Hand Dandy Holiday

With all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, make sure you Spread Love, Not Germs!® this winter season with (hands down!) my favorite Anti-Bacterial germ-fighter — PocketBac® Deep Cleansing Hand Gel!

This pocket-size bottle packs a big punch against germs without the use of water, so you can get hands clean wherever you go!

Also makes a great stocking stuffer!

{photo cred: bath & body works}

Cold Feet? Try Pure Pediform Poetry

I have a confession that belies my mostly fashionista persona: when the winter solstice draws near and those wicked Midwestern winds start prying their icy fingers under my windows in the middle of the night, I tend to crawl into bed with socks on (much to my husband's dismay). How else to keep my diminutive digits warm?
My every night favorites are super soft, super warm double layer socks infused with ultra moisturizing shea butter (so my weary soles get a pampering softening treatment while staying toasty!) from Bath and Body Works.

This Christmas, I'm hoping Santa will slip a pair of cashmere bedsocks from
Pure Collection into my stocking. I've never actually owned a pair of cashmere socks (although I'm always coveting them) and these babies seem like a sublimely sensuous solution for my miserably cold feet. And, if anyone my age (can you say 40-ish?) remembers the classic Lands' End catalogs (pre Sears days) that touted the quality of their cashmere from Mongolia, all of Pure Collection's cashmere is sourced directly from 100% sustainable sources (I'm always on the eco-intelligent alert) in Inner Mongolia. For more details click: Pure Cashmere

{photo cred: bath and body works, pure collection}

The Early Bird Gets the Bag!

Black Friday is FINALLY here! While I'm warm and cozy with a cocoa at my desk today, there are countless brave souls out and about shopping shopping shopping the day away.

And, if there's one item on your must-get list today it should be THIS beauty:

It's the 2009 V.I.P. Bag from Bath & Body Works. With 11 VERY impressive products inside, it's valued at over $100 — but it's only $15 with any $40 purchase! Most stores opened early, so by now who knows how many are left!

Here's the scoop on what you'll find inside:

NEW! Signature Collection Twilight Woods Shower Gel

NEW! Signature Collection Twilight Woods Triple Moisture Body Cream

NEW! Signature Collection Twilight Woods Fragrance Mist

Warm Vanilla Sugar Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap

Aromatherapy Lavender Vanilla Body Wash

C.O. Bigelow Chapped Hands Remedy

Mentha Lip Shine

Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology .5 oz MMPi•20 Skin Regenerating Serum

Deluxe Sample of Fekkai Technician Color Care Hair Mask

Hot Pink Gauze Sponge

Striped Nail File

(Soooooo many amazing, me-time treats my fingers are tired from typing!)

{photo cred: bath & body works}

Give List Week 4: 3 Under $20 for His Stocking

Fingers crossed my sweet Mr. isn't reading this right now (darling, if you are: STOP NOW!). That's because I'm currently on the hunt to fill his stocking — and let's be honest, we're all on a budget these days...

Check out these 3 stocking-worthy finds that are sure to make his Christmas morning a little merrier without breaking the piggy bank!

1. Mustache Socks

I have a thing for handlebar mustaches...don't ask. While I can't imagine my Mr. with one, at least he can rock the socks!

{$10}

2. C.O. Bigelow Barber Elixir White Cologne

This is the latest fragrance in Bigelow's Barber line (which I LOVE) — and if you ask me it's their best yet! Elixir White blends bright citrus with deep, peppery wood notes. Mr. SEXY is just a spritz away!

{$19.50}

3. Gap Reindeer Dog Boxers

This one's pure tradition — every year I get my Mr. a new pair of boxers. Almost ALWAYS they feature a wiener dog (in honor of our doxie) and this year is no different. These remind me of the Grinch's dog Max!

{$12.50}

{photo cred: bath & body works, gap, fred flare}

Give List Week 4: Cuddly Gifts for any Mommy on Your List!

