Cher's Blog

mani & pedi - save big dollars!

2010-05-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

Go to a reputable nail salon for a 'colour change' - skip the manicure & pedicure (that could run $85 or more plus tip). Gel nails are beautiful in the beginning but the upkeep is expensive. Add dazzle on a professional paint job - I suggest French w/a silver line. Look amazing without the cost of expensive fills!

Favs

2008-12-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS!

2008-12-24T10:47:00.000-08:00

Start 2009 out with a $3.59 plastic alphabetized expandable accordion receipt holder - whew - that was a mouthful! This item can be purchased @ most Target & Walmart stores in office supply section. If you start saving receipts now (for clothes, shoes, make-up, accessories, etc) you will have hassle free organized returns & breezy exchanges.

LANCOME PARIS - Juicy Tubes Smoothie 'Fruity Pop' wins!

2008-11-29T11:16:00.001-08:00

I have tried every lip gloss on the planet from Chanel to drugstore. I learned one thing - they are all the same! They all gather in the corners of your mouth, need constant reapplication, and smear when the wind blows hair across your lips. I've paid from $28 a cylinder to $2 a tube. If you're going to spend your money on lip gloss, you might as well get some decent flavor and refreshment out of your purchase!
$18 Lancomb - Juicy Tubes Smoothie line

GO FOR GOLD - yay!

2008-10-15T16:53:00.001-07:00

Not too shabby to invest in a Bullion or Krugerrand ; )

TJ MAXX

2008-10-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Stay warm with cool scarfs from other countries such as Italy, Scotland & Paris

about $14.99 to $16.99+

Varoooooooooooooooom! sexy favorite car!

2008-09-18T17:51:00.000-07:00

Check out this hot car - luv it! (electric)
base price: $109,000.00+ - go for it!

Tesla Motors

THE LIMITED - Purse Hook $10

2008-05-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this adorable purse hook with a center rhinestone from THE LIMITED! Specifically designed for dining out, this hook fits on most tables. You will love its functionality and receive many compliments! NOTE: Never leave your purse unattended.

THE LIMITED

TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES - Champaign, IL

2008-05-10T14:56:00.000-07:00

"Discover skillfully handmade items from the world over. For you, your home and those special to you. Helping artisans market their products improves lives and preserves traditions. LONG TERM-RELATIONSHIPS. We work with artisans on an ongoing basis so they can plan for their future by relying on consistent orders. Our relationships are more than just business. They're firmly rooted in compassion, nurturing and our commitment to helping artisans thrive".

Ten Thousand Villages
105 N. Walnut Street
Champaign, IL 61820
217.352.8200

Website

Artist LOUIS BALLARD - Champaign, IL

2008-04-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

Fabulous, food safe, wallet friendly, functional handmade ceramics

217.840.7548
quapawkid@tswireless.net

B. MAKOWSKY

2008-04-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Stunning handbag - amazing quality - awesome hardware! ; )

'Named after Bruce Makowsky, the brand was created by himself and wife KATHY (of Kathy Van Zeeland fame) in 2006'
Genuine Leather ~ Marseille Shopper w/Leopard Lining

Von Maur ~ Bloomington, IL
Macy's ~ Chicago & Suburbs
$248

JUICY COUTURE

2008-04-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

Fabulous! A+
Eau de Parfum Spray
3.4 FL OZ / 100 mLE
$85

THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne

2008-04-13T15:51:00.001-07:00

A must read - the book that will change your life.
A+

PIER 1 IMPORTS

2008-04-13T11:48:00.001-07:00

Black 'Hollywood' style functional jewelry chest. Top lifts with mirror - underneath mirror are velvet compartments for rings & necklaces. Two additional drawers compartmentalized for jewelry, 3 lower drawers great for socks, undies & sweaters!
$249
made in China

PIER 1 IMPORTS

2008-04-13T11:26:00.002-07:00

Red leather chair
$129
made in China

PARFUM/FRAGRANCE BY JLO

2008-04-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

Rich & sexy - love it!
made in France
A+

GET THE SMOOTHEST FEET IN TOWN!

2008-04-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

A new product called Ped Egg TM 'As Seen On TV' is available on-line and in stores. This is the most magnificent item I have purchased in years and if you want smooth callus free feet forever, this is the Egg for you!

