Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Did you know that Wii Fit hospitalizes 10 people per week? Call me tasteless, but this story cracked me up. Wii lawsuits are on the way. My exact reasoning why we should resort to the simpler Christmas presents of the 80's. Things were so much easier with Twister back in the day.
Monday, December 22, 2008
After messing up the date about ten times today at work, I think I have finally accepted the fact that it is December 22nd, 3 days before Christmas! If you are anything like me, your tree is decorated, your presents are wrapped, and you are ready to hit the buffet and mistletoe and get out of your office. My girlfriends and I spent much of the weekend trying to solve the great mystery of what did we do with ourselves over our unending college breaks? Oh, how naive we were to the fleeting "vacations" of the real world...
Fear not if your working mentality is shot on this mini work week. You can send holiday cheer from your desktop and impress all of your blasé co-workers and friends at someecards.com. The e-greetings share hilarious, witty holiday wishes such as Lets relish what will likely be our last chance to get obliterated on the company's dime or Holiday vacation time is the perfect chance to not have sex with the significant other I dont have in the apartment I can no longer afford or Your gift to me was so wonderful that I think you've been cheating.
A refreshing update from your usual Hallmark catch phrase. I'm assuming these are meant to be sent in good humour, but I'm already browsing their Valentine's Day selection... Ex's beware.
A refreshing update from your usual Hallmark catch phrase. I'm assuming these are meant to be sent in good humour, but I'm already browsing their Valentine's Day selection... Ex's beware.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I'll be taking a blogging vacation for the week, too much work and many holiday preparations! Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends... be back soon!
Friday, December 12, 2008
As promised on Wednesday, here is your Cinderella transformation from business casual to holiday haute. How cute you'll look under the mistletoe!
Black Sequined Cardigan (Old Navy, $29.50), Charcoal Fab Satin Mini (Forever21, $7.50), Satin Ruffle Top (Charlotte Rusee, $19.99), Miu Miu Grey Suede Cap-Toe Bow Pumps (Bluefly, $408), Earrings and Headband (Forever21), Black Clutch, Anya Hindmarch for Target (Target, $19.99)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
This rainy, chilly weather puts me in the mood for one thing- holiday baking. Next week my office is having it's annual "Holiday Cookie Swap", so I wanted to do a trial run of my cookie of choice so I don't have a baking fiasco and show up with a burnt/flat/gross plate of treats to share. I conducted an extensive search online to find something different than the usual sugar or chocolate chip because there's supposed to be about 40 people sharing.
I finally decided on a simple Weight Watchers recipe (Thanks, Erin!). It's a tad on the healthy side and chances are you already have all the ingredients in your cabinet. They are also good if your agenda is packed with holiday parties because you can keep the dough in the fridge or freezer and slice off and make as many cookies as you want at a time. And of course, they are delicious!
Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup(s) unsalted butter
1 cup(s) packed brown sugar
1 large egg(s)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup(s) whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup(s) unsalted butter
1 cup(s) packed brown sugar
1 large egg(s)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup(s) whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Add remaining ingredients and beat thoroughly.
Scrape dough out of bowl and onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Roll dough into a log, about 2 1/2-inches wide; completely wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
Cut dough into 1/8-inch-thick slices and arrange on several large ungreased cookies sheets about 1- to 1 1/2-inches apart. Bake until lightly browned around edges, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for about 1 minute and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Yields 1 cookie per serving.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Add remaining ingredients and beat thoroughly.
Scrape dough out of bowl and onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Roll dough into a log, about 2 1/2-inches wide; completely wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
Cut dough into 1/8-inch-thick slices and arrange on several large ungreased cookies sheets about 1- to 1 1/2-inches apart. Bake until lightly browned around edges, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for about 1 minute and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Yields 1 cookie per serving.
Notes
Add some spice to these cookies by sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg into the batter.
Add some spice to these cookies by sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg into the batter.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Despite the balmy weather in Boston today, I know that many of you have been planning outfits for your holiday parties. In the effort of being true Recessionistas, I know it is important to have an outfit with what I like to call "recyclable pieces"-that can make the smooth transition from the office to a classy party on a budget. Most of these items are available on the cheap at your local mall or online and the shoes were too good to pass up for a splurge. That's what Santa is for, right?
Today I'll give my top picks for a daytime outfit that will shine in the office, and check back on Friday for the Cinderella transformation for out on the town!
Black Sequined Cardigan (Old Navy, $29.50), Pants (Forever21, $24.80), Navigation Linen Ruffle V-Neck Tank (Jcrew, $39.99), Lace Triangle Scarf with Fringe (Urban Outfitters), Miu Miu Grey Suede Cap-Toe Bow Pumps (Bluefly, $408), Earrings and Headband (Forever21, $4.80), Merona Large Hobo Bag (Target)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
It's officially the time of year when you should have started your Christmas shopping, which means it is also the time of year when more annoying toy commercials start to pop up and I'm happy that the majority of people on my Christmas list are over 20.
