Month: December 2012

Categories
Events

Remembering Sandy Hook Victims

I don’t know what to say….I don’t know what to tell my kids. But I have to say something. It has taken me a few days to process the tragedy in CT. I was so emotional all weekend long and when Monday came I still could not focus at all – thinking of the parents, students and educators of Sandy Hook.

On Friday night my 11 year old went to a friend’s house with a bunch of friends and came home with mis-information (much like was first reported on the news) – that the person responsible for the shooting was still out there, he had an accomplice (how she asked can one person do that at all and to that many people?) and her friends and her concluded that the person was deranged, sick and just crazy (that about sums it up) I was not going to tell them anything. I even made sure all the TV’s in the house were set on the HGTV channel so if they turned on the TV there would be no news. But kids talk and at their Saturday swim meet they held a moment of silence and then my 8 year old wanted to know what happened. So we talked briefly. This week the focus for many is remembering all those who lost their lives and for the students of Newtown to go back to school. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We talked more about this on 980 WCAP-AM today.

As I was at a loss on what to say to my own kids I sought out information and here is a link to the The Huffington Post blog (galtime.com) about talking to you kids as well as The Hartford Courant article which had some suggestions.

Categories
Uncategorized

@NECN Holiday Gift Ideas

Surviving the season: Great stocking stuffers for $30 or less

Categories
Uncategorized

@NECN Holiday Gift Ideas

Surviving the season: Great stocking stuffers for $30 or less

Categories
Holidays Nail Polish pets Products Teens Uncategorized

Gift list alert! Gift Ideas for the Holiday for mom, dad, kids and pets

Here it is! Check out my stocking stuffer segment from @NECN New England Cable News. Below are some great gift ideas and stocking stuffer items and most are under $30.00.

  • Everyone needs a calendar for the new year and I cannot say enough about Calendars.com. They have the best selection of calendars online. Moms will love the VanGogh Tri-folo Frame wall calendar as it has three separate frames and can be hung vertically or horizontally and used with any photo! ($18.99)  They also have great personalized and customizable calendars.
  • Anything from Yankee Candle Co. makes a great hostess gift  – $27.99 for the Large Jars or gift sets start at $19.99. Their fragrances are just great.
  • I think The Art of Shaving starter kit ($25) is a ideal for the teenager who just started shaving or the husband who needs something a little more luxurious than his usual razor and shave cream.
  • Our tradition each Christmas Eve is to open up a gift of PJ’s and Life is Good has comfy PJ’s with cute prints and sayings for the whole family.  Kids like to wear them as lounging pants too.

Onto the stockings stuffer gift ideas:

Kids: Remember looking in your stocking on Christmas morning? Sweet treats and personal care items were the norm for me growing up!

  • In the kids stockings I am sure Santa will add a sweet treat. The packaging, presentation and the quality of Hebert candies is great.  The Shrewsbury, MA based-company offers a fun time for the holiday season so if you can, head to the mansion off 495!  Prices start at $1.95.
  • Peppa & Friends Figure Packs ($7.99) and DVD,($14.98) is a must have gift for toddlers.  Peppa is a loveable, British Pig and airs on Nick Jr.
  • Teens will love the Edward and Bella commemorative Twilight ornament which is available at Hallmark stores for $17.95.
  • COVERGIRL outlast stay brilliant nail color lasts 7 days and we love the dark colors.
  • Any of the new products from Conair.com  and their sister-brand scünci would make a great gift. Girls love The Knotted Ponytail holders and Ponytailer Bracelets that look like jewelry too!
  • Willa!  My girls love this new line of skin care called Willa.  It is paraben and sulfate free.  The skincare line was developed by a mom and daughter.

Pets: We love our pets like our own kids so let’s pamper them this holiday season!

  • Melrose, Mass. based Lilly & Abbie  is an online store that allows you to design your own custom products including pet items. Who would not want a matching collar and leash?   (starting at $24)
  • Your dog will love the Animal Planet Plush dog toy set for $19.99 at Kohls.  This 4 pack is so cute with a hidden squeaker inside each stuffed toy.
  • Crinkits from Zigoopets  is designed to provide protection around a water bottle. Crinkits give your dog an interactive toy they won’t want to put down. ($19.99)

MOM: Remember when you were little and you literally got socks and underwear in your stocking? Now perfume, cosmetics, a gift card or two would be welcome too!

