Best Buy makes planning your wedding registry fun with these top five picks

Some think that picking out the engagement ring is tough – and in some cases it is. The right “size, shape, color”, is it new or something that is a family heirloom. When it comes to picking out your registry, you can breathe a sign of relief because Best Buy wedding registry takes all the stress out of your wedding planning with home goods that you’ll both enjoy. These are my top five picks from Best Buy to help any engaged couples new life together the best.

1 – TV anyone? This is awesome for gathering around for date night, simple movies and let’s not forget all the sports that your spouse (and possibly you too) will love to watch with family and friends.2 – Technology is key in the 21^st century. How about new matching mobile devices, music players or laptops? This makes staying in touch and getting those thank you notes off to your guests easier.  They also have an awesome “Geek Squad”, that can help you with any of your computer related questions.

3 – New appliances may be needed in your new home and how about that washer, drier or stainless steel wine fridge you’ve had your eye on. While these may seem big-ticket items, they are great for “Group Gifting”. What’s that you ask? It allows gift-givers to give any amount they want, so couples can ask for the gifts you really want and not worry about price point. Great for your officemates or bridal party who want to pool funds for your gift.

4 – It’s party time and a new stereo and/or speakers will set your party off right! Music systems will help with amazing surround sound for parties both in and out of your home. Placing your speakers near or via blue tooth, will have your guests enjoying every moment.

5 – I don’t know about you but nothing makes for a great party but awesome food and cocktails. That’s why a microwave, toaster, blender or coffee maker must be on your registry. Fun food just completes your new home and cocktails  or coffee make everything meal perfect all year round.

Best Buy has a great choice of gifts that will fit any registry request. Remember that all items $199 and over can be considered for their “group gifting” option. This allows you to ask for what you really want, without asking your guests to spend more than they are comfortable with—so dream big. Remember Best Buy Wedding Registry has Free Shipping, No Minimum.  So whatever your “Top Five” products, big or small, expensive or affordable, all ship for free saving your guests money.

So check out Best Buy and take the stress out of your registry planning. Now back to finding the perfect dress….

While a huge Best Buy fan, this is a sponsored post and I’ve been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Breakups to Makeup and Sephora get married…well, sort of.

Breakups to Makeup, known for its unique accessories featuring quirky cosmetic-related slogans, has partnered with SEPHORA COLLECTION on a new accessories assortment, launching on Sephora.com and SEPHORA stores across the US and Canada starting today, April 10, 2015. You’ll be able to find “LOSING YOU HURT BUT LOSING MY MAKEUP BAG WOULD BE A TRAGEDY” and “I WOULD CRY BUT MY MASCARA IS DESIGNER”, as well as a SEPHORA COLLECTION exclusive clutch with the phrase “LIFE IS SHORT, WEAR MORE MAKEUP”.

“The goal of Breakups to Makeup has always been to encourage the artistic expression and empowerment that many makeup enthusiasts feel makeup has brought into their lives. We are beyond thrilled to become a part of the beauty wonderland that they have created.” – Angelique Velez, Founder, Breakups to Makeup

So no surprise that these two would come together all in the name of beauty.

Retailing at $24 USD, they can be used as a statement piece or a travel bag to fit easily inside of your kit or suitcase. Made with a natural colored canvas material and are screen-printed with different catchy quotes on the front, definitely not your usual makeup bag!

www.breakupstomakeup.com

Love your body with Body Butter from the Body Shop

Just like your first love, your first Body Butter experience with The Body Shop was truly unforgettable! NEW to the Body Butter line you first fell in love with, is The Body Shop’s super delicious, rich and creamy, Special-Edition Blueberry Body Butter and Blueberry bath and body range that will help you look and feel beautifully uplifted inside and out.

 Jam-packed with nutrients, each Special Edition Blueberry Body Butter has oil from 500 blueberries! Blueberry Seed Oil is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids for long-lasting moisture and skin-nourishment with a more uplifting fragrance than ever before!   With the re-introduced Special-Edition Blueberry collection, there’s also Body Lotion, Lip Butter, an amazing Jam Scrub and a fun Blueberry Sponge!  Savor it while you can—it’s only available starting January 27^th, for a limited time!

 

Each product is uniquely crafted with Community Fair Trade Ingredients that directly impact and support the communities in which the ingredients are grown.  The Blueberry Body Butter range has shea butter handcrafted by The Tungteiya Women’s Shea ButterAssociation in Ghana, Africa, which supports 46,000 people living in communities where Tungteiya operates. Also from Ghana, Africa, the cocoa butter within this collection is artisanal made by Kuapa Kokoo, a Fairtrade-certified cocoa farmers cooperative.

