Good Gift For Your Favorite Movie Geek

Let me start this post by saying that I know I haven't been posting often lately and for the couple of you that read this blog often - SORRY! I've just been swamped with work and writing and haven't been able to get to it. At least I'm posting today :) If you're looking for a gift for your boss or for a client that loves movies, the book above looks interesting and is reasonably priced. If you want to do something more elaborate you could always add some movie tickets or dvds to it.

Ever Gotten the Urge to DRINK your bacon??

I know that people love their bacon and a part of me gets the bacon chocolate combo, but the bacon soda from Jones that's available in this gift of bacon treats... ummm, I think the jury is still out on that one.

The Cheese Store of Pasadena Is Now Open

A cheese plate is always a nice thing to bring over to a party or just if you or your boss is visiting a friend, but there aren't that many great places in the valley that do them besides the Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. I just read recently that a new place opened up in Pasadena called the Cheese Store of Pasadena and that Norbert Wabnig, the owner of the GREAT Cheese Store of Beverly Hills was a consultant. If you have time, it sounds like it would be worth checking out.

Cheers!

If you or your boss wants to buy cool barware or books on how to make great cocktails as a gift or to have at home, you might want to check out Bar Keeper in Silverlake. It looks like they have some pretty cool stuff.

I Know People Want Their Events To Be Exciting, But This Looks A Bit Scary

If you or your boss wants to throw a party and you really want to do something different, try throwing a Dinner in the Sky party. I remember hearing about this a few years back, but someone recently mentioned it to me again, so I figured I'd blog about it. This looks fun, but also a bit scary, so I'm not sure if I would do it, but I'm sure lots of people would get a thrill from it.

Chocri Customized Chocolate Bars

If you or your boss wants to get someone a fun sweet treat, chocolate bars you can customize seem like a unique and fun idea.

Sharpie Liquid Pencil

Not sure why, but I really want one of these Sharpie Liquid Pencils. If you or your boss likes to get the new thing on the market, you might want to buy one.

A Smart Way To Further Refine Your Google Searches

Lifehacker posted this great little tip/Google update that can make you or your boss an even bigger searching superstar. If you have a second, it's worth checking out.

If You Really Have To Buy A Blackberry

If you've read this blog even a few times you know I'm an iPhone girl, but if you're going to get a Blackberry, the new Torch looks pretty cool. Here's some video of the Torch if you want to check it out.

Texas Frito Brittle

How good does the above picture look??? I recently saw something on the Food Network about the Texas Frito Brittle you see above that's sold by The Chocolate Bar Shop. The yummy looking treat has Frito corn chips, pretzel sticks, chopped Texas pecans and milk chocolate in it. It looks like a great little treat for you or your boss to send to a friend. I haven't tried it yet, but when I do maybe I will post again.

Apptastic List

If you have an iPhone, you have to check out this great list from Lifehacker of all the best apps for it!

Kindle Word Games - Time Suck Ahead

Uh oh, I just found about the free word game on Kindle called Every Word. I know that it will be a big time suck for me, but how on earth can I resist? If you or your boss has a Kindle, you might want to check it out.

Green Eggs & Shoes?

Wow, even I know this title is lame, but what else was I going to use. Anyway, I recently read about the fact that Converse is doing a Dr. Seuss line and that sounds like a really unique and whimsical gift to give the kid in your life. If you or your boss need to give a gift to the child in your life, you might want to check them out.

Not Sure If One Of These Apples A Day Will Keep The Doctor Away

I just recently saw a segment on the new Food Network show called Kid in a Candy Store about insanely yummy looking caramel apples from a place called Sinfully Sweet Gourmet Treats. These apples might not keep the doctor away, but they sure look delish. If you or your boss needs to send a sweet treat to someone, they look like a good bet.

Get A Blankie & Do Good At The Same Time

If you or your boss has a baby gift to buy, you might want to check out Happy Blankie. Not only is the blankie cute and fairly reasonable, but when you buy one they donate one to a child in need.

Cute & Sweet

I haven't yet tasted the cute little dessert above called a S'muffin from Gotta Have Smore, but it looks pretty good. If you or your boss knows someone that has a sweet tooth, it seems like a cute little gift to send. If I order them for someone or try them, I'll post again.

New Gift For Your Gadget Loving Friends

So, of course, I got the iPhone 4 and truly so far I'm not having any problems (although clearly others are having a few). I just ordered a cool new case from Exogear that's coming out soon. The case looks nice and also adds extra battery life. If you or your boss have a friend that has a new iPhone, it's a great gift.

I Do - Do U(SB)

I say all the time that the most important thing about a gift is originality (not cost) and the gift mentioned in this article is a great example of that. Also, as a geeky girl, I love this idea.

