Black Friday shopping tips.

Photo Credit: glamazondiaries.com

After  the  meat  and  potatoes  are  down  and  you’ve  had  your  share  of  pumpkin  cheesecake,  some  people  prefer  to  channel  this  extra  energy  for  the  Black  Friday  holiday  sales  throughout  the  weekend.  The  Black  Friday  holiday sales  can  be  considered  the  biggest  shopping  weekend  of  the  year.  It  is a  shopper’s  dream  and  nightmare.  And  once  you’ve  managed  to  find  a  parking  spot,  beware  -  there’s  no  turning  back  now!

Shopping Tips:

1. Set  aside  the  credit  and  pay  for  everything  that  you  can  in  cash.  Doing  so  will  entice  you  not  to  overspend.

2. Most  stores  will  be  offering  tremendous  deals,  but  be  smart  and  compare  prices  on a  select  item.  If  you’re  in  the  market  for a  new  digital  camera,  put the  model  of  the  digital  camera  you  want  into  the  search  bar  at  sites  like PriceGrabber.com.  The  objective  of  PriceGrabber  is  to  find  how  and  where  you  can get  the  best  deal  on  say,  your  new  digital  camera.

3.   I  will  be  talking  about  discount  codes  in  a future  post,  but  they  are  your  best  friend.  They  are  more  familiar  with  online  transactions,  but  certain  stores  allow  you  to  print  out  coupons  that  can  be  used  on  clothes,  books,  toys,  to  beauty  supplies.

4. You  may  also  be  asked  to  sign  up  for a  store  credit  card  at  checkout.  Say “No, Thank you” even  if  the  discount  sounds  remotely  appealing.  When  you  sign  up  for  one,  your  credit  will  be  checked.  Every  time  your  credit  is  checked,  this  can  actually  lower  your  credit  score  by  a  few  points.  If  you  are  in  the  process  of  buying  a  home  or  a new  car,  you  may  find  yourself  paying  higher  interest  rates  than  you  originally  intended.

5. Most  stores  might  even  offer  a gift  wrap  service.  There  may  be a  small  fee  and  it  can  be  complimentary.  If  the  line  isn’t  huge,  I  say  go  for  it.  But,  if  the  line  is  huge,  you  can  always  purchase  ribbons,  bows,  and  wrapping  for  the  same  price  too.

 

How to…jazz up a button down shirt.

Solid  Kelly  shirt.  Photo Credit: omniru.com

How  can  one  of  the  most  universal  closet  staples  of  a  women’s  wardrobe  become  so  dismissed,  so  dressed  down,  and  almost  boring? Who  likes  boring!?  But,  for  some  reason,  the  women’s  button  down  shirt  remains  a  go-to  staple  as  it’s  invested  by  many  professional  women  and  students  in  bulk.

I  was  always  bored  by  the  button  down  shirt.  Fashion  has  been  so  experimental  lately  that  I  feel  that  this  classic  staple  can  use  an  update. I’m  certainly  not  saying  that  you  should  get  rid  of  your  beloved  button  down  shirts,  but  if  you  have  ever  grown  bored,  perhaps  you  may  just  need  an  update  to  spruce  up  your  look.

Observe  my  picks  for  an  update  on  a  classic  staple,  while  still  remaining  professional  yet  chic  in  the  workplace.

Ruffle Trim Cardigan, $28. “Twelve by Twelve” from Forever 21

I  love the  ruffles  on  this  cardigan,  because  without  them,  this  cardigan  worn  with  a  button  down  can  make  you  look  like  the  next  Mr.  Rogers  (And  there  could  only  be  one  of  him!).  Cardigans,  especially  with  lace  and  ruffles,  can  add a  feminine  touch  to  a boyish  button  down.   I  like  the  color  in  this  one  and  I  think  it  would  look  rather chic  with a  pencil  skirt  or  a smart  pair  of  dress  trousers.  Plus,  the  brooch  is removable  so  you  can  wear  it  with  some  of  your  other  favorite  outfits.

Cable Knit V-Neck in Light Purple Heather, $29.50. American Eagle

Meet  a  pulled  together  look  that’s  easy  to  slip  into  for  a  full  Monday.  Just  layer  this  sweater  (there’s a  rainbow  of  colors  to  choose  from)  and  have  the  collar  of  your  favorite  button  down  pop  out.  After  you  come  home  from  that  long  work  day,  you  can  just  slip  right  out  of  your  trousers  and  into  your  favorite  pair  of  jeans.  That’s  the  beauty  of  this  versatile,  comfortable,  and  toasty  sweater.

