Carry a Creature In Your Laptop…

FOR YOUR TECH SAVVY FRIEND By Christabelle

When you are on the computer as much as I am, the gadgets that accompany it (plug, cords,  mouse, heck, – even the laptop itself) need to be colorful, playful and fun. Lord knows, my laptop spends more quality time sitting with me than my boyfriend does, so it has to be visually appealing (in every sense of the word). With a new pink Dell laptop delivered earlier this year, pink rhinestones bedazzling the front logo circle and a hot pink and black polka dot mouse pad, you would think I would already be on sensory overload. But I longed for more.

Enter, Mimobot designer USB flash drives by Mimoco. Mimoco answered my calling for more spirited computer accessories and then went mach speed with it. I adopted the cutie on the left – the Fairybit Fairybot, a member of the mimobot Core Series 2. With her sweet little face and her butterfly wings, the attention she receives is unreal. I remove her hooded sweatshirt (yes, she came with a freakin’ jacket with room for her ears!) and people go wild. It is the perfect little pick-me-up for any over-worked, “been-on-my-computer-so-long-my-eyes-are-bleeding” buddy of yours for the upcoming holiday season! Available in 1, 2, 4 and 8 GB (ranging in price from $35 – $105 depending on size).

These little animated flash drives aren’t just for chicks…Mimoco has created an entire collection of computer critters to fulfill every geek’s desire. From the Stars Wars characters, Flippy Gory to  Rasta Domo and so many more -

there is a Mimobot waiting to live in YOUR computer. Check them all out at  www.mimoco.com

Coffee Cup Couture…ohhhh lala

FOR THE COFFEE LOVER IN YOUR LIFE!  By Miribelle

I love the summer. I do. I really love my Starbucks hot coffee. My friends have tried for years to convert me to iced coffee, but I just won’t budge. There is something to be said about a steaming cup French Vanilla java with a smidge of cream and a pinch of Splenda (if you want to get Christabelle a stocking stuffer this year, just throw a packet or 2 of Splenda her way. She is obsessed). But hot summer + holding hot coffee on the way to work = me sweating up a storm on the already 110 degree subway. Not to mention the rain forests I am depleting using those paper sleeves on the cup to avoid getting third degree burns on my hands (sometimes I stack on 3!). If I’m going to save the world by the time I’m 30, I need to get serious about my coffee drinking (I think I watched Legally Blonde too much this weekend).

So when I uncovered the world of Cupcoat Expressions  (SRP $7.75 – $10.00), I bought one for everyone in the office – and announced our eco-coffee cup couture lifestyle had officially begun. These reusable, machine washable and quite fashionable sleeves insulate drinks to keep their original temperature (hot or cold!). I know, I know. I should be using a thermos of some kind. But they’re bulky and so 3rd grade. Besides, a thermos won’t fit into my Chanel clutch, but Cupcoats do – hell they fit in my wallet!  Available in a myriad of shades and designs (girlie, floral, tigress, stripey and even manly), there is definitely a CupCoat out there to serve every personality. And if you need some newness sprinkled in your java-guzzling life, prints are updated every 6 weeks! My personal favorite is their best seller- the The FAMOUS Coffee BEAN BAG Cupcoat. It’s made out of old coffee bean bags…very rustic and oh-so “green”. So log onto www.cupcoats.ca and pick your very own coffee character for every day of the week!  Oh – and free shipping to US and Canada…we love FREE!

I Heart Pearl Necklaces…

By Christabelle
I was president of my sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. For those of you who know me, you won’t be shocked to read that (nor will you even blink funny to know I was also a Girl Scout, cheerleading captain and a soccer mom in the making).  Back in the good ole days on the URI campus…pearls were the hottest accessory. I recall them even being paired with the following outfit: leggings, oversized plaid man-flannel, work boots and PEARLS (yes, we were trendsetters all right). I sadly have picture proof of this fashion trend, but please don’t request it.
However, my fondest pearl memory was with my sorority – we wore them to every meeting, every formal, every initiation ceremony and every composite picture. They were almost a part of the AZD uniform (as I am sure they were most sororities). Strands reminiscent of Wilma Flintstone’s, draped at our necklines 24/7. So much that I started to rebel against them after college and have been a bit “anti” since.
That is until I realized how many stunning pearl styles there are available now! Long gone are just those classic strands of pearls a la Stepford wives. Now there are breathtaking multi layer, illusion, tin cup, lariat and even colored pearls. I was shocked when I saw the selection available at Moon River Pearls (based ironically right near URI – had I only know then, what I know now! Alpha Xi Delta would have certainly be splashed with a bit more color around the neckline).
Moon River Pearls not only offers pages upon pages of styles, colors and variations of pearls on their website (necklaces, earrings, rings and even ankle bracelets), but also offers exceptionally affordable prices. That means that all of you sorority girls and brides-to-be now (thanks to me!) have a great resource to buy beautiful pearls that don’t bend your pocket-book too much. When I stumbled across PINK pearls, I couldn’t help but treat myself to one – a small token of love – to me, from me.
Don’t gift your bridal party novelty items that will never be worn again!  Give your gal pals something meaningful – something she can always wear and think of YOU.

