The Slankets R Here! The Slankets R Here!

I just simply cannot think of a better gift this holiday season then the fantabulous Slanket!

It's warm, it's fuzzy, it's huge...it has SLEEVES for your arms! This genius idea allows you to lie around covered in fleecy softness, while still being able to read, eat or update your Facebook page. Also a great addition to any long plane or car ride.

The Slanket is a perfect and reasonable gift for the loved ones in your life who just like to snuggle up and settle in.

Picky-Chick Tip: If you're on the shorter side (5ft - 5'5), you may want to consider the children's size.

Say Thank You

My sister in law told me about a program Xerox has created where you can send a holiday card overseas to the men and women serving our country.

The artwork was done by kids, so you just choose your design, select a message or write your own and you're done. A nice gesture to those who will be away from their families over the holidays...and it's free!

Click here to send your own card.

Not Just For Babies

I was at Whole Foods the other day going through my list when I got to the laundry detergent section and they were out of my favorite...Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena. I was letting out a big sigh when I noticed a new scent. Ok, so Baby Blossom is meant for...well, babies. Who cares? I gave it a whiff and...oh, my gosh...this is the best smelling detergent! I never thought anything could beat Lemon Verbena, but leave it to Mrs. Meyers to out due themselves with another fabulous fragrance. I can only imagine what their special holiday scent smells like...Gingerbread!

The best part about products by Mrs. Meyers is not only do they leave everything in your house smelling superb, they are good for the environment.

Click here to learn other ways to live a greener life!

Love This Tote!

Check out this adorable tote bag that's just perfect for traveling. I love that it's soft, but still has shape. Handles or a strap...options when your shoulders have had enough. A drawstring close allows those bulky rag mags to fit, while keeping much needed snacks from escaping to under the seat in front of you. Oh, and it's on sale for only $19.99 + shipping! A Picky-Chick steal!

Peru in Need of Help

Just 2 weeks ago I was traveling through Peru...volunteering at a drop in center for kids...hiking the Inca Trail...capturing breathtaking views of Machu Picchu with my camera. Now, my heart breaks for the country that was so welcoming to me just a few days ago.

The earthquake devastation in Peru is horrendous and with most people living below the poverty line, they are in desperate need of aid. The people of Peru are simple. Just a few minutes away from the city centers, houses built of mud and food harvested in their own gardens is the way of life. They don't ask for much and focus most on family and supporting each other. When an earthquake hits, it hits hard and becomes a major part of history. 500 year old churches destroyed...villages leveled.

Please consider making a contribution to an organization like CARE in hopes of easing the grief of some of the youngest smiles of Peru.

Under Water til July 8th

I haven't been writing entries for almost a month now because I am completely under water with a global campaign and concert events happening on July 7, 2007.

So...I thought, why not at least let you guys in on an amazing initiative for a very important cause...and my day job.

Click on the link below to see what we're doing and how you can make simple changes to "answer the call."

LIVE EARTH

Hog My Corn

With 4th of July just around the corner, it's that time of year where we break out our best barbecue gear. Cute plastic-wear organizers, misting hand fans and of course dreaded apron that proudly display something like "Nobody Touches My Grill!" with a stereotypical caricature of a rapper's gold teeth smile. Oy vey.

With all this great summery "stuff" on the shelves of every Wal-Mart in America, I decided to look elsewhere for something to spice up my outdoor festivities...what I found are these adorable corn on the cob holders! Pigs, dogs, cows...smack their head and butt on a cob o' corn and you'll add humor to your meal without offending women, other races or even vegetarians. God Bless America!

Homemade Delight

As summer approaches, we will all inevitably reach for something cold and refreshing. How about a homemade ice cream sandwich?

Tovolo Ice Cream Sandwich Mold could be the perfect solution for a day too hot to spend outside. While these things always look easier than they ever are, I am thinking, "I could actually do this." Seems pretty straight forward from the online directions. I just might be able to pull off making scrumptious desserts combining my two favorite sweets...cookies & ice cream!

Gardenista

When searching for that perfect housewarming gift, how about a Plant-Me-Pet?

They're the weirdest looking things, but when you learn that their bodies are made of natural latex, eyes of seeds and they squeak...it'll make you want to shove one in some dirt. With just $20 and a little soil, a few months later...you'll have a pumpkin, tomato or a melon plant! Cool.

Penguins Are So In

This past holiday season while shopping for wrapping paper, I over heard a guy tell his girlfriend, "get the penguin paper...penguins are so in."

