My Latest Obsession: Norma Kamali for Walmart

Yep. I said Walmart. Thanks to one of my most fashionable friends, Ashley, I discovered last year that Norma Kamali has a clothing line at Big Box Behemoth, The Walmart. (I'm talking about THE Norma Kamali, style icon since forever ago. The designer of two of the coolest vintage pieces I own-- one full-length hunter green french terry coat, and a fabulous brown cape, both from the mid-80s-- my Mom's prize possessions!)  Ashley gave the heads-up on a gorgeous NK trench that could be had for a mere $30. As soon as I heard this news, I jumped right onto The Walmart.com (yes, the "the" is intentional-- it's "The Walmart" in Real Life, so it's "The Walmart.com" online. Deal.) and snapped me up a Kamali trench in black. And I have worn the heck out of it ever since. The quality is outstanding, the cut is perfect, and the PRICE. Well, it just cannot be beat. It even won an award from Travel & Leisure Magazine!

But my love for Norma's stuff at The Walmart didn't end there. Oh, no. I fell in luuuurve that day. Since then, I've purchased several staples. A Boyfriend Jacket that retailed for $20, marked down to $10 when I found it on a clearance rack. I got the All-In-One Jersey Dress, $24, in a gorgeous wine color, which can be worn several different ways. The quality of the jersey fabric is exceptional, and far exceeded my expectations of something that only cost me $24. A black jersey cowl neck tank for $6. My favorite thing, though, is what I believe to be THE Best Sweatpants Ever Made. You may have seen them in Lucky Magazine recently. Norma calls them the French Terry Athletic Jog Pants, but she's just being modest. They are $15, and worth every penny. In fact, I won't even go into what I actually put myself through to get spare pairs (I needed one grey, one black, one brown, of course), but it did violate my personal No Ordeals Rule, and I don't regret it a single bit. Anyway, I think you need at least one pair if you ever sport a "relaxed" look, because these are nice. As in not sloppy looking. Chic, even. I know, I know. Don't ask how. Just get yourself some and then come back here and tell me how versatile they are. Besides, they have pockets. Four of them!

ANYWAY, the greatest news I have for you today, though, is that I've seen the Spring Line on Norma's website, and it is fabulous. These new pieces are gradually being added to The Walmart.com, so the links I have for you to click on are a mixture of those from that store with links to the pieces shown on the Norma Kamali website. The ones for which I have prices listed are now available for purchase. So... ready to hear what's to come? Here's a taste.

Jersey
As I mentioned before, the quality jersey fabric she has used in her past pieces is outstanding. If this season's pieces are "cut from the same cloth," we are in for some exceptional styles. Here are some of my favorites.

Jersey Kimono Top, $18This one is described as having a tube-style midriff, which I think could be very flattering when paired with the right pants or skirt-- as long as it doesn't add any bulk to your middle. I really love that the sleeves are elbow-length, because the drape of the jersey is beautiful. I can see myself wearing this a lot, both with a belt and without.

Sleeveless Tie-Waist Dress, $18
This one has a timeless silhouette, and sports what has always been my favorite neckline (somewhere between a bateau and a Sabrina). This is a classic Little Black Dress, with a sash that can tie in front or in back. It hits just below the knee.


Also check out the Sleeveless All-In-One Dress, which is expected to be online on 2/21 and in-store 3/1, and the entire jersey collection here.


Career
The Career Jacket and Cropped Pants are great pieces to add to your work-outfit rotation. I do admit, though, that I would love to see a long pant in this collection.

The Trench!
Gorgeous, right? I absolutely love mine. This season, it's available in black and "vintage marine" blue. Looks like it will start to be available on/around 2/1. I highly recommend it, as everyone needs a well-fitting trench coat in their closet.







Casual Line
These are the pieces that excite me most this season. They're very "me," and I could see myself wearing almost everything in the collection. Here are the ones I am craving most.

Belted Wrap Cardigan, $20
I am all about the open cardigan right now. Ever since having fallen in love with Victoria's Secret's Soft & Sexy Wrap, I have started collecting them. They're casual, yet versatile enough to dress up, and they're usually cuddly and comfortable. And if you don't know me, I'm a slave to comfort.

