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.