But a particular commercial caught my attention last night for the Barbie Dream House. Two young woman, sisters, are reminiscing about growing up and sharing Barbies. Props to the advertisers of that one. I was brought back to a nostalgic 80's frame of mind, where Rainbow Bright ruled the world and Christmas was spent picking out Barbies and watching Home Alone over and over again. I got to thinking about 80's and 90's toys- and before I know it I had a running wishlist of my favorite Christmas toys. In the age of Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit, IPods, Leapfrog and Bratz (my least favorite), I thought a little flashback would be refreshing.
My Christmas Wishlist (circa 1990, ish)
-Cabbage Patch Dolls
-Barbie Dream House and pink Barbie Corvette
-Barbie hairdresser head
-Care Bear stuffed animals
-My Little Pony
-Easy Bake Oven
-My Little Pony
-Easy Bake Oven
-Polly Pockets
-Beanie Babies (WITH the tags)
-Cupcake dolls and Cherry Merry Muffin and Strawberry Shortcake
-Fraggle Rock (VHS)
-Tamagotchi pet
Oh and a note to all of the friends who read my blog, I never got that Easy Bake Oven. And Tamgotchi pets are only going for around $15 on Amazon these days...
Feel free to leave comments on your favorite toys from Christmases past!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Photo Source
Grab your warmest coat, your closest friends and a warm cup of hot chocolate-the official Boston Common tree lighting is tonight!
The event takes place from 6-8 when Mayor Menino and Santa Clause himself will flip the switch for the 46 foot Christmas tree from Nova Scotia and the other elaborate displays. You can catch the smooth sounds of Brian McKnight while your there (not my favorite artist but I'm sure he'll be able to belt out some carols) as well as some other local celebs.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tonight at 10 p.m. men and women will tune into the superbowl of supermodels, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
I'll begin my fashion show preview with a confession of my credibility that I reveal to few. I had a very short lived stint as a Victoria's Secret employee.
My intention was to work only over my holiday break from college, and I didn't even last until then. What seemed like a glamorous and easy side job filled with discounts and perks ("Maybe Miranda Kerr will stop by the South Shore Plaza?") turned into a retail nightmare.
After the hours of tutorial videos on bra fitting (my biggest fear) and corporate policy (stricter than Clark Rockefeller's prison guards), I realized that acquiring the wardrobe of Heidi Klum was not in my future. To say that management's panties were in a knot would have been an understatement. I got out of there before they made me strap on a headset ("36C Miracle Bra in route to fitting room 7, over and out Tiffany") and my discount though small sadly went unused.
Victoria's Secret was my first and last job in retail and I can now appreciate the show as a true fashion outsider. The show is a holiday classic for young women and their drooling boyfriends alike. Whether your in the market for a 3900 diamond, 1500 carat Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra (a mere $5 mill.), need inspiration to keep slim during the holidays, or simply are building your holiday wish list it's a must see.
In case this year's theme of glamorous goddesses encourages you to shop, today's the last day of Vickie's extended Cyber Monday Sale, 20% off your entire purchase. For a backstage look at the show's fittings, sets and after parties, CBS.com has a very visual sneak peek section.
In case this year's theme of glamorous goddesses encourages you to shop, today's the last day of Vickie's extended Cyber Monday Sale, 20% off your entire purchase. For a backstage look at the show's fittings, sets and after parties, CBS.com has a very visual sneak peek section.
I'm also going to note today that I promise that I plan to expand my topics in the next few posts...I think I have been blogging a little bit too much about my unhealthy TV habits. The realization came to me this morning when my boyfriend sent me the CNN story "Are you afflicting with 'TiVo' guilt" and said that it reminded him of me. But this Hiedi Klum picture was simply too fierce to resist. Even my bf can agree with that.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
I know that you watch Gossip Girl. We'd all like to pretend that we have a more exciting social agenda for our Monday night, but the guilty pleasure is just too hard to resist especially at the 8 p.m. slot.
Most girls love the show for it's somewhat realistic portrayal of the lives of New York socialites. But who's to judge the truth vs. TV trash? New York Magazine is as good of a critic as Gossip girl herself.
Every Tuesday morning at New York Magazine's Daily Intel you can check the reality index of the prior night's Gossip. NY Mag describes the feature as a "weekly reality index of the most important show that you pretend you aren't watching".
