Holiday in Cancun

Just found these on my computer - very belated pics from like two year ago from when i went to Cancun with my bf!!!!

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GIFT IDEAS FOR THOSE WHO ARE HARD TO BUY FOR!

Tis the season to GIVE, not to receive. I definitely believe in that motto and try to do my best. I always go out of my way to make sure that I even GIVE to those who are less fortunate than me. I typically choose a little girl and a little boy off the ANGEL tree (my cousin Michele and I think it's important to always enclose clothing items, gloves, a scarf, and a hat, along with whatever toy(s) that the kids request.)

But if you are running out of ideas this holiday season, remember it's not about the price tag, it's about the thought that went into the present.

Here are a few of my favorite things:

VOLUSPA CANDLES. Voluspa means "bringer of wisdom" or "goddess of wisdom" in tales of ancient scandinavian lore. Voluspa candles have lavish fragrances, rich, unique and sultry, even when mocking the most simple scents. Voluspa's wax formula is inspiried by traditional candle-making formulas handed down from the classic european candle makers. Voluspa's wax has a buttery texture and and soft density which lends ideally to heavy fragrance concentration and an even, consistent burn. Voluspa candles use the most innovative fragrance concepts blended with fresh unique design. Fine Fragrance. Exclusive wax. Luxury candles. www.voluspacandles.com.

TEAVANA PERFECT TEA MAKER. The Teavana Perfect Teamaker creates the perfect cup of tea for tea lovers on the go. Just add loose tea, 16oz of hot water and steep. Drain the tea by placing it onto your favorite mug. Prepares two 8oz cups of tea. This time of year Teavana also offers gift sets for tea lovers. My favorite is Apple Lemon Pomegranate & Fruit Bomba Green Tea mixed. Delish!

LOGITECH WEBCAM. Have a loved one deployed overseas? Are you across the country from your family? Why not give them a webcam to keep in touch. With modern technology, a webcam can even keep a long distance relationship alive. Easy to install software and easy to use on most desktops and laptops. So enjoy the comfort of seeing your loved one in real-time.

THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES. Do you know someone who is searching to better themselves? Especially when it comes to love? The 5 Love Languages was recommended to me by a close personal friend who cares about me deeply. The first night I received this book, I devoured 55 pages in one sitting. It enhances relationships with not just the one you love, but parents, friends, colleagues, etc. We all speak different love languages and being educated on it, can only make the world a better place because we can relate to one another. A definite recommended read, whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed. At the end of the day, all we need is love. Love is all we need.

LOVE LETTERS. For the hopeless romantics in your group, why not give them a book of Love Letters. This is also a great gift for a new couple that just is celebrating their first Christmas together or for a couple who has been together for a long time and needs to re-kindle their love. I was recently at a client's house and noticed her books of love letters and I began to thumb through them. I definitely don't own any of these books but I would definitely appreciate the person to would purchase them for me. Inside the first book that I glanced at, the man in her life at that moment even wrote on the inside of the book a little love letter to her. What is more romantic than sincere words from the person you love?  We all remember Carrie reading the book of Love Letters in the Sex and the City movie, . . .all together now, "how romantic".

VICTORIA SECRET. I will let you in on a little secret, . . .you can never go wrong with a gift certificate to Victoria Secret. If she is a lingerie lover, like myself, they have definitely grown in their girlie, frilly lingerie lines. If she is more conservative, they have some of the coziest pajamas and robes out there. And if she is athletic, they have an amazing line of sportswear. Any store that sells lingerie, pajamas, sportswear, and not to forget perfume is a wonderland for females.

MARTINI GIFT SETS. Three 5oz Martini Mixes, Martini Lemon Drop, Martini Mandarin Orange, and Martini Green Apple - paired up with 2 Martini Glasses! A fun and unique gift for the Martini lover!

SPORTS TICKETS. Know a sports fan who is a diehard NFL, NBA, MLB fan? Why not get them a couple of tickets to their favorite teams game against a rival? The best way to pull off this gift is to buy a 6-pack of their favorite beer and enclose the tickets in an envelope and wrap. They will be so surprised that you actually took the time to buy them something personal like that and the beer is to celebrate when they see the sweet game they scored! 

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND. A heart shaped border of crisp clear diamonds outlines an impressive collection of black diamonds 1/4 carat (ctw) in this fancy and heartfelt necklace crafted in 10 karat white gold. A beautiful piece at the right price with free shipping. Also available with blue diamonds or a matching ring. (http://promo.myjewelrybox.com/CMs/MC0025.html)

PARTY ATTIRE MUST-HAVES

Keep these 10 fashion items on hand and you'll be ready for any special occasion, from winter formals to holiday parties. All it takes are a few dressy basics to mix and match your way to glamorous party success!


1. THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS (LBD). It just doesn't get any better than a perfect little black dress for party wear. The newest (and most flattering) length falls modestly right below the knee. Satin, velvet, jersey and crepe are some of the best fabrications for this style.

2. BEADED BLOUSE. Head-to-toe beading is too much, but a sparkly top is festive enough to stand on its own. An embellished cardigan looks especially fresh right now. Pair with black trousers or a straight skirt, pull back your hair and slick on red lips for a classic party look.