  • For mom’s stocking she will love Boot Tights  What a concept – tights with socks built into them so you can be cozy in your boots. No more cold feet or feet slipping in your boots. Check out the site or find them Bloomingdales, or Nordstroms.com. (starting at $30)
  • Hourglass Cosmetics is my new favorite line.  Hourglass is a line of cosmetics that is largely paraben- and gluten-free (as well as PETA-friendly!). The Best Of Hourglass Set is so nice! (Lipstick starts at $30, kit is $59)

DAD: Grooming essentials are a key gift and some items for the home office to make it smell nice this season would be a welcome change.

  • Riedel Water Carafe is the first of its kind, brand new and perfect for infused water from Riedel Crystal. Available online and at and at major retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Macy’s. ($49.95)
  • Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler, is a brand new grooming innovation that combines technology from Gillette and Braun in a single, 3-in-1 tool. It trims, edges and close shaves so guys can style any facial hair they like. Offering wet and dry shaving, it’s compact, runs on AA batteries and doesn’t need to be charged, so it fits perfectly into any busy man’s travel plans! Available in major retailers such as Target and CVS for $19.99.
  • ​AirCraft Infused ScentSticks provide a purer, cleaner, safer and greener alternative to home fragrance, allowing you to mix and match ScentSticks to create custom fragrances for the home.  AIRCRAFT introduced a selection of colored vases available in eight contemporary shades which add a pop of festive color to the room. Starter Kits (5 ScentSticks and vase) retail nationwide for $12.99. We also love ScentSicles Scented Ornaments. ScentSicles Scented Ornaments are an innovative way to infuse holiday spirit into your home with authentic seasonal fragrances that can be hidden throughout your home décor. ScentSicles, 5.5 inch long ornaments, can be hooked into faux (and real) Christmas trees and wreaths to add authentic/enhance scent. ScentSicles retail nationwide for $7.99. It’s a great gift for dad to put in his car or office to make it smell like the holidays.

 

Disclosure: the companies mentioned above sent me the products to review. All opinions are my own.

Categories
Holidays Nail Polish pets Products Teens

Gift list alert! Gift Ideas for the Holiday for mom, dad, kids and pets

Here it is! Check out my stocking stuffer segment from @NECN New England Cable News. Below are some great gift ideas and stocking stuffer items and most are under $30.00.

  • Everyone needs a calendar for the new year and I cannot say enough about Calendars.com. They have the best selection of calendars online. Moms will love the VanGogh Tri-folo Frame wall calendar as it has three separate frames and can be hung vertically or horizontally and used with any photo! ($18.99)  They also have great personalized and customizable calendars.
  • Anything from Yankee Candle Co. makes a great hostess gift  – $27.99 for the Large Jars or gift sets start at $19.99. Their fragrances are just great.
  • I think The Art of Shaving starter kit ($25) is a ideal for the teenager who just started shaving or the husband who needs something a little more luxurious than his usual razor and shave cream.
  • Our tradition each Christmas Eve is to open up a gift of PJ’s and Life is Good has comfy PJ’s with cute prints and sayings for the whole family.  Kids like to wear them as lounging pants too.

Onto the stockings stuffer gift ideas:

Kids: Remember looking in your stocking on Christmas morning? Sweet treats and personal care items were the norm for me growing up!

  • In the kids stockings I am sure Santa will add a sweet treat. The packaging, presentation and the quality of Hebert candies is great.  The Shrewsbury, MA based-company offers a fun time for the holiday season so if you can, head to the mansion off 495!  Prices start at $1.95.
  • Peppa & Friends Figure Packs ($7.99) and DVD,($14.98) is a must have gift for toddlers.  Peppa is a loveable, British Pig and airs on Nick Jr.
  • Teens will love the Edward and Bella commemorative Twilight ornament which is available at Hallmark stores for $17.95.
  • COVERGIRL outlast stay brilliant nail color lasts 7 days and we love the dark colors.
  • Any of the new products from Conair.com  and their sister-brand scünci would make a great gift. Girls love The Knotted Ponytail holders and Ponytailer Bracelets that look like jewelry too!
  • Willa!  My girls love this new line of skin care called Willa.  It is paraben and sulfate free.  The skincare line was developed by a mom and daughter.

