With fashionable accessories, of course!

I have a boring, slate blue phone that’s pretty much constantly in my hand.  If you’ve got teens or workaholics people on your shopping list – and who doesn’t? – you know what I’m talking about. They might as well have the gadget glued to their palm, right?

I received the Lavish Leopard style phone “skin” from SkinIt and voila, my phone’s got a whole new look!  I get compliments daily, and everyone wants to know where I got it.  The “skin” is basically a sticker that can easily peel off without harming whatever device you apply it to.  That means you can be stylish without voiding your warranty, so no worries!

I love that the SkinIt covers don’t add any bulk to my phone, the way that expensive plastic covers do.  It offers the same protection and personalization without becoming uncomfortable in my pocket.  I certainly don’t need any extra in the thigh area!

I highly recommend SkinIt for all the teens on your holiday list – boys or girls – and fashionable adults as well.  And if you’ve got some shopping to do for those caught up in the Twilight craze, look no further.  SkinIt offers a wide selection of New Moon skins and stickers that will cover all your gadgets (no pun intended).

When you’ve got a bunch of technology addicted friends like I do, it can be difficult to find gifts for them!  True geeks seem to already have amassed all the latest and greatest technology.  My little brother is a computer addict and already has the special keyboard, headset, gamer mouse – you name it, he has it.  So what’s left?

Surprisingly, he doesn’t have a laptop bag.  Something so simple, and yet it’s missing!  I find this to be the case with a lot of my tech friends; they’ve got high end equipment but they’re tossing into their backpacks or tucking it under their arms, rather than storing it safely.

When I got a new laptop in the fall, the first thing I did was start looking for a bag for it!  Probably because I’m so addicted to purses…  Pinder was kind enough to send me their GiddyUp bag (pictured above) in Black & Lime.

Best.Bag.Ever.  It’s so functional and convenient that I often toss a few vital items into this bag and skip bringing my purse altogether.  A bag that’s replaced my purse?  Seriously, you know it’s got to be good.

“Are you looking for a laptop bag that has room for files/folders, lightweight, protective, water repellent and doesn’t look like a traditional laptop bag? Then the new GiddyUp laptop tote is ready to be your new best friend. With a durable ballistic nylon exterior and 100% cruelty-free faux leather trim, the GiddyUp will keep you and your laptop looking snazzy. It offers one zip compartment to carry your laptop and another compartment to carry all that other stuff like your power supply, mouse, folders, files and magazines.”

The GiddyUp comfortably fits my Mac, laptop charger, cellphone, wallet, planner, two notebooks, a folder of press releases, pens, lip gloss, and whatever else I know I’m going to need during the day.  That’s actually more than my purse holds – by far! – so you can see why I’ve started carrying it all the time.

The GiddyUp is incredibly well made, stylish, and durable.  Currently, it’s on sale for $40 and offered in a wide range of colors.  I love the big handles, but there is another style available with a much smaller handle as well.  You can also visit sister site Gut Cases for a range of cases for hand held devices sch as Blackberries and iPhones.

As much as I love getting whimsical gifts and pretty trinkets, my true favorites are the most practical.  A practical gift doesn’t have to be “un-fun” or boring – I’m not talking a set of spatulas or monogrammed hand towels.  There’s a huge middle ground, where practicality meets fun; no matter who you’re shopping for, you find items they need AND want!

One of my favorite gifts this season is a stylish coffee mug!  Whether you’re shopping for a business woman, a student, a mom with errands to run – or really, just anyone who leaves the house – a coffee mug is a gift that will be used over and over again.  And each time your lucky lady pours in her favorite blend, she’ll think of you’re fabulous gift giving sensibility!

Aladdin is a brand that immediately caught my eye due to their huge range of products and the gorgeous graphics.  I was sent some fab products to review, each and every one of which is a perfect gift for the ladies on your list!  Let’s check out some of my faves.

16oz Create-Your-Own Mug, $13

“Consider this mug your blank canvas. It can display just about anything you can dream up– original artwork, photos, even your beloved sticker collection.”

What a genius idea!  If you’ve got a doodler on your hands, this is a great gift for them.  I think that teen girls will like this mug a lot as well; they’re always writing each other notes and writing on end of the year tees & yearbooks is a big deal.  So how about giving them a DIY mug that their friends can design for them (probably during a boring math class)?

16oz Hybrid Stainless Steel Travel Mug, $10

“A classic everyday item, this mug is made with a mix of stainless steel and plastic so you can enjoy durability without sacrificing style.”

