Unnecessary Gadgets for under $100

I love getting the Brookstone catalog in the mail and just imagining myself winning the lottery and having a disposable income so that I could have a lot of reeeeeally cool stuff (actually, I imagine this all the time!).  I mean who wouldn't want $500 speakers for their iPad? But for those of us who haven't won the lottery and can't resist the power of the gadget, here are 10 great picks for under $100 (barely).  Sorry guys, I skipped over the nose hair clippers and razors, but you should have both of those already!

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This Portable Tablet Docking Speaker is great for those of us who like to think that everyone wants to hear our music playlists wherever we are.

$79.99

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Don't worry if you don't have an iPad, people can still hear your music on this Flip Portable Speaker that is especially designed for your iPhone or iPod.


$49.00* (on sale)

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The only thing I find "user UNfriendly" about the iPad is the lack of a keyboard.  I don't know about you, but I'm a typer, not a pecker, so I like to feel my fingers flying over a keyboard.  This keyboard case solves this problem.  And of course, the colors are yummy!

For iPad2 - $99.00 (black, red, chocolate, pink, orange or white)

For iPad - $79.99* (only black, red, chocolate)

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Looking at these suitcases is almost like looking at luscious colored eye pencils.  Weird? I KNOW!  Anyway, I love these hard case carry on suitcases and especially love the lime color.  

$99.00

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How can you get the suitcase and not this?  It's a perfect catch all for all those things you need to get to right away when traveling like your passport, boarding pass, wallet, phone, etc. This would probably fit over any carry on so don't fret if the colored suitcase isn't something you're as excited about as I am.

$49.99

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If you are anything like me, losing keys is a daily occurrence.  This is exactly what I need!!

$49.99

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Remember the Etch-a-Sketch?  I loved that when I was a kid and this reminds me of that but in a more grown up way. This Boogie Board Tablet would be great to have in your car or on your fridge to remind you of things.

$39.99

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My screensaver on my laptop is similar to this.  I have a slideshow of my pictures randomly showing on my screen.  I get a lot of comments on this.  People just love to see photos!  This digital picture frame is a great gift for the parents or grandparents so they can see more pics of the kiddies other than just what's on your x-mas card.

$99.00

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This is perfect for someone like me who wants to drink their red wine asap.  None of this waiting around for it to "breathe" stuff.  This aerator does it instantly! Drink up!

$39.99

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Everyone has experienced the putting the white wine bottle in the freezer to get it cold faster and then forgetting.  How cool are these wine chill drops?  Why didn't I think of these???

$39.99/set of 2

*These prices are good throughout the holiday season so don't fret if you missed Cyber Monday 

What Great Skin, What Great Bargains!

My sister introduced me to this website www.whatgreatskin.com  a few years ago when I was using a lot of Dermalogica products.  It's a wellness spa located in Nipomo, CA (central coast) and they sell Dermalogica products at incredibly discounted prices (they also offer a few other brands such as Bioelements and Pevonia).  The product is not defective and since there are no expiration dates, there isn't any risk.  I am still using some of their products I bought a year ago!  And even though I have moved on to more age appropriate moisturizers, after I was told by my facialist that "it might be time for you to use something stronger" (I KNOW!), I still have a few faves I'm not willing to give up.  My skin type is combination oily and very sensitive so these help calm my skin down when it gets irritated, usually when I'm traveling or in dry climates. 

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Multivitamin Power Concentrate Capusles - A jolt of the purest vitamins and essential oils in an airtight capsule.  Revitalizes and repairs skin, stimulating collagen production and reverses previous damage.  Recommended for all skin conditions.

Regular price: $54.00

Their price: $44.95

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Multivitamin Power Firm - Eliminates fine lines around the eye and mouth area with red seaweed extract and pure vitamins.  Organic silicon helps provide a barrier for further damage.  Recommended for all skin conditions.  Top ten seller. 

Regular price: $53.00

Their price: $39.95

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Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque -  Concentrated vitamins and botanical extracts make this an excellent and intense masque to nourish and enrich stressed skin.  Calming extracts in licorice, comfrey and burdock soothe skin and decrease sensitivity. Recommended for all skin conditions.  Number one selling masque.

Regular price: $45.00

Their price: $36.95 

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Gentle Soothing Booster - Red Raspberry extract, honey and calming flower extracts combine for a super-concentrated booster which calms and rehydrates irritated and sensitized skin.  Reduces skin redness and inflammation.  Recommended for sensitive skin conditions. 

Regular price: $48.00

Their price: $39.95

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Daily Microfoliant - This award-winning, unique rice-based enzyme powder creates bright and healthy skin with dramatically improved tone, texture and pigmentation.  A super-soothing blend of green tea, gingko, colloidal oatmeal calms inflammation and leaves your skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed.  It is gentle to use everyday and is recommended for all skin conditions.