Pets: We love our pets like our own kids so let’s pamper them this holiday season!

  • Melrose, Mass. based Lilly & Abbie  is an online store that allows you to design your own custom products including pet items. Who would not want a matching collar and leash?   (starting at $24)
  • Your dog will love the Animal Planet Plush dog toy set for $19.99 at Kohls.  This 4 pack is so cute with a hidden squeaker inside each stuffed toy.
  • Crinkits from Zigoopets  is designed to provide protection around a water bottle. Crinkits give your dog an interactive toy they won’t want to put down. ($19.99)

MOM: Remember when you were little and you literally got socks and underwear in your stocking? Now perfume, cosmetics, a gift card or two would be welcome too!

  • For mom’s stocking she will love Boot Tights  What a concept – tights with socks built into them so you can be cozy in your boots. No more cold feet or feet slipping in your boots. Check out the site or find them Bloomingdales, or Nordstroms.com. (starting at $30)
  • Hourglass Cosmetics is my new favorite line.  Hourglass is a line of cosmetics that is largely paraben- and gluten-free (as well as PETA-friendly!). The Best Of Hourglass Set is so nice! (Lipstick starts at $30, kit is $59)

DAD: Grooming essentials are a key gift and some items for the home office to make it smell nice this season would be a welcome change.

  • Riedel Water Carafe is the first of its kind, brand new and perfect for infused water from Riedel Crystal. Available online and at and at major retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Macy’s. ($49.95)
  • Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler, is a brand new grooming innovation that combines technology from Gillette and Braun in a single, 3-in-1 tool. It trims, edges and close shaves so guys can style any facial hair they like. Offering wet and dry shaving, it’s compact, runs on AA batteries and doesn’t need to be charged, so it fits perfectly into any busy man’s travel plans! Available in major retailers such as Target and CVS for $19.99.
  • ​AirCraft Infused ScentSticks provide a purer, cleaner, safer and greener alternative to home fragrance, allowing you to mix and match ScentSticks to create custom fragrances for the home.  AIRCRAFT introduced a selection of colored vases available in eight contemporary shades which add a pop of festive color to the room. Starter Kits (5 ScentSticks and vase) retail nationwide for $12.99. We also love ScentSicles Scented Ornaments. ScentSicles Scented Ornaments are an innovative way to infuse holiday spirit into your home with authentic seasonal fragrances that can be hidden throughout your home décor. ScentSicles, 5.5 inch long ornaments, can be hooked into faux (and real) Christmas trees and wreaths to add authentic/enhance scent. ScentSicles retail nationwide for $7.99. It’s a great gift for dad to put in his car or office to make it smell like the holidays.

 

Disclosure: the companies mentioned above sent me the products to review. All opinions are my own.

Categories
Holidays Nail Polish pets Products Teens

Gift list alert! Gift Ideas for the Holiday for mom, dad, kids and pets

Here it is! Check out my stocking stuffer segment from @NECN New England Cable News. Below are some great gift ideas and stocking stuffer items and most are under $30.00.

  • Everyone needs a calendar for the new year and I cannot say enough about Calendars.com. They have the best selection of calendars online. Moms will love the VanGogh Tri-folo Frame wall calendar as it has three separate frames and can be hung vertically or horizontally and used with any photo! ($18.99)  They also have great personalized and customizable calendars.
  • Anything from Yankee Candle Co. makes a great hostess gift  – $27.99 for the Large Jars or gift sets start at $19.99. Their fragrances are just great.
  • I think The Art of Shaving starter kit ($25) is a ideal for the teenager who just started shaving or the husband who needs something a little more luxurious than his usual razor and shave cream.
  • Our tradition each Christmas Eve is to open up a gift of PJ’s and Life is Good has comfy PJ’s with cute prints and sayings for the whole family.  Kids like to wear them as lounging pants too.

Onto the stockings stuffer gift ideas:

Kids: Remember looking in your stocking on Christmas morning? Sweet treats and personal care items were the norm for me growing up!