Ped Egg

Available at some: Walgreens, Linens 'n Things, Sally's

WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE - AUH OH!

2008-03-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Money is no object - when it comes to chocolate! ; )

$1000 Sundae

$1000 M&M's

$25 Million Dollar Watch - W H A T ! ? !

$8.5 Million Dollar Earrings

NATALIE PORTMAN'S NEW SHOE LINE

2008-03-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

Fabulous shoe line with no animal products -

Tecasan

KATIE HOLMES & HER BIRKIN BAG BY HERMES

2008-03-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

As Parade Magazine said on March 2, 2008 'Birkin bags (named for actress Jane Birkin) start at $7500 as do Hermes' Kelly bags (named for Grace Kelly). The price can be as much as $68,500 for a crocodile Birkin. The Kelly bag has a waiting list of up to three years.'

Purse Blog Article

ZAPPOS - SHOES & HANDBAGS

2008-03-03T18:28:00.000-08:00

A huge selection of shoes, handbags, and more!
Free shipping both ways ; )

Zappos

BORROW ENJOY RETURN - DESIGNER HANDBAGS !

2008-03-02T18:08:00.000-08:00

Borrow handbags and jewelry as a guest, or become a member and rent by the week, the month, or for as long as you'd like! (Enjoy special savings when you borrow for 3 months at a time.) Change your look as often as you want. Returns are easy and return shipping is FREE!

Bag Borrow or Steal

PERSONALIZE IT ! - Oakbrook, IL

2008-02-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

Check out their luggage tags & paperweights ; )

Swoozie's / 630.571.0900

FANTASTIC GIFT SHOP - Champaign, IL

2008-02-17T09:45:00.000-08:00

The Promenade Gift Shop @ Krannert Center has amazing fine art pieces and beautiful hand crafted things.

The Promenade / 217.333.8300

FUN BOUTIQUE - Decatur, IL

2008-02-08T11:57:00.001-08:00

An eclectic shop tucked away downtown offering delightful eye candy and many splendid items!

Shop On Main / 217.422.2674

HANDBAGS GALORE !

2008-02-07T11:12:00.000-08:00

Funky, faux leather materials in functional amazing shapes, sizes and colours!
~ made in China

Matt and Nat

Modern eclectic handbag - fabulous!
~ made in China

Sono

Versace 'A girl can dream can't she!'
~ made in Milan, Italy

Versace

'White Large Skorpios Shopper'
~ made in Italy

Michael Kors

COOL BOOKS

2008-01-30T07:18:00.000-08:00

A couple quick recommendations - fantastic and easy reading! Check Borders & Barnes & Noble in your area for stock.

ANGELSPEAK 'How To Talk With Your Angels'
by: Barbara Mark & Trudy Griswold

Angelspeak

10-MINUTE FENG SHUI
by: Skye Alexander

10-Minute Feng Shui

VON MAUR - 0% Interest always

2008-01-30T06:57:00.000-08:00

VON MAUR - Interest free charge card & free shipping 1-way, complimentary alterations for us girls too... ; )

Complimentary shipping (returns need to be done either in store or customer pays the shipping back). You don't need a Von Maur charge card for associates to ship items. Call your order in from another city or state and they will accommodate you!

Von Maur

They carry 'Michele Watches' wahoo!

Michele Watches

Dooney & Burke, Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Juicy, Brighton, handbag inventory in some stores. Call and they will locate your bag and ship complimentary.

Through Von Maur a 10-month contract is offered so customers can pay off their 'Michele Watch' in a timely fashion! Associates will do their best to locate the style you desire. (Normal & Lombard, IL currently have stock)

NOTE PAPER

2008-01-30T06:29:00.000-08:00

PAPIER GIRL - Stationary
866-298-1844

Papier Girl

Thank you cards: Dark chocolate envelopes, extremely thick black notepaper, metallic Silver, & chocolate brown polka dots
$ 11

‘Silver Arrow Writing Paper’: Chocolate brown fabric hard case holding approximately 150-200 individual sheets of beautiful paper
$ 15

ADORABLE NOTE CARDS & THANK YOU'S
~ made in Chicago

Factory Card Outlet

A metallic silver paint pen is another fun concept, possibly for the addressing the outside of a black or chocolate brown envelope.