Monogram Silk Embroidered Blouse, $88. Banana Republic

Do  you  like  to  wear  these  shirts  just  as  they are? That’s  fine.  But,  the  trick  is  to  look  less  boyish  and  more  you by  scouting  out  feminine  details  like  ruffles,  ribbons,  and  embroidery  like  the  Victorian-inspired  top  from  Banana  Republic  above.  Scout  out  Banana  Republic  and  also  J.Crew  sales.

 

Deals and Specials.

Photo Credit: Vogue

Friends & Family sales, Norman Rockwell, and even munchies at a classic mall staple – Chick-Fil-A.

Stay tuned next week for tips and tricks for navigating your way through the Black Friday sales and when your children can visit Santa at King of Prussia Mall!

• Build-a-Bear! Surprise the little ones by allowing them to purchase something anytime this month. You’ll receive a $7 Bounce Back coupon offer redeemable to use anytime next month when you spend $10 or more within the store. Build-A-Bear is located within The Plaza.
• Chick-Fil-A! Making teddy bears and going shopping sure can work up an appetite with the kids. Treat them to a FREE 4-Count Chicken Meal at Chick-Fil-A with the purchase of your Combo Meal.  This offer is only available on Tuesdays and up until December 29, 2009. Chick-Fil-A is located within the Food Court of the Plaza.
• Juicy Couture! Enjoy 30% off at the Friends & Family Get Your Couture On Friends and Family Event. Juicy is located within the Plaza.
• Tiffany & Co! Discover the diamonds of Elsa Peretti’s sculptural icons that forever changed modern jewelry design from now until November 29th. Tiffany is located within the Plaza.
• Zales! Stop by to see their new Christmas lines, and their new designer watches in particular. You can choose from Hello Kitty, G-Shock, Ed Hardy, DKNY, and Fossil. Zales is located within the Plaza.
• dELiA*s! The weather outside is about to get chilly and frightful, but dELiA*s is having a boot sale so won’t have to freeze your toes off in the process – 15% off all styles! dELiA*s is located within the Plaza.

Online

• American Eagle! Friends & Family Event, 20% off of holiday items. Use Discount Code (89256379) at checkout. This offer is good on Sunday (11/15) only!
• Aerie! Aerie is American Eagle’s loungewear shop and they are offering off 20% during their Friends & Family Sale as well. Use Discount Code (89256379) at checkout. This offer is good on Sunday (11/15) only!

One of Norman Rockwell’s many works.

Photo Credit: Google

Also, the Norman Rockwell National Touring Exhibition is at King of Prussia Mall for a limited time. Norman Rockwell was a famous American painter and illustrator of the twentieth century. His paintings could have often been like an extension of his eye, as they would depict the everyday scenarios that he saw in his life.

The National Touring Exhibition invites fans and visitors to step into the 3-D imagery, warmth, values of one of America’s beloved figures. You can enjoy a multitude of selected segments from Rockwell’s Oscar-winning film, and a Tribute Art Gallery. The exhibit ends with an art gallery that presents over 300 Saturday Evening Post covers that he did cover illustrations for over four decades of his life.

This is perfect for museum-goers, art history or history majors, or families in general. Capture the magic and the thought of how much of America has changed and how some of it has stayed the same too.

This exhibition is only available for a limited time until March 14, 2010. You can find it on the Lower Level of the Plaza.

Admission Fee: $5. All children under twelve are free.

 

Tried and True: Neutrogena Wave.

Photo Credit: Google

Drugstore  shelves  have  been  buzzing  over  the  release  of  this  device.  What  does  it  do  and  why  is  everyone  raving  about  it? According  to  the  website,  the  Neutrogena  Wave  promises  to  get  10x  deeper  into  the  skin  by  opening  up  pores  and  ex foliating  dead  skin  cells  for  softer  and  smoother  skin.

At  $13.99,  it’s  a  very  inexpensive  option  to  more  expensive  or  dermatologist  procedures  that  more  people  use  as  their  ”go-to”  for  the  same  results.  I  bought  the  kit  which  includes  the  sleek  device,  extra  cleansing  pads  that  you  replace  onto  the  device,  and  a postcard  for a  coupon.  The  device  is  easy  to  grip  in  your  hands  and  it’s  attachment  head  has  tiny  Velcro-like  grippers  that  help  secure  a  cleansing  pad  to  it.  Just  add a  little  water  and  gently  or  vigorously  (for  deeper  pore  cleansing)  run  the  device  over  your  face.