Regular price: $50.00

Their price: $37.95

Stand Out Holiday Looks

I know I'm a few years behind on this, but I just discovered the website www.polyvore.com.   If you are a true fashionista you must check it out.  You can search for specific products by brand, style, color, price etc.  The variety and selection is awesome.   It compiles information across several countries (including the UK and Australia) and directs you to the specific website of the product you are interested in.  But besides being an awesome search engine website,  it also allows you to show off your creative side.  Here are some holiday looks I put together using their templates and product images.  I could seriously do this all day!

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Sequins are a big statement this season.  I like the nude and lighter color sequin dresses, they are more subtle than black.  Keep the silhouette of the dress simple but have fun with the shoes and accessories.  For the legs, I'd go with nude shimmer stockings (Calvin Klein makes great ones).

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This is a subtle way of doing animal print.  You get the animal print affect without it screaming leopard.  I like the idea of making this look more edgy with the booties and leather cuff bracelet.  The motorcycle jacket brings the coolness factor of this outfit to the top.  For legs, I'd go with black opaque tights.

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It's not so much about the LBD these days as it is about the shoes!  You can really make your shoes the statement by making them stand out and be the focus of attention.  Keep the dress style simple and the accessories to a minimum, the shoes should be the only color in your ensemble.  For legs, I'd either go bare or with black opaque tights.

Gift Ideas for under $50.

Check out these fun cool gifts for under $50.  They are for your friends, family or co-workers.  If you have a significant other, I would hope you would know that person enough to have your own ideas and I hope you would be spending more than $50!  Anyhoo, to keep from repeating myself, I have omitted any Sephora ideas because all the things I've put in my previous Sephora posts are awesome gift ideas.   All the linked websites have other great gift ideas, so I would recommend giving them a little search.

FOR HIM

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This watch is from Urban Outfitters and is $39.  This watch is super cool and will compliment any style.

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I don't care what his style is, everyone needs a pair of Converse Chucks.  These are the sneakers he should be wearing with his jeans, not his gym shoes!  Find them at Urban Outfitters for $50.

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I think this leather phone case is a steal for $19.  Pottery Barn seems very into monogramming everything but I'd pass on that option - it's so 80's Ivy League.

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I love this leather money clip/card holder.   This is from Nordstrom and is $25.

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I love a guy in a scarf.  This is probably something a guy wouldn't waste his money on.  The cable knit work on this one gives it little more coolness than just an ordinary scarf.  It is from the Gap and is $29.95

FOR HER

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These Nordic slipper socks are so cute.  The Nordic knit design has been on trend for a while but having it on a slipper is much cuter than a sweater.  Love the pom pom balls too.  Find these at Nordstrom for $24.

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These fingerless gloves are perfect for those in your life who are addicted to their phones.  They can  keep their hands warm and text at the same time! These come in so many fun colors and are at Nordstsrom for $19.

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This is the one subscription that is a must for the fashionista in your life.  It's surprisingly cheap,  $19.50 for 13 issues.

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Leather bracelets are very popular this season.  These wrap around leather/studded bracelets will unleash the inner biker chic.  They are at Nordstrom for $28/ea.

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How cute is the Ipad cover? This is a great gift for your kitchie gal pal!  It's from www.zazzle.com and is $49.

FOR BOTH

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I have a thing with owls lately and I love these shower curtain rings.  Quirky and Fun.  Find these at www.modcloth.com for $14.99.

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This is not only great for roomies (get your mind out of the gutter).  This is great for at home professionals who need to let the rest of the family know when it's not a good time to disturb.   Find it at Restoration Hardware for $18.

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This is how I live my life and it should be how everyone lives theirs.  Share this "no regrets" photo album with a friend.  From Urban Outfitters for $12.

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These are Ipod nano holders!  How cute are these?  You can wear your nano like a watch instead of clipping it onto your clothes.  Super cool gift idea in super cool colors.  These are from www.shophex.com for $29.95.

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Hello? Can you say "perfect gift"?! Makes me want to go on a picnic pronto!  Again, not crazy about the monogram but it's nothing a piece of cheese can't hide.  This "must have" set is from Red Envelope for $29.95.

Best and Worst 11-20

Last week's Best and Worst was a pretty popular post (thank you all for checking it out :), so I decided to do it again this week.  There is definitely not a lack of photos to choose from! Here are last week's 3 Best and Worst looks:

BEST IN SHOW

Mila Kunis

This is one of my favorite looks to wear.  A blazer and jeans can take you anywhere.  I love how the metallic blazer adds a little "umph" to this casual look.  Absolutely spot on from head to toe!

Victoria Beckham

Man, does she look good!  I even dig the leather leg warmers!  I love how Victoria actually wears her collection instead of selling her name to the discount stores.  I mean, do we really believe J. Lo wears her Kohl's collection? Yeah, I don' think so.

Lady Gaga

This is the best I've seen Lady Gaga look.  It's classy with a spin of quirk.  I also love anything having to do w/ a pant suit.

WORST FOR WEAR

Kirsten Dunst

I have a thing about black lace and this is exactly what I hate about it.  Black lace should be for lingerie or anything sexy, this is neither.  It's hard to believe this is a designer gown.  I could have made this with my summer maxi, black lace and a hot glue gun!

