Maker, $49.95, 9. Stott Pilates Eco-Friendly Mat, $44.99

1. Balenciaga L’Essence Candle, $65, 2. Michael Kors Textured Leather Passport Holder, $60, 3. Minnetonka Softsole Sheepskin Moccasins, $67, 4. Alexander McQueen Enamel Skull Key Ring, $95, 5. Gaga’s Workshop x Barney’s Diamond Teacup, $65, 6. Jonathan Adler Carnaby Porcelain Hollywood Coasters, $68, 7.  Cynthia Vincent for Piperlime Pouch, $58.99, 8. Club Monaco Michelle Beret, $60, 9. Rebecca Minkoff Set of 2 Best Friends iPhone Covers, $68,

 

 

1. Jennifer Meyer Gold ‘Love You’ Bracelet, $600, 2. Lounge Lover Travel Babe Modal and Cashmere Lounge Set, $475, 3. Portolano Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves, $125, 4. Jonathan Adler Needlepoint Backgammon Game, $295, 5. Bobbi Brown Fall 2012 Beauty Trunk, $1,000, 6. D.L. & Co. Rotten Luck Dice, $209, 7. Balenciaga Classic Skinny Leash, $275, 8. Jimmy Choo Teddy Glitter Finished Leather Luggage Tag, $195, 9. CC Home Furnishings 4 Person Eco Friendly Picnic Basket, $156.99,

Get your shopping done so you can get to what’s really important.  Eggnog.

xx,

WhyDid

 

 

Gift Guide: Book ‘Em, Danno

By |December 19th, 2011|Gift Guide|

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, $26.66Momofuku 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

Gift Guide: Little Ones

By |December 6th, 2011|Gift Guide|

I love buying gifts for the little people in my life.  I have three adorable nieces, my best friends have welcomed beautiful baby boys and girls and lets not forget that kiddos aren’t the only babies of the family.  While I have yet to birth no baby, I do have a couple little men in my life who are very, very important… and depending on who you ask, were very well behaved this year.  That’s right, I’m talking about the family pets.  They deserve some holiday cheer too.  So, when you’re playing Santa Claus this year, don’t forget that some family members would also appreciate a visit from Santa Paws.

1. Vtech ABC Text and Go, $13.99, 2. Shooting Stars in My Room Projector, $40, 3. Melissa & Doug 100 Wood Block Set, $16.99, 4. Books to Bed Paddington Bear Pajama and Book Set, $47, 5. Jellycat Truffle Puppy, $55, 6. Alex Toys Sew Fun, $85, 7. KidKraft Pink Vintage Kitchen, $134.99, 8. Larry Gets Lost in Los Angeles, $16.95, Larry Gets Lost in New York City, $16.95,

 

1. Heart U Back Dog Bone Friendship Bracelet, $29.99, 2. Alex and Ani Paw Prints Expandable Wire Bangle, $28, 3. RuffLuv Woof Faux Furr Trimmed Hoodie, $30, 4. Brian Atwoof Dogiac Shoes Toy, $11.99, 5. Jonathan Adler Puppy Uppers Jar, $138, 6. iPawd and iBone Plush Toys, $15, 7. Pawdicure Polish Pens, $10, 8. Fab Furcedes Dog Bed, $249, 9. Henri Bendel Crystal Fabuleash, $298, 10. Ralph Lauren Reindeer Dog Turtleneck, $85, 11. Petco Premium Pewter Retractable Cord Leash, $21.24-25.49

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Strawberry Fields

By |May 30th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

After bombarding you last week with bikinis and beach talk, I figured I should also lend a helping in hand in getting you bikini ready.  Upping the cardio and general physical activity will help, but changing your diet a bit will help you gain faster results.  Listen, I love pizza and pasta as much as the next girl, but even I had to come to terms with this.

I am by no means a “salad” girl (much to the chagrin of my lettuce producing dad), but after whipping up this delightful leafy mix this weekend, I was sold.  This spinach, strawberry, grilled chicken concoction can convert even the most carb addicted.  It’s light, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.  Perfect for summer afternoons on the patio.

 

Spinach, Strawberry, Grilled Chicken Salad:

  • Grilled chicken (I just used olive oil, Meyer’s lemon, and salt and pepper to season)
  • Baby spinach
  • Strawberries
  • Sliced almonds and/or pine nuts

Strawberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 pint fresh strawberries, halved
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • 1/4 teaspoon white sugar

Directions:

  1. In a blender or food processor, mix olive oil, strawberries, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, tarragon and sugar. Blend until smooth.

You look slimmer already.

xx,

WhyDid

Bowls: Jonathan Adler, Stemless wine glasses, Riedel

Beauty Buzz: Beauty and the Beach

By |May 26th, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

Memorial Day is upon us, ladies.  That means… it’s time to hit the beach and get some Vitamin D. Before you slip into your itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini, let’s pack a bag.  There are a few essentials that every girl needs when lounging in the sun as to look like a mermaid rather than a shriveled old pirate.

I know, I just can’t kick my pirate ways… Chock your beach bag full of glamorous goodies to be the fairest maiden by the sea (Check out last year’s picks).  The first step is finding a great beach bag.  Make sure it’s water repellent (or at least that you won’t care when it’s waterlogged by a rogue tidal wave).  Waterproof mascara and hydrating lip color will also have you looking polished and perky.  I like to use brown rather than black for a day at the beach so I don’t look like B-roll for the Jersey Shore.  Be careful when choosing color for your pucker- some shimmery glosses can actually increase your chances of a sunburn (yes- you can burn your lips and sadly, lip cancer is no day at the beach).  If you don’t dare dip your strands in the water, fake the look by spritzing your hair with a “wave spray” or you can make your own mixture simply by mixing salt and water in a spray bottle.

 

1. Jonathan Adler Pink Hexagon Duchess Bag, $178, 2. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $23, 3. Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Tint, $24, 4. Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse, $42, 5. Benefit BADgal Brown Mascara, $19, 6. Lauren Home Horizontal Ombre Beach Towel, $13.99, 7.Retrosun Vintage Gucci Sunglasses, $245, 8. J. Crew Summer Sun Hat, $45, 9. Havaianas Fit Sandals, $28

Now go hit the beach, beauty!

xx,

WhyDid