Tag Archives: tucson freelance writer

Basket Case

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At some point, everyone has to make a gift basket right? So, it’s really helpful when you find a store that does much of the work for you! That’s how I felt when I walked into Cost Plus World Market the other day. This store offers an entire gift basket kit, which includes the basket, stuffing, a clear bag that fits over it, twine and a small gift card, for $9.99! Um, DONE!

It’s not like you can find baskets very easily these days, and this kit has everything you need except for the actual gift contents and maybe a giant bow and whatever other accessories you want to add. It made my life a little easier and I so appreciated it! By the way, this gift basket will be available for raffle at Salpointe’s Homecoming this weekend!

For My Sleep-Deprived Girls

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I’ve told so many people about this lately, including my mom and the cashier lady and a few total strangers, that I thought I should do it justice and write about it. For all of you amazing women taking the troubles of the world to bed with you each night, this stuff really has worked for me. Plus, it smells so incredibly good, if you don’t find that much success with it, at least the scent is super-calming.

I usually rub it on my arms and legs before I go to bed and literally, I feel like I sleep longer with it than without it. I would seriously like to write a letter to Dr. Teal, whoever this brilliant guy is, and thank him for coming up with something that costs less than $8 and I don’t have to swallow it or inject it to work. Now, can we extend this same technology to Botox?

Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie

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So it was really awesome to hear at my last hair appointment that I have horrible split ends! There was actual concern in her voice too, so, yay, that was not amazing.

But, on the bright side, I ordered both of Jennifer Aniston’s new hair products from her line, LolaVie. She just launched two – Perfecting Leave-In and Glossing Detangler. I have mostly been using the latter and am truly loving it! I’m no scientist, but it does feel like my hair is doing better with it, it smells luxurious and honestly, I look forward to washing my hair now just so I get to use her products afterward. I have been to the drugstores here countless times and it’s pretty hard to find products that compare to these two. And this is just an honest first-person review. Not getting paid to recommend them–lol, like a Tucson blog would be a difference maker! But hey, if you want to shake your own routine up, give it a shot!

Tis the Season to Embellish

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If you have not been to La Plaza Shoppes lately, you need to check out the expanded new location of Embellish! Now, next to Desert Artisans Gallery and two doors over from Posh Boutique (which if you love designer resale, you should be checking out daily), is the new Embellish store and it’s the best place to buy luxe presents and hostess gifts right now! I’ve been to a few Santa gift exchanges of late with many a beautiful Embellish gift among the mix and high on the steal list.

Owner Dawn Scully is brilliant in choosing all of her offerings, including some of the best candles, jewelry and holiday decor in all of T-town. Also, with her expanded digs, there are numerous additions like designer-inspired bath sets and jewelry plates, and an entire room of culinary and home goods. Plus, you’ll always get an amazing smile and a welcome every time you come in. Last minute holiday gifts needed? You need to visit Embellish.

Antsy Nancy – Your New Favorite Place

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My friend Heidi Yribar has officially opened her new venture, Antsy Nancy, at River Center today! The former mining exec, beauty queen and author–literally she is a bad ass– is hosting an Open House from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, so stop by if you are in the River and Craycroft neighborhood. Antsy Nancy, antsy-nancy.com, will be offering how-to skills classes and parties with all of the materials and know-how so you walk out of each class with a finished product–no stress! From charcuterie boards to hair bows to holiday decorating, this will seriously be a treasure for Tucson. Stop by if you can or check out her website!

Prada, Chloe, Burberry Scents at Tuesday Morning

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Tucked between the Halloween decorations and the creep of Christmas accessories peeking out from the corner aisle was a welcome find today at Tuesday Morning–three shelves of luxe fragrance bundles that included Prada Candy, Chloe, Coach, Burberry, Giorgio Armani and more. Clearly, as the Christmas aisle indicates, it’s not too early to be thinking of stocking stuffers!

Also, the discount store has really decadent candle selections right now. Happy Friday!

Game, Set, Match

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Retailers have remembered our demand for comfy and cute during the pandemic by flooding the stores with tons of loungy, matching short sets this summer that are perfect for post-pool, post-beach relaxation. The T-town choices are everywhere, from Target to TJ Maxx. Online options, on Steinmart.com (yep, it’s still alive online) and boutiques such as Red Dress Boutique are even more stylish. Definitely a trend to stock up on!

Fashion, Beauty News around Tucson

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A few things heard around T-town:

Do you like Burberry? Check out Posh Boutique on Instagram, @shopposhboutique, for some awesome, pre-loved, luxury finds, and grab them before they’re gone! Recent arrivals include Burberry rain boots and stylish shoulder bags!

Until tomorrow, Bluemercury is offering a complimentary wellness bag of eight samples with any purchase over $120. For more info, click here

Did you know W Boutique offers closet edits? Inquire about styling services at its St. Philip’s Plaza digs.

The Green Monkey Boutique has re-located to Plaza Palomino, leaving its previous spot at River Center.

POPPED – A Tucson Take on Popcorn

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Our household recently got a nice surprise – a shipment of delicious, desert-themed popcorn from Popped Artisan Popcorn, which is made right here in T-town! First off, I’m a packaging girl and the simple brown paper bags emblazoned with majestic saguaros won me over. The popcorn is also light and very flavorful! The small-batch, handcrafted popcorn comes in flavors like Mesquite Smoked Cheddar, Sweet Chili Lime, Mexican Hot Chocolate and many more. Let’s just say, the Prickly Pear Caramel and Mesquite Smoked Mezcal Caramel didn’t even make it one night before they were completely devoured. What a cool Christmas or holiday present to send someone?

Can’t think of a better way to make quarantine not so sucky. You can find out more on the company’s website at www.poppedartisan.com and you can follow Popped on Facebook here.