The  cleansing  pads  contain  menthol,  which  made  my  skin  feel  tingly  and  there’s  salicylic  acid  inside  which  help  keep  pimples  at  bay.  It  also  contains  sodium  laureth  sulfate  which  could  do  more  harm  for  sensitive  skin  than  good.  But,  the  device  itself  cleans  and  exfoliates  pretty  well  and  leaves  my  skin  refreshed  and  smooth.

Honestly,  it’s  really  not  anything  that  your  facial  cleanser  and  moisturizer  regimen  cannot  take  care  of.  But,  and  as  long  as  you  take  the proper  precautions  and  check  the  product’s  ingredients  to see  if  an  ingredient  can actually  do  more  harm  than  good  for  you,  the  Neutrogena  Wave  is  a few  dollars  well  spent.

 

Another reason to add cardio to your regimen!

Photo Credit: bullrunner.com

You may remember those old school advisories that tell us that a good night’s sleep and a moderate amount of aerobic physical activity is key to staying balanced when you’re preparing for an exam or a big day at work where you need to stay focused.It’s true.  According to The New York Times, recent research reveals that exercise can really make you smarter over time.

But, what do you need to do and how much of it?

Anything that gets your heart pumping. Lifting weights from strength training may help, but it only bulks up your muscle where growth factors only stay in the muscles without getting transported to the brain. But, cardiovascular activity (what we tend to skimp on!) is the best selection here. Try taking up power walking with a friend, train for a 5K, or power through 500 laps in the pool given the season. You can also trade in your big wheels for two wheels via a bike or get into inline skating again. There’s many more options, but the following will get your heart pumping and will send sufficient circulation and nutrients to your brain will can make it stronger.

 

Weekly Style Tips.

Photo Credit: Vogue

For Monday…

Tis the season for cold and flu!  Before you hibernate yourself within layers of blankets for the rest of the day, consider finishing that book you’ve always wanted to. If you need any suggestions, I would go for Malcolm Gladwell. I’m just starting to read “What The Dog Saw” which is his latest book.

For Tuesday…

Do your hair and make-up and go on a fashion shoot with some of your most recent shopping purchases from Autumn. Seek out the right location. I really like parks which gives me inspiration.

For Wednesday…

Do you have a peanut butter addiction?   Do your heart a favor by switching to almond butter which doesn’t have hydrogenated oils and sugar like most peanut butter brands do. Almond butter is composed of three minerals: calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It’s also an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, the heart-healthy type that helps lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. These fats are also a primal part of the Mediterranean diet, which is one of the healthiest diets in the world.

Spread some on whole wheat toast for your breakfast. Almond butter is more expensive than peanut butter, but you will be doing yourself and your heart a favor by keeping your cholesterol low and heart disease at bay.

For Thursday…

Sculpt your entire body without leaving your home.  Yes, for those of us who devote time and practice each week to workout tapes, we already know this. But, did you know that you can get the same advantage from doing chores in and around your house?  Try raking up leaves into a heaping pile and you’ll discover how sore your arms will really be. Doing odd tasks in and around the house can be a great cardio and strength workout for you. Make sure your workout is sufficient by adding some lower impact workout (like squats and lunges. 8 reps on each leg, 3x) in between raking.

For Friday…

Love is the moment and that’s what OperationBeautiful.com is about. This website is devoted to sending positive messages via Post-Its.  This website is created by a girl who started sending positive messages via Post-Its.  For example, “You’re beautiful – inside and out!” would be fitting for a vanity mirror. But, anyone can do it, regardless of where they are at.

Be the secret messenger in your neighborhood and give it a chance.  You can even take a picture and send it in to OperationBeautiful.com too!

Weekly Quote

“Training is the opposite of hoping.” - Nike

 

Deals and Specials.

Stock up on your favorites!

• Gap! Gap cardholders can enjoy an additional 30% off of their purchases. Gap is located within The Court of the Mall.
• dELiA*s! All jeans and pants are buy one, get one half off. You can also enjoy 30% off of coats! dELiA*s is located within the Plaza.
• Nordstrom! Stop by their Half Yearly Sale and you can save up to 33% on new boots, a new Winter coat, or a new handbag up until 11/21. Nordstrom is located within The Plaza.
• Payless! For those of us looking for more budget-friendly shoes and accessories, check out their BOGO (Buy one, get one half off sale) sale up until 12/31. Payless is located within The Plaza.
• American Eagle! Flannels are $24.95 and flats are $5 off. American Eagle is located within The Plaza.
• Williams-Sonoma! Who doesn’t have a panini press on their wishlist this year? It’s the perfect time to surprise the cook in your family. Or yourself, as this will make quick, easy, and delicious sandwiches a snap.  Whip up quick and easy dinners on the easy to clean and easy to use Breville Ikon Panini Press for only $79.95. But, hurry. This sale is only for a limited time until 12/3. Williams-Sonoma is located within The Plaza.