I'm not a huge fan of Uggs (sure I have a pair, but they are not the prettiest things I've ever put on my feet...it's purely for functionality). Let's face it, they're pretty "ugh" inspiring...but even though I am a huge fan of warm, toasty feet I don't compromise on style!

That's why the Uggs on my list this year are the nightengale ballet slipper. They're perfectly girly and lined with Ugg's signature fleece! It's like a pretty little sweater for your tootsies.

Another favorite, that's ALWAYS on my Christmas list is Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Warm Vanilla Sugar anything! This year I'm asking for the Triple Moisture Shower Cream and Body Cream for the ultimate in cuddle-worthy bliss!

Box these items up with a DVD of "It's a Wonderful Life" (a great holiday romantic classic that's couch-cuddling perfect — not to mention Jimmy Stewart at his finest) and serve it with a side of hot apple cider (try this spicy recipe) and prepare to enjoy the holidays!

{photo cred: zappos, bath & body works, amazon}

The Bird is the Word!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

(I'm having manicotti, but whatever!)

{photo cred: costumedogs.com}

Wish List Week 3: Candyland!

Every year when Christmas rolls around, I always have grandiose plans to build a gingerbread house. In all my 26 years I have yet to follow through on that plan.

This year Bath & Body Works has made my gumdrop and gingerbread architecture dreams come true with their Gingerbread Luminary. No royal icing necessary. No painstaking time spent with sticky fingers and broken dreams (and gingerbread walls!). This is candyland made easy and — you may not believe it — but it smells even more divine because you can pick your fave 3-Wick Candle to place inside and light it up!

I'm begging for one with a Vanilla Shortbread Candle because everyone knows I LOVE the scent of baked goods...and why not fake it if you can't bake it?!

{photo cred: bath & body works}

Hey, Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday to You,

Happy Birthday to You.

Happy Birthday, Dear Little Miss Mommy,

Happy Birthday to You!

Have a fabulous, cupcake-filled day, gorgeous!

{photo cred: hello lucky}

Countdown to Christmas!

{photo cred: bath & body works}

Little Mrs. Young at Heart's Give List Week 3: Cinderella Rocks!

I’ll admit these aren’t glass slippers and I’m really not a wicked stepmom but these Bewitching Booties from Anthropologie would rock my 17-year-old stepdaughter’s world. The crocheted detailing and suede uppers give these ankle boots a cool Edwardian vibe that would be the perfect counterpoint to any rocker girl’s look — especially with super skinny or boyfriend jeans.

They’re little works of art and I want them for myself (but we’ll keep that as our little secret, okay?).

{photo cred: anthropologie}

Little Mrs. Young at Heart's Give List Week 2: Taste This!

Despite the fact that a majority of Americans think a martini is made with vodka, a classic martini (think Mad Men) can only be made with gin. I love gin because it’s aromatic like an intoxicating perfume. It’s infused with an apothecary blend of berries (mainly piney juniper), roots, herbs, spices and fruits.

Since my discerning gentleman husband loves his gin and dry vermouth martinis, I’m surprising him with a bottle of subtle, smooth, and sophisticated Plymouth English Gin. It’s a complex concoction of juniper berries, lemon and orange peel, orris root (the root of the iris plant), angelica root, cardamom pods, and coriander seeds. His taste buds will be thrilled!

{photo cred: tony cenicola/the new york times; illustration by the new york times}

The Return of Disco!

No, it's not Disco Duck (don't worry, I'd never do that to you Little Misses!). 

Instead, I must ask: Forever 21 what are you trying to do to me (and my piggy bank for that matter)?

Yet again, the Twist Collection returns (with MUCH LESS time lapsed between I might add) and this time it's all disco balls and platform shoes! Disco 21 debuted today and I must say this is the wildest, sexiest Twist of the bunch (I know you thought it was Cirque 21, but not so much).

Disco 21 is all about the drama, the glam and the party. Lots of black. Lots of purple. Lots of serious sequin action! If you're an early shopper like I am, this is perfectly timed to start planning your New Year's party outfit!

