Advice From A Personal Assistant

WTF You Should Be Listening To

2011-04-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

I know I have not been blogging much lately. I'm still working at my current gig, but I recently got an agent, so I'm also reworking my tv pilot and I barely have time to do anything else. Sorry :) Back to regular programming.

I love a good podcast, so if you or your boss is into listening to them in the car or at the gym, one of the best podcasts I have ever heard is Marc Maron's WTF Podcast. I have seen him do stand-up on tv and always thought he was funny and cute in a brooding neurotic Jew kind of way (yes, even with the slightly odd facial hair and yes I can say that because I am a slightly brooding neurotic Jew myself), but that isn't why I listen. He has interviewed lots of famous people (many of them his friends -- the recent Conan O'Brien ep was particularly spectacular), but it really isn't that so many of his guests are well know that makes it so great either. What really makes the show special is the way Marc gets people to open up and show a side of themselves that most people never see with his mix of self-deprecating humor and empathy. Some of the older eps cost money, but they are worth every penny. The show was even written up earlier this year in the New York Times if you want to read more about it.

Gift For The Chocolate Fanatic In Your Life

2011-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

If you or your boss needs a gift for someone that is fixated on chocolate, you might want to order them the chocolate cacao beans above from Moonstruck Chocolates They are made of a chocolate that was thought to be extinct, but was recently rediscovered, so the gift will seem special and unique

Good Gift For Your Favorite Movie Geek

2010-12-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

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??

2010-11-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-10-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-09T14:07:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-06T12:44:00.001-07:00

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?

2010-08-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

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)

2010-07-13T13:12:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-30T10:12:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-06T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-22T13:25:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-16T12:25:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-03-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

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

Building a 21st Century Business

2010-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-05T13:40:00.000-08:00

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??

2010-03-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-19T13:08:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-10T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-27T13:11:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-25T13:51:00.000-08:00

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??

2010-01-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

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

Lord Of The Froth

2010-01-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

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??

2010-01-19T13:21:00.000-08:00

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.

Weekend Read

2010-01-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not using the term in it's usual sense of all the scripts people take home to read over the weekend. I'm referring to what I will likely be reading on a weekend soon after I get the new draft of my tv spec done. The new book by George Lucas, Blockbusting, looks interesting and informative for anyone who loves movies and especially people who work in the business.

A Big Keyboard For A Small Smartphone

2010-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

I can't explain why I want this keyboard for an iPhone that ION displayed at CES, but I kind of do and I can actually see a use for it. If you travel often and don't really need a laptop, but might end up needing to type a bunch of e-mails, it would being useful. I guess my decision about it will be based on the cost. When it's available for purchase, I will blog about it again.

A Great Local Place To Get Gifts For Your Favorite Foodie

2010-01-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

It's hard to find gifts for the people you love that are super into food and cooking because they are so passionate that they buy themselves what they want. I love finding little places that I didn't know about that have great niche stuff for foodies. I just recently heard about a place in Pasadena called Beyond The Olive that specializes in all sorts of olive oil that looks pretty interesting. You can buy stuff from them online or pop in. If you have a foodie in your life, it might be worth checking it out.

New York Times Top Apps List

2010-01-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a bit biased towards the iPhone and I'm trying to rectify that by recommending things for all sorts of smartphones on this blog, so I was excited when I saw this article in the New York Times that had best apps for all sorts of devices. Take a minute and check it out.

New Moleskine Products Available Soon

2010-01-06T13:31:00.000-08:00

I love all my online organization, but I like paper as well and one of my favorite things to use is a Moleskine notebook. Hemingway liked them, so who am I to argue. I just read about some new products that will be available from them soon and they sound pretty cool, so check it out.

Another Gadget For Me To Dream About

2010-01-05T13:47:00.001-08:00

I love my iPhone I really do - well especially the non phone part of it, but the new Google Device, called The Nexus is making me want to stray a little. I'm usually not a cheater, but who knows what might happen now.

Drunk With A Twist Of Sugar High

2010-01-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Need a gift for your favorite wine lover who also loves sweets, try Cabernet brownies. Sugar and alcohol seems like an ideal combo if you ask me.