  • In the kids stockings I am sure Santa will add a sweet treat. The packaging, presentation and the quality of Hebert candies is great.  The Shrewsbury, MA based-company offers a fun time for the holiday season so if you can, head to the mansion off 495!  Prices start at $1.95.
  • Peppa & Friends Figure Packs ($7.99) and DVD,($14.98) is a must have gift for toddlers.  Peppa is a loveable, British Pig and airs on Nick Jr.
  • Teens will love the Edward and Bella commemorative Twilight ornament which is available at Hallmark stores for $17.95.
  • COVERGIRL outlast stay brilliant nail color lasts 7 days and we love the dark colors.
  • Any of the new products from Conair.com  and their sister-brand scünci would make a great gift. Girls love The Knotted Ponytail holders and Ponytailer Bracelets that look like jewelry too!
  • Willa!  My girls love this new line of skin care called Willa.  It is paraben and sulfate free.  The skincare line was developed by a mom and daughter.

Pets: We love our pets like our own kids so let’s pamper them this holiday season!

  • Melrose, Mass. based Lilly & Abbie  is an online store that allows you to design your own custom products including pet items. Who would not want a matching collar and leash?   (starting at $24)
  • Your dog will love the Animal Planet Plush dog toy set for $19.99 at Kohls.  This 4 pack is so cute with a hidden squeaker inside each stuffed toy.
  • Crinkits from Zigoopets  is designed to provide protection around a water bottle. Crinkits give your dog an interactive toy they won’t want to put down. ($19.99)

MOM: Remember when you were little and you literally got socks and underwear in your stocking? Now perfume, cosmetics, a gift card or two would be welcome too!

  • For mom’s stocking she will love Boot Tights  What a concept – tights with socks built into them so you can be cozy in your boots. No more cold feet or feet slipping in your boots. Check out the site or find them Bloomingdales, or Nordstroms.com. (starting at $30)
  • Hourglass Cosmetics is my new favorite line.  Hourglass is a line of cosmetics that is largely paraben- and gluten-free (as well as PETA-friendly!). The Best Of Hourglass Set is so nice! (Lipstick starts at $30, kit is $59)

DAD: Grooming essentials are a key gift and some items for the home office to make it smell nice this season would be a welcome change.

  • Riedel Water Carafe is the first of its kind, brand new and perfect for infused water from Riedel Crystal. Available online and at and at major retailers such as Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Macy’s. ($49.95)
  • Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler, is a brand new grooming innovation that combines technology from Gillette and Braun in a single, 3-in-1 tool. It trims, edges and close shaves so guys can style any facial hair they like. Offering wet and dry shaving, it’s compact, runs on AA batteries and doesn’t need to be charged, so it fits perfectly into any busy man’s travel plans! Available in major retailers such as Target and CVS for $19.99.
  • ​AirCraft Infused ScentSticks provide a purer, cleaner, safer and greener alternative to home fragrance, allowing you to mix and match ScentSticks to create custom fragrances for the home.  AIRCRAFT introduced a selection of colored vases available in eight contemporary shades which add a pop of festive color to the room. Starter Kits (5 ScentSticks and vase) retail nationwide for $12.99. We also love ScentSicles Scented Ornaments. ScentSicles Scented Ornaments are an innovative way to infuse holiday spirit into your home with authentic seasonal fragrances that can be hidden throughout your home décor. ScentSicles, 5.5 inch long ornaments, can be hooked into faux (and real) Christmas trees and wreaths to add authentic/enhance scent. ScentSicles retail nationwide for $7.99. It’s a great gift for dad to put in his car or office to make it smell like the holidays.

 

Disclosure: the companies mentioned above sent me the products to review. All opinions are my own.

Categories
pets Products

Pet Gifts! @980WCAP

We love our pets and of course if you have a pet there is a stocking hung by the chimney for Christmas.  We talked about pet gifts and more on today’s trendymommies report on 980 WCAP.

Who doesn’t want a matching collar and leash from Melrose based Lilly & Abbie? This online store that allows you to design your own custom products including pet beds and more.