This is a totally chic option for moms, aunts, and anyone else who likes a little pop but not a lot of flair.  Totally streamlined, this mug is perfect for travel and the wide handle will make grabbing your mug while navigating your morning routine perfectly simple! The top trend purple makes this a total winner, but there are also gorgeous shades of blue and grey available.

12oz Artist Series Insulated Mugs, $20

“The worlds of art and coffee collide in the new Aladdin Artist Series that puts art in your hands! This first-edition collection features the orginal artwork of six different artists.”

These fun insulated mugs immediately made me think of my graphic design major friends!  They’re such a great update from the usual, boring silver/grey mugs.  These are really fun for kids that like to take hot chocolate with them in the morning, or ones that go camping (even if it’s just in the backyard).

20oz Artist Series Insulated Art Bowl, $20

“Spend your lunch hour savoring beauty with the new Aladdin Artist Series that puts art in your hands. This first-edition collection features the orginal artwork of six different artists.”

Another great graphic piece!  Mini fashionistas can take their lunches, while big girls will be happy to do the same.  I love the color coordination between the bowl, lid, and graphic design.  Last night’s leftover’s are suddenly much more appealing in one of these beauties, and so are those healthy soups and salads that weren’t much fun to eat before.  Oh and did I mention that these bowls remain cool to the touch, but are microwave safe?  Score!

10oz Recycled & Recyclable Snack Container, $7

“Do your part for the planet (and your wallet) with this fun recycled snack container. Make your own munchies (or buy in bulk) and pack it all to go so you can snack wherever, whenever.”

Now that’s affordable!  This is one piece I’m definitely keeping for myself; it fits perfectly into my purse or laptop bag.  I’ve been filling mine with trail mix, dried fruit, or nuts for healthy snacking.  The vending machines on campus are so much less tempting when I know I’ve got a delicious option with my already – plus it’s a lot cheaper to bring snacks from home!

24oz Clean & Clever Water Bottle, $12

“Don’t be fooled by its good looks. This water bottle is good for you, too! It’s made with Bisphenol-A free Eastman Tritan copolyester plastic, which is durable, crystal clear and dishwasher safe.”

This is the same bottle pictured at the very top; it’s my favorite piece!  I buy water in 3L jugs, which aren’t exactly portable.  However, they’re much cheaper and more eco-friendly than buying 8oz bottles in bulk.  I have a stash of water bottles, but a lot of them get “gross,” and don’t seem to get clean enough when I wash them.  The Clean & Clever Water Bottle is a real gem; it’s big and see through, so I can remember if I’m drinking water or ice tea and not top off with the wrong beverage.  It also fits perfectly into my purse or laptop bag, even when I’ve got the Recycled Snack Container in there as well.

For more Aladdin products, check out their website.  There’s are four main sections:  Drink It Hot, Drink It Cold, Do Lunch, and Kiddos.  Each are chock full of products you are your loved ones will use all year long!

Whether using a simple point-and-shoot camera or an advanced SLR (single lens reflex) model, the Grimms’ new book takes you through the steps to improve, display, print, and preserve your digital images.  The authors answer all our questions about the mechanics of digital cameras so you can become more creative and have pride in all your pictures.

You’ll learn how to print your own photos, pt together a snazzy slideshow, show off your pictures on the Internet, shoot successfully with a cell phone camera, and back up favorite images for posterity.

Whether you are new to digital photography or have been shooting for several years, you’ll discover ‘The Basic Book of Digital Photography’ is the most comprehensive and readable reference for all your photographic pursuits.”

This is an amazing resource for the photography lover in your life – maybe someone you gave a camera to last year?  Or if you know of someone who’s going to be gifted a camera this season (like a sibling), this will be a great “part two” gift; just make sure yours doesn’t get opened first and spoil the surprise!

I love the clear illustrations this book uses, as I’m a total visual learner.  There are even photographs of where certain buttons and features are on the camera, which is super helpful if you or your loved one is a novice photographer.  The color photos are incredibly beautiful, and make the book even more of a treasured reference.

Another cute idea is to pair this book with a Sharper Image Digital Photo Frame, 2.4″ Portable Viewer or Sharper Image 16310 Digital Photo Frame, Keychain!  Then the lucky recipient can not only take better pictures, but then show them off in a tech savvy way!  Good old fashion Nexxt by Linea Picture Frame, 27.5″ Shim Collage and a ream of photo paper will be a thoughtful accompaniment as well.  And of course, don’t forget your OWN camera so you can snap a few shots of your thoughtful gifts being unwrapped!