A Mini Blog Vacation

2009-12-21T13:23:00.001-08:00

Just an FYI to all, I'm likely not going to be blogging until January 4th. I'm taking a little blogcation and a real vacation to NYC where I will likely freeze into a human Popsicle. I'll be back to blogging in 2010 unless I get super inspired by something and have a bit of time to post during the holiday. Happy Holidays to all and I look forward to sharing more tips in the New Year.

These Cupcakes Really Are Yummy

2009-12-18T13:47:00.000-08:00

I wrote about my favorite local cupcakes on this blog, so feel free to check that out, but I realized today that one of the places I mentioned, Yummy Cupcakes, has some innovative sweet cupcake treats -- like Cupcakes on Stick and In A Jar. They are a fun alternative to cookies during the holidays.

Free Apps For All

2009-12-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

If you have an iPhone and you want to know what cool apps for it you can get for free, check out this post from Gizmodo that lists some of the best picks out there.

Great Sweet Treats For Vegans

2009-12-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

People that have strict diets can be hard to buy for, but these days that's becoming less and less true. I just heard about a company called Chocolate Inspirations that does all kinds of brittle and toffee for vegans and it all looks really good. If you have a vegan to give a gift to and your at a loss, it's worth checking out.

A Gift Like No Other

2009-12-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

If you or your boss needs to get a gift for that person that truly has everything already, check out the website for Cloud 9 Living that has all kinds of incredible experiences you can pick from for the recipient that's so hard to buy for on your list.

Nook Not Yet Ready For Prime Time

2009-12-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

My fear of the Nook from Barnes and Noble being a far superior e-book reader and panic over the fact that I had just received a Kindle DX that cost more, seems to be unfounded. The Nook has some cool features, but this review in the New York Times makes it clear that the Kindle is a better device for now.

Gate Guru

2009-12-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

I just read the other day about a great new iPhone app for those who travel often called Gate Guru . It's a great little addition to the iPhone for the frequent traveler that helps you to figure out what food, shops and amenities are available in the airport you or your boss is heading to at the moment. It's not free, but it isn't very expensive, so it's worth a look.

Pretzeltastic

2009-12-08T10:35:00.001-08:00

Here's another yummy food to send during the holidays that's a bit more fun - chocolate covered pretzels from Pretzeables.

Awash In Email

2009-12-06T17:30:00.001-08:00

Are you buried in e-mail and unable to manage it all? I think in this digital age it's hard not to feel overwhelmed by all the ways people can contact you and e-mail especially can get out of hand pretty quick. The Bits Blog of the New York Times has a few ideas how you can arm yourself to better deal with e-mail and it mentions one of my favorite solutions, Merlin Mann's famous strategy, Inbox Zero, that was featured in a talk he gave at Google. Both the article and video are worth taking the time to check out because in the long run they will make you more efficient.

Gifts From the Wild

2009-12-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

I stole the title from the tagline the NRDC did, but it was so good I HAD TO! If you want to give a gift this season to someone who loves animals and cares about the environment, check out some great options here.

Just Resize It!

2009-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

This Adobe Air App called Just Resize It looks like a very easy way to resize an image without going through a big hassle. I think I'm going to check it out and you might want to take a minute to do so as well. I would imagine it would be helpful at work and home.

Iphone Killers?

2009-12-02T13:28:00.000-08:00

If you ever read this blog you know that even with all the faults it has - I LOVE my iPhone. If you're sick of hearing about it and/or you or your boss is looking into getting a new device, check out this article from Trend Central that gives you details on a few cool options.

Icetastic

2009-12-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

I'm sick and super busy at work, so I literally have about a minute to blog today. If you want to try a fun local dessert I just heard about or if your boss really likes sweets, send them to Ice Pan in West Hollywood where your custom flavored ice cream freezes right in front of you.

An Alternative To Candy Canes

2009-11-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

I always like to think outside the box with any category of gift, but especially food gifts. I hate giving people the same boring treats even if they're good. At the holidays people often give brownies and cookies and things like candy canes and that's all well and good, but there are so many more interesting options for you or your boss to give these days. Why not try Peppermint Bark from Williams Sonoma:
Or these Juicy Jell candies from the Candy Basket that come in flavors even a foodie would appreciate like Meyer Lemon and Asian Pear:

Vinobrary

2009-11-24T13:04:00.000-08:00

If your boss or someone close to you loves wine or wants to give a gift to someone who does, the New York Times just did a interesting article about a couple of fascinating wine books that would make great gifts.