For the cost of this Velveeta cheese tank:

You could have given your best friend since kindergarten this from Moon River Pearls:
Which do you think she would prefer?

The folks at Moon River Pearls are super friendly and helpful! Just give them a call (or e-mail) and they can help you find the perfect pearls for any occasion (they even make jewelry for kids!). With free shipping, free gift with purchase and free gift box…can you really go wrong? I think not.

Now Smell This…

I love testing products in unlikely situations, so I put on my creative thinking cap with this post and put forth what I like to call the sexy-sniff-off… a friendly competition between three boys in order to test the “come hither” factor for the  new Proximity line by Axe. And so it was decided…I picked 3 lucky boys to wear three newly launched Axe body spray scents Amber, Vetyver and Bergamot, to endure my analysis and questioning for a night on the town.

 

Dave (AMBER) a proud metrosexual, fitness-freak real estate agent was spritzed with Amber (it’s sporty undertones matched nicely with his persona).

 

Mike (VETYVER) a wanna-be rocker, long shaggy haired hippy was spritzed with Vetiver (it’s Earthier, almost vegetation undertones matched his “grungy” persona).

 

Rob (BERGAMOT) a future Senatorial snob, scotch on the rocks drinker was spritzed with Bergamot (it’s sweet, just stepped off the Cape undetones were dead-on with his persona).

 

 

 

Have fun with them all, love them all and most importantly, make fun of them all. But I wanted to get 3 extreme personalities to put Axe to the real test. Which guy can attract more girls AND get the most numbers with his sensual scent?

 

Our night out on the town started at Galway Hooker (check it out…great scene). For being my guinea pigs, I treated (well, Christabelle did!) them all cosmos…I mean bourbon and cokes. And they were off! I made them mingle and then like fleas to a dog, the chicks started rolling in! A girl came up to Amber and he managed to get a number. But right after, Vetyver managed to match it. And then, right out of Sex and the City, a girl in a scrunchie came up to Bergamot. Thick southern accent, big bangs and all! Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the south. I’d love to live in Texas or Louisiana some day. But I couldn’t resist the uncanny resemblance to Carrie and Berger fighting over whether or not New Yorkers wear scrunchies. Anyway, I played it sly and went up to each girl to see what they thought of the Axe boy’s tantalizing scents.

 

Amber lady said “Yea, I know, he did smell good. It was light cologne…so I know he wasn’t trying TOO hard to impress every girl here.” Ms. Vetyver exclaimed, “You noticed it too? He actually smelled like my ex…the only positive thing I associate with him.” Eeek. As the rest of the night went on, Bergamot caught up and everyone evened out for the most part. But about 2 hours in, Bergamot shot up to the moon! Each time as I attempted to get friendly feedback from the ladies, Bergamot had overwhelming positive chatter. After tallying the scores, with last call on the horizon , I bought my boys a thank you Jager shot. It was definitely a clear winner…Bergamot was the overwhelming favorite!

 

So if your boy needs a makeover for the nose (your nose of course), I vote buying all three new scents from Axe new Proximity collection and have your own private sniff-off.  Get them all at drugstore.com for $4.99 each…

My Fresh Breath Goes On and On…

By: Miribelle
Last year, my dentist retired. He was the sweetest old man—always told me jokes as he shot me with Novicane and gifted me an apple as I left the office (not as good as a Tootsie Pop, but it’ll do). Needless to say, I was very sad to see him retire to Florida, but my sadness melted like salt on snow when I went to my July check-up and saw that the NEW dentist in the office was Dr. Blue Eyed Hunky DDS.

Sandy blonde hair, turquoise eyes and an I-did-crew-in-college body, I was suddenly looking forward to being poked and prodded with sharp dental tools – Mc Conaughey style (if only he had peeled off those scrubs). And that is exactly why I am now a full supporter of monthly dental visits. My insurance company, on the other hand, wasn’t as zealous about my periodontal plans. As I recall it went something like this – “We ain’t paying for it”. Alas, I can only go and see my Prince Incisor twice a year. Damn you Aetna!

