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Blogging Vacay
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I’m enjoying a respectable blogging break between Christmas/Hanukkah and New Years. Assuming the world doesn’t end, I’ll be back with new fashion, beauty and lifestyle posts after the first of the new year! In the mean time, feel free to check out posts you may have missed in my various categories on the left side of my site. Happy Holidays!
10 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List
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Welcome to the 4th and final installment in my series of Gift Giving Guides for the 2011 Holiday Season!
So, you’re not quite done with your Christmas shopping yet… Don’t fret. You still have time to pick up (or in some cases, put together) these gifts in time for the big day! Today’s gift giving guide is for the last minute shopper. Whether you’re shopping for a family member, friend, mother-in-law, significant other, or someone else, I’ve got you covered!
Everything on this list should be easy to track down or make today or Christmas eve.
1. Cookie Mix in a Jar. You can even make a bunch at once to give out to multiple friends of family members. Check out the following recipes:
Oatmeal Raisin Spice Cookie Mix in a Jar
Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix in a Jar
Molasses Cookie Mix in a Jar
Gingerbread Cookie Mix in a Jar
2. Throw blanket. You can get some great deals on designer throws in various colors at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods. For a higher end option, Pottery Barn has some really nice, luxurious throws.
3. A cashmere scarf. Scarves make great gifts for all women. Nordstrom (and Nordstrom Rack) ALWAYS have their cashmere or pashmina scarves in stock in a variety of colors. They’re so soft and warm that she won’t want to take it off. Pick one up in army green, mustard or another or another “it” color to make it a trendy, but still classic gift.
4. Something sparkly. I know you fear the crowds of the mall, but you just might have to brave them. Sorry. First, set a price for yourself of what you’re willing to spend. Then, head to Nordstrom or Macy’s. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, go up to the jewelry counter and ask one of the nice, commissioned salespeople (preferably a woman) for assistance. Tell her about who you’re shopping for. Be prepared to answer at least most of the following questions:
1) What sorts of jewelry does she usually wear? (does she wear a lot of necklaces? does she prefer something delicate or chunkier? does she prefer dangly earrings to studs? is most of her jewlery gold or silver?)
2) What colors does she look best in?
3) How much money are you wanting to spend?
5. Gift card for a manicure or pedicure. It’s cold. Our hands are chapped. Our feet haven’t seen the light of day in months. It’s time for some damage control. And seriously, who doesn’t love getting pampered? As long as you go pick it up before Christmas day, you should be able to walk into any salon and pick up a gift card.
6. Their own domain name. It’s likely, no one owns your friend’s first and last name dot com. I snagged sarahhelfgott.com early on (I don’t really use it anymore – but I have it just in case I need it) and I think it only cost me about $20 for two years of ownership. Most domain names that are actual people’s names don’t cost much at all – the expensive ones are the names of brands or commonly searched words (for example – shirt.com would probably be near impossible to buy). Check out godaddy.com (and ignore all the inappropriate photos of women) to see the price of the domain in question.
(To be honest – most women will like these gifts too!)
7. Digital camera. I know my boyfriend wants this one because of the interchangeable lenses. (Sorry babe, that’s not what I got you this year. Your present isn’t on this list.) However, I totally understand if you want to go with somehting a little more affordable. Luckily, there are lots on the market in the $100-$200 range.
8. Headphones. If he doesn’t already have a pair, he’ll love a nice set of headphones. Bose makes some great headphones that make music sound amazing. And for the frequent flyer, check out Bose noise-cancelling headphones. These can both be found in Bose stores at your local mall.
9. Jersey from his favorite team or gear to wear to games. If the man (or boy) you’re buying for is a big sports fan, then you really can’t go wrong with some fan gear. If you’re in Oregon, head to the Duck Store in Portland or Eugene for lots of UO gear.
10. Coffee maker. I recommend a Keurig for their convenience and ease of use, especially if he is making single cups of coffee the majority of the time. You can buy one at Target, starting at $99.99.
I hope this is helpful for all you last minute shoppers out there! For more gift ideas, check out the rest of my gift guides.
In the mean time, have a wonderful holiday! I’ll be taking a break from regular posting next week to make the most of my time with loved ones this holiday. See you again in 2012!
Hawaii 50(3)
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As you may know, I just got back from my week-long Hawaii trip with Boyfriend and family. I had all these plans to take a bunch of outfit, scenic, and shopping photos BUT… I forgot my camera’s memory card, which is essential to being able to, well, use my camera. (Serves me right for forgetting to add it to my Hawaii Packing List!)
However, it’s not a total loss. Being DSLR-less did open my eyes to the wonder that is Instagram. Actually, it made me kind of obsessed with the awesome photo sharing iPhone app.
If you want to follow me on Instagram, my username is SarahHelfgott.
