Marc Jacobs Must H-A-T-E November. Here's Why.....

I bet if there's one person that can't wait for November to be over with, it's Marc Jacobs. It just hasn't been the poor guy's month!

Last week his entire Spring/Summer Collection was stolen while en route from Paris to London. Forcing him to cancel the editor previews and even put up a reward for the missing garments, (which have yet to be recovered by the way).

Then his deal to take over as head designer for the House of Dior fell apart, after not being able to come to an agreement over money.

And now, over $400,000 worth of his Louis Vuitton designs have been stolen from the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris!

Geez! Let's just hope that December is a lot nicer to him.....

source: racked

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Cool Gifts For Him. {And X-MEN Giveaway To Boot!! *2 WINNERS*}

For The Guy On-The-Go:

Hershel Ravine Duffel [hershelsupply]

For The Techie:

Star Wars USB Flash Drive [FredFlare]

For The Sports Fan:

McArthur Sports Robe [Macy's]

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Stylish Gifts For Her.

For The Hostess With The Mostess:

Diamond Ring Bottle Opener. [Fred Flare]

For The Sleep-Deprived Mom:

Mary Green Eye Mask [shopbop]

For The Techie Lover:

Circle Quilt iPad Case [Rebecca Minkoff]

Little Time Saving Tricks & Tips For The Holidays! {Sponsored By Samsung.}

They don't call it the holiday hustle and bustle for nothing! This time of year can get pretty stressful and down right chaotic. In fact, when was the last time you remember having a relaxing holiday?

Most of the stress is due to poor planning and not taking the time to think ahead. So you procrastinators listen up! Here are my favorite time saving tricks and tips for the holidays.

Make A List

I always, always make a list. Having a to-do list is one of the easiest ways to stay on track this holiday. From your gift list to your holiday travel--if you write down everything you need to do, it will keep you organized and make your life 10x's easier.

Make Online Shopping Your BFF.

Let's face it, most of us barely have time to do our grocery shopping, much less buy our whole family tree a gift! If you're strapped on time consider online shopping. You can do it in your spare time, without leaving the office or the kiddies, and the gifts come straight to your doorstep! I swear by this time-saver. I would say that I do about 90% of my holiday shopping online and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Wrap As You Go.

Instead of waiting to do one huge wrap-fest, try wrapping the presents as soon as you get them. It will cut down time in the end and you won't have to worry about anyone finding their present before the big day!

Your Name Is Not Betty Crocker.

Unless you truly enjoy cooking from scratch, it's OK to cut corners. Keep it simple and relax. Everything will taste just as good--even if the cake came from a box. No one will judge you, I promise.

Well, that's it lovelies! Those are my tips. Use them wisely and hopefully you'll actually get to spend time with your friends and family and enjoy the holiday season this year.

What are some of your favorite time-saving tips?

Introducing the Samsung Stratosphere™, the first full QWERTY keyboard slider on Verizon's lightning fast 4GLTE network. Learn More here.



Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Samsung via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Samsung.

1 Nude Skirt: 2 Flirty/Feminine Cocktail Looks.

It's party season, dolls! You know what that means right? Yup. Trying to figure out what you're going to wear to each soiree. This past weekend, I did just that with my mom.

She has 2 upcoming holiday parties to attend this week and had no idea what to wear to them, so she ended up buying 2 brand new outfits! I would have probably chosen the more practical route and used what I already have in my closet, but to each his own. (Haha). Here's 2 ways I would style this nude skirt for a party.

Holiday Look 1

Holiday Cocktail 2 by babblingsofamommy featuring high heels

Holiday Look 2

Holiday Cocktail 1 by babblingsofamommy featuring embroidery shirts

Cyber Monday Deals You Don't Want To Miss!

The older I get, the less I feel like waking up at the crack of dawn staying up all night--fighting for my life for doorbusters. Especially when I have Cyber Monday to look forward to! No long lines. No shoving matches. Just awesome deals that I can buy from my bed. Now THAT'S my kinda shopping!

Loft
Starting now 40% off EVERYTHING! Enter code shop40 at online checkout.

ASOS
Loaded with a selection of discounts, offers and online sales across the board.

Vince Camuto
Take $50 off any boot or bootie purchase by entering "50BOOTS" between now and Cyber Monday.

