Nifty Gifties - An Awesome Gift Guide

You guys, I am almost completely done with my holiday shopping!!  Granted, Hanukkah is super early this year - though not as early as next year, when I'm told it will start in late November.  Yikes.

Anyway, I took advantage of all the online sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday... and scored a few things for myself, too.

Here are some fun ideas for the women on your list:

Gift Guide by janalyssa featuring cotton sleepwear

1.  These Starfish Earrings ($24.50 plus 30% off with code XOFACTORY) are adorable and versatile - I ordered them on Black Friday and just received them today. They're the perfect size and super sparkly. They are substantial but not too heavy and seem to be good quality.  Remember to check J. Crew Factory for coupon codes - there's usually at least 30% off, but on Black Friday it was 40% off plus an additional 15% off if you hit a minimum.

2. A comfy sweater ($94 plus 30% off with code XOFACTORY) with pretty details - perfect with jeans and boots.

3. Can anyone say no to cotton pajamas ($49.50)? When I worked at VS, our pajama sets were always top sellers, and I loved snagging a pair for myself. They come in flannel, too, and they're so cozy.  They're running a sale right now - free slippers with a cotton pajama purchase (code: SLIPPERS12)!  You'll look so generous! Remember to use your Secret Rewards card!

4. Llamas ($59.50)!!  So cute.  I think llamas have suddenly become the "it" thing without me realizing it.  This scarf has a fun print, and the neutral colors will go with just about anything.  I love wearing light scarves with sweaters or t-shirts - they're a fun alternative to necklaces.

5. Leg warmers ($34) via Etsy store Grace and Lace.  I ordered these and can't wait to get them.  I love the lace detail peeking out over boots! They also have equally adorable socks.  Like Grace and Lace on Facebook for great coupon codes and weekly deals.

6.  Birchbox subscription (my referral link)! If you know a beauty junkie, they'll love getting a box of surprise deluxe samples each month. You can get a 3 month subscription for $30 - good deal, and she'll think about how thoughtful you are each month!  This is also a good one if you've forgotten someone - just a few clicks, and she'll instantly get a notification!

7. You know you can't resist cheesy magazines ($70).  Sure, it's a guilty pleasure, but celeb gossip mags are so much fun!  Check the deal sites (like LivingSocial or Groupon) for special offers.

8. I absolutely adore these sweet gloves with velvet bows ($60).  That little detail makes them so special! Modcloth has some awesome and affordable gift ideas for guys ans gals, plus free shipping over $50 and the best customer service ever.  You can use my referral link to get $15 off your first purchase - good deal!  Also on my ModCloth gifting list: these cozy, ladylike earmuffs and fun, dangly art deco earrings.

9. Your friend who loves hosting parties will adore this brightly colored agate coasters ($64); they'll match any decor!  Each set is unique.

I'll be back with gift ideas for guys, couples, and kids!

Arm and Hammer Whitening Booster Review

I'm kind of crazy about oral hygiene.  I notice teeth and smiles first when I meet new people.  I had two (yes, two!) sets of braces as a child.  So it makes sense that I'm into whitening products.  I've tried several different kinds of whitening sets, and while I find that the "traditional" type - ones that use clear, gel-covered pieces of plastic that sit on top of your teeth for a certain amount of time - do work, they tend to be messy, goopy, inconvenient  and pricey.  I always feel gross pulling off the plastic, and I end up missing days because I just forget to put them on.  Lately, they also hurt my teeth and gums.  I wouldn't consider myself to have sensitive teeth, but perhaps the whitening products are just getting stronger.  Anyway, because they cause a dull ache, I haven't used white strips in a while.

I noticed a teeny, pinprick-sized stain on a tooth the other day and decided it needed to be eliminated, ASAP.  At the drugstore, I scanned all the usual whitening suspects, but then I saw something different: Arm and Hammer Whitening Booster.  At $5 for a smallish tube (2.5oz), it was a much cheaper option than white strips, so I decided to give it a try.

The booster is a clear, mostly tasteless gel, not unlike the stuff on the back of the white strips. You put the normal amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush, then add a dab of the boosting gel and brush as usual.  It seems to foam a bit more, but it doesn't affect the taste of the toothpaste, and you can use whatever toothpaste you prefer.

The booster says it contains 3 times the whitening action of strips, and it recommends that you brush with it twice a day.  I've been doing it for about 2 weeks now, and I've actually seen a difference.  The stain is all but gone, and my teeth generally look whiter.  I did not experience any pain at all, likely because the gel is sitting on your teeth as long.  I think the tube will last for quite awhile; I haven't made a dent in it yet.  It also encourages me to brush for longer to get the full effect, so that's a plus!

I'd recommend giving this a try if you're looking for a whitening product.  It's not a big investment, and it's very easy to use.  I just keep it on the bathroom counter with the toothpaste; it's not much effort to add the gel in the morning and at night.  Sure beats watching the clock while wearing those slimy white strips!

I bought mine at CVS, but you can buy them at almost any drugstore, or online here for $4.99.