Monday, December 22, 2008

Guys-- It's Not Too Late to Get the Stocking Stuffers Right!

Okay, so this blog is called Stuff Kimmy Likes for a reason-- I write about stuff I like. Admittedly, I don't speak for every girl on the planet, but I am willing to share some tips that I think might be beneficial to the general population.

So here's what I have to say to men about Stocking Stuffers for their girlfriend/wife. [Ladies, feel free to forward a this to your guys.]

Guys, I cannot stress enough that this is a hugely under-used way to score major points with your lady every year. Sound impossible/ridiculous/like I might be wrong? Believe me when I tell you that I'm not wrong about this. Think about it-- stocking stuffers give you a chance to show her in some tiny, inexpensive ways that you are paying attention to the little things. Which your girl loves, as you know. So I am going to tell you how to do it, while keeping the Hassle Factor at a minimum.

Here's the key:
It's NOT about filling a stocking with cheap crap. She'll be onto that quicker than you can say "book of Life Savers and an orange." No, it's all about things you know she enjoys. It could be anything. This is much easier than you think, as I'm going to show you. Consider me your Stocking Stuffer Wingman.

Where to go for the best results: The Drugstore.

Gentlemen, your local drugstore is where you can hit the stocking stuffing jackpot. Seriously, I don't know any girl who couldn't find a handful or three of little things she'd like to have. [Note: for every specific product I suggest, I'm posting a link where you can see a picture, so you'll know what to look for. Print everything out, if you think it will help you.] Now grab a basket, and let's get this done.

You can start at the very front of the store, with the
Snacks.

Does she chew gum, or is she an Altoid girl? Does she like candy bars, or does she go more for gummy bears? Stop for a second and think about what she snacks on during a road trip, or what she gets when you go to see a movie. If she likes Reese's Cups, she might like the yummy new Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares. In my world, you need something salty and something sweet. So what's her favorite kind of potato chip? You could include a snack bag, or a mini can of Pringles. (Note-- if she's watching her weight, don't go crazy with the snacks. I know they can take up lots of room in the stocking, which I am sure is part of your goal [insert eye roll here], but you don't want to undermine her efforts to maintain a healthy diet.)

Next up, with no groaning from you, let's think about Beauty Stuff.

Don't panic, either. I know that most CVS stores usually have someone in the department to answer questions, so if you get stuck, just ask someone for help. (No matter what drugstore you're in, I'd venture a guess that you can get assistance.)

Okay. Does she file and/or paint her nails? Then look for polish colors she might like. If you're not comfortable about selecting colors for her, remember that many women use bolder/brighter colors on their toes, so you really can't go wrong. My friend Lynn loves the new nail polish pens that she got at CVS, so look/ask for those. Also, the very best Top Coat (translation: clear polish that speeds up drying time) in the world is called Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat, and they carry it at many drug stores-- it's a fabulous treat, and a must-have for any girl who paints her nails. A nail file is a safe bet for anyone, whether they are into nail polish or not.

Does she use lip balm? Nivea has a new Kiss line I particularly recommend-- especially the Kiss of Moisture one in the dark blue tube. There are several varieties in this line, and they're cheap, so you can get a couple for her to try.

Does she like hand lotion, or taking care of her feet? Curel makes some great products in their Targeted Therapy line-- the Fast Absorbing Hand & Cuticle Cream is fabulous. My current Foot Faves are the Blue Foot Smoothing Disk from Sally Hansen/LaCross-- you'll find it with the nail clippers and files, and Kerasal Foot Ointment, which is in the foot aisle (where the insoles, foot sprays, and that kind of stuff are).

If she uses body wash, Dove has a Go Fresh line of great-smelling products like Grapefruit  Lemongrass. If you find a wash she might like, snag one of those pouffy mesh sponge thingies to go with it.

A good, safe beauty bet is in the Burt's Bees section, where you'll find lots of cutely packaged, high quality, natural goodies that most any girl would enjoy.

