Holiday Gift Guide tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-81247515428361995 2010-01-08T18:03:00Z What to buy this holiday season, and for whom TypePad Music gift: 'Glee' soundtrack tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef012876b6d47a970c 2010-01-08T10:03:00-08:00 2010-01-08T18:03:00Z In our defense, we've been living in a cave (with Internet) for the last several months unable to watch the FOX hit "Glee." Our friends and family rave about the TV show ad nauseum, so we got the hint that it might actually be really good. Even though we've only seen a couple clips here and there, we got wind of the soundtrack and haven't been able to stop listening, singing and dancing since. Released in November 2009, the "Glee Season One" soundtrack packs a slew of pop remakes, including "Don't Stop Believing," "Gold Digger," "No Air" and "Somebody To... Sarah Ardalani

Glee In our defense, we've been living in a cave (with Internet) for the last several months unable to watch the FOX hit "Glee."

Our friends and family rave about the TV show ad nauseum, so we got the hint that it might actually be really good.

Even though we've only seen a couple clips here and there, we got wind of the soundtrack and haven't been able to stop listening, singing and dancing since. 

Released in November 2009, the "Glee Season One" soundtrack packs a slew of pop remakes, including "Don't Stop Believing," "Gold Digger," "No Air" and "Somebody To Love."

If you or someone you know loves the show, then you'll love the soundtrack and if you haven't seen "Glee," then this will surely get you started.

It's available now at Amazon for $9.99.

--Sarah Ardalani 

Photo credit: Amazon

 Jacadi winter collection sale tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef012876b69948970c 2010-01-08T09:09:00-08:00 2010-01-08T17:09:00Z Listen up parents! Jacadi, the French children’s designer specializing in nursery collections, apparel and accessories, is having a huge sale. The entire winter collection is currently discounted at 30% to 40% off and today, everything will be 40% to 50% off, including coats, shoes, boots and select nursery items. We're loving the “Dignity” coat for toddler girls ($92, pictured above at left), “Diluer” corduroy coat for toddler boys ($66, pictured above at right) and the “Camille” shoes for girls (formerly $78 and now $39, pictured above, center). Get your little ones off on the right foot by dressing them in... Sarah Ardalani

Jacadi
Listen up parents! Jacadi, the French children’s designer specializing in nursery collections, apparel and accessories, is having a huge sale. 

The entire winter collection is currently discounted at 30% to 40% off and today, everything will be 40% to 50% off, including coats, shoes, boots and select nursery items.

We're loving the “Dignity” coat for toddler girls ($92, pictured above at left), “Diluer” corduroy coat for toddler boys ($66, pictured above at right) and the “Camille” shoes for girls (formerly $78 and now $39, pictured above, center).

Get your little ones off on the right foot by dressing them in these fine pieces. These threads will definitely make them the coolest and best-dressed kids in their classes.

Go to the Jacadi official site for more of a selection on discounted items.

--Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Jacadi

 Show holiday appreciation with a thank-you card tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a7afcaf9970b 2010-01-07T10:05:00-08:00 2010-01-07T18:05:00Z Following Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Day, we've all received a gift or two from friends, family or co-workers. And whether or not we liked the present, there's no denying the thought and cash that went in to providing the gift. That's why it's important to show your closest how much you appreciate their effort by sending them a thank-you card. We've been searching the Internet for the perfect note, and we're currently loving the Asian Blossom cards (12 for $21), Mod Circles with Lines notes (12 for $14.95) and these hand-printed linocut greeting cards (5 for $12). And you... Sarah Ardalani

Thank-you

Following Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Day, we've all received a gift or two from friends, family or co-workers.

And whether or not we liked the present, there's no denying the thought and cash that went in to providing the gift. That's why it's important to show your closest how much you appreciate their effort by sending them a thank-you card.

We've been searching the Internet for the perfect note, and we're currently loving the Asian Blossom cards (12 for $21), Mod Circles with Lines notes (12 for $14.95) and these hand-printed linocut greeting cards (5 for $12). 

And you can never go wrong with Hallmark. Just make sure to sign your card with love.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: Hand-printed linocut greeting cards Credit: tomjacobs via Etsy.com

 World Market holiday furniture sale tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a7afaeb6970b 2010-01-07T08:14:00-08:00 2010-01-07T16:14:00Z In need of furniture, but don't have a lot of cash? World Market is having one of its biggest sales of the season, marking as much as 50% off on all furniture. Its discounted pieces include the Chase bedroom collection, the Konrad office collection and the Studio Day sofa, formerly $399.99 and now going for $299.99. Additionally, from now until Jan. 23 all online orders ship for only $4.95. No minimum purchase is required. Head to its website, take a look around and furnish your home without breaking your wallet. -- Sarah Ardalani Photo: A Studio Day sofa. Credit: World... Sarah Ardalani

World Market Studio Day sofa In need of furniture, but don't have a lot of cash? World Market is having one of its biggest sales of the season, marking as much as 50% off on all furniture.

Its discounted pieces include the Chase bedroom collection, the Konrad office collection and the Studio Day sofa, formerly $399.99 and now going for $299.99.

