OPI The Muppets

New OPI colors inspired by The Muppets!  So fun!!

I loved The Muppets as a little girl.  I remember my dad taking me to see one of the movies - great times!  I wish my daughters shared my love for them, we could continue the tradition and I would take them to see the NEW The Muppets Movie after Thanksgiving.

Find a great selection of OPI Muppet colors on Amazon.

momAgenda - sprial planners at Staples

I've been using a momAgenda desktop planner for years now (see my post last year around this time)! I love my momAgenda desktop but each year money seems to get tighter and tighter and I struggle with the product price ($43) and shipping costs. Last year I was able to use a free shipping code but this year they are not offering free shipping for Back to School and wanted to charge me $8.95 shipping - ouch!

I decided to go with the 'new' spiral momAgenda ($24) because its cheaper and has the same functionality that I love in the desktop {but it doesn't have the fun color cover - boo!}. I went as far as I could to cut my cost by emailing the customer service rep and got a special shipping quote of just over $5. But before I ordered I was paging through the momAgenda FB page and noticed an older post about Staples carrying their products. I promptly went to Staples.com and discovered the wall calendar was almost half the cost at Staples! But they didn't list the spirals online .... so I stopped into a local Staples today and scored a spiral momAgenda for $19.99 - $10 less than I would have paid through the customer service rep and over $30 less than I would have paid if I purchased the desktop!

I saved money and I still have all of the functionality that I need to keep myself organized for the next year - YAY!! I'm off to write down all of our August and September events in my crisp new planner!

Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?

I saw this book in a recent issue of Real Simple and thought it would make a fun Father's Day gift idea.

Here is the product description (from Amazon):

If you owe a couple cavities to Marathon candy bars, learned your adverbs from Schoolhouse Rock!, and can still imitate the slo-mo bionic running sound of The Six Million Dollar Man, this book is for you.

Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops? takes you back in time to the tastes, smells, and sounds of childhood in the '70s and '80s, when the Mystery Date board game didn't seem sexist, and exploding Pop Rocks was the epitome of candy science.

But what happened to the toys, tastes, and trends of our youth? Some vanished totally, like Freakies cereal. Some stayed around, but faded from the spotlight, like Sea-Monkeys and Shrinky Dinks. Some were yanked from the market, revised, and reintroduced...but you'll have to read the book to find out which ones.

So flip up the collar of that polo shirt and revisit with us the glory and the shame of those goofy decades only a native could love.

{love it!!}

Find Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops at Amazon for under $8.

Stella & Dot {sale - five days only}

I'm back again to share another weekend sale!  Stella & Dot is offering at least 20% off selected items now through Monday, May 30!!  Prices reflect discount, no code needed.

I know things are getting crazy in my world with end-of-school activities.  Here are some of my favorite sale items, and I'm sharing to help you say Thank You to the hard workers around you:
~Teacher
~Tutor
~Crossing guard
~Bus driver
~School's office staff
~Mother's helper

And of course, the graduates!!  The sale items include many fabulous gifts for the ladies venturing off into the world.

Owl Charm Necklace $35

Signature Cover Bangle $27

Gilda Link Earrings $35

Sasha Flower Brooch $27

All Stella & Dot items are beautifully boxed in the signature colors and ready for gift giving {perfect time saver for this time of year!}. 

See all of the featured items on sale this weekend here!

GroopDealz - Magneblooms

I love the latest GroopDealz offer so much that I had to share!  Perfect for a graduate (add to a cash gift to make it a little more personal) or a friend's upcoming birthday.

Your choice of 2 Magneblooms and Magneband Headband, a $39 value - just $19 ($3 shipping).  The blooms are interchangeable thanks to a snap magnets on the headband.  So fun!!

Choose from 5 different magnebloom colors: Peach, Light Pink, Black, Black and Gold Cougar, Black and White Cougar.  Choose from a Black or Silver headband. 

Find out more information and order at GroopDealz!

