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).
Holiday How To: Last Minute Holiday Home Decor for Less
November 21st, 2012 by Lifestyle StaffAs the popular Christmas carol goes, “There’s no place like home for the holidays”. But with your shopping list filled with people who you have to find gifts for, you may be wondering how to cut back on your decorating expenses this holiday season. Once the turkey settles this weekend, most us will move on to decking the halls and trimming the tree in our homes. We’ve found simple, yet savvy ways for you to decrease spending for your holiday décor.
Give Your Home a Little R&R
While rest and relaxation may be two “R” words you’re thinking of at this time of the year, when it comes to holiday décor for your home, recycling and reusing decorations from Christmases past is never a bad idea.
Interior designer and former guest designer for The Nate Berkus Show, Rashon Carraway, says “Ornaments are one of the most versatile elements in the Christmas arsenal.” Last season Carraway, also known as Mr. Goodwill Hunting, showcased his custom holiday chandeliers made from ornaments and ribbon. “You can also personalize each one with a monogram,” he says. “The possibilities are endless!”
Do-It-Yourself Projects
One of the easiest ways to save money is to do something yourself. Carraway says one of this year’s popular do-it-yourself décor elements is chalkboard art. You’ve seen them in coffee shops and cafés each time you’ve visited the mall for shopping. Carraway suggests bringing out your inner artist or letting the children have fun with Christmas inspired doodles for your guests to admire. We’ve found The Writing Wall, like below, at Target for just $9.99 .
Your Home Makes Scents
Even though candles can be inexpensive, they can also play a major role in sprucing up your home during the holidays. Not only does their illumination add to the overall ambiance of your space, certain scents can instantly put you and your guests in the holiday spirit. Retailers like Bath and Body Works now offer three-wick candles in holiday fragrances such as Vanilla-Bean Noel, Twisted Peppermint, Frosted Cranberry, and even ‘Tis the Season. Any of these selections would be a great and festive choice for your home. Carraway suggests using popular spruce, pine, or balsam scents for an outdoor/wintry aroma. Bath and Body Works candles can be purchased in-store or online for only $20.
So get to preparing that Thanksgiving dinner and now that you have a few ambient tips for your holiday festivities, get to work!
Instagram Inspiration: Five #Hashtags To Check Out Daily To Enhance Your Instagram Experience
November 12th, 2012 by Christen
Instagram has undoubtedly become a staple amongst the photo-sharing and social networking communities. Users follow their friends as well as their favorite celebrities and brands. With millions of users posting at times minute by minute accounts of their day or their random thoughts via photos or with apps like Textgram, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of all the photos of pets, food, and funny ecards posts.
Hashtags allow users to filter through the filtered/ enhanced pictures of their friends, and the brands and celebrities they follow. Here are five hashtags that not only make your browsing more fun but may give you some inspiration.
#MotivationalQuotes (see also #MorningMotivation)
Users post quotes that help them to stay motivated throughout the day and achieve their personal goals. Searching this hashtag will yield thousands of results that can instantly boost your mood.
#TeamFitness
For those who are trying to maintain their summer bodies or begin the journey to get in shape the #TeamFitness movement makes fitness tips, recipes, before and after photos, and challenges more accessible. Some are posting their progress while using well known fitness programs. Others are posting pictures of the ingredients they use to make healthy shakes and smoothies. Trainers are posting demonstrations of exercises for weight loss or toning of target areas.
#PhotoOfTheDay
Each month individuals, brands, and bloggers create lists that challenge Instagram users to take a photos everyday. Lists vary from compilations of random things to themes to promote wellness, self awareness, and just fun while experimenting with photography. The most popular #PhotoOfTheDay list this month challenges users to share what they are grateful for.
#StreetArt
Graffiti, murals, public art installations, sidewalk chalk drawings and more all can be found when searching this hashtag. Checking out how others define art all around them, definitely changes your own point of view the next time you go outside for a walk.
#FashionFriday (also see #FashionDaily)
For the fashionable Instagram user, there are millions of others who have posted the latest trendy looks. During fashion week, results from this hashtag gave users a front row view at the hottest shows. You can find pictures of what your favorite celebrity wore on the red carpet alongside where you can get a similar look or you could find fellow fashion lovers who have an amazing sense of style.
Beyonce Rocks Obama Earrings Plus Ways To Step Up Your Political Styling Panache!
