Christmas Decorating Ideas

I bought the candy ornaments from Target and hung them with ribbon.  I also used gingerbread tree decorations and garland.  The lollipops are real and give the look of a decorated candy shop.

DIY your Christmas decorations.  I bought snow and twigs with glitter and added the birds to an antique glass case and the results look like something that would be bought at a store for over $50.  Be creative with what you put in the container, use what you have.

Put use to the beautiful things you inherit from your grandmother.  I used all different colors of ribbon and hing very old ornaments from the chandelier.

Have a Merry Christmas!

XOXO,

         Shasta

Gift Ideas for Family and Friends

For Mom

Coach Madison Patent Large Sophia in Brass and Camel for $398.00

The smaller version of the bag was on Oprah's favorite things, which makes it a huge want for older women.  The camel color makes it classic and the patent leather gives her a touch of trendiness. 

Cuisinart Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press at Bed Bath and Beyond for $49.99

I know you are never supposed to get your mom anything that can be plugged in, but I like this because this electronic represents simplicity.  She can make an under 10 minute meal for two and can still be healthy.

For Sister

SodaStream Genesis Soda Maker in Red at Bed Bath and Beyond for $99.99

and Soda Stream Diet Pink Grapefruit flavor for $6.99

If you haven't seen one of these yet, you have to check it out.  SodaStream has come out with a home soda maker.  I'm not a big pop drinker myself, but there is something refreshing about being able to make great tasting beverages in your home.  The best part is all the unique flavors they offer like pink grapefruit, ginger ale, and orange mango.  One flavor that I know my sister would especially love is the energy drink flavor that tastes like Red Bull.

Steve Madden 'Caryssa' Pump at Nordstrom for $129.95

I love these shoes for the holiday.  I wore mine with a plum dress at Thanksgiving and I plan to wear them all throughout the holiday.  A huge plus is that they are actually really comfortable too!

For Brother

Flip Video- MinoHD Camcorder in Silver at Best Buy for $179.99

This is especially great for the guy who likes extreme sports or just loves to party.  It's small enough for him to fit in his pocket but still takes great videos to upload.

For Dad

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins at Barnes and Noble for $8.99

 The Hunger Games is my new obsession.  It is the new hit series that all the kids are reading.  My dad loves the John Grisham novels but he goes to bed so late that he doesn't have much time to read.  This book is great because it's a quick read but it is soooooo good.  It's a story that takes place after the world ends.  The remaining people that were left behind form 13 districts run by the Capital.  There was a rebellion and district 13 got bombed and destroyed, leaving only 12 districts.  After the rebellion the Capital forms the Hunger Games to remind the other districts not to rebel against the Capital.  Every district must send in one boy and one girl between the ages of 13-18 to fight in the Hunger Games that are Nationally televised.  The Hunger Games is literally a fight till death just like the old Gladiator games.

This book, is one that you will feel all the emotions the main character feels and will keep you reading.  (I literally haven't stopped reading, I'm on the third book now.)

Ralph Lauren Blackwatch Fleece Sweatshirt for $89.50

There is nothing cuter than plaid on your old dad for the holidays and Ralph Lauren has some great plaid options this year.  I also like the red plaid tie or the white and red plaid dress shirt.

For Boyfriend

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents Earth (the book): A visitor's guide to the human race at Barnes and Noble for $14.60

I have paged through this book and it is so hilarious.  It's the perfect book for your boyfriend that loves to laugh.

Tiffany Keys Cuff Links for $200

You know how you were asking for that Tiffany Key last Christmas, and finally got it?  Well pay him back with these.

For the Dog!

Juicy Couture Dog Stocking Sleeping Bag for $85.00

I saw this and I thought it was so cute!  My dog would love to cozy inside one of these and I would never see her again!

My Wish List 2010

There are too many goodies to choose from this year.  But luckily for you, I narrowed it done a bit!  Check it out!  And let me know what's on your list!

Tory Burch Grey Flannel Reva Ballerina Flat for $195.00.  These were on Oprah's Favorite things list with the matching tote.  I am already a huge fan of the TB Ballerina Flat, they are the most comfortable shoe you will own and they look chic under a pair of work trousers.  I would wear these with my dark wash skinny jeans.

Ann Taylor Loft Twisted Boat Neck Tee for $19.50.  I know I have raved about these before, but with the weather getting colder I just can't keep them out of my laundry hamper because I wear them all the time.  They are the perfect top to warm up your short sleeve dresses or tops.  The neckline is my favorite part because they look expensive but they are so comfortable, you won't believe until you try them!

