Imagine her face when she opens this

Finn here again. I’ve got a lot to say. Apparently.

I’m not hard to buy for—if you pay attention. But so many people just don’t. Or at least that don’t pay enough attention. Maybe they realize that I am a perfume whore (The more the merrier, I say and I’m not ashamed). What they don’t get is that just because I like fragrance it doesn’t mean I will like their favorite, which they will invariably assume, even if I didn’t say I liked it or even notice they were wearing any. And invariably that scent will be something sweet and delicate, which is NOT me at all and should be obvious to anyone who’s ever been in my presence.

But enough about me.

What I’m getting at is this: Unless you know for sure what your giftee likes perfume-wise, it really has been better just to refrain from giving that particular item.

Until now.

Sephora has the perfect solution:  Sephora Scent Samplers. It’s ingenious really. You buy the sampler, which includes a handful (7, 10 or 12 depending on the collection) of sample bottles of their bestselling fragrances. Once you’ve tried them all and decided on a favorite, you bring the enclosed voucher to your nearest Sephora store and redeem it for a full-sized bottle of your pick.

Easy-breezy and oh-so-cool. Plus, they have samplers for men, too.

A few caveats: You must redeem the voucher at a Sephora store; you can’t use it online. And it’s not valid for our Canadian friends unless they cross the border. Finally, there is always the chance that the recipient won’t like any of the available scents. But the included selection is diverse enough that the chance would be slim. Two of the collections have one scent that I’ve recently fallen in love with and I’m picky as hell.

Pricing on these are $50 for the Best Sellers or Deluxe samplers and $75 for the Collector’s Edition, which features seven miniature versions of the regular perfume bottles rather than the little sample packages. For men there are two versions, the Deluxe for $50 and the Collector’s Edition for $75.

I gave one these to both my brother and my dad for Christmas (they like cologne almost as much as do) and they loved it. Gift-giving WIN I tell you. Even my mother liked the idea and she’s a pain in the ass when it comes to gifts. Trust me, you’ll be a hero. Try it.

P.S. These are a great way to sample several fragrances and even save a few bucks on new scent if you’re in the market for yourself.

Maybe, just maybe, someone in my life will get the hint (anyone?) and buy me one of these babies. But they’re probably not paying attention.

Posted in top holiday gifts Tagged: cologne, fragrance, gift ideas, gifts, gifts for women, perfume, scent, Sephora | 4 Comments »

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Comes in five colors

This post is brought to you by the lovely Finn.  She is my personal shopping guru, so I’m beyond excited to have her pitching in here at Buy-Her!!

There are two things you should know about me: 1. I’ll read just about anything I can get my hands on. 2. I’m rarely at home when I have time to read.

I spend a lot of time in waiting rooms. Waiting. Books are great company, but I found out the hard way that my favorite metal bookmark with the inspirational quote and the leather tail really sucked outside the relative safety and calm of my house. And by that I mean the stupid thing fell out all of the time. It’s really hard to keep up with the continual stopping and starting of trying to read in between appointments when you keep losing your place.

Last year I had a little bit of money left over on a gift card, so I decided to give the Book Bungee from Levenger a try. It’s a hard plastic bookmark with a thick, flat bungee cord attached. You mark your place with the plastic part, then wrap the bungee around your book. And lo and behold it keeps your place AND keeps the book closed. It makes my heart happy. You just don’t know.

I don’t have to remember to take the book out of the car anymore; I can toss a book in my tote in the morning and have it with me whenever I have time to read. It never falls out and I never lose my page. You can use it horizontally or vertically and it fits all sizes of books: hardcover, trade paperback (my favorite) or regular paperback. The best part is that it’s cheap inexpensive at $6. And it comes in several different colors.

Two words: Stocking stuffer.

Legal nonsense: Although I’ve done freelance work for Levenger and my brother currently works there, no consideration was (or will be) provided to me (or my family) by Levenger for this review. I purchased the item myself and wanted to share it with others.

Posted in Media - books movies music Tagged: book bungee, book lovers, book lovers gifts, book saver, gift ideas, gifts for book lovers, stocking stuffer | 11 Comments »

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Chances are, you have at least one person on your holiday list who is an iPhone junky.

You can tell they’re an iPhone junky because you know what kind of freaking cell phone they have. They don’t call you.  They “call you on their iPhone.”  They don’t lose their phone or their cell.  They lose their iPhone – except they don’t, of course, because iPhone users are rarely far enough away from their iPhones to lose it.

Shopping for an iPhone junky can be difficult, because they already have the whole world in the palm of their hand.  Just ask them.  But, there is something that iPhone users love even more than their iPhones: stuff to go with their iPhone.