Stila
Starting Monday save up to 80% on all your makeup faves, from Lip Crushes to Convertible Colors. Sale ends December 2.

Macy's
Now and Monday, incredible online web-busters, plus an extra 25-40% off clearance items.

Target
40-50% off items. Too many to name.

Beauty.com
Cyber Monday, spend $100 and you'll score a limited-edition Erickson Beamon makeup case, stuffed full of cool beauty goodies. It's only available while supplies last.

Butter London
Starting on Monday and running to November 30, type in code CELEBRATE11 and receive 30% off your entire order.

Sephora
Save up to 75% on select items. Plus get a free make-up bag with 12 samples with any $25 purchase. Valid thru Dec.1. Enter code FROMSEPHORA at checkout.

Old Navy/ Gap/ Banana Republic/ & Athleta
Cyber Sunday and Monday take 30% off entire purchase on all 4 brands. Enter HUGECYBER at checkout.

Piperlime
Cyber Sunday and Monday. 20% off shoes and apparel brands. Enter HUGECYBER at checkout.

Intermix
Accessory sale. Buy two accessories, get 20% off; buy three and it's 25%; score 30% off of your purchase of four accessories.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
Cybear Monday. 8 animals for $8.

Disney Store
Great gifts for $5, $10, $12, $15, $20, $30 and $20off.

Toy's R Us
70% off thousands of video games, action figures, outdoor play, learning toys, dolls & more.

Mattel
One of my favorite destinations on Cyber Monday! Up to 60% select items, plus free shipping.

photo (left to right): stila palette, intermix bracelet, loft dress, vince camuto boots.

Being Thankful.

This year I have SO MUCH to be thankful for! For my wonderful friends and family who fill my life with love and laughter. I love you all! For all the wonderful changes and surprises that have come along the way. They have all been unexpected, but happily received. And to all my wonderful readers, thank you for taking time out of your day to visit me and leave me comments. It really means more to me than you know. ♥

I want to wish all of you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. May you be surrounded by people you love and most importantly--food you love to eat!!

xoxo,
Jenny

Julep Holiday Reds, And A Holiday Treat For You Too!! {Giveaway}--CLOSED.

A woman can never have too many shoes or red nail polishes if you ask me. I'm such a sucker for red--always sexy and forever a classic. If you're a red girl like me, you might be excited to hear that Julep has an amazing set called Holiday Reds with some of their most popular shades: Demi, January, and Brooklyn.

• Demi, elegant burgundy, like a fine wine. Transcends time and trends. So sexy on all ages.
• January, retro, tomato red with a modern shine. Perfect for matching your manicure to your pedicure.
• Brooklyn, ruby red with a hint of festive sparkles.

All 3 are fantastic and this photo does not do them justice--especially Brooklyn. In person you can really appreciate the sparkles which makes it ideal for the holiday season. January turned out to be my favorite because it's a power red--it definitely stands out, and can be worn all year round. Demi is the perfect shade of red to if you like to wear a darker shade for the winter months, really pretty.

Overall, an amazing set of nail polishes that has the perfect consistency. Not too watery and not too thick, and not to mention free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin so you don't have to worry about any toxins!

About

For all of you who are not familiar with Julep, they are a boutique nail salon turned full nail, hand, and foot care brand which is a favorite among publications such as Lucky, US Weekly, Instyle, Oprah, and Allure magazine just to name a few. (It's no wonder too because they have a fabulous range of shades and products, like the Julep Essential Cuticle Oil they also sent me to try.)

This baby is an all-natural blend of essential oils and Vitamin E hydrates and strengthens nails and cuticles. It extends the life of your manicure while leaving a glossy sheen. I absolutely loved it! So convenient and easy to use.

Giveaway

Now for you lovelies, Julep is graciously offering one of you 1 of their 3 holidays sets to choose from:

 Dashing Through The Glow

($20.99, regularly $25) is packaged in a trendy, reusable gusset back and 
includes: a 1 oz Age Defying Glow On, and our famous holiday red,  Brooklyn.

