Darphynia's Diary

Well, it's almost a new year.  Where did this year go?!  The older I get, the faster time seems to fly by.  It seems like yesterday we were packing for CES 2015, and prepping for what was to come.  Tonight, I will be packing for CES 2016, and planning out the year.  Planning what I can, anyway.  Life has a way of throwing some curve balls and being spontaneous.   I hope you all have a fun, safe New Year's Eve, and a fabulous new year.      Stay beautiful!

There are tons of gadgets available so it's hard to pick just a few.  What is on your holiday list? 1.  ESPRO Insulated Coffee & Tea Press , $49.95 Image courtesy of brookstone.com Know anyone who can't live without their tea or coffee?  I must admit that I am one of those people.  I also don't mind saying that I kind of want to buy this for myself.  Who wouldn't love the perfect cup of their favorite fresh-pressed tea or coffee?  Whether it's made ahead of time to enjoy on the way to the office or made so it's ready to enjoy at the office, the tea/coffee will be amazing and stay hot for up to 6 hours.  Comes in black, stainless steel, and white. 2.  Perfect Bake:  App-Controlled Smart Baking , $69.99 (currently on sale, $49.99) Image courtesy of brookstone.com At CES 2015, we watched the demo for this "smart baking" set.  I think it's a wonderful gift for those who are just starting to bake, as it does far more than...

1.  ULTA:  Ultra Chi Travel Tools , $149.95 (on sale now, $99.95.  Only available at Ulta.) Know anyone who loves to style their hair?  It can be difficult to carry hair tools, especially when traveling.  This travel-ready set comes with smaller versions of some great and effective Chi products.  The best part is that this set can travel wherever the recipient does since it comes with its own case.  The white, quilted bag is thermal-lined and comes with removable pouches.                     Image courtesy of ulta.com List courtesy of Ulta.com : - Ultra CHI travel dryer - Ultra CHI travel hair styling iron: - Ultra CHI Travel curling iron: 2.  Caroline Chu:  Ayurvedic Herbal Thickening Boost Shampoo & Conditioner Duo , $128.00 Image courtesy of carolinechu.com I can't say enough positive things about Caroline Chu products.  Her...

   1.  Clarisonic Mia 2 Polka Dot Duo , $149.00 Image courtesy of sephora.com One Mia 2 is $149.99, so for $50.00 more, you can purchase two.  Keep one for yourself or gift them both.  The each come with their own bag and charger, which means they are perfect for travel.  You can read more about Clarisonic and my personal experiences here . 2.  Mia 2 Keith Haring Set , $149.00 Image courtesy of sephora.com Clarisonic has paid homage to the late artist and activist, Keith Haring.  There are a couple of designs to choose from.  Any of the designs are perfect for the pop art lover or Keith Haring appreciator in your life.  Set contains (list courtesy of sephora.com ): - Mia 2 Keith Haring "Love" Facial Cleansing Device - Sensitive Brush Head - Universal pLink Charger - Keith Haring travel bag - 1 oz Refreshing Gel Cleanser 3.  Clinique Sonic System , $89.50 and up Image courtesy of sephora.com Clarison...

Over the last week, we have been busy decking our halls with all sorts of holiday ornaments.  From snowmen to moose and everything else festive, the house looks a bit like a decor store.  I am nearly done making the gifts for the ones on my list, and have completed the shopping portion.  It's hard to believe the new year is so close, which means Christmas is even closer.   This weekend, I will have posts up this weekend focusing on all types of gifts.  They will also contain links for those of you who are getting your holiday shopping online.  Personally, I'd rather skip the malls, especially since they are so packed.  By the time you get there, find a space, park and enter, it's been over 20 minutes!  And in-store deals aren't always worth the hassle.   What are you looking forward to the most this season? Stay beautiful!

It's already December!!  Where has this year gone?!   There is so much to do, and not enough time (isn't that always the case?).  I'm nearly done with the buying end of things.  Now I just have to complete the items I am making.  Holiday music is allowed in the car.  I never play it prior to December because I like to enjoy the holidays one at a time.  When you start seeing Christmas items in August/September, it's just too soon.  Since you now have 24 days to get everything you need, I will be positing several pieces that will (hopefully) give you some ideas.  In case you missed it, here are the links to previous gift-giving posts: Stocking-Stuffers Part 1:  Makeup Gift Sets This is an 8-part series, covering:  kids, adults, pets, beauty, gadgets, and more.    What's on your gift-giving list this year? Stay beautiful!