Holiday Gift Guide: Loot Crate December Review!

'Tis the time of the season for a Loot Crate review! You all know I love Loot Crate, this month it isn't much different. This month's theme was Console Wars, a play on clone wars from Star Wars but specifically for all the various consoles out. What with the new X-Box and Playstation, the war does wage on.



This box included:
- A candy cane
- Grip-It Control Protectors
- Iron Man Tin-Tastic Creative Activity Set
- Energems in Mint Fusion
- Geek Wristband
- Legends Never Die Magnet
- Bravest Wars Sticker
- Console Wars II T-Shirt



First off, I loved the little candy cane they threw in there because it is the holidays and I do love candy canes. Secondly, I thought this theme was a really great idea especially during the holidays because the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 is on a lot of people's Christmas lists this year so they're both on everyone's minds. This is just a great reminder about how much you want one/need to get one for a loved one/how much you can't choose between the two of them.

I'm not a huge gamer but I know many people that are and many Loot Crater subscribers are so I know this theme must have killed with others. I loved how they incorporated the Star Wars element to it especially with the t-shirt which is pretty awesome. I liked how on the shirt they converted the Star Wars ships to consoles, it's really cool and kind of inside-jokey because at first they just look like ships but then you realize "hey wait, that's a Nintendo DS." It's really funny and definitely the type of clever humor I enjoy.

The energems are pretty great too because even though they threw them in for those gamers that stay up late raging battles on their consoles, they're also great for writers and content creators that need some energy to finish their work too, aka people like me. It tasted like mint chocolate and pretty darn good. I definitely may look into buying these in the future. Especially because they have other flavors like peanut butter and just plain chocolate too. I definitely gotta try the peanut butter one.

I loved the Legends Never Die magnet because it's true. No matter how many new consoles come out the old original Gameboy and N64 will never get old. I can still have a blast on Mario Kart on N64 and even rock some Pokemon on my Gameboy.

The Iron Man Tin-Tastic item is great, too. I'm going to give it as little Christmas gift for my Uncle who's a die hard Iron Man fan. Well, technically Spider-Man and Green Lantern are his #1's but he loves Iron Man, too. It contains stickers, pencils, and two little Iron Man figurines. I'm sure he'll definitely get a kick out of it and the tin is pretty awesome, too.

The other items like the grip-it control protectors and geek wristband were pretty awesome, too. I love how they can make little awesome stocking stuffers if you know someone who'd like them more. Or, you know, you can just give yourself a little stocking stuffer, too.

Overall, once again Loot Crate doesn't disappoint. Also, if you know a fellow nerd, gamer, or geek and don't know what to get them for Christmas this is it! A subscription to Loot Crate is sure to make them happy, plus it'll feel like Christmas once a month for them! You can also gift yourself a Loot Crate subscription because, why not? You definitely won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to Loot Crate's website. They're less than $20 per month! Also use the code STAR to get 10% off your order!

Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Novica Review and Giveaway!

Need some last minute gifts? Check out Novica! Novica is a great company where artisans from all over the world sell their wonderful pieces. From jewelry made in Thailand to paintings created in Mexico. They have so many unique gifts, you not only want them, but are inspired by them, too.



I chose their Vineyard Fantasy scarf. I'm giving it as a gift and it came in their wonderful premium gift wrap which is just so pretty.



Seriously, I don't even want to open it, it's too pretty. They apply handmade elements, carefully crafted ribbons, and beautiful brass plates. It's so lovely. It just makes me wish I could wrap that nice. Instead I wrap like a 5 year old, it's pretty hilarious.

The scarf too is a really great quality. A fantasy in lavender, yellow, blue, and orange makes of this scarf the perfect accessory all year round. From Yama Aj Chixot Artisan Group, the cotton scarf is expertly woven on the backstrap loom with techniques developed by the Maya more than a millennia ago. It's currently on back order but definitely check back in a few weeks as they might have more!