Kendra Wilkinson

Okay, I don't expect much from her in the first place but come on!  This is so God awful, I'm speechless!  I can probably say with 100% certainty this is NOT how the designer envisioned this dress to be worn.

Drew Barrymore

Really, Drew? Are you trying to channel your inner granny?  I don't know you but I'm going to guess that you have a waist issue like me and a tie around the waist, around a blazer no less, does not do us any favors.  Not to mention the hideous printed tiered skirt! blech!

Sephora V$lue Packs

I blogged about my Sephora favorites back in October and will probably blog about Sephora regularly because it is my favorite store on the planet.  When I go into their stores, the amount of sensual stimulation makes my head literally explode! Those of you who are like me, know what I'm talking about!  Anyway, head explosion aside, here are my faves for November:

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I was introduced to Korres a few years back.  It's an all natural and environmentally friendly beauty product line from Greece.  The Wild Rose collection is all about brightening dull skin and giving your skin a natural glow.  The serum is awesome!  This value pack is $55 (worth $131).

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I never, and I mean never, pass up a lip gloss deal! Lip gloss is my number one make up essential.  I love these neutral tones and I like this type of sponge applicator, it's cleaner and it applies the gloss more smoothly than brushes or tubes.  This value pack is $38 (worth $55).

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Okay, I am the first to admit that I am a packaging sucker.  I just love all things that look pretty (this is how I sometimes choose wine too!).  How pretty does this package look?  I don't even wear a lot of eye make up but I sure want to when I see these!! This value pack is $39 (worth $150!!!).

**BEST VALUE DEAL**

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With this set of nail polish I am set for this season! These will cover me from casual to glam. Love! This value pack is $22 (worth $27). I know, not a super duper savings but who cares?!

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I don't know what it is, but I'm obsessed with primers!  And how freakin' cute is this packaging?! This awesome stocking stuffer value set is $10 ($28 value). 

 
Okay, this is not a value pack but how fun are these fake eyelashes? Talk about a conversation piece for your holiday parties!  I love how these are borderline ridiculous but cool at the same time. Have some fun for $19.

The Skinny on the Skinny

If you think you can't rock the skinny jean style (also known as jeggings), think again.  Not only do they suck you in, but they are actually jeans, so unlike leggings, you can wear shorter tops without looking like the latest fashion victim at Walmart.  This style is even more wearable this season with many brands coming out with mid and high rise styles.  These are a Godsend for those of us who suffer from muffin top issues.  They are kinda like spanx for jeans!  So don't be afraid to show off your booty! Remember, spandex is our friend!

The trick to finding the right pair of skinnies is spending a day or two in the dressing room.   It took me awhile to find "my brands" but now that I have, I don't need to mess around and get frustrated because we all know that shopping for jeans is second to worst than shopping for a bathing suit.  Here are "my brands" and some of my favorite looks this season:

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Here is a classic pair of skinny jeans from J Brand.  J Brand is probably my favorite premium denim brand for skinny jeans.

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Here is another pair of J Brand skinnies but instead of a 5 pocket style, they are trouser style.  Super cute and different.  I WILL be treating myself to these!

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This style "Maria" from J Brand is a high rise (10" rise) style.  As I mentioned above, the high rise is great for muffin top control!  This style comes in black, denim and a variety of fun fall colors. Unlike for the dudes, black is a "must have" denim color for us gals.

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7 for All Mankind offers a coated denim skinny which is very popular this season.  These are much harder to fit because of the stiffness of the coating but these particular ones are actually quite soft. They give you that leather (or as some brands are saying "jeather") look.  Very sexy!

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Here is another pair of classic skinnies from Citizens of Humanity.

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Color is HUGE this season.  These purple skinnies are from Citizens of Humanity.

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The brighter the color the better! These are mid-rise (9" rise) skinnies from Paige Denim.

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Cords are also a big statement this season.  Corduroys always make there appearance during the Fall/Winter season but now we have them in skinny style and in fun bright colors! These are from AG.

Now, I have to admit that some of the cheaper retailers are offering a pretty good competitive selection.  The amount of stretch in the skinny styles,  masks the imperfections that usually separate the premium denim brands from the cheaper ones.  They can get away with using a cheaper denim because cheaper = lighter weight and this is better for jeggings.   Also, you don't need as many "bells and whistles" for leggings because you want them to be as plain as possible.  If the construction is less than perfect it all smooths out with the stretch.  So, if you're not sure about this style and want to try it out first before you spend the big bucks, check out the Gap, Urban Outfitters or Zara.

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Here are the cord leggings from the Gap.  I have to admit I have 2 pairs of these (rust and black).  You can't beat the $59.95 price and the fit is great for me which is a complete shocker because I have never been able to wear any bottoms from the Gap.  But as I said above, spandex is our friend =)

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These color skinnies are from Urban.  I must confess, I have these jeans too!

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Zara offers a great selection of skinnies from $50 - $80.