My enthusiasm was noted in the office and apparently got back to Dr. Hunky. He was so impressed that I shared in his love of  keeping the ole’ choppers squeaky clean year round, he recommended that I try the new Crest Weekly Clean Intensive Cleaning Paste in between visits (SRP $3.99 at drug, grocery and mass stores). It comes out in September, but because he is a dental deity, he was given a few samples, which he passed onto me his “best patient.” Score! While at first I was just interested in seeing his sparkling blue eyes every month, I started looking forward to the blue tube of toothpaste in my bathroom (perhaps even more than him!).

Now, Monday morning arrives, and I come bounding into the office with my own private theme song ringing in my head, smiling after my Sunday night session with my Crest Weekly Clean! So fresh – so clean – I keep running my tongue over the top of my teeth in admiration of my handy work. Just a few short minutes and my pearly whites feel like Dr. Hunky had his way with them. The ingredients of this home-kit, ActivClean Crystals and polishing silicas, worked in harmony to leave my mouth sparkle-icious and even helped to lift my Starbucks stains (I really need to start weaning myself off my vente skim lattes). For all of you, well, less than hygienic folks out there, this is not a substitute for brushing your teeth after every meal. Don’t be gross…this is used in CONJUNCTION with your routine brushing. Did I mention – don’t be gross

While I’m still a bit melancholy that I can’t see Doctor Blue Eyes all the time, I can at least impress him with my super-clean and oh-so fabulous Cheshire grin twice a year. Impress your dentist at your next check-up with Crest Weekly Clean Intensive Cleaning Paste…in stores September 2008.

Let it Be…Let it Be…On your Chest

We’ve heard of the perfect t-shirt bra and the perfect t-shirt-and-jeans jeans. But what about the perfect actual t-shirt? I found the ultimate company to fulfill all your t-shirt needs- Just Be Products LLC (SRP $15-$20). Each tee makes a statement without screaming, fits to your body while still allowing you move and (added bonus) teams up with organizations to help various causes (The Red Cross and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, just to name a few!). Each tee allows people to express how they feel, or how they want to feel. So Carrie Bradshaw can wear the “Be Fabulous” tee, Avril Lavigne can wear the “Be a Sk8R” tee and John Travolta and Uma Thurman can wear the “Be Cool” tee. Judging from my last few posts, I think it’s only natural (ha-ha, no pun intended. Just corniness) for me to wear the “Be Organic” tee. Your kids don’t have to BE left out of the crowd…they have mini Just Be tees for them and super sized ones for men! The whole family can live happily in JB!

And if you really want to inspire, you should take a look at “Be a Donor” (Red Cross) and “Be Pink” (Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk). Just Be employees are participating in the walk in Concord, NH this October and will donate a portion of the sales from the “Be Pink” tees to fund breast cancer research. Go JB! Wish we could BE there with you. And a shout out to our fave actress Christina Applegate, for BEing breast cancer free! We love ya girl!

So go listen to “Let it Be” by The Beatles and throw on your new, super cozy JB tee (maybe “Be Funky?”) and show the world how you, well…Be.  Just Be tees can be purchased at www.jb-justbe.com

Bergen County meets Bay Head…party time!

L-R: Maria, Merrill, Liz, Me and Lisa

Jersey at its best – who knew there were palm trees down the shore?! Now you know.

Our annual girls weekend has come and gone…it is never long enough. This is our 9th year renting a bed and breakfast in Bay Head, NJ and each year the bonds grow stronger and the insanity exceeds years past. Though our “alma mater” of B&B’s – the Bay Head Harbor Inn – closed its doors last year, we were able to book rooms at The Bentley Inn - 2 doors down on Main Avenue. One weekend, two rooms, one wrap around deck, 5 girlfriends, one block from the beach, one block from the bay = priceless. Yes, indeed, it was as close to heaven as you can get (oh, and 4 coolers full of liquor and food).

The Bentley Inn proved to be even nicer than the Bay Head Harbor Inn and the inn-keeper Glenn couldn’t have been nicer. Our breakfast meals were beyond gourmet and his almond poppy bread was so spectacular, I am salivating as I type – longing for a slice. He was kind enough to offer the recipe…which I VERY graciously and a bit over-zealously accepted. If you have read my blogs before, you know I am a sucker for almond anything! Fortunately for me, Glenn left some out for midnight snacking – unfortunately for the chambermaids, I left crumbs in the bed – sorry,  I just couldn’t help myself. Within minutes of arriving at this warm and wonderful B&B, our group made a unanimous decision that this will be “our place” for life. We are already booking rooms for next year. You should do the same (but be warned if you are there over our girls weekend – I claim no responsibility for anything). Check out the Bentley Inn and reserve or room or two for your summer or winter escape – they are open year round!