Novica is a really great company though. The website says: "The purpose of NOVICA is to create a revolutionary system through which the artists and artisans of the world can display their fine works to a global audience of prospective customers. NOVICA does not charge artists any fees for listing their items on the website. Furthermore, artists remain fully independent--they are free to raise their prices, lower their prices, or remove their items from our website. By cutting out the long strings of middlemen, NOVICA allows both consumers and artisans to get the most out of each and every transaction.

Overall, I definitely was very happy with Novica and their lovely premium gift wrapping. Definitely check them out, you won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to the Novica website and browse their great selection!

Win It! ONE winner will win a $25 gift code to Novica!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Gift Guide: Ice Cream Magic Review!

One of the greatest foods in the world is probably ice cream. There are so many flavors, you can even get it to fit your dietary needs like dairy free or sugar free, but did you know you could make it too? Yup, you read correctly! With Ice Cream Magic you can make a single serving of ice cream just for yourself.



The Ice Cream Magic looks like a simple ice cream cone shaped cup with a lid but it is more than that. It's an ice cream maker! The Ice Cream Magic also comes with a recipe booklet with a bunch of flavors you can make from plain old vanilla to chocolate chip mint to cookies and cream!

I ended up choosing plain old vanilla just to try out the basics. It's pretty simple, you just add ice and salt to the cup, then in the little freezer area you mix the ice cream ingredients. For vanilla the ice cream ingrediets included heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Then you close everything up and shake for three minutes and man, that was a workout! I understand how this would be perfect for kids with a lot of energy, it'll definitely mellow them out, but then they'll eat the ice cream and be super hyper again! Haha.

I shook it for three minutes maybe even a little more but it didn't really turn out according to plan.



Most of it was pretty watery though I noticed around the edges that it was starting to form into ice cream, I guess I needed a stronger shake to make it all ice cream. It also says if it doesn't work, shake again.



Can you kind of see it forming around the edges and the bottom? It is great to experiment with things though, I actually added some cacao powder to the vanilla ice cream, mixed it in and it tasted good, but I just wanted it to be thicker. If you're into soupy ice cream it's pretty great for you. My brother rocks the soup ice cream all the time.

Overall, I kind of had high hopes for this guy but it didn't work perfectly, I was a bit bummed that it was super liquify after all that shaking. I think it could be a fun gift for a kid though. You can buy two for $14.99 which isn't bad if you have two kids, because it makes a cute little stocking stuffer for them. It's not a serious gift but it is a fun one. Is it easier to just buy a carton of ice cream? Probably. But this is a pretty cute and entertaining little gift for kids. Just keep in mind it's more entertaining than probably useful.

Buy It! Head on over to Ice Cream Magic's website!

Holiday Gift Guide: #MovieMagic BluRay Combo Pack Giveaway!

Hey guys! I just wanted to tell you about this awesome #MovieMagic DVD giveaway! This Holiday rediscover the #MovieMagic behind your favorite films. Blu-ray offers exclusive special features that put you in the filmmaker’s chair, with a behind-the-scenes access to all of the magic: Special effects, talent interviews, alternative endings, unreleased scenes, bloopers, and more!



With a Blu-ray combo pack, you can enjoy your favorite films in high-definition whenever and wherever you want. You can keep the Blu-ray disc in the living room, DVD in the car, and the digital copy on your phone for when you’re on the move! Blu-ray lets you to watch your favorite movies with unmatched sound and video that is SIX TIMES the quality of DVDs!

Grab your favorite movie lover a Blu-ray this holiday! Having trouble deciding? Enter the giveaway below to win one of the following AWESOME Blu-Ray combo packs:
• The Little Mermaid - Diamond Edition
• The Lone Ranger
• Monsters University
• Angels Sing
• Rise of The Guardians
• Despicable Me 2
• Turbo
• Grown Ups 2
• Wizard of Oz 3D
• The Wolverine
• Star Trek: Into Darkness
• White House Down
• Fast 6
• Pacific Rim
• After Earth
• Man of Steel
• Red 2
• World War Z
• 2 Guns
• Weeds: The Complete Collection
• Predator 3D
The DVD will be chosen at random, but they're all pretty awesome and make great stocking stuffers!