And just in case you were looking to do some shopping for me, here's my fave piece of the whole kit and caboodle:

{photo cred: forever 21}

Little Miss Mommy's Wish List Week 2: Brilliant Basics…take 2!

I'm not big on hosiery for the sake of hosiery. Note: you will never see my rockin' a pair of "nude" hose just to appear lady like in the sweltering heat of summer.

But, come winter, I absolutely swoon for a pair of great patterned tights or leggings! And, they are definitely on my Christmas List this year!

Check out this pair of ultra-feminine tights from Anthropologie. I love the dainty pattern that highlights the length of your lovely gams, but is still subtle enough to pair with a patterned dress!

And these TopShop options — the Glitter Dot and All Over Heart — are too cute for words.


This diamond-patterned pair from Urban Outfitters is a modern twist on a classic design. I recommend the navy — it’s great way to wear this season's blue and black trend.

{photo cred: anthropologie, topshop, urban outfitters}

Friday 5: Girly Girl Stocking Stuffers Under $15

1. Signature Collection P.S I Love You 3-Step Gift Set

The perfect Signature scent for the flirtiest girl on your list!

{$10}

2. Cat Massager 

Knotty girls will love getting the kinks out with this pink chrome kitty.

{$4}

3. Winter White Floral Shimmer Roll-On 

It's eau on the go! This lily and lotus fragrance also gives you a kiss of shimmer — and you can take it EVERYWHERE!

{$7.50}

4. Pink Scentbug 

Just a touch of a button scents any small space (and it's adorable to boot!).

{$12.50}

5. Double Layer Shea Socks

This stocking surprise is twice as indulgent. Not only are they double layered for extra warmth, but they're infused with shea butter to make your feet super soft!

{$7.50}

{photo cred: bath & body works}

Give List Week 2: In the Hood Part 2

Looks like I've got Little Mrs. Newlywed on the brain this week — she truly LIVES in hoodies! 

So, what better gift for a girl that's got it all (in terms of hoodies, that is!) than a hoodie for her iPod?! Forget hi-tech...this is cozy tech courtesy of Fred Flare. 

{photo cred: fred flare}

Little Miss Eat, Drink & Get Married's Wish List Week 2: The Write Stuff!

I adore anything in a vintage frame, so this removable chalkboard frame decal is a merry must-have on my list!




















A fun and unique way to get your message across any wall — write on!

{photo cred: flatbird on etsy}

YouTube Tuesday: BBW on SNL

Little Mrs. Young at Heart's Over-the-Top Wish List: Gift #1

For years, Christmas has been less about giving (and getting) gifts in my family and more about togetherness, traditions, and helping others. I do, however, have unfettered dreams about what my wish list would be like if I were married to a gazillionaire and not my can’t-live-without, beloved high school English teacher hubby.

Here’s my #1 Wish List item:

When I'm 80, I’d like to say, “I had a farm in Africa,” like Karen Blixen in Isak Dinesen’s Den afrikanske Farm (known in English as Out of Africa). Now, my dream is closer to reality with the 15 luxury private safari homes being built as a joint venture between Tara Getty and &Beyond (formerly known as CC Africa). Located where the St. Lucia Wetlands meet the wilds of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and bordering a World Heritage Site. (Now, if my sweet hubby can only win the Mega Millions lottery!) For more info click here: African Homestead

Since that’s so over-the-top, I’ll settle for a second honeymoon in a Forest Lodge at the Phinda Private Game Reserve. Each lodge is nestled deep in the trees and built on stilts that lift it above the rare dry sand forest floor. Phinda’s home to seven unique ecosystems and teems with exotic wildlife (oddly, the baby wart hogs were one of my favorite sightings!) and the famous Big Five (lion, African elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape Buffalo). The twice-daily game drives! The gourmet meals and exquisite South African wine! The sun-downers (cocktails) out in the wild! Seeing constellations in the sky you can never see in the Northern Hemisphere! It’s all heaven and something everyone should experience. For more info click here: Phinda Private Game Reserve

{photo cred: phinda/david ogden, dan brophy}

Give List Week 2: In the Hood

There's nothing more cozy than a hoodie — especially as the cool chill of fall starts kicking in (like today!) and all you want to do is stay cuddly and warm. 