Additionally, from now until Jan. 23 all online orders ship for only $4.95. No minimum purchase is required.

Head to its website, take a look around and furnish your home without breaking your wallet.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: A Studio Day sofa. Credit: World Market

 Space 15Twenty plans its Re-Gift Pop-Up Shop tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a7aae460970b 2010-01-06T10:02:00-08:00 2010-01-06T18:02:00Z Chances are during the holidays you received some presents you weren't too crazy about. Like clothes that either are not your style or don't fit and will undoubtedly end up collecting dust in the back of your closet. But that doesn't have to be the only option! On Jan. 16 from noon to 5 p.m., Space 15Twenty will have its Re-Gift Pop-Up Shop and sample sale. Bring some of the gifts you didn't want and trade them for something better. Afraid that your pieces aren't cool enough? Well as the saying goes, one person's trash is another person's treasure. Go... Sarah Ardalani

Sweater Chances are during the holidays you received some presents you weren't too crazy about.

Like clothes that either are not your style or don't fit and will undoubtedly end up collecting dust in the back of your closet.

But that doesn't have to be the only option!

On Jan. 16 from noon to 5 p.m., Space 15Twenty will have its Re-Gift Pop-Up Shop and sample sale. Bring some of the gifts you didn't want and trade them for something better.

Afraid that your pieces aren't cool enough? Well as the saying goes, one person's trash is another person's treasure. 

Go to the sale and get yourself something nice for 2010.

-- Sarah Ardalani 

Photo credit: L.L.Bean

 DVD gift: 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' two-disc Blu-ray/DVD set tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef012876ad1cbd970c 2010-01-06T08:07:00-08:00 2010-01-06T16:07:00Z As adults, we're not really into kids movies. We pretty much only like grown-up stuff. But when we heard about "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," we were intrigued. After watching the animated film and being absolutely delighted (instead of rolling our eyes), we were then hungry. Go figure. Released in September 2009, the movie is now out on Blu-ray and going for a discounted price of $24.99 on Amazon. The two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo includes directors' commentary with Bill Hader; an interactive "Splat" button; Flint's Food Fight game enhanced for Blu-ray; extended scenes; progression reels with introductions by Visual Effects... Sarah Ardalani

Cloudy-with-a-chance-of-meatballs As adults, we're not really into kids movies. We pretty much only like grown-up stuff. But when we heard about "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," we were intrigued.

After watching the animated film and being absolutely delighted (instead of rolling our eyes), we were then hungry.

Go figure.

Released in September 2009, the movie is now out on Blu-ray and going for a discounted price of $24.99 on Amazon.

The two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo includes directors' commentary with Bill Hader; an interactive "Splat" button; Flint's Food Fight game enhanced for Blu-ray; extended scenes; progression reels with introductions by Visual Effects Supervisor Rob Bredow; an interactive "Raining Sunshine" sing-a-long; “Raining Sunshine” music video by iCarly's Miranda Cosgrove and more. 

We suggest getting the set for the little ones (or the big ones) in your life, but make sure when you watch the movie, you have some snacks on hand.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Amazon

 Lodis online sale offers discounts on clutches, wallets and more tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a7a5bada970b 2010-01-05T10:06:00-08:00 2010-01-05T18:06:00Z For those that are in need of a purse to hold some extra change, we suggest checking out Lodis. Established in 1965 as the creation of Loewe of Spain and Dan Segat, Lodis brings Madrid’s most exclusive and luxurious leather goods to the States. The company is currently having a 30%-off sale on the small leather items in its fall collection, which include clutches, wallets, key chains and card cases. We're liking the Royal Snake clutch wallet (pictured above) originally priced at $89, but now going for $62.30. See the official site for more discounted pieces. -- Sarah Ardalani Photo... Sarah Ardalani

Lodis
For those that are in need of a purse to hold some extra change, we suggest checking out Lodis.

Established in 1965 as the creation of Loewe of Spain and Dan Segat, Lodis brings Madrid’s most exclusive and luxurious leather goods to the States.

The company is currently having a 30%-off sale on the small leather items in its fall collection, which include clutches, wallets, key chains and card cases.

We're liking the Royal Snake clutch wallet (pictured above) originally priced at $89, but now going for $62.30.

See the official site for more discounted pieces.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Lodis

Make a list with Wall Candy's Big Apple chalkboard tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef012876a5e6bb970c 2010-01-05T09:04:00-08:00 2010-01-05T17:04:00Z It's the beginning of 2010 and we have things to do. Start off on the right foot, make a list and check things off each day. But forget scribbling items on a yellow notepad. Instead, write them on your wall. Launched in November, Wall Candy’s Big Apple chalkboard is a great way to jot down daily tasks, write your thoughts, leave messages or create art. The Big Apple kit comes with a 22.5"x18" chalkboard, and chalk that is dustless and does not contain the most common allergens. It goes for $36 and can be purchased at the official Wall Candy... Sarah Ardalani

WallCandy It's the beginning of 2010 and we have things to do. Start off on the right foot, make a list and check things off each day.

But forget scribbling items on a yellow notepad. Instead, write them on your wall.