The Basic Book of Digital Photography: How to Shoot, Enhance, and Share Your Digital Pictures

I was sent a copy for review.

Not just for active gals, Lucky Legs has done wonders for reviving my stiff legs after a long day of sitting at the computer.

This is the jackpot of rescue remedies to help relieve your hard-working legs and feet when they are just exhausted, swollen, heavy and in need of intense refreshment. A mini-spa treatment that glides on to instantly cool and ease weary limbs from knees to tippy toes.

Clinically tested ingredients leave you with feather-light legs, reducing discomfort and helping circulation. You will also notice a super-subtle sparkly-shimmer on your shins; this is the ultimate knees-up for your knees down!

I was so happy to get the opportunity to review Lucky Legs and couldn’t wait to receive my complimentary tube. It sat on my desk for about a week before I remembered it was there, and I finally noticed it and decided to give it a try last night.

The subtle sparkle is fabulous… I wanted to slather this all over my whole body after I saw how pretty my legs looked all shimmery!! It felt lovely on my legs for a few moments… enough to give me the sense of calming relief. And the scent is what relaxed me the most I think… although it did remind me of toothpaste. Overall I did notice a sense of relief in my legs that were, quite frankly, sore and tired from not getting enough activity that day. Sitting at a desk all day isn’t as relaxing as it sounds…

I think this would make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas or a great addition to a gift basket. It’s also nice to have on hand for when you feel like relaxing and treating yourself to a little “me time”.

$19.50 on mamamio.com

Top Notes: Awakens with a bright introduction of crisp exotic Persimmon enveloped in a lush Green Accord and enhanced by a burst of juicy Sicilian Bergamot.

Mid Notes: Twinkle Orchid and Champaca Flower notes masterfully blended with vibrant White Honeysuckle, add femininity and mystery to euphoria signature’s floral heart of dewy Lotus Blossom.

Dry Down: Transparent White Sandalwood mignles with sheer liquid Amber and a tempting Bailey’s Cream Accord, bursting to the finale of intoxicating, yet weightless, sensuality.

From now until December 31st, shoppers will receive a complimentary box of Lake Champlain chocolate with the purchase of any 3.4 oz or greater Euphoria purchase – exclusively at Macy’s, while supplies last.  You can keep both for yourself, give them together as a very special gift, or split them up and cover two friends at once!

You can purchase Calvin Klein’s Euphoria in several forms online as well.  Here are some of my favorite gift giving options:

Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Toilette 1 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Calvin Klein euphoria Eau de Toilette Rollerball 0.33 oz Eau de Toilette Rollerball

Calvin Klein euphoria Rollerball Set ($60 Value) Euphoria Rollerball Set

Calvin Klein euphoria 5 oz Luxurious Body Cream

Calvin Klein euphoria 6.7 oz Sensual Skin Lotion

I received samples of euphoria and the Lake Champlain chocolates.

Soft wool blend legwarmer with metallic finish featuring rolled bottom hem and ribbed banding along the top. Elastic banding along the side. These are so cute and would make a great gift for a teenager, young adult or any fashion-forward woman on your Christmas list!

Get these for only $38 on pinkmascara.com

“Sarah’s Choice”, the new pro-life movie from PureFlix Entertainment starring Grammy Award winner Rebecca St. James.

This is a great movie for the whole family. Wholesome, heart-warming, and a must-see for all young women.

Synopsis:

Sarah Collins is a young woman on the elevator of success. As a junior account executive at a major advertising agency, Sarah is poised to get it all: executive promotion, salary increase, new car, fabulous apartment and first-class travel. There’s only one thing that is standing in her way, an unexpected pregnancy.

Sarah has a choice. Her friends and co-workers insist that she has the right to choose a path that offers a successful career and unlimited rewards. Others advise Sarah of another choice a choice that will not only change her life but also the lives of her loved ones now and forever.

Sarah’s Choice is a film that offers compelling moral reasons to choose life.

It’s the perfect gift for your daughter, grand daughter or any young woman on your Christmas list!