Next up is the Travel Sizes section.

Don't miss this aisle, because she will use these items for much more than traveling-- she can keep these little goodies in her desk at work, in her purse, in her glove compartment, or in her gym bag. Small containers of Q-Tips, baby bottles of body lotion, hand sanitizer, or even a purse size pack of Kleenex is good. They usually have those tiny lint rollers, too-- who couldn't use one of those?

Let's move on to the Office Supplies

This section seems boring, at first, but they have all sorts of pens, highlighters, post-its, notepads, etc. Don't just grab anything that's on sale-- go for the cute things that you can see her wanting to use. Just about anybody can use a small notepad for their purse. Cute sticky notes make great bookmarks.

Off to The Magazine Rack


Does she like to crochet? Get her a magazine about crocheting. Is one of her favorite actors on the cover of a magazine? Grab it! (The amazing Tina Fey is on the cover of Vanity Fair right now, for example.) If she likes to cook, Martha Stewart's tiny "Everyday Food" magazine is fantastic. O Magazine is a safe bet for any Oprah fan.

The Medicine Aisle

'Tis the season... to get sick. She's probably been running ragged, trying to make the holidays go as perfectly as possible for everyone, and her body might be ready to crash. Grab some Airborne. If she's already sick, get her something to make her more comfortable, like tasty throat lozenges. If she's been headachey, get her a Head On stick, or some Be Koools (yes, with three Os). The key here is to Think Soothing.

Miscellaneous Things to Check Out


Go down the Seasonal Aisle, just in case something jumps out at you that your girl might think is cute. I once found some adorable little bitty salt & pepper shakers shaped like Santas in the Seasonal Aisle at CVS that I still love. The key here is cute-- not tacky/ugly.

Also, if you aren't on a budget, you can check out the Gift Card display. If she loves to read, maybe a Barnes & Noble gift card. Does CVS carry iTunes cards? If so, that's a score for any iPod user. Starbucks, restaurants, movie theatres. Any of these would be great additions, and perfect invitations to go out (possibly even with you!).

Finally, The Greeting Card Aisle

Take a minute and pick out a card for her. In it, you can tell her a couple of things that you think are special about her, and include it in the stocking. Seriously-- I know it sounds gross, but TRUST ME, grasshopper. She will be so touched, and you will get major bonus points for it. Just do it. I wouldn't steer you wrong.

What Not To Do


I'm adding this section at Lynn's suggestion. Here are the things you do NOT want to get her. Nothing to suggest that you think she may need to improve her appearance/hygiene, like self-tanner, acne treatment, or mouthwash. Nothing to address any PMS or moodiness. No cleaning products or pest control. No batteries.

Good luck and have fun!!!

Buying gifts that people will enjoy is really rewarding. I hope I've given you some ideas that will help you stuff the best stocking ever. As long as you are thinking of what she likes during the whole process, you should be successful.

Feel free to leave a comment to let me know of your success, as well as any other suggestions that I've left out.

Otherwise, happy holidays!

Love,
Kimmy

P.S. If time is not an issue for you, and you're not opposed to going to a mall, there are also tons of great Stocking Stuffers to be found at some other stores, like Origins (my personal favorite), Bath & Body Works, and Sephora. In strip malls, look for Bed Bath & Beyond, ULTA, and The Container Store.

P.P.S. Just got another awesome suggestion from Ashley-- SCRATCH-OFF LOTTERY TICKETS. Woo! What a great idea!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Okay, I win stuff ALL THE TIME. Wanna try to win something, too?

One of my favorite beauty blogs, CybeleSays, is having a fantastic contest that I want to share with you. She's clearing out her beauty closet! (It gives me chills to even type that, it's so exciting!)

Each prize will contain products that all together total at least $50! Some of the brands: Berwick Beauty, Bourjois, Essie, tarte, Chanel, Haute Face, Rimmel, Surgeon's Skin Secret, L'Occitane, MAC, Urban Decay, Lise Watier, Benefit, Sephora, Clinique, Diana B, Boots, Blue Q, Raw Skincare, Matrix, Estee Lauder, Von Natur, philosophy, Jergens, Sally Hansen and more!