This one doesn't have the long front of the VS wrap, but it has enough in front to warrant the name "blanket sweater" on the NK website. I love it, and can't wait to wrap up in it, myself.

The Cap Sleeve Shirtdress Stripe is simply adorable. The Pin Stripe Jean Jacket is a great new spin on the plain denim jean jacket. Check out more from the Casual Line here.

Athleisure
Since this is the category from which my beloved sweats came, it makes sense that within it is my absolute favorite piece from the entire Spring Line.

Motorcycle Jacket

Available in black and grey heather French Terry, I think of it as a kinder, gentler version of the on-trend leather biker jacket. I love the zipper detailing, as well as the long sleeves. I want it, and can't wait to have it! Kamali's website says it will be available 2/1. I guess I can hold my horses until then...

Check out the rest of the Athleisure line here.




Organic Cotton Tees

Of this collection, I think the Button Peace Crewneck Tee is the super-cutest, and is high up on my wish list. Her tees typically run between $8-$12, and I'm hoping this one will be priced similarly. It will look great under a blazer with some denim trousers. (Or with some cute grey sweats, of course...)






More to See
As if these aren't enough to whet your palate, Kamali also has even more new offerings in Maternity, Swimwear, and Accessories.

Obviously, I am completely smitten by this fashion icon's low-cost contributions to the retail fashion world. But I'd love to hear what you think. Does it make you want to check out The Walmart? Have you seen similarly budget-friendly lines that we should know about? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Six Things I Use Every Single Day

I am preparing for a beach trip that's coming up (yay!), and was just thinking about what I will need to pack. That, of course, made me think about what the necessities are, or What I Need To Get Through The Day. For your enjoyment, here is a list.

1. Eye Mask

Since I have Chronic Daily Migraines, it is important that I get a good night's sleep as often as possible. For me, that is impossible if it's too bright in my room. Luckily, Bucky makes the Ultralight 40 Blinks Eye Mask. I love it because it's lightweight, and it's also molded, so it doesn't touch my actual eyeballs. (I don't need anything tugging on my eyelids at any time, especially when I'm sleeping.) I keep a few of them on-hand, since they're perfect for me.

2. Slippers

I used to walk around my house in socks, which was fine, but then I was introduced to the world of Isotoner Ballet Slippers, and my feet's lives were changed forever. Seriously-- the comfort is unparalleled, if you ask me. Like walking on little clouds. (You think I'm joking!) So I wear them around the house all the time. I have a couple of pairs in black, and one in cream (which is more like champagne, since they're satin).

3. Water Bottle

I drink two things all day and night. The first is water. So I use a Sigg Water Bottle for that. It's the most beautiful water bottle I have personally ever seen-- mine is a brilliant purple-- but it's also stainless steel and the tops don't leak, so I can (and do) take it anywhere. (I got a Sport Top for mine, because I tend to be a spiller when not careful. It works great.)

4. White Tea

This is the other thing I drink, when not drinking water. White Tea is incredibly high in antioxidants/polyphenols-- something I learned back in my Origins days, when they started using it in their A Perfect World line of skin care. Due to my headaches, I have been off caffeine since 1993, so White Tea is a great option for me, because it has relatively little caffeine in it. It's delicious, mild, and somewhat sweet. Most of the time, I drink it hot, but when my Southern Tastebuds start craving sweet tea, I make some with White Tea bags, and it satisfies me just as well as the Luzianne would. One thing to know about tea-- the more it's processed, the less the antioxidants, so I recommend using loose tea whenever possible. I enjoy the Silver Rain White Tea from The Republic of Tea, as well as any of the blends from Teavana(to which I was introduced by my sister-in-law, Danielle, last year).

5. My iPhone

Don't know what I did before I had it, and can't bear to imagine life without it. My iPhone just pleases me to no end. I use it for Phone/Internet/Text Messaging/Camera/Twittering/Just About Anything Else I Do. The App Store fascinates me; where else could I find a way to make my phone tell me when my favorite shows are on (What's On), tell me what song is playing when I hear something I don't recognize (Shazam), and relax me with some peaceful goldfish, swimming happily (KoiPond)? Could not possibly love it more.