This dress-down lounge basic is a staple of Little Miss wardrobes everywhere (Little Mrs. Newlywed, I'm looking at you!), but who says you can't dress it up, too?

With cute military styling this classic hoodie gets just enough sparkle to make you feel lovely and loungy.

{photo cred: forever 21}

Little Mrs. Newlywed's Wish List Week 2: Baby It's Cold Outside!

Several years ago I discovered the quirky restaurant Serendipity 3 and their signature Frozen Hot Chocolate on the upper east side of New York City. Delicious and decadent, it was the perfect way to top off a romantic night of ice skating in Central Park with your honey (think: John Cusak and Kate Beckinsale!). Since we can't all escape to NYC for a date night, Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate gift set has you covered: yummy chocolate-y goodness, straws for two, AND, since it's frozen....a good excuse to get cozy! YUM!

{photo cred: fred flare}

Let the Countdown Begin!

{photo cred: bath & body works}

The Frisky Gals Talk Signature Scents

Looks like we aren't the only ones talking Signature scents.

The gals at The Frisky took to the blogs to tell us about the scents they love.

Check it out!

Give List Week 1: The Perfect Prezzie for Puppies!

I love to shower my puppies with kisses, treats and, of course, presents! The one thing that makes them go wild with joy (other than going bye-bye) is snuggling up in a seriously cozy nook — preferably on my lap, but they're willing to settle with the Lambie Sleep Blanket from Bath & Body Works.

I look forward to this collection's return every year for the chance to stock up on the latest edition of puppy-approved comfort. Even though they can't unwrap it with their sweet little paws, it's getting wrapped up in it that's the fun part! PLUS — this year's blanket is even larger than last year so they can have a Cuddle Fest for miles! 

And, sometimes, when their noses poke out from their cocoon of comfort, they look like wolves in sheep's clothing...but sweet, cuddly wolves, of course. 

{photo cred: bath & body works}

Wish List Week 1: No Glove, No Love

Simplicity (in my mind) is overrated — I'm a FRILL seeker! While Little Miss Mommy is wishing for basics (I ♥ those violet gloves from Saks), my basics are anything but...

My wish list is topped with these pink suede, metallic polka dotted, ruffle trimmed dreamy gloves from Anthropologie. Because baby, it's cold outside and I don't just want to be cozy — I want to be C-U-T-E! Who wouldn't be shrieking with surprise (and delight) at the unwrapping of these lovelies? Somebody show me some GLOVE!

{photo cred: anthropologie}

Little Miss Mommy's Wish List Week 1: Brilliant Basics

This year it's all about the basics...with a new little one in the house I'm concentrating on all the little things that make a big impact (and keep on giving long after Santa's made his big trip around the planet!).

Like a great pair of leather driving gloves!

Love this pair smoke grey pair from Banana Republic (a chic twist on basic black!)

Or, add a punch of color with this sexy, violet pair from every girl's favorite, Saks!

The BEST basic brown I've found (lined in cashmere no less — and quite the bargain!).

Thank you L.L. Bean!

{photo cred: banana republic, saks, l.l. bean}

We're Making Our Lists...

Believe it or not, Halloween just happened, but I've been well into the Christmas spirit long before October was ever a glimmer in 2009's eye. I make my list around July or August (and check it about a million OCD times). For me, there's just no reason to wait 'til November or December to start shopping. I like to spread it all out (and torture everyone around me with the anticipation that I've already found their perfect gift!). 

So, here at Little Miss Nose It All, I'm more than ready for everyone else to finally join me in prepping for prezzies! Starting this week and going through December 24, we're all bringing you our wish lists and our give lists — what we're begging Santa for and what we're wrapping up for the naughty and nice on our lists!

Buckle up, Little Misses...it's time to get jolly!

{photo cred: martha stewart}