Gifts

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Goodbye, Godiva!

02/25/2010 in Gifts, Guilty Pleasures, Vendors!, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | No comments

Although I don’t particularly love chocolate and rarely seek it out (I am definitely more of a Twizzlers or Haribo gummy bears gal), I don’t mind it either.  On the rare occasion that I am going to buy it, it’s going to be Godiva.  I always send Godiva to my mother for Valentine’s Day, and I’m always game for at least window shopping at the Godiva store @ Lenox Mall. 

"life is like a box of chocolates..."

Godiva has been my standard for chocolate for many years.  That is, until I received a box of chocolates + truffles from Norman Love Confections last week!

I seriously became Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka + The Chocolate Factory.

me

Sexy, I know.  “Oompa loompa doompadee doo!”

Well, as it turns out, I love chocolate!  Although, I’m pretty sure it’s only Norman’s…  (I may need to conduct a bit more research to be sure.)

25pc Signature Chocolate Gift Box

I even love the box.  So artful!  :)

When I took off the cover, I was shocked at how colorful each chocolate piece was!  They look like mini pieces of Venetian glass!  I carefully studied the accompanying guide to correctly identify the wide array of flavors…and I went to town. 

i'd appreciate y'all ignoring the missing pieces...

It is very difficult for me to choose, but if pressed, I’d say that my five favorite flavors are:

Vanilla Cupcake- Sweet cream and vanilla frosting ganache mixed with tiny cake pieces in a perfect little bite.

Key Lime Shell – Classic and simple, made with fresh key lime juice and the feeling of a little Florida sunshine with each bite.

Caramel Apple - Peanut butter caramel ganache is the perfect enhancement to fresh tart apples covered in a white chocolate shell.

Cinnamon Roll- Buttery cinnamon swirled with pure sugar icing in white chocolate ganache – casted in milk chocolate.

Cookies ‘n’ Cream – The fine dark chocolate crunch and smooth white filling you’d expect from this all-time favorite treat.

If you are a serious chocoholic, need to send a corporate gift or just want to make someone’s day w/ a gorgeous + delicious box of chocolates, I strongly encourage you to send it from Norman Love Confections.  Keep in mind that these chocolates do not contain preservatives, so they are best enjoyed w/in three weeks.  (Or you could follow my lead and eat them all almost immediately…) 

Check out Norman Love Confections @ www.normanloveconfections.com.

C’est Magnifique!

xx, L

Norman Love Confections
11380 Lindbergh Boulevard
Fort Myers, Florida  33913
239.561.7215
www.normanloveconfections.com

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Girly Thing #823

01/25/2010 in Gifts, Vendors!, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | No comments

I am into candles. I love them. If I am home for any length of time, I will often have 2-3 candles burning in various places in my 644 square foot condo.

If I had unlimited funds, I might go with something like Diptyque…

$60 - 50hr burn time

$60 - 50hr burn time

But since I don’t…I favor either Trapp:

$17 - 40hr burn time

$17 - 40hr burn time

or my all-time-favorite, Votivo (Red Currant):

$25 - 50hr burn time

$25 - 50hr burn time

(FYI: That is always a safe gift choice for me.  IJS.)

However, while roaming around Star Provisions area with DK + DK this weekend, I discovered the “Air Kiss” candle at super chic home consignment store, Savvy Snoot. savvysnoot

Created exclusively for Savvy Snoot, they’re just simple square candles in a glass container with a lid.  They come in about a zillion scents, burn for 100 hours and one of these babies can be in your hot little hands for a mere $25.

ECO FRIENDLY BONUS: Return your empty container for $5 off your next candle purchase!

Instant ambiance, darling.

xx, L

Savvy Snoot Consignment Home
www.savvysnoot.com
1187 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 355-1399

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A Designer Holiday!

12/18/2009 in Deals + Steals, Gifts, Guilty Pleasures, Holidays, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | No comments

In an attempt to spread holiday cheer, I’d like to bring your attention to some ridiculously amazing sales going on at Gucci.com. 