Never spill again with Contigo Mugs

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of flimsy paper cups that are either too hot (even with those little protectors) or you can’t drink out of the lids.  Contigo has several travel mugs that will not only make your life easy, but super stylish. The Morgan Tumbler has a patented “autoseal” lid that automatically seals between sips to protect against spills and leaks. With none of annoying external condensation (for cold drinks), it can keep cold for up to 4 hours and hot for 1 hour. ($9.99-$10.99)

The Randolph Vacumm Travel Mug is easy, for one-handed use and no caps or spouts. The double-wall vacuum stainless steel keep your drink hot for 4 hours or cold up to 12. This is a ‘must’ for those left-handed users who can’t find a comfortable handle. ($22.99)

The Auto Spout Addison Water bottle is the ultimate one-touch drink spout for easy one-handed opening and drinking.  The spout shield covers silicone spout, keeps it clean and protected wen not in use. Love the two-finger grip because it’s ergonomically comfy to use on-the-go. ($12.99)

The Jackson Water Bottle has a wide opening which is ideal for those who want ice cubes and yet it is leak proof seal prevents spills and leaks. This and the Grace Water bottle are BPA Free and $9.99 and $10.00 respectively.

My ultimate favorite is the Shake & Go Tumbler. It is 100% leak-proof. Ideal for iced coffee, tea, powdered beverages and all those water enhancers. Because there is double-walled construction, it keeps your beverages cooler, longer and reduces condensation.  Also BA Free $12.99

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All of these are available at major retailers or online at GoContigo.com and make awesome gifts!!

Holiday Gift Guide: Beauty sales for 2013

Ok…in between food shopping, washing, dressing, cooking (and the occasional glass or 2), I know you’ll be scouting out Holiday deals.  Well…here are some for your viewing pleasure AND some actually start TODAY.  Woo-Hoo!!

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Note: The dates and locations of the sales are highlighted so make sure you check for the ‘end date’.

Beauty and Hair

Starting TODAY, in-store and online, with every $30 purchase you can snag a fun, reusable Community Fair Trade “I Love The Body Shop” tote, filled with 9 customer beauty favorites—all for only $25! [Suggested Retail Value: $108.50]

What you’ll find inside:

Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

Cranberry Shower Gel

Satsuma Body Polish

Satsuma Body Butter

Vitamin E Moisture Cream

Absinthe Hand  Butter

Coconut Body Oil

Coconut Soap

Bath Lily

Use The Body Shop Store Locator to contact your local The Body Shop for opening hours.

This holiday season, the online beauty boutique, Stylebell.com, is the web’s one-stop-shopping destination for all beauty and hair related gift giving and shopping:

Stylebell.com Sitewide Promotion: From now until 12/22/13, receive $20 off all orders over $100 + Free Shipping over $25 using the Coupon Code:  HOLIDAY20

Babyliss Appliance Promotion: Purchase the brand new Babyliss MiraCurl Nano Titanium Curl Machine from Black Friday (11/29/13)—Cyber Tuesday (12/3/13) and receive all 5 After Care Products FREE including:

Babyliss Pro MiraCurl Curl Prep 8 oz.

Babyliss Pro MiraCurl Curl Foundation 6 oz.

Babyliss Pro MiraCurl Defining Spray 8 oz.

Babyliss Pro MiraCurl Hair Spray 10 oz.

Babyliss Pro MiraCurl Thermal Shine Spray 4 oz. 

Maijan Promotion: Purchase the new Maijan Pure Argan Oil & Mint Hydrating Shampoo 12 oz. and receive the Maijan Pure Argan Oil & Mint Hydrating Conditioner 12 oz. for FREE! Cyber Monday 12/2.

One Day Maijan Promotion: Take 30% off all Maijan Products including Argan Oils, New Shampoos & Conditioners, & Facial Steamers on Cyber Monday 12/2/13. 

Keratin Complex Promotion: All Keratin Complex products including shampoos, conditioners, after care products, and appliances will be 20% off Black Friday 11/29/13 through Cyber Tuesday 12/3/13.

In addition to being Cyber Monday’s top shopping destination for beauty and hair products, StyleBell.com also provides shoppers with tips and tricks on how to use the products and tools like a true professional.  Stylebell.com has got it all for consumers who need to get their holiday shopping done, and want to do it all at the hottest online beauty boutique there is!  

Spa Sonic

Treat your skin and your wallet to exclusive deals from Spa Sonic:

Visit Target.com on Black Friday to purchase the Spa Sonic system for $33 and Cyber Monday through Cyber Week for $32.  If you happen to miss the Black&Cyber sales, don’t worry, now through Dec 30^th,Walmart.com is offering the Spa Sonic system for $39.99.

DermaLight

The new DermaLight will be on sale for $119.99 and the Spa Sonic system $35.99 at Drugstore.com. Offer valid November 24^th through December 7^th.

Adventures in Skin Care

Don’t wait in line on Black Friday to get gorgeous skin. Buy one Adventuress product to give your inner thrill-seeker some serious outer protection, and get one at 50% off (of equal or greater value).  To purchase Adventuress products please visit http://goadventuress.com and enter BlackFriday into the “Discount Codes” box. Offer now through Nov. 28-Nov 30^th. (Limit 2)

Miracle Skin Transformer

On Cyber Monday, enjoy 30% off your entire purchase of $50 or more exclusively at www.miracleskintransformer.com.  Discount will automatically be taken at checkout.

