Archive for January, 2010

Lake Champlain Chocolates Review & Giveaway

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

gourmet chocolate bar

There is something about chocolate that is just…well, it’s really the best thing EVER. And there’s certainly no better time for chocolate than on February 14th (Valentine’s Day)! Well, that date is approaching. And do I have a chocolate suggestion? Why yes I do. The wonderful people at Lake Champlain Chocolates sent us some of their best gourmet chocolates to sample. Do we like them? I think we devoured them all in less than two days! Reviewing chocolate? That is an absolute pleasure! At least, when it’s good chocolate. And this chocolate? AMAZING. We highly recommend treating yourself or a friend to chocolate THIS good.

We highly recommend treating yourself or a friend to chocolate THIS good.

The Sweetheart Valentine Chocolate Heart 18 pc box comes in an amazing box, of course – you don’t eat the box so that’s just a bonus. With two levels to this box of chocolates, everyone can sample the decadent chocolates. Flavors in this box include: Cherry & Peanut Butter Sensations, Maple Crun ... Read More

GET SERIOUS Pet Stain & Odor Remover Review & Giveaway!

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

get serious

As an animal lover, something you find yourself dealing with are stains from your pets. They happen because they are young, or old, are sick or have an accident. Whatever the reason, the smell that lingers and the stain that stays is no ones friend.

Shopdog had several accidents earlier this year because she was sick, and it left yellow stains. Shopcat hasn’t had any accidents, but previous cats have sprayed into the corners of the place which means that some people can ‘always’ smell cat urine, and when other cats visit they are compelled to spray (pee!) in the exact same place. This is where pheromones come in. Cats are very competitive about wanting to mark their territory.

I was happy to receive a bottle of GET SERIOUS Odor, Stain & Pheromone Extractor for cats, and one for dogs. Even after using other cleaners on Shopdog’s accidents, the yellow stain had stayed. But when I used GET SERIOUS on these OLD stains, it STILL considerably lessened the stains color. The product was so easy that even my friend with a new manicure dared to use it. It’s very gentle, and there is no bad or ‘clinical’ smell like you get with other cleaners.

For Shopcat, we worked in the GET SERIOUS product where other cat’s have sprayed because if I introduce another cat, I can ... Read More

Inspector Lewis Collector’s Edition DVD Giveaway!

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

inspector lewis dvd

Inspector Lewis the Complete Set: Pilot, Series 1 & 2 is soon to be released, and I highly recommend checking it out. And because we love you, we’re giving away a copy of it to a ShesSmart.com reader!

Inspector Robert Lewis (Kevin Whately) is back on familiar ground-Oxford, England-though not all is as it was. Five years after the death of his long-time partner, the legendary Inspector Morse (John Thaw), Lewis is trying to prove himself to his dubious new boss while rebuilding his life following the hit-and-run death of his wife. To do that, he must confront his past, his future, and his new younger partner, the brilliant and distant Detective Sergeant James Hathaway (Laurence Fox). Fortunately for Lewis, his most compelling cases haven’t changed much at all; they still revolve around the secrets and lies of the Oxford elite he knows so well. This set contains 11 mysteries: the series pilot, Whom the Gods Would Destroy, Old School Ties, Expiation, And the Moonbeams Kiss the Sea, Music to Die For, Life Born of Fire, The Great and the Good, Allegory of Love, The Quality of Mercy, and The Point of Vanishing.

Shop the site: ... Read More

Major, Major DVD Sale Worth Checking Out

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

DVD and HD Collection by williamhook on Flickr.

DVD and HD Collection by williamhook on Flickr.

Amazon is having a sale worth mentioning where some HOT (read: good) DVDs are on sale for up to 53% off. The sale ends January 24th, so if you see something you’ve been eyeing, buy it now. Lots of major things are on sale from Weeds, Friday Night Lights, Bones, Heroes, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, Castle, Mad Men, ... Read More

Calling All Savvy Women! Because ‘I wish people knew…’

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Photo by dailylifeofmojo on Flickr.

Photo by dailylifeofmojo on Flickr.

As a seasoned waitress do you wish more people knew not to order water for an entire table at a restaurant? Or that they’d know the proper etiquette for tipping manicurists like yourself? Whether you have insider tips and advice for patrons from a job you previously or, or currently had – help fellow virtual friends on ShesSmart.com. Please respond to jessica@shessmart.com if you’d like to consent to a short e-mail interview. You’ll be fully credited with a name and your picture if you’d like, or you can remain completely anonymous.

If you work at any of these places, or hold these jobs, our readers want tips from YOU! This is based around the phrase, “I just wish more people knew…”  or “I wish people would notice…” (Note: We don’t just want you to tell us complaints!)

