POSTED by
 
Anastasia Tubanos
 
 
 
 

Incredible India: En Route to Mumbai | December 15, 2009

I just came back from my dream trip to India! (No, I’m not gloating. I’m just grateful for being able to say that). Three and a half weeks were spent wandering through central, north eastern and southern India and my GOD, all the reading and interviewing and research in the world couldn’t have prepared me for the raw and unapologetically chaotic world that is India.

People have often asked me why I decided to go to this land of spices, mythology and aggressive development. My answer is simple: I’ve always been drawn to it. Ever since I was about 9, I … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Beth Anderson
 
 
 
 

Show Off Your Tree and Win! | December 14, 2009

Think your Xmas tree’s the best there is? This is your chance to show it off – and win $100 to spend at The Pink Pig!

To enter your tree in the contest, just comment on the contest post on the Pink Pig Blog and provide a link to a photo of your tree. They’ll be accepting submissions until the end of the day on Friday, December 18th.

On December 19th, they’ll open the voting so that you can tell them which tree you think shines brightest. The winner will receive a $100 Pink Pig gift certificate.  This contest has been … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Carol Stigger
 
 
 
 

Party Crasher | December 14, 2009

Sunday morning in Nagpur, India, and I am lonely. My kids have not sent emails, nor have my grandkids or friends. Twenty-eight spam messages urge me to buy Viagra. If it would stiffen my skirts, I would. I should be ironing. I re-dampen my clothes and hang them on the balcony. Wind smoothes wrinkles. If not, I’ll bury my stubborn fabrics in my suitcase. In just three weeks, I will be home to my clothes dryer, dishwasher, TV, and dogs.  And the usual view from my living room window: my tree, my neighbor’s tree, clean, quiet street, sedate, shiny automobiles … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Phuong Le
 
 
 
 

ONO Jasmine-Vanilla Body Scrub | December 14, 2009

This gently exfoliating Jasmine-Vanilla scrub revitalizes your entire body. Rich in natural green tea antioxidants plus delicious brown sugar and vanilla, it removes dullness and purifies the body while reinvigorating the flow of healthy energy to restore the four perfect principles of the Tea Ceremony – “Wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), jaku (tranquility)”.

INGREDIENTS:

ONO Queen Jasmine Pearls

2 cups of brown sugar
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 cup of brewed ONO Queen Jasmine tea leaves
1. Brew 6 tsp of tea in your ONO 5 cup teapot
2. Reserve the tea to drink and use the brewed tea leaves for the scrub
Approx 8 … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Karl Miller
 
 
 
 

Couches Gone Wild! | December 14, 2009

Need I say more?  You’ll get the picture.  My friend Deborah over in Leicestershire, England started her own on-line furniture store, simply named, Couch.  Fully restored period couches, chairs and chaise lounges that have been reupholstered in eye-popping, high end luxury fabrics.

Each piece of furniture is lovingly restored by hand in Deborah’s home, Hemington House.  But you don’t have to travel to England to get one of these treasures, just go to Couch, it’s that easy.  So put your sunglasses on and get ready for couches gone wild!

Restored antique upholstered couch

Patchwork fabric on this couch

Enjoy spring all year long in … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Lauri Rottmayer
 
 
 
 

Boozy Pumpkin Pie | December 14, 2009

I am not a pumpkin pie kind of gal. Mostly, I dislike the glurping noise it makes when you mix it and the texture of the finished pie. But I was very intrigued when I saw this recipe for Boozy Pumpkin Pie and had to try it.  It was awesome. The beaten egg whites lend a welcome lightness to the finished product and the Canadian Whiskey adds a nice sort of bite to it. I made the traditional pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving but this is an extra special pumpkin pie to make for Christmas.

Start by placing the contents of one … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Michelle Lehman
 
 
 
 

Scratch the Christmas Cards off the List! | December 14, 2009

At this point of the season I just want to scratch everything off of my list!  This weekend I decided to tackle or attack our Christmas cards.  My husband loves for us to send out a card with a picture of the boys.  By the time you figure out who to send them to and who sent you one last year that wasn’t on your list, before you know it you are sending out a ton of cards.

Here I am Saturday evening stuffing the picture into each card one after another.  Now I am signing all of them with all … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Editor
 
 
 
 

D.S.Dundee Launches Boutique in London | December 14, 2009

Modern British heritage menswear brand, D.S.Dundee announce the launch of their first standalone boutique in Spitalfields, London.  Based in the fashionable heart of East London, Spitalfields is home to the most creative stalls and design outlets in the country. Following a successful campaign of pop-up boutiques throughout the city, this store marks a first for this exciting brand with its foot firmly on the property ladder; offering a permanent home to their ready-to wear and accessories collections in time for the Christmas trading period.

