Take On The Holidays With These @Microsoft Holiday Gifts (Video)
December 10th, 2012 by ChristenLast week, I got the opportunity to check out the new Microsoft speciality store in the intersection of the world – Times Square! Check out a few of this holiday’s top gift picks and more below…
Don’t Come Empty Handed! ‘Tis the Season for Giving The Best Gifts For Your Holiday Hosts!
November 22nd, 2012 by Lifestyle StaffThis week has officially brought the holiday season upon us! Help make hosting holiday events easier by bringing gifts that showcase style and functionality. Host gifting should and can be fun and simple. Pick up a few items to have on hand for those last minute invitations or even go all out for those annual events you’ve looked forward to all year.
Host gifting should help fill in those small details that may be overlooked by hosts during planning for the event. It’s also a great way to show appreciation for being thought of during the season of giving, thankfulness, and togetherness. Here are a few ideas to make sure you’re prepared to give this holiday season.

Snowflake Coaster Sets, C Wonder ($12). Simple, easy and always needed, coasters can be used year-round and add a nice touch to any holiday decor. These chic table protectors, available in gold or silver, can be used for cold or warm drinks and come in a pack of 15. Perfect for any gathering.
Goodie Two-Shoes Pinot Noir, Middle Sister ($12). This California Pinot Noir pairs well with just about any dish, from fish to chicken, steaks to pastas, pizza to grilled cheese sandwiches. Readily available across the US, Middle Sister also blends Forever Cool Merlot, Smarty Pants Chardonnay, Sweet & Sassy Moscato, and Glamour Girl Bubbly, among other favorites. Keep a few bottles of any variety in the trunk and you’ll always be prepared for those last minute invites.
Winter Holiday Collection – 3 Soap Wrap, Mistral ($17.50 – $27). A sampling of scented soaps quickly adds to the jovial spirit of the holidays, even for a trip to the powder room. Warm, woodsy fragrances are included in this collection of French soaps with one bar each of Winter Berry, Winter Pine, and Winter Spice covered in glitzy, bright colored wrapping. You can also try these beautifully molded Snowflake Guest Soaps or Ornaments in Apothecary Jar holiday soaps from Gianna Rose. 
Diva tip: Scented holiday soaps are affordable for all budgets; simply select your favorite winter or holiday scents from your local retailer or gift shop and wrap in a decorative bow, ribbon or tinsel. Groupings of these items work best when bundled together in odd numbers (such as 3, 5, 7, etc.). The same applies for scented candles.
Beehive Cake Stand, West Elm ($39). Such a posh and decorative cake holder would be a delight gift for any hostess to receive. Roughly 12” x 12” in size, this cake stand has a ceramic base and beehive-shaped glass dome with a knob handle. Pair this with your favorite dessert and you’re all set to go. Try the Ultimate Red Velvet Cake Cheesecake or the more seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory for a sure win!
Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram, Master of Malt ($238). Looking for a modern, sophisticated twist to the traditional chocolate advent calendar? For the days leading up to Christmas, this Whisky Advent Calendar houses 24 different samples of delicious whisky. For the palette more accustomed to gin, try the Ginvent Calendar ($127).
Summer Accessory Gift Guide For Grads…and a Dad!
June 4th, 2012 by ChristenGraduation season is also in full swing & gift giving season for the graduate in your life is here! Father’s Day is right around the corner and if your Dad is like mine, tech gifts are always an essential necessity. It’s always difficult finding the perfect & cool gift that doesn’t break the bank. Check out a few of these Tech Accessory gifts that are perfect gifts for any Dad or Grad!
TORTOISESHELL CASE for iPhone 4 / 4S
A hand painted tortoise pattern adorns the Tortoiseshell case for a look that combines subtle vintage elements with a classic design. The slim silhouette shows off the timeless design of the iPhone, while the hard shell case covers the back and corners. A gold logo complements the translucent brown undertones culminating in a sophisticated presentation.
Jeffery Campbell iPad Case
Step into comfort and fashion this season with Jeffrey Campbell’s new shoe and accessory line. Made with premium leather and a German sole. These pretty babies will keep you coming back for more.
SIGNATURE LEATHER FOLDING WALLET for iPhone 4 / 4S
The premium leather case folds open to reveal a form fitted phone pocket, as well as built-in credit card slots. Crafted from supple leather, the sleek and compact design has a soft tactile feel. Top-stitch detailing completes the classic look.
Juicy Couture iPhone Wristlet
For ‘nice girls who like stuff’, these fun accessories will help us round out our entire Juicy ensemble. Body: 100% leather Lining Flap top with lock closure.
STINGRAY LEATHER WRAP
The shiny pebbled pattern creates a sense of whimsy and charm, while the electric colors make for an eye-catching effect. A textural touch subtly adds another dimension to the exotic case. The leather design securely wraps around your iPhone for a form fit look. A complementing soft microfiber interior completes the case.
Last Minute Tech Gifts For Mom (That’ll Make You The Mother’s Day Hero!)
May 11th, 2012 by ChristenWith Mother’s Day this weekend, you’re surely racking your brain for the perfect gadget to give to show appreciation for everything dear Mom’s given you in life. Here are our top picks at prices you can afford!

