Archive for December, 2009

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The Best Use of your Snuggie Yet!

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009
Shopcat says she doesn't want to WEAR a snuggie, but she wants you to donate one for her shelter friends to cuddle up on. You better listen to her, she's a fiesty kitty! Did you know Shopcat was adopted from a nonprofit animal shelter, herself? She was the runt, and they found her in a storm drain! Shopdog was ALSO adopted from an animal shelter. And now they have happy homes.

Shopcat says she doesn't want to WEAR a snuggie, but she wants you to donate one for her shelter friends to cuddle up on. You better listen to her, she's a fiesty kitty! Did you know Shopcat was adopted from a nonprofit animal shelter, herself? She was the runt, and they found her in a storm drain! Shopdog was ALSO adopted from an animal shelter. And now they have happy homes.

We’ve all heard of Snuggies by now. And you’ve probably heard that they even make Snuggies for dogs. Which…okay. That’s weird. And they’re not very attractive, so you’re submitting your dog to look ugly! I digress! There is a great use of Snuggies that does involve dogs. But not just dogs. Cats and rabbits and all sorts of animals. Animal shelters could really use your unwanted snuggies. And let’s be honest – who really WANTS their snuggie? You got one for Christmas and now you don’t know what to do with it? Donate it!

I talked with some different nonprofit animal shelters like the Helen Woodward Animal Center & the North Shore Animal League America, and they all said that Snuggies would make a great donation item since they’re really just blankets with sleeves.  (Imagine that, that’s ALL a snuggie is! Hehe.) Animal shelters can ALWAYS use your support and donations of any kind. What can you donate to an animal shelter? I’m glad you asked! (Check with your closest local shelter to find out what they specifically most need!)

  • Blankets (like a Snuggie!)
  • Cat toys & dog toys
  • Paper towels
  • Large, clean towels
  • Laundry detergent
  • Clean newspapers
  • Nail trimmers for cats or dogs
  • Canned food for cats or dogs
  • Flat fabric collars in all sizes
  • Cat litter (non-dust usually preferred)
  • Digital Cameras (so they can take photos of the animals for websites)
  • Money talks with animals, they don’t know what it says other than ‘I care’ – awwww :)

Alright guys, I’m going back on my mini vacation. Look for more updates on January 3rd – including great new giveaways!

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Posted in Pets | Comments

Stunning, One-of-a-Kind Lady Gaga Dolls

Monday, December 28th, 2009

lady gaga barbie

gaga dollbarbie gagagaga hair

Veik11 is all we know this doll designer as, but they’ve gotten very popular with their doll designs for Lady Gaga dolls. These are strictly unofficial Lady Gaga dolls, and they seem to use Barbies as bases. The designer has taken the crazy looks we associate with Gaga the most, and recreated them for the Barbie Gaga.

Veik writes on his Flickr, “thanks so much for beiing here on my flickr..where i share my Lady GaGa dolls pix ..curently i have no plan of selling them ..i just advocate DIY ..some pix of mine here with tutorial of how i made some dolls ….u can check them out and create ur onw GaGa dolls.”

Veik, we salute you for your patience and for being so inspired! Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take a cue from Lady Gaga and incorporate more fun into our fashion. Not that I’m advocating a ballgown made of Hello Kitty dolls, maybe just some bright eye shadow, or bow-shaped earrings.

See all of the Lady Gaga Barbie Dolls.

She shops smart – she’s you. Smart shopping is always in style.

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Posted in Mixed Bag Misc | Comments

Falling in Love with Disney Movies All Over Again

Sunday, December 27th, 2009
Kristen Bell in "When in Rome"

Kristen Bell in "When in Rome" looks pretty suspicious of her flowers.

Smart shopping includes knowing what movies are worth your time seeing in theaters. Movies put out by Disney are pretty much guaranteed to warm your heart, and often are movies that will also entertain your kids (bingo!). The 2010 lineup for Walt Disney Motion pictures looks pretty great to us.  It includes two movies with Kristen Bell (When in Rome, You Again), another installment of the beloved Toy Story saga, and Rapunzel.

WHEN IN ROME Release date: January 29

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Release date: March 5

THE LAST SONG Release date: April 2

OCEANS Release date: April 22

PRINCE OF PERSIA: ?

