Nickel and Dime Prices with the Pizazz of Luxury: Gifts that won't rob you blind:)

Christmas commercials here, decorations there and we're holly and jolly; giving little thought to the after effects on our pockets. I want to give you a few gift suggestions that might soften the damage.

1. Think of  things you always hear your friend complaining about. Sometimes the least expensive items we really want are overlooked because necessities must be purchased first. Manicures, pedicures, car washes(a package) are great gift certificates, wine glasses,  cooking knives, a warm cute kit( knee or thigh high socks and a cutesy fitted tee packed in a simple throw with a bow) are great inexpensive ideas that show you were listening.  :)

2. Marshall's, Loehmann's and Stein Mart are my favorite places.  Around the holiday season they have wonderful trinkets around the cashier...check them out and make a gift bag.  Last year a few of my friends received a cutesy mug, with some flavored hot chocolate, chocolate stirring candies a miniature bottle of Baileys all packed inside the mug and finished with wrapping paper and a bow.  Everything except for the Bailey's came from Marshall's, I made five gifts and spent $30.  I have friends still asking about that delicious hot chocolate.




3. Having a party and you want your guest to leave with a little something something?  Classic is always great, last year each of the ladies at my holiday party received faux pearl earrings, THEY LOVED THEM and the guys.... hilarious, they got little "Nut Dream" chocolates.  I promise that was the name of the candy and a hit, the guys couldn't stop talking about it.  Guess what...Marshall's too, check out the discount stores they're filled with treasures.

4.  If money is super tight get in the kitchen, every year for Easter my Mother would have me in the kitchen making my own basket, sugar egg, chocolate molds, melting chocolate. So much fun!!!!! I didn't realize until just now (light bulb just went off and getting teary eyed over the memory) she was saving money. As a single parent she didn't want me to miss the experience so she figured out how to make the most out of a tight spot. WOW! :) Christmas molds are super cheap and the chocolates taste so good.

5.  Last year my cousin in college wanted to get her honey bunny a gift, she did the cutest thing...I might use her idea this year, lol! She created a booklet of coupons offering a massage, to clean up his house/apt, a home pedicure/manicure and other things:)...be creative.





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Stay Fab!

Nothing to Wear in a Closet Full of Everything

Either its morning and you are rushing to work or an evening out that began 20 minutes ago but you're still at home clueless and nude trying to figure things out.  In both scenarios the common factor is time, most often the hustle and bustle of life has created a think on your feet approach to everything (figure it out and fast). I love when my friends call " Girl, he's on his way what should I wear" not so much fun for them so today I'm giving you three tips that will have you ready and stress free.

1. Organize and Realize what's Inside, I can't tell you how many times I've heard "OMGoodness I forgot all about this".  Beautiful clothes mixed in the chaos called the closet, just collecting dust.  When organizing I prefer a color/garment layout, this just means all of your slacks are hung together from the darkest to the lightest shade; continue the same pattern with dresses, tops and skirts. Removing the clutter will allow most of us to see how much we really have or realize the key components missing in our wardrobe. An organized closet can add up to 15 minutes to your rest time, quality time and/or party time, think about how great it would be...no stress, just get dressed.

2. Play dress up, I know time is of the essence but those free moments when every one in your home is asleep and you have a minute of quiet time have fun in your closet to make your exit out the house smooth as possible. Instead of wondering how an outfit looks, you'll already know and eliminate the frustration of the unknown ( I'm sure we've all been there before...lol).
3. Start with the Essentials, I can't say it enough and you're probably tired of hearing it and accomplished closet must start with the fundamentals. A gorgeous Blouse, missing the pencil skirt...wonderful shoe(sitting for months now) because your closet is missing those interchangeable garments that create a template for all those unique and to die for pieces. Make sense??? Go back to the title closet full of everything; wonderful belts, shirts, sweaters, boots but because your closet is missing the Five for Fall (checkout the blog created on 10/11/11) those HOT garments aren't being worn to their full potential.

Have wonderful week and continue to be FAB inside and out:)

www.floemporium.com...free shipping until the holidays (shhhhh, that's our little secret...lol).