Lurrrving Apothia candles

I wish my laptop screen had a scratch n' sniff feature. Apothia does such good job describing their aromas, that I'd be willing to buy their candles, site unsmelled. Plus, I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. I've added the Casa, Verde, and Spiritual scents to my ever-increasing wish list.



60 hours of olfactory bliss for $46.

Happy feet

My new favorite shade of polish for my toes:

I think Lindsey Beth disagrees with me on this, but I prefer Essie polish. I don't like how thick and gloppy OPI polish is, whereas Essie is nice and smooth; perfect for easy application (and at-home touch-ups). This shade is called Bermuda Shorts, and since I decided to skip lunch in favor of a pedicure this afternoon (I know, I know), I wanted something that would perk me up. Something bright. Something lively. Something unique.

And then two girls sat down in the chairs next to me and had chosen the EXACT SAME SHADE. So much for originality. However, I think this means it's a winner. My toes are looking tres chic.

A Pimple Plan

I'm big on protecting my skin and staving off wrinkles, but don't want to spend a fortune if I don't have to (those Dateline segments made me totally paranoid).

My dermatologist suggested drugstore brands such as Aveeno and Neutrogena for skin, and Almay for make-up. I've tried Almay's eyeliner and wasn't a huge fan, but I'm all about shopping at Target for skincare. Here's what's in my medicine cabinet:

Aveeno Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser


Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF30


Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF45


Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream


Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes


So far, I'm happy with the results. Which drugstore brands do you lurrrve?

Shampoo sans shower.

A good friend sent me a package a few months ago...apparently I had whined about wanting to try dry shampoo enough times that she decided to put me out of my misery.

God love her for it, because this shampoo has changed my life. I'd tried the Bumble & Bumble dry shampoo a few years ago--it's a powder and comes in white (for blondes) or darker shades for darker hair--and while I'd liked it OK, I found it difficult to apply the right amount. I either ended up with not enough powder and really greasy hair, or squeezed out WAY too much and ended up with white locks. Plus it didn't smell very nice.

This stuff, however, is going to be a regular purchase from now on:

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo, $21.85

It's a spray formula, which means it's much easier to apply evenly and focus where I need a little more absorption--and for me, since it's a daily struggle to get out of bed in the morning, I was desperate for a way to keep my must-be-washed-every-single-day hair from looking like a greasy mop on the days when I barely managed to find a somewhat non-wrinkled outfit and make it to work on time with my teeth brushed.

It doesn't smell great, but it's no worse than your average hairspray--and the smell fades as soon as the spray dries.

Lurrrve. It.

Lurrrvely stamps

A while ago, I bought a roll of "forever" stamps from the post office, partially because I hate going to the post office (and always need stamps at the least convenient times), and partially because I use stamps so rarely now that I figured it would be nice to have them around and know they were the right denomination when I did need them.

Honestly, though? Forever stamps are U-G-L-Y. Especially after seeing these Charles and Ray Eames stamps:Aren't they gorgeous? I am feeling slightly pathetic for coveting stamps, though.

Lurrrving Orla Kiely

After obsessing over Orla for ages, I finally indulged a few months ago in this goes-with-nothing-and-everything Multi Stem Shoulder Bag.

I wanted to spread the lurrrve by letting you know about the fabulous Summer Sale going on now at www.orlakiely.com/usa. With items up to 50% off (and the right amount of rationalizing) it's kinda sorta almost afforable. The Primrose Print Dress is not only ideal for summer, but could transition nicely into the fall over a pair of jeans or leggings.


$72.50 (down from $145).

Lurrrving the 'lime

Piperlime is a shoe & handbag website that falls under the Gap Inc. umbrella. It has the "free shipping, free returns" thing going on like Zappos, but without the brain-burning decision making that comes with too much inventory.

PLime offers fun category searches such as "Fantastic Finds under $75" and "As seen in..." which allows you to shop all the shoes fit to print.
I have my eye on these Matt Berson gladiators.


Need a sole-ful reason to splurge? Piperlime partners with Soles4Souls to donate used shoes to those in need.

Lurrrving: Dyson

When my vacuum died last week, I thought, Oh well, another one bites the dust.

At last count, my household has gone through four vacuums in the past five years. The sad part about that is that in the past five years, we've lived in one house with carpeting: the one we live in now, that we moved into in February. So those vacuums died after not being able to handle the amount of dog hair that accumulates on rugs and hardwood floors when you have two golden retriever mixes.

On Friday, I dug out the Phillips-head screwdriver, pried off the vacuum backing, and checked the vacuum's belt, figuring maybe this time it would be an easy fix. It wasn't. There is something wrong with the motor, and for a vacuum we spent about $80 (an estimation), I don't see it being worth a trip to a repair store. It's just going to break again.

For years, I've been dreaming about owning a Dyson, but have never been brave enough to make the investment. I mean, they cost $500 brand new! But then I added up the approximate amount we've spent on vacuums over the past five years, and I realized we'd been spending more money on vacuums than we would if we invested in one that was supposed to last for five years. And I have several friends who have Dysons and swear by them (seriously, people swear by this vaccum), but, still -- $500 for a vacuum?

Yesterday was do-or-die: I hadn't vacuumed in a week, and the house was starting to get hairy. I went to Target, expecting to plunk down another $150 or so on a new vacuum...and found that the Dyson I'd been coveting, the Animal, was on clearance. I emailed my husband, we checked our bank accounts...and decided to go for it.


I was starting to freak out as I reached the check-out counter, thinking about what the grand total of my Target shopping spree would be (of course I also needed to get necessities like dog food and shampoo), when a woman walked by, glanced at my cart, and said over her shoulder, "You will LOVE that vacuum cleaner. Seriously. It is worth every penny. I wish I had two of them."

That was all it took.

I got home yesterday, put my new toy together (can a vacuum be called a toy?), and took it for a test drive on my week's-worth-of-dog-hair carpet...and it was awesome. So far the best part is that you don't have to bend down to turn it on, empty the canister, or even plug in the attachments. And it has an extra-long cord so I don't continually have to plug and unplug. I also suspect it picked up dog hair that my now-deceased vacuum had been missing for months.

The Dyson Animal is the vacuum most recommended for houses with pets--so I'm crossing my fingers that my little furry boys' shedding won't prove too much for it to handle. So far, I'm impressed. Will I still be impressed a year from now? We shall see.

Thread Head

Last night I dreamt that I was hanging out with friends, and all of the sudden I looked down and my shirt was gone. I felt exposed, embarrassed, and a tad slutty. But no one else seemed to mind so I just laughed it off. I've interpreted this dream to mean that my wardrobe needs a new top (stretching here, but have to rationalize yet another purchase).

Enter Threadless. Their online community offers hundreds of options, adding new tees and prints every Monday, so you're unlikely to see anyone else walking around town sporting your selection. My current faves are The Outdoor Mix, $17:


and Parable Paranoia, $26:

Lurrrving: Good Stock

I've been daydreaming about having Kim of Good Stock make books for me for about a year now. I'd like to rummage through the old black and white photos stashed in a dresser in my grandmother's house and make a family book of "entertaining" -- photos from parties. I'd like a book about my grandfather, who I never got to meet. I'd like a book about how my parents met and fell in love. I'd like one dedicated to my friendships.

I think, I'd just like to get started on something that lets me hang on to my past in a concrete way. And Kim's books are a beautiful way to do it.

Each is one-of-a-kind, completely unique, and lovingly handmade by Kim. I think the results are pretty stunning -- these put those self-made books that are all the rage to absolute shame. Yes, they are more expensive, but these are basically heirlooms in print form. And I am dying for one (or ten) of my own.