The Original Muffin Top TinTop of the muffin to you... One of the many things we have learned by watching Seinfeld: Everyone likes the toasty tops of muffins a heck of a lot more than the dry "stumps." This nifty pan helps you bake just the tops. Genius!
$19.95, The Spoon Sisters
Sequined Knit TopSure it's freezing outside, but there's a warm place in my heart for this sleeveless top. It has a sophisticated Greco-Roman look, with a fun sequined collar that makes me want to yell, "My name is gladiator!" The back is adorable too, where it ties at the waist.
$24.80, Forever 21
Beaded Drop EarringsI love the color of the aqua quartz stones hanging from these pretty dangly earrings. And how the tiny pale blue swarovski crystals cascade like droplets from the sterling silver chain. The earrings hang a little more than two inches long.
$22.00, Twinkle
Metallic Leather Purse MirrorIt's always risky to apply lipstick without a mirror, but I often worry about a mirror getting broken in my bag. But this pretty pocket mirror, which comes cushioned in soft silver or gold metallic goatskin, stays protected from the other contents in your purse. Plus, you can get it monogrammed for an extra five bucks.
On sale for $24.00, Red Envelope
Metalsgirl BanglesThese sterling silver bangles designed by Laura Gibson of Metalsgirl in Austin, Texas, are so cool. I especially like this one, with a silver charm that reads "rock star" and a fuchsia charm. If you'd rather promote nicer things like "peace," "hope," or "love," they've got those too.
$22.00, Give Simple
Fresh Sugar Lemon Eau de ParfumWhen I first smelled this lemony perfume, I thought it smelled more like cleaning products than a real fragrance, but once I wore it for a day, I was hooked. With hints of mandarin, lychee, orange blossom, and ginger, it just smells so clean and light. I kept wanting to put more and more of it on.
$22.00, Sephora
Grey Chunky Knit Newsboy HatA friend of mine just bought a knit winter hat like this one in plum, and it's so unbelievably cute on her. I like this pretty color too. It looks so soft and fluffy and warm.
$22.00, Fred Flare
Leaf Drop Beaded EarringsThese leaf earrings are pretty long--more than three inches. Whether you choose the gold ones with creme colored beads or the silver ones with light blue beads, they go well with a day or evening look.
$18.00, Urban Outfitters
Recchiuti Holiday Motif BoxFor a decadent holiday treat or a nice hostess gift, pick up this beautifully packaged box of eight chocolate truffles. The delicious sweets are decorated in fun holiday motifs and filled with my favorite--Recchiuti's burnt caramel. It's toasty and sweet.
$18.00, Recchiuti Confections
Paparazzi Play SetYou know you're a star, but now you can be constantly reminded of it with this set of nine paparazzi action figures. They hold cameras and microphones. One even has a notebook and a pen, as if he's begging for an autograph. They look inanimate, but when you're not around, they probably go through your garbage. Get used to saying things like, "Get a life!" and "Please respect my privacy!"
$14.95, Archie McPhee
Slipper GenieThese slippers, which come in pink or green, are great for lazy people. Walk to the bathroom, and guess what? You just technically polished the floor a little bit. Pat yourself on the back. And if you spill something on the floor in the kitchen, you don't have to take the time to get out the Swiffer. Just kind of rub your foot over it. The sole detaches for washing.
$12.00, Mxyplyzyk (click on "bath")
Wilton Cake and Cookie 30-Piece Decorating SetKnow what's fun? Decorating cookies. And this set has everything you need to create your masterpiece in frosting. It has four icing colors, eight metal decorating tips, and 10 disposable decorating bags for easily piping the icing onto the cookie or directly into your mouth.
$24.95, Sur La Table
Snow & Graham 2008 Desk CalendarSnow & Graham makes stationary with cool graphic florals. The pages of this little desk calendar, which is a little over five inches tall, are decorated with a different botanical design for each month--poppies for June and blackberries for November. The pages sit in an acrylic case.
$15.00, See Jane Work
Wire BowlsFrom a distance, these delicate bowls, made from either gold or silver wire, almost look like they are carved out of ice. Plop one on your table to display fruit or other decorations. They come in three different diameters: 10 inches, 12 inches, and 14 inches.
$14.00 to $20.00 each, Mxyplyzyk (click on "living wares")
Wicked Hot ChocolateIn New York, people will travel miles–or at least a few subway stops–for a steaming cup of this sweet, thick brew from chocolatier Jacques Torres. Its heady combination of chocolate, cinnamon, and chili peppers is absolutely delicious.
$18.00 for an 18-ounce tin, Jacques Torres