6. Something to Read

I absolutely, positively LOVE to read, and try to do so as often as possible. So the final thing I need with me every single day is my Kindle. It's a wireless reading device from Amazon. I love everything about it. I'm most delighted by the ability to download TONS of books onto it, anytime, and that each one takes only about 12 seconds to get to my device, ready to be devoured. I'm not joking-- I'm literally talking about 12 seconds or so. Let's say I'm talking to a friend who tells me there's a new book I should read. I just pick up my Kindle, quickly find said book in the online Kindle shop, click the button to buy it, and, in less time than it takes to sing the Alphabet Song (which I sing rather quickly, even), I've got the book, and can begin reading the thing. Oh, and if I'm not sure I really WANT the book, I just click on the "send me a sample" button, and it will instantly shoot me a sample. For free! Just like that. So, dear readers, if you are A Reader, and you haven't considered a Kindle for yourself, do yourself a favor and check into it. I don't know a single person who has one who doesn't want to marry theirs. Including myself.

So, there you have it. The Bare Necessities, According To Kimmy. When I'm packing for my trip, I'm going to try to remember to take only what I *need* with me. We'll see how that goes...

In the meantime, what are your must-haves? Anything I may also need? ; )

With love,

Kimmy

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Don't Miss This Tomorrow!

Final Sale Boutique at RueLaLa.com

Okay, so I've blogged about the LaLa before, but what I haven't mentioned is their Final Sale Boutique. This is when the prices are super-low-- many bargains to be had. It starts TOMORROW at 11am Eastern time.

I don't know much about what's going to be on sale, but I do know that stuff FLIES outta there like nobody's business, once it starts, so One Must Be Prepared. In light of that, I would like to share with you the following tips, straight from Rachel, one of the RueLaLa Goddesses.

Rachel writes:

"If you were in our offices right now, you’d notice a hyper buzz in the air. And it’s not just our caffeine addiction. The Final Sale Boutique is coming. Thursday.

The Final Sale is like Ooh La La times infinity. Ooh la la plus an entire tray of seven layer bars. Ooh la la on fire.

It’s fast, it’s frenetic, it’s no holds barred. It’s not always pretty in there. And it’s more fun when you get what you want. That’s why I’m disclosing a few of my personal Final Sale shopping tips here:

Before the doors open:

1. Make sure your account info is up to date. You don’t want to be in there and realize you don’t have a credit card listed, or the one you have is expired.

2. Make a list of your favorite Rue La La designers and check your closet to see what size you are. Also, if you have a dress and/or skirt length you like, take a measurement.


Once inside:

1. When you get inside the Boutique, scan the list of designers and go quickly to the one you love most.

2. Hit the “see all” option so you get a bird’s eye view of all the offerings.

3. Move fast. Really. I can’t stress this enough. The prices are phenomenal. One you put a must-have item in your cart, check out. It’s better to check out twice than lose it.

4. Repeat, starting with 1.


When you’re done:

1. Sit back.

2. Call a friend.

3. Gloat shamelessly.


Have fun in there! And don’t mind my elbow.

-Rachel"

So those are her secrets for shopping success. Use them, then come back and tell me what you scored at the sale!

Oh, and if you have not joined RueLaLa yet, you can do so by going to the site and registering. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW AT 11AM TO DO THIS! Just go on and do it now. It's free, so why not? When it asks you for a referral, which it will, you may use my email address: 

You can thank me later.

Good luck, and don't forget to come tell me how it went for you!

Love,

Kimmy

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Buffalo Dip

There are few things I like better than chips and dips. Especially hot dips. I've been known to nuke some dip and eat it on Tostitos for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner, and sometimes all three in one day. I just love it.

I tried a new recipe I'd found for a Buffalo Chicken Dip on Oscar Night, and it was quickly added to the List Of Kimmy's Favorite Foods. It occurs to me that it's only right that I should share it with the rest of the world, since it was so good, so here it is.

I've tweaked it a little bit to my liking, and I call it Buffalo Dip.

Buffalo Dip

2 cups cooked chicken, diced or chopped
--- or one large can/pouch of chicken
(I use one pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I cook them, then throw them in the food processor on pulse.)
4-8 oz. Franks Hot Sauce
12-18 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup blue cheese dressing (I use Marie’s Super Chunky—the one with the black label)
2 cups shredded blue cheese crumbles, divided
The biggest bag of Tostitos scoops you can find

In a large bowl combine: chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, dressing and ½ of the cheese crumbles. (Adjust the amounts of hot sauce and/or cream cheese to make the dip mild, medium or hot per your own taste.)