Exhibit #1: This Medium Hobo is on sale for $149.40 (from $350)

Exhibit #1: Medium Hobo for $149.40 (from $350)

Exhibit #2: Large Cosmetic Case for $62.30 (from $120)

Exhibit #2: Large Cosmetic Case for $62.30 (from $120)

Exhibit #3: Leather B.B. Hobo for $257.40 (from $610)

Exhibit #3: Leather B.B. Hobo for $257.40 (from $610)

Exhibit #4: Continental Wallet for $146.30 (from $290)

Exhibit #4: Continental Wallet for $146.30 (from $290)

Here’s the link for all the other great sales at Gucci.com:
http://www.gucci.com/us/us-english/us/sale/special-savings/

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Just saying…I know a good deal when I see one.  :)

xx, L

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‘Tis Better to Give…

12/15/2009 in Gifts, Holidays, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 7 comments

You know what the best thing about the holiday season is?  You may be thinking Christmas carols, gingerbread cookies, playing dreidel or seeing children’s faces as they open thoughtfully wrapped gifts.  Well, you’d be wrong.  The best thing about Christmas is the Brookstone catalog.  Fact.

catalog junkie

catalog junkie

Brookstone is the perfect store to find a great holiday gift for that special someone who has everything.  Gifts from Brookstone are always a hit, because no one really needs anything from there – the catalog or a stroll into a local Brookstone store just convinces you that you do.  “How have I have possibly been living this long without a paperless notepad!?”  Since I spent some time in Phipps over the weekend and my mail has been kind of inconsistent this winter, I just had to pop into Brookstone to see what the hot holiday items are this year. 

Here are my top five favorite Brookstone gifts for the holidays:

5 – Electric Wine Opener

Electric Wine Opener: $39.95

Electric Wine Opener: $39.95

“The electric wine opener with one touch operation provides effortless cork removal every time.”  I love this item because I broke my rabbit wine opener last year and I’m terrible with the old school ones.  It’s a good thing that my roommate is a bartender…

4 – i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager

i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager: $99.95

i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager: $99.95

“Deep relief for hard-to-reach neck, shoulder and back muscles.”  I tried it in the store and it was ah-may-zinggggg!

3 – u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter

u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter: $29.95

u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter: $29.95

“Reach new heights with the easy-to-fly, indoor mini RC helicopter.”  It can fly up to 100 feet away from the remote control.  THAT is awesome.  It’s back-ordered online, so get it in the store ASAP.  It’s a fun gift for children and adults – I bought one for Slick and he loves it.   

2 – iDesign Tower Stereo System for iPod

iDesign Tower Stereo Systerm for iPod: $249.95

iDesign Tower Stereo System for iPod: $249.95

“Concert hall sound and striking modern design for your iPod.”  The sound this thing gives off is truly incredible.  And, it’s pretty sleek-looking, too. 

1 – Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs

Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs: $39.95

Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs: $39.95

“It’s alive!  A self-contained, self-cleaning ecosystem w/ 2 mini frogs.”  This bad boy is the hot item at Brookstone for the holidays.  We spent about 15 minutes looking at the frogs in the store and got a big kick out of them.  It’s a great idea for a totally random gift – maybe even a Yankee Swap party.

Hanukkah is halfway over and Christmas will be here before we know it.  There isn’t any time to waste.  So, stop by Brookstone ASAP to pick up a few impersonal but useful holiday gifts that are sure to be a hit!  :)

xx, L

BrooksLogo_blue

Brookstone – Phipps Mall
404.262.1930
www.brookstone.com

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“Honey – Oh, Sugar Sugar…”

11/03/2009 in Entertaining, Gifts, Guilty Pleasures, Vendors!, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 5 comments

My friend, Cari, is cute as a button.  She has an infectious smile, a tremendous amount of positive energy and an amazing dessert company adorably named, Sugar Sugar.

She also has a Hello Kitty credit card. See, I told you she was the cutest!
She also has a Hello Kitty credit card… Told you she was the cutest!

Here’s the Q+DD on Sugar Sugar:

main_logo

This is the place to experience dessert the way it was meant to be – sinfully delicious and decadent!  At Sugar Sugar you’ll find delicious, innovative, sweet treats customized for any occasion.  We’re always up for trying out new ideas, so if you have a craving that isn’t on our products list, let us know and we’ll create something special for you.