Win It! ONE winner will win a combo pack of one of the above tittles chosen at random! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Gift Guide: Instajunction Review!

So who has an instagram? Pretty much everyone right? I do! You can follow me @hollyweirdo. Sometimes we take silly photos like of food and drinks but some of the photos are really memorable and with those filters can actually look really nice. So why not do something with them? That's where Instajunction comes in! Instajunction is a great company that can create a variety of awesome products with your instagram photos. From charm bracelets to magnets, they have so much to choose from!



I kept it simple actually ordered a print of nine of my instagram photos. I was going to choose magnets but last minute decided on a print. I chose a bunch of random ones but still meaningful photos like me bungee jumping in Costa Rica, my favorite pizza in Brooklyn, and my main man my cat Snaps. It took me forever to narrow it down but I really like how it came out.

The print is really great quality and it already comes inside a nice black wooden frame. You can choose a variety of photos from just one print to 16 prints, all for the same price of £24.99 (that's like $50 US basically). I chose 9 because it looked like enough without being like an overwhelming amount. You just link your instagram account to instajunction and you can pick and choose which ones you prefer. It's really easy and very user friendly to use.

You can even probably upload photos of your friends and stuff on instagram temporarily just to use them for instajunction, I was thinking of doing that but decided against it.

I think this is such a cool and great idea to make use of your instagram photos because instagram is cool and great but what if that site goes down, you know? You may lose those photos, here if you make magnets or prints at least you'll have them. Also these make great gifts for your friends and family, especially if you take instagram photos a lot with your friends and whoever. You can give them some awesome coasters or a nice keyring. It's the perfect gift for this holiday season, definitely check it out you won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to Instajunction's website and browse their awesome selection! Use the code FRIEND25DY before December 8th to get 25% off your order!

Holiday Gift Guide: Loot Crate November Review!

Once again it's that wonderful time of the month where I receive a box of awesome surprises. Christmas come early, it is Loot Crate time!

The theme of this month's Loot Crate was Celebrate! It's that time of the year where the holidays are nearing and you start celebrating with friends, family, food, and fun. Loot Crate has you covered with all those festivities in this box!



The items in this Loot Crate are:
- South Park Butters Rechargeable Mobile Speaker
- BFAST Breakfast Shake in Vanilla
- First Person Shooter Shot Glass
- Batman Tyvek Mighty Wallet
- Robocycle Playing Cards
- Doctor Who Tardis Balloon
- Doctor Who Police Box Wall Graphic

I really enjoyed this box because it had a variety of items that any gamer, nerd, and/or geek can enjoy...then again what Loot Crate doesn't? They all were very different items but still revolved around celebrating.

The Butters rechargeable speaker was one of my favorites. He's pretty small so you can take him anywhere but still is loud enough to be a great speaker. It's also a great little collectible for South Park fans. Take this little guy to your house party or celebration event. Even when you're with your family at Thanksgiving or Christmas, plug this guy into your phone, stream some Christmas tunes and you are set!

The Batman Mighty Wallet was also one of my favorites, too. I'm a huge Batman fan so I love any Batman memorabilia. I usually use a big wallet but I like small ones for certain occasions, too. Whenever I go to a theme park, beach, or day trips where I really won't be needing my tons of reward cards or credit cards I switch to a smaller wallet. I have Jack Skellington one but it is ripped so I actually did need a new one and this came at the perfect time. To tie into celebrating, put all your money you plan on spending to get holiday gifts for your friends and family when celebrating Christmas.

The deck of playing cards are really great because everyone loves playing card games, especially if you're having a little party or get together at your house. I remember many nights in college playing Kings or Castle. It's a nice way to have fun without lugging around a big board game. These cards bring that extra bit of geeky awesomeness because they're all robots or robotic themed instead of people.

And what's a celebratory party without some drinks? That's what the First Person Shooter Shot Glass is for! Based on the first person shooter video games, add some of your favorite alcohol of choice and take a "shot"! Get it, get it?