Aluminum iPad Keyboard Case ($76.99)
The Aluminum iPad Keyboard Case is the perfect metallic companion for your iPad. Made from aircraft aluminum with a bead-blasted, anodized finish, it matches the design, look, and feel of your Apple device. Its innovative hinge provides a multitude of viewing angles in both portrait and landscape mode. Best of all, the built-in Bluetooth keyboard allows for fast, responsive typing.

GE X500 Camera ($114)
We had to check twice to make sure the price of the GE 14MP X500 camera was correct after seeing how well online test images turned out. It performed better than our own higher priced point-and-shoot, and also offered the customization options (19 scene modes and image stabilization) of something five times its price. If you’re looking to get mom a new camera but if it’s the picture quality you’re after, and for less than $150, we’re sure Mom will consider it a wise investment.

Converge – USB Charging Hub ($39.99)
Converge is the futon of charging hubs. Its white folds remind us of a bendy futon mattress, but it has the added feature of a slot to slip in charging cables. With the help of soft TPE grips, cables stay nestled out of sight behind Converge. Just plug the power source into your nearest outlet and you can charge up to 4 USB devices while they chill out on Converge’s curvy frame.

Nook Simple Touch With GlowLight ($139)
Mom’s been known to fall asleep with the lights on midchapter of a book just about every night, driving Dad, with the sensitive sleeping habits, crazy. End the nightly bickering with the latest update to the Nook ereader, the Simple Touch With GlowLight. Enough subtle light to keep Mom reading as long as she wants, without the harsh LCD glare and brightness of a reading lamp that could keep others awake.