Anyway, here's where to go and how to enter. There will be seven lucky winners, so your chances are good. Best of luck!

Thanks, Cybele, for a chance to win such awesome prizes.

Love,
Kimmy

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Join RueLaLa.com and get a $10 credit!

In one of my very first blogs, I talked about how much I love love love RueLaLa.com. They have great sales on a wide variety of brands, usually 30-80% off.

Well, I am pleased to share an opportunity to join this by-invitation-only site with an added bonus-- through December 31st, you get a $10 credit as soon as you join!

That's right! All you have to do is click here and enter my email address, which is . Today they launched three sales-- Free People, Ellen Tracy, and Tracy Porter dinnerware.

To give you even more of an idea of what sorts of sales they offer, here is a lineup of what's coming up in the next couple of days...

Dec 11th, 11am
Kate Spade
Samsonite Black Label

Dec 12th, 11am
David Yurman Jewelry

Dec 15th, 11am
Honora Jewelry
Laundry by design Outerwear


Anyway, I hope you enjoy shopping with them as much as I have.

Love,
Kimmy

Origins 25% Discount-- on Value/Gift Sets, Too!


This is the way to maximize your savings at Origins.com, because their awesome value sets are eligible for the discount this time.

Also, get Free Shipping on every order. Yay!

Enjoy!
Kimmy

Sunday, December 7, 2008

My Mom

On December 6, 1986, my Mom died of cancer. She was, among countless other things, beautiful, silly, supportive, stylish, intelligent, complicated, witty, gifted, dorky, sophisticated, encouraging, quirky, and loving. She was, in many ways, an amazing mother-- a great listener, a raving fan, an imaginative playmate. She was far from perfect, but she taught me more than anyone I've ever known. I have missed her every single day of the 22 years she's been gone.

I realized that I didn't have any pictures of her on my computer, so I've been scanning some today. So, if you'll indulge me, here's my Mom. Her name was Marjorie.

These are from her senior year of high school.






This one is soon after I was born. She's with her sister, my Aunt Amy, and my cousins, Becky and Bill.

[Sidenote: Despite growing up in different states, seeing each other only on holidays, Becky and I would grow up to be roommates in college, soul-mates, best friends. Her birthday was yesterday. Happy birthday, Becky Old Lady!]








Sometimes she was kind of a fashionista. This was after a football game. (My dad was the coach. I suppose I was the mascot.) I think she made that outfit herself. I love the scarf!









A couple of years later, I got a brother! His name was Matt. (To this day, his name is Matt, in fact!)

I think this is one of the happiest pictures I have of Mom.


This was when I was in first grade. Every morning, she and Matt would watch me get on the bus at Kevin Hayward's driveway, a couple of houses down the street. Then, they'd go to the Waffle House for breakfast. Her favorite waitress, Charlene, would put their order in as soon as her car pulled into the parking lot. We loooved Charlene.

I now have a deep, possibly ridiculous love for the Waffle House. Thanks, Mom!







I know my face is all cruddy in this picture, but it's one of my favorites. I think it was taken at the photobooth at the K-Mart or something.






This portrait was taken when I was about 12. Check out my wings!






This was in Destin. I think I was in ninth or tenth grade. I got my love for beach time from Mom.

Finally, what I think is my most recent picture of Mom, probably not too long before she became ill. I think this was taken at Lake Rabun, in North Georgia. She loved spending time at the Mountains, and relished every trip up there.


If you're still with me, thank you. She was a special, unique woman, and I just felt like sharing a bit of her here.

I love love love you, Mom.

Kim

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Bobbi Brown Friends & Family!!!!

If I haven't mentioned one of my favorite beauty blogs ever, Musings of a Muse, I have been remiss. The lovely Muse gives some of the best cosmetic reviews out there, with tons of pictures, so it's almost like you're trying the products right along with her. I mention her today because it is because of her that I can share (what I consider to be) some very exciting news...



Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is offering a 20% off Friends and Family discount!!! Now, you must act fast, and get your shopping cart in order ASAP, because it starts today and ends tomorrow. The code is BFF08A.

Other things to know...
You can get 4% cash-back if you go to the website via Ebates!
Free Shipping on every order!
Free Samples with every order!

Bobbi Brown is my favorite color line, so I am positively thrilled about this news. Thanks, Musey Muse!

Hope you enjoy this very rare savings opportunity. Let me know if you're a Bobbi fan, and what you get with your discount. Enjoy!

Love,
Kimmy

Monday, December 1, 2008

A FAVORITE OF MINE on Sale-- HURRY!


Sorry for the yelling, but I'm supposed to be getting ready to walk out the door. Obviously, I'm not-- shoot, I am still in sweats and don't have a lick of makeup on, but had to come right here this very second and say that My Favorite Pajamas Ever In The Whole Wide World are on sale at Target RIGHT THIS SECOND. I don't know how long they will be; hence, the quick and urgent blog posting.

So here they are-- Nick & Nora Pajama Sets for $19.99.

Gotta run (as if I ever do that)!

Love,
kimmy

"Cyber Monday" Deals Worth Mentioning

NOTE: I will be updating this list as I find more offers throughout the day, so please check back for more additions.

OldNavy.com

20% off, using code SAVENOW
Free Shipping, using ONEDAY
**6% cash-back using Ebates.

Gap.com

15% off, using code GAP15
**6% cash-back using Ebates.

Kohls.com

15% off + Free Shipping, using code CYBER15
**8% cash-back using Ebates.

Bath & Body Works

25% off, using code 25PERCENT
Kimmy's pick: Sweetest Softest Adult & Kids Socks, 2 for $12

Overstock.com

15% cash-back if you pay using Paypal.
6% cash-back using Ebates.
Various offers.

SoftWalkShoes.com

They've extended their site-wide 50% off sale through midnight tonight.
Use code 50SALESW

WorldMarket.com

Save 25% site-wide, using code HOLIDAYFREE
Free Shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Bucky.com

Free Shipping on all orders.
Get $5 off purchase of $49 or more, using code BUCKYFIVE at checkout.
Kimmy's pick: Ultralight Eye Mask-- perfect for nightly use and/or travel. This is one of my Must-Haves!

New York & Company
30% off all online purchases using code 1477
5% cash-back on Ebates.

That's all for now. Will be back as I hear of more. As always, let me know of your successes by leaving comments!

Love,
Kimmy

*** Already back with more! ***

Mario Badescu

Just read this on one of my favorite beauty blogs, Beauty In Real Life!
In celebration of a year of amazing blog reviews and reader comments, Mario Badescu is offering 15% off, using code BEAUTYBLOG at checkout. Offer ends December 15th.
Kimmy's pick: long-time industry favorite, Drying Lotion. Great combo of Calamine and Salicylic Acid to heal and dry acne quickly. My very own, personal skin only responds to Salicylic Acid when it breaks out, so I am a fan.

BananaRepublic.com

10% off with code EXTRA10
Free Shipping with code ONEDAY
6% cash-back using Ebates

PiperLime.com

20% off with code MONDAY (note-- some brands are excluded, so see site for details)
6% cash-back using Ebates

AnnTaylor.com

30% off, plus Free Shipping. Code MONDAY30
3% cash-back using Ebates

AnnTaylorLoft.com
30% off, plus Free Shipping using code GIFTS
3% cash-back using Ebates

JCrew.com

Extra 30% off sale items, code EXTRA30
4% cash-back using Ebates

RalphLauren.com

30% off + Free Shipping -- code HOL2008
6% cash-back using Ebates

Origins.com

$10 off purchase of $35 or more-- code FANTENOFF
Also, Free Shipping on any order.
5% cash-back using Ebates