{Etsy Love} A Common Thread Crochet Necklaces

I love the handmade, quirky statement these crocheted necklaces by A Common Thread make and would rock them in a second (esp. loving the scallop bib in the top right photo.)What do you think...crochet is cool? I vote yes.

image: A Common Thread Etsy

Must Have: The Blazer

 {1. flickr, 2. unknown, 3. j. crew, 4. anthropologie 5. gap}

My must-covet item of the moment...a black boyfriend blazer. I mean, really. Who doesn't love women in menswear? It's epically chic. Always has been. Marlene Dietrich? Patti Smith? Hello? I think it's beyond sexy. Doesn't it just scream black heels and a cigar? Need. Want. Must. Have.

{Etsy Love} HarmonizedCreations

Holy loving these metal pendants from HarmonizedCreations. I wish I had thought of it! Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. Wouldn't a few of these stacked together make a great necklace? Like an 'E', a heart and a 'D'? Oh yes, I think so...

{source}

2009: The Faves List

I was just thinking this morning about all the great new stuff I discovered (and subsequently fell in love with) in 2009 and couldn't resist gushing all about it.

So, here goes my Top 10 Faves List, circa 2009 (in no particular order):

1. L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner. Seriously. It's amazing AND cheap. Like $6.99 a bottle cheap at the grocery store. I've tried both the moisture (pink) line and the volume (green) line and love them both for different reasons. The cold weather and dry furnace heat saps the moisture right out of my hair. Every couple of washes, I use the moisturizing shampoo & conditioner and it makes my hair unbelievably soft. The rest of the time, I'm using the volumizing S&C and it makes my hair light, bouncy and shiny. As a hairstylist, Sissy is my go-to hair advice maven. I literally called her from the grocery store to ask if I should try this sulfate-free stuff (because who of us would know the difference, really?) She told me that sulfate-free products are some of the best out there and are normally very pricey and found at salons. She told me to try it, given the price. I'm so glad I did! Find the EverPure formula best for you and give it a try. You won't be disappointed. (FYI: I have long, color-treated hair that gets oily after 2 days and stays drier at the ends. EverPure seems to balance out my hair better than any salon brand I've ever tried...and I've tried a LOT.) OOH..and I nearly forgot to mention how fantastic they smell. Both the shampoo & conditioner use slightly different blends of rosemary (one being rosemary & juniper and the other rosemary & mint.) They're very...Aveda-smelling, very earthy and clean.

2. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (for normal to oily skin.) Again, this product is affordable and everywhere. I know I've mentioned Cetaphil before, but the results I get from using Cetaphil every day keep me from needing microdermabrasion, glycolic peels or expensive acne treatments. I use it every day...Cetaphil + warm water + gentle washcloth = freaking awesome skin. Up until last year, my face would break out like I was going through puberty all over again. I tried everything from fancy cleansers from the dermatologist to Proactiv to organic to every drugstore brand out there. Nothing helped clear up my skin. Granted, I knew I had combination/oily skin, but everything either over-dried or over-moisturized, thus resulting in more pimples. I read in some fashion mag that some celebrity (maybe Drew Barrymore?) used Cetaphil so I spent $8 or so and bought some while I was at the drugstore. After a week, my skin had never looked better and people were noticing. For the first time in, oh, EVER, people were complimenting me on how good my skin looked. My mom and aunt now swear by it, too, and they've gone the dermatologist route for their skin, too. It's especially fantastic if your skin's more combo or oily. Though they make a "sensitive skin" formula, I stick to the Daily Facial Cleanser, even though I have very sensitive skin. It just seems to work better for me.