Animal Planet has a great Plush dog toy set. The 4 pack is so cute with a hidden squeaker inside each of the little animals.  $19.99 Kohls

Here is something very creative:  Crinkits gives your dog an interactive toy they won’t want to put down. Crinkits from Zigoopets.com is designed to provide protection around a water bottle.  $19.99

WCAP12.11part2

 

Pet Gifts!
Categories
Events

Blogging Buddies @#BSMHoliday Party #2

Since I missed Holiday party #1 I am so glad I got to see the my blogging friends Tuesday night. What a fun event @MiddlesexCommon. The evening started out with drinks at Burlington Wine & Spirits and then we all headed over to @BurtonsGrill for appetizers. Sadly I missed out on the tasty looking apps as I had to head to another event, but I have eaten at Burtons before and it was a great dining experience. A big thanks to the swag bag sponsors @Burlington_Rack @ThePaperStore @OldNavy @CleanHappens and @KraussDerm and an even bigger thank you to Alana Brooks,   Isra Hashmi and Nirasha Jaganath,  for organizing this get together for us bloggers! I just wish I took more photos and chatted longer!

 

PARTY!
Categories
Events

Holiday Parties @National_Jean #HolidayShopNJC @RobGronkowski

What a fun night with two parties to attend!  National Jean Company hosted an evening of shopping to support One Family Inc. One Family Inc., founded by Paul and Phyllis Fireman and family. It is a non-profit aiming to end family homelessness in Massachusetts. The shopping event was hosted by Penny Firemen and emceed by Sara Underwood of Fox 25. Special guest WAS Rob Gronkowski! (such a sweetie) and of course I looked so tiny next to him!

We were able to browse the latest styles at National Jean Company. All admissions tickets and 10% of the evening’s sales will be donated to One Family. If you have not visited the National Jean Company store GO THERE!  The one in Newton Center is great. The store stocks the top denim designers including J Brand Jeans, Paige, Hudson and my all time favorite- Joes. They also have really cool clothes, shoes and accessories. Grab a gift certificate for that special someone as a last minute gift!  Also last night my favorite group of ladies – Boston Social Media Peeps – hosted a fabulous event as well – more to come on that soirée in my next post!

Photo Credit:  Photo by Michael Blanchard

Rob Gronkowski @National_Jean

From left to right @National_Jean event: Penny Fireman, Rob Gronkowski and Sara Underwood

Steve Simon, owner of National Jean Company with Rob Gronkowski

 

Categories
fashions Holidays Nail Polish Products

@WCAP: holiday decorating, stocking stuffer ideas for mom’s, teens

Today on 980 WCAP-AM we talked holiday decorating and stocking stuffer gift ideas. I have gathered some great finds for my TV segment.  Here are just a few that I have tested out!

I wish I thought of this great invention called Boottights.com – a sock and tight all in one.   There are lots of colors and styles to choose from so check out the site.  They are tights with socks built into them so you can be cozy in your boots. No more cold feet or feet slipping in your boots, check out the site or find them at Neiman marcus.com or Norstroms.com

COVERGIRL has a new line of nail polish. The COVERGIRL outlast stay brilliant nail color is high gloss nail color that can last for as long as 7 days – great colors too. I love how it looks very shiny just like you get at the salon but I did not have to apply a top coat and it dries very quickly – bonus!

Any of the new products from Conair  and their sister-brand scünci would make a great gift for teens/tweens. The Knotted Ponytail holders from scünci are so colorful kids love to wear them as bracelets but always have one on hand (or I should say on their wrist) Find them for $3.99 at major retailers. They also have a sleek line of  Ponytailer Bracelets that look like jewelry too! Perfect for older kids and moms too.  We also love Conair’s tools to create different looks like the French Twist Updo clip and the Bun Maker which are both easy to use. The Topsy Tail is also quite the tool that can create multiple hairstyles like a fun twisted pony or braids.  I also tested out the Infiniti Pro by Conair™ 1875 Watt Salon Performance AC Motor Styling Tool hair dryer. I remember as a child receiving a fancy hair dryer (remember the ones with a shower cap like device attached with a hose to another device?) Well times have changed and so have hair dryers. Ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort this dryer certainly produces salon-quality results. It’s quiet and it does ensures fast drying time too – perfect us moms on the go!

Disclosure: The above items were sent to me from the companies listed to test out and review. All opinions are my own.