by: lisaclee 

A small stick that packs a big punch

I just returned from a trip up to the Adirondacks, where the high was a balmy 2 degrees. The snow was gorgeous; everything was white and wintry, like we had just stumbled into the North Pole. We stayed cozy inside our rustic retreat, by wrapping up in luxe throws, lounging in front of a fire, sipping hot cocoa, and extolling the joys of winter.

But this pretty picture came to a grinding halt when I returned home. I had dry, pasty and winter-weary skin, the consequence of too much hot, dry air inside and blustery, biting air outside. Enter my new skin lifesaver, Revolution Organics 22+ All Over Body Balm. This wide-stick moisturizer is like a giant-sized Chapstick, only all natural, more nourishing and mega-moisturizing. You glide it on everywhere–lips, eyelids, heels, elbows, basically anywhere that’s dry. With so much going on I forgot to pack it, which is a shame since it’s so travel friendly (and would have prevented all my skin woes in the first place). My skin is looking better already, thanks to my vigilant usage. And for more moisture boost,  I’ve been slathering on the All Over Skin Cream, made with a cocktail of 15 vitamins and minerals. Zero below in the forecast? Bring it on–I’m ready.

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I sometimes feel like settling down for a long winter’s nap. What better way to cozy up than with fresh linens on your bed? A lot of stores are marking down prices on blankets, duvets and comforter sets this week. Now is the time to stock up on crisp white sheets, which never go out of style! A fresh blanket, quilt or comforter cover will do wonders for your bedroom. A few plush accent pillows will liven up decor, too.

Fight the Onion Goggles $18.75	Grobal – Self-Watering Plant Pot $12.75
Riedel Vivant Collection Pinot Noir Glasses $44.99	Mademoiselle Reversible Apron Set $65.95
Oster Wine Chiller and Opener sale $29.99	Frangipani Server Set Sale $27

The best thing about the holiday season is that the sales are amazing! And although it may be too late to order things online in time for Christmas, you can certainly order items in time for the myriad holiday parties and New Year’s Eve gatherings going on. Below are some of my favorite hostess gifts for the holidays…and many of them are on great sales! Check them out!

Shoes.com is having a really great sale right now. Brands like Franco Sarto, Aerosoles, and UGGs, and many more are up to 50% off! Yes, I said UGGs. They’ve got tons of UGG styles at 20% off, plus if you enter the code CHEERS at checkout, you’ll get an EXTRA 20% off. If you’re not into UGGs but want an alternative, check out the Koolaburra boot, which are also 20% off right now.

And tomorrow’s their famous Saturday sale! Ah, consumerism.

Shop Shoes.com sale now

The only way to shave

Let’s face it, men are the hardest to buy for. I’m always at a loss of what to get my husband, my dad and my brother-in-laws. The usuals–a tie, shirt or sweater–are getting old, and not to mention, kind of useless. Those gifts seem to get pushed into dark corners of a drawer or closet, waiting to make an appearance only when the other stuff starts to look seedy (which could be years from now).

So in a quest to get something useful, I turned to grooming. I’ve always thought the old-fashioned, brush-on shave seems more fitting for the Mad Men generation than today. But I’m determined to find something unusual this season, so I’m hoping I can convince my husband (who embraces shaving with as much enthusiasm as taking out the garbage) to be as dapper as Don Draper. Enter the Art of Shaving Starter Set. It’s basically a two week trial period, complete with a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, brush and after shave balm, that will hopefully transform my sick-of-shaving husband into a grooming guru. Plus, I love the scents–sandalwood, lemon or lavender–though, my guy would probably be more into the unscented set. For $25, it’s a worth a try, and beats the “Oh another tie!” expression. Art of Shaving “The Four Elements of the Perfect Shave”, $25.

Chooka Tokidoki Rain Boots

It’s been raining here in Southern California for the last few days, and boy is it nice. Call me crazy but something about 80 degree weather in December just doesn’t seem right to me. At least rain is one step closer to the Great White Rabbit of Los Angeles weather — snow. So in lieu of the heavy duty snow boots that I enjoy wearing, I’m shopping for fun rain boots instead. I never realized how many styles and designs of rain boots there are. I would have to say my favorites are the Chooka Tokidoki style above — although I don’t know if I can pull it off. I might opt for this more demure Chooka style instead.

If you’re into the more traditional, classic look rather than loud, skaterish looks, check out the latest in Wellies. I LOVE these Hunter originals in Aubergine or Midnight Sparkle — not as flamboyant as the Chooka but equally as stylish. What do YOU wear when it rains?