Josie 'Lucy' Pajamas at Nordstrom for $84.00.  As my dear friend L says, I am desperately "in the market" for a pair of nice pajamas.  I am looking for a black, soft, and stretchable pajama set.  I found these on Nordstrom.com and I like them.  I get too hot at night to wear flannel but it's too cold to wear my usual chemises.  I need something that is classy but still sexy.  The only thing that would make this better are matching slippers and a robe!











Philosophy Silent Night Soothing Lavender Shampoo and Shower Gel for $16.00.  I was at the store recently and tried to determine what my philosophy wish for the winter season would be.  I loved the Silent Night scent because it has that soothing scent to it but still gives you a feeling of that Holiday Happiness.

Bonus: Philosophy Silent Night Soothing Body Lotion for $16.00.  What can be better than a great Philosophy Shower Gel?  A matching Body Lotion of course!  Don't let the great smell make you think that Philosophy's lotion will actually dry you out, it does wonders with even the driest of skin.  Be prepared because you will get compliments on your scent.

Halogen Lace Trim Tank at Nordstrom for $28.00.  These are a staple in my wardrobe because they look great under any top.  I love them because they aren't like those white tanks that we use to wear that were so sheer.  These can be worn on their own as well and still look great!

Tiffany & Co. Heart Wire Ring for $175.00.
Why?  Because a girl can hope!

My New Favorite Things

Have you Heard about Heel Condoms?

They are literally little outfits for your heels.  And they are reasonable!  Imagine, you own 100 pairs of heels, now double that because each set of heels will have an outfit!  I am about to buy a set.  I will let you know the outcome!

In the meantime, check them out!  www.theheelcondoms.com

Fashion Inspired by Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

When I first heard that this movie was coming out I was so excited because I love Johnny Depp and anything Disney.  The movie has been out for a while but every time I watch it, I am so inspired by the costumes.

Alice

                                      Played by Mia Wasikowska     

The Alice in Wonderland "Drink Me" Bottle Pendant by Disney Couture Jewelry for $75.00

           Urban Renewal Johann Lace Collar Dress in Navy at Urban Outfitters for $68.00.

 Printed Floral Tight in Mercury from HUE for $16.50

 

 Deena & Ozzy Tie Back Boot in Tan at Urban Outfitters for $68.00

Mad Hatter

 

 Played by Johnny Depp

 6x6 by No. 6 Jacquard '80s Jacket in Black for at Urban Outfitters for $89.00.

Bailey 44 'Sudden Death' Top in White at Nordstrom for $174.00

DKNYC Zip Trim Skinny Twill Pants in Black at Nordstrom for $89.00

 

Dolce Vita Platform Oxford Shoe in Grey at Urban Outfitters for $178.00

 Collection XIIX 'Manor - Paisley' Oversized Square Silk Scarf in Prism Violet at Nordstrom for $58

 Belfry Tara- Floral Bow Cloche in Black/Black at Hats in the Belfry.com for $58.00

 

Use This!

Every now and then I will introduce a product that I really believe in strongly.  I am the type of person that does a lot of research on different beauty products, I use only the best and I use them for a long time. Today I am going to talk about my facial cleanser.

First you must know that I have used almost everything under the sun.  Everything from Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, Proactive, L'Oreal and Mary Kay.  My skin is combination skin, I never know how it may act, it can be dry or oily, so I really need a cleanser that is gentle but also gets the job done.  After years and years of trying new products, I read an article in Cosmo that said the best way to find skin products is to ask your dermo.  I took this advice and called mine.  (I still advise you to do this if you have a dermo)  But for those of you that don't regularly go to a dermo, I have you covered.

Without question, my dermo recommended Aveeno.  I have heard about Aveeno from sme of my roommates in college but for some reason I never considered it.  My dermo said that Aveeno is the ONLY product out there that is gentle enough not to dry out your skin but still works.  I dropped everything I was doing and ran to Walgreens.  Aveeno has a couple lines to choose from: Positively Radiant, Positively Ageless, Ultra-Calming and Clear Complexion.  I opted for the Clear Complexion line, since I was most worried about break outs.  I have tried the Daily Cleansing Pads, Foaming Cleanser, Daily Moisturizer and the Cream Cleanser.  So far I have loved all the products and I have also switched to using the body lotion.  I like Aveeno because they don't test on animals and the main ingredients used are all natural.

As I mentioned earlier, I will be talking about my face cleanser.  I use the Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser.  I really like the richness of the cream and the action of the scrubbing beads.  This product leaves my skin feeling smooth and clean.  And best yet no toner is needed.  It took a little longer for my face to clear up than say Proactive, but I feel that the longevity of the product is more important.  Not only did my face get clear but it has stayed clear and fights against breakouts.  My skin has yet (even during winter) to get dry and patchy.