ETA:   These lovelies are being sold at Tori Spelling's store in Cali!!!  Snag yours now!

Glee

Tomorrow night is the Season Two finale of Glee! 

I {love} Glee!!  So I thought I'd share some of my favorite Glee themed gift ideas. 

Enjoy!

Glee TV Eco-Friendly Notebook - $7

from nudeandloitering on Etsy

Mr. Owl Sweater Guard - $28

{inspired by Emma. Pillsbury}

from Spiffing Jewelry on Etsy

Don't Stop Believin' 4x6 Print - $5

from Literary Luxe on Etsy

Tiny Star Glee Necklace in gold - $30

{just like the one Finn gave Rachel}

from Luluka on Etsy

Vintage 1960s White Enamel Daisy Flower - $12

{again, inspired by Emma. Pillsbury}

from Emma Rae Vintage on Etsy

Mother's Day Charm Necklaces

Mother's Day is next Sunday, May 8th. 

Stumped on what to get your Mom or Grandmother? 

A charm necklace is a lovely gift, and one she will cherish!!

I've had the honor of creating quite a few Mother's Day charm necklaces for my customers this year and I love every one of them.  The combinations of charms and personalization make each one different, and unique in a very lovely way.

You can 'tell your story' with Relationship charms (Mom, Grandma, Sister) and Whimsical charms (pansy, script love, leaf).  

Add Birthstone charms and/or Initial charms for children, grandchildren, or the recipient.

Add Symbol charms (heart, wishbone, peace sign, crown).

Next, choose your base from many different options like the 18" Ball Station Chain, the 15" Delicate Chain, or a Silk Base.  Or my favorite the 30" Circle Link Chain!

Contact me and I'd love to help you with a charm necklace from Stella & Dot!!  The last day to place a Mother's Day order is Sunday, May 1st at noon EST.

13.1 Necklace {by resonates on Etsy}

When I saw this 13.1 pendant from resonates on Etsy the first person I thought of was my friend Suzy.  She has a personal goal to run 13.1 once each month of 2011 - wow!  Suzy is such an inspiration to me, I love reading about her running adventures at Running on My Time.

This half-marathon distance pendant is made using a United States 10-cent piece, hangs from a hangs on 16-inch stainless steel wire, and is available in six colors (below).

Priced at $15 (plus $2 shipping) this would be a wonderful gift for the runner in your life.  Other repurposed sports pendants from resonates include Tri, Bike, Ski, Soccer, and Boston.  Not a sports girls?  Check out their other repurposed necklaces and bracelets!

ETA:  resonates is offering Penguin's Gift readers a special discount!  Enter PENGUINSGIFT0311 during checkout and receive 20% off your order.

Style for a Steal {Stella & Dot}

Style for a Steal is back at Stella & Dot and better than ever with markdowns up to 70% off!! The items featured on Style for a Steal would make great gifts for the upcoming spring birthdays.  All Stella & Dot jewelry is packaged in beautiful boxes perfect for gifting {making the chore of wrapping not a chore at all!}.

Here are some of the fabulous finds:

The ever-popular Bloom Flower Ring in black/silver

$19 (was $44)

The Uma Silk Wrap Necklace is a great way to add color this spring

(its even more beautiful in person, promise!)

$19 (was $49)

Colorburst Enamel Cuff is perfect for adding amazing color to your wrist for Easter

$49 (was $128)

Cortez Bib Necklace is a mosaic sea of glass beads and malachite on chocolate suede {swoon}

$49 (was $148)

The Mini Bloom Flower Necklace and Mini Soiree Bracelet both in coral are perfect match for the little girls

$12 and $7 (was $26 and $16)

Starfish Earrings from Stella & Dot {link to the giveaway}

I just had to include these Starfish Earrings in my spring/summer posts today.  They are beautiful, sparkly, and full of whimsy.  And a pair could be yours by entering my Facebook Giveaway!

