Laurel and have each have one tween girl and one teen girl. As the girls get older it’s so interesting to watch how their interests develop and more recently, we’ve had fun watching them each develop their sense of style. Berkeley, my 13 year old, gravitates toward “geek chic”. Dylan, my 11 year old, loves anything girly and sparkly! Laurel’s daughters have distinct styles too.  Lexi loves casual and comfy and Nina loves to get decked out and she’s not afraid to try new trends. Laurel and I really try to shop around and find the perfect gift to suit each one of their styles.

Here’s our round up of Christmas gifts for the tweens and teens in your life..girls that is!

 

1. TNA Sea to Sky Sweater $85 – this wool zip up sweater has been around for awhile.  It’s warm, and nicely fitted so you avoid the frumpy look.  A classic!  On the west coast, it’s usually warm enough to be used as a jacket, even in winter!
2. Good Works Make a Difference Be Happy Wrap Around Bracelet $26 – this simple wrap leather bracelet comes in 11 colors, sure to suit any girl on your list.  Love the positive vibe!
3. Ugg Australia Women’s Bailey Button Boots $165 – these are a great in-between height between the classic and the shorties.  Love the addition of the button and LOVE that they come in “Sugar Plum” (shown) and 11 other colors!   Note…Uggs are so much less expensive in the US…it’s worth it to order from the States!!  Canadian price on these boots is $245!
4. Ivivva Village Chill Scarf $32 – this is SO much more than just a scarf!  I have the one from Lululemon (the Vinyasa Scarf) and it can be worn as a scarf, a wrap, a vest…because of the snaps you can wear it SO many different ways…but the best part is that it’s warm and cozy!  Ivivva ships free in Canada.
5. Beats Solo HD Headphones $199.95 – this is definitely a splurge gift so you may want to see if the grandparents or some aunts and uncles want to go in on this one!  Love that these come in 8 different colors…I know Berks would want blue! They fold up nicely for travel and the sound is amazing!  Yah…I’ll admit I have them in white, but they’d look much cooler on my daughters!
6. SMASH Folios and Scrapbooking Supplies from Michaels – various prices – Berkeley and Lexi’s friends are all into these funky retro products for scrapbooking and journaling.  From folios to stickers to clips, the crafty girl on your list will love this stuff!
7. Stila Snow Angel Color Palette & Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara $51 – available at Sephora and Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutique .  his is a fantastic palette for your teen that’s into makeup….12 cheek colors and 18 eye shadows that can be used wet or dry to achieve different looks. Plus, it comes with the mascara (Berks is a huge fan).  I love Stila because it’s all about enhancing your beauty, not caking on dark or heavy makeup.  It also comes with a 12 page look book…perfect for the teen just learning to apply makeup.  And Stila always has lots of helpful tricks.

I think regardless of their style, most girls would be thrilled with any of these gifts.  Some have to be ordered from the US, so don’t delay….shipping times would potentially increase the closer we get to Christmas!

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So, you’re flying to a warm destination…what to wear??  Trust me, I’ve made many mistakes in the past.  Like the time I was flying alone with all three kids, the flight was delayed about 3 hours and all I was wearing was a cardi.  I didn’t have any blankets with me and the airline had none to offer.  We all four froze all the way home!  It’s a bit tricky when you’re flying from a colder climate to a warmer climate, but there are a few tricks…

1.  Wear a scarf that can double as a blanket.  Some with snaps like the one from Lululemon below can even be worn as a vest!

2.  Uggs are THE BEST for travelling.  They keep your feel warm and cosy, you don’t need to wear socks, and knit Uggs are easy to pack and lightweight.  Don’t forget to throw some socks in your carry on for walking through security, though.  And remember, NEVER buy Uggs at retail price in Canada.   They are a rip off….unless you find them at somewhere like MTF or Costco, then fill your boots…pardon the pun!

3.  I prefer a short sleeved tee under a wrap or jacket.  Often the plane can get very warm before take off, and it’s better to have a short sleeved shirt than just a tank if you feel your temp rising and you need to take off your jacket.

4.  Keep jewelry to a minimum!  Otherwise, you’ll be beeping though security!

5.  Don’t forget a great travel bag to hold everything you’ll need for the flight, including some flip flops for when you land!  Make sure it has enough room to accommodate your jacket when you get to your tropical locale!