Pour mixture into a dish (of course, I highly recommend one of the Pampered Chef bakers, since they retain heat so well, and keep the dip hot longer) and sprinkle with remaining blue cheese. Microwave it until it’s hot and bubbly.
Serve with Tostitos.
You can also eat the cold leftovers on celery sticks.

I actually woke up this morning and realized that I'd left out the cream cheese on Sunday. So, darn, I'll have to make some more... waah. ;)

Enjoy!

Love,
Kimmy

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The Dream Remote

I've not blogged about it before, but one of my most valued possessions is my remote control. In fact, once, during a Tornado Warning, I gathered our pets in the bathroom with the absolute necessities-- a bottle of water, my purse, my cell phone, and my remote. I do know how nutty that may sound, but it is THE Remote Of My Dreams, and I love it. Anyway, I just heard that it's on sale right now on Amazon, so I'm telling you about it today. (Offer expires on March 2nd.)

It's called the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote, and it is AWESOME. Click here to see what it does-- be sure to watch the short video. 

I know it's pricey, which is why I'm posting about it while it's on sale. But, like Pedro says, it will make all of your dreams come true...

Happy clicking!

Love,
Kimmy

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Getting My Blog Back On

Forgive me for not having blogged in so long. Out of nowhere, I have come down with allergies, so I sneezed my head off for about a week and a half, then started to feel better. Today, I'm back to tell you what I learned during my stuffy nosedness...

Kleenex is not the only tissue in town.
For my entire life, I have only used Kleenex brand tissues. I'm not really sure why, but I've never had a reason to look elsewhere for my tissue needs. Until these allergies hit. Yes, dear readers, I have learned how badly tissue can truly rip up one's nose. My nose started peeling after only one day of sniffling and sneezing. Redness, soreness, chapping, chafing, flaking, even mild scabbing. For the first time in my life, I felt what it might be like to be Michael Jackson-- I practically needed tape to keep my nose on my face. After going through a whole box of Kleenex, I asked my husband to get me the kind that has lotion in it, in hopes it would feel better on my nose. He came home with Puffs Plus. My nose took to it, and immediately felt better. At last, it didn't sting to wipe my nose. Yay!

Sometimes It Takes a Foot Product
My nose was obviously in very bad shape, and very uncomfortable in its dryness. I tried all sorts of creams and salves to restore some moisture and get rid of the dry skin that was flaking off by the minute, but NOTHING helped. Finally, I put some real thought into it, and realized I needed something that would exfoliate (without scrubbing-- ouch) AND moisturize well. It dawned on me that I had just the thing-- Kerasal Foot Exfoliating Moisturizer. Now, I knew full well that this heavy-duty stuff has petrolatum in it, which I don't like to put on my face, but I was out of options, and I knew that the 5% Salicylic Acid in it would probably exfoliate better than anything else I would find. Well, presto-change-o. It not only helped-- it FIXED MY NOSE IMMEDIATELY! Poof-- dry flakes were gone. Dryness, done. My nose was returned to normal. So if your nose ever needs it, get yourself to the foot care aisle of the drugstore and find relief.

What Works For My Husband MIGHT Work For Me
For the first week of my Allergy Hell, no medicine worked. I tried several-- Alavert, Tylenol Allergy, Sudafed, Zyrtec, but nothing helped stop the sneezing at all. Finally, on the eighth day, when I was at my very worst (on a Sunday, of course), I asked my husband to go to CVS and "please find me something to try." And the most remarkable words came out of his mouth! He said, "well, Claritin has always worked best for me." I couldn't believe it! Here, I had been at the mercy of my nose and everything related to it for seven miserable days and nights, totally new to the whole World Of Allergies, when, all the while, he actually had some experience with allergies, and had an idea of something that might even help me with mine! The words "NOW you tell me..." were said, in some tone or another, I am sure. But off he went, and came back with the most wonderful drug ever-- Claritin-D Allergy & Congestion. It changed EVERYTHING, and I've been taking it every day since. So THANK YOU, dear, sweet husband, for sharing that kernel of wisdom with me... even if it was eight days into it, it was appreciated. (Alas, men will be boys...)

