By: YSimone and D.F. We love Kwanzaa! This seven day celebration was first established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a non-religious African American holiday. Traditionally celebrated from December 26th through January 1st, Kwanzaa is a special time during which Africans and African Americans honor their families, communities and culture. The Kinara: The Candleholder [...]

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by ss_shopgirl and D.F. Don’t succumb to winter itch – soften up your skin care regimen with these great exfoliating and moisturizing products this season. Exfoliating Exfoliate at LEAST twice a week. You need to remove the dead cells and allow the skin to absorb the extra moisture. Central heating and cooler winter temperatures cause [...]

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by ss_shopgirl and D.F. How many of you are spending the weekend wrapping gifts and watching Tivoed Christmas specials? Ok, maybe that’s just me. But I’ve already received a bottle of champagne today and it looks like I’m spending tonight indoors…wrapping presents, I mean! Anyhow, the more exciting your gift is, the less likely it [...]

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by D.F. A New Foundation – It’s almost winter time and you better still not be wearing that same foundation you’ve had in the summer. No matter your skin tone, your complexion will be somewhat paler and wearing too dark of a shade just looks bad. You needn’t spend a fortune on new foundations, but [...]

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By ss_shopgirl and D.F. If you’re saying bah-humbug to buying this holiday season, you’re in great company! This holiday season, I plan on doing as much do-it-yourself holiday shopping and decorating as possible. Want to jump on my miserly (I mean resourceful) bandwagon this Christmas? Check out some of these fantastic ways to make cheap [...]

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by D.F. It’s about that time. Hopefully you’ve bought most of your gifts, and are working on finishing touches for Christmas. Don’t forget about the stocking stuffers! Here are just a few great stocking stuffer recommendations: Kid stocking stuffers 1. Time My Reading Bookmark $8.99 Time your youngsters reading! 2. Kid-size animal scissors $1.99 each! [...]

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by ss_shopgirl The Shopping Vine stands corrected. A few days ago we posted “12 Worst Holiday Gifts” and made sure to include fruitcake on the list. But rumor has it that fruitcake is one of the top searched items out there right now, which could only mean that there are, indeed, people who either a.) [...]

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by_ss_shopgirl If you’ve spent the last few years scoffing at the ever-omniscient UGG boot fashion trend, you’re not alone. I, for one, have yet to purchase a pair of UGGs, and will stand by that this winter — I promise. (Except for the ones I bought my sister for Xmas.) Does that mean you’ll spend [...]

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by D.F.  It’s the holiday season and you want to get the perfect gifts for your friends and family, but there’s the danger you might forget to think about how they might feel when they receive your gift of a tacky homemade sweater or a toilet plunger- complete with directions…So we thought we’d help out [...]

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By Ms. Bellis Perennis, SHOP.COM gardening expert Is your garden going to the birds this winter? Where many of us live, there’s already snow on the ground and the leafless trees are sparkling with frost. But you don’t have to ignore your garden completely just because it’s winter. In fact, you can bring a lot [...]

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