Song Of The Week: Santa Baby

Since I was a little girl I have always loved Santa Baby by Madonna at the Holidays. Her voice is just too cute and pouty and it is one of those songs I can (and do) listen to over and over every Christmas time. I know that there are many other versions out there but I will argue that this is the best version yet.

What do you think? Madonna's version, Pussycat Dolls version or the original Eartha Kitt version?

Also, I got some great songs to add to your listening list this season....

* Jackie recommended Christmas All Around by Billy Mack from Love Actually and I have to say it is PERFECT!!!

*Newport Nuptials enjoys Britney Spears My Only Wish (This Year)

*Emilee and Caity Of The Keps both enjoy I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas which I hadn't heard of until last week. Cute and funny!

Gift Giving #3: Forever Frugal Friday Finds

With the economy the way it is, gift giving can get a little tricky and risky come this holiday season. Luckily, you can find many gifts for most people on your list that are affordable and still stylish and fabulous.

This yellow Fab Crochet Beret will not only keep you looking chic but also take care of that hot head you (or your friend) may have.

Carrie Bradshaw may be the only one able to wear that vintage studded belt from the SATC movie, but this Pyramid Stud Belt is sure to please any SATC fan.

Britney is sure making a comeback and featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine looking glamorously sexy in a simple grey tee, which you can replicate easily with this Heathered Pocket Top that everyone should really have in their closet.

And just in case, your friends still isn’t sporting the hottest accessory around, pick her up this Metallic Detail Scarf which festive enough for the holidays but pretty and bright enough to carry on into spring.

All of the goodies above are under $15 and would be welcomed into any home. All of the gifts above also would make great donations gifts to your local shelter or collection agency.

“Tis the Season to give!

Cheers!

Gift Giving #2: Scent-Sational Gifts

Besides the music, lights, holiday scents are the my next favorite part of the season. I cannot get enough of the yummy goodness that comes in a form of a candle, hand soap or room freshener. I just take a big whiff, close my eyes and say...."mmmm".

Lots of love and joy is spread over the holidays, as are germs and colds (wah-wah). Help fight the latter of the two by giving the gift of good smelling and most importantly clean hands and house.

The Williams-Sonoma Pure & Green Peppermint Snow Collection will leave your hands smelling fresh and minty clean. Wiping down the counters has never smelled better with Method's Spiced Pear All Surface Cleaner. If you prefer a less minty approach and a more warm and fuzzy scent, Bath & Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel Hand Soap & Lotion is sure to please your guests.

With Holiday parties filling up your calendar left and right, trying to find the right host/hostess gift can be a bit difficult. Also difficult, is achieving that fresh cut tree scent with a fake Christmas tree. Fear not...these scent-sational home scents will fulfill both problems.

The Illume Mulled Wine Reed Diffuser not only smells amazing, but also is rather pretty and festive. I am a huge fan and believer in Bath & Body Work's ScentPort. This baby REALLY works. My bedroom smells delish and has left me curious about the ScentPortable for another other space that may require some sprucing up. Another pretty and effective way to infuse scent all around the house is this Pierced Oil Warmer that is sparkly, and warm.

Of course to me, one of the easiest, most functional gifts to give is a candle. You can customize the scent, and really splurge on some quality candles that perhaps they wouldn't buy for themselves. Candles are romantic, fragrant and perfect for those nights when the lights, go down in the city...


The great thing about candles is that they come in a variety of scents and prices. Method's Frosted Fir and Toasted Hazelnut are a steal at $10 and made of soy, so they burn cleaner. My all time favorite holiday candle is the Perfect Christmas Spice candle with all of its cinnamon-y splendor. However, I picked up this Voluspa Seasons Three-Wick Tin in Winesap Apple Spice last week and it may just replace my old favorite. A combination of spice, tart and tree is a good thing - believe me! Cheap and easy are Glade's assorted variety of "boutique quality candles" as the commercial reminds me everyday. Last but not least, light Creamy Nutmeg candle together with Illume's Eggnog Latte candle and you may just skip out all together on that run to Starbucks, as these two are sure to please you just fine!

All these scents have my nose working over time and I don't really mind at all!

Cheers!

Happy Birthday Lynne!

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A very happy birthday to Lynne, celebrating up in Seattle today! Many birthday wishes and hugs! XOXO

Gift Giving #1: Be Green & Spakly

{The Barbara, Claire & Josephine}

Let’s just put it out there…giving/receiving jewelry as a present is always appreciated and in style. Giving jewelry that is Eco-Friendly and Drop Dead Gorgeous will definitely get you a ticket on Santa’s Nice List.

Enter Laura Elizabeth Jewelry. I have said it before and I will say it again...the goods are amazing and sure to leave the giftee jumping for joy. Laura jewels have been featured on Daily Candy, the TV show Bones and other publications. If you live in LA, you are a lucky one, as Laura Elizabeth Jewelry will be having a trunk show at Blonde in Santa Monica this Saturday, December 6th from 12-3 PM. The added holiday cheer...all of Laura’s jewels will be 20% off!! So come pop in, meet the stunningly gorgeous designer, sip some champagne and pick up some gifts while you are at it.

{Click to Enlarge}

Don’t you worry YBB readers not located in LA…there is a bonus for you as well! Visit Laura’s online shop and enter the code word holiday, to receive a special discount at checkout.

Cheers!

'Tis The Season

I am not sure where the time has gone, but somehow it is already December 2nd (Happy Birthday Brit) and I have 22 days to get all my Christmas shopping finished. I am not stressed (yet) and am hoping to share all sorts of fun gifts to give, wish for or buy for yourself (see below).

Now we all know that the holidays are about spending time with family and friends, and not so much about actual "gifts". However, I have always been one of those people who gets so excited to give presents (even if only to myself). That being said, I started the Holiday Season with a present to myself...these incredible Dolce Vita Snakeskin Covered Platform Pump. I just had to have them, and I figure I can get a lot of use out of them this season and the next. But this is the last present to myself until after Christmas....once those incredible after Christmas Sales hit I can't contain myself for long.

Stay tuned....

Song Of The Week: All I Want For Christmas Is You

It just wouldn't be the holidays to me if I didn't listen to this song at least 50 times! Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You has definitely withstood the test of time and even though it is relatively a new song (1994) it has become quite a Christmas/Holiday classic. Whether it is watching that cute girl sing it in Love Actually, listening in my car or hearing it at the mall for the 10th time that day...all I want is this song!!

What are your favorite Holiday songs? What am I missing out on? Please share as I am one of those Christmas Music Freaks and want to make sure that there isn't a song I don't know. (Warning: Christmas Shoe lovers need not apply)