What's in Store

Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan lead the top DVD movie releases this week. Here are the top DVD movie releases for this week and the reviews of the film from the Epinions.com community.

Rush Hour 3

Detectives Carter and Lee are back in the third film in the Rush Hour series. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker continue their chemistry as mismatched detectives who work better with each other, than without, and this time, they go to Paris. A highlight of the film is their karaoke performance of Donny Hathaway’s and Roberta Flack’s The Closer I Get To You.

Epinions Reviews for Rush Hour 3

The Kingdom

Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner star in this Peter Berg directed film about FBI agents who are sent to Saudi Arabia to find a mass murderer. Chris Cooper, Jeremy Piven, and Jason Bateman also star. The film made nearly $50 million in it’s fall theatrical run.

Epinions Reviews for The Kingdom

If you are a movie buff and would like to add your two cents about a good or bad movie, join Epinions.com and start writing reviews.

Share This

Procrastinating gift givers have still time to get it there in time for the big day. According to our survey, one-third of Shopping.com merchants are offering Next Day shipping for purchases made by today, December 21, so your gifts will still arrive in time for Christmas.

Need some ideas? How about a gift card? Our recent consumer survey showed that they are the must-have gift this year, with 77 percent of consumers saying they’d prefer to receive a gift card to their favorite store over a tangible gift. Most of them may get their wish, as 59 percent of gift-givers said they’d prefer to GIVE a gift card than a tangible gift. The Home Depot gift card is the most popular on Shopping.com this season, with many other great cards available from everyone’s favorite stores.

Other last-minute ideas include a small bottle of perfume or cologne - still very personal, yet won’t weigh too much to rack up high shipping charges. Or, order your friend or loved one a subscription to their favorite magazine. Even though the first issue won’t arrive in time for Christmas, you can buy a copy off the newsstand and enclose a note telling the recipient to expect more issues to start arriving in the New Year.

Happy Holidays!!!

Share This

This week we found Do it Yourself (DIY) and more last-minute gift ideas for those of you that have been busy, and for those of you that like to procrastinate:

DailyCandy gives us helpful ideas for DIY gifts. Share recipe cards and cookbooks, create CD labels or calendars, make a photo album, or whip up a batch of tasty cookies. These are just some quick, easy, and fun ways for you to show your friends and family that you’re thinking of them during the holidays. Now it’s time to get creative and have some fun during the process!

Parents magazine raves about the Silver Streak, an “it” purse that can make you feel pulled-together instantly. For all stylish moms, this metallic stunner is an incognito diaper bag (it converts to a stroller bag too). Heidi Klum wears it — wouldn’t you love a dash of her gorgeous mommy style?

Splendora adds the Zyken Night Cove Alarm Clock to its holiday wish list. A gadget which doesn’t look like a time keeper at all, but rather a minimalist lamp or second cousin of H.A.L. Insomniacs are meant to be enraptured by the Cove’s intuitive high-tech features: rotating hues of various wavelengths, tailored to help you fall asleep quickly and comfortably.

Engadget unveils its Holiday Gift Guide! Instead of tackling the crowds, the traffic, and hearing Jingle Bell Rock 80,000 times, find the perfect gift online. Got a dad who never gives any insight into what they want for the holidays? Look no further — the Oregon Scientific’s Crystal Weather Station tells time, daily weather and serves as a paperweight.

Stylehive arms us with fun, colorful, and full of personality DIY stocking stuffer ideas for kids and kids at heart. There’s an innocence that make them a welcome diversion from the Polly Pockets, bulked-up superheroes, and Barbies that kids think they want. Try making a deluxe socktopus for your loved one, as it’s always a classic gift, and the fact that it’s handmade will make it unforgettable and irreplaceable.

Share This

Homer Simpson leads the top DVD movie releases this week. Here are the top DVD movie releases for this week and the reviews of the film from the Epinions.com community.

The Simpsons Movie

Homer and Bart finally make it to the big screen. Fans flocked to the tone of over $180 million at the box office.

Epinions Reviews for The Simpsons Movie

Halloween

After years and years of sequels, Rob Zombie puts his spin on the Michael Myers tale.

Epinions Reviews for Halloween

Underdog

Jason Lee voices the superhero beagle, based on the old animated series.

Epinions Reviews for Underdog

Stardust

Starring Claire Danes, this fantasy flick is based on a best selling graphic novel of the same name.

Epinions Reviews for Stardust

Balls Of Fury

This movie is about extreme ping poing. What else is there to say?

Epinions Reviews for Balls Of Fury

The Heartbreak Kid

In this Farrelly brother’s comedy, Ben Stiller plays a single man who marries quickly for fear of being single forever. And then he meets his soul mate.

Epinions Reviews for The Heartbreak Kid

If you are a movie buff and would like to add your two cents about a good or bad movie, join Epinions.com and start writing reviews.