When you're hungover from all that celebrating and the thought of eating makes you not feel so hot try out the BFAST Breakfast shake. Or, if you're not hungover but instead in a hurry to get to that party before celebrating...BFAST! It gives you the nutrition of a bowl of cereal and milk and tastes pretty darn good, too.

Lastly, the Doctor Who products. Fun fact, it was the Doctor's 50th birthday last week and there was this crazy celebration on Saturday. I'm not a Doctor Who fan but roommate is and she was pretty overjoyed when I gave her the wall sticker and balloon, It came at the perfect time, too. I received the Loot Crate on Thursday and she was heading to the Doctor Who event on Saturday. Her friend actually ended up dressing as the Doctor (#11) and blew up the balloon to use as his Tardis. Apparently he was stopped by a fellow Loot Crater which was pretty funny. So both items were great for celebrating the Doctor's birthday.



Overall, once again Loot Crate doesn't disappoint. Also, if you know a fellow nerd, gamer, or geek and don't know what to get them for Christmas this is it! A subscription to Loot Crate is sure to make them happy, plus it'll feel like Christmas once a month for them! You can also gift yourself a Loot Crate subscription because, why not? You definitely won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to Loot Crate's website. They're less than $20 per month! Also use the code STAR to get 10% off your order!

Holiday Gift Guide: New Carmex Moisture Plus Line Review and Giveaway!

Cold winters really can take a toll on your lips, what with the wind, snow, and everything in between. In order to keep your lips hydrated, check out Carmex! Carmex is my go-to brand for lip products. Carmex makes great products that soothe my lips and leave them feeling great! Carmex's new Moisture Plus collection is perfect for this.

Carmex's latest collection of Moisture Plus features designs that appeal to all of the diverse Carmex users and potential Carmex users. They've included:



Chic - A black and white houndstooth pattern that's for the modern girl with a classic taste.
Fab - A purple circle pattern that's for the girl who embodies the 1960's and Edie Sedgewick.
Adventurous - A leopard print that's for the girl that's up for everything and all for living on the edge.
Whimsical - A multi-colored wave print for the girl that is the free-spirited, nature lover.

Can you guess which one I gravitated toward first? The adventurous leopard print. I told you guys, I'm a Jersey girl, so I was born with a soft spot for animal prints. I actually read the little cards that explained each pattern after picking out the one I liked and I feel like this one definitely fits my personality, too. I'm always the friend that's up for an adventure and I am a firm believer of YOLO. (Haha, seriously though.) Though just to make sure and confirm I am as adventurous as I think I am, I took Carmex's Uniquely You Personality Quiz. This quiz helps assist you in picking the one that fits your personality best. I actually did end up getting Adventurous, too. I guess my affinity for leather and rocker-type clothing also assisted in that decision-making process.

Not only are the sticks really unique and awesome but Moisture Plus by Carmex is really great on your lips, too. It's formulated with Vitamin E and SPF 15. It contains shea butter and aloe for a healing benefit. It also gives you a nice glossy shine without being sticky like a gloss, it's like a really smooth and shiny balm. It also doesn't test products on animals which is a great added bonus.

Overall, I really did enjoy the new look for the Moisture Plus and how they tired to create different, cool patterns to fit any woman's personality. I think they could make great little stocking stuffers for people that love lip balms and lip glosses aka people like me. I love little cool but practical stocking stuffers like this because you can actually use them and they're still really cute. Definitely check them out, you won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to Carmex's website and browse their great selection! Head on over to a CVS or Walgreens near you and buy one, too!

Win It! One winner will win a complete set of the new Carmex Moisture Plus line like above!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Gift Guide: Shape Active Tea Review!

The seasons are changing and colder weather means warmer drinks! I prefer tea over coffee, in fact, I'm a pretty big tea fan so that is why I was pretty excited to try Shape Tea.



I received their Active Shape Tea.

Shape teas are loose leaf teas and contain all natural ingredients. The Active Shape Tea is the perfect pre-workout drink to have before you hit the gym or go for that run. It gives you the extra boost of energy and endurance to get the most out of your workout and day.