THE SANDS OF TIME Release date: May 28

TOY STORY 3 Release date: June 18

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE Release date: July 16

STEP UP 3D Release date: August 6

YOU AGAIN Release date: September 24

SECRETARIAT Release date: October 8

RAPUNZEL [working title] Release date: November 12 (limited) / November 24 (wide)

TRON: LEGACY Release date: December 17

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Posted in Entertainment | Comments

What’s Big and Yellow and with Carrie Underwood?

Sunday, December 27th, 2009
carrie underwood ring

It's hard not to notice something in this picture. Photo by Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press/AP

I don’t pay a ton of attention to Carrie Underwood because country music just isn’t my thang. I know she’s a cute blonde and that she’s been rockin’ a killer engagement ring.  Underwood is engaged to Mike Fisher who is part of the Ottowa Senators (which could really be a political activist party or a hockey team – whichever)

What we know about Carrie Underwood’s engagement ring is that the yellow diamond ring was designed especially for her by jeweler Johnathon Arndt. We also know that the rock is HUGE, as you can pretty much see it from space.

Yellow diamonds are very popular choices for engagement rings these days.  (But also for any occasion – yellow diamonds are just plain popular!) I’m more of a fan of yellow diamond earring selections, though. Many people are surprised to know that Audrey Hepburn had a special connection to yellow diamonds.

Five Favorite Yellow Diamond Rings for Sale

Five Favorite Yellow Diamond Earrings on Sale

Would you want an engagement ring that had a yellow diamond, or do you prefer a classic diamond?

She shops smart – she’s you. Smart shopping is always in style.

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Posted in Accessories | Comments

Lingerie for your Toes: Yay or Nay?

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

toe lingerie

The idea of lingerie for my toes gives me the impulse to laugh. I don’t have a toe socksfoot fetish and I don’t plan on starting one. Sure, I’ll paint my toenails like any other gal – but to go out of my way to decorate my toes in other ways? Hell, I don’t even wear toe rings because I think they can look tacky. But Voet Hosiery is an interesting concept, at the very least.

The idea is that toe cleavage (whether the front part of your toes, or the cracks of the tops of your toes) is unsightly and should be hidden! (As a matter of taste, not by law.)  Personally I think the entire point of a peeptoe pump is to show the toes…but I’m with them on the top-toe cleavage! Little lace footies are all it takes to wear and make a new statement with your shoes.

I like the basic white “Gloria”, the eggplant”Rita” and the black/pink “Maria”. All of these have scalloped tops and I think they look very sweet. They are $15.00 each.Whether they’re comfortable to wear? I’d lean a bit towards “no”.

What do you saavy ShesSmart.com readers think of these toe lingerie pieces from designer Vicki Kysella? Be honest – would you wear them? Worth your money or waste of money?

She shops smart – she’s you! Smart shopping is always in style.

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Posted in Accessories | Comments

The Search for the best Stuffed Cucumber Recipe!

Saturday, December 26th, 2009
This is a happy little bowl of food! Photo by madmolecule on Flickr.

This is a happy little bowl of food! Photo by madmolecule on Flickr.

I will let you guys in on a little bit o’ backstory before we dig into the post…I am a shamefully horrible cook. I used to think I’d be like Martha Stewart, a doting baker of some sort. When I was 13-years-old I was creating my own recipe books, planning my future for when I would make all of these amazing things (and have amazing dinner parties). But I’ve grown to realize that I am really unlucky when it comes to cooking. I overcook or undercook just about everything. I leave out ingrediants (ever had cookies without sugar? I have), I set the toast over on fire (I actually did this)…I’m just horrible at the entire process. While trying to make Christmas cookies one year I spilled the entire tin of sprinkles. Every detail goes wrong!

So, aside from not being good at making things, I’m a frugal gal. This means that I like to find simple recipes that won’t cost a million buckaroos to buy the ingredients for. And that’s where cucumbers come into play. (The backstory is now over. *Bow*)

I was watching a cooking show, as I am guilty of doing far too often, and there was a chef dude (probably not his proper title) making these cool cucumber things. They were stuffed cucumbers, rather. He would chop the cucumber into pretty thick slabs, then use a cookie cutter with a scalloped edge to take the skin off the cucumber rounds. Then a melon baller was used to scoop out the middle. But he stuffed it with crab stuff and that’s when I tuned out, because it didn’t sound good to me. Yuck. But I still like the idea of stuffed cucumbers – I happen to love cucumber sandwiches.