Travel Outfit by sugarplumsister featuring slim shoes

 

Part of a well thought out travel outfit is a smartly packed carry on. Here’s what I pack in mine:

 

what’s in your carry on?? by lolojoy74 featuring zebra striped shoes

Beyond the scarf, socks and flipflops that Pam talked about, I never step foot on a plane without:
~A bottle of water…the air on planes leaves you dehydrated so water is paramount (it also helps keep you cool, pre take-off)
~snack packs of nuts…these protein rich snacks will keep you away from spending lots of money on sub-par airplane snacks.
~mags…I’m a reader, so ’nuff said!
~my IPad…download your favorite book or movie and the time will literally “fly” by
~my Bose sound cancelling headphones…I wasn’t a believer until I tried them. They truly cancel all noise, making for easier sleeping or reading.
~lip balm…well, i’m never without it, so why would flying be any different?
~hand lotion…to combat the dry air…and to add a pleasant scent to my personal space!
~sunglasses…because i’m hopin wherever i get off this plane will be a whole lot sunnier than home!
~anti-bacterial wipes…for wiping down the tray table, hands or my Starbucks that spills EVERY time I bring it on a plane
~a woman’s survival kit…with 24 different tools to help the woman on the go. Items, such as a folding hair brush with mirror, hair spray, clear elastics, earring backs, emery board, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, mending kit, double-sided tape, lint remover, shoe shine wipes, stain remover, breath freshener, dental floss, pain reliever, deodorant wipes, tampon, adhesive bandages, facial tissues.
~passport holder…which also holds my accomodation & rental car info and foreign currency.

Once I’ve got all that packed into my Lululemon carry-on, I’m pretty sure I can handle most any flight, long or short!

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Ok men….pay attention….this will make your life so much easier.  We have combed through all of the gift guides to bring you our faves.  And we are confident that your significant other will be thrilled to open up any of these items from under your tree!  This can avoid that awkward moment of when you knew you really blew it!   Some of these items are a splurge, but I’m going to let you guys in on a secret….most women prefer quality over quantity….so one nice item will surely get you in the good books!

1.  Allegro Scarf from Lululemon $88 http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-seasonal-accessories/Allegro-Scarf?cc=3537&skuId=3425647&catId=women-seasonal-accessories  This is one of the softest scarves ever, made from a blend of cashmere, cotton and rayon.  We love the little ruffle detail knitted on the edges.  This can be worn more formally as a shawl too.  Hubbies, you wives will love you for this one!

The allegro scarf from Lululemon can be worn like a shawl

A completely different look

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  We LOVE Uggs!  They may not be the most flattering piece of footwear, but they are the most comfortable.  Bottom line, Uggs are much cheaper to buy in the States, seriously, they are about 2/3 the cost!!!  So we recommend you get them at Nordstrom. Here are a few that we like.. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-australia-bailey-button-triplet-boot-women/3093279?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=1100$199.95

Jason bought these for me in black. They are SOOOO cozy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-australia-tularosa-route-detachable-boot-with-removable-knit-overlay/3167819?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=100 $249.95  The knit overlay is removable…you can wear it as shown, remove it or wear it up like a sock peaking out over your boot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Michael Kors HamiltonTote – Large.  $348  Go big or go home!  My hubby spoiled me with this bag this past summer and I’ve never looked back.  I love that I can easily fit my iPad in it and it’s amazing for travelling.  You can carry everything but the kitchen sink and still look stylish.  Michael Kors Black Large Hamilton Tote  It does come in a variety of colours and finishes (prices do vary).

This bag can carry hold everything but the kitchen sink and is so chic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Tory Burch flats are the perfect transition shoe for between the seasons. When it’s not quite warm enough for gladiators or flip flops, ballet flats are perfect!!!  Tory Burch is known for her Reva flats. They are super cute and comfortable! We love the tumbled leather Reva flats in this great caramel colour $195 http://www.toryburch.com/TUMBLED-LEATHER-REVA-BALLET-FLAT/50008668,default,pd.html?dwvar_50008668_color=252&start=12&cgid=shoes-reva-ballerina-flats