Interesting Gift For Your Favorite Food & Wine Obsessed Friends or Clients

If you or your boss have an adventurous food and wine obsessed friend or client that always loves to have the latest and greatest new finds - you might want to try sending them this pasta from Marche Noir Foods that's made from wine flour. It's a unique gift that won't break the bank.

Funny Gift For Your Friends Obsessed With Social Media

This social media Venn Diagram t-shirt is hilarious. It's the perfect gift for the person in your life or the life of your boss that's obsessed with social media.

MMMMM Caramelly

The flavors of salted butter caramel that Petite Bouchee sells sound amazing. You can buy them online here. They aren't badly priced and seem like a unique little food treat.

Interviewing 101

Since so many assistants are looking for jobs right now, I thought I would post this helpful list from Stepcase Lifehack about how to shine in an interview.

DIY Laptop Stands

If you like to sit in bed and use your laptop, but you have a hard time getting comfortable, check out this post from Lifehacker that shows you a bunch of really inventive DIY laptop stands.

Fudgetastic

I keep hearing about this local fudge with sea salt from John Kelly Chocolates. I guess I'm going to have to try it at some point soon. If you live in LA, you might want to check them out as well.

I'm Back & In A Geeky Frenzy

A few of you emailed me to ask me if I was okay because I hadn't blogged in a few weeks. Truthfully I forget that at least a few people actually read this blog and it never occurred to me someone would worry. Anyway, sorry I've been absent, but I've recently gotten the opportunity to partner with some people I really respect on a something I wrote with hopes of selling it and that combined with my full time gig has left me no time to blog. I will still be blogging in the coming weeks, but it just might not be super frequently. One reason I decided to blog today is that I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED regarding the new iPhone 4 that can be pre-ordered starting next Tuesday. If you don't have an iPhone yet or are toting around an older generation one like me, you should upgrade. I know, I know AT&T kind of sucks, but I swear it's worth it to suck it up for all the cool features of the phone.

Fun With Food

Good Fortunes sells a cute gift item, cookies and an edible pen to decorate/write on them with. This would make a cute gift for a kid or even an adult with an artsy or fun spirit.

Light As A USB

I'm not sure why, but I find these quirky USB flash drives that look like either a comb or a feather from Uncommon Goods entertaining. If you need a funny, but useful gift for your favorite techie, check them out.

A New Site For An Old Favorite

One of my favorite companies, Elizabeth W, recently revamped their website and I love the new look. The company sells amazing lotions, shower gels and other items in great scents (like Sweet Tea, my fav), so check it out if you have a chance.

A Reliable iPad Review

If you want to read an iPad review from someone I really trust and think is a great tech reporter to help decide if you need it, check out Walt Mossberg's review here.

Great Eco-Friendly Gift You Can Customize

If you or your boss want to get a great gift for an eco-friendly friend, try a Sigg aluminum water bottle. They come in a bunch of colors and can also be customized.

Nostalgic Treat

I ran across these yummy looking S'mores on an artisanal food site I like and have mentioned before called Foodzie. They are made by a company called A Little Bit Of Sweet in Portland. I can't vouch for the flavor yet (although I will probably send them to someone soon to test them out), but they look great and any vendor I have ordered from on Foodzie so far has been great.

Good Book List To Check Out

If you're dying for something new to read, but you just don't know what might be a good bet, check out this list EW did of books they can't wait to read.

Printing From Your iPad

Geeksugar had a great post today about a way to print from your iPad. The site is worth checking out regularly, as they always seem to have interesting info and tips.

Get A Tie & Help Others At The Same Time

I love to find gifts to suggest that allow you to give something special to someone and help others at the same time. I've written about Tom's Shoes before (they give away a pair of shoes for every pair they sell) and I just read about Figs in Santa Monica that sells a variety of styles of cool ties (not just bow ties) and for each tie sold that make sure a child in Africa has a proper school uniform (in many places there you can't attend without one). To read more about this program, Threads for Threads, click here.

Tricks For Better Searching

The New York Times recently ran this article about helpful tricks to use when utilizing Google that will help you to refine your search and/or make it quicker. You and/or your boss might know some of them, but it's worth taking a look to find out about a few new ideas that will save you time.

A Unique & Yummy Alternative to Sending Chocolates

If you or your boss wants to send someone a little treat and is sick of sending chocolates or cookies, next time why not try Cake Balls instead. They look pretty yummy to me! I'll do another post if/when I taste them, but they have gotten some great press already, so check them out.

Reading Scripts On The iPad

I'm resisting the urge to get an iPad right now (since I have a iPhone, Kindle and laptop it seems pointless), but I'm glad to know that if I do decide to get one at some point that there are ways to read scripts on it that are user-friendly and easy on the eyes. John August did a great post about a app he got for the iPad that allows him to read scripts, so if you or your boss might be getting one and want to read scripts on it, take a minute and check it out.