3. DivaCup. This might be a little too-much-info for a few folks, but I cannot keep quiet about it anymore. If a woman's menstruation freaks you out, either stop reading or get over it, cuz I have to talk about something that I wish I had known about years ago...enter, The DivaCup. This just isn't a tampon alternative...it's a life-changing product. Last year, a huge part of me hated how much disposable waste I was creating through all the tampons and pads I went through in an average month. I recalled awhile before that on one of my favorite message boards, the ladies were discussing the DivaCup and singing it's many praises. I knew that I was ready to give it a try and become part of the waste-reduction solution and not part of the problem. Let me explain. The DivaCup is a menstruation cup, leaving nothing behind to throw away. Now, menstruation cups aren't revolutionary (they've been around since the '30s.) The DivaCup, however, is made of silicone and has an innovative design. Basically, you put it in, it collects, you empty it at least once every 12 hours, you clean it with mild soap and warm water, you put it back in. At the end of your cycle, you boil it for 20 minutes. The end. No more odors, waste or stinky trash. It's amazingly clean and freeing. I have a pretty heavy flow for a couple days and, even then, I can do whatever I want -- swim, exercise, sleep, whatever -- all without having to worry about accidents or leaking. (Truth be told, when it's really heavy, a ultra-thin liner helps in those "just in case" moments.) After one cycle, I called my mom to tell her and cried about how happy I was to have found the DivaCup, it's THAT amazing. Sissy swears by it. I'm going to tell my cousins and nieces, when it's their time, too. After all, why should girls and women be tied to old technology? The modern tampon has been around since the 1930s and is virtually unchanged in design and function. Great marketing has led us to believe our only options are pads or tampons. Pads aren't always the right solution (read: sports, swimming, formal nights) and tampons can leak, are extremely wasteful, unhealthy (you put yourself at risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome), and quite often, are unsanitary (hello? tampon strings absorb urine. So gross.) Just do yourself a favor and try it. Worst-case, you go back to tampons. Best-case? You never use anything but the DivaCup again and you'll tell everyone you know about it, like me.
(P.S. Hey Central Ohio ladies...I got mine at Whole Foods in Dublin.)

4. Mean Bean Java Monster. For those days when coffee isn't enough, Mean Bean Monster Java is a coffee-meets-energy-drink that tastes like a vanilla iced coffee. Even though drinking window cleaner is probably more healthy, given it's chock full 'o weird stuff, and a total indulgence at sometimes $3 for 15 fl. oz., it is completely and utterly delicious.

5. MAC Cosmetics. Not only were MAC Cosmetics the saving face grace products for my wedding, I've enjoyed their benefits since the wedding. The entire product line is amazing, really, but I have a few favos, so indulge me:

- Prep + Prime Skin: Oh silky smooth finish, how I love thee? I have oily skin in my T-zone especially, but a little P+P on a clean face pre-foundation works wonders for keeping my concealer and/or foundation where it's supposed to be and not slicking off my face by the end of the day.

- Fluidline Gel Eyeliner (in Blacktrack): This little pot of black gel paired with a soft angle brush (I like Sephora's Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush) allows you to create everything from a soft, feminine eye to a dramatic glam-worthy diva eye. All it takes is different pressure, blending techniques and eye shadows. I never thought I'd ever wear black eyeliner on the daily, but Fluidline changed my mind. Go light with a soft, short application and your eyes will just about pop out of your head, in a good way.

- Viva Glam IV Lipstick: Not too light, not too dark, not too pink...just not too anything. This is dangerously close to the perfect shade of lipstick for me. If you're not going big with red lips, have light-to-medium skin and want a pretty, classic, clean-looking daily lippy, Viva Glam IV is one of those shades you can wear with everything. It was the color I wore for my wedding and now I wear it with jeans. It's versatility justifies spending $14 on lipstick.

6. Coffee-mate Fat-free Hazelnut Creamer: This stuff helped me stop spending $4 a coffee at Starbuck's. When your budget requires cutting out of the overpriced boutique coffees, but you're still craving them, give these fat-free creamers a try. There's a bazillion flavors, but hazelnut is the one I seem to gravitate towards. If you're like me and prefer your coffee iced, this stuff really does the trick. Just brew up a pot, pour into a pitcher with a handful of ice and stick it in the fridge. When you are ready, pour over ice and add some of this hazelnut creamer and you'll forget all about that $4 Venti Non-Fat Caramel Frappucchino, trust me.