With every trip I take, I carry some beach bag essentials and this weekend was no different. With cocktails waiting to be devoured, what could possibly have been more perfect than my flirty and fun Lolita hand painted Party Shots and Purse Party! As I pulled these sexy glasses from my bag o’ tricks, the gals oooohhhhed and aaahhhhed (one even tried to pocket them…she shall remain nameless…or not LIZ!).  Each funky shot glass showcased a delicious recipe that inspired the painting – I brought down “Sex on the Beach” and “Stiletto”. Sexy and witty, each glass is hand painted to perfection and brings life to any party - beachfront or not. Looking for a unique gift to give a pal – ladies, this is it! It’s Sex and the City meets the MOMA. Entertaining has been brought to an entirely new level thanks to Lolita and her original designs – and the fun doesn’t end with just shot glasses. This hip company creates martini, wine, champagne, margarita glasses, pilsners and even matching bar accessories!  Create your own moment by clicking your way over to Design By Lolita and getting your own party started.

Handbag Heaven…

My love of shoes is a deep seeded one…so you can only imagine what my love of handbags is. Let’s just say that my next apartment will have a room dedicated to them. A shrine to all things pretty – featuring my Fendi’s, Gucci’s, Louis’ and Prada’s. But now, in addition to their high end sisters, there will also be spaces for my NEW FAVORITE indie handbags that I came across in my travels these past few weeks.  

Straight from the streets of my beloved Newport, RI, where I spent many a beach day and drunken night while getting my undergrad at URI, arrives MIKIJA Papyrus handbags. It was the super-cute boxy shape and bold patterns and prints that initially caught my eye on these fabulous handbags, but it was the notion that they are constructed of paper that got me buying THREE (yes, three, sigh…I have issues!).  Started just one year ago, these exotic paper handbags have blown onto the fashion scene full force and will be accompanying me on my vacation in Montauk, NY next week (eat your heart out Hamptonites).  Thinking these beauties are going to collapse at the mere drop of water from the sky? Think again – these bags are made from durable chipboard with intricately designed paper selections mounted to them. Not for use toting the kitchen sink back and forth to work everyday, but certainly my choice purse for a special birthday dinner at East by Northeast this weekend for a certain special guy in my life. Ranging in price from $22- $29, there are currently 16 different designs available (with more in the wings) at Mikija.com. Buy one, buy three, buy 10!!

Patricia Field was the style director on the set of Sex and the City, so it is safe to say that ANYTHING sold in her fabulous boutique on Bowery (in the uber fashionable NYC) is going to be incredible (with a cherry on top).  When I found L~Shandi’s newest creation – the Qui Qui Clutch - I nearly fell over myself. I instantly channeled into Charlotte (who I just adore!), with my strapless a-line dress, my large frame Jackie O shades and my darling clutch in hand. L~Shandi was created from a Nigerian street slang “Lepa Shandi” a complimentary term for a woman whose clothing, outfit, or ensemble has a flattering and sexy fit.  I want to be considered a Lepa Shandi every day. And now I can, with this stunning handbag made from African lace with edges that are always strategically placed in L~Shandi designs. What looks like holes in the fabrics are hand cut eyelets that are part of the fabric design! Very chic indeed. Not to mention there are embroidered flowers on the front that I swear are Gerber daisies (my all time favorite flower). My personal favorite is Brown Sugar, but all four shades are simply stunning.  Check out the new Qui-Qui clutch at LShandi.com and make SURE to click to the gorge dresses too! You will want to saunter down your own catwalk in an ensemble from L~Shandi.

And how, you ask, am I keeping my new treasures clean and free of germs? A whole lot easier since I came across ZookHooks.  Did you know the Today Show reported that the bottoms of handbags are “the 12th germiest place on Earth”? Yah…it made me vomit a little in my mouth as well. So, how do we keep our little designer babies from becoming this unnerving and quite frankly, disgusting statistic? Buy a ZOOKHOOK! The classy ladies from the 1950′s knew a thing or two about keeping their luxurious effects in tip-top condition and now Alexis Meisel has brought the notion of a “purse hanger” into the 21st century with ZookHooks. Simply place the disc on the table with the hook pointing underneath, hang your handbag, purse (or anything with handles) from the hook and keep germs, dirt and gunk OFF your belongings. The disc has a rubber backing to keep it from slipping off the table and doesn’t scratch or leave marks on the surface you attach it to. With dozens of designs to choose from (like Czech Crystal, Pet Lovers, Cocktail Collection, Bling and more), you will find yourself filling your cart to the brim with these ingenious bag savers! They even have gift sets that include a purse hanger and a key hook (to keep your keys within reach) - perfect pressie for your best friend or sister! Prices are all under $20, so you can afford to splurge and purchase a handful of these cuties (never too early to think stocking stuffers). Now if Alexis could only invent a subway hanger to keep NYC grim off my bag while I am riding the 2 train…help a sister out! Check out ZookHooks at ZookHooks.com and grab them while they are still in stock!