5 Holiday Gift Ideas For People With iPhones

iHome clock Radio for iPhone

1. iHome Docking Station and Clock Radio

I did a review of the iHome Docking Station and Clock Radio back in September.  I still love it.  I’ve since run into several readers of this site who have added it to their own wish lists because a good speaker system and iPhone compatible alarm clock is hard to come by.

The problem with most “iPhone docking stations” like this is that they are  made for iPods, not iPhones, and so you have to put your phone in airplane mode to use it, or endure the annoying buzz of interference.  This system is compatible with every single iPhone, way back to the first generation (what I had until about 24 hours ag).

The iHome docking station lets you play music over the speakers with impressive sound quality.  It also lets you wake to and fall asleep to specific playlists.  On top of that, it’s a great alarm clock that allows you to set two separate alarms and designated an alarm for a 1, 5 or 7 day schedule (no more accidentally waking up early on Saturday or forgetting to reset the alarm for Monday morning!).

The iHome iP9BR Clock Radio for iPod is $81.88 right now on Amazon. ($79 if you get it in silver.)  Buy it here.

2.  Mophie Juice Pack Case – Rechargeable iPhone battery

Juice Pack rechargeable battery case

This is something I don’t have and want desperately.

The biggest downfall of the iPhone is that the battery isn’t removeable, so heavy users can’t buy extra batteries to keep charged.  The Juice Pack addresses that problem by giving you a fully rechargeable battery that doubles as an iPhone case.

Like I said, I don’t have this and have never used it.  But reviews online as well as reviews from people I know who have this product say that it doubles the battery life of your iPhone.

You can charge the case and the iPhone simultaneously and switch the case’s power source on and off to decide if you want to save your extra battery life for later.

The juice pack will add a little bulk to the iPhone – more than a simple silicone case – but the extra power you get is worth it for someone who uses their phone constantly.

Amazon offers a variety of colors for the juice pack that will fit the iPhone first generation, 3G and 3Gs.  Click here to see the full range.

wireless head set for iPhone

3.  Bluetooth Stereo Headset

Another “don’t have, want badly” product for me. I’ve been looking forever for a headset that works for music and phone conversations, and isn’t plagued with reviews about a short product lifespan.

This looks to be the answer I’ve been looking for.

The Sony DRBT160AS Bluetooth Stereo Headset is perfect for iPhone users who like to run or workout regularly.  This headset gives you the ability to listen to music and take a call (although obviously not at the same time).  Headsets that do both can be difficult to find for the iPhone.

The “behind the head” design is ideal runners and the wireless aspect makes it perfect for just about anyone.  It’s also going to provide much higher sound quality than the stock ear buds that come standard with iPhones.

The Sony DRBT160AS Bluetooth Stereo Headset is $81.95 on Amazon. That’s more than $40 off what they’re charging at the Apple store for the same product. Buy it here.

4. iPhone Armband

armband case for iPhone

Speaking of people who run – an armband case is pretty much a necessity if you’re the type of person who works out while listening to music on your iPhone.  Otherwise you end up trying to shove your iPhone down the back of your pants.

Trust me on this – not. comfortable.  Also not comfortable?  Having to dig down the back of your pants to retrieve your slipping iPhone while you’re in the middle of a packed gym.

Ahem.

ANYway, the Tuneband from Grantwood Technology uses a silicone case to secure the iPhone in place.  The case has a screen protector, but still allows you to access all of the ports and camera.  The band itself is stretchy velcro to fit most arm sizes.

Another fun fact: it comes in lots of pretty colors!  (Oh, and navy or clear if, for some odd reason, you’re not into pretty.)

The Tuneband is designed for the 3G and 3GS iPhone models.

(Hint – it’s cheap and a great stocking stuffer idea.  Jared.)

The Tuneband Armband with Silicone Skin and Screen Protector is just $16.99 at Amazon. Buy it here. (in pink, if you’re my husband.)

5.  Go Groove FlexPod: iPhone FM Transmitter and Car Mount System

FM Transmitter Docking System

This?  Is a freaking awesome device.

You plug the device into your car’s cigarette lighter (or power source if you have a newer, snobbier car) and put your iPhone into the cradle.  Your phone is now charging.  Yay.

BUT, more than that, the FM transmitter lets you play your music from your iPod through your car stereo’s speakers.  For those of you unfamiliar with the idea of an FM transmitter – it works good.  You should have it.

For those of you who know what I’m talking about – this is one of the more advanced models of FM transmitters and seems to have a strong locking system that makes it easier to find (and keep) stations available to play your music.

