Thursday, November 24, 2011

Game on!

Rush Those Crowds!

 
Ready, prep & set... Let's knock out the holiday shopping!!!

Black Friday Favorites

I know we are all being pummeled with deals and door busters for tomorrow, but I'm not too interested in starting my shopping at 12am, so below are a few of my favorite deals for tomorrow that will be worth a trip out or a click online... But only after a leisurely breakfast with friends!
Also important to mention... She is having a SAMPLE SALE in her LA Boutique tomorrow and Saturday.
Cost Plus World Market is having an amazing sale on these must-have faux fur throws - 50% off takes them to $29.99 - Unbeatable and such a fantastic look for your holiday decor.
Love Sephora for their great Holiday Gift Sets... I see 4 little gifts in this perfect set for friends at the office - Break them up into pairs and viola... 4 fun gifts! 
Another favorite of mine is Victoria Secrets traditional satin pajamas and they are on clearance for $39.99 + free shipping!
J Crew Factory store... Order great pieces online... Many super great markdowns to give the look of timeless style!
Macy's has absolutely gone mad with deals for tomorrow through the weekend and if you are a cardholder you have received a ton of extra savings coupons in the mail as well.  I have my eye on these Lucky Brand wedge booties.  Super saver sale and who knows how much more in savings once I fan out my savings coupons.
Good luck out there!!  I must know what fun finds you come across - post pics and any deals you feel are must-haves to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/majorbaggage

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Tabletop Traditions

I love Thanksgiving for many reasons.  A couple favorites are:  1)  It's acceptable to be in your PJ's at least until noon ~ albeit slaving away in the kitchen 2) An opportunity to set a really nice table for the special meal ~ our dining room is usually a catch all for mail and unfolded laundry...  Below are a few of my favorite items I bring out for Thanksgiving each year and as I am typing this I am also thinking... Why just on this day? 
Rae Dunn really has a way with words... I was given these napkin rings years ago by a very special friend... Lots of ways to describe a meal with those you love.
Add a little vintage whimsy to the table... My little squirrel find from the Rose Bowl Flea Market holds matchbooks - easy access for all the candles I light throughout the holidays.
Vintage glassware - belonged to my Great-Grandmother are now an important part of my table setting.
 What traditions are a part of your Thanksgiving?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Winter Coat Revival


Los Angeles is finally showing signs of continuous Winter weather and so it's time to bring out the warm coat from the back of the closet for the season.  I have a few outdoor holiday occasions coming up, so I wanted to experiment with some accessories that will look fun and festive.  Below are just a few examples of how I would"dress it up"for various occasions adding in a little pop of color and texture... 
Etsy.com
Charlotterusse.com
Pairing these looks with a simple pair of black leggings, cozy turtleneck and your favorite boots and you are on your way to staying warm and looking festive for a tree lighting in Rock Center, cocktails around a patio fire pit at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa or shopping with friends at The Grove!  Let's go!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Friday Forever Finds

So glad this crazy week is over and I was able to spend a little time to wind down and browse for some fun accessories.  All of which were under $10 and so perfect for a little extra shine and sparkle for the Holidays!  Not to mention they would all be so great as gifts wrapped up in my favorite way (shown here) and gifted to your friends at the office, maybe a gift exchange party or as a stocking stuffer...
Chanel-like sparkle & shine with this great chunky cuff paired with a bit of edge in the gold tone pyramid bracelet
The gold grommets on this little wristlet caught my eye!  Perfect to put all the necessities in for a Holiday Cocktail night out!
These great leatherette gold rosebuds were lined up in the hair accessories area and I think they are so pretty to embellish a sleek ponytail or pin back your bangs with a little side braid... But also found that they double as one of my new accessory obsessions...
Shoe clips :-)
Here's to some good finds!!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Pumpkin Butter Rolls

The delicious items never end this season!!  Thank goodness we are getting colder in LA as I'll need to wear lots of layers to camouflage all the treats I am consuming!  I'm sure many of you have already discovered the yummy Pumpkin Butter at Trader Joe's and know it's SO good spread on toast, so here is another SUPER SIMPLE (level -1) recipe that calls for a jar of the pumpkin butter and ready-bake crescent rolls... Here is the sequence of events:
2 ingredients...
On a non-greased baking sheet, break apart dough into triangles (which should already be formed for you), evenly space on pan and spread a generous amount of the pumpkin butter onto the dough. 
Roll up the crescents from the longer end of the triangle to the pointy side and curve in slightly to give it the half moon shape.  Bake @ 375 degrees for about 14 - 16 min. until golden on top.
Really good in the morning with your coffee or tea!  Also, try this as a savory bite for your Thanksgiving table (I'm thinking a great hostess gift as well if you are a guest this year!)
Any yummy recipes you have tried with Pumpkin Butter??