3. GREAT TROUSER. A wider-leg pant is the perfect special occasion partner for sexy tops and jackets. Choose basic colors -- black and winter white are faves -- and festive fabrics (velvet, satin, crepe).

4. DRESSY WRAP. A beautiful shawl does more than just look good: it can cover bare shoulders, too. Embroidered styles go great with basic strapless dresses; velvets and fringed pieces add richness to separates. Stick with a shawl in approximately the same fabric "weight" as your outfit (you wouldn't want to pair a heavy velvet piece with a gossamer gown).

5. PERFECT CLUTCH. Complete your outfit with a sophisticated clutch bag. Look for clean lines with subtle details (like gold or silver hardware) to get the most mileage. Some styles have short strap to go over your shoulder or a loop to hang around your wrist, but holding a dainty bag in your hand is still the chicest way to go.

6. AMAZING HEEL. These high-heels will go with everything from pants to little black dresses. Added bonus: unlike sandals, where you have to worry about your hose seams showing on the toes, mules have covered toes so sheer hosiery looks great!

7. VELVET JACKET. The dressy jacket is a staple because it classes up everything from simple white blouses to plain black trousers. Burn-out and embroidery are two finishes that add interest; look for traditionally rich velvet colors like black and burgundy.

8. BEAUTIFUL BLING. If you can swing it (and there are plenty of good buys out there), real diamonds are the only way to go. Hoops, drops and studs are all popular styles. Just pair your earrings to your updo (the more pulled back/up your hair, the longer the earring).

9. A LITTLE SHIMMER. Dust sparkly powders in pink or flesh tones wherever you want more attention: bare shoulders, cleavage, etc.

10. SEXY CAMISOLE. Looks great bare or under a jacket. Pair with a dressy skirt for special occasions or toughen it up with faded jeans for daytime.

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE STYLE

Do you always end up with the wrong sizes, styles and colors? Tend to always buy the same designs, colors and shapes? Not sure what to give your favorite fashionista? How about a day of shopping with a personal shopper? No matter what your budget, Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Toni Ferrara can accomodate your favorite designer pocketbook too. Starting at $375 for a closet clean-out or $400 (for 4 hours of her expertise shopping, clothing not included), or for your loved ones who want to live like a celebrity, try the "DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITY". This VIP shopping package begins with a complete assessment of your fashion needs & style goals, then you'll be whisked away in a luxury town car to a day of shopping designed exclusively for you, with your own personal shopper, Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Toni Ferrara. You will be treated like a Hollywood starlet and receive complimentary champagne, private dressing rooms, professional retail service, and all the attention you deserve. At the end of the day, be prepared to feel fabulous & look like a star!

• All inclusive day of Celebrity VIP Treatment
  
• Closet Consultation
  
• Individual Shopping List
  
• Personalized Itinerary of shops, boutiques, and stores
  
• Complimentary Champagne
  
• Private dressing rooms
  
• Professional retail service
  
• Lots of personal attention
• Total Hours 8 hrs (shop til ya drop, literally)
  
• $902.10

Why buy a gift certificate for a personal shopper? Toni Ferrara will guide you through a shopping trip to make it fun, fast and fruitful. Your stylist will ensure that every article you buy represents money well spent. Working to your budget, they'll show you how to buy quality items, mix designer with high street and classic with fashion. Toni Ferrara & Company are not affiliated to any specific brand, which means that they will offer independent advice and can protect you from pushy sales assistants whose eye tends to be more on their commission! See how your new purchases work together and come away with the confidence to shop until your drop! 

Want more info? Visit the website- www.toniferrara.com 

Have a very Stylish Holiday! 

THE DRESS CODE DECODED

Banish pre-party jitters about attire with our quick reference to dress codes for social events.

Black Tie

A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
More about formal dresses: Formal Dresses Under $100 A White Tie or Ultra-formal invitation requires men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.
More about dressing up: Get Party Perfect in 5 Days

Black Tie Optional

A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Creative Black Tie

Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates. Sometimes, themed parties call for dress codes like Texas Black Tie or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).

Semi-Formal

Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her. Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.
More about cocktail dresses: Best Little Black Dresses
10 Perfect Cocktail Dresses

Informal

Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her -- especially when associated with a wedding or special event.

Festive Attire

Festive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or holiday bent (i.e. a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt).

Casual

Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For him, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for her a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual. Casual generally means anything goes.

FCUK THE HOLIDAYS

French Connection has always been a go-to source for amazing dresses, coats and sweaters, but their new Holiday collection is so impressive, Hollywood has even taken notice.

Last week, celebs such as Lauren Conrad, Stephanie Pratt, Eliza Dushku and many more got the chance to take home some awesome clothes from the French Connection Holiday Shop in Los Angeles.

The collection has some really hot dresses including gorgeous one-shoulder dresses; a must have for the holiday season.

French Connection has really stepped up their game these past few seasons by creating some fashion forward

trends. And while it's a celebrity favorite, you don't have to break the bank to look like your favorite star.

Choose your Holiday season threads at French Connection.