Added bonus: it turns your car into a bluetooth device for phone calls.  When a phone call comes in while you’re listening to music, the music fades and the call options come up on the screen.  Accept the call and you’ll hear the voice via your car’s speakers.  End the call and you go back to the music you were listening to.

The Flexpod (that’s the official name of this thingie) also has a USB port so you can charge other USB powered devices through it.

The entire iPhone cradle is held up on a flexible gooseneck device so you can hold your iPhone steady at multiple angles.

You can watch a video on how the entire thing works here.

The Go Groove FlexPod Car Mount System is $34.99 on Amazon. Buy it here.

Posted in Things That Are Female Tech Geeky, top holiday gifts Tagged: alarm clock, amazon, bluetooth headset, cell phone, docking stations, holiday gift ideas, holiday gifts, ihome, iphone, iphone accessories, iphone armband, iphone case, iphone fm transmitter, iphone gifts, ipod, stocking stuffer | 4 Comments »

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This stuff lasts forever. Seriously.

Hi, I’m Finn and I’ll be posting here from time to time while Britt’s off conquering the world. Or shopping. Why? Because I’m a giver, a goddess, a saint. Plus, I love to shop probably as much as Britt does.

I hate makeup removers. I’m not kidding. I’ve never used them, mostly because I can’t stand being blinded while trying to get my mascara to come all the way off. And then I discovered Deep Cleansing Oil from DHC. And the clouds parted and the sun shone. I tried it, I love it and I’ve never looked back.

Deep Cleansing Oil is made from ultra-purified extra virgin olive oil and does exactly what it says it will do. It takes off every trace of mascara (yes, even waterproof), liner, foundation, lip stain, whatever, then rinses clean. Just cleanse as usual afterward. You won’t find a single black smudge on your towels ever. And you won’t be left with a greasy face either. Yet it doesn’t dry you out. I’ve always been on the oily side, but as I’ve gotten older I’m finding my face is getting drier. This stuff has worked for me through it all.

The best part? It lasts and lasts. Just a squirt on your hand at night will get all your makeup off the first time. The six-ounce bottle lasts me at least six months. Considering that, $25 for a bottle is not bad at all. You can also try a smaller, two-ounce bottle for $12.50.

I’m really fickle when it comes to things like cleansers and moisturizers because I’m easily dazzled by interesting packaging and wildly inaccurate effectiveness claims (despite the fact that I began my career as an advertising copywriter), so when I recommend something like this, you can rest assured I am crazy in love with it because it works. I’ve been using it longer than I can remember. If they ever discontinue this stuff, I’m hoarding it like a Today sponge. Try it. If you don’t like it, send it to me.

Legal nonsense: No consideration (that’s cash and/or product) was provided to me by DHC (or by anyone else for that matter). I’m simply a loyal customer who likes to share my finds with others. See the giver-goddess thing up top.

Posted in Be Beautiful - hair, makeup, skincare products Tagged: cleaners, deep cleansing oil, DHC, makeup remover, makeup removers | 10 Comments »

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Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Buffing Brush

My friend Megan introduced me to Bare Escentuals bareMinerals makeup a few months ago, and I have been in love ever since – with only one complaint.

I use the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation and the Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil to set the powder.  My only problem to date has been that there wasn’t a good way to apply touch ups to my makeup through out the day.  You see, although the mineral makeup has the amazing ability to provide great coverage while being super light and natural looking – it all comes in a loose powder form.  In other words, it’s really, really, messy.

Much too messy to stick a pot of foundation or mineral veil in your purse.  Which sucks, because a quick retouch of mineral veil at 4:00 in the afternoon gives you instant fresh face.

Thankfully, the good people at Bare Escentuals have answered my prayers in the form of a refillable buffing brush.

>> >> Continue reading A Way To Touch Up Mineral Makeup Without The Mess

Posted in Be Beautiful - hair, makeup, skincare products Tagged: Bare Escentuals, bareMinerals, Buffing Brush, makeup, makeup reviews, mineral powder, Mineral Veil, Sephora | 5 Comments »

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Let me begin by telling you that, despite begging and pleading with a PR person, I had to buy this product myself.  It’s like I’m just a normal consumer or something, which is ridiculous.  Seriously.

ANYway, after BlogHer, I heard a few people talking about Eye-Fi cards. Apparently, some people got some SD cards for their digital cameras that automatically uploaded your pictures to your computer. Or the Internet. Or something.

I take way more pictures than I share and am perfectly adept at getting them off my camera and on to my computer and up on the Internet if I want, so I thought nothing of it at the time.