I really thought this tea was delicious. It's sweet but still a little spicy because it contains cinnamon and goji berries. I really like flavorful teas so I don't have to put much sugar in it and this is definitely a nice, flavorful tea. I think it is a great tea to have in the morning too in order to give you a boost of energy to start your day. The day I received this package I actually was planning on going to the gym so I brewed a teapot of this and was ready to get my spin on! (I was taking spin class.)



Shape Tea also has two other tea flavors: Cleanse and Relax. I chose the Active one though because I don't have a problem relaxing and cleanse was a possibility but I always can use more energy and do try to lead an active life, so winner! And I really enjoy it.

Shape Tea was created on the idea that losing weight, being healthy, and staying in shape doesn't have to be "a challenge" or something to overcome. By doing simple lifestyle shifts, like drinking more tea, you can do all of those things and enjoy doing it!

I think this tea would also make a great stocking stuffer for those family members that love tea (like me!). You can also give this to your tea-loving co-worker or friend too, especially ones that are into getting in shape and working out.

Overall, I definitely recommend Shape Tea. They're delicious and whether it is for you or someone special for Christmas, check them out you won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to Shape Tea's website and browse all three teas!

Holiday Gift Guide: SIJJL Winter Hat Review and Giveaway!

With winter rolling in this means more hot chocolate, snow, and cozy winter hats. That's why I like SIJJL. SIJJL is a great company that has a variety of handmade wool scarves and silk scarves.

I received their black and white slouchy beanie.

Beanies are really on trend right now so I was super excited to wear this one. Plus, it keeps getting colder out and this keeps my head and ears nice and toasty! I chose the striped one because I'm a stripe kind of gal. I liked the pattern more than the solid colors, too, it kind of stands out more. It's also 100% wool but it has a fleece lining which I love. Wool is really itchy and the fleece as a little protective layer is soft and makes it really comfortable to wear.

SIJJL was founded in 2009 and their mission is to provide sustainable, fair wage employment to the people of Nepal through the production of making these hats, scarves, and additional accessories. I really admire and support that. Also, it gets pretty cold in Nepal so they know what tools and fabric to use to keep you warm and stylish.

SIJJL also have some great scarves and a wide variety of different styled hats. I remember one year my mom asked for a hat and scarf pair for Christmas and I know one of these hats would've been perfect. So if you're looking for an lovely and practical gift for someone definitely check them out! Even if you need a new hat yourself. You won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to SIJJL's website and browse their awesome selection! Win It! ONE winner will win an SIJJL hat!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Holiday Gift Guide: Fraas Scarf Review!

Christmas shopping is already beginning, with Veteran's Day sales and Black Friday just around the corner. There are some gift stumpers - the people you aren't exactly sure what to get them - but Fraas is here to assist you. Whether you need something for your coworker, cousin, or crazy accessory-obsessed friend, Fraas makes lovely scarves that can be the perfect gifts for them!



I was sent their Metallic Zebra style scarf in black and I am obsessed with it.

I am a Jersey girl so I have a soft spot for animal prints. This is the type of animal print I love because it isn't gaudy and can go with practically any type of outfit. It comes in three colors: black, gold, and silver. I am really glad that they sent me the black, it matches all of my jackets and outfits. Plus I generally levitate to black-colored things.

Its pretty use of metallic yarns make the animal print stand out but not too flashy, so it works well with dressing up, special occasions, or just for fun. It is also 12 x 80 inches so it is great to use as a wrap or really warm and cozy scarf.

Overall, I really liked this scarf. It is great for the colder weather coming up and nice enough to wear for holiday festivities. Scarves are a great go-to gift to give people when you can't think of anything and this one is so lovely nobody will be mad that you gave them this one! Check out Fraas, you won't be disappointed!

Buy It! Head on over to Fraas' website and browse their selection or Amazon.com.



Disclaimer-
I was provided a product in exchange for my review.
You can read more about my blog policies in my disclaimer.