Stuffed cucumbers galore. Photo by norwichnuts on Flickr.

Stuffed cucumbers galore. Photo by norwichnuts on Flickr.

As I look online, I see recipes for stuffed cucumbers with brown rice, tuna, shrimp mixtures, mayo and tomatoes, cream cheese with paprika and lemon juice…all sorts of fillings that do not sound appetitizing to me.

The Food Network has pictures that look good of stuffed cucumber slices, but I’m not sure how much I’d like the lox and cream cheese filling. Plus, the appeal of this was that it’d be a cute thing that’d be easy to make. Buying smoked salmon and dill and is expensive when I don’t know if i’ll even like it. And piping it to look all professh? Seems daunting!

If food is an art...then I am like...the clumsy clown! I could neve do that! Photo by fotodawg on Flickr.

If food is an art...then I am like...the clumsy clown! I could neve do that! Photo by fotodawg on Flickr.

I wanted to be a smart girl and find an easy way to make something new to eat…but I was feeling discouraged! That is, until I came across Carrots ‘n’ Cake and their recipe suggestion of Feta-Walnut stuffing for cucumbers. I already know that I love feta cheese and walnuts, so this is a safe bet! Still, it’s something entirely new to me and thus is the appeal.

Do you have a stuffed cucumber recipe that you’ve tried and loved? Let us know about it!

She shops smart – she’s you! Smart shopping is always stylish.

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Posted in Mixed Bag Misc | Comments

Do you Prewash New Clothing? Pros/Cons

Saturday, December 26th, 2009
We'd never pre-wash cats! Photo by oskay on Flickr.

We'd never pre-wash cats! Shopcat would never stand for that. She doesn't even stand for people to look at her funny... (Note: no, Shopcat doesn't grace us in this photo.) Photo by oskay on Flickr.

It’s the day after Christmas and you have all of this new clothing – most of which you’re planning on keeping! Yay. It’s great. Your friends and family know you so well, and they bought stuff you actually like. That’s the biggest battle. But there’s a smaller, mostly unseen battle after that. Prewashing new clothing. Are you pro, or con? We’ll discuss.

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PRO prewashing new clothing: I’m a fan of prewashing new clothing.Washing it gets out the fresh dye that might otherwise stain other clothing. It gets off the weird smell from the store and distributing plants that held your clothing before getting to the posh (and not so posh) stores. And it rids you of any germs from other people who may have tried the clothing on. I’m not saying I’m a germaphobe (I am, I’m just not saying it) but this is a smart choice.  Also, sometimes a nice washing helps an item of clothing fall on your body better – looking less stiff.

Photo by ishane on Flickr.

Photo by ishane on Flickr.

CON prewashing new clothing: If you’re lazy, you don’t want to prewash things, and there’s nothing wrong with being lazy sometimes. Some might argue that every wash starts to fade clothing, so why give it a wash before you’ve even got it dirty? And sometimes an item of clothing looks best before it ever hits the washer and dryer. (Mostly I’d have to say these are weak arguments, though!)

Laundry, Herbs & Holly-hocks by Meanest_Indian on Flickr.

Laundry, Herbs & Holly-hocks by Meanest_Indian on Flickr.

The bottom line: You rinse fruit of possible chemicals and dirty hands before you eat it, why don’t bother at least rinsing your new clothing – especially intimate apparel – before wearing it against your skin? The only problem is that to keep colors from bleeding you use cold water, but to kill germs you should use warm… Augh! So maybe you need two prewashes? ;p I’ll leave that up to you.

She shops smart – she’s you! Smart shopping is always in style.

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Posted in Fashion | Comments

Our Other Uses for a Snuggie

Friday, December 25th, 2009
Snuggie photo by Calmenda on Flickr.

Snuggie photo by Calmenda on Flickr.