Meet the baker behind the sweet tooth, Cari Barocas.  Cari began baking out of the kitchen in her Atlanta home and decided to share her goodies with the masses at the urging of her husband and biggest fan.  Now anyone can enjoy her to-die-for red velvet cake with a rich cream cheese frosting, lemon white chocolate cake with a divine zesty lemon frosting, and many more of her amazing creations!

Sugar Sugar is the perfect choice for many occasions such as gift baskets, birthday parties, showers, office celebrations, party favors, and more.  We guarantee we’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with a memorable and mouth-watering experience.  (www.doublethesugar.com)

YUM!

YUM!

Cari recently baked her famous red velvet cake for last month’s dinner club and everyone quickly devoured it!  It was absolutely incredible.  Thanks for sharing, Cari!  Delish!

10721_162685777570_650377570_3648437_5817217_n

Check out Cari’s website: www.doublethesugar.com + become a  Sugar Sugar fan on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Sugar-Sugar/150303736979?ref=mf. 

I mean it when I say that Cari’s decadent desserts are the most worthy of calories!  Eat up!

xx, L

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A New Friend for Slick…

10/21/2009 in Deals + Steals, Gifts, Midtown, Random Musings, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 9 comments

Slick and I are sick. sick. SICK!  Blahhhhh…

On Monday evening, I posted the following status on my Facebook wall, “I am so sick – someone please bring me pizza…”  Well, much to my surprise, the incredible Mrs. Amy Wolkove did just that – and all the way from L.A.!  I could not believe my ears when it was delivered and I was told that my delicious surprise Mellow Mushroom pizza was from my bestie in sunny California!! 

Lovely Amy

Lovely Amy

And guess what – it made me feel better!  Pizza really is the very best medicine.

Yesterday was Slick’s worst day of fighting this virus we’ve picked up.  He was running a high fever and has been overall just completely miserable.  I decided to “pay it forward” and do something nice for him (like Amy did for me) - or that would at least make him smile in his feverish state.  Since he is going to stay home from work today to recover a bit more, I decided that he needed a friend to keep him company.  So, I went to the Pet Supermarket at Toco Hills Shopping Center yesterday and came home with Junior (Slick Jr.)!

Slick Jr. is a gorgeous purple betta fish.  He cost a mere $3.49 – and if Slick Sr. properly takes care of him – he could live for up to four years!  How’s THAT for a return on investment??  Felix is thrilled, too! 

Slick Jr.

Slick Jr.

Remember to always “pay it forward” – and long live Slick Jr.! 
(Feel better soon, Slick Sr.!)

xx, L

mellowmushroom
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
991 Monroe Drive NE
Atlanta, GA  30308
404.874.2291
http://www.mellowmushroom.com/midtown/#/store/index/midtown
Mellow Mushroom on Urbanspoon


Pet Supermarket
2959 North Druid Hills Road
Atlanta, Georgia  30329
404.321.5436
http://www.petsupermarket.com/

 

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Flowers for the Allergic

09/02/2009 in Gifts, Random Musings by Lindsay | 4 comments

I am allergic to flowers.  Isn’t that the worst thing you’ve ever heard?  It’s so sad, too, because I love them and I feel so special when someone sends them to me.  I can’t keep them in the same room as I am in for an extended period of time unless I want my throat to close, so I have been known to take a picture of a special bouquet, give the flowers to a colleague and just stare at the picture.  It’s the thought that counts, right?  I’ve even tried bamboo in hopes that it would not have an affect on my unfortunate sinuses, but the experiment failed approximately one and a half hours after it started…  Apparently, I am allergic to grass, too.  What’s a girl to do?! 

Being a proud Texan and always loving pictures of cacti + sunsets in the Texas desert, I thought maybe the cactus might be the plant for me.  (Credit where credit is due:  I got the idea originally from Amy’s cactus garden in sunny Calif…)  After unsuccessfully trying to steal the potted cactus off of my table at Nava in Buckhead one evening, Slick surprised me the following weekend and brought home FELIX. 

"Hi World - I'm FELIX!"

"Hi World - I'm FELIX!"