7. Paper Source. OK, this isn't one product. It's the entire company and website that I love. We integrated Paper Source card stock and envelopes into our wedding invitation suite and, as professional designers, Bubs and I couldn't believe the quality! Honestly, it is the best card stock I've ever purchased. Quality stuff, good price, quick shipping, variety of colors. Can't recommend the Paper Source enough for anyone who uses paper in DIY invitations, cards, crafts or scrapbooking.

8. Ancestry.com. So maybe this isn't exactly a product, but more of a service, but it was one of my favorite things I got into in 2009. I know I've mentioned in passing over the last year about losing my dad...it sucked so I don't like to talk about it too much, but one thing I embraced this past year, rather than brooding and bellowing about my loss, is organizing my personal family history. I signed up for the free 1-week trial on Ancestry.com, entered a handful of known names and dates and now have over 900 family members entered, some as far back as the 1600s. Now that, my friends, is eye-opening. How about discovering and connecting with other people, strangers, who you just happen to be related to? It's a trip and sort of freaked me out at first, but it helped me to remember a couple things. 1. That someone's memory is much more lasting if you nurture it. 2. You're never really alone in the world, but rather you're tethered with invisible strings to more people than you can imagine. and 3.The internet is the coolest place ever.

9. Pier 1 Reed Diffusers. Anyone who experiments with different brands of reed diffusers knows that some are better than others (note: avoid Bed Bath & Beyond's Fresh Linen reed diffuser like the plague. It's horrific.) If you gambled and lost with your latest reed diffuser, pop over to Pier 1 and stock up. Theirs have the best fragrances and seem to last longer than any other brand I've tried. One of my favorite smells is the Ginger Peach, but I'd like to try Fresh Fig, Spring Gardenia, Citrus Cilantro and Ember this year, too. (P.S. Reed diffusers are a great way to infuse delicious scents into your workspace, too. If you're stuck in a cubicle, it doesn't mean you can't make it as pleasant an environment as possible! Just use fewer reeds to keep the smell from overpowering a small area.)

10. Whole Foods Market Italian Soda. My favorite has to be Pink Grapefruit, but Tangerine and Green Apple are just as delicious. I like that the packaging is responsible glass and not plastic, what's even better is that the labels come off easily with a soak in soapy water and you're left with a perfect, label-free clear glass bottle! Though they aren't as cheap as non-Whole-Foods sodas, they are a delicious and healthier fizzy alternative. If you're looking to cut your daily soda consumption, ween yourself from caramel coloring and Aspartame with these delicious little bevvies. Oh -- and they are really pretty additions to any party or tablescape, too, if you're into that sort of thing.

That's it! My list for 2009. How about you? Did you try and love any new (or new-to-you) goods this past year that you'd like to share with the world? Leave a comment and share the product love. xo

{While I'm Away...} Etsy Love: Luckylife

I have serious love for these 'dear' earrings by Melissa at Acts of Kindness (luckylife) on Etsy. Actually, all of her jewelry pieces are clean, simple and inspired. Talk about a great gift idea!

{all images courtesy luckylife/acts of kindness}

Not Your Nana's Needlepoint

{clockwise: headband - Tucker Blair, key fob - Smathers & Branson,
baby booties - By Paige, flip flops - Tucker Blair, photo album - AMH Design,
elephants & martinis belt - Smathers & Branson}

Today's a hugely busy day...I'm off to buy the rest of my wedding day beauty accoutrement, attempt to tidy up my office a bit and, later this afternoon, we're meeting our event coordinator at The Worthington Inn to go over the details of our wedding reception. Hurrah!

With that said, I'll keep it short and show you some of my favorite needlepoint pieces. Oh aren't they darling? I love needlepoint. It's so...preppy! Maybe I'll take up needlepoint and round out my crafting abilities :)

I Heart TOMS!

{Rockin' the One for One style, His in plaid, Hers with bows.}

I had the pleasure of being a guest of The Ohio State University yesterday for a dinner honoring Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS Shoes, and was able to hear him speak to students and lovers of TOMS. Blake's appearance was part of the 2009 First-Year Distinguished Speaker series at the university, aimed at introducing incoming freshman to leaders and entrepreneurs in the business industry and community alike.