Computer Chic

2009-11-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why, but I really like this usb glass shelf that goes above a keyboard. It looks sleek, gives you an little extra space to put a few things you need at your disposal and provides you with a few extra usb ports if you need them. The shelf is not that expensive, so it would probably make a good holiday gift for the techie in your life.

Pumpkinlicious

2009-11-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

If you or your boss loves Pumpkin or you have a client that does, the Pumpkin Pie Candy Bar from BonBonBar looks pretty good. I haven't tasted it yet, but they also do Scotch Bars that I've tasted and given as gifts and they're amazing. They have a bunch of other yummy bars, so if any of this intrigues you, check out their site.

More Ways To Get Organized

2009-11-19T13:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I read this article in the Wall Street Journal about various time management systems. If you read this blog at all, you know that I love organization and utilizing anything I can to make myself more efficient. I truly believe that no matter what you do for a living, being on top of your work and managing your time well is really important. The article discusses the system that I'm trying to implement, GTD, but also gives you details on a couple others. Check it out if you have a minute, as I think it will be time well spent.

Need A New Place To Send Your Boss In Beverly Hills?

2009-11-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

If you need a new place to send your boss or want to splurge on yourself, check out the newly opened Bouchon Bistro in Beverly Hills. It's French bistro food from famed chef Thomas Keller (who created the ultra famous and pricey French Laundry). Other locations for Bouchon exist in Vegas and Yountville (wine country near Napa).

Twas The Night Before You Recorded Christmas

2009-11-16T20:30:00.000-08:00

Add this to the list of cool gifts to give to kids this holiday season -- Recordable storybooks from Hallmark. This is a great idea to tell your boss about if he/she has kids or you can give them as well if you have kids or a niece or nephew. It's the ultimate in customization and will make the story truly special and unique.

Reading The New York Times In A Whole New Way

2009-11-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

I love to be well informed and think it's helpful for work and in your personal life to know about the world around you. In my opinion the New York Times is the best paper around (sorry LA Times - you were once great). I read the New York Times online frequently and I recently read about a new idea the paper might be trying that will allow you to consume it in a different format. I love the paper as is, but I'm all for positive change and I'll be excited if they actually do implement this new online news reader.

Gifts for Geeks, Foodies & More

2009-11-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

If you actually are lucky enough to have a job in this economy and you're planning to buy presents during the holidays, check out this guide from the New York Times.

YAY - I Actually Took A Lunch Today!!

2009-11-12T13:58:00.000-08:00

I actually took a lunch today, so I have around one minute to blog. Since I don't have time for a long and informative post, busy yourself with the video of director Marc Forestor below where he talks about how important failure can be. I know all of us wish we would never fail, but it can actually be valuable at times.

These Ugly Truffles Look Pretty Good To Me

2009-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

Not sure why Chocolate Gourmet calls these Ugly Truffles because they look damn yummy to me. I'm thinking I will send them as a gift soon. This is the perfect gift to give to the chocolate lover who loves to try new things. Click here if you want to read a review. The two that look the best to me are below. Click on the image to go directly to the details regarding that truffle.

Free Gift From Google For the Holidays

2009-11-10T13:10:00.000-08:00

Google loves you and wants to give you a gift -- Free Wi-Fi at airports in many cities (including Las Vegas, San Jose, Boston, Baltimore, Burbank, Houston, Indianapolis, Seattle, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, St. Louis and Charlotte) from now until January 15th. If you end up at the airport bored or if your family is driving you nuts, feel free to get online and have some fun or catch up on some work.

For The Bacon Lover Who Has Everything

2009-11-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

I've written often about the craze of bacon related gifts. I thought I'd heard of everything, but then this week I found out about two more crazy bacon items: Bacon Vodka and BLT candles. I won't be rushing to buy these items, but maybe you know someone who would love them.

Kinda Like A Little Sleeping Bag For My iPhone

2009-11-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

Foofshop makes all kind of cute fabric holders for iPhones, iPods and other Apple devices. As far as I know, they are only available online. They actually take a bit of time to arrive, as they are from Australia. I love mine and I get a ton of compliments on it because it's not the same old boring typical case. Check them out if you get a minute.