Purchase “Sarah’s Choice” on Amazon.com for $15.99

tarte is one of my very favorite brands – the combination of cute packaging, high quality products, and reasonable prices is perfect!  While I’m normally impressed by their offerings, I’m especially enamored with their holiday offerings.  Whether the lady you’re shopping for is a hardcore fashionista, an eco-friendly femme, or just looking for a bit of glitz, tarte’s got the perfect gift.

Gifts Under $25

Tarte Three Carats Mini Cheek Stain Set – $25

“Three is definitely a charm when it comes to these best-selling bejeweled beauties!  The ultimate stocking stuffer, three carats mini cheek stains are infused with Tarte’s natural, t5 super fruit complex and available in three brand new, limited edition shades:  brilliant (shimmering champagne), princess (shimmering rose), and cushion (shimmering deep apricot).  The iconic, best-selling and award-winning cheek stains give you the perfect flush by easily blending into skin for a naturally rosy glow.  Cheek stains can be worn alone, or under or over foundation and powder and the easily buildable coverage gives you compete control so you can glow where and when you want to!  These blinged-out minis are all dressed up with diamond-inspired lids-and we all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend any time of year!”

Tarte FRXtion 0.12 oz – $11

“Tarte FRXtion Sugar Lip Exfoliator and Soothing Balm features exfoliating sugar crystals and vitamin E vanilla lip balm to soothe, calm, and protect lips.  A built-in mirror on the cap allows for on-the-go application.”

Tarte Femme Naturale Eye Palette – $44 ($182 Value)

“Show the world your softer side with this subdued palette packed with essentials.  A reusable purple case is accented with a fabric flower applique and filled with 10 universal eyeshadows, a double-ended brush, and a double-ended eyeliner.  The magnetic base allows you to refill and reuse, which helps to eliminate environmental waste.”

Tarte Crown Jewels Lipgloss Multi-Gift Set – $39

“3-gifts-in-1!  Each individually boxed set of 5 deluxe, brand-new glosses is attached to the lavish silver gift box – so you have the option of giving the entire set as one jaw-dropping gift or you can break apart each individual gloss set to create 3 deluxe gifts for friends, family, or co-workers.  The glosses are richly pigmented and glide on smooth, while helping to protect and repair lips thanks to our t5 super fruit complex.  Thanks to the easy-tear perforated tabs, you can simply and cleanly tear each set out without a trace.  Each individually boxed set comes complete with a removable gift-giving label on the front and a beautifully etched note on the back – so no wasteful wrapping paper or cards needed!  We’ve done all the work to make you the ultimate gift-giving goddess this holiday season.”

Tarte Femme Fatale Eye Palette – $44 ($182 Value)

“A reusable, gold-studded case that includes 10 eye shadows and an eyeliner that creates a smoldering smoky eye.”

Gifts Under $75

Tarte Treasure Chest – $52

“The annual, best-selling palette is back and 30% bigger!  As a gift to you, tarte has added an entire layer of eye shadows – yes, that’s an extra 16 full-sized eye shadows! – all for the same great price.  Whether gifting your friend, sister, mother, (or maybe yourself!), this breathtaking palette is sure to draw “oohs” and “ahhs” as each decadent layer is unveiled.  Packed with 32 new and full-sized eye shadows, 16 new lip glosses, and the best-selling Park Ave Princess mineral powder bronzer, a new shimmering highlighter, and four new powder brushes, this Sephora-exclusive bejeweled palette is sure to be at the top of everyone’s gift list and a stable on everyone’s vanity.”

Tarte Natural Beauty 7 Piece Natural Complexion Collection – $54 ($157 Value)

“A natural complexion kit that includes tarte’s best-selling, high performance natural skin-perfecting favorites.  Available in fair, light, medium, and deep shades.”

I was sent several tarte holiday samples to review, and I’m blown away!  The Crown Jewels lip gloss tower is my favorite, as I think it’s pure genius!  I’m always looking for gifts that can divided amongst friends, and tarte has provided the perfect way to do so – and without sacrificing any of the awe that will accompany the gift!  I’m also digging the silky shadows and beautifully blending blushes – tarte’s holiday collection is a home run!

Together, these ingredients are formulated to provide the best anti-oxidant care for your lips. This balm is absolutely delicious… Just imagine strawberries dipped in warm chocolate fondue… Hungry yet?

These cute little jars of lip balm are on sale for only $2.00 and make the perfect Christmas stocking stuffer!!! You can also try Earth Delight Devil’s Food Chocolate Organic Lip Balm for $2.99.

Purchase the lip balm and other cruelty-free products are available on www.madefromearth.com.