Mia Beauty

Stock up on your favorite hair accessories from Mia Beauty. Save 30% on your purchase (coupon code bf2013) and receive free standard shipping (coupon code bf2013fs) from www.miabeauty.com. Codes are valid Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

HairMax

Creators of the revolutionary LaserComb, HairMax is offering 20% off your entire purchase of hair loss products and devices.  To redeem, visit www.hairmax.com  and use coupon code holiday at checkout. Coupon code is valid November 28^th through December 6^th

 

Holiday Shopping in Brooklyn (NY that is)

Yesterday we explored the holiday shops in Manhattan. Today we’re taking a walk over the bridge to Brooklyn and enjoying all they have to offer.  Recently Brooklyn has become the hot neighborhood (well, this Brooklyn Girl always knew it was the best, but I digress…) and now many more people will realize it too.

 

These markets are highly etsy but there are some amazing artisans and craftspeople in these markets.   You’ll find something for everyone on your holiday or wedding list.  While you’re there, check out some of the neighboring restaurants. After all, more than a tree grows here.

 

Brooklyn 

 

RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR
Nov. 23 and 24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1 Hanson Place, Brooklyn

 

The Renegade Craft Fair will surely take your craft browsing experience to a new level with their free photo booth, free music and workshops to make the fair feel more like a party. You can learn and purchase organic soaps, kids clothes, leather items, letterpress cards, earrings, and a lot more.  They have over 200 vendors, so you won’t leave empty handed.

 

WILLIAMSBURG WINTER MARKET
80 N. 5th Street
Nov.30 – March, Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

While I’m sad they moved this from their location in Ft. Green (my neighborhood) The Brooklyn Flea’s new location means it is much larger, meaning more vendors, and more options.  Even if you don’t go, they have some of the best foot around.  Called the Smorgasburg, there will be 75 food booths alongside the 125 gift vendors. They will have packaged food and gifting items (I saw some this weekend and OMG!!). Bring lots of money because there will be lots of options. They will have an ATM just in case.

 

CRAFTED AT THE CANAL 
69 9th Street, Brooklyn
Dec. 7, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5p.m.

 

Free Beer??!?  Did someone say FREE??  According to the website, along with a slew of handmade gifts for sale, there will be free beer for all (of legal drinking age) Friday, thanks should go to Brooklyn Brewery and Brooklyn Home Brew. DJ WE CAN GOT IT will get the party started at the Friday kickoff as well. 

 

BROOKLYN HOLIDAY BAZAAR
501 Union Street, Brooklyn
Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

A collection of 30 artists with their handmade gifts, and workshops available.

 

ETSY HANDMADE CAVALCADE
The Space, 50 North 3rd Street, Brooklyn
Dec. 14 and 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

 

The fair has more than 40 Etsy New York vendors selling “goods ranging from handmade clothing, jewelry, accessories and paper goods to bath and body products, toys and housewares.  Best yet…the first 100 entrants get a goodie bag

 

Holiday shopping is in full swing

Cold yes…but it won’t keep shoppers away.  Today Manhattan…tomorrow…Brooklyn and hopefully before long, all your shopping will be done.

UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET
Union Square
Nov. 21 – Dec. 24
M-F, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Union Square Holiday Market takes over the square in late November with more than 150 vendors, with a new “Little Brooklyn” section of the market featuring goods from my neighborhood. You have the flavor of Brooklyn, without having to take the trek.

BRYANT PARK WINTER VILLAGE
Bryant Park
Nov. 1 – Jan. 5
M-F, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The park is simply beautiful with treats to eat, and over 125 booths to shop (love the ones for pets). When you are tired of shopping, stop by Celsius for a bite to eat, cocktail and watch the skaters swoosh by.

GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY FAIR 
Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal
Nov. 18 – Dec. 24
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

They open early and stay open late. As the location that proudly says they receive over 1 million visitors a day, their 76 booths should get lots of attention. You should also check out any of the other shops that grace Grand Central Terminal for their holiday sales (and perhaps, not as crowded).

HOLIDAY MARKET AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE 
Columbus Circle
Dec. 3 to Dec. 24
Mon. – Sat, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m, Sun. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This outdoor gift and food market for the last few  years been an amazing place for ‘home-made’ etsy-type gifts. I love the Honey that comes directly from Vermont. This is always a great stop and the people are extremely reasonably priced and friendly. Stop by and say Hi to them…and the hot chocolate – yummy!

DEGENERATE CRAFT FAIR
DCTV Firehouse, 87 Lafayette Street
Dec. 14, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Arts vs Craft that is the answer. From find paintings and jewelry to hand knitted scarfs and cookies no matter where you turn there is something wonderful to see or purchase.  At the opening night reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. there will be music and free beer. The next day the first 50 guests get a free tote full of goodies. I see a line forming right now.

CRAFTS AT THE CATHEDRAL
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
Dec. 6 -8, $6 weekdays, $7 weekends

Don’t be fooled by the word “Crafts”. At the Cathedral, there are high-end leather, glass and jewelry.  They offer a market where everything is hand-made, one of a kind, and made by North American artisans.