Launched in November, Wall Candy’s Big Apple chalkboard is a great way to jot down daily tasks, write your thoughts, leave messages or create art.

The Big Apple kit comes with a 22.5"x18" chalkboard, and chalk that is dustless and does not contain the most common allergens.

It goes for $36 and can be purchased at the official Wall Candy site.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Wall Candy Arts

 Blow up holiday photos with Chic Canvas tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef01287695256e970c 2010-01-04T10:05:00-08:00 2009-12-31T19:18:23Z Hanging out with the family during the holidays seems to always lead to group photos. This is the only time of the year when you and your parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents are all together. Now hug each other, wait for the flash and smile. Surely after all the picture-taking, there were some prime images. How about blowing one up on to a canvas and giving it to mom? It'll be like a family portrait, except now without all the fuss. We recently learned about Chic Canvas, a company that allows users to upload a photo that they... Sarah Ardalani

ChicCanvas
Hanging out with the family during the holidays seems to always lead to group photos. This is the only time of the year when you and your parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents are all together.

Now hug each other, wait for the flash and smile. 

Surely after all the picture-taking, there were some prime images. How about blowing one up on to a canvas and giving it to mom? It'll be like a family portrait, except now without all the fuss. 

We recently learned about Chic Canvas, a company that allows users to upload a photo that they can get printed on a beautiful canvas.

Sizes range from 8x10 to 40x60 with prices starting at $79. Also, each finished product can be personalized and stylized with captions and borders.

Additionally, the site is offering a deal. If you buy one canvas, you can get the second one half off. If you needed any ideas for a birthday or Mother's Day gift, this might be it.

Go to the official site for more details. 

— Sarah Ardalani 

Photo credit: Chic Canvas

 Brooks Brothers semi-annual sale ends today tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a792e724970b 2010-01-04T08:04:00-08:00 2010-01-04T16:04:00Z Start off the new year with some fine threads, especially ones you can use to go to work or on a job interview. Brooks Brothers, one of the oldest men's clothing companies in the United States, is having their semi-annual sale. But you have to be quick because it ends today! Save up to 50% on shirts, ties, sweaters, vests, trousers, coats, sleepwear, pretty much the whole shebang. Additional deals include discounts on men's and women's dress shirts. Brooks Brothers is offering three men's dress shirts for $159, and women's dress shirts for $67.12 each. Go to the site for... Sarah Ardalani

BrooksBrothers Start off the new year with some fine threads, especially ones you can use to go to work or on a job interview. 

Brooks Brothers, one of the oldest men's clothing companies in the United States, is having their semi-annual sale. But you have to be quick because it ends today!

Save up to 50% on shirts, ties, sweaters, vests, trousers, coats, sleepwear, pretty much the whole shebang.

Additional deals include discounts on men's and women's dress shirts.

Brooks Brothers is offering three men's dress shirts for $159, and women's dress shirts for $67.12 each.

Go to the site for more details.

— Sarah Ardalani

Photo credit: Brooks Brothers

 Happy New Year! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a792cd9c970b 2010-01-01T12:43:00-08:00 2010-01-01T20:35:42Z From all of us here at the Holiday Gift Guide, we wish you all the best in 2010. -- Sarah Ardalani Photo: The Ohio State University Marching Band performs during the 121st Rose Parade in Pasadena. Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times Sarah Ardalani

RoseParade
From all of us here at the Holiday Gift Guide, we wish you all the best in 2010.

-- Sarah Ardalani

Photo: The Ohio State University Marching Band performs during the 121st Rose Parade in Pasadena. Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

 New Year's resolution: Quit smoking tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c630a53ef012876918f64970c 2009-12-31T12:17:00-08:00 2009-12-31T20:17:00Z If you're a smoker, chances are at some point tonight you'll be toking away on a cigarette, enjoying a cocktail and celebrating with the city as we begin the dawn of a new year. Enjoy that cigarette. Soak in that pack! Let it be the last one you purchase, because next year, your resolution is to quit smoking. The heightened risk of acquiring lung cancer and heart disease, as well as the overall cash spent to feed the habit, should be enough to make one stop, but often it's not. Luckily, we've got reinforcements, and if you fail, try, try,... Sarah Ardalani

QuitSmoking
If you're a smoker, chances are at some point tonight you'll be toking away on a cigarette, enjoying a cocktail and celebrating with the city as we begin the dawn of a new year.

Enjoy that cigarette. Soak in that pack! Let it be the last one you purchase, because next year, your resolution is to quit smoking.

The heightened risk of acquiring lung cancer and heart disease, as well as the overall cash spent to feed the habit, should be enough to make one stop, but often it's not. 

Luckily, we've got reinforcements, and if you fail, try, try, try again.

First, head over to Smokefree.gov, a site created by the Tobacco Control Research Branch of the National Cancer Institute. It offers a plethora of information, including an an online guide on how to quit, tips for managing cravings, expert advice and other free resources. 

Need a little more? There's additional assistance that comes in patch, gum and pill form. They might not be identical substitutes to your former puffing stick, but they'll at least take the edge off.

Good luck!

-- Sarah Ardalani 

Photo credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times