Offering over 460sq ft of retail space, the store will be the destination for the brand showcasing … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Christopher Drummond
 
 
 
 

Beginners Guide to Safe Cosmetics | December 14, 2009

Many people know the benefits of using safe cosmetics.  Obviously, when you use something natural, you aren’t exposing yourself to carcinogens, artificial colors, fragrances and ingredients that aren’t good for the reproductive and endocrine system, etc.

However, many natural cosmetic companies seem to teach the “all or nothing” mentality.  For most people, this is intimidating and not realistic.  To think that someone is going to throw out all existing cosmetics and start new with 100% natural products just isn’t going to happen.

The most important thing to know about cosmetics in this day and age is that there is very little regulation … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Christie Ressel
 
 
 
 

Designer Steals! | December 12, 2009

Most people nowadays are on the hunt for designer clothing – and not only because they are beautiful and exquisitely crafted, but they can make you look fabulous also. The issue for most is the price that comes along with these labels.

As a result, chain stores have popped up everywhere to satisfy the fashionable, while still being kind to their wallets – but the quality disappears.

So is that our only option? Heavier prices or no quality?

Thanks to the beauty of the internet, I can happily say, “no”.

Almost everyone alive today has heard of “ebay” – I myself, do not use … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Lori McNally
 
 
 
 

Shhh…Secret Jet Set Destinations of Celebrities | December 11, 2009

There are so many places in the world that I want to jet set to, but I don’t have an endless bank account to do so like a celebrity. That’s why I try to find my readers jet set smart deals as often as possible. But, I often wonder where celebrities do jet set to since money isn’t an option. Thanks to Travel & Leisure Magazine we now know!

Here is their list of Secret Celebrity Destinations & Hotels:
1. Los Cabos, Mexico- Las Ventanas al Paraiso Resort
2. South Beach Miami, Florida- Setai or Fountainebleu or Mandarin Oriental
3. Montego Bay, … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Theresa Jones
 
 
 
 

Mr. Bentley: A True Story of Unconditional Love | December 11, 2009

I was first introduced to Chic Galleria by a friend of mine.  I had just ended a torrid three year relationship only to come home to find my eldest schnauzer Madison paralyzed in the back yard.  I knew at that time I was facing what was one of the hardest things I had done in my life to that point.  Carrie Castleman sent a link via Facebook alerting me to a call for stories about our dear beloved pets.  I had to make the decision to put Madison to sleep on April 27, 2009.  I came home and within about … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Phuong Le
 
 
 
 

Oo La La Crepes! | December 11, 2009

Making crepes is a fun and delicious way to spark your creativity! I really love this recipe because of the infusion of ONO Creme Earl Grey. Earl Grey is typically a black tea flavored with Bergamot, a small and citrus fruit grown mainly in Calabria, Italy. ONO Creme Earl Grey is a smooth and elegant combination of classic Earl Grey and cornflower petals. With vanilla overtones and soft hints of cream, this premium blend makes a delightfully bold and uplifting tea with a satisfying finish. With the addition of Grand Marnier and cognac, this dessert is sure to please all your … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Christopher Drummond
 
 
 
 

Applying Beauty Products After a Facial Procedure | December 11, 2009

*Skin is very delicate after a facial procedure.  By using a natural foundation on top of SPF, you are creating an inclusive barrier that will help protect your skin.  The foundation will also allow your skin to breathe, which aids in healing.

*Look for a natural concealer that has Shea Butter in it, which is known to help heal and calm the skin.  Apply a light layer where needed.  It also provides sun protection.

*It’s important to use natural-based skin products after a skin procedure.  Many chemicals that are in skincare and makeup are irritating to the skin and may cause redness, itching and … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Stephanie Churma
 
 
 
 

The Modern Gal’s Guide to Surviving the Office Christmas Party | December 10, 2009

It is that time of year dear friends. The time that some of us dread, some of us love, and some of us would rather not acknowledge. The office Christmas party. I have worked in many workplace environments; and each December a wave of excitement floods from desk to desk. Are you going? Who are you bringing? What are you wearing? These questions and more are what make events like these hard to navigate. Personally, I have had some of the best and worst times at the holiday hoo-rahs and have decided to share some wisdom learned along the way. … Read More »