2011 Pretty Presents + For the party animal

This first post of around 10-15 guides will be for the friend that always fills the room with laughter, the sister with the craziest stories, that sad fellow hunched over the toilet, the college student that doesn't know any better, or even for the one staring at you in the mirror.

via Thrilld

The holidays are fast approaching; let's get started!

Any clubber knows how her feet feels by the end of the night. Help a sister out by getting her some comfy, foldable flats for that never-ending walk back.

Where: Fit in Clouds
Price: $19.95 -25.95 (+ $3 shipping)
Alternatives: Dr. Scholl's Flats (or in stores like Target)


Make-up! I'm sure you know what fits your friend best, but if you're in a hurry, I recommend NARS's Super Orgasm blush. Blush looks great on everyone, and everyone raves about this color for a reason.

Where: NARS (also every department store)
Price: $27
Alternatives: Where to begin?


If you get someone a magazine subscription, they'll be thinking of and thanking you every month. It's an affordable gift, and there are so many choices out there.

via Just Little Things

Where: Vogue, Lucky, Women's Health, etc.
Price: Anywhere from $5-$50
Alternatives: A book. Online magazine subscriptions. Jordan Fenney from Oh Happy Day has some great tips on scoring cheap subscriptions from ebay.


A breathalyzer. Admit it. Wouldn't you love to get one? For the curious, you can finally figure out what your BAC level is. For the creative, imagine the number of games you can play with this. And for EVERYONE, this is a way to stay safe when it's time to drive home (or crash on the couch).

Where: Best Buy (also sites like Amazon)
Price: $149.99
Alternatives: The one above is the most popular on numerous sites. There are some for cheaper, but I wouldn't trust the ones that go for $9.99


One can never have too many dresses, especially when they don't break the bank. It's also a lazy way to look stylish for a festive party... because if you think about it, that's one less piece of clothing to put on.

Where: Nasty Gal
Price: $58 (+$8 shipping)
Alternatives: With dresses, there are always more choices, like this one from Miss Selfridge or Modcloth. There are so many options under $100 at stores like H&M, Zara (free shipping! and great packaging), the always dependable Asos, or if your friend doesn't mind, the thrift store.

Tip: If you're buying something online, take a few minutes to google for coupons or vouchers. It can save you anywhere from a couple of bucks to 50% off your purchase.

Up next: something sweet!

To brighten your day + And your smile

No, you stop it, you gorgeous thing.

Friday night links + Rewarding weekend

A big sorry for not posting much this week! I've been trying to finish my apps these past few days, but you might have guessed...me working on apps has been like chasing my own tail. I better get it together this weekend! In the meantime, take a quick look at these fun links.

This article on words is a little old, but it's still great. I'm sure all of you have experienced biting into food so hot you start thrashing in pain while moving the food around in your mouth. The Ghanians can describe that in one word. My favorite is "Shemomedjamo" which in Georgian means "I accidentally ate the whole thing." Yes. Yes, I'm afraid I did. (via Mental Floss)

Gummy bears...because have you met a single person who dislikes them? (via Tumblr)

Save Community! I get that many people watch sitcoms just to relax, but I don't understand why Two and a Half Men does so well, or why people think nerds talking like "nerds" (Big Bang Theory) is funny. Ugh. (via Vulture)

The world's lightest material can sit on top of a dandelion. Go Irvine. (via National Post)

I'm not a big fan of long dresses because even though they're really pretty, they seem so formal most of the time. I would get over that if I could wear this red + pink number. (via Nordstrom)

Next week, with Thanksgiving coming, I should have my gift guide ready for you! Let me know if there's anyone you want help shopping for. For now, here's the Weekend Lion ☺.

Favorites + Monday blues turn purple

Anthropologie has new outfits for us to drool over, and even though the yellow ensemble is my fave out of the three, who can resist that breeze?

                                     

via anthropologie,  delish,  amberalexander

Saturday Special + Happy Veteran's Day weekend

via Favim

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday, but let me make it up with a quick weekend update.

What a beautiful and comprehensive gift guide. In a couple of weeks, I'll be posting several of my own gift ideas so look out for that! It's about time I started writing about something related to the title of this blog. (via Creature Comforts)

Leila Sales sometimes gets text messages intended for other Leilas because of a little hiccup with Verizon. Instead of complaining, she's made a hilarious blog about it. (via Gizmodo)

So simple, but so pretty. Flowers in ice cubes. (via A CUP OF JO)

Then why didn't she, Draco? Why didn't she? (via mybulldogsnameistank.tumblr.com)

Mmm...green tea cookies with white chocolate. Another awesome recipe from Nami. (via Just One Cookbook)

Also, awesome exam answers. (via Buzzfeed)

Let me end with something serious. To the rioting idiots who call themselves college students at Penn State, your governor should NOT have to tell you to refrain from violence. As serious as football can be to some, justice for children who have been raped and neglected is always, ALWAYS more important. (via USA Today)

Wish BIG + It's 11.11.11

via Pinterest

Favorites + Community

Until 30 Rock comes back, I will be bombarding you with Community tidbits. Here is the sexiest man alive. Enjoy.