FELIX and I are a match-made-in-heaven and (drum roll please) he DOES NOT make me sneeze/ cough/ eyes water/ lungs fall out of my chest/ feel like I am dying, etc.  Hooray!

Here is how you can create a cactus garden of your own:

1 - Go to Pike Nursery: www.pikenursery.com  (The two I know of ITP are on Roswell Road and in the Toco Hills Shopping Center.)

2 – Ask someone who works there to point you in the direction of the cacti.  I avoid flower stores like the swine flu (fingers crossed), but Slick said the folks who work at Pike are super nice and happy to help – they don’t seem like 16 year-olds with summer jobs.  Apparently, Slick appreciated their patience when he said he wanted to buy a cactus that looks like this…and he threw up his hands in the air a few times…  Bless his heart.  They finally realized he was describing a “cartoon cactus.”

3 – Keep in mind that there aren’t a ton of cacti to choose from since Atlanta isn’t exactly the desert and many of them don’t grow here.  (Note: Cartoon cactus don’t grow in Georgia - only in Arizona and Walt Disney studios…)  The Pike employees will help you select a few special cacti and provide suggestions regarding mixing and matching. 

4 – Pick out a pot.  I love the one Slick picked – burnt orange, hello!  The Pike people are happy to pot your cactus for you.

5 – Check out.  Everything takes about 20 minutes tops.  Slick said he could have hung out all day and the guy who helped him wasn’t in a rush at all.  (Their employees must be trained with the Trader Joe’s staff.  They are just so darn friendly!)

pikelogo.thumbnail
I think a cactus garden makes a super fun gift because they are pretty cool, you can get creative designing them and they require virtually no commitment (only need to water it once every two weeks)!

Yay for FELIX!  (And to Slick, of course.  Thanks again!!)

xx, L

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Happy Groceries!

09/01/2009 in Gifts, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 3 comments

The past three days have been rainy and gloomy – the kind of weather that makes you want to stay inside and sleep.  I’m an incredibly active person and I get energy from rushing around a million miles a minute running errands and trying to accomplish more in one day than is possible.  So, this kind of weather throws me off a bit.  However, I had a fantasy football draft last night and needed to run a few errands before I situated myself on the couch for two and a half hours trying to decipher statistics for NFL players – most of whom have names I can’t even begin to pronounce.  (I’m learning, though!)  I stopped by Trader Joe’s in Midtown to pick up some snacks for my little draft party and I felt better about the gloomy day as soon as I walked into the door.  Here’s why:

Upon entering the store, Trader Joe’s has a wide variety of low-priced flowers to greet you.  The $3.99 mini-roses always give me warm fuzzies and never seem frivolous while I am waiting in the line at the register with an overloaded basket (always get the cart - the baskets are filled to the brim as soon as you walk down the first aisle).

$3.99 Mini-Roses @ Trader Joe's

$3.99 Mini-Roses @ Trader Joe's

I love love love Trader Joe’s wine selection.  After the Two Buck Chuck phase wore off (along with the accompanying hangover), I started buying slightly better wine at Trader’s and I really think they have a nice selection of affordable ones.  My favorite are their Chilean and Argentine Malbecs – also I love when they have an Albarino under $10, which is fairly often.  But how could you possibly resist THIS bottle?!  Make someone’s day for only $5.99!

Happy Wine for $5.99!

Happy Wine for $5.99!

Finally, I found gold in Trader’s dried fruit aisle.  I usually only grab the dried mangoes (thanks Michelle and Andrea!) and the cherries, but yesterday I saw the flattened bananas for under $2.  My favorite part is the ingredients list on the back of the package, reading: Ingredients: Bananas.  Brilliant!  Six come in a package and I really enjoyed eating one this morning after accidentally leaving them in the fridge overnight.  I recommend!!

Flattened Bananas - Ingredients: Bananas...

Flattened Bananas - Ingredients: Bananas...

So, fight those rainy summer day blues at Trader Joe’s with some bargain shopping and happy food!

xx, L

GetImage

Trader Joe’s – Midtown
931 Monroe Dr. NE  30308
404.815.9210
www.traderjoes.com

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Get in my BELLY!

