Merry Christmas!!
Kay Jewelers…
Tonite I found myself doing a little light window shopping in Kay Jewelers at Westfield UTC. Anyone who knows me well is aware how much I love jewelry. With my whole downsizing mentality lately I’ve tried hard to adopt the “look away from the jewelry” rule as much as possible. But sometimes… ya gotta do more than look away! (At least I do anyway.) I went on a little recon shopping trip as a favor to someone I know last night. Most difficult recon trip ever!! Kay Jewelers is filled with amazing sparklers and it was all I could do to ask questions, gather my intelligence and escape. I figured you all would want to see some of the fabulous sparklers I found. In case anyone is wondering I managed to keep my Visa card under wraps!
14K White Cold 1/3 Carat total weight Diamond Solitaire Earrings $299 (excellent deal)
Sterling Silver 1/4 Carat Black Diamond Hoop Earrings $199 (cute & fun to wear!)
Sterling Silver Cable Chain $29.99 (great find- this is something I’m getting for me!)
Ruby Red Frost Murano Glass Bead $29.99 (I love these Murano glass beads!)
Sterling Silver Lady Bug Charm $39.99 (Lady Bugs are my fave!)
Sterling Silver Diamond Double Heart Key Necklace $79.99 (I keep looking at this…)
I tried to keep this semi cost-effective. There are so many cute things right now it was hard to choose! I’m definitely going back for the chain necklace tomorrow. Happy Shopping!
Retail Therapy? Macy’s won’t take a coupon for Levi’s… EVER!
Last night I was in the mood for a little retail therapy and decided to check out Macy’s– especially since they have some amazing coupons out right now. Being the frugal shopper, I had a strict list of items I was “allowed” to buy. Number One on my list was some kind of a pair of jeans– as much as I loath trying on jeans I decided I could suck it up and try some on tonite. Again– because I had a handful of really fabulous coupons from Macy’s (courtesy of my co-worker).
Into the fitting room I went– with an assortment of jeans including a random pair of Levi’s. Six pair of jeans later I settled on the Levi’s (haven’t worn that brand in a long time). I was totally excited to make my purchase again because I had COUPONS!
After standing in line for what seemed like an eternity… I was in front of the cashier. I was thrilled to hand over my jeans and ready to hand over one of my coupons- then the spell was broken. The cashier says “We don’t take coupons for Levi’s. EVER.” Part of me wanted to lash out and part of me want to cry. After all… I just tried on six pair of jeans! The lovely cashier went on to say “The jeans are regularly priced at $58 but they ring up at $44.” Small consolation after trying on SIX pairs of jeans.
At this point I was completely tired and beaten down– I robotically handed over my shiny Macy’s credit card and finished the transaction. I’m home now sitting on the couch– still a little bitter over the coupons— but relieved I found jeans. (Merry Christmas from Macy’s… I guess…)
Wordless Wednesday – December 21
Walgreens- another holiday shopping hot spot?!
Picture this– it’s 5:25pm on a Monday night and you receive a last minute text message from co-workers reminding you about the team “White Elephant” gift exchange at work the next day. You’re stuck in traffic, it’s kinda rainy outside and you text back a real quick THX– then the panic sets in. Where to stop for a quick gift??!! (then you ask yourself– what am I gonna get?!?)
Then inspiration hits when you see the friendly flashy lights of your neighborhood Walgreens store. (Walgreens– really?) You think– hopefully it will be more than balloons and prescriptions.
Newsflash– there’s a serious amount of stuff in this place! Bring on the White Elephant gift exchange.
Water Bottles – $9.99 (under the $10 limit)
Nail polish– great gift if your team is mostly women
A gift basket of stuff in case anyone is sick
Look– a little sock for your new iPhone (priceless)
More gift ideas at the magic price range of $9.99
Mission accomplished– plenty of White Elephant type gifts in Walgreens. You are back in the car with the perfect gift (you imagine yourself getting to keep your own gift!).
ModDiva – Sophisticated & Funky Fabric Handbags
ModDiva (Currently on location at the Westfield UTC Mall)
Hien Truong, Designer
Phone# 1-800-275-5931
Tonite I was strolling thru the Westfield UTC mall in San Diego– no plans to buy anything just enjoying the evening. I was pleasantly surprised to find a kiosk called ModDiva displaying some fabulous vintage inspired bags and accessories. Actually, I needed one more gift for my Mom so this was a good find! I purchased the wristlet for $15 and also got a free key chain with purchase. (I continue to try to down-size which is why I only bought one thing– however, after scanning thru the ModDiva website I’m pretty sure I’ll be returning for a messenger bag. Will post photos on that later.) Here is a sample of what they offer:
Wristlets– These bright and funky colored wristlets are fabulous when you want to travel light. All of the wristlets have a zippered closure, are fully lined on the inside and machine washable. They have an alligator clip strap so you can easily wear them around your wrist. Starting at just $15 it’s a great deal when you consider the wristlets are unique and handmade by ModDiva.
