These Hangers are an Absolute Must...

These have to be the best thing to keep your wardrobe looking nice. They are ultra thin, velvet-flocked (which pretty much means coated with a soft fabric type coating) hangers to keep your clothes from falling on the ground. I've tried plastic with hooks and cloth covered, but the plastic ones are slippery and the cloth ones are just too thick. This is the perfect middle ground!

Heirloom Tomatoes, Sure... but Heirloom Legumes?

I have no idea what to do with this post, as I'm sure it would be odd to bring someone kidney beans as a hosting gift, but what the heck - this is just an interesting product. They look really cool, almost like the most colorful Jelly Bellies, so I'm sure worst case you could make some mean macaroni art! Get them from http://www.ranchogordo.com/

Cork Board Journals - Love 'em

These are the best looking notebooks that I've seen in a long time. Perfect next to the phone, in the kitchen to jot down grocery lists, or on the nightstand for waking up with an idea to express. Get one at www.momastore.org - get two and give one to a friend. Here is the direct link if it is hard to find: http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Cork%20Notebook_10451_10001_46657

Sunburn Lotion for Those Holiday Vacations

This is hands-down the best sunburn product I've found, and the best thing is, every beach town in (practically) the world has it. I'm fair skinned, but love the sun, and sadly have been through a lot of bad burns. This is the only lotion I've ever used that prevented peeling. You have to be disciplined though in applying it twice a day for a few days, and it is a little greasy. I swear it works though!

Best Everyday Body Lotion

I love this total drugstore cocoa butter, it smells like you are on vacation, and it is the most hydrating thing ever. It costs around $4, so you can use as much as you want and not feel guilty. I read about it in the 'best of' magazine sections for so many years that I finally gave in and bought it. Now it is one of my standards. No colors/dyes either, I can't handle purple lotion. This isn't my absolute fav for sunburns though...I actually use something else(Banana Boat After Sun Lotion)...so I'll have to post that one next!

Fake Eyelash Recommendation

So many fake eyelash options, how to choose? I use these maybe once a year, but I never know which one to grab at the drugstore. The results are in and the makeup artists are all saying the same thing. Ardell brand in #124. I'm not sure how important the number 124 is, but three different makeup gurus all called out the number so that's what I'm going with. Happy diva times!
Ardell Fashion Lashes Black 124 1-pr.

Quick Ring Size Fix For Those Cheap Heavy Baubles...

Great idea for a too-big, but too-cheap-to-size-it ring. Remember that one you bought last week? And that other one you bought the week before that? The big costumey ones? The little worker bee will fix the slips and slides. You just put a dab of this 'glue' on the inside and it will stay put. Genius.

At Home Hair Glaze

Yikes, I'm not sure if this should even be on the market. Isn't this what trained professionals are for? I actually used this for quite awhile, and liked it a first. The thing is though, it says to apply it roots to tips (obviously because otherwise you would end up with funny colored roots), but the formula is so heavy that it really weighs your hair down. I just felt like it ended up a little to greasy. Shiny good. But greasy bad. I think I will leave this one to the pros...

For the 'Wino' or 'Wino-to-be' With Everything

We all have that one person...or persons, who are impossible to buy gifts for, and here is a great solution - the 'Le Nez du Vin wine aroma kit' from Williams Sonoma. This wine tasting set would be such a fun present for an entertainer or a couple. If they are already into wine they could hone their senses. If they aren't, all the better, they could have the neighborhood over to drink a little and learn a little. There is really no down side, and if you get it for your parents they might buy better wine next Christmas!

Is That a Penny on Your Finger, Or...?

Some really funky round cocktail rings have been popping up in the fashion mags lately. The one pictured ($68) was in Lucky recently, and the website (allisondanieldesigns.com) has a ton of other cute ones too. Check out the 'moonstone ring' and the 'round ring'. I'm sure you could browse the vintage stores and kick-knack shops as well to lower the price point if you wanted the investment to be a little more fad-worthy.

Gimmicky Goods

These 'Beauty Magnets' might make you laugh a little, but what a cute adder to a bachlorette gifty basket. Supposedly the ancient ritual of putting these tiny charged discs on your face makes your circulation increase...soooo....you look like a million bucks! I'm not sure, but a map of wear to put them onto your face comes with the set up, good thing.

Filling Smoothie from Jackie Keller

I really dislike breakfast, in addition to not having time for it...I'm just not ready to eat that early. Here is one way I've found to start out healthy and full. Blend one cup of frozen blueberries, 1/2 cup pomegranate juice, 2 cups apple juice, 6 oz. soft tofu and 1/2 frozen banana into a smoothie. It has everything you need to start your day, without all the sugar!