So those are my lessons learned. Hope it may be helpful to anyone needing some cold/allergy-related relief. My next blog will surely be more interesting...

Until then,
Kimmy

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The Zoya Great Nail Polish Exchange

This is going to be really short, merely because I just want to share it with you as quickly as possible.

I recently discovered the perfection that is Zoya nail polish. It's a "three-free" line, which means they are Toluene, Formaldehyde, and DBP-free, and their colors are just delicious. My particular favorite/obsession is Kalista-- a rich, beautiful, shimmery mahogony that is simply dazzling. I could stare at my Kalista'd nails for days... [sigh] but I won't.

Instead, what I will do, is tell you about the utterly fantastic promotion they're doing right now, in which you can trade in any/all of your nail polishes, bottle for bottle, for bottles of Zoya polish (with a minimum of six, and a limit of 200 bottles). Yes, you read that right. You just have to pay for the shipping and processing ($3 per bottle). I am positively giddy!

Anyway, the details are here. Please let me know what you like/what you end up getting in the comments section.

Enjoy!
Kimmy

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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"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

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Quick Black Friday Shopping Help

I've been remiss in not sharing these before now, but here they are-- the guides I use for stretching my dollars during Post-Thanksgiving sales.

BFads.net

BlackFriday.info

DealNews

Best of luck-- let me know if you score anything major! I saved big at OldNavy.com, who had my husband's favorite cords for $14.75 a pair. Also did well at Kohls.com, especially with a free shipping coupon I found at RetailMeNot, which is always worth checking before submitting any online order. I haven't paid shipping at all today, just because there were codes out there to be used!

Oh! I also use Ebates to get cash back on purchases, which I highly recommend. For example, I got 9% back on my Old Navy purchase today, and 8% back from Kohl's.

Best of luck to you-- let me know if you have any bargain hunting questions by leaving a comment!

Love,
Kimmy

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Happy Thanksgiving

Just a note to let you know how thankful I am to my readers "out there." I hope you and yours have had a lovely holiday today.

Love,
Kimmy

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Extended! 50% off The Most Comfortable Shoes In Zee World!

Making this quick--

The most comfortable shoes I have ever had on my feet are from a company called SoftWalk. I have a pair of these, and I literally wear them every single day. The cushion is like that wavy, bumpy egg-crate foam, so my feet actually feel more comfortable wearing the shoes! It's amazing. They are light as a feather, too, which I love-- I don't like wearing heavy shoes, no matter how comfortable they are. Oh, and they also wear really well, in that I've had them for over two years, and the sole still looks like new on the bottom.

Anyway, I've been saying for at least two winters that I need to get some with a back, so my feet are comfortable AND warm. Well, the Shoe Goddesses must have heard me when I said it last night, because I got an email from them this morning.

Friends and Family discount of 50% off EVERYTHING in the store (online only), until Sunday (extended from Friday) at midnight. The code is 50SALESW.

Here's the link: www.SoftWalkShoes.com

Go, now! RUN!

You can thank me later.

Love,
Kimmy

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30% off at Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft

Shop and save 30% off and get Free Shipping at Ann Taylor and/or Ann Taylor Loft!

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Thinking of Changing the Name of My Blog To "A Friends & Family Gathering!"

Obviously, many companies are doing the Friends & Family thing, in order to help stretch their customers' dollars this holiday season. Today, I got word that Kiehl's is following suit, and offering 20% off between Saturday, November 22nd, and Saturday, December 1st. Just use code FAMILY at checkout. Yay, Kiehl's! They have fantastic products, made with quality ingredients.

I'm a big fan of their Lip Balm #1. This holiday, they have a Limited Edition Trio of flavored versions-- in Mint, Pear, and Cranberry. Sounds delicious. Also sounds like the perfect set to get and split up for gift-giving. The Liquid Hand Soap is also really nice.

Their baby line is widely acclaimed, and a favorite of many moms and dads. They also have great stuff for men and dogs.

Hope you enjoy. Let me know what you get with your discount.

Love,
Kimmy

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