teenage.me

Growing up, we always did Secret Santas in high school and amongst friends. (Actually, my high school was so politically correct we called it “Secret Someone,” so as not to offend anyone who was celebrating Kwanzaa or Channukah). It was always so stressful picking out a gift for someone–especially if you didn’t know them well! Well, I just learned that Claire’s Accessories launched a new Secret Santa Circle feature. It’s an interactive gift exchange! Anyone can create a circle, invite friends to join, set a price for the presents, and schedule a party for the exchange. Plus, when you join, you get $5 off a $10 purchase! Yay! Visit
Claires.com to learn more!

I’ve blogged extensively about my obsession with paper, planners, and all other things seemingly old-fashioned. It’s true–writing (by hand) is a dying art! But I’m hoping to create a renaissance by gifting my nearest and dearest this holiday with lovely Smythson goodies, including this self-esteem-boosting notebook ($71)! Visit Smythson.com to peruse their endless selection of gift ideas (my second favorite notebook is their “Blah Blah Blah” one!).

Surfer boys, that is! I just heard that Hurley is teaming up with Pendleton to create a super-limited edition, super cool line of gear! I love it… Might have to pick one up for my LA-obsessed brother! Call Saturdays SURF NYC to order yours! 212-966-7875

‘Hollyoaks’ has cut its controversial child killer plot.The Channel 4 soap will withdraw scenes which reveal character Loretta Jones’ past, when an old school friend appears in the soap and reveals they bullied a 12-year-old child to death when they were the same age, and have since been separated and living under assumed names. The controversial p…

Patsy Palmer prefers it when her ‘EastEnders’ character, Bianca, is arguing with on/off lover Ricky.The actress said she prefers the chemistry between the couple - who were previously married, and, it has been revealed, are set to tie the knot again next year - when they’re bickering, rather than getting along. Jokingly suggesting she could have a…

Always on the lookout for curly hair experts, I recently visited celeb hairstylist and curl therapist Christo — and fell in love with his Curlisto System and his NYC salon! Christo has styled the locks of Chace Crawford, Selena Gomez, Sophia Bush, and countless other celebs, and I was lucky enough to get the star treatment, courtesy of the curl guru himself!

After a quick consultation evaluating the texture of my wavy hair, Christo set to work on the perfect cut, which was then followed up by the most precise product application I’ve ever seen. Each individual strand on my head was coated with Protein Boost (to detangle), Structura Lotion, and Bio-Gel Mousse (to prevent hair breakage and dryness), which took forever, but it was worth it in the end! Finally, before setting me under the dryer, he used clips to lift my curls at the root, which is the best tip ever since it helps nix that flat-head look curly topped gals can get. Check out these steps Christo used to create springy, healthy tendrils on me!

Aside from styling hair for runway shows, celebs, educational classes, tons of clients, magazines, and more, Christo also sells a wide variety of curly hair products. My favorites would have to be his Bio Curl Shampoo and Conditioner — they smell A-mazing and leave my hair super-soft and shiny!

Definitely check out Christo’s salon if you’re ever in NYC, and for appointments, salon hours, and location, visit shop.curlisto.com!

Oooh, I love love love the desk sets that paper gurus Fitzgerald Coleman just launched. Each set is “curated” to a theme–I personally love the quirky Modernist one… So chic! Visit Fitzgeraldcoleman.com to buy one for yourself or a friend!

These little Prismera Design earrings are so cute… And I love they they’re mismatched! Visit prismeradesign.com to buy them–and use the code FRIEND25 to get 15% off! YAY!

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! The gift that keeps on giving, Bond No 9’s pocket spray is refillable so you can enjoy it forever! It’s available in Astor Place, Brooklyn, Nuits de Noho (my fave), Chinatown, Andy Warhol, Lexington Avenue, Chez Bond, Hamptons,The Scent of Peace, Wall Street, and West Side. $85, bondno9.com.

Looks like I’m not the only one totally and utterly obsessed with Glee! Aussie celebrity hair stylist Sarah Potempa recently shared her “get the glee look” tips!

Quinn and all the Cheerios- “This is fun and sassy way to look strong and soft at the
same time. Start by applying Aussie’s Mousse + Leave-In Conditioner all over the roots
and brushing the hair into the ponytail. Always look up when making a ponytail to
create a tight, smooth back. Then separate hair in ponytail into four sections and curl
each with a 1″ curling iron and secure with duckbill clips until cool. Brush to blend the
curls together for a polished finish.”

Mercedes- ” To get Mercedes’s look, apply Aussie’s Shine Enhancing Gel to damp hair and lightly diffuse. Then wrap the fabric
tightly around your forehead and tie in the back. Slowly, push the fabric back to tame the
front. You can use a scarf, an old dress you cut up, or go to your local fabric store and find your favorite pattern.”

Rachel- “The perfect girl needs the perfectly polished hair. Aussie’s 3-Minute Miracle is a great
weekly deep conditioner to add shine, moisture, and smoothness to your hair. Then, using a large 1 1/2 ” curling iron, bevel the bottoms of each section inward to polish the ends. Final step to keep the hair off your face is to take a triangle-size section and comb
it back and twist at the root. Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color