Also, I recently heard on the Mall’s Website about the recent SEPTA strike in Philadelphia. For employees and shoppers who use SEPTA to get to the mall, I hope these alternative routes will help you.

R6 Norristown Line (this line WILL pick up/drop off at all Center City stations)
Transfer to the Norristown High Speed trolley line at the Norristown Transportation Center
Take the Norristown High Speed trolley line to Gulph Mills
Take the Route 125 bus from Gulph Mills to the Mall

Alternative Route #2

Take the Norristown High Speed Line from 69th Street Station to Gulph Mills
At Gulph Mills, transfer to the Route 125 bus to the Mall

Note: However, there will be no service running from Philadelphia to 69th Street.

These directions are courtesy of the Mall’s website.

 

Weekly Style Tips

Capture the magic in each day. Credit: Vogue

At Disney World, cast members always ask how they can make a visitors day more magical. But, you don’t have to just go to Disney to enjoy a magical vacation.

Let’s start a new style trend that everyone can participate in. It requires love and joy to pour through your heart and seep into the hearts and minds of others. Best of all?  It will be the little things that you do each and every day that can really add up towards a phenomenal year.

I’ll get you started with some style tips below:

November 1st:

Devise fancy outfits to do generic things like going to the market or running errands. Test out those new kitten heels while you shop for pasta or tie a bold pashima around your neck when you have to run to the bank or the post office. This will save you from pulling on a pair of sweats. Sure, sweats may be our old reliables for comfort, but taking these few steps to doll up teaches us to look our best for whatever the occasion. You never know when the right one will pop up!

November 2nd:

Smile at strangers when you go about your daily day. Go ahead. I dare you.

November 3rd:

It’s Election Day. Last year’s event for the Presidential nominee may have been huge, but this doesn’t mean that this year’s election day isn’t just as important. I hope you got out and made your vote known. Also, help someone in need and offer them a ride to their registered polling station if they need one. Don’t forget to pick up your “I Voted” sticker on the way out!

November 4th:

Are there any baseball fans out there?   The Phillies take on the Yankees in Game 6 of the World Series this week.  Throw a pizza party, pop some butter popcorn, and root for your home team.  Regardless of what happens, they are our two year defending series champs.

November 5th:

You may be able to reduce your SPF, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp out on the sunscreen entirely. Cover up all visible parts of your epidermis and stay protected and healthy.

November 6th:

Take the word BELLATRIX (It’s Latin for “female warrior”) and use it as your motto for the rest of the week.

November 7th:

Don’t be too perfect. It was even emphasized in American Vogue this month,  that it would be considered boring if we all donned flawless faces and perfect lives. Even though you should always strive to look your best, don’t worry if at least one part of it will always feel off: You might have a few flyaways in your hair, your out of so and so in your makeup stash, or something doesn’t match. If you try without trying too hard, you won’t look bad but genuine and better.

 

Inspiration for this post has been credited to iCiNG (http://www.galadarling.com) at her blog.

 

Yoga Poses of the Week – Back and Neck Pain.

 

Think about your daily schedule. With the increasing use of computers, desk work, writing, eating, and time spent in traffic, it’s hard to avoid the aches and pains that can be associated with neck and back pain.

It can start as a nagging pain in your shoulder blade that won’t go away that can send referred pain down to your back. Or your neck can feel chronically tense from doing any of the above activities. This is because most of our daily activities are done in front of us while seated. Gravity takes over and the shoulders lean forward, our chest becomes constricted, the head juts out, and the upper back becomes stretched out or rounded.

The result is tight pectorals (chest muscles), shortened neck muscles, and weakened upper back muscles. These smaller muscles aren’t designed to be postural muscles but they have to kick in and keep our bodies upright. The solution is to fix the problem, not the symptoms.

If you can clear your schedule, running and/or cycling is a good hobby to take up to stretch these muscles. If you cannot clear these muscles, you need to focus on stretching all of these muscles, anyway. If you stretch the upper back but not the chest, you’ll still find yourself in the same faulty posture as before.  Once you open up the chest and stretch the neck, you’ll be ready to stretch the upper back.

Yoga is key for neck and back pain because it helps relieve pain tolerance as it stretches out the neck, shoulders, and upper back.  Take note of these ideas below that you can easily perform at or away from your work desk.