And then Nikon invited me to join their “COOLPIX Circle” – which meant they were going to loan me a camera and I had to upload pictures to their COOLPIX circle Flickr group from time to time.  And I, um, forgot.  A lot.  Like, for weeks and weeks and weeks I would get a new email with the weekly “prompt” and think “crap!  I didn’t add anything to the group for last week’s prompt!”  I was kind of starting to feel bad, what with the $200+ camera I was getting to use for free and all.

And then (longest product review intro ever) I saw one of CityMama’s pictures in the group, and saw that she’d tagged it as being “effortless uploaded by Eye-Fi.”

I decided I had to have one.

>> >> Continue reading My SD card has magical powers.

Posted in Things That Are Female Tech Geeky Tagged: Coolpix, digital camera, eye-fi card, Nikon, Nikon D50, point and shoot camera, SD card, wireless memory card | 4 Comments »

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I get tension headaches.

A lot.

One could surmise that I have a lot of tension in my life, or possibly that I have horrible posture and my spine is all out of whack causing my neck and back to always be tight and messed up and hurting my head.

Whatever the reason, I get tension headaches – the kind that starts in your shoulders, go up through your neck, and end up right behind your eyebrows.

Obviously, I try to keep ibuprofen on hand.  But I’ve also discovered another more natural – and immediate – solution for my headaches, courtesy of my local Aveda salon.

(Seriously, those people know me by my first name.  They should send me Christmas and birthday presents.)

>> >> Continue reading My headache cure

Posted in Health and Fitness Products Tagged: aromas, aveda, aveda salon, blue oil, camomile, headache cure, peppermint, tension headaches | 13 Comments »

Our household consists of one grown woman, one grown man, one four year old girl, and one nine year old boy.

Finding something that the four of us can do together is… let’s say… tricky.

My son, for example, loves the Monopoly board game.  My daughter can’t add or subtract or sit still for a four hour board game.  My daughter loves to color, and my son is so. over. coloring.  *eye roll*

We watch a lot of movies as a family (and Lord knows even finding a movie we can all agree on can be agonizing), but once in a while it’d be nice to do something together where talking is allowed.

Enter Hasboro’s Family Game Night for the Wii, which we’ve apparently had forever but never played before.

We played this together for the first time last Friday night, and it was a big hit with everyone.

>> >> Continue reading Family Game Night where no one dies.

Posted in Media - books movies music, top holiday gifts Tagged: classic board games, family game night, favorite game, great gift idea, wii | 7 Comments »

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Boys read too

Listen, I don’t subscribe to the idea that there are girl things and boy things.  While I may be what is typically called a “girly girl”, it’s by choice and not genetic shackling.

If my kids want to play with dolls, trucks or lab rats, I don’t care, as long as I don’t step on it in the middle of the night.

That being said, I’m probably not going to convince my son to read more by handing him my first edition copy of Sweet Valley High.

The holidays are coming and I think books make great gifts for kids.  Books are an especially good gift for boys who are so. not. impressed. with clothes (and really don’t need another video game.  Really.  Please.)

As of December 14th, I’ll have a 10 year old boy, so the focus of this post is “mid-grade” books for boys.  (Most of these books will work for girls as well, obviously, but I wanted to concentrate specifically on ideas for boys today.)  Let’s just pretend it’s not called “Buy Her” for a moment.

>> >> Continue reading Books for Boys

Posted in Media - books movies music, top holiday gifts Tagged: amazon, books, gift ideas | 18 Comments »

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Not Really A Waitress

It’s been years since I painted my fingernails with anything but a clear coat.

My toenails?  Pretty those babies up with reds and pinks and purples!

But my fingers?  No way.

There is nothing tackier than chipped fingernail polish, and even a manicure from the Ritz Carlton spa cannot make colored nail polish stay on my fingers.  The last time I had a manicure was on the way to the airport before a weekend trip.  By the time I reached the hotel in my destination city, my polish was chipped and peeling.

I vowed then and there to never paint my nails again.

Luckily, last spring I discovered how to fix my soft, peeling nails and make my natural manicure look beautiful.  What I didn’t realize at the time was that I held the key to my polish woes.

I apply Nail Tek II Nailcare to my fingernails almost every day.  Once a week I wipe down my nail beds with nail polish remover and start over.  It’s given me longer, stronger nails than I’ve ever had in my life.

Last week, I picked up a new bottle of Nail Tek II and happened to read the back of the packaging.

“APPLY DAILY as a top coat over polish.”

Could it be?

>> >> Continue reading Nail Polish That Doesn’t Chip? Oh, yeah.

Posted in Be Beautiful - hair, makeup, skincare products Tagged: fingernails, manicure, nail polish, nail tek, nailcare, peeling nails | 6 Comments »

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