Sparkle All The Way

($50.99, regularly $60) includes a set of festive sparkles and shimmers:  Chloe, Sienna, Vanessa and our Julep Essential Cuticle Oil

Julep Holiday Reds

($34.99, regularly $44)  encased in the gusset bag, features a collection of three of Julep’s most sought after reds: Brooklyn, Demi and January

Plus they are giving all Babblings of a Mommy readers an additional 15% off ANY of their 2011 Holiday Gift Sets by entering "BABBLINGSOFAMOMMY” at checkout (julep.com)

Mandatory Entry

"Like" Babblings of a Mommy on Facebook and leave a comment about the giveaway on my wall. That's it! Then come back here and let me know which set you would choose to submit your entry.

(Sorry, US ONLY.)

*Please be sure to leave me your email as winner will be notified via email

Extra Entries

• "Like" Julep on Facebook.
• Follow Julep on Twitter.
• Become a new GFC Follower (If you're already a follower let me know you are)
• Subscribe to my feed HERE
  
• Follow me on Twitter and tweet this: I entered to win a @JulepNailParlor holiday #giveaway set from @babblingofmommy http://t.co/Z8qrVC29
• Add my button to your site

Remember each one counts as a different entry so be sure to enter them separately. You may tweet once a day if you'd like, but be sure to leave comment on post about your re-tweets. I do check and verify entries. Giveaway ends December 7th. A winner will be selected by random.org and will be notified via email.


*Product was provided for review purposes. See disclaimer/disclosure for more info.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Dee Squared (deesquared201@gmail.com) You're the winner of the Julep Holiday Set Giveaway!! I'll be contacting you shortly!

Oh, Oscar...If Only....

If only I had $7,000 laying around waiting to be used on a glamorous embroidered tulle gown, and more importantly--a fabulous place to wear it to--Me and you would be right there homie.

Wait, my bills don't have to get paid this month, right?? And I can totally rock the hell outta this dress at the grocery store...

oh-oh, I see an Oscar de la Renta gown in my future!! :)

Delicious Lindt Lindor Truffles For The Holidays.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is the ability to bring families together. Whether it's in-town or out of state, families get together to spend the next few weeks with their loved ones, enjoying each others company and creating special moments.

In my family, that means gathering around the kitchen table munching on delicious treats like the Lindt Lindor Truffles. This melt-in-your-mouth goodness was a huge hit with my family! Not only are the festive wrappers  perfect for decorating your favorite holiday candy dish, but the oh-so-delicious chocolates had everyone coming for seconds, thirds (and dare I say, even fourths!)

Perfect for a stocking stuffer, gift for the chocolate lover, or even simply sharing them with friends and family like I did--these delightful treats offer up plenty of uses for the holidays.

Nothing tastes quite like the Lindor Truffle. Created only by Lindt’s Master Chocolatiers, it’s exquisite chocolate filled with a smooth chocolate center. When the irresistible center starts to melt...so will you. Smooth. Flowing. Luscious. Chocolate like no other.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Lindt via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Lindt.

The Easiest Fool-Proof Cat-Eye Tutorial, Ever!!

Damn you cat-eye. I've attempted you hundreds of times and I can never get you right. Mastering the skills of the cat-eye look has been my Achilles heel for as long as I can remember. It takes a steady hand and a lot of patience--two things that I unfortunately do not have. womp womp.

Then I stumbled upon this genius video tutorial from the hair pin that literally teaches you the EASIEST way to get the perfect cat-eye every. single. time. I'm not messing with you. I tried it over the weekend and I actually had the perfect cat-eye for the FIRST TIME!!!!

The secret is scotch-tape, who knew! Although I wouldn't recommend putting tape around your eyes everyday--I think it's definitely something that you can do, if you're like me and want to do it every once in a while.


How to Be a Girl: Cat Eyes By Magic! from The Hairpin on Vimeo.

Holiday Ornaments For The Beauty & Fashion Junkie!

Yes, I know they're more of you out there--don't act like I'm the only one who would buy these uber cute ornaments in a heartbeat! You know you want them too!

Lucky for us, stores like Avon and Sally have come out with holiday sets that would make any fashionista squeal with delight! Get ready to have a fabulously fierce Christmas tree ladies....

        Sally Make-up Compact Ornament/ Sally Hair Dryer Ornament

               Avon Dress Ornament / Avon Dazzling Heels Set

                Sally Lipstick Ornament / Sally Purse Ornament

Which one's your favorite?