So with that said (and I’m sorry if you already follow me on Instagram and have already seen most of these photos), thanks to Instagram I did snap a few cool pics after all.
A few highlights from my trip…
Good stuff:
- Trying stand-up paddle boarding for the first time! And not sucking at it…
- NOT getting sun burnt! (There really is a first time for everything!)
- NOT crashing the mopeds we rented.
- Walks on the beach every morning, and swimming in the ocean every afternoon.
- Spending quality time with Boyfriend and family.
- The spectacular beach view from our balcony, and the fact that it only took two minutes to get down to the beach from the time we left our room.
- Three new maxi dresses!
- Getting a break from work.
- AMAZING dinners. And desserts. Every night. I think I gained 10 pounds, but it was worth it.
- Having an excuse to watch the Glee Concert Movie (because it was the only movie playing on Hawaiian airlines on the way home).
Not so good stuff:
- Getting stung by a jellyfish. Ouch! (No – I didn’t ask anyone to pee on me.)
- Feeling like I was about to crash the moped, every time I rode it.
- Grey skies and rain the first three days we were there.
- Missing Winston.
- The Glee Concert Movie. Okay – it was pretty bad.
Obviously the good outweighed the bad, and it was a truly fantastic vacation! If only I was a travel blogger and companies were offering to send me on free trips… Now THAT would be the life!
Estilo Salon Giveaway Winner!
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I wish I had time for a more substantial post today, but unfortunately life has been a little chaotic since my return from Hawaii last night. But I do have time to announce the lucky winner of my Estilo Salon $375 giveaway! As you can see from the random number generator above, lucky commenter number 17 is the winner (drum roll please…)
The lovely Nicole of Running in Heels!!
Congratulations, Nicole! I’ll shoot you an email this week with the information you need to go claim your prize!
Don’t be too distraught if you didn’t win. I’ll have more fun giveaways (both local and not) coming in the next few months so there will be more chances to win fun prizes!
Stay tuned for photos from my trip coming up tomorrow or the next day!
8 Gifts Under $300 for the Designer-Clad Fashionista
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Okay – maybe you’re not in the position to shell out the cash to buy her these stunning Christian Louboutins (hey – if you are, more power to ya!)… But that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots other gifts that your designer-clad fashionista friend will love!
Welcome to the third installment in my series of holiday gift guides! Today’s topic is gifts for the women who appreciate the finer things in life.
Women with expensive taste are always a challenge to shop for, no matter your budget. (I’d know – I’m one of them.) Whether you’re looking to spend less than $50, or you’re willing to go up to $300, I have some ideas for you here.
Have you seen last week’s gift guide “7 Gifts Under $35 for your BFF?”
Skinny Glitter Belt, $29.50 (or on sale for $19.99 depending on the color) at JCrew.com. Nothing adds a little holiday cheer like a touch of glitter. Help your friend accessorize her cardigans and little black dresses in style with this Skinny J Crew belt.
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle, $35 at Nordstrom.com. Jo Malone makes wonderful scented candles. Sure, they’re a little pricier than your average candle, but these babies last. And who doesn’t love a little Jo Malone?
Elegant pendant necklace. It’s hard to go wrong with a beautiful, statement pendant. The classic elegance of this versatile Gold Lace and Fringe Pendant from Ann Taylor ($88) allows it to be dressed up with a long evening gown, dressed down with a silk button down, OR dressed down even more with a t-shirt and jeans. She’ll love it. And the beauty of this piece really is in the details.
Kate Spade New York ‘Juliana’ Jelly Flat, $75 at Nordstrom.com. Although this gift won’t appeal to every designer-clad fashionista, this is an especially good gift for the younger, just-starting-out fashionista. I think the whimsical style of these flats makes them truly special.
Dior ‘Miss Dior Cherie’ Jewel Box Set. One of the things I love about the holidays is how well designers package perfume sets. This set has Dior perfume, body lotion, and purse spray in one precious little box for $108 at Nordstrom.com. I can personally attest to how lovely this scent it too, because as I showed you a few months ago, I have this one out on my bathroom counter.
Alexander McQueen ‘Skull’ Chiffon Scarf, $295, Nordstrom.com. If the lady you’re shopping for is an Alexander McQueen fan, this edgy scarf with his signature scull emblem is the way to go.
Alexis Bittar Jewlery. Alexis Bittar is a favorite designer of mine. His pieces are truly breath taking. Take this ‘Miss Havisham’ Crystal Encrusted Doublet Ring, $275 at Nordstrom.com, for example. Also check out any of his stackable bracelets…
Burberry scarf. Burberry’s classic check print has become the ultimate design for a scarf. How about mixing it up a little by straying from the classic camel-color and gifting something more original, like this beautiful violet-colored Check Print Silk Burberry scarf, $295 at Nordstrom.com?