Wristlet- Bird Seed Mint Green – $14.95 (sale price)
Wristlet- Orchids Raspberry – $14.95 (sale price)
Fabric Handbag w/ double straps – Fresh Start Spruce – $34.95
Handbags– ModDiva fabric handbags and accessories are handmade in the United States by the owner and her mother. These items are modern and utilize the highest quality designer fabrics and workmanship. These bags make fantastic gifts for friends and family.
Cosmetic Bags— These are great for storing cosmetics, diapers, pens and pencils, or supplies. With a duck egg fabric lining, they are easy to clean. Just toss these little makeup bags in the washing machine and lightly iron to bring it back to life. This would make a great gift filled with bath and body products!
Cosmetic Bag- Birds on a Branch White – $9.95
Cosmetic Bag- Flower Child Purple – $9.95
This company also produces cell phone and iPad cases, messenger bags and pillows. Like I said– will probably be going back for my own messenger bag or wristlet– who knows– perhaps both! Happy Shopping!
CVS – Great place to go Christmas shopping!?
With a few random things left on my holiday shopping list– I found myself wandering the aisles of my neighborhood CVS store. I had no idea you could get everything from a bubbling zen water fountain, international calling cards, tissues, flip-flops– the possibilities seemed endless. Usually I go to CVS on a mission– a quick trip for aspirin or gum or a magazine. I never really thought about Christmas shopping there. But— why not?! Some other cool stuff I found– candles, hats & gloves (for the cold weather we’ve been having in San Diego) and pretty holiday decorations and lights.
Lucky for me I found 2 cute mini-pillow pets for my nieces– a fluffy panda and a pink butterfly. I also found a crazy gift for the white elephant gift exchange at the office (no– it’s not a pillow pet or bubbling fountain in case anyone I know is reading this).
The good news for me– I’m all done shopping for gifts!
Cherry Tomato Wax – keeps curls beautiful
This is a follow-up to my post on taking care of naturally curly hair. I just found this blog and this product tonite while perusing online. This looks to be a wonderful product for those of us with curls.
Just wanted to pass along some info. Cheers!
Keep Your Naturally Curly Hair Beautiful This Winter!
Naturally curly hair can become dry, frizzy and lifeless when the scalp loses moisture. It’s easy to scorch hair with heated styling tools so exercise caution when using your blow dryer and diffuser attachment. Whether you have tight curls or larger waves, use moisture-infusing hair products throughout the winter months to ensure your curls are healthy and beautiful.
Consider these easy tips to have beautiful curly-hair this winter:
Switch to a Creamy Shampoo
Avoid soap or clarifying shampoos that dry out your scalp and opt for creamy, moisture-infused shampoos instead. Using the right type of shampoo can make a gigantic difference to how your hair looks and feels – especially if you wash your hair every day or every other day.
Use a Heat Protectant Spray Before You Turn on that Blow Dryer
Apply a quick spritz of heat protectant spray all over damp curls before drying and massage gently to disperse the product evenly. Scrunch the hair in your hands as you go so that the product is distributed evenly throughout your hair. This product acts like a shield and prevents excess heat damage.
Use a Hair Mask to Moisturize your Scalp
Use a moisture-infusing hair mask at least once per week to restore the moisture balance to your scalp and roots. You’ll notice your curls are much more shiny and resilient when your scalp isn’t lacking moisture. A self-heating mask or a repair mask needs to be left on the scalp for at least 20 minutes to take effect. Wrap hair in a warm or steaming towel to ensure the product sinks deep into the scalp.
Apply a Smoothing Cream
Apply a small amount of smoothing cream to damp hair, before or after applying the heat protectant spray. This cream will apply like a lotion at first but will easily dissolve into the hair. Your hair should be easier to style and the curls won’t be as frizzy when you blow dry.
Create Curl Control with Style Serum 
You will likely use this product daily during the winter because the extreme change in temperature when you go outside from a warm room can make hair super fly-away. Use this product after hair is completely dry and as a “touch up” styling treatment in the middle of the day.
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday everyone– make it a good one!
Thrift Shopping Buzz 