Archive for December, 2009

The Best Use of your Snuggie Yet!

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

shopcat 3

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 g ... Read More

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

Monday, December 28th, 2009

lady gaga doll

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 ... Read More

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: Au ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 foot 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”. ... Read More

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, ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

Nature’s Notebook Review & Giveaway

Friday, December 25th, 2009

writing in 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.

... Read More

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 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 ... Read More