Postural Awareness and Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is the first step to relieving neck tension. To begin, using the diaphrapm, sit upright at the edge of your chair with your feet planted firmly on the floor. Keep your knees below your hips and complete a full breathe for ten repetitions. Feel your belly rising into your hands as you exhale and feel it fall. Notice any tension in the neck and relax those muscles.

Also, bring your awareness to the front of the chest and the collar bones. Broaden your collar bones so the front of your chest lifts up. Drop your shoulder blade towards your ears and lift the crown of your head towards the sky.

Pec Stretch

You’ll want to focus on your chest muscles now. Stand alongside a wall and lift your arm toward 12 o’clock, lowering it to 1, 2, and finally 3 o’clock at you go. Take a deep breath as you rest your other arm on your rib cage, pull the rib cage forward, but don’t move your outstretched arm. You should feel a stretch in your shoulder down to your arm. Hold for six deep breaths. Repeat on the other arm.  But, if you feel tingling in the arm, discontinue at once.

Upper Back Stretch

This upper back stretch is going to seem like last week’s yoga pose when we discussed downward dog. But, this is more of a downward dog towards the wall. Stand facing a wall with your arms at waist height. Walk your feet back into a table top position with your feet directly underneath your hips. Lift the sitting bones towards the sky as you press the hands into the wall. Feel as if your heart is melting towards the floor. If you feel a great deal of stretching in the hamstrings, keep your knees slightly bent.

Hold for six breaths, focusing on opening the chest and lenghtening the spine.

Yoga can help build up your pain tolerance as you consistently work these poses into your regimen. You should be getting up every hour to stretch, even for a minute or two. Think of it as defeating gravity so you can stand tall, proud, and pain-free for life.

 

Baby, it will be cold outside!

I hate to break it to you angels, but it’s going to get cold sooner or later. And not just forty degrees cold. That isn’t cold enough for water to freeze and turn into snow!  Snow!?  Oh, you better believe it’s coming!   I’m talking about twenty degrees or maybe so many degrees below zero.  Sure, your Snuggie may help keep you warm and toasty inside.

However, what are you doing to do when you step outside?  No worries. These must-have items below will you keep you toasty through those chilly Northern winters.

The temperature outside is frightful, but these must-haves sure are delightful!

Gap Fringed Merino Wool Scarf, $24.50

One of my favorite things about bundling up is getting to wear my scarf again. A fine cashmere speaks volumes in comfort, but I also like merino wool which provides great insulation from the cool, even when wet during inclement weather. And merino wool stretches far beyond scarves. Look for it in jackets and sweaters to socks. Plus, the thick knits of wool helps you ward off cold and flu season! (Bonus)

They’re are also great cruelty-free wool alternatives too. Look for cotton flannel, polyester fleece, synthetic shearling, and Tencel (which is a breathable, durable, and biodegradable wool substitute)

North Face “La Fonda” Jacket, $299

Winter Sports, anyone?  Whether you’re coasting down the slopes or doing figure skates on the ice rink or simply just going sledding, you’ll need something resistant to the cold weather elements to keep you comfortable and warm during your time. A quality outerwear parka comes with a hefty price, but it can last you for quite a few years.  North Face is your best bet for all-sport and all-terrain choices.  However, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try Columbia or the Outerwear section of American Eagle Outfitters.

Banana Republic Classic wool-blend coat, $198

A lady should have at least two quality coats in her Winter Wardrobe.  The first is an outerwear parka to take her to the slopes, but the second is a peacoat to take her to school, business meetings, and dinner. I loved the classic trench coat style that I’ve seen at Banana Republic, but I think  this wool blend is much more appropriate for the chilly temps.  And it looks chic too!

Ugg Classic Cardy Boot, $144 (at Zappos.com)

Fear not, you don’t have to slip into heels for work when you can just pick out a boot with a bit of a wedge from now on. There’s a boot to fit every occasion, if not just because. Oh, we know – just because. Uggs are definitely one of those “just because” boots that have swept the nation by storm because of their comfortable insulation.

Truthfully, I’m still not feeling the Classic Ugg Boots. But, it doesn’t stop there. The unisex brand retails in different styles to appeal to all. I really adore the Cardy Boot which comes in a rainbow of colors  even though I think I’m just going to stick with grey because I know it will go with everything for my “just because” mood.

Trip Planner

I recently visited by the Mall’s website (http://www.kingofprussiamall.com) where I spotted a new addition to their site. It’s called Trip Planner and it’s meant to help you find what you’re looking for at the mall. Just plug in what you’re shopping for and Trip Planner will find the quickest route for everything you need without walking through the entire mall to get there. The only bummer is not walking through the entire mall to get there. But, I can guarantee that your feet will thank you for that.