Foreign Travel Checklist: What To Know Before You Go!

If you're fortunate enough to have the privilege of traveling abroad during the holidays, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you go. Depending on the specific destination, particular pointers for politeness and easier navigability are always going to be different. But as far as some basics are concerned, there's a few things everyone ought to take into consideration before planning an international trip:

Passport processing take time.

-Don't book a flight only to submit your passport paperwork two weeks from your schedule departure. The process almost always takes longer than a month, and any mistake found on the forms will result in an immediate rejection with little leeway. Have all necessary passports ready long before you book your flight.

Outlets change!

-Your hair dryer, iPad charger, and anything else that requires an outlet will not get the energy they need unless you buy an outlet adapter for your specific destination. Whether you're going to Asia, Europe, South America, Africa, or Oceania – outlets vary widely. Be prepared if you wish to stay powered.

Not every charge card includes a fee for foreign transactions.

- One of the many spending issues that those traveling to foreign destinations often simply accept is the fact that if they use their credit card to make purchases in a foreign currency, then they'll pay a fee for it. But offers such as Chase Freedom rewards lets card users forgo such fees. No foreign transaction fee credit cards do exist – you just need to know where to look.

A little courtesy goes a long way!

-Remembering to always commit to memory the native way to say “Do you speak English?” and other gestures can have a profound impact on your foreign travel experience. Locals will be much more friendly, which means you're much more likely to be shown a good time, as opposed to being forced to find the good times on your own. Be respectful, and you're sure to see respect paid to you and yours in return.

There's no shortage of advice on how to manage your way through just about any foreign destination as a greenhorn world traveler. But most of the time, these sources tend to skip over the aforementioned basics. Keep in mind how important your travel documents are, remember that outlets change, find foreign transaction fee-free cards, and always be a respectful traveler. Do this and you're sure to embark on an adventure you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Disclosure: This has been a Featured Guest Post. Please see disclaimer/disclosure for more info.

This Season's Must-Have Trends At SearsStyle.

If there is one trend that I'm loving this season, it's the belted cape. It's style and functionality makes it a must-have item for the cold-weather season. You can dress it up, or dress it down, making extremely versatile. Plus it looks good on everyone, not to mention the structure makes you effortlessly chic in no time!

I found this gorgeous UK Style by French Connection camel cape and was instantly inspired to pair it with the fabulous striped Marilyn tunic, and finished off the look with the KK Kim Boot--A perfect outfit for a chilly day, don't you think?

All these styles and more can be found at searsStyle.com where they not only provide affordable fashions, but also great style tips and advice!

After all, fashion inspiration can be found all around you, and everyone deserves a style all her own without breaking the bank--to look, and feel fabulous!

Shop searsStyle and get more.



Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Sears via Gla Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Sears.

One Kings Lane Brings Us Stylish Holiday Gifts From Cynthia Rowley, Candace Bushnell, and Stacey Bendet!!

Starting tomorrow, One Kings Lane--the leading flash sale site in the home market, is kicking off the holiday shopping season in style with exclusive sales from fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, "Sex and the City" author Candace Bushnell and founder and designer of alice + olivia, Stacey Bendet.

How exciting! If you haven't heard of One Kings Lane it's definitely a site you should check out--I've found some ah-mazing deals for my home and can't wait to see what they have in store for the holiday season!

Tomorrow November 16, One Kings Lane will exclusively offer artful gift wrapping paper created by fashion designer Cynthia Rowley. Inspired by the vibrancy and subtle intricacy of flowers. Aren't they pretty?

But that's not all--Candance Busnell, creator of "Sex and the City", "Lipstick Jungle" and "The Carrie Diaries" will also host a specially curated sale of gifts for the "book lover" tomorrow. How fabulous! Imagine you're very own holiday gift guide from one of the most well known authors! Her choices include top vintage books and literacy accessories with 100% of the proceeds benefiting her non-profit organization, Ballet Next.

And finally Stacey Bendey--founder and designer of alice + olivia will host a sale of gifts for the "Fashion Maven" launching on November 28. Stacey's sale will feature a selection of fashion-inspired accessories and decor, with all proceeds benefiting her charity organization, Baby Buggy.

Sounds like a fabulous way to start the holiday season, right?!