So you were the unfortunate recipient of a Snuggie this Christmas, huh? And if you can’t return it, you’re wondering what the hell to do with it. That’s where I come in. You have to make the most of the situation. Wondering about the regifting etiquette of a snuggie? It’s never rude to regift them. Ever. They’re the world’s new perpetual White Elephant gift that’ll show up at every holiday party. But before regifting, consider these options…

1. Keep it in your car as a blanket for backseat complainers who don’t like that your car doesn’t have a heater.
2. Drape it over an ugly chair for a brand new look.
3. Wear it while you paint something, to protect your clothing.
4. Planning to streak? Wear this before the event, then shed it easily for your run.
5. This + a mask is the perfect disguise when robbing a bank. (I shouldn’t have to but I must mention: don’t actually do this.)
6. Who needs maternity clothing when you can just have a couple snuggies?
7. Super poor and in college? Use it as a towel, pillowcase, blanket, and curtain.
8. Use everyone’s snuggies to line to aisle of church pews for wedding decorations. This works best if you have them in matching colors, of course.
9. Donate it to animal shelters, they can always use blankets.
10. Sew it into an ipod case. Well, several ipod cases.
11. Wear it on your head like a turban.
12. Wear your snuggie and lure your boyfriend into thinking that night will be a no-go in the love department. Then do a sexy striptease.
13. Wrap fragile valuables in a snuggie when moving.
14. Offer it as a special ’surprise bonus gift’ when selling something on eBay.
15. Use it to dust your computer monitor.
16. Cut it in half and form slippers.
17. It obviously wants to be a cape at some point.
18. Wrap newborns in it.
19. Wear a snuggie for months while you diet, then take it off one day and people will think you’ve been practicing witchcraft.
20. Fingerpaint them for funsies. You’re a true Artist.

She shops smart – she’s you! Smart shopping is always stylish.

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Posted in Fashion | Comments

Nature’s Notebook Review & Giveaway

Friday, December 25th, 2009

beach

Unmistakably,  Courtney Noelle really cares about seizing a moment of rich beauty expressly for you.

Courtney Noelle doesn’t just have a beautiful name, she creates beautiful pieces of art. Drawn to the mystical and magical connection that humans have with nature, Noelle was inspired to share a collection of gifts that let you permanently capture a sudden moment of beauty from the shore. Names, words and important dates are custom inscribed into the beaches of California, then photographed and presented as a special and memorable sentimental gift.

I think the coolest part of Nature’s Notebook is the customization aspect. For instance, when you choose the collection “Affirmation/Spiritual Inspiration College of 4 Photos” you then you pick the four words/symbols you’d like. Some images can be put onto canvas, but all can be framed in your choice of frame type. You can also decide whether to have the images in black and white or in color. With all of these choices, it’s easy to see how Noelle really lets you stamp your signature on the gift.

writing in beach

Madly in love or need a good present for a couple who is celebrating their anniversary? The “Heart & Date Inscribed in Sand” option is a present that will be cherished. These make great personalized gifts for the arrival of new babies, a celebration of friendship, weddings, finding something for your new office/house walls, a graduation or ‘just because’ (that is always the best reason, huh?).

I received two different prints to examine – one in color and one in black and white. The clarify and crispness of the photos are remarkable. Unmistakably,  Noelle really cares about seizing a moment of rich beauty expressly for you.

Nature’s Notebook is the destination for truly sentimental, signature presents.

Shop the site: Nature’s Notebook

Giveaway: ONE (1) winner(s) will receive a Love, Live, Laugh print courtesy of Nature’s Notebook .

IMPORTANT!

- You must be a subscriber of the She’s Smart daily newsletter. You can subscribe via a link on our right sidebar. Winners will be checked, if you win but are not a subscriber with a validated e-mail you forfeit your prize! 
- Your e-mail subject line should be: Nature.
- Mail to shescontests@gmail.com with your name/address for each entry.
- Please note that you’re a subscriber in your initial e-mail.

Mandatory First Entry – Subscribe then Share! Mail me from your subscribed e-mail account, visit Nature’s Notebook and tell me your favorite print seen on the website that I haven’t mentioned already.

Increase your chances of winning! You don’t have to do these in order – you can pick any of them, and often our winners are the people who enter the contests more than one way!

Additional Entry #1 Tweet! Provide your Twitter name so we can see if you’re following Jessica Rae on Twitter , and provide a link to you tweeting about this contest with the phrase “Nature’s Notebook Giveaway”. Not sure how to show a link to a tweet? Just click on the date and it’ll provide you with the individual tweet you made.

Additional Entry #2 Stumble! Provide your StumbleUpon name – stumble this page or site.

Additional Entry #3 Blog! Provide a link to a blog post you’ve written about this contest of at least 100 words. This can be a blog hosted anywhere – blogspot, livejournal, etc.

Additional Entry #4 Blogroll us! Provide a link to a blog where you’ve put us on your blogroll. This can be a blog hosted anywhere – blogspot, livejournal, etc.