I agree with NY Mag's review that last night's hyped up Snowflake Ball just didn't capture that "party" atmosphere that I expected. The charity gala honoring Lily and Bart a few week's ago seemed like more of a bash then the lame winter soiree.
But enough of my opinion. Here are a few of the notable reality high's and low's from last night's episode, according to NY Mag:
• Aaron's ex-girlfriend is Ally Hilfiger?? Plus 5.
• Lexi's Brooklyn walking outfit consists of a hooker cheetah jacket, purple tights, a short pleated skirt, and black bootees. Plus 3. We hate her so hard.
• Vanessa kind of looked skinny and great in that outfit. Plus 5, because the only reason the girls at the ball would have made such a spectacle of seeing through it briefly would be because they were all jealous. Seriously, one of Serena's boobs displaces more air than Vanessa's entire body.
• Speaking of which, how hilarious was it when Serena's boobs asked Dan to dance? Plus 1.
• Plus 20 for the slightly uglier, ten times more hilarious Blair and Chuck knockoffs, and the fact that they are referred to as "Beta Chuck" and "New Blair."
• Jenny knows she's done a bad thing, so she's wearing her best Cruella De Vil outfit, which appears to be made entirely of black Labrador retriever. Plus 2.
• Okay, even we must say "enough" at some point. The Snowflake Ball is "THE holiday event for high-school seniors" according to Blair. As opposed to the ten non-holiday events for seniors? Or the ten holiday events for non-seniors? There are too many effing parties on this show that are THE event. What happened to the one Gold and Silver party (the Red, White and Blue ball for you younger folks) every year and then interschool dances? Didn't those used to be enough? Minus 3. And why is Lily and/or Blair always in charge? Minus 2. And why is it in Brooklyn? Minus 2.
• Rufus and Lily go to the PTA meetings? Minus 2. Do private schools even have PTAs? (Seriously, we don't know.)
• Wait, did Jenny make Penelope's dress in three minutes? Minus 5. And since when does Jenny design like Jessica McClintock? Minus 1.
You know you love me,
XoXo
Monday, December 1, 2008
Ahh, the day that the lazy yet savvy shopper looks forward to all year: Cyber Monday.
The "holiday" was originally schemed up years ago under the assumption that people would be browsing their computers Monday at the office for all the Black Friday deals they missed out on due to turkey comas, babysitting family members or simply avoiding the Black Friday crazies at 4 a.m.
For those of you who choose to shop from the comfort of your couch, today's your day. Lucky for you I've made a cheat sheet on great deals to check out today and even into Wednesday. Just about every site online is offering free shipping and check out the official Cyber Monday website for the creme of the crop in deals and coupons.
The Gap. Inc. family:
15% off at the Gap with promo code GAP15
10% off at Banana Republic with promo code EXTRA10
20% off at OldNavy with promo code SAVENOW
20% off at Piperline with the promo code MONDAY
Free shipping on any purchase at the Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, with promo code ONEDAY.
20% off ELuxury's "Little Luxuries" top picks for luxurious holiday gifts from posh designers.
Additional 30% off sale items at JCrew with promo code EXTRA30.
Extra 15% off everything at Bluefly.
Decorating a new place? Extra 40% everything at Designer Linens outlet.
30% off everything and free shipping at Ann Taylor LOFT.
40% off regular priced items and 50% off sale items plus free shipping on orders of $100+ at Bloomingdale's.
Spend more and save more deal at ShopBop with promo code THANKS2U.
The "holiday" was originally schemed up years ago under the assumption that people would be browsing their computers Monday at the office for all the Black Friday deals they missed out on due to turkey comas, babysitting family members or simply avoiding the Black Friday crazies at 4 a.m.
For those of you who choose to shop from the comfort of your couch, today's your day. Lucky for you I've made a cheat sheet on great deals to check out today and even into Wednesday. Just about every site online is offering free shipping and check out the official Cyber Monday website for the creme of the crop in deals and coupons.
The Gap. Inc. family:
15% off at the Gap with promo code GAP15
10% off at Banana Republic with promo code EXTRA10
20% off at OldNavy with promo code SAVENOW
20% off at Piperline with the promo code MONDAY
Free shipping on any purchase at the Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, with promo code ONEDAY.
20% off ELuxury's "Little Luxuries" top picks for luxurious holiday gifts from posh designers.
Additional 30% off sale items at JCrew with promo code EXTRA30.
Extra 15% off everything at Bluefly.
Decorating a new place? Extra 40% everything at Designer Linens outlet.
30% off everything and free shipping at Ann Taylor LOFT.
40% off regular priced items and 50% off sale items plus free shipping on orders of $100+ at Bloomingdale's.
Spend more and save more deal at ShopBop with promo code THANKS2U.
Phew! Happy Shopping!
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