Cuticle Oil That Works!

Solar Oil...I swear by this stuff, it is the absolute best. The bottle is cute, lasts forever, and has a diagonal side so you can tilt it toward you without holding it. Genius! The oil feels really silky when you massage it into your hands and your cuticles look better right away. No delayed gratification here. It has been a favorite for so long, I can't believe I haven't written about it yet. I am going to have to dig into my own medicine cabinet to remember the great stuff that I've been holding out on!

Xmas Sweet Treats

Yum, yum, yum....these look so good! Who says the perfect hostess gift can't be edible? Not me - and definitley not when I'm playing the host. Both of the treats pictured are from Williams Sonoma holiday. Ever heard of 'Perfect Endings'? Maybe on Oprah or when planning a wedding? This Napa Valley bakery is famous for their wedding cakes (which can be shipped) and their cupcakes. You get 9 cakes in the box (all pictured above) sent right to your door. Spendy...but so sought after! If your budget is a little less though, no need to show it, just get the Black and White Caramels with Sea Salt. They come in a cute box of 16 (only $16.50) AND you can pick it up right at the store when you are running late to that next holiday party. Perfect.

Kukui Products

Here is the new secret ingredient: Kukui. It is in all sorts of lotions and oils, even Proactive uses it. I'll add more products to the list too...

Belt It!

We've known we were back in the 'belt it' phase for a while here at Sovanda, but we had yet to find a really great belt to recommend. Until now. Love the Crocodile-print leather belt at Banana Repubulic for all sort of options. Cinch a jewel toned dress, and show off your cute middle..too much of this empire waist stuff going on anyway!

Black Work-Able Flats

These are such great flats from Steve Madden ($73.95). I have another pair that I like for work, but these are even better. The buckle ensures less of a kidsy looks so they are professional enough for work, but finally comfy too!

Monagram Letter Seals

Nearly everytime I get a William Sonoma catalog, I pull out the same page. It is the page that has the round monagram embosser. You can use the metallic stickers or the metallic tags, and there are all lots of different designs. I keep thinking it would be so useful for so many things, cute invites, christmas cards, all sorts of things. This holiday catalog has the printed stickers as well if you aren't as excited about the embossed look but want the same effect.

Cutie Pie Champagne Flutes for the Holidays

I don't drink champagne that much, but when I do I want to do it right. I think these flutes from Crate and Barrel are such a cool shape. I can't get the photo to insert correctly from www.crateandbarrel.com, but you can go search Edge Flutes. They are tall cylinders with a flat base and a stem. I'm not exactly sure if they are $9.95 each or for a set (I think each), but they look modern for sure. Hot stuff for your next party times.

Airbrush Makeup from Dior

Just like the Evian spritzer, here comes a new can to spray at your face. Geared towards producing a 'flawless' finish, this micronized spray makeup by Dior is a great improvement on regular foundation. It looks a lot like the finish of mineral makeup, if you do it right that is...Dior Airflash at http://www.saks.com/

Nail Hardener...Does It Work?

I tried Revlon Calcium Gel Nail Hardener 10 days ago when I was feeling like my nails were particularly pathetic. The package says '60% thicker in just 4 days', and although I wasn't quite sure how they measured the %60, any improvement sounded good to me. It went on easily (as anything clear does) and looked shiny, which I liked. Fast forward 4 days, and my nails were notably thicker and stronger. BUT, checking in today (6 more days) and it chipped off like regular polish does. Sure, it isn't as bad as colored polish would have looked, but it looked like clear nail polish does when the ends all wear away and there is a circle of shiny in the middle of your nail. You need to take it off with nail polish remover - not that big of a deal - but not what I was expecting. So...as long as you are thinking you will need to take it off, it really did make stronger nails. I'm definitely up for trying it again when I'm feeling a little brittle...

Lower-End Lines by Higher-End Names

First perfume by everyone and their brother, and now it seems like the new celeb trend is a low-end clothing line. 'Simply Vera' by Vera Wang is selling at Khol's and 'Bitten' by Sarah Jessica Parker is selling at Steve and Barry's. Add these to H&M and Mango, and it fashion has taken a turn for the cheap.

I definitely doubt the overall quality of these clothes, but trend gear never makes it past a season anyway. The dress pictures above is from the 'Simply Vera' line, for $68. That is higher than a lot of the celeb lines at Target and other discount chains, so maybe the details are there. I'll have to scout it out. Also, check out the cute coat on the left (Bitten $19.95) it may not be quality...but at this price you could practically wear it once!