November 5th, 2012 by Christen
Beyonce’ along with hubby Jay-Z may have been seen at the Brooklyn Nets season opener this weekend rocking her famed Obama earrings, but in case you can’t get your hands on the sold out accessories, there are plenty of other ways you can style up your political support just in time for Election day! Getting ready for an Election party tomorrow? Check out these looks that’ll have you covered whether it’s dressing like Michelle Obama from head to toe or rocking a rocker-democratic style.
‘Just in time for Election Day,’ might be a bit of a stretch considering the dress doesn’t ship until January, but First Lady Michelle Obama’s infamous Tracy Reese frock as worn to this year’s Democratic National Convention, is now available for pre-order atAnthropologie.
The Tracy Reese ‘Colwyn’ brocade dress ($398) as it’s called, features a red brocade motif across the upper portion, and a contrasting scalloped hemline finished in a blue brocade across the bottom.
If you’re looking for a super casual look add this fun Barack Your Body tank from Urban Outfitters tank to a pair of jeans a roll out. If you’re looking for a creative way to share your “pick” check out these cool “I pick Obama” shirts at PickObama2012.com.
Just in case a little subtile accessorizing is more your taste, you can always rock these fly $42 Potus Earrings by Melody Eshani all year long! (Especially after POTUS wins his second term! #TeamObama!)
No matter if you’re an early voter or plan on hitting the polls first thing tomorrow morning, either way make sure you practice fashionable political styling tomorrow “…with liberty and justice for all!”
Discover The Side Effects Of Your Facebook Addiction…
November 3rd, 2012 by Tech Staff
If you find yourself more interested in answering a messaging alert, less engaging in real life activities and having a shorter attention span than usual – then you’re not alone. Like many others, your Facebook addiction is affecting your mind in adverse ways. Facebook and Internet addiction can have damaging effects, such as a decrease in our attention span — in fact, since 2000, our collective attention span has decreased by 40%. In fact, the social media addiction epidemic is SO REAL that in China, Taiwan and South Korea “Internet Addiction Disorder” is already accepted as a psychological diagnosis. Next year it will be included in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the American “bible of psychology.”
Check out this interesting infographic and discover if you’re suffering from the side effects of your Facebook addiction below…
Celebrate WithoutSole’s 3rd Annual Sneaker Ball Fundraiser In ATL
October 30th, 2012 by Tiffany
What happens when you gather a bunch of influencers for an amazing cause?
Initial eVennts’ co-founders Evan Eskridge and Oluwatoyin Salami decided to put together multiple talents as a call to action. “We wanted to be the change we wish to see -a group of young people doing something for nonprofit instead of looking for profit. Pave a different path.” Which in turn created the Without Sole campaign that is spreading across the globe.
This mission is particularly interesting because it’s shoes instead of clothes, like most charities. Oluwatoyin Salami (Co-founder) decided on shoes because her father is from Nigeria and told her stories of him being six years old and having to mow someone’s lawn just to get a pair of shoes. His family couldn’t afford to buy him any and without shoes he wouldn’t have been able to continue in school. Her father is now a doctor, and she finds it empowering to think that these pair of shoes could be the foundation for many kids to go to school and become future doctors, lawyers and teachers. People often take shoes for granted and don’t realize that without shoes there’s not only discomfort but some major hindrances, like going to school, work and other public places that are vital for success.
The non-profit does a variety of events within the community throughout 30 days of October. The Sneaker Ball is an annual event where the sum of shoes collected throughout the campaign is announced. Anticipation builds each year as the amount of shoes collected grows. Last year 5,500 shoues were donated and distributed to those in need. This event is a very trendy event in which everyone dresses up, but wears their favorite sneakers. Everything at the ball will be fresh from the shoes, to the mindset, to the food.
“Being as this is the finale everyone should have a fresh mindset with our mission in mind and the hard work under our belt. The food will be fresh as well from Organic vendors.” It’s the launch of a new life for someone some where else and the launch of a new way of thinking for the locals.
Majority will benefit the homeless population in Atlanta, but will ultimately touch people globally that are otherwise unable to obtain a single pair of sneakers. U-Haul and TIWAWORKS are two returning sponsors again this year. New sponsors include Enterprise, Black Tie BBQ, RiousDesign, Vinnie’s Styles, and others.