Share This

Sarah Shirley, shopping expert for Shopping.com shares some sustainable holiday gift ideas with us this week. Below are some of her tips for us…

~ Everyone from Hershey’s to Levi’s seems to be touting “green” products this holiday season. What better way to shop with a purpose than buying an eco-friendly gift? However, it’s hard to tell if you are actually helping the environment, as there are so many confusing terms associated with the green movement.

A few years ago my college roommate went to work for an organic chocolate company. I thought - that’s nice but what does that mean? “Oh she’s working for a chocolatier that makes chocolate for vegetarians!” With all these new terms, it’s tough to understand how products with labels like eco, sustainable and organic really help make the world a better place to live.

Don’t fret! I’ve put together a cheat sheet of common terms related to the eco-movement so you too can shop green with ease. I love the idea of shopping and helping the environment at the same time. Talk about guilt reduction!

Sustainable - Sustainability in an environmental usage, and refers to the longevity of vital human ecological support systems, such as the planet’s climatic system, systems of agriculture, industry, forestry, and fisheries, and human communities in general and the various systems on which they depend. In other words look for something that can grow back easily like bamboo, or something that can return to its natural state once discarded.

Environmentally Friendly, also referred to as nature friendly, includes goods and services considered to inflict minimal harm on the environment.

Earth Friendly can be similar to environmentally friendly but buyers beware. Companies use these words to mean just about anything. Do your research before you buy, as many companies slap on these types of labels as part of a larger marketing campaign.

Recycled - Many items today are made from waste materials that have been reprocessed. For example, leather that otherwise may have been tossed, is used instead to make handbags, or plastic bottles that are repurposed into dog beds.

Organic - Involves materials grown with fertilizers that are of animal or vegetable origin (nothing artificially produced) as opposed to manufactured chemicals.

Organic Cotton- Cotton fiber grown without pesticides, toxic chemicals and other artificial agents - hence there is less wear and tear on the earth by not adding harmful chemicals to it.

Non-Toxic- Not affected by toxins or other poisonous and potentially harmful materials. Who wants a toy that is made with toxic dyes?

Solar- Using or operated by energy derived from the sun.

Green- Environmentally sound or beneficial in environmental preservation.

Hemp- A tall, coarse plant (native to Asia) that is a source of valuable fiber.

Repurposed- To convert or use in another format or product.

Know that you’ve taken my crash course in “eco” and are familiar with the buzzwords; it will be easy to pick out a few “eco-friendly gifts” in a flash. And if you are still a bit confused, I included a few of my faves.

Bamboo Hooded Towel & Washcloth Set in Natural 

This set includes the Bamboo Baby Hooded Towel 30″ x 30″ and 5 washcloths. Super absorbent and fast driving, bamboo is softer than cotton, making it a perfect choice for baby. It is also natural, regenerative and sustainable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to chemically infused cotton or other toxin-laden fibers. This remarkable textile is naturally anti-microbial meaning no additional chemicals are needed. Made in the USA using fair labor practices. Totally Bamboo Anacapa Vertical Grain Cutting Board

Bamboo is a renewable resource and is 16% harder and more durable than maple. Only food-safe, formaldehyde-free glue is used in assembly and dyes or stains are used to color the wood. Made with premium, hand selected bamboo — the variety chosen is neither a food source nor a habitat for the Giant Panda. I love Pandas so I am happy that I am not hurting their habitat by giving these to all my foodie friends who love to cook!

Citizen Elektra Diamond Eco-Drive BM0720-52A Wrist Watch Citizen Eco-Drive watches never need a battery, meaning - old batteries never end up in a landfill.  The watch uses a solar conversion panel and energy cells to power itself and has the ability to use light from any source to generate electrical power, meaning the supply is limitless AND free. Knowing that’s, is an eco chic statement that is always in style! Flote Faegan Recycled Leather Clutch

These beautiful clutches are made out of 100% Croco-Embossed Recycled leather! I know the designer herself and asked what does that mean? How can purses be eco friendly? Jill (the designer) replies, ” A warehouse was going to close down and throw all these beautiful materials out. I could not see dumping all this gorgeous leather into the land fill when I could make beautiful bags out of it.” When you give a clutch that looks this good and helps the environment, you are on your way to lowering your carbon footprint! How can that be vanity!

~ Sarah Shirley ~

Share This

This week we found stylish and fashionable wear to help to keep you warm during the winter months:

Splendora ogles the Supreme Being Millie Jacket - an omnipresent cold weather staple with a twist. While winter pea coats seen on the streets and in stores often blend together indistinguishably, Supreme Being has created an inspired alternative with their Millie jacket. Its mixed fabrics and nipped-in waist with long hem looks both feminine and industrial, keeping you warm without sacrificing superb design.