Secret Sleeper For A Small Space

Ok, so this ottoman is out of Pottery Barn Teen, but who would know? As long as you got a color that fit into your decor (most likely white) and didn't use the kidsy sheets, I think you are off and running. Anyone who lives in nyc or san fran knows that being able to sleep a last minute overnight guest is useful. The great thing is that it is flat enough to double as a coffee table if you put a cute tray on top of it. I'm not sure how comfy your guest would be, but maybe after a long night out it wouldn't make too much of a difference anyway!

Avoiding Deodorant Disasters

Gal Pal markets these Garment Deodorant Removers, and they work, I just tried mine today. BUT...they are just round sponges! Hilarious! I have to say though, it would be a cute gift and you couldn't use your old kitchen sponge to clean your clothes anyway. Basically, the directions just say to rub the sponge on your spot. If that doesn't work, put a little water on the sponge, ring it out, and then wipe the damp sponge on your clothes. There doesn't appear to be any coating on the sponges, and the packaging doesn't make any amazing claims about secret ingredients either. You can't exactly just fake your own though, most sponges now come with chemical layers and you would definitely need to hunt down the same type of foam sponge - so I say go for the Gal Pals, you can use the same ones for a long time anyway...

No Mess, Quick Nail Color

I tried these for a wedding, when I knew for sure that I would be running late. They are made by Avon and are called 'Instant Manicure Dry Enamel Strips'. It was so great, because when I finished doing them (in the car) they were already dry. The packets come with some extra ones, like press-on kits, in case you mess up or for if your fingers are wider or thinner than the average. They are almost like stickers, except that there is no glue just pre-dried nail polish. You would think they would look different, but if you put them on carefully they really look painted. It's the weirdest thing.
I've recently heard there are knock-offs now in the drugstore, which might be cheaper, but I would wonder about quality. These are $8 each, but you get a free one when you buy. So...$4 really, which is cheap for a manicure but not quite the deal that painting them yourself would be. My attempt lasted over a week, which is pretty good for my nails, and they looked good despite my less than surgical steady hand. They make pedicure ones as well. Click below and search 'Instant Manicure' to find them on Avon.

Terrible Bottle, but it Smells Great...

My favorite new scent is 'Princess' by Vera Wang. Sadly, it has a sort of tacky bottle that I don't know if I can bring myself to buy! I couldn't not tell you about it though, because it is so light and fresh. Maybe they were going for the medicine cabinet crowd...that is where mine will be hiding.Vera Wang Princess Perfume - 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray

Strange Home Remedies Vol.1

Anjali – an Indian TV personality - swears on this trick to make your pores smaller, but I'm not so sure. Puree one medium unripe tomato and one teaspoon of honey in a blender and use it as a mask on a newly washed face. Leave it on for twenty minutes then rinse it off. The question is would this be good for those of us without Indian skin? Supposedly the tomato acts as astringent and the honey moisturizes…any takers?

Customized Soap Chips For Your Guests

These soaps are such a cute idea for your guest bathroom. They come in a nice display box, or just order the refills and then put them into any basket you like. The flavors are yummy (mango butter, white grapefruit, cinnamon orange, etc.) and they are made of all natural ingredients. It could also be a great hostess gift if you ordered the little box with only 5 soaps in it. www.valseyandme.com

Traveling Dry...No Need To Check

With all of the new travel rules banning liquids in your carry-on, I have started to look for 'dry' options to pack. I use these makeup remover pads from Almay now. Since they are so inexpensive, I just leave one in my makeup bag ready to go. These ones are the 'oil free' which I would definitely recommend for any eye makeup. The regular ones are really oily, but work well for long-wearing lipstick that stains into your lips.
New Customers Save 5% on Today's Order. Savings Applied at Checkout. Offer Ends 10.17.2007

Cute, Cute, Cute Dresses at Macy's

Love this dress, and what a great color for this time of year! This one is by Inc, and the same company makes a lot of other good ones. Just click the picture to get to it at Macy's. Try it with opaque black tights and black heels if you dare:)

Keeping the Girls From Peeking

We all have those button up stretch dress shirts that fit right...usually. Then you lean the wrong way a little and all the sudden you have a massive gap. Yikes, no bra shot intended. This product (www.bugcatcherz.com) can help. It is basically double sided tape that fits around your button. Just one thing though...if all of your button-ups do this all the time, it is time for a new size not a roll of doublestick!