- Hair salon (stylists, receptionists, etc. Upscale or low-cost!) - Vet Office - Doggy Day Cares - Dog groomer - Outlet stores - Etsy shop owner - Bookstores - Sephora, Ulta, Makeup counters like Clinique, MAC or Estee Lauder - Library - What else ya’ got? ... Read More

The Top Ten Chick Flicks

Monday, January 18th, 2010

chick flicks

Is there anything better than getting cozy with a bowl of popcorn and a really great, fun movie? We’ve compiled a list of our top ten favorite chick flicks, and then added about a zillion runner’s-up (it’s hard to pick, man)! Consider checking out these movies if you haven’t seen them. And if you have movie suggestions? Let us know! Plus, look for our ‘Top Ten WORST Chick Flicks’ coming up later on. Lord knows we don’t love every movie that’s out there for us to enjoy. Some have been painful. But for now, let’s focus on the good. Look how positive we’re being – woo!

Down with Love: The most perfect love story, set in the 1960′s. It stars Renee Zellweger and Ewan Mcgregor. “The bright, glossy world of Doris Day and Rock Hudson sex comedies gets a self-aware brush-up.” It has wit, singing, montages, and amazing clothing. What more could you want?

... Read More

The Luxuries We Need to Keep us Sane

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

home decor

Picture from everythingsright.com

Most people see this above quote and think about the people they love in their lives. I see it, and think about the stuff in my place that understands me as the complicated and unique individual that I am. That’s right. It’s not that I don’t love people, I just also love and appreciate the stuff I have that it often feels like I could not do without.

1. A cute humidifier, because I don’t want dry skin but also don’t want ugly things in my room.

2. Satin pillowcases, because it helps eliminate frizz in your hair. It’s an indulgence, yes. (Betty Dain Sleepwear Satin Pillowcase @ Amazon $20.23)

3.  A sound machine ... Read More

Amy Adams Inspires Us: Black Lace Dresses

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

black lace dresses on sale

We know that a LBD (little black dress) is a great staple for your closet. A variation on that is the little black lace dress. It’s a small variation, but it has a major effect in transforming a dress to be much more elegant and romantic.I was inspired to write about this when I watched an old Amy Adams movie that was only recently released. It’s called Moonlight Serenade. Now, I think you should save yourself the time of watching the movie because even a charmer like Amy Adams didn’t make it very enjoyable to watch.

But there was one scene where she wore a black lace dress and I got to thinking what a great item that is. I have no idea how the movie ends (except predictably ) since I didn’t even bother to watch it all the way through. I know, for shame! But it really wasn’t very good. I wouldn’t lie to you. I’d rather watch Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day for 40 days, than have to watch Moonlight Serenade again. Augh. (Smart Tip: Just because you love someone in a movie doesn’t mean you have to love the movie, or even watch it.)

You may not be planning to sing in a smokey lounge, but trust me – a black lace dress is a wise purchase. It’s timeless,  instantly dresses you up ... Read More

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

Friday, January 15th, 2010

jean-paul-gaultier-target

We don’t have the prices, but we do finally have pictures of the pieces for the Jean Paul Gaultier line for Target, courtesy of of refinery29. But what will be worth buying, if it’s affordable for you? I’ll be talking you through my picks, although it is always up to your personal style.

In this row I am most excited about that little black ‘wear it with anything’ vest, as well as that first dress which has ‘boho summery relaxation’ written all over it.

The middlehas this gorgeous form-fitting red dress, and the most perfectly playful jacket layered over it. I love both of those pieces. But I highly suggest you try on the dress, as the middle panel section may fit some body types oddly.

Seems e ... Read More

The Worst Chick Flicks We’re Expected to Like

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Even they were bored by their own movie!

Even they were bored by their own movie!

Recently we put together a post of our top chick flicks that we find worth watching and even re-watching. But we’re not SO easily pleased – we don’t love every movie that is put out for us to gobble up. People who make movies have to promote them – even if they hate what they did. So it’s very easily to be misled into thinking a movie will be great. But do they really want you to see the movie to enjoy yourself, or to help make money for the movie? Just sayin’…

And you know, sometimes we hate a movie that just about everyone else loves. Which is fine. No pressure required. Like what you like. But if you want advice, we have a list of movies that are marketed as chick flicks to be loved that we absolutely didn’t.

Your time is precious. Don’t waste it on movies that suck. Give yourself permission to stop watching a movie halfway through if you’re not enjoying it. It’s really the smart thing to do.

The Worst Chick Flicks: ... Read More