My advice is to 1. contact your dermo 2. try out an Aveeno facial care line that works for your skin 3. let me know how you like it!

Shopping Bag

Here are a few things I found when I was at the mall this weekend.

I have been looking for some comfy but chic long sleeve shirts for a while now and so I was really excited when I found these at Ann Taylor.  The look for fall is to warm up the styles from summer and by wearing these tops it can be made easy.  I like how light weight they are and they have a flattering neckline that highlights your collarbone.  P.s. Ann Taylor has a great sale going on right now, it's an additional 25% off everything already marked down.  I got some great embellished tanks that I will layer under a sweater or over my new long sleeve tops I just bought.

Ann Taylor Loft Twisted Boat Neck Tee.  $19.50

 

 

Philosophy Bobbing for Apples. $25.00

 I am a huge fan of Philosophy.  I like the idea that I can get everything I need in the shower in one bottle.  Plus anything that Oprah promotes you know is top grade.  I still use my award winning shampoo and conditioner but I use Philosophy products for everyday body wash or bubble bath and then I take philosophy travel size with me anywhere I go and i use that as my shampoo and body wash.  Another thing I love about philosophy is that it can be used as a shave gel.  It is smooth enough that you razor gets a nice close shave but also keeps your legs smooth.  All summer I used Philosophy Margarita and now I am switching to the Bobbing Apples set.  My recommendation is to keep one for yourself and give the other two to two friends or keep them all for yourself.  I am excited to get into the fall spirit and start using these!

SmashBox 'Burlesque' Beauty Collection & Train Case. $79.00

You know that I already wrote a whole post on SmashBox but I recently got another makeover when I walked through Nordstroms and I am officially sold on this makeup. Right now they have a special going on for the new movie Burlesque an this package includes all the fun products that Smashbox offers.  The kit includes Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout, Limitless Liner Pen in Jet Black, Double end lip gloss in Peep/Show, O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color, Cream Eye Liner Palatte in Vixen, Eyeshadow Quad in Entice, Fusion Soft Lights in Tease and Loose shimmer in Burlesque.  I really liked the O blush and the eyeshadow but everything in there was awesome.  Some other things that are worth checking out at SmashBox is the Moisturizer, the Halo Powder and the Light Primer.  I also lost my first O-Gloss since I carried it around in my front pocket like a 7th grader for a month so I had to buy a new one. Smashbox is the perfect brand for a woman who needs a grown-up look for work but also wants to be able to create a going out look as well.

The New In Thing

I have a lot of single friends.  For the last three years we have been out and about trying different bars and different pick-up lines.  I am getting sick of it.

A couple of my friends have started to try online dating.  I have one friend that is on Match.com and she seems to love it.  She really likes the feature that you can see who is looking at your profile.  Match.com has the payments set up in different packages.  For instance my friend is paying around $18 every month for three months.  That didn't seem that bad to me.

I have another friend who is OKCupid.com.  This is a free site.  I thought all the losers would be on the free site but I thought wrong.  It seems like the people that are on OKCupid are just feeling out the online dating lifestyle.  She has been on a couple dates with men and although nothing has progressed further she said that it is still fun to go out and get a drink with someone new and the conversation is excellent.

I have another friend who is on J Date and I know that she also really likes it.  This is a Jewish dating site, but there are also a lot of people that aren't Jewish as well.  She has been the most successful so far, as she has gone on the most dates and has met the most people.

Please leave a comment if you are using a dating site that you like or a new one that I didn't look into.

Wish List

I have a small obsession with Jessica Simpson shoes.  I know they fit will and I know they are always head turning shoes.  I like the Junie clog because I am in desperate need of a great clog for fall.

I also can't stop loving keys for jewelry.  This Key Cocktail Ring from House of Harlow 1960 because it's an understated antique piece.

Another shoe brand that I love is Tory Burch.  I am obsessed with their flats because they go with everything.  But the Julianne Leopard Wedge is a neat change in pace.  I know that these will be comfortable and they are practical with the wedge.  But the leopard print makes them fun.

I have been dying to get an accessory piece from Marc Jacobs line for a long time.  They have adorable bangle bracelets and odd shaped earrings.  I really love this Sealed with a kiss Barrette because it adds spice to a simple outfit.  I think it would look cute with a LBD.  

I came across this Francesca Feather Skirt from Alice + Olivia and I think it is so interesting.  The two tone of the skirt makes it look more modern.  I also love how it is styled with combat boots to show an edge with frills.