Entering this giveaway is easy peasy - just 'like' my Stella & Dot Facebook page and you have a chance to WIN a pair of silver-plated starfish earrings ($34 value).  There are lots of benefits to 'like'-ing my Stella & Dot Facebook page, you'll have a chance share in the style inspiration as well as fun giveaways {I hope this is the first of many giveaways!}.

The winner will be randomly selected from the list of people who like my Stella & Dot Facebook page by noon EST Friday, February 25th -- and announced later that day.

Sailor Tote Bag

Everything about this Sailor Tote Bag from Bayan Hippo says SPRING to me!

This tote has four inside pockets and a swivel clip for keys, and is lined in cotton.  Oh, the Sailor Tote Bag is really big and roomy and perfect for lots of different uses.  Everyday purse, Diaper bag, Weekly shopping, Book or magazine tote, and or course Beach bag.
 
Find it at Bayan Hippo's Etsy shop for $33 (plus $9 shipping). 
 
I have my eye on one of the Bella Bags too!

Beach Sea Salt Scrub

Its time to treat someone to a blissful shower/bath with this lovely Beach Sea Salt Scrub.  For a few moments they will believe they are at the beach!  Ahhh. 

This unique salt scrub is creamy and moisturizing from the coconut oil, yet lightly exfoliating thanks to the sea salt. Raw Olive uses only pure, natural, food-grade ingredients.  And remember, exfoliation is the key to keeping our skin refreshed and renewed!

Beach Sea Salt Scrub ($15 plus $3.95 shipping) and many more body products can be found at Raw Olive's Etsy shop.

Color Wheel Necklace

A recent spike in temperatures has left me counting down the days until spring. Until the warmer weather is here to stay I thought I'd share some spring inspiration this week.

Isn't this an amazing necklace from Nest Pretty Things on Etsy?  The colors are bright and beautiful!  

The flower cabochons are set in brass frames and are connected with 14K gold filled jump rings, the dainty but sturdy antiqued brass chain has a comfy antiqued brass lobster clasp.

The Color Wheel Necklace is so lovely and unique, measuring at 16" and priced at $48 (plus $3.50 shipping).  It will be shipped gift wrapped in an eco-friendly gift box ready for giving!

Chocolates, Flowers, and Jewelry: check!

Valentine Week wouldn't be complete unless I featured the three most popular gifts for this holiday -

chocolates (well, caramels): check

flowers: check

now, the jewelry!



On The Mark Necklace  &  Ever After Necklace

  These two sweet necklaces are from Stella & Dot and make the perfect jewelry gift for Valentine's Day.  I'm still offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed this week, go here for more details.

 

Fleur de Sel Caramels from The Caramel Jar

I'll take a box of caramels over chocolates any day!!  Mmm. 

These Fleur de Sel Caramels from The Caramel Jar on Etsy look so yummy that I want to order them for myself.  Well, I want to order a couple bags for friends and throw an extra bag in for myself ;) !

They would make a great Valentine gift for just about anyone you want to feel special on February 14th - friend, coworker, teachers, babysitter, carpool mom.  Oh, and caramels would make a fun thinking-of-you surprise for someone in your world. 

Priced at $9.50 for a half-pound bag (plus $5.65 shipping).  The Caramel Jar also offers larger amounts for Party Favors and a fabulous Caramel Clubs (yes, please!).

Books For Valentine's Day

Here are some fun books for Valentine's Day for everyone, young to old!

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton - $6.95

Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond - $6.99

Valentine's Day Disaster by Geronimo Stilton - $6.99

What I Love About You by Kate Marshall and David Marshall - $11.19

I Hate Valentine's Day by Bennett Madison

Meet Stella & Dot Week {free shipping}

Today kicks off Meet Stella & Dot Week!!! 

Take a moment to learn about Stella & Dot here - because its not *just* about jewelry.

Thinking about making a change for YOU in 2011?  Check out the amazing opportunity that comes along with joining Stella & Dot.