Fried Pies

Do I really need to say more than Fried Pies? If you or your boss wants to send a unique dessert to a client or a friend, you might want to try this yummy sounding dessert from Backroads Bakery in Texas. They come in a bunch of flavors and they ship outside of Texas!

Want Some Violet In Your Next Cocktail?

Cocktails with Violet flavored and/or scented liqueurs are making a comeback. I read about it in Martha Stewart Living magazine and you can also read about it in this article from Imbibe Magazine or this one from Gourmet. If you or your boss wants to give a unique gift to someone who drinks -- Creme Yvette or Creme De Violette would be an interesting choice that they probably don't have or maybe haven't ever seen. If you want to add a bit to it as a gift you could pair it with pretty glasses and/or a few recipes. The trend is hitting big, so buy it before you can't get it.

Podcastastic

It's always a good idea to listen to others talk about their craft. Even if you're already successful it can help you learn about new ways to approach things or maybe even inspire you. Chris Hardwick, a stand-up comedian, the host of Web Soup on G4, a successful blogger and technology writer now just added another thing to his plate - the Nerdist (that's the title of his blog) Podcast. Chris has had great guests (Drew Carey, Jon Hamm and others) so far talking about writing, comedy and various geeky things. If you get a chance you should check it out. If you enjoy Chris and all he has to offer, you can also follow him on twitter.

Great Cookbook For Those With Food Allergies

If you or your boss wants to get a gift for someone who likes to cook, but has food allergies, this book might be just the ticket.

DIY Foodie Delight

The perfect gift for your favorite foodie - A DIY cheese kit!

Building a 21st Century Business

This article about building a business in this day and age with services like Twitter, etc. that can really impact your brand is interesting and worth reading for you and your boss. Take a few minutes today to check it out.

Yes, I Said A Bike Made Of Bamboo

If you want to buy yourself an environmentally friendly gift that will also help the developing world and/or suggest it to your boss to give to his/her eco-friendly client, try a Bamboosero - a bike made largely of Bamboo.

Another Great Way To Stay Productive

I love reading tips that help me to be more productive. I just read this tip at lunch about taking time at the end of your day and the beginning of your day to check in and focus in order to get not only more things done, but the right things done. I basically already do what's being suggested, but if you don't, take a few minutes to check it out and/or show it to your boss.

Bacon Trend Shows No Sign of Letting Up

If you or your boss loves Bacon and/or wants to give someone a salty & sweet food treat, you might want to try Bacon Caramel Popcorn from Chef Cordelia. It certainly sounds interesting.

Handmade Candy That Will Make Your Mouth Water

I've heard great things about the handmade candy company Liddabit Sweets in New York, but in the past they were only sold at the Brooklyn Flea Market, so I had no way to order and send to friends because I live in LA. I just realized that they now have an online sweet shop, so you can buy online for yourself or if your boss wants to send a unique sweet treat. One of the gift collections they sell called The Kitchen Sink sounds really amazing and includes: the Lime-In-The-Coconut Bar, the PB&J Bar, 6-packs of Sea Salt, Chocolate-Sea Salt, and Beer & Pretzel Caramels, bags of their Milk Chocolate Honeycomb candy and Pecan-Brown Sugar Brittle, 4-packs of their Apple-Maple and Barley Tea-Honey Lollipops and even a few other bars. Take a minute to check them out.

Live Long & Pumpkin??

One thing I always say when people ask me for advice about gifts is -- do something original! I swear people sometimes don't believe me, but doing something unique is more important than spending a fortune. I heard about these crazy and fun custom pumpkins (this is just a sample - so check out the site for a whole bunch more) from The Pumpkin Geek and I wanted to spread the word. They are craved on an everlasting artificial pumpkin, so they won't go bad. These faux pumpkins would be great at a party or just as a special gift for someone. They aren't a super low price point, but for what you get (which is like hand done pumpkin art) the cost really isn't that bad.

Making Clutter Vanish

I'm always working at getting better at being organized (even though I'm already pretty good) and figuring out ways I can reduce clutter in my life. This post from the organize it blog has 3 Golden Rules for having a decluttered life that make a ton of sense. Take a minute to check it out.

Great Gift For Your Favorite Foodie

My friend Ainsley recently got me into aged Balsamic vinegar and I had no idea it was so incredible. It's a bit thicker (almost like a syrup) and sweeter than regular balsamic. It's a great gift to buy for your favorite foodie and the price point isn't that bad. I recently got this one for my mom as a gift.