TARGET has a lot of fabulous notes, greeting cards (Carlton cards 'some' made in USA), gift bags & wrapping paper supplies. Look on the back of cards & notes to learn where the product is made.

"It's delightful to give a 'thank you note' either in person or snail mail to someone who is special in your life. It's an old fashioned practice and a classic gesture. Everything is done electronically in today's world and everyone appreciates the art of a thank you note for any reason." It's never too late to send a thank you note! ; )

ORGANIZE & FENG SHUI AWAY!

2008-01-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

'10-Minute Feng Shui' by Skye Alexander
Back of cover: 'Turn your clutter into cash in just 10 minutes!'
$12 Borders (Referenced above in Cool Books section)

'Move Your Stuff Change Your Life' by Karen Rauch Carter

Move Your Stuff Change Your Life

'Lillian Too's 168 Feng Shui Ways to Energize Your Life' (great photos)

Lillian Too's 168 Ways...

STORAGE IDEAS

TARGET: 2-drawer black fabric container (jewelry, office, etc) - about $8, good variety of wicker storage baskets & containers. Check out their office supply isle for fabulous coloured paper clips (circle, triangle, & square), and the must have $4.49ish receipt (or coupon) plastic accordion expandable file. It's long & narrow larger than a standard envelope with a button & elastic closure. Mine has a hot pink cover & the receipt file component is clear. It's perfect for all your wardrobe shopping receipts from malls (in case you need to do a return).

Wicker Baskets

Sterilite Spring latching storage / SALE 02.03.08
$5.99 66-qt. box in clear, pink, or blue (coloured great for baby's things)

Sterilite UltraClear latching boxes / SALE 02.03.08
$3.99 18 qt (my favorite size), $7.99 70 qt, $13.99 116 qt

CLEAR STORAGE: Use sturdy Ziploc Freezer Bags in all different sizes, and any reasonably priced containers that you can 'actually use' with lids -- so if you need something, you'll locate it quick! Great for kitchens, office stuff, bathroom stuff, anything.

CLEAR STORAGE FOR TOYS: Many different sized containers (I like the ones a bit larger than a shoebox) with lids are great for small toys. Inexpensive laundry baskets (I luv square - cause they take up less space) & are great for a toy toss @ the end of the day!

A note from me: Girls, some men (not all thank heavens) 'but some' may tend to get nervous when they see things flying out of cabinets and objects being moved! Sometimes if you mention Feng Shui they might say something like 'I don't believe in that stuff' or look at you like your nuts! I've heard quite a few 'oh brothers' with an eye roll as he left the room! Don't worry, he'll start feeling better and be in a better mood after he notices the slight changes you're making around the house! ; ) Take it slow............ 1 room at a time - try not to zoom through the whole house like a tornado...........(like I did - but I had sense enough to skip the kitchen) ; )

I have one more thing to say – AUH……………. I can find things and I feel great! I have more to tackle, this is just a start but I love the results!

TIPS FOR FIRST TIME CRUISERS

2008-01-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

1) DRAMAMINE
(Even if you don't think you'll need it), it's a good idea to pre-purchase '24-hour Non-Drowsy Dramamine' (not sold on the ship).

2) CELL
Add the International call feature prior to the trip. Our ship's phone was $10 per min. 1-800 numbers don't work on International seas; get US numbers for your credit cards.

3) BEWARE OF SPRAY TANNING!
If considering spray tan - opt for a hand held airbrush artist style - the same procedure celebrities use. I learned the hard way and used an automated spray tan booth. In winter light you don't notice all the orange spots and streaks but you do notice them in the Carribean sun! It takes days to get your skin back to normal color.

4) DRUGSTORE PRODUCTS
Pre-purchase any over-the-counter medications you think you'll need. Whether used or not, you'll be glad to have them just in case.

5) SAVE RECEIPTS
(I tossed mine in a small shopping bag) for everything you purchase for the trip. I bought a few sale items, but didn't use everything. Returning was a breeze!

6) PASSPORT
Take extra copies of your passport and give someone @ home your passport number.