Natural Pumpkin Hand Cream for Halloween

Here is a lotion that doesn't contain artificial fragrance or dye - a fun seasonal option. Desert Essence Organics Pumpkin Hand Repair Cream. It moisturizes with pumpkin seed oil...which is super silky, and for the price - you could use a bottle a week stress-free. I know drugstore.com has it and they have a sale going on right now:
The Big October Sale - Get up to 40% off at drugstore.com. Offer ends 11.02.07. Enjoy!

Beach Time With Your Nano

Someone asked me a few days ago about cute, waterproof cases for the iPod Nano that everyone seems to have (good gift opportunity?). I like the one that is pictured at the left for $40 at Amazon, called the 'Otterbox'. They make them to fit all the different iPods and even the iPhone. Otterbox 910-01.3 Waterproof Case for iPod Nano 2nd Generation

For $80 there is also a great one for submerging, it has a double locking mechanism, at http://www.h20audio.com/. That would be a great gift if someone you are buying a Xmas present for is going on a snorkeling vacation...

Anybody Out There Using Mascara Primer?

Maybe it's just me, but I don't like this stuff. All of the big companies, department store lines or drugstore brands, make it. I've tried Lancome's and I've tried Revlon's but it is just too much. While it is supposed to make mascara go on smooth, I actually think that all of that white gunk makes my mascara get more clumpy. I know you need to wiggle the brush back and forth while you put it on (like normal mascara), but still no dice. Love to know if anyone likes this stuff...

Life After the 'Chicken Cutlets'...

'Cleavage Cupcakes' offer a new alternative to the old 'chicken cutlets', you know what I'm talking about ladies. These are much cuter and potentially giftable to someone close (like a sister!). $44 at http://www.cleavagecupcakes.com/

1 Minute Manicure...Miracle???

No, not so much. Good idea though! I really thought I would like this product, because it would be insane if it actually worked. Basically, it is oil and salts, and you are supposed to rub it on your hands (and cuticles) once a day for a minute or two. I would use it while my hair conditioning mask was on in the shower. It did keep my cuticles nice and they stayed more hydrated than usual. BUT, the packaging was a disaster and only the oil would squeeze out of the bottle with little or no 'essential' salt. So now I'm left with a big bottle of only salt! It would be great if someone could redo this in a better format. Maybe keep them separate and I squeeze some of each into my hand before rubbing it in???

Gripper Barrettes

Scunci (you know the Target/Walgreens hair elastic brand) now makes no slip hair barrettes that have gripper plastic on the inside. They actually work really well, maybe too well for my damaged thick hair, but smooth healthy hair would probaby work perfect. They claim 'no slip grip for all day hold' and I bet it is true!

Snugly Men's Sweatshirt/Jacket for This Winter

I LOVE this sherpa sweatshirt by JCrew, but bummer I can't find the picture of it on their website anymore. Perfect for walking around with a coffee on a Saturday, and so snugly! Go look for it in the store! It comes in navy and coffee (ironic), did I say I love it yet?

Cool Custom Invites

How cute, custom invites for any occasion. At http://www.mountaincow.com/ you can order plain cards and envelopes of all types, and then design your own and print them at home. I'm not sure if the software packages are necessary (my printer is pretty smart on its own), but the cards are all of the fun, funky colors that I've been looking for. Free shipping on orders over $100 (coupon code RSSHIP7) for those of you who may be getting married...

Getting the Side-Swept Bang Look

Anyone out there trying to replicate the cute long side-swept bangs that all the celebs are sporting? When your bangs are still soaked, blowdry them backwards over a big round brush. That will hold in the volume, then when they are dry, dry the tips to the side over the same big round brush. Set them with a little hairspray and you're done. Voila - sexy bangs!

Get Your Xmas On

Holidays always sneak up on me, but this year I'm determined. So...first the non-perishable decorations (I am always the one trying to hunt down a tree on the 20th of December!). These stockings (http://www.potterybarn.com/) are so fun, I like the red one. You can choose cursive or print embroidery, which is included in the $29. If you hurry, they also have some more standard ones that are only $15 with the embroidery in the sale section.

Cute Tees, Long on the Sleeves

Looking for some long sleeve tee shirts like me? I like these ones from Urban Outfitters. I'm hoping that they aren't paper thin, but for $24 I'll take my chances. Good length for skinny(er) jeans, fall is coming and I've got some cute ballet flats to add to the outfit.

$99? Really?

Is it nuts to pay $99 for a shower curtain? I'm sure it is. And how much would it suck when you see it for half off? Such a cute shower curtain though! This one would really take some negotiation with my other half... http://www.restorationhardware.com/