Oh, and of course the jewelry is fabulous!  Stella & Dot has stylish pieces in every price range (starting at under $30) that will add a new look to the clothes you already have.  Adding great jewelry is an easy way to update your wardrobe. 

The Spring/Summer 2011 line launched last week!  See the amazing pieces for yourself.  Lots of versatile pieces that can be worn now with sweaters and tunics, then when the weather warms up they can be worn with tanks and sundresses.  As with every new line Stella & Dot launches, the Spring/Summer line is focused on a great value-for-price ratio while not compromising on style.

I'm doing my part to share the Stella & Dot love by offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed through January 28th. 

Go to my Stella & Dot site and gather your wish-list.  Contact me and I'll help you finalize your order.  Or place your order directly through my Stella & Dot site and I'll refund you the shipping charge (either through PayPal or check).

Ruffled Scarf from The Pleated Poppy

I love scarves, so when I saw The Pleated Poppy introduce Ruffled Scarves in her cute little shop I about fell off my chair. 

After one too many snow days you'd think I'd be over scarves, sweaters, and boots.  Sweaters and boots ... yes.  Scarves ... no! especially a scarf in this fun green color.  Green is such a great winter-to-spring transition color.

The Pleated Poppy makes these beauties herself using cotton jersey fabric leaving the raw edges, and the triple-gathers create lots of ruffles for a great mix of casual and dressy.  They are priced at $25 (plus shipping). 

Note:  The entire stock of Ruffle Scarves are currently sold out (boo!) but they are sure to make a return soon so if these are on either your wish-list or gift-list keep checking back.  Be sure to follow Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy's blog for shop updates as well as great home and fashion inspiration.

MEpad from LobotoME

Ah, the start of a new year!  Turning the calendar means there is a chance to make things better and brighter in your life.  Lots of people, me included, use the new year to motivate ourselves to become more organized.  In the first two weeks of 2011 I've been busy organizing little areas of our house - the craft bins, the hat/scarf/glove basket, my computer area, etc.  But before I start these little organizing projects I find myself making lists of what I want to do.

I love to write things down.  Even in this age of electronic gadgets that can remind us in an instant of a task I find myself still writing down my to-do list.  And I love having my to-do list on fun, funky, and sometimes inspiring paper.  That is how I discovered MEpad.

MEpad is a cute note pad from LobotoME designed to look just like the screen of an iPad.  I laughed when I read the description: Who needs an iPad when you can have a MEpad. It's always connected, battery never runs out, and all you need is a lead stylus to use it.

The MEpad is a generous 5.5 x 8.5 note pad including 50 sheets and printed on white recycled paper.  Priced at $9.95.  Quantity discounts available when you purchase 3 ($26.95), 5 ($39.95), or 10 ($69.95) MEpads.

This note pad would make a great gift idea for someone who is wishing for an iPad.  Also a great gift for anyone who loves to jot down their lists to keep organized.

Check out LobotoME for the MEpad and lots of other fun note pads!

Style for a Steal {at Stella & Dot}

The Style for a Steal Sale (additional 20% off already reduced sale items) at Stella & Dot was extended through Sunday, January 9th (yay!) so I thought I'd share some great finds with you.  Remember, Valentine's Day isn't that far away.  And why not treat yourself to a little something special!

Maltese Cuff in Black $39 (was $98)

Add this cuff to the basic jeans and a t-shirt combo and you'll have a fabulous finished outfit!

Cross Stamp Necklace $47 (was $79)

This incredibly popular necklace is made by stamping a vintage Italian wax seal into sterling silver (so cool!).  This would make a great Easter gift, and a great First Communion gift as well.

Bloom Flower Ring in Black/Silver $26 (was $44)

I love, love, love this ring!  Great for wearing everyday or out for a fun night out with your girlfriends.

Soiree Pave Bracelet in Coral $16 (was $29)

Add a little color to the dark winter days with this beautiful bracelet. 

Have a little girl?  Check out the Little Girl Style for a Steal.  You can have matching Mother/Daughter coral bracelets for just $24!