Modern Design Jewelry Review!

Let's be honest, everyone loves jewelry. It is a great go-to gift this holiday season to give that special someone. Modern Design is a great website to start and hopefully finish your jewelry search. Modern Design has a variety of rings from engagement to men's rings, they even have earrings too!

Modern Design has been designing thousands of custom jewelry pieces since 1978. They are based in the heart of the downtown Los Angeles jewelry district. All of their jewelry is made in the USA, too. They have great quality jewelry at wholesale prices.



I received their Polished Slim Tungsten Carbide Ring engraved with Crisscross Celtic Emblem.

Modern Design gave me the option of choosing one of their men's tungsten rings. My dad and brother are not really huge ring wearers so I figured, why not, I'll wear it. I chose this one because it's thin enough to pass for a ring I can wear. Also, I liked the Celtic detail. I'm Irish so any kind of Irish thing I see, I usually like.



Tungsten, in case you were wondering because I was, is the type of material the ring is made with. It's a model metal similar to titanium. You learn something new everyday!

These rings are also made with a comfort fit. This means that the ring is rounded off on the inside of the shank to give it a smoother and more comfortable feel. It is less likely that the ring will pinch you.

Overall, I really liked this ring, it is very comfortable and made well. They have so many pieces to choose from too. So whether you're planning a gift for the holiday or even a wedding, you should definitely check out these rings. They're so beautiful and something for both men and women.

Buy It! Head on over to Modern Design's website and browse their huge selection!

Holiday Gift Guide: Anne Taintor Review!

I'm a big fan of gifts, but I really enjoy giving them more than receiving them sometimes. I just like to think of thoughtful, nice gifts rather than impersonal ones. For instance, you'll never see me give someone a gift card unless they really ask and want a specific store. I also love giving people little surprise gifts and that's where Anne Taintor comes in. You may remember I've done a review for them before and you can check it out here. In anticipation for the upcoming holiday season, I was selected to review some of their awesome items that make great gifts for the season.

Anne Taintor is a great site that has a variety of products that make perfect gifts for that savvy woman who is impossible to shop for. Or even funny little gifts for stocking stuffers, for your mom, roommate, or friend!

I received a great little gift pack consisting of:
- "We go together like drunk and disorderly" Knee Socks
- "So...how does a bombshell like me get through security?" Luggage Tag
- "Honey you couldn't handle half of me." Emery Boards



I think these gifts are really great to give as a set for a friend. From your travel buddy to your best friend. They're also great because the three of these items only came to a total of $25. So if you're exchanging gifts on a budget this is the perfect website to get them from.

Honestly, I am keep the emery boards and luggage tag for myself because I need them. In a way, they're gifts for me. I always lose emery boards and this package is basically like a set of matches but emery boards instead. I can just break one off, put it in my purse, and if I lose it I break another off and throw it in my purse. I also really like the luggage tag because it's unique, funny, and I have a black bag so the break colored tag will at least make it still out and I can grab it faster.

The socks are awesome. Honestly I would keep them for myself if I received them as a gift just because it's kind of a buddy item. You wouldn't buy this for yourself because to two people. It's the type of gift many people will think is funny and enjoy receiving it. I am actually going to give it to my friend in NJ and I think she'll get a kick out of them.

Overall, I really like Anne Taintor's gifts because there's a variety of awesome great products for any lady friend, mom, or just yourself!

Buy It! Head on over to Anne Taintor's website and browse their awesome selection!

Holiday Gift Guide 2013 Coming Your Way!

It's November so you know what that means! Holiday Gift Guide time! Honestly, I am not a fan of rushing the holidays and I feel bad for Thanksgiving and how we practically skip over it to get to Christmas. But with blog reviews and giveaways, I do like to start the gift guide sooner than later for a few reasons: one is you are more prepared for the season and two is being that the giveaways last two weeks by the time they end we'll be already into the holiday season!

So I hope you don't mind me beginning it, but be prepared guys because there are many awesome great gift ideas coming up!

With that I bring you the start of the 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!