Happy Shopping! And If you’re one of my local Oregon or Washington readers, don’t forget to enter my giveaway to win $375 worth of salon services at Estilo Salon!
On an unrelated topic, I’d like to extend a special shout out to my beautiful mother Mona, as it is her birthday today! I love you mom! I’m so sorry I couldn’t be with you to celebrate this year… Can’t wait to celebrate next week when I’m back home! <3
DIY Crayon Art
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This is the art that is hanging in our guest bathroom at mine and Boyfriend’s apartment. And yes – we made it… Out of crayons. (No joke!) I’ve been on a little bit of a DIY kick lately. Starting with making a little of my own jewelry (if you can make it, why buy it?), followed by making my own glitter shoes, and now this.
I first saw some version of this project on my Twitter friend Bethany’s blog Eclectic Musings. I pretty much followed her directions, other than the fact that I spray painted the canvas partially gold before melting the crayons. (You can see where we super glued the crayons to the canvas in the photo below.) Anyway, I hope this project gets your creative juices flowing! There’s nothing like a good ‘ol DIY to spice up a Wednesday evening, right?
Oh – and if you live anywhere at all near the Greater Portland Area – don’t forget to enter my Giveaway for $375 Worth of Services from Estilo Salon!
Giveaway! $375 worth of services from Estilo Salon!
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Aloha from Hawaii, Friends!
I wish I could bring back a souvenir from my trip to each and every one of you, but luckily Estilo has a much more appealing offer. Instead of my showering you all with random trinkets from Hawaii, one lucky local Oregon or Washington reader will win $375 worth of services of his or her choice from Estilo, the super awesome Vacouver-based salon I got pampered at last month (if you missed it – check out my review of Estilo Salon)!
To see a complete list of services this super upscale salon has to offer (so you can decide how you’re going to spend your $375!!!), check out Estilo’s website.
To enter to win this day of pampering, all you have to do is:
1) “Like” Estilo on Facebook.
2) Come back here to this blog post and leave me a comment letting me know that you “Liked” Estilo!
Easy, right?
Make sure that when you leave a comment, you use a valid email address so that I can get ahold of you if you’re the winner!
You have until Sunday, December 18th at 5 p.m. pacific time to enter and the winner will be drawn by a random number generator when I’m back from Hawaii on the morning of Monday, December 19th. I’ll post an article that day announcing the winner. Good luck!
Ps. In case you have forgotten, here is my “Before” and “After” from Estilo Salon:
Hawaii Packing List
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This morning (probably as you’re reading this), I’m headed to Hawaii with my dad, his girlfriend, and my boyfriend for the week. (But keep checking back here while I’m gone – I have some fun posts scheduled for next week during my absence!)
Getting ready for long trips can be stressful, to say the least. To tame my insanity, I put together a packing list.
My goal was to bring casual, un-fussy outfits. Lots of dresses that I can just throw on over swimsuits. That sort of thing.
5 sundresses
3 pairs of shorts
3 t-shirts
3 tank tops
1 cardigan
1 light coat
2 button downs
2 pairs of pajamas
2 swim suites
2 cover-ups
1 Beach towel
1 pair of sandals for the beach/ pool
1 nice pair of sandals
1 pair of tennis shoes
2 pairs of socks
Face wash
Night moisturizer
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hairbrush
Sun protector (for my hair)
Hair ties
Bobby pins
Straightening iron
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Tinted moisturizer
Mascara
Blush
Wide-rimmed sun hat
Sunglasses
DSLR (for outfit photos, obviously!)
Point and shoot
iPad
iPhone
iPad/iPhone charger
Sunscreen
2 pairs of sunglasses
Hopefully, I didn’t forget anything! Aloha!
7 Gifts Under $35 for Your 20-something BFF
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Welcome to the second installment of my series of 2011/2012 Holiday Gift Guides! Today’s topic is stylish gifts for young women on a budget.
Why am I writing about being cheap? Well, I’m 23 years old. And the majority of my friends are around 23, give or take a few years. What do all of us early to mid twenty-something’s have in common? We’re all broke.
Most of us are on entry-level salaries, paying bills and having to buy our own food for the first time in our lives. (Many of us are also paying off loans taken out for school.)
So when buy birthday or holiday gifts for our friends, although chosen with love, they’re usually fairly inexpensive.
If you’re looking for more gift ideas, don’t forget to check out last week’s gift guide…
1. Fun, seasonal nail polish. For example, SEPHORA by O.P.I. Glitter Polish. $28 for the four-piece set pictured below. Or choose from their plethora of colors and create your own combination of polishes at $9.50 each. (The “Only Gold for Me” color is my favorite, as seen recently here and last year here.)