The Sneaker Ball will be held on Friday, November 2nd at the trendy Goat Farm in northwest Atlanta – tickets are $10 online/$20 at the door and donations will be accepted for those that still want to donate. Visit www.withoutsole.com for complete donation locations, event ticketing and information, as well as sponsor and organization information.
Still Looking For Halloween Costume Ideas? Check Out Which Celebrity Couple Did Halloween Best!
October 29th, 2012 by ChristenWhile Sandy is preparing to rock NYC in an unprecedented storm that still didn’t stop celebrities from partying it up in Halloween fashion over the weekend and all over the country. Check out which celeb couples chose to partner up for their Halloween costumes over the weekend and who pulled off their Halloween looks best…
Jessica Alba, Cash Warren and Honor as The Incredibles.
Hollywood’s sweetheart, Jessica Alba and Hip Hop’s smooth talker Big Boi both opt for comic book / sci fi inspired costumes for this year’s Halloween’s picks!
Big Boi and wife Sherita post as Comic book stars as Darth Vader and Spawn
Christina Aguilera and boyfriend Matt Rutler go to a Halloween party in Los Angeles
Christina Aguilera, Cassie & Diddy went for a more royal approach to Halloween costumes this year as a king, queen & prince…
Sean Combs and Cassie pose as Halloween royalty as Cleopatra and Prince
Bravo’s Housewives of New Jersey’s Melissa Gorga, husband Joe and kids Gino, Antonio and Joey show off their Halloween costumes
…and of course, no Halloween costume couple report would be complete without a Kanyashian (yep, I just made that up…) spotting. Kanye West & Kim Kardashian were spotted as a Sailor / Mermaid couple while partying in NYC over the weekend…
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian sail into Halloween as a Sailor / Mermaid couple.
Check out a few more Hollywood Celebrity Couple Costumes in the gallery below…. Which celebrity couple pulled off their Halloween looks best?
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- Big Boi and wife Sherita post as Comic book stars as Darth Vader and Spawn
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- Jessica Alba, Cash Warren and Honor as The Incredibles.
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- Paris Hilton and boyfriend River Viiperi attend a Halloween costume in Los Angeles
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- Kanye West and Kim Kardashian sail into Halloween as a Sailor / Mermaid couple.
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- Sean Combs and Cassie pose as Halloween royalty as Cleopatra and Prince
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- Bravo’s Housewives of New Jersey’s Melissa Gorga, husband Joe and kids Gino, Antonio and Joey show off their Halloween costumes
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- Christina Aguilera and boyfriend Matt Rutler go to a Halloween party in Los Angeles
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- Jwoww and fiance Roger Mathews as nerds at Chateau nightlub in Las Vegas
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- Evan Ross and girlfriend
Examining The Technology Behind Our Hair With Startup Techturized.com
October 24th, 2012 by Tiffany
Natural hair styles are taking over! Women are getting back to their roots and rocking curls, waves, ‘fro’s and short styles. It’s even evident from the many natural hair products that have emerged within the last year like, Motions’ Naturally You and African Pride’s Back to Natural hair products. Going natural can still be a hard decision to make and you may have lingering questions or a lack of motivation that keep you from moving forward with the decision. Which natural style will look best on me? Will I be able to keep it up? How will the transition be? What have others used or done?
Change can be tough, but we’ve found the perfect natural hair/technology mash-up to help you along your transition to natural and document the journey to share in the process.
We caught up to the creators of this empowering and innovative concept and got the entire scoop just for you. Check out what inspired the creation of Techturized and be in the know before it becomes the talk of the hair industry.
Q: What is Techturized and How does it work?
A: ”Techturized is the place to talk, shop, and get personal advice for hair – it’s your look, your life, over time. From receiving recommendations, to retrospective reminiscing, Techturized is the destination for personal guidance and self-expression. Members upload photos of their personal looks and add a brief description. Multiple looks create a story highlighting a woman’s life over time through visual media. Users can subscribe to stories, cultivating a web of personal connections.”
Q: How did the team form & come up with the innovative idea for Techturized and WHY?
