09 Dec 2011 Holiday Gifts

Recap: Real Simple Holiday Pop-up Shop & a Giveaway

I had a really great time yesterday morning at the blogger preview for the Real Simple 2011 Holiday Pop-up Shop. 

When I got there, I couldn’t believe what a beautiful December day it was — compared to the terrible weather we had in NYC the night before, it could have been so much worse.


Here’s what the store looks like from the outside — 


It’s a super cozy heated tent!

One of the main reasons I love Real Simple is for their expert tips.  And their books — which are chock full of those tips — are for sale at the pop-up shop.  They make great gifts.


For those of you who are organizing freaks like I am — Real Simple has also created these amazing solutions like wrapper paper and ribbon storage boxes, and storage options for your christmas ornaments.  Things like this can be found at the pop-up shop or, along with many other smart solutions, can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond stores if you’re outside of NYC.


Here’s Real Simple Editor Kristen Van Ogtrop joined by Charles Best, the founder of DonorsChoose.org, Carson Kressley and Sam Champion.


And here’s a very funny photo of them cutting the ribbon to officially open the shop 🙂

The store will be open through early next week, so if you’re in the area and looking to cross some gifts off your list, I suggest you stop by.

Now … onto the good stuff. They were nice enough to give me some extra goodies, which of course I want to share with y’all 🙂

ONE PRIZE:
One lucky reader will win a VIP Gift Bag from the event. It contains:
  • Tote and hand-warmers from Citi
  • $100 gift card to DonorsChoose.org (Allows you to give to classrooms in need)
  • L’Oreal Paris Hairspray, Le Gloss in Blushing Berry and Revitalift Eye Packet
  • Wine Tote, Gift Wrap Guide, Wonderland Catalog and Recipe Cards from The Container Store
  • Umbrella from Vera Bradley
  • VIP Invitation for Zappos.com (Which gives you free shipping ALL THE TIME)


ANOTHER PRIZE:
A second lucky reader will receive a copy of Mario Batali’s new book, Molto Batali.





Here’s how you enter to win these goodies:

1) Head to the Real Simple page on Facebook and click ‘Like’ if you haven’t already.
2) Come back here and leave a comment, telling me which magazines you subscribe to and why they are your favorite.

For a bonus entry, tweet the following and let me know that you did in a separate comment here, including the URL to your tweet:

Enter to win goodies from the @Real_Simple Pop-up Shop @CitiPondNYC @BryantParkNYC at www.NYCRecessionista.com #RSPopUp @RS_Offers

The deadline to enter to win these goodies is Wednesday December 14th at 11:59 p.m. ET. I will draw the two winners at random on Thursday December 15th. 

PS — in the interest of full disclosure, I want to mention that I was not compensated at all for attending the event or writing this blog post, but I did receive a VIP Gift Bag and a copy of Mario’s book for myself like all of the other bloggers in attendance.


(All images courtesy of NYC Recessionista)