GEEKY GIFT IDEAS
Do you know someone addicted to carbonation? If so, the Penguin Water Carbonator may be just what the mixologist ordered. It’s a handy contraption that allows you to create your own favorite carbonated beverages at home. You can even customize each batch so that it has just the right amount of fizz. Interestingly enough, there are no batteries or electricity required. Who knew DIY drinks could be so easy?
Monthly Archives: December 2009
The sample sale store on Fifth Avenue between 28th and 29th is having an INCREDIBLE sale on Hanky Panky underthings ($10 for all thongs, including ones with Swarovski crystal embellishments, and if you buy 12, you get one free) from now through December 4th. If you’re in the city, go now. Now!
While I was in Ohio, my mother-in-law, Lynn, gave me absolutely the best present EVER. I adore costume jewelry (I figure if it’s not big enough to see from twenty feet away, what’s the point?), and Lynn let me take home the pieces pictured above, all of which were left to her by her aunt Carol.
My favorites: the red cloisonne earrings (center), pearl and crystal hair clip (far right), enormous pearl necklace, and cocktail rings (top center). It was like Christmas came early.
Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day.
Some ways you can take action:
- Get tested for HIV (I’ve been tested, and I encourage all of you to do the same). Go here for a list of free and confidential NYC-area clinics.
- Decide not to engage in high-risk behaviors and learn how to protect yourself.
I love pickles to a weird degree. I have been known to eat entire jars in one sitting, and when I was little I used to buy those enormous deli pickles, dip them in salt - yep - and eat them while watching the escapades of Jem and the Holograms. I saw this pickle ornament at a gift shop in Ohio, and upon second glance think that maybe I should have bought it.
You can find fun, vintage-y looking fruit & vegetable Christmas ornaments at christmasatthelake.com. My favorites: Crab Louie, Sunnyside Up, and cherries.
And here’s the pickle!
Last night, I dreamed that I was a finalist in American Idol, and that I had to get up on stage and sing this Aerosmith song, but I couldn’t remember the lyrics and was frantically googling to find them while an audience of 12 million waited for me to sing. This is patently ridiculous, because I know EVERY WORD IN THIS SONG. It is the best. Ever. I stand by that opinion.
A few months ago, Kendrick, Julia and I went to the Jane Hotel (it was some kind of an after-afterparty for a Harlem Shakes show, and also Liv Tyler’s birthday party, oddly) and missed Steven Tyler by about five minutes. I think I actually teared up.
A Special Offer for NS Readers…
Since the holidays are drawing ever-nearer, I asked reader Mary Clare, whose family owns Viewville.com (I’ve written about it here before) to give me some suggestions for prints for everyone on your list. Here’s what she came up with:
Parents/Friends:
Book Worm: Flower Type
Books always make great presents. Here are some of my favorite picks for gifting purposes:
The Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley: I’ve read it perhaps five times, starting in tenth grade, and it’s one of the most extraordinary books I’ve ever encountered.
Much to Your Chagrin, by Suzanne Guillette: Read my review here.
Love this.
In all seriousness, I want to take a moment address the FTC guidelines regulating blogger endorsements and testimonials that go into effect today. From the second I started working at NonSociety, I felt that total and complete transparency - with regards to everything, not just financial compensation - was extremely, extremely important not just because it’s the law (or was going to be the law), but because I think it’s the right thing to do. If I was sent a free sample of a product I’m writing about, I want you to know that. Similarly, if I post a shot of myself in a fancy restaurant that I was only able to go to because my parents (or whoever) took me, I’ll let you know that, too, because I’m completely uninterested in putting one over on you about any aspect of my life. I don’t want you wondering what’s true and what’s made up (or embellished), because if you can’t trust me, I’m failing to do what I set out to do, which is provide real, valuable information that you can use.
So the short answer is that I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing (disclosing compensation of any kind either with a short blurb or a “sponsored post” button), but I want you to know that you’re always welcome to email me at jordan@nonsociety.com with any questions or concerns.
That’s all! Happy Tuesday.