SheFinds dotes on the pinstriped wool cloche hat from Helen Welsh. This flirty, ’30s-inspired cloche hat is THE winter accessory and goes nicely with a kicky houndstooth swing coat. The pinstripes lend a menswear-esque feeling of order, but the black velvet bow and sweet shape make the overall effect decidedly feminine.

Stylebites blogs about oversized sweaters and reminds us that this season is all about staying cozy. Wearing voluminous sweaters is the easiest way to keep warm when the weather turns wicked. A sweater can look proper when worn over a white shirt and tailored trousers, or, if long enough, can be belted as a dress. Aside from having the vital details, like billowing sleeves or ultra-long lengths, these sweaters all come in this season’s hottest color-gray!

The Budget Fashionista goes gaga over The Red Coat. One of the hottest color trends in coats this season is red. Whether it’s a bright cherry or a muted burgundy, the color adds a much needed break from the traditional (and sometime boring) black coat. Check out the faux fur collar on this coat, which looks fabulous while adding much needed warmth!

Share This

Consumer reviews site, Epinions.com, is offering reviewers another chance to earn $10 for every 10 reviews written this month. Called the “10 for 10″ promotion, participants can submit 10 reviews to Epinions.com for $10 this month by December 31 or until the first 30,000 reviews are received, whichever comes first. In fact, you should keep writing after you hit the 10-mark as you’ll continue to earn $$.

Reviews must be written about a product or service already in the Epinions.com database. Click here to read the required criteria for eligible reviews. Get started today and help defray your holiday shopping costs by earning some money back from Epinions.com.

Share This

Two big blockbuster movies lead the top DVD movie releases this week. Here are the top DVD movie releases for this week and the reviews of the film from the Epinions.com community.

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

It’s the fifth film in the series based on J.K. Rowling’s books about the young wizard, Harry Potter. The movie is based around the return of Lord Voldemort and the alienation of Dumbledore from the wizard community. Daniel Radcliffe is back as Potter in what is, at this moment, the sixth highest grossing film of all time.

Epinions Reviews for Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

The Bourne Ultimatum

Jason Bourne is back at it. Matt Damon stars again as the CIA assassin who lost his memory and has to find his way. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film amassed nearly $230 million in US box office.

Epinions Reviews for The Bourne Ultimatum

If you are a movie buff and would like to add your two cents about a good or bad movie, join Epinions.com and start writing reviews!

Share This

This week we found cheap holiday gifts with a whole lot of personality:

The Budget Fashionista raves about the Crazy Cat Action Figure by FredFlare for your friend who has a great sense of humor. At only $10 this gift is a great stocking stuffer as well!

Shiny Shiny touts the Emoticon Stamp for $5.99 that will allow you to squeeze it into a number of different emoticon shapes. This is a great small gift to get a bunch of your friends. Who knows, maybe they’ll start a trend of signing all of their notes with their emotions along with their signatures!

SheFinds.com pulled a list together of great gift ideas for your female BFFs and family members. Everything from jewelry, handbags, scarves and gift boxes filled with bath products made the list. The best part is that most of these products are discounted when purchased online!

CasaSugar highlights PressaRussa’s Star-Quality Holiday cards for when you just want to send a pretty note. The set includes four letterpress flat note cards with coordinating envelopes. All note cards are packaged in a clear sleeve and wrapped with an actual cigar band!

Uber-Review spotlights the wine glass holder necklace that gives chatterboxes the freedom to snack and socialize at holiday parties. The adjustable wine glass holder is only $25 so you can always pair it with a friend’s favorite vino as a gift.

Share This

Johnny Depp with an eye patch leads the top DVD movie releases this week. Here are the top DVD movie releases for this week and the reviews of the film from the Epinions.com community.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

The year of sequels (and three-quels) continues. Captain Jack Sparrow is back and he needs help to be freed from Davy Jones’ locker. Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom reprise their roles in the Gore Verbinski directed movie. It made over $300 million in US box office.

Epinions Reviews for Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

Superbad

One of the biggest box office surprises of the year, this Greg Mottola directed film features two teenagers who feel the need to conquer a specific goal before they go away to college. Their goal has to do with the ladies, and these two aren’t exactly swift with the ladies.

Epinions Reviews for Superbad

The Nanny Diaries

This film is based on the 2002 novel, The Nanny Diaries, by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. Starring Scarlett Johansson stars as a woman who takes a job as a nanny to get away from the possibility of having to work in the business world. Her nanny position puts her in some odd positions with a very rich family, including caring for their 5 year old and catering to Mrs. X. The film also stars Alicia Keys, Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney.

Epinions Reviews for The Nanny Diaries

If you are a movie buff and would like to add your two cents about a good or bad movie, join Epinions.com and start writing reviews!

Share This