I think it’s a great idea to let your child design their own monster but if you are giving one as a gift, I’m sure just about any design will be appreciated! CurlyQ Cuties are great for any age. My 3 and 10 year old both love their CurlyQ Cuties Made-to-Order Monster.

Madelyn named her CurlyQ Cutie Made-to-Order Monster Noodles.

Where to buy: CurlyQ Cuties
How much is it? $25+

From our friends at The Mommy Insider ]]> http://blog.thefind.com/2009/11/curlyq-cuties-made-to-order-monsters/feed/ 0 http://blog.thefind.com/2009/11/fab-beauty-finds-for-under-25/ http://blog.thefind.com/2009/11/fab-beauty-finds-for-under-25/#comments Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:41:27 +0000 Stephanie http://blog.thefind.com/?p=8772

The holiday season is just around the corner so don’t shop until the last minute. You can find some great beauty items right now and save a ton of money. I rather compile a list and start shopping now instead of waiting until there’s a mob scene. I found a couple of great stocking stuffers for just under $25 . Hopefully these will help narrow your holiday gift ideas list.

1. Demeter Holiday Stocking Stuffers 2009- I came across this on the qvc.com site and I thought this was the most coolest stocking stuffer. If you’re a Demeter fan like myself check out this holiday gift idea. Four different bottles of Demeter’s top-selling scents in Egg Nog is a sweet scent of nutmeg and cinnamon (Yummy!), Snow is a cool and crisp scent, Christmas tree is a joyful holiday scent, and Mulled Cider is a fab combination of apples and holiday spice. $20 at qvc.com

2. Bath and Body Works Perfect Hands in Warm Vanilla Sugar- This store is loaded with fantastic stuffers for under $15. You must stop by Bath and Body Works and check out what they have to offer. I chose this particular stocking stuffer because Warm Vanilla Sugar is my favorite scent and my hands could use some extra moisture this winter. It comes with hand cream and antibacterial Pocket Bac that’s beautifully wrapped.

3. Pureology Pure Volume Holiday Stocking Stuffer- Pureology is excellent organic hair care product so if you’re looking for an eco-friendly product, this is the perfect gift idea. It comes with Pureology shampoo, conditioner, blow dry amplifier, and essential repair split end correcting treatment all in petite sizes. $21 at pureology.com

4. Philosophy The Winter Escape- A trio of fireside-inspired luxuries. Philosophy always make great gifts especially for the holidays. Treat yourself to a warm shower or bath in peppermint Hot Cocoa Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath. One bottle, three uses. Fantastic! The gift set also includes Marshmallow body souffle and Marshmallow Flavored Lip Shine. Don’t skip out on these winter treats! $25 at Sephora

From our friends at Hot Beauty Health

Breast Cancer Awareness month is upon us, ‘Pink’ products abound—the idea being you buy something for yourself or as a gift, with either partial or all proceeds going to non-profits aiming to help with regards to research, care, and, of course, awareness. The options are seemingly endless, and it can start feeling like big business in and of itself. But the bottom line is that too many of us our affected—ourselves, moms, aunts, children, grandparents, friends, spouses—and I think it’s important not to get cynical as I do believe it makes people think. I have to say, I was heartened by all the pink I saw, from hats to cleats, on Monday night football.

So here are some Pink gems I’ve come across that I thought particularly lovely…

Clockwise from top left: Intermix’s exclusive tote, printed with a still from Marilyn Minter’s art film Green Pink Caviar ($48), benefiting breast and ovarian cancer non-profit Bright Pink; Lucite Rose Bud Box Vase, filled with peonies, roses and ranunculus from Floral Art ($400, or just the vase for $195), with 15% of purchase going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Fuschia Tile Embossed Large Lamb Wallet by Lauren Merkin ($175) gives 50% of proceeds to Young Survival Coalition; Tumi offers an entire Villa collection, in which 20% of retail prices are donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, my favorite being this Puccini Train Case ($450), which makes me yearn for a European vacation; Lacoste, too, has an entire Pink Croc collection, 10% of sales going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, with this elastic belt ($55) an adorable standout; Prescriptives culls four eyes shadows and two cheek colors for this Pink Ribbon Palette ($48.50), also benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; and from Ann Taylor LOFT, we get this exclusive ribbon-and-chains bracelet created by Lulu Frost designer Lisa Salzer ($24.50).