Shop Chooka rain boots now
Shop Hunter boots now
Shop Ed Hardy rain boots now

A splurge-worthy scent, $78

Yesterday, the NY TIMES style section had an interesting article, that how, during this recession, diehard shoppers are secretly still shopping for luxury goods on the sly. The gist is that buying expensive items in front of everyone looks excessive these days. But an underground trend of buying luxe, hard-to-find specialty items is happening through online shopping and at private trunk show parties, places where a buyer can go incognito and not feel guilty.

I admit I’m a sucker for subtle luxe–ultra-thick cashmere sweaters, pave diamonds and gorgeous perfume bottles–anything that exudes a posh, yet-not-overly-ostentatious vibe. Which is why when I spotted this  rich-looking candle from the famous Parsian candle company, Diptyque, I knew I had to have it. Sure it’s pricey, but what I absolutely love is the elegant, decadent look and feel. The glass holder boasts a super-cool sixties byzantine design inspired by a piece of fabric from that time. Then there’s the scent–heavenly Honey Briar. It’s limited edition,  for the holidays, but has staying power long after the last pine needle has been swept away. The sweet, nectar aroma warms even the coldest days in January and February when I need a big break from all the dismal winter blues. It’s the perfect accompanient to a night in, soaking in my tub, while snow falls outside. Worth the splurge? Sure, and the best part is, no one has to know about it except me. Diptyque Honey Briar Candle, $78.

Benefit's Greatest Hits

So we all have about 15 shopping days left (less than that for Hanukkah) and the race is on. I started sniffing around at ideas for my sisters and mom, and came to the conclusion that beauty sets will be my gift of choice this year. Why? They’re fun to give, usually come with a resuable extra (like a pouch or crafty box), and are discounted (a rarity in the beauty world). That fits the bill for me, especially since my family has vowed to stick to a strict budget this year.

Though there are so many to choose from, I’ve narrowed it down to this absolutely fabulous set from my favorite snarky cosmetic company, Benefit. The Beauty Uppers Gift Set is packed with three of their most popular makeup pick-me-ups, meant to give your face the little light and lift that it needs. And who doesn’t need that right now? The full-sized products include Benetint, a cheek and lip stain; Dandelion, the brightening face powder; and You Rebel Lite, a tinted moisturizer loaded with SPF 15, aloe and antioxidants. It all comes in a cute little canister that’s great for storing odds and ends, or stashing that loose change. And the good news is that right now, it’s on sale for $58. Count me in for three! Need more budget-friendly beauty gift ideas? Check out my article on Shop.com. Then get going–time is running out!

Michelle Obama by Diane von Furstenberg	Michelle Obama by Betsey Johnson
Michelle Obama by Michael Kors	Michelle Obama by Marc Jacobs

Michelle Obama rocks. Why? Not only because she’s not a Stepford Wife (Harvard Law School, gives more-than-coherent-speeches, etc.) or because she didn’t grow up in isolated affulence (South Side of Chicago), is an obviously amazing mother (the girls are adorable) but because she exudes a natural, fresh aura that inspires amazing fashion — regardless of trends and pop culture.

And that’s why designers from Marc Jacobs to Betsey Johnson are vying to be the lucky ones who design her Inauguration dress. So far over 30 designers have submitted their sketch ideas for Michelle’s dress, and boy do they represent a range of designs! You can see many of the sketches here.

Many are calling her the muse of baby boomer marketing, meaning that she’s a great social & cultural icon for companies hoping to market to middle-aged women. J. Crew jumped on the opportunity by creating a dedicated mini-site featuring the three items Michelle Obama wore in an interview with Jay Leno — entirely from J. Crew. The response? All three items sold out in just a few weeks.

So…who do you think should design Michelle’s Inaug. dress? Take a look at the designs and tell me what you think.

Pottery Barn dinnerware set

Many employers are cutting expenses this year by canceling holiday parties. Imagine my surprise, however, when my husband’s employer asked if we would mind being a team player by “hosting” their company’s holiday party at our house this year. As you can imagine, panic mode set in. Accommodate 22 people for a sit-down dinner? I don’t have that many place settings, let alone places to sit. Thank goodness it’s being catered, so I don’t have to cook.

If you are anticipating big crowds for your year-end soirees, you can rely on the online retailers at SHOP.COM to get your planning in motion. You can use inexpensive fold-up tables and dress them up with festive table linens.  The 12-piece basic white caterer’s dish set from Pottery Barn mixes well with my existing dinnerware. The white 65-piece dinnerware set from JC Penney is an amazing price at just $69.99.

Centerpieces are also no problem. You can order fresh or faux flowers online in a snap!