It was exhilarating to hear Blake speak about his experiences getting started, growing, motivations and ambitions in developing a sustainable business. His business model alone is enough to revolutionize how we, as consumers and professionals, approach both product development and purchasing power -- the idea that a for-profit business does not have to exist parallel to a philanthropy, that businesses and charities can unite as one (and that we can actively choose to support those businesses...and why wouldn't we? C'mon people!) It takes courage to do something new and it takes determination to make it work. Blake Mycoskie has both in spades. My shoes are off to you, sir!

{Now we're BFFs}

{Oh yes, and Blake signed my TOMS :) }

{Must Have} Pixie Bell

Bring it on, winter! With a hat from Pixie Bell, I could even learn to like the cold.

{all courtesy: Pixie Bell}

The one where I discuss my leopard-print shoe obsession.

{source}

OK. I need to share my not-so-recent obsession with leopard-print ballet flats because it's getting difficult to resist not running out to buy a pair like.Right. Now. But let's be real here. At no point, ever, in my life would a leopard-print ballet flat, preferably in pony hair, be a practical addition to my wardrobe. (Yes, that statement just came from someone who wears and loves grape-purple suede and patent leather peep toes and makes it work.)

I think the root of the shoe evil is stemming from my, at the moment, very bland clothing collection. Well. Bland for me, anyway. I tried to cut back and purge and create a closet of interchangeable classics.

Trench? Check
Everyday top? Check
Well-fitting jeans? Several checks
Dress pants? Check
A great skirt? Check
Day dress? Check
Classic LBD? Again, several more checks

I could go on and on, but I think you understand where I'm going. To be completely honest, I've done a spot-on job, collecting everything but the jacket/blazer (which is on this fall's major Must Have list...right next to leopard-print ballet flats...)

See what I mean?! My craving for said shoes is seemingly insatiable. It's a completely impractical, insane wish-list item, but oh. How darling they would look with skinny jeans and a blazer. Sigh. I think I'm going to have to steer clear of the mall for awhile until I get this under control. Or at least until I get a coupon :)

{Tory Burch via Nordstrom - $225}

{Michael Kors via Nordstrom - $129.95}

{BP via Nordstrom - $59.95}

{Charles by Charles David via Nordstrom - $54.95}

{Must Have} The J. Peterman Company

With as much time as I spend online poking through treasure troves of online finds, so rarely does anything jump at me quite the way The J. Peterman Company did. Oh my, do they have some delicious goods! It's my new favorite.

But honestly, not only do they have tip top rare vintage finds for the home, completely adorable vintage-inspired fashions and accessories for men and women, it's the descriptions for each piece that practically made me swoon. I freaked out a little, actually, then proceeded to read outloud to my fella at least a half dozen of the things. (He loved it, I promise.)

Like this one for the Tournabuoni Shirt & Skirt (darling illustration below):
"The women of Florence are famous for their trim miniskirts and designer scarves, their slick sophisticated pumps.

But there’s another side to their wardrobes, one that goes deeper into the Tuscan character. Practical, active-spirited...you could even call it tough chic.

This outfit discovered in a small shop on the via Tornabuoni is a fine example. Looks like something Oriana Falacci might have worn on a journalistic adventure to one of the more remote latitudes.

(There was a Florentine for you. As a pigtailed schoolgirl, carried explosives for the anti-Fascist underground. Later, the sharpest political interviewer in the world, pursuing truth with remorseless charm that got Yassir Arafat, Henry Kissinger, and the Shah of Iran to disclose the most amazing things.)

You’ll look right at home in a trattoria on the Arno, nonchalantly twirling pasta on your fork.

Even better, it’s just about all you need for a week or two of exploring the city and the ancient hill towns beyond, discovering those whites and reds that the Italians keep for themselves."

All that to describe a shirt & skirt combo. Now THAT is how you sell, my friends.