08/31/2009 in Gifts, Highlands, Where we're Eating by Lindsay | 1 comment

Belly General Store, located on the corner of St. Charles Ave. and N. Highland, is Slick and my #1 place to brunch in Atlanta.  Here’s why:
 
Top 10 Reasons Why Belly is the Best Brunch Spot in Atlanta
 
Belly General Store!

Belly General Store!

10- Adorable sidewalk menus written in colorful chalk.
Just love.

Just love.

9- Friendly staff dressed like they are out of a 50’s country general store.
Silly little bottle collection on display

Silly little bottle collection on display

8- Most delicious cupcakes you’ve ever tried!!  You can order them late nite, too!
Absolutely delicious!

Absolutely delicious!

7- Variety of handmade olive oil bagels.  (The rosemary one is my personal favorite.)
Amazing OO Bagels

Amazing OO Bagels

6- Metal chickens!!
Loving the details...

Loving the details...

5- Jars and jars and jars of yummy-looking candy.
Hello, cavities!

Hello, cavities!

4- Georgia Grits w/ Cheddar Cheese for a whopping $2.85!  They are the best in town.  Mean it.
 
3- Creative, old-timey food displays to peruse while you are waiting for your order.
Love it.

Love it.

2- Sugar cubes for coffee and tea instead of packets.  I love my Splenda – but I love sugar cubes even more!
 
1- Handmade Flour Tortillas (closest thing I’ve found in Georgia to an Austin-esque breakfast taco): Scrambled Egg, Cheddar Cheese, House Mole & Avocado for $3.99.  YUM!
 
See you next week for brunch! :)
 
xx, L
Belly General Store
772 North Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
(404) 872-1003

Belly General Store on Urbanspoon

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Trend Alert! College Snuggies

08/06/2009 in Gifts, Sports, What we're Watching by Lindsay | 1 comment

Football season is right around the corner.  You may think you are your college team’s biggest fan, but you aren’t – UNLESS you are rocking one of these bad boys!  I thought the original blue Snuggie was as good as it gets, but now they have introduced College Snuggies!

Love the tagline: “Show Your Team Spirit and Stay Warm with the Blanket with Arms!” 

snuggie-sport-2-12

AMAZING.  I plan to order my Texas Longhorn Snuggie ASAP  – who’s with me?! 

Stay warm this football season!  www.collegesnuggies.com

xx, L

P.S. I think Snuggies are really cute gifts.  Just look how excited Slick was to get his!

IMG_4580

IMG_4583

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Trend Alert! The Cap-Sac

08/03/2009 in Deals + Steals, Gifts, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 3 comments

I’m not sure, but I’m pretty sure that this is the next big thing:

pink_big

THE CAP-SAC:  Don’t leave home without it!  You can have your very own for a mere $12.99!  Buy it here: http://www.cap-sac.com/site/?page_id=2

It’s a fannypack for your head and sold in a rainbow of neon colors.  I don’t even have words for how hipster this is, and you saw it first on the Q+DD!  Just remember, I told you so.

xx, L

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It’s The Simple Things In Life…

07/22/2009 in Gifts, Random Musings by Lindsay | 2 comments

It really doesn’t take much to make me happy.  A foot rub, Whole Foods sushi, a trip to Forever 21, watching a HBO documentary, an e-mail from a long lost friend…  Well, this piece of plastic and metal has made me happy for three days running!!
BUBBA!!

BUBBA!!

 
I don’t love drinking water*, but my Bubba Keg (http://www.bubbakeg.com/Products.aspx) is definitely helping me up my hydration!  (And, it’s NEON!!)  I stole mine from Slick, but you can get one on their website or at your local WalMart, Kroger, Sports Authority or Pep Boys Auto.
 
*Personal note: “Drinking more water” has been my New Years resolution for the past three years.  It usually lasts until February of any given year, when I remember the soda fountain at work and rebalance my internal ratio: 40% soda to 60% alcohol (obv. not drinking alcohol at work…come on!).  Seriously, though, don’t let me get too close to a fire.  I’m very combustable.
 
Anyway, I L.O.V.E. my Bubba.  Yesterday, I drank all 52 oz (6.5 cups) of water that it holds and I felt like two million dollars!  Thank you, Bubba Keg!!
xx, L

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