Category Archives: Kiki’s List

11.29.10

Tis The Season: Gifts for Him.

Wondering what to get that special man in your life? Your sports-loving, gadget consuming, beer guzzling better half? Oh, is that just my husband?… I say that with the utmost affection.

Men are from Mars, and women are from Venus.. so rather than your husband making the I just got kicked in the n$%s face when he opens his gifts this year, use this gift guide to replace that grimace. I enjoy making those that I love happy at Christmas time, and these gifts are sure to do the trick!


3. Engraved Flask– $24.99 ON SALE
5. Apple TV– $99
6. Timex Ironman Watch– $34.99
8. NFL Hoodie- $54.95
11. Magnetic Wristband– $19.95

11.22.10

Tis the Season: Gift Guide for Kids.

For the next upcoming weeks, I will be doing a gifting segment called Tis the Season. Each Tis the Season post will be filled with ideas for all of the special people in your life.

 
Today, I am kicking it off with kids. They are what this season is all about right? Ah, to see Christmas through a child’s eyes. I will never forget when E was two, and she came downstairs from her nap (she used to take four hour snoozers, so we picked that time to trim the tree) and she gasped out of sheer excitement for our beautiful tree. Of course, I shed a few tears.
 
This year it’s Lou’s turn to really “get it” for the first time.. and I can’t wait. as you can see, last year, she was less than enthusiastic.

 
Make your little tikes happy with some of these picks. Check out the kids’ gift ideas that made it onto Kiki’s List:
 
 
1. Wooden Sushi Set- $15.07 ON SALE
12. Magnetic Fishing Puzzle– $8.41 ON SALE

11.15.10

The Bigger the Better: Cocktail Rings.


A cocktail ring is a dramatic large ring, generally worn at cocktail parties. The cocktail ring was especially popular to wear during US prohibition at illegal cocktail parties. Wearing a cocktail ring flaunted not only the fact that one was drinking illegally, but also that they were doing it with style.

Popularity of the cocktail ring gained in the 1940s and 1950s, as cocktail parties continued to be popular events. We saw the revival of the cocktail ring at the Oscars in 1996, and they are certainly here to stay.

I love a good cocktail ring. My theory on these babies aligns with my theory in life: “Go big, or stay home.” The bigger the better. So put on your cocktail ring and raise a glass to these beauties. Here are the cocktail rings that made it onto Kiki’s List:


1. Horsebit Cocktail Ring- $3,390

2. Sunshine Ring– ON SALE $51.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
4. Tuxedo Pearls Ring– $125 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
5. Empress Ring– $125
6. White Topaz Ring– $795 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
7. Cinnamon Topaz Ring– $1,005
10. Hematite Midnight Haze Ring– $7,700 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
12. Midnight Pearl Ring– $3,590

11.11.10

The Power of Paper.


No matter how advanced technology becomes, nothing beats the warmth and thoughtfulness of an old-fashioned thank you note. Two things that I like to indulge in (among others) are personalized stationery and fresh flowers. They make me happy.

 
Check out these tips from Southern Living on the five key elements of a charming thank you note:
 
1. Start with the date and salutation: Send your note, written in black ink, within a week of receiving a gift.
2. Say thanks right off the bat: Be specific about why you are writing the note. If you’re thanking someone for a monetary gift, refer to their “generosity” rather than mentioning the amount.
3. Compliment the kind gesture: Don’t be afraid to go over the top—everyone loves an effusive compliment, as long as it’s heartfelt.
4. Allude to the future: Anticipate another get-together, or if you’re writing about a gift, be sure to tell them how you plan to use it.
5. Finish with sincere regards: Reiterate your gratitude, then close the letter on an intimate note, signing your first and last name. Don’t forget to proofread before you postmark!
Now that you’ve been schooled on the how to’s, pick yourself up some fresh stationery. Check out the top correspondence cards that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. The Point Pattern– $68 for 20 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
2. Simply Classic Notecards– $12 for 8
3. Cable Knit Notecards-$65 for 25 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
4. Fuschia Notecard– $272 for 25
5. Wild Things Notecards-$58.50 for 25
6. Modern Vintage Notecards– $31 for 25
7. Letterpress Elephant Cards– $238 for 25 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
8. Orange with Pink Piping Notecards– $68 for 20 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
9. Herringbone Notecards– $65 for 25
10.Petal Pop Stationary-$448 for 50
11. Starfish Notecards– $60 for 24 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVE
12. Oaxaca Correspondence Cards– $238 for 25

11.03.10

A Peek Into Their World: Mixed Chicks

Last month, I went to see my masterful hairdresser Mikala for a haircut, and she confirmed what I already knew by telling me that my hair was “nasty.” Generally, I would consider my hair to be pretty easy- straight, shiny and quite manageable. However, after two lice incidents this summer, I was in dire need of some hair repair. Rather than a deep conditioning treatment, Mikala told me that she was going to use a new product on my hair that was created for biracial hair. It was developed by two multi-racial women who had a difficult time finding products for their difficult hair. At this point- I would try anything.


