MERRY & BRIGHT | 50 Fun Gifts For Everyone Left On Your List

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

I can't blame you for feeling overwhelmed by it all. I mean, December is always straight up manic - between making plans and hosting parties, grabbing gifts and doing good deeds, this time of year is all about stressing and hurrying and getting it done. But then, when all of that rushing is done, it's all about stopping. It's about pausing and relaxing and fa-la-laaing with your favourites. It's about crisp white days and silent nights. It's about spending time with the people we love. We forget about work and worries for awhile as we watch Clark Griswold light up the night (Joy to the Woooorld) and Kevin experiment with after-shave. We remember what it's like to feel like a kid again as we eagerly wait for Santa to arrive.

As we all learned from Dr. Seuss, we know that in Whoville at least, Christmas came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. We know Christmas doesn't come from a store. We all know it means just a little bit more. But still, you have to admit it - giving great gifts is FUN. Since you're probably a little bit busy right now, I put together a list of 50 fun gifts for everyone on your nice list so you can quickly grab your gifts and get to all the good stuff just a little bit sooner. Happy holidays - hope you're enjoying every manic minute! 

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...

GIVE JOY | Our Lovely Last-Minute Guide

via theofficialpandora on Instagram

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Whether you've finished all of your shopping or haven't even started yet, I'm not here to judge. After all, life is busy and December? Well, judging by my headache and ever-growing list of things to do/places to go/people to see, it's even busier. Since my job involves shopping and research, I love putting together gift guides each year. It's a win-win: I get to figure out what I'm buying everyone, I think of ideas to give people who ask what I want, and I get to share all of it with you in case you're super busy, too. 

These gifts are luxurious but come in all shapes and sizes for a wide range of holiday budgets.  My favourite thing to do when I can't afford to go it alone? Round up my family members or friends and go in on a bigger gift - strength in numbers, as they say. I found tech gifts and sweet gifts, fun gifts and fashionable, expected gifts and some not so much. Take a look and hopefully it will inspire you as you head out into the snow to pick up things for the ones you love. Good luck out there and remember, the best gift of all is you. And my daughter would argue a hoverboard...

SEE THE GUIDE HERE...

FAVOURITE THINGS | What We Really (Really) Want Right Now

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Forget needs for a minute and let's talk about wants. Whether you're trying to give people gift ideas or just feel like treating yo self, November's the perfect time to dream. From a cozy cold shoulder to endless good hair days, read on for what we want (what we really, really want) right now...

READ MORE...

#WIN IT | A Holiday Beauty Boost from pürminerals and TSC

I'll be honest - my pre-kid self wasn't all that discerning. Like wine, I'd pick makeup based mostly on the packaging (doesn't everyone?), without giving much thought to what ingredients it contained. Since I'm super careful about the products I give my kids, I now try to be more thoughtful about my own skincare regimen, too. 

I started using Pür Minerals products a few months ago and have become a complete convert. It goes on light, never looks cakey, and helps me look glowy and well-rested after those nights (make that most nights) when I'm short on sleep. 

The Shopping Channel just sent me the brand new  Pür Minerals 5PC Holiday Pürfection Collection to test out, just in time for party season. The set includes:

o   Pur Minerals 4-IN-1 Pressed Mineral Powder with SPF 15 -$32.00

o   Pur Minerals Fall Matte Pallette- NEW- $35.00

o   Pur Minerals Chisel Brush- $26.00

o   Pur Minerals Lip gloss in Tickled -20.00

o   Pur Minerals Eye Pencil in Hello Bright Eyes W/ Smudger -$19.50

o   Total Value: $132.50

While the set normally retails for $79.99, the Pür Minerals 5PC Holiday Pürfection Collection launches this week as the daily Today’s Showstopper at The Shopping Channel for only $47.95. Um, crazy good deal for this set. Sale starts this Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 p.m. ET and ends Sat., Dec. 13 at 10 p.m. ET  - or until quantities last.

Now for the fun part:

The Shopping Channel has given me an extra Pür Minerals 5PC Holiday Pürfection Collection set to give away to one of you! 

Here's how to win it.

1) Follow @theShoppingChan and @realliferunway on Twitter. 

2) Tweet the following '@theShoppingChan & @realliferunway are giving away Pür Minerals Holiday Pürfection Collection & I want it! RT to #win http://bit.ly/12JHP6L'

3) For a bonus entry, 'like' this post on Instagram. 

4) Open to residents of Canada only.

5) Contest ends Friday Dec 12th at 5 pm.

GOOD LUCK! xx

GIVE JOY | Our Top Gift Picks of 2014

Yes, a Crockpot can be cool, but only when done up in rainbow chevron.

Originally posted in The LOOK

It's the most wonderful time of the year. No, really, it is. But sometimes, all of that wonder and joy can get lost in the rush. One look at my December calendar and chances are you'll find me either crumpled in a quivering heap on the floor, seeking advice from my Elf on the Shelf and/or downing another box of Turtles. Between the parties, family get-togethers, work deadlines, school plays and Christmas concerts, I'm left wondering if I'll have time to shower. And don't even get me started on the lists: lists of cards to send, lists of things to do, lists of gifts to buy. And gifts. And more gifts. 

Speaking of gifts, I've put together a great gift guide for Intercity Shopping Centre that should help you as you look around for that perfect present. Check it out and sorry for the poor effort at posting this week. I've been busy (read: crumpled up in a corner, seeking advice from my Elf on the Shelf, eating Turtles)

xx

SEE THE GIFT GUIDE HERE...