From our friends at Blackburn and Sweetzer

Novelty Product with an Awesome Look

Is it wrong that I’m already planning out gift ideas for late fall birthdays. . . and holiday prezzies? Don’t judge! I remembered Barbie Loves Stila, the partnership between Barbie and Stila that started up in early 2009, and thought that these little smudge pots were just what we need to kick off a new season. Just what I need to match with my suede boots!

Barbie Loves Stila Shimmer-Infused Pots are available in three shades that are pretty high-drama: bright blue, black, and purple. If you can’t imagine being without your glam night-out makeup, at least this pot won’t make your dress purse or clutch yucky inside. There’s nothing worse than tossing in gross makeup after you’ve immaculately groomed yourself for a night on the town!

These gel formulas are multi-purpose, too, so despite the $20 price tag, you’ll be able to justify that it’s like purchasing one $10 eyeliner and one $10 shadow–not bad! The long-lasting color also means that you can cut down on reapplications, saving you even more cash in the long run.

From our friends at LimeLife

1.  Skinny Fish Artisan Stationary–produced in small batches by artist Shawn Laughlin; 2.  Leather Photo Album, in prismatic colors; 3.  Kalender Platter, trimmed in platinum and gold; 4.  Herb Bowl with Mezzaluna Chopper–one of those tools you didn’t even know you needed; 5.  Endangered Parrots of the World Chess Set–prohibitively expensive, outrageously fun; 6.  Crocus Rocks Glasses with 22K Accents–hello, hostess; 7.  Chiller Pitcher with Lid–a closed carafe that will keep al fresco flies out; 8.  Chick Chair; 9.  Balustrade Napkins–round and round the table they go; 10.  Aptos Collection Pebble Pendant; 11.  Amber Dard Hunter Rose Thermometer & Clock–outdoor temperature gauges are so underrated; 12.  Teco Art Pottery Orb Vase–lovely lines, from an exactingly reproduced historical collection.

Hurry!  Go!  Misosouper readers can enter LUXE09 at checkout to receive 20% off their first purchase.

From our friends at Misosouper

Editor Picks

Image: OXO | Jason Miller | Rosanna
From our friends at Gave That

Since 1944, more than 9.2 million families have moved closer to self-reliance for food and income with Heifer International’s assistance. This is a program that we can all become involved with to help end hunger and also provide hope for the future to families all over the world. It is also a perfect opportunity for teaching children about these important issues and show how they can be involved. A really big step is when a child actually asks that someone give him/her one of these wonderful Ark animals in their name, as their birthday gift.

We are so impressed with Heifer’s Gift Ark that supports their mission, furnishing quality animals wherever they are needed most, while providing extensive training and support to the recipients. The Gift Ark is a life-changing parade of Heifer animals that offers you the choice of providing chicks, sheep, rabbits, beehives, llamas, goats, pigs, camels, water buffalo and cows.

Some of the GIFTS you can give will help in these wonderful ways.

COWS Cows provide manure for fertilizer, draft power to plow fields, one calf a year and four gallons of milk a day. The milk that is not used to feed the family can be sold for income.

RABBITS Because rabbits reproduce rapidly, they are a great source of protein and steady income for families with limited land. Their nitrogen-rich manure can also greatly improve crop yields.

TREES & BEES Trees stabilize topsoil, protect groundwater and can be used as animal feed, fencing and firewood. Bees produce honey and wax that struggling farmers can sell for income. Bees also pollinate fields, often tripling crop yields.

LLAMAS Llamas are terrific assets to farmers in the highlands of South America. Families weave clothing and blankets from the llama’s abundant wool fiber, and the nimble intelligent creatures can survive on twigs and moss.