When she put the conditioner on my hair Mikala said that my hair just sucked it right up. After a blow out, I was so excited that my hair was “back.” It had shine, it had bounce… It was soft and it was beautiful. Without a thought, I bought both the shampoo and the conditioner. Since that day I have used it twice a week on both my hair as well as E’s. I must say, have gotten quite a few compliments on my locks since I started using Mixed Chicks.

I was so very excited about these products, that I wanted to share them with all of you.. After all, aren’t we all a “mixed chick” in some way, shape or form? So, first, let me introduce you all to Wendi Levy (left) and Kim Etheredge (right), creators of Mixed Chicks.

Wendi and Kim met at a barbecue. Quickly they bonded over about the common problem that they shared… they were both frustrated with their unruly hair. Through this chance encounter, a partnership was formed. They started developing their product, and friends and family couldn’t get enough. From the modest beginnings of working out of a garage and handing out samples at churches, in just two years Mixed Chicks was officially on the map. The dedication and hard work garnered positive word of mouth including endorsements from several celebrities. Sales skyrocketed after Halle Berry mentioned Mixed Chicks as one of her Top 5 must-have items in the March 2009 issue of In Style.

These lovely ladies were so gracious to chat with me so that we could all take A Peek Into Their World. Best Yet: All Kiki’s List fans will receive a 10% discount on all Mixed Chicks products through Friday. Online Code: KIKI


What’s your favorite product?
Mixed Chicks Deep & Leave-in conditioners, of course!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?
W– Not having a boss to check in with & sometimes helping women via email help their interracial children with identity issues.
K– Making people feel good.

Explain a day in the life.
W-Coffee. Wash, dress and feed myself & my 2 year old. Drive. Process a few hundred individual web orders while answering phones(salon & beauty supply orders & general questions) & correcting packing errors. Taking a few meetings( i.e. Marketing, Fed EX, labs, packaging etc.) Returning at least 100 emails. Paying all the company’s bills. Overseeing the warehouse & 7 employees.(all with my 2 year old on my hip or dangling from my leg). Drive. Eat. Wash my hair with new batches of product that need approval for the next day or notes for changes in those products. Play. Hug my husband. Sleep.
K-Coffee, Coffee, Coffee. Wake at 6am take my daughter to school,get into the office by 8:30am. Wendi & I have a lot of the same duties. What she doesn’t do I do, what I don’t do she does. Day ends at around 8pm.

How would you describe your style?
W– Comfortable always, sort of bohemian.
K– Simple but chic.

How do you find a work/life balance while building your business?
W-I’m still searching for balance and often struggling to find it.
K– It’s just here for me. I love my family & I love my Job, So I always put my best foot forward.

Any advice for women looking to become entrepreneurs?
W-Go for it. It’s well worth the struggle. Be consistent, persistent and prepared. IF you’re in a relationship be sure it’s with someone very secure.
K-I can’t do it is never the answer.

Biggest mistake?
W-I’m not sure yet. Hind site is always 20/20. Ask me when I retire.
K– I’ll second that.

What’s next for Mixed Chicks?
W-The horizon for Mixed Chicks is limitless. If I say what’s next I fear someone will grab the idea and beat me to it. So you’ll just have to stay tuned.
K– Everything!



A huge thank you to Wendi and Kim for creating such fantastic products, and letting us take A Peek Into Their World.

11.01.10

Mix it Up.



Don Draper has one, why shouldn’t you? That’s right, I am talking about a bar cart. I bought a bar cart at the Lucketts Store for $125 (identical to #4) last year. As I mentioned in Kirsten Krason’s Good Design with Kids in Mind series, sometimes you have to make concessions in decor with kids. Because I still have two little ones who might literally drink a bottle of Grey Goose, I use it more as a tea cart in our dining room.


I love the look and functionality of a well-styled bar cart. They are a great solution if you don’t have a bar, have limited cabinet space or just like to get your drink on. If you are in the market, check out the bar carts that made it onto Kiki’s List:


1. Gold Leaf Bar Cart– $699 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
2. Cosmopolitan Bar Cart– $1,160 ON SALE ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Lacquer Bar Cart- $795
4. Brass Bar Cart– Open Bid ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Modern Bar Cart– $1,195
7. Wainwright Bar Cart– $1,250
8. Serving Bar Cart- $450
9. Brass Bar Cart– $3,950
10. Calvert Bar Cart– $750
11. Bamboo Drink Trolley– $1,800 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
12. Raymond Bar Cart– $825 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE

10.28.10

Take Another Looksie: LOFT.


The Ann Taylor Loft brand was established in 1996 as a more casual, more affordable version of the Ann Taylor brand. Up until last spring, I was unimpressed. Ann Taylor LOFT, now renamed LOFT has been bringing their “A” game as of late. Check out the fantastic fall items that made it onto Kiki’s List:


2. Rosette Halter Cami– $54.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Striped Merino Wool Blazer– $98 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
4. Gold Brocade Skirt– $69.50
5. Zebra Stripes Tank– $14.99 ON SALE
6. Pieced Jeans Belt– $39.50
7. Military Sweater Coat- $128 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
8. Open Cabled Cardigan– $69.50 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
11. Lean Boyfriend Jeans- $24.99 ON SALE