Everything Oprah

Oprah's Favorite Things 2011 - Realistic and Affordable Gift Options - Part One

I love Oprah Winfrey and she has exquisite taste, but the majority of the 2011 Oprah's Favorite Things list is completely unrealistic for the average shopper. The list appeared in the last issue of O Magazine and although the selections look fantastic I don't know anyone who can afford to spend $17 on a luxury bar of soap,$20.25 for 2 tubes of cookies or $69.99 for a leather iPad cover. So this year I decided to post all of Oprah's Favorite Things for 2011 as well as some realistic gift alternatives because let's face it...most of aren't billionaires.

1) Cotton Pajamas and Matching Robe

 

 

Oprah Winfrey loves crisp cotton pajamas which is why she has chosen a comfy pair of PJ's with a coordinating cable-knit cashmere robe/sweater as one her favorite things. The pajamas cost $265 and the robe costs $458. Both pieces are available at MarigotCollection.com.  

 

 

 

Affordable PJ Alternatives

People who are on a budget can get a great pair of holiday pajamas for only $29.99 at Amazon.com. The Roamans Plus Size 2-pc. cotton knit pajamas by Dreams & Co. are perfect for plus size women and are available in four great colors. Those who are willing to spend more money on an ultra luxurious pair of sateen pajamas might like the Bedhead Pink 3D Stripe Classic Cotton Sateen Pyjamas which are priced at $153. 

Most women cannot afford to spend $458 on a luxury robe but that doesn't mean girls can't find a beautiful alternative for much less. The Life is good Women's Knit Robe Bathrobe in Red is available for $50 on Amazon.com. 

The Woman Within Plus Size Cardigan Shaker Sweater is comfortable, stylish and available in eleven different colors. The cardigan would look super cute with a comfy pair of pajamas and it is priced at an affordable $27.49.

2) Yedi Houseware Classic Coffee and Tea Siena Tea For One with Saucer 

Oprah has a cup of masala chai tea each day in the large luxurious teacup. The tea pot and cup costs around $20 but Barnes & Noble has lowered the price to $13.96 for a limited time. Oprah drinks the delicious Rishi Tea Organic Masala Chai tea which is priced at $10 on the Rishi website. This is one of Oprah's most affordable favorite things making it a great Christmas gift choice this season. 

3) Chicken Pot Pie 

Oprah and her best friend Gayle King discovered the yummy chicken pie while visiting Cape Cod. Oprah’s Magazine says the chicken pie is available for $22 but when you visit the Centerville Company website, you will find out that the company charges $30.95 for shipping and handling, which means the actual cost for one chicken pie is $52.95. 

More Affordable Alternative

People can order a Fresh made Chicken Pot Pie (12oz) from Amazon.com for $8.99 plus $16.17 shipping for a total cost of $25.76.

4) Staub Mini-Cocottes

The mini cocottes are perfect for single servings of macaroni and cheese, cobbler and other great dishes. They are designed to go from the oven to the table and are priced at $50 each at Cooking.com. The matching stand costs $35.

 

 

 

 

 

The Staub brand is expensive and shoppers who like the mini cocottes can choose the Le Creuset Stoneware 8-Ounce Mini Round Cocotte for $19.95 on Amazon.com. The Straub Cocotte Stand is also available on Amazon.com for $34.95 but online shoppers should make sure that they order the mini cocottes size that will fit correctly into the stand they purchase.  

5) Makeup Palettes

Oprah has chosen make up pallets that are available on EdwardBess.com for $75 as one of her favorite things for 2011. The make up pallets include eyeshadow, lip and cheek stain in beautiful colors. 

 

 

 

 

 

Although Oprah's makeup pallette choice is fabulous people can find terrific makeup pallettes for much less. The NYX Makeup Artist Kit includes 35 eye shadow, 5 blush and 5 lip colors. There is also a highlight and contour powder and 2 bronzers as well as a blush brush, lipstick applicator and 2 makeup sponges. 

Stay tuned for part two of Oprah's Favorite Things 2011 (and their affordable alternatives)...

Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine Cover With Rosie O'Donnell

This month Oprah Winfrey is having actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell pose with her on the cover of O Magazine. This is only the third time that Oprah has shared the cover of her top selling magazine. Oprah has also shared the cover of O Magazine with friend Ellen DeGeneres and First Lady Michelle Obama. O Magazine is a bit pricey, but you can save money on the magazine when you order a one-year subscription on Amazon.com for $18.

O Magazine Product Selections - May 2011

I noticed a few fantastic products in this month's May Oprah Magazine and thought I'd share them here on Everything Oprah.

The Diva Cup

The Diva Cup is a great alternative to tampons and pads. The reusable cup is effective, affordable and environmentally friendly. There are Diva Cup styles available, one for women who have not had children and one for women who have given birth. The Diva Cup  is sanitary, and unlike tampons does not increase a woman's chance of getting toxic shock syndrome. Women who find that the Diva Cup fits comfortably can save tons of money on expensive tampons and pads. Women can use them at home, school or work and although they may not be the best choice for young teens, older woman love the product. 

The Breathable Baby Mesh Crib Bumber

Most parents have heard about the dangers of bumper pads in a baby's crib. Bumper pads can lead to suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Parents are reluctant to stop using bumper pads because they do not want their child to get caught in between crib bars. The BreathableBaby Breathable Safer Bumper is the perfect alternative because it provides bumper pad benefits without the health risks. The breathable bumper fits all cribs and is made with a mesh fabric. The bumber is soft and collapsable, which reduces the risk of climbing. 

Invisible Glass Cleaner

Invisible Glass does a fantastic job of cleaning glass, leaving no annoying streaks behind. The Invisible Glass and Mirror Cleaner has recieved many positive online reviews from people who say it's their favorite glass cleaner, but a few people have left online comments saying they were not as impressed by the product. 

Oprah.com /12 Days Giveaway - O Magazine 12 Day Holiday Give O Way Contest!

Oprah's 12 Day Holiday Give O Way Begins Today

Oprah viewers recently watched the Oprah Show studio audience receive all of Oprah Winfrey's Ultimate Favorite Things, now Oprah's giving everyone at home a chance to win! From November 29 to December 10, 2010 Oprah will be holding a 12 Day Holiday Give O Way contest. The 12 contest winners will win all of the items listed in the O List Holiday Edition Gift Guide (2010). They will also win some of Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things! 

How To Enter

Those who would like to enter the 12 Day Holiday Give O Way contest should check the December 2010 issue of O Magazine. O Magazine will will be embedding special codes in 12 holiday pictures. One code can be entered each day at Oprah.com/12days. You can find out more about Oprah's 12 Days Giveaway here on Oprah.com. 

Best of Oprah's Favorite Things Sweepstakes

That's Oprah.com/12days contest is not all that Oprah is offering fans, she is also hosting a "Best of Oprah's Favorite Things Sweepstakes" contest too. You can find out more about the Favorite Things Sweepstakes here on Oprah.com.

Contests For U.S. Residents Only

Unfortunately, all of us devoted Canadian viewers are out of luck, both contests are only available to United States residents. Good luck to everyone who enters!