USA residents 18+ only, no P.O boxes. Winner chosen by random.org. The winner(s) will be e-mailed. The winner is picked on January 3rd, 2009!

Good luck to all of you smart ladies, and have a sparkling day of genuine smiles. You KNOW that you deserve it. XO – Jessica, Eve, Nancy, Shopcat and Shopdog

She shops smart – she’s you! Smart shopping is always in style.

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Posted in Reviews & Giveaways | Comments

FroliCat BOLT Interacative Laser Toy Review & Giveaway

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

best cat toy

The BOLT thoroughly impressed me, and faithfully entertained my cat beyond my expectations.

Shopcat isn’t the first cat I’ve ever owned. My family growing up had three other cats for long periods of time. I say this so you know that I’ve bought and tried plenty of cat toys. You see, I was recently sent the BOLT Interactive Laser Toy by FroliCat to review, and I can wholeheartedly say that this is one of the best cat toys I’ve ever used.

It's difficult to see the red dot in this picture, but I'd wanted to include this gorgeous pillowcase that my friend, Kerstin, made for me!

It's difficult to see the red dot in this picture because of the fabric folding, but I'd wanted to include this gorgeous pillowcase that my friend, Kerstin, made for me!

Many cat toys leave your arm tired from playing, so companies  invented all of these other toys that are meant to let your cat play by itself. In my experience? Those ‘hooked over the doorknob’ toys never work or capture a cat’s interest. Those toys are a waste of money.

But the BOLT is completely fun for me to use when playing with Shopcat (you just hold it and move it around a bit to aim it different places), and also works as a babysitter if she wants to play alone as I’m trying to work dutifully on the blog! This s the toy that cats love even if you’re not there to help play. But the toy goes off after 15 minutes, so you needn’t worry that your cat will play to the point of exhaustion. (And I’m a worrywort, I always worry about things like that!)

bolt shopcat

Shopcat loooooves the BOLT, and when I turn it off she goes hunting for the red laser like it has escaped her! The instant I turn it on she gets excited.

The automatic function that lets you turn it on for 15 minutes and move the laser dot on its own causes a noise to happen. Shopcat is skittish, but it didn’t bother her at all! Success! I was so glad the noise didn’t freak her out.

If you want to give a new cat toy a chance, I would absolutely recommend trying this toy. I openly and earnestly would recommend the BOLT to any cat owner.

Shop the site: FroliCat

Giveaway: ONE (1) winner(s) will receive a FroliCat BOLT Interactive Laser Toy courtesy of Brilliant Pet .

IMPORTANT!

- You must be a subscriber of the She’s Smart daily newsletter. You can subscribe via a link on our right sidebar. Winners will be checked, if you win but are not a subscriber with a validated e-mail you forfeit your prize! 
- Your e-mail subject line should be: Bolt.
- Mail to shescontests@gmail.com with your name/address for each entry.
- Please note that you’re a subscriber in your initial e-mail.

Mandatory First Entry – Share!: Tell me the name of your pet(s)!

Increase your chances of winning! You don’t have to do these in order – you can pick any of them, and often our winners are the people who enter the contests more than one way!

Additional Entry #1 Tweet!: Provide your Twitter name so we can see if you’re following Jessica Rae on Twitter , and provide a link to you tweeting about this contest with the phrase “Amazing Cat Toy Giveaway”. Not sure how to show a link to a tweet? Just click on the date and it’ll provide you with the individual tweet you made.

Additional Entry #2 Stumble!: Provide your StumbleUpon name – stumble this page or site.

Additional Entry #3 Blog!: Provide a link to a blog post you’ve written about this contest of at least 100 words. This can be a blog hosted anywhere – blogspot, livejournal, etc.

Additional Entry #4 Blogroll us!: Provide a link to a blog where you’ve put us on your blogroll. This can be a blog hosted anywhere – blogspot, livejournal, etc.

USA residents 18+ only, no P.O boxes. Winner chosen by random.org. The winner(s) will be e-mailed. The winner is picked on January 3rd, 2009!

Good luck to all of you smart ladies, and have a sparkling day of genuine smiles. You KNOW that you deserve it. XO – Jessica, Eve, Nancy, Shopcat and Shopdog

She shops smart – she’s you! Smart shopping is always in style.

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Posted in Pets, Reviews & Giveaways | Comments

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