I've Got the Power!

Essie's Power Clutch polish - It's a rich grey-green color (more grey for sure) that may be replacing my dark blackish-purple color I normally go for when I want bold nails.  I discovered a great lady at my normal beauty shoppe that is a true pro at painting on the darker colors... Thank you , Linda!  Makes all the difference.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Samples for Sale!

I'm really excited about this fun beauty discovery!  I saw a blurb about it on a friend's blog a few months back and then again in a magazine recently, so I decided to give it a try.  I am such a sucker for samples... I love to try new products without the commitment of having to buy a full size in the event I don't like it.  This great company called Birchbox is an online beauty site that will send you monthly samples of 4 different beauty products based on your preferences for you to try out.  If you can't live without any of them, you can buy straight from their site with a special discount and free shipping.  Your cost to receive these high end samples is only $10 a month or you can join for 12 months and pay all at once and get the 13th month free (that's what I did as there are other great perks involved when you go this route)!    Below is my very first box... Love all the items!
Professional whiting toothpaste (perfect for my travel case), a fantastic sample of Kerastase's hair oil which smells AMAZING, a nice & rich night cream that has hints of cocoa, lash lifting mascara from the famed Anastasia in Beverly Hills (best known for her fantastic brow design) and a sweet little hair band for a perfect ponytail.
All these fun items come packaged in this perfect little box and delivered to your door once a month.  Who doesn't love that!
What a great Holiday gift idea :-)

Monday, November 7, 2011

I Can Hardly Contain Myself!

Can we officially say that the Season of Gifting has begun?  To help ease a bit of stress over finding the perfect little something, I always turn to one of my favorite catalogs...The Container Store's Stocking Stuffer Collection!!  So many fun, useful trinkets and gadgets for all on your list.  Shop early as most of the best items your gal pals would like sell out quick.  Below are a few of my picks for this season's Must-Have's:
Love these adorable soft, silicone textured coin purses and sunglasses case.  They will surely stand out when sifting through your handbag!
I can never have too many page clips on hand... Many, many magazines await my tagging and I love how these come in a great clear plastic display case.
They had me at quatrefoil iPhone case... Pick your design favorite of the 4 and each comes with 2 background colors for extra options!
Erase(r) your mistakes with a little "bling"!
Never leave the (bird) house without your keys!  I love this fun, modern design - A perfect housewarming gift.
Holiday stress, BE GONE!!  Just take a moment and turn on your Chill Pill!  These little LED lights are perfect tabletop reminders to relax and enjoy all the holidays have to offer. 







Thursday, November 3, 2011

Comfy Cozy Weekend Wear

I believe cooler weather is in my future for this weekend and maybe even a little rain (not too much, please!) so it's time to get warm and cozy!  I little inspiration goes a long way when looking to pack lightly... Below are a few ensembles that could easily mix and match for a few casual-chic Fall outfits:
From homestoriesatoz.com
Obviously, boots are a key element!  What's the main piece that rounds out your cold weather look?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Mid-Week Recommendation

I start out each morning with a trip to Starbucks to jolt me awake while I make a particularly long commute to the South Bay.  Along this journey, I have begun to listen in to NPR (89.9 out here in LA) - mostly because their news and stories are more uplifting, informative and non-partisan.  This morning they did a great piece with Mindy Kaling (plays Kelly Kapoor in the TV show The Office).  She has a new book out called "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns)" - GREAT title, right? - which chronicles many hysterical thoughts on friendship, high school, social etiquette plus much more in a way that has you laughing & thinking "OMG - I feel the same way / went through the same thing / etc.  Her writing style is amazing - talent I can completely appreciate.  Take a look at a small excerpt from her book here & grab a copy for yourself... Great gift idea for your BFF!