Tory Burch tumbled leather Reva ballet flat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also really love a metallic ballet flat…so versatile.  They can go with anything and we love these distressed gold ones http://www.toryburch.com/Distressed-Leather-Reva-Ballet-Flat/50008619,default,pd.html?dwvar_50008619_color=721&start=15&cgid=shoes-reva-ballerina-flats $195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  If the woman in your life is a chef, this knife block by Lee Valley Tools is ingenious http://www.leevalley.com/en/gifts/page.aspx?p=60774&cat=4,104,53214&ap=5 $36.50  It has  polypropylene rods instead of slots so it will accomodate many sizes and combinations of knives and other tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  If a watch is on your lady’s list, we love this rose gold watch http://www.nixonnow.com/za/NXN?PAGE=WOMENS_MATRIX20&WATCHREFID=A037&COLORID=897&TYPE=LOAD_PRODUCT_DETAIL  The Nixon 42-20 Watch is a splurge at $450, but she will wear it everyday, and because it’s rose gold it goes with anything!  Laurel recently tried it on and it looks fantastic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  Sunglasses are always a great gift!  We love these Hinder aviators from Oakley and they are on sale on Amazon starting at $102 http://www.amazon.com/Oakley-Womens-Hinder-Aviator-Sunglasses/dp/B0036B87VY/ref=pd_sbs_a_1  Laurel has these and always gets compliments on them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  I am in love with my iPad2.  It has replaced my laptop and is so much fun to read magazines on (People is my guilty pleasure).  I love that I can catch up on shows that I’ve missed and can rent movies when I travel.  The camera on it is great too!  For work, I throw it in my purse to take notes, take pics, look up websites.  I don’t need anything else!  http://store.apple.com/ca/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad starts at $519  I especially like it in white.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Kindle Fire $199  This is ONLY available in the US right now http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Color-Multi-touch-Display-Wi-Fi/dp/B0051VVOB2/ref=sr_tr_sr_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1322117963&sr=8-3  You can do so much more on this new Kindle…music, movies, internet, apps, email…and it’s a nice size with a 7″ screen.  Canadians, this is worth the trip across the border!  My mother-in-law received a Kindle for her birthday and she absolutely loves it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  Stila Lip Glaze Set $33  You can purchase this set at Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques or Sephora in the US for $25.  We love the great colours and the glaze is not sticky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  How many ladies do you see pull out a tattered, overfull wallet from their handbags?  I’ve been guilty of it!  Wallets are usually one of the last things ladies spend money on, but a good wallet is worth it.  We love these zippered versions because you can carry them as a clutch and you are forced to empty out your receipts regularly!

 

This Metallic Robinson Zip Continental Tory Burch wallet comes in both silver and gold and is on sale for $157.50 (down from $225).  Silver and gold go with most any handbag! http://www.toryburch.com/METALLIC-ROBINSON-ZIP-CONTINENTAL/12119147,default,pd.html?dwvar_12119147_size=OS&dwvar_12119147_color=040&start=43&cgid=accessories-wallets-wristlets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any women would like this Michael Kors Jet Set Continental Wallet in Dark Sand Python $128 http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod9780005&parentId=cat34702&masterId=cat144&index=12&cmCat=cat000000cat144cat34702&isEditorial=false

 

I personally have this wallet and love it! It looks great on its own

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.  These are Laurel’s favorite slippers…Lux Faux Fur Bootie from Restoration Hardware on sale for $19 (regularly $39).  They come in four colours.  http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1730012&categoryId=search

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  This last one I was selfishly debating whether I should share or not….some of my friends will be receiving these for Christmas!!  American Eagle has come up with texting gloves!  Brilliant!!  I am addicted to my iPhone, but you can’t use it if you’re wearing gloves.  Problem solved http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=0426_5752_300&catId=cat5180104&bundleCatId=cat5200016 $16.24  And…they are NOT fingerless!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On a recent trip to the states, the Sugarplum Sisters found some pretty sweet deals… It renewed our belief that you can find high quality, unique pieces without having to pay the full sticker price…or, in some cases, even half! You just gotta muster up your resolve to be patient and brave the racks of “mumbo jumbo” merchandising…a small price for some big finds!!

Here’s a sampling….You can find treats in every size!

Bliss Rollerball Perfume- from Marshalls $5.50 (reg $18)

 

Girl's Splendid Wrap - Loehmanns $16.99

 

Splendid long sleeve tees- Nordstrom Rack $24.97 (reg $50)

 

Girls 7 For all Mankind "Dojo" jeans Nordstrom Santa Monica $48.90 (Reg $99)

 

ABS Allen Schwartz Vintage Vamp Mixed Rhinestone and Pearl Necklace- Nordstrom Rack $74.95 (Reg$275)

 

Michael Kors tortoise watch from Loehmanns $119.99 (Reg $180)

 

Michael Kors Hamilton tote TJ Maxx Santa monica $199.99 (Reg $348)

 

Stunner of a discount!:

Pour La Victoire "Kyler" Boots- Marshalls $199 (Reg $557)

So…gather up your mental fortitude and start hunting for the deals..they are out there! We love Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Saks Off Fifth Avenue, and Loehmanns for smashing deals! And….for all you UGG lovers out there: Buy them south of the border! Time and time again, we have been shocked at the price difference! Nordstrom carries a huge selection.  Our favorite new boot:

UGGS "Lynnea" $199 US vs $345 CDN!! Wear them rolled down to expose the sheepskin lining or pull up for a more streamlined look..Nordstrom

Christmas is coming!!! Have fun shopping!

 

 

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