Yes, you can still watch yours truly on the Oprah Book Club Webcast for Uwem Akpan’s SAY YOU’RE ONE OF THEM. I made a record 5 appearances on Oprah this year! I am the first guest and appear within the first six minutes or so…and yes, Oprah and I proclaim or “best friend” status…even though it looks like she’s yelling at me in the picture above.
{Sorry for the weak screen capture…this is actually the image from The Story of Edgar Sawtelle webcast…but I didn’t change much in 4 months.}
Lunch just got a whole lot cuter! I just received these unbelievably adorable bento boxes from Mod Cloth! Bento boxes are containers that are perfect for keeping your sandwiches, fruit, bread and snacks safe from the crushing factors of bags, briefcases, purses and the general jostling of travel.
What I love about these boxes are that they elevate a simple lunch and will certainly bring smiles to the faces of everyone around. Who says a packed lunch can’t be stylish and charming?
The boxes are so cute and retro that they don’t even have to be used for food. You can use them to store practical, every day items like stamps, paper clips, notes or receipts.
I just discovered Mod Cloth the other day and have found myself completely captivated by all of the fantastic and retro items they have for sale.
I am a product junkie. I am always looking for the “miracle” product that is going to give me Gisele Bundchen’s complexion. I am learning, slowly but surely, that there really is no such thing as a miracle product and what works for one person, may not work for another. I have become a fan of Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Moisturizer (with an SPF!) and it has remained a staple in my beauty routine.
I don’t know what it is about this moisturizer (the website says it has a “total soy complex” that evens skin tone) but it makes me “Positively Radiant!” Okay, okay, that was a cheesy shot, but in all seriousness, it is an amazing moisturizer. It goes from summer to winter, which is a hard thing to find in a moisturizer, and it does not leave me feeling greasy or shiny and I never break out when using it.
I did not receive this product for free and am in no way being paid for my endorsement here. I simply purchased it at my local CVS last summer and have been hooked ever since.
So that’s my Beauty Tip Tuesday!
With more and more people doing the majority of their shopping online, the malls have become a little less daunting to those few shoppers who still like to pick things up and hold them in their hands before purchasing. Personally, I do a little bit of both. What are your favorite online shopping destinations? Do you still hit the mall to grab those last minute gifts?
With the cold winter months ahead of us, more and more people are choosing to stay home and invite their friends over instead of venturing out into the frigid winter wonderland. The kind people at President Cheese helped me get my holiday party in full gear and they have some extremely useful and charming tips for home entertainment! Their website even has “How To” videos to help you create a perfect party. Whether you are hosting an impromptu get together or a formal gathering, one of the best things (and most often the biggest crowd pleaser) is a platter of cheese and crackers. It’s easy to create and doesn’t weigh heavily on your party budget.
With more and more people becoming wine connoisseurs, hosting a wine and cheese party is also a great, no-fuss party idea. Conversation will start flowing faster than the wine and memories will be made.
Do you have any great party planning ideas? What was your most memorable party?
In trying to stay one step ahead of the “Race to Christmas Eve,” I thought I would do a little wrapping. It’s a good way to do a final tally on what you have purchased and to make sure you didn’t forget anyone or short change a loved one in the gift department. I know a lot of people who leave Christmas shopping until the days (or DAY) before Christmas (ahem, MEN!) and this just doesn’t seem sane to me, at all!
Is anyone still looking for gift ideas? Do you have people on your list that are impossible to buy for? Something that works well as a gift are things that people need or use every day, but put together in a basket and planned out, makes it a thoughtful and useful gift.
For the men in your life, do a theme basket with all of their bathroom essentials, razors, towels, a bathrobe, a shaving mirror, nail scissors, a comb, all placed inside a bathroom caddy or basket.
Gift baskets make a great present because we all love the treasure-finding aspect of being given a complete package of useful items there for us to discover.
I am always drawn to the personal, handwritten note, even more so when it comes time for the holidays. We are becoming more and more impersonal as we become more technologically advanced. I am still a sucker for the photo Christmas/Holiday cards, but I also like the handwritten note inside the card. Some people just sign their names, like they are signing a check. Or worse, they have their names printed on the cards. Some people even send a list to the printers, who print the cards, seal them, and apply postage. I want something more meaningful. Give me a quick update, a note to say “hi” and spread some holiday cheer. Maybe if we all slowed down a little and took the time to personalize our holiday cards, it would benefit our hearts and souls and bring joy to others, as well.
I am really loving the Holiday Postcard idea!
{photo courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.}
What are you reading? I am looking for some great recommendations to read over the holidays. What’s on your nightstand?
{Photo Courtesy of Barca}