FridgePad – Magnetic Refrigerator Mount for iPad ($49.99)
In comes FridgePad, ready to save the day! It’s the best no-tools iPad mount on the market and holds your iPad or iPad2 to the fridge so tightly that you can slam the door without fear. Check your email while waiting for coffee to brew, listen to music while washing the dishes, or catch up on your favorite TV shows while getting a bite to eat. Need to charge your iPad too? The super long PowerLine makes a great companion for the FridgePad.
Show Mom A Little Tech Luv This Mother’s Day!
May 2nd, 2012 by Christen
It’s crunch time! The time you begin to stress about what to get the moms in your life for Mother’s Day (which is Sunday, May 13th by the way…) Why not show mom a little tech luv this year by getting her products that’ll enhance her love for technology! iLuv has the solution, the iLuv Epicarp Slim Folio Cover, Calvados & Pure Cleaner for managing squeaky clean gadgets.
The iLuv Epicarp Slim Folio Cover is one of the slimmest & lightest folio covers I’ve seen in a while. Made for the iPad 2 and now the New iPad the Epicarp cover is reminiscent of the iPad smart cover but with a few upgrades. Instead of the four column like the Apple smart cover, the Epicarp comes with three columns on it’s cover. This makes use for the cover to fold into a triangular typing stand, along with a raised of plastic flap on the back which transforms the case into a viewing stand. (Which is great for reviewing reciepes while in the kitchen).
The iLuv Calvados High Fidelity headphones are a great alternative to the Apple brand headphones (which tangle obnoxiously.) Compatable with iPhone, iPad, iPod and more, the Calvados provide full range sound to your favorite music while the noise canceling feature ensures that you only enjoy the sounds that you want to hear. All of this, plus the tangle-resistant flat cable makes these headphones a must have for any tech lover. The Calvados aren’t just headphones either, they also offer in-line speakez remote & microphone for easy hands-free calling, online chatting & digital music playback.
If mom’s electronics get a little dusty, the iLuv Pure Cleaner is the optimum alternative to dust pads or feather duster cleaning. The Pure Cleaner completely removes dirt, fingerprints, greasy stains & kills germs on contact – all without damaging the electronic device. Good for iPads, iPhones, iPods, Computers and LCD TVs. The Pure Cleaner kits comes with the bottled spray, swab for keyboard cleaning, disposable wet wipes & a microfiber cleaning cloth.
Even if your favorite mom isn’t an Apple fan, iLuv offers alternative products for eReaders like the Kindle too…
Looking for another reason to splurge on Mom for Mother’s Day? From now until Sunday, May 13th – iLuv is offering 25% off everything online at i-luv.com for Divas And Dorks’ readers.
What are you looking forward to buying mom for Mother’s Day? How would you like to WIN an ‘iLuv Mom’ Mother’s day bundle of products featured in this article? Visit DivasandDorks.com this week to find out how you can win!
Disclosure: iLuv has provided DivasandDorks.com these products for review. Reviews & opinions are solely the views of DivasandDorks.com
Accessory Remix It: Valentine’s Day Edition
February 13th, 2012 by Guest PostBy Enovia Bedford
Have weeks gone by and you’re stressing out? “What do I get the Divo or Dork in my life for Valentine’s Day?” Have no fear Accessory Remix It is here to help. Here are two of our favorite Do it yourself projects for the Divo or Dork in your life.
The Gift: Cufflinks
You’ve been around your dork for months now.Have you been paying attention during all of those sports games you’ve been watching with your guy? Blue Moon? Brooklyn Brewery? Izzy Soda? By now you should know your beaus beverage of choice. To make snagging the caps easier pop a top with him and enjoy. Snatch the caps and stash them until you are ready for your project.
Best Presentation:
If you’re the type of diva who wakes up irons his clothes, make his lunch and help him get ready for work. Surprise him Valentine’s Day morning with these cufflinks of his favorite beverage to add to his favorite suit.
Materials:
Hot Glue Gun
Hot Glue Sticks
Cufflink part ( can be found at your local arts and crafts store or you can get an old pair from a second hand store and glue over them)
Sand Paper
Soapy water
Imitation Vanilla Flavor
Project Time: 10 mins
Step 1
The caps will have an odor so firsts thing soak them for a few minutes in soapy water with a drop of vanilla flavor. It cleans them and gives the caps a nice fresh smell. Dry thoroughly .
Step 2
The ridges of the bottle cap can be a little sharp. Lightly sand the ridges.
Step 3
Make sure your glue gun is nice and hot. Take the cufflink parts and dab a small bead of glue on the back. Stand the cufflink part directly in the middle of the bottle cap.
Step 4
In a continuous movement squeeze your hot glue around the cuff link part completely filling up your bottle cap. Make sure the cap is laying flat so the glue and settle. You will have some air bubbles which I think add to the do it yourself feel.
Step 5
DO NOT TOUCH! That glue is hot and has heated up your metal. Let the glue sit and harden and there you have it. Your guys favorite beverage on a cufflink.
Mini Man Can-dles
I have a little secret diva’s. Men like candles. Dorks, jocks, gents they all love candles! They like it when you light them, they like to light them (in secret) so let’s make something they can be proud about.
Best Presentation:
Dim the lights, light your candles and give him his real gift. Enjoy!
Materials:
Soda or Beer Can
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Tea Light Candles (man friendly scents vanilla, chocolate, mocha, caramel, coffee or you can add your own flavored oils. There are also some alcohol flavored candles )
Step 1
Cut off the top and bottom of your can.
Step 2
Cut down the side of your can so you can lay it flat. Measure around the tea light candle and cut a slightly larger piece of the can.
Step 3
Trace the bottom of a tea light candle onto the excess can and cut out.
Step 4
Use sand paper on the cut out round part (this will be the bottom of your candle holder) and the edges that need to get glue together.
Step 5
Curve the large piece of can that was measured around the tea light candle and glue. Glue the circle bottom piece.
Step 6
Drop your tea light candle into the bottom your candle holder and light.
Nothing says thoughtfulness than a custom created gift for your loved one. These gifts last long and create impressions for years to come.
For more custom gift ideas visit Enovia online at AccessoryRemix.com.
D&D Ultimate Holiday Gift Guides
December 12th, 2011 by Christen
It’s less than two weeks away, Christmas day – and you haven’t even begun your holiday shopping yet! Don’t worry, we have our quick holiday gift guides for Her, Him, Them and They! Over the next few days we’ll be adding more gift “lists” for you to choose from to get that perfect gift for that special someone (at the right price, of course.)
Holiday Gift Guide For Her
Holiday Stocking Stuffers Under $10
Holiday Gift Guide For D&D Kids
(COMING SOON) Holiday Gift Guide For Him
(COMING SOON) Holiday Gift Guide For Fashionistas
(COMING SOON) Holiday Gift Guide For Techies
Father’s Day Gadget Gift Idea
June 13th, 2011 by Christen
STOP! Before you pick up another dinner tie for dad, check out this haute spin on an old faithful gift idea. HEX has released their new iPod Nano 6G watch bands “HEX Vision Metal”. As the name suggested, this HEX Vision Metal iPod Nano 6G Watchband is made with a stainless steel watch band that show you all of its metallic silver chrome style. This HEX Vision Metal will transform the iPod Nano 6G into a luxurious watch that looks super expensive (like $200+ expensive).

The watch band is fully coated with high grade coating that will increase its durability and lifespan. It also features easy clip-in clip-out design to make installing the watch band to ipod nano 6g a breeze. Does your dad like to switch up his style? Luckily, HEX has added two common style of watch to their Vision Metal iPod Nano 6G watch band. You can choose either the gun metal version or silver, or get two of them if you love both of the watch band. Each HEX Vision Metal iPod Nano 6G watch band is available for $69.95 USD, if you are interested you can order and receive them in 2-3 days at HEX Vision Metal official website.


















































