Archive for December, 2009

ID tags can seem very ’90s, but we just recently saw these modern versions by a jewelry brand called Jules that are way more chic.

Available in a circle or rectangle, you can customize the tag with a letter that’s handstamped into your choice of 14k gold or sterling silver. These necklaces are understated and would be a lovely subtle accent for everyday wear. (Our fashionable friend Malorie is already a huge fan.) These unisex necklaces would also make fantastic holiday gifts since they can be personalized for the recipient. We’re just saying…your sister or girlfriend might like one!

Retails for $90+ depending on shape and metal. Order yours at www.shopjules.com.

Listen up, Chicagoans–here’s your chance to shop for the holidays in the most unique way. The One of a Kind Show and Sale is coming to town starting tomorrow till the 6th. This special shopping event features hand-crafted creations from artists and artisans across the continent, including some of our local faves that we’ve featured on TDO before. Among the artists that will be there are Abbey Brown Soap Artisan, erin gallagher jewelry, and Objets d’Envy, which are all local to Chicago. I’m excited to be able to browse their latest creations, as well as the rest of the unique photography, art, furniture, and jewelry from all of the featured artisans.

Tickets to the One of a Kind Show and Sale are $12 for adults and $9 for seniors and students (bring your ID). Head on over to Merchandise Mart starting noon tomorrow, because 100% of Thursday’s ticket sales benefit the Children’s Memorial Hospital. Click here to purchase your ticket and have fun shopping!

Yesterday, December 1st was World AIDs Day, and continuing with its longstanding philanthropic support of charities, Kiehl’s created a Limited Edition version of its Ultimate Hand Salve, which donates 100% (yes, you read that right) of its net profits to amFAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.

The word “salve” and not cream is apropos for this Kiehl’s product as it is truly a salvation.  I find that a lot of good hand creams do a great at temporarily fixing dry skin, and treat the problem more at the surface level.  True story:  during one of my first times skiing, I lost a ski glove somewhere on the mountain and had chapped, sandpaper type hands practically the rest of the weekend because freezing temperatures+bare skin=no good.  I went home and somewhere in the recesses of my mom’s beauty closet found this hand salve which was leftover from an old gift set.  I applied this salve overnight and religiously the rest of the day and poof, hands instantly restored.  I felt like the salve worked from the inside out, as my hands continued to stay moisturized despite frequent hand washing and some not so gentle violin practice.  This is also a great product for men since it has a clean scent, without a whiff of off putting femininity.  Since my original use, it’s become a favorite in my household, even by my dad who is a bare bones product user.

You can find Kiehl’s Hand Care for a Cure on their website, where it retails for $12.50.

If you’re gravitating towards clothing and accessories for holiday gifting this year, finding the perfect and versatile item can be tricky business. But fashionista or not, your friends and family will love these picks!   (more…)

As I’ve mentioned before (and before, and before), I have quite an addiction to cupcakes. In my mind, no vacation is complete without a cupcake crawl, and I always seek out and plan my route before my arrival. My San Francisco vacation was no exception, as I visited four cupcake bakeries; believe it or not, we even missed a few, and I actually learned there IS such a thing as cupcake overload!

Cako Bakery

Our first stop was newly opened Cako Bakery, located in bustling Union Square. Cako’s interior is minimal and teeny-tiny, so we decided to buy our cupcakes and run. Cako’s cupcakes are huge and beautiful, but overpriced at $3.50/cupcake. I sampled the Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake; the peanut butter buttercream topped with crunchy salted peanuts was a delicious combination, but the cake was uninspired and boring. Cako offers many traditional flavors, as well as fun varieties like S’Mores and Andes Mint Chocolate Chip. (more…)