To find out more about Heifer International and all of their programs, including the Gift Ark animals, go to http://www.heifer.org

From our friends at Mommie 911 and Ziggity Zoom

Hook up your music-loving dad with an iTunes online gift certificate . He can pick his own tracks and you can take all the waste from wrapping, packaging, and plastic CD cases out of the mix.

If  Dads into gadgets then he needs the hot little Solio Hybrid Charger to recharge his cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera, and all the other electronics he drags around. Charges with stored-up solar power.

Pamper him with a gifts including skin-soothing, paraben-free Every Man Jack shave gel, body wash, and face wash; soap from Pangea Organics; a recycled, reusable razor; and a wooden body brush packed in a bamboo basket.

Free a new Dad from pastel-flowered diaper bag hell with the Diaper Dude Messenger II. Designed by a dad, these manlier messenger bags are made from recycled water bottles and come with lots of pockets, a changing pad, and a quick-release shoulder strap. Plus, a portion of proceeds goes to Global Green USA.

He doesn’t want another tie! Instead get him a Recycled Necktie & Suit Wallet . With a pocket for cash and two side pockets for cards, the wallets are handmade from used silk ties and suits.

Know a hip, young dad that wears jeans and T-shirts more than suits and ties? Help him make a statement with a organic cotton tee from We add up. Each tee is custom hand-printed with a unique number. The number represents his position in the worldwide count of people doing something to do their part. No two shirts are alike

Wanna give Dad some R&R but can’t quite afford that Hawaiian vacation? Give him a getaway in his own backyard with the Ultimate Hammock , made of recycled soda bottles. It’s waterproof and UV-resistant and has the comfort of cotton.

Tulsi Solar Powered Grill – a dual powered electric hybrid so even when the weather is less than ideal Dad can still enjoy outdoor cooking year round.

Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottles – A reusable water bottle without the foofoo, no butterflies, ladybugs or snowflakes. Just an eco-friendly, high-quality stainless steel Klean Kanteen water bottle . Pick up a shoulder sling too so he can take it with him.

From our friends at DealHippie

From our friends at Stylehive

Editor’s Picks

By far the most sought after out of them all is the Historic Collection by Modern Alchemy (D.L. & Co. offshoot). Housed in simple votive glasses and an ornate label depicting each scent, Douglas Little of Modern Alchemy, has done something other fragrance houses have only dreamed of. Attracting the average Joe to do candles. With scents like Opium Den, Dia De Los Muertos and Secret Society, essences such as juniper mingle with 19th century lacquer, smoldering tobacco and orris root. Add in the fact these candles are crafted out of natural soy wax and essential oils and you have something incredibly worth giving, not to mention burning. About $45.00.

Like Modern Alchemy, Molton Brown is unquestionably masculine and isn’t afraid to steer a course away from the much used floral + surgery sweet foodie combination. Instead Molton Brown lays it on heavy and thick with herbs, dark woods and steamy incense touches. I love the departure as well because these scents are masterfully blended. No clunkers here. My top pick in candle form is Molton’s Black Pepper Air Candle. Going deep with serious resins such as melodically gooey galbanum and spicy Madagascan black pepper the overall effect is fit for a king. The 80 hours of burn time and hand crafting in Suffiolk, England somewhat takes the sting out of the $75.00 price tag.

This one is pretty much a Gothic given and has no scent to boot. Clearly more of a conversation piece, slash chotsky, for all those gents wishing to be overly dramatic with foot resting on an ottoman and speeches about poor Urich, I knew him well… DL & co. – Memento Mori Black Wax Skull Candle, about $85.00.

The Agraria Balsam Woven Candle is the most classic pick with redwood, sweet balsam and French sage dampening down the white flowers that managed to sneak inside, the overall effect of the woven rattan cane encasement gives it major rustic appeal. $55.00.

Image: D.L. & Co., Saks, Candle Delirium | Collage Gave That Digital Studio

From our friends at Gave That