A: ”All the founders met at the Georgia Institute of Technology where Candace, Joy, and Jess studied Computer Science and Chanel studied Chemical Engineering. The founders formed relationships through different organizations, projects, and sponsored computing initiatives. Our engineering knowledge and passion for empowering people was the magnet for the four of us coming together. Techturized was birthed from a combination of frustrations with inadequate hair care solutions and a passion to do something about it. We have experienced hair problems that so many women face. We believe that hair is more than a display of style but links to a woman’s identity. Techturized is an opportunity to promote empowerment and wellness and the unique blend of hair care and technology powers us to reach women everywhere.”
Q: How will Techturized benefit women that are natural or in the process of going natural?
A: ”Techturized is the go-to source for all hair types. For natural women and those in pursuit of going natural it is the perfect destination because not only do we provide value for knowing the right products & styles personally for you, we also acknowledge the importance of support and inspiration along the journey. We understand that it’s not just a quick decision that can be solved by online search or videos here & there. It’s more of a conscious evolution that connects many aspects of a woman’s life. It takes a progressive, caring environment that caters to the total woman and that’s the essence of Techturized.”
Q: Who is Techturized for? What kind of woman was in mind during the creation process?
A: ”Our mission is to awaken the potential within to fulfill your purpose! We have created a site for the “every day” woman to be her best self. Whether your hair is curly, straight, relaxed, or natural, we focus on promoting self-expression and healthy hair.”
Q: What are the team’s future goals and hopes for Techturized?
A: ”Our future goals are to master the hair care market and keep our users satisfied. Hair is the threshold into a woman’s identity, which makes our starting point such a treasured beginning. Our company grows with an ambitious outlook to build a thriving business that breathes life & happiness in every life that we touch. We also have goals for community outreach to empower women to pursue fields in science, technology, and engineering.”
Sign up for Techturized.com to stay in the loop for new developments, as they get ready for their next release. You don’t want to miss out!
Could Aldo’s Trade You A Pair Of New Shoes For Instagram Pics Of Your Old Ones? (We Hope So!)
October 23rd, 2012 by Christen
Montreal-based footwear brand Aldo staged a charming out-of-home campaign in Israel, inviting passersby to snap a photo of their shoes, upload the photo to Instagram with their shoe size and the hashtag #aldo, and ring a bell. In two minutes, a large, rolling present box then appeared, containing — as you might have expected — a new pair of Aldo shoes in their size.
The bell was rung more than 450 times and 500 photos were uploaded to Instagram, producing nearly 800,000 interactions, the Israeli creative agency who produced it, Smoyz, says.
Now if only Aldo would do that in the US… specifically in NYC! Although not impossible, we have to wonder… If Aldo’s would trade you a pair of new shoes just for your Instagram photo – would you do it? (We hope so!)
There Are Hundreds Of Designer Cancer Fighting Accessories…Choose One!
October 15th, 2012 by Fashion Staff 
Taking time to honor those who have survived or are battling Breast Cancer is always fashionable. Even if you don’t know anyone personally, there are many great ways to support the cause. Over the weekend, Toyota Racing supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month with fashionable pink stock cars, t-shirts, hats and more! This month there are hundreds of great brands that are donating a portion of their proceeds to Breast Cancer. And who doesn’t love a great reason to shop?! Be sure to check out the Breast Cancer inspired shopping guide below.
DO
Splurge! (This is the time to dig deep into your hearts and wallets ladies & gentlemen.) Making a sacrifice to support a good cause adds a little extra in your karma piggy bank. Show your support and that you care to someone you love. This is a fun way to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. Why not shop for a cause and feel good in the process? With the holidays rolling around shop ahead and get all your stocking stuffers now.
DON’T
Overkill the pink. Adding a dash of pink in your daily wardrobe goes a long way. You don’t have to done a pink shirt, pants, scarf, hat and more at the same time to show support. Spread the love by wearing pink polish and sporting pink accessories spread throughout the month and be a long-term supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness.
DO
Find and buy brands that you already know and love. Shopping for a cause should still make sense. There is undoubtedly at least one beauty and fashion brand that has something for you. Brands like OPI, MAC, Michael Kors, Ann Taylor, Vera Wang have made a effort to support Breast Cancer Awareness with fashionable products & accessories that donate a portion of the proceeds to the cause. So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!
Rich Girl 41 – Rubber Hot Pink $195, OPI Pink Of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Nail Polish Collection $13, MAC Pink Friday $14, Bobbi Brown ‘Pink Peony’ Illuminating Bronzer $45, Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Suede $1,695