Right he was, so in light of "March of the Penguins," "Happy Feet" and penguin wrapping paper, I thought this Samsonite backpack was the perfect way to fit the trend. Chic and stylish, but still absolutely adorable.

Buy it for your little one here.

Eclectic Shopping

Velocity Art and Design is an amazing website out of Seattle that offers unique trinkets and uncommon pieces of art. Miniature disaster building replicas to owl inspired throw pillows, this site is a one stop shop for that totally far out item.

Great Site

I am always looking for sites that are not intimidating...where there just may be something to learn. I stumbled across an interview with Wal-Mart exec Andy Ruben on Green Options and I thought to my picky self, "what a great site." It wasn't a lengthy, drawn out, completely politically driven interview. It got straight to the point about how Wal-Mart is trying to do their part around the environmental crisis.

With that, I started snooping around and discovered that it's a fabulous little source of beautifully "green" information. Info I can really use and implement into my life. With "Tip of the Day" and a "Green Life Guide," I felt a wave of happiness to have found such a gem.

Travel for Good

If you're looking to have an amazing experience in a different part of the world, check out i-to-i. Here you can customize an exciting vacation alongside meaningful volunteer work.

Teaching English to Buddhist Monks in Nepal or preserving wildlife in South Africa...it's all there, so before booking your next trip to Cancun...think about how you might be able to give back during your time off.

Organized Cooking

Anything has to be better then the cluttered recipe drawer I have going on right now. Cream cheese frosting and chicken parmesan should never cross paths. What's the solution? All I see in stores are boring books that look more appropriate for cutting coupons than displaying my fabulous edible concoctions.

Check out these adorable recipe binders at Russell+Hazel. They are a little pricey ($110 for a set of two), but will definitely make organizing your recipes efficient, easy and totally up to par with that designer kitchen I know you have.

Hip, Hip Hurray!

One of my favorite sites, Apartment Therapy, has created a new site for moms!

The Nursery launched today and will soon be a must stop for all first time and experienced moms (and friends who love moms...and their babies). Great resource for those of us who are looking for innovative ideas!

Might just be the BEST thing ever!

I am a home-body. I work a lot, so when I have down time I like to curl up on the couch with a good book or John Hughes movie. Here's the thing...while winters are never terribly frigid in LA, there are those nights when it's a little colder than usual and you start to wish you had gotten that space heater out of storage. And then thanks to a few helpful websites like ThisNext and Apartmenttherapy, I discovered the Slanket. Do I need to say more?

Silicone in the Oven?

Red Velvet cupcakes, homemade oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies...all outcomes of my recent aspiration to bake like Martha. While this journey to Betty Crocker bliss is a good one, I find myself not always knowing what I need. Like, why are my cupcakes so darn small? How does Sprinkles get theirs to be ginormous? I want ginormous cupcakes! Is it possible that there are cupcake pans in small, medium and large?

Well, a co-worker let me in on a little piece of sweet information. In Culver City lies a kitchen supply store that caters to pros and up-and-coming pros like myself. From shaped cookie cutters to silicone this and that, Surfas has just about everything you need for less than what you'll spend at Sur La Table. I haven't actually been yet, but their online store is pretty awesome and I am looking forward to having my list of questions answered. I'll let you know how my shopping experience goes.

Surfas Restaurant and Supply
8824 National Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310-559-4770

Awesome Site!

While reading a feature online about these totally cool, wooden serving trays, I came upon the most incredible site.

Velocity Art and Design is an amazing website out of Seattle that offers unique trinkets and uncommon pieces of art. From miniature disaster building replicas to wall decals or asian inspired kitchen towels, this site is a one stop shop for that totally far out item.

Rollin' With Style

In a recent effort to purchase a birthday gift for a dear friend's one year old peanut, I came upon the most adorable series of children's backpacks.

Ideal for ages 1-5, these pull-along totes are just about the cutest things you'll ever see rolling around the house. With features like feet for pockets, these vinyl bags are perfect for play-dates or little weekend getaways!

Buy yours online at Amazon. Buy a matching insulated lunchbox!

Killing for Faith

If your desparate to find something to read, here's a suggestion...the New York Times Best Seller "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer. It's not a recent release and it's a little off the path of normalcy, but gives a fascinating perspective on the lives of Mormon Fundamentalists. I read it a while back and it gave me a whole new respect for Mormons and what they have to endure with the criticism of Mormon Fundamentalists...a significantly group of people. Here's a hint: the fundamentalists are the one with multiple wifes and kids on welfare. It's an easy read, but it does contain quite a bit of violence. Worth learning about their history, worth reading.

-New York Times review of the book
-Buy Under the Banner of Heaven at Amazon.com