2. Touch-screen compatible gloves. Macy’s carries these Wool Blend Echo Touch Gloves in an array of colors for $23.99 per set (on sale!) Touch-screen gloves will allow your friend to use her touch-screen phone or tablet while keeping her hands toasty warm and looking fabulously chic at the same time.
3. Wine glasses and wine saver set. Set of four matching wide-rimmed red wine glasses (sold separately – $3.95 each from Crate & Barrel) and a Vacuvin Wine Saver for $18.95 at Crate & Barrel (not pictured below). This comes out to a grand total of $34.75. Chances are, your BFF doesn’t have a matching set of wine glasses, so this will be a nice gift for her. And it’s also likely that she isn’t finishing too many bottles of wine by her self – hence the Wine Saver.
4. Clothing with special details. For example, this t-shirt with leather detailing from Zara is only $29.90.
5. Funky scarf. This geometric polka dot scarf from Forever 21 is an outfit maker, for only $8.90. (I love to buy scarves from Forever 21 because they carry such a great selection of styles at super reasonable prices!)
6. Statement jewelry. Baublebar.com is hands down my favorite shopping spot for affordable statement jewelry. Below are two pieces under $35 that stood out to me (I couldn’t choose between the two!). Check out Baublebar.com for more ideas.
7. Trendy shoes. These faux-leather ankle boots from Old Navy are totally on trend, super adorable, and on sale for only $22.99! You friend will love ‘em.
Happy Shopping! Don’t forget to check back next Thursday Dec. 15th for the next installment in my gift giving series, “5 Gifts for the Designer-Clad Fashionista.”
Best Salon in Vancouver, Washington: Estilo (And my transformation!)
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I was fortunate enough to score a blogger invite to one of Estilo’s grand opening events a few weeks ago. Eager to see more of what one of Portland’s neighboring cities had to offer beauty-wise, I gladly attended. And I’m so glad I made it because my experience at Estilo was truly unforgettable.
Vancouver isn’t exactly known for its up-scale salons or spa services. However, Estilo can compete with the big leagues and gives the top Portland salons a serious run for their money. (Trust me – I’ve been to A LOT of local salons by now.) Estilo is, without a doubt, one of the best salons in Vancouver.
This glorious new salon offers an array of different services for hair, nails, facials, waxing, and more (check out their website for prices and a complete list of services). The salon is quite high end, so it’s not cheap. But I can assure you that you get what you pay for.
Although Estilo is technically a new salon, its owners and employees are veterans in the hair and beauty industry. Every stylist there boasts an impressive resume of over 15 years experience doing hair (or nails, or facials, whatever service that particular individual was offering.) The team at Estilo was brought together by long-term friendships and a genuine appreciation for the art of styling – which makes this salon really special.
Upon my entrance into the salon, I was greeted by an entourage of friendly staff, upbeat music, and a glass of wine. After a quick tour, I decided on a service to partake in (I got a full head of highlights with contrasting lowlights) and was seated in a cozy salon chair.
My stylist, Wendy, discussed the vision I had for my hair in depth before touching even an ounce of color.
Because winter is upon us, I told Wendy I wanted to tone done my bright blonde highlights with some dark underneath and some contrasting low and high lights on top. We talked about the tone I wanted my hair to be, and then she explained, in depth, what she planned to do to it. We spent quite a few minutes talking about my hair, which reassured me that I was in good hands.
So, now for some Before and After…
I’m quite literally obsessed with the way that Wendy colored my hair. I absolutely LOVE how she seamlessly integrated the dark color with the light. It’s a perfect compliment to my eyebrow color, and I couldn’t be happier!
I don’t want to bore you with every little detail of the event (although I will say – there was wine, fine dining, and great conversation). Had I gotten to the salon earlier in the evening, I would have had the opportunity to get my nails done, a facial, and/or a makeover. Unfortunately, I had to work late that night and didn’t arrive until about 7 p.m. so I didn’t give them enough time to further pamper me.
But I will tell you that if you’re anywhere near the Portland/ Vancouver/ Janzen Beach area and are interested in being “wowed” by a salon, I HIGHLY recommend Estilo. And without a doubt, I will be back to see Wendy and the rest of the Estilo staff as soon as possible.
2520 Columbia House Blvd #102
Vancouver, WA 98661
Estilo’s phone number:
360-719-2571
Estilo’s website:
stylebyestilo.com
Check back on my site next Monday December 12th for a chance to win a “day of pampering” at Estilo ($375 worth of services!)
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Disclosure: I was given complimentary food, services and products at Estilo the evening described in this post. However, to maintain the integrity of this blog the reviews and opinions expressed in this post are my own. I genuinely loved the salon, and with no promise of future complimentary services I will be back.