This Baby Gift Truly Is A Miracle

One of the gift categories I get asked about more than any other is baby gifts. I recently got a friend a great gift she is really loving, so I thought I would tell you about it in case you or your boss might have a baby gift to buy at some point soon. The item above is called a Miracle Blanket and honestly people keep saying it truly is one because it works really well on most babies. Other companies make swaddling blankets, but this one is longer so you can truly wrap it around tight enough (which is comforting to them) and it has a pocket to put the tiny baby feet in. I love the pink camo one above, but they also come in solid colors. It's reasonably priced and a great gift for any newborn.

Proof That I Don't Only Care About the iPhone

Believe it or not you will use a Kindle app on a smartphone more than you think you might. I had my iPhone Kindle app and read a book on my iPhone before I ever got my full size Kindle and I found it useful. When you're at a location like the car wash reading a few pages of a book on something that size doesn't really bother your eyes at all (at least not mine). Amazon now has a Kindle app for the Blackberry, so if you have one of those you might want to check it out.

Off Vine Opening Again Soon

If you or your boss live in or around Los Angeles and you need a good restaurant to go to in Hollywood, don't forget that Off Vine will open again soon (likely around end of February, but check their website).

Okay Now I Have Heard Of Everything

Seriously, CUPCAKES for GUYS?? I didn't know that desserts were gender specific, but a place in NYC called Butch Bakery seems to think so. I have to admit that some of the flavors (Rum & Coke, for instance) do intrigue me a little. I suppose if you're looking for a food treat for a guy this might just be the perfect thing to do.

Harry Potter and the Importance of Failure

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

Okay, yes the title is a bit of a cheat to catch your attention, but it's J.K. Rowling in the video, so it isn't a total fake out. I recently happened upon this video of J.K. Rowling giving a commencement speech at Harvard where she talks about how important it is to fail at times and how failing at something even if it hurts can help to lead you to the path you should be on. The speech is charming, self-deprecating, funny and inspirational. Take a few minutes to watch when you can.

Clever Travel Idea

If you or your boss is feeling lazy about pouring the products you like into bottles the right size to take on a plane, check out this site that takes the guess work out of it for you. Every product they sell (and there are various lines) is that size or smaller and you can just pack and go!

Adorable Baby Gift Idea

I'm always on the lookout for cute baby gifts. For some reason that's a gift category I get asked about all the time. I recently saw a gift that a close friend got that was really adorable from a company called Baby Bunch. They put together onesies, t-shirts, hats socks, etc. into bunches that look like flower bouquets (they come above in little pails and just as the bunches themselves). The price point for all that you get is pretty reasonable and they are really sweet and unique. It's a great gift for you to send yourself or recommend to a boss.

Mobile Grilled Cheese

If you or your boss is having a party or wants to do something nice for people at work one idea might be to contact the Grilled Cheese Truck (if you live in the LA area). The truck travels around like other gourmet food trucks and sells grilled cheese at various locations, but you can hire them to cater your event. Sounds like a good plan to me.

Sweet & Salty

If you or your boss need to buy a gift for someone who loves the combo of sweet and savory, I just found out about a great new sweet treat -- the Sweet & Salty Brownie from Baked in NYC when I was watching The Best Thing I Ever Ate on the Food Network this weekend. They look insanely good and you can order them online even if you don't live in NYC.

Apple Deals More Geek Crack

It will be no surprise to anyone that reads this blog that I so want the iPad from Apple. Seriously Apple stop dealing the Geek Crack, I'm obsessed with my iPhone enough as it is. Still debating if I am going to spend the money yet, but I WANT IT!! I hope Apple starts working on the iMan that I've been suggesting for months at some point soon.

Advice On Learning New Things

I came across this post today via Lifehacker (I site I LOVE - if you haven't checked it out, you must) and it's well worth giving a few minutes of your time to read it. It was written by a young programmer, Matt Nowack, but the advice is valuable to anyone that wants to learn new things and challenge themselves.

iPod Powered By The Sun??

I'm a geek, so to me this is pretty cool.

Lord Of The Froth

I did this post about great coffee gifts to buy when I didn't really know how my current boss best liked her coffee. As it turned out this gift idea was a great one to give her this year for the holidays, so that I could make her coffee the way she loves it at the office. The post is worth checking out if you need to get a gift for a coffee lover, but I also have a tip to share about making foam with a frother (like the one I suggested in the post or any one you buy) - FROTH it COLD! You can heat the foam afterward, but it will not froth nearly as well warm. I had no idea.

Need A Gift For Your Favorite Green Friend??

And no, I don't mean Kermit the Frog. If you or your boss has a friend or client who's into green living, Caldrea is a great line of products to buy. They have products for the home and great hand lotions as well (in a variety of scents). The packaging is chic and elegant and the price point is pretty reasonable.