And look! Even more completely to-die-for pieces. Oh J. Peterman Company. You've just created a monster.

{all images courtesy J. Peterman Company}

Boot Scootin'

Let's add these boots to my Fall '09 Most Coveted list. It hurts, I love them so.

{source}

Who doesn't love a cape?

ModCloth is after my heart yet again with this baby. I have more coats than any one person ever should...if I could just donate a few and scrounge up some extra duckets, this is coming to live in my closet.

Cape of Good Hope a la Modcloth

Wanderlust.

We are world travelers and I don't own my own luggage. How sad is that? I'm honestly a bit embarrassed, but what's a girl to do? Just last year, I bought a hot pink rolly carry-on from Target for our trip to NYC and I was so excited. It's already falling apart, but it does the job for short quickie Domestic flights. International HONEYMOON flights are a horse of another color, wouldn't you agree? Here's my wishie wish list for honeymoon travel essentials:

Diane Von Furstenberg Studio Jaquard Luggage & Rolling Carry-On in Navy here
Personalized Bright Leather Luggage Tags here
Cashmere 3-Piece Travel Set here
Kate Spade Jane Street Passport Holder here
Bucky Neck Pillow here
TOMS Shoes here

Fabulous reads, like Real Simple here
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief Moisturizer here
Rosebud Salve Strawberry Lip Balm here
Luna Bars (Delish!) here
Origins Peace of Mind Gumballs here
Burt's Bees Hand Salve here
My Apple iPod nano filled with loves like Ambulance LTD and Glenn Miller
Glacéau Vitamin Water (bought past security checkpoint, of course)

Woot! First Wedding Gift!

I don't know how polite it is for me to announce to all of blogdome and beyond about our wedding gifts, but I am so flipping excited about it I am foregoing etiquette to give a big YAHOO! for our first, official wedding present....

What could it be...? That's a big box...

Oh gleeful joy! It's the KitchenAid stand mixer I've been dreaming of for a decade. Let the happy dance commence! Honestly, this has been the one thing I've been crossing my fingers for...I can't wait to use it. Oh what should I make?! Cinnamon rolls? Meatloaf? Definitely my birthday cupcakes..!

What was your most memorable wedding gift and from whom? Was it something you'd secretly dreamed of (like my mixer) or was it four complete silver tea service sets? A jackalope? A cashmere throw? Do tell :)

Sweetness.

OK, I've found the motherlode of awesomely lovely baking stuffs here. Greta & Kristen just opened their online store Layer Cake Shop and it is going to be a real treat for us all!

Buy stuff, bake stuff, share stuff with people you love. And me, too, if feeling generous. I love cupcakes ^-^
Oh yeah...AND they are offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50 through July. Even sweeter!

One For One & A Cool Local Event

Mine: Natural Canvas. {Courtesy: TOMS Shoes}

I did it. I finally got some TOMS. Perfect addition to the summer wardrobe, I can wear them in Jamaica for our honeymoon in November, not to mention a rockin' company philosophy that is hard not to subscribe to - for every pair purchased, a pair is donated to a child in need. One for one. That's just way cool.

Yay, TOMS!

White Canvas, Yellow University, Burlap {Courtesy: TOMS Shoes}

For all you hep townies, here's an upcoming event not to be missed. Break out those TOMS and hit the pavement:

{Checki-Check It Out}

Way to represent, Tigertree. BIG fan.

MUST HAVE: Tastefully Simple Goodies

I love the mail. Especially when it comes in the form of two large boxes chock full o' Tastefully Simple stuffs!

The other week, my BFF/Matron of Honor hosted one of these parties and I jumped at the chance to go. Mom had great things to say about TS and I had to give them a try myself. Suffice it to say, I went a little crazier than I had meant to (it's a little pricey), but I'm so excited about making everything, I've decided to not feel guilty and reward myself with tasty morsels :)

In total, I bought 4 bread mixes (3 Bountiful Beer Bread and 1 Savory Wheat Beer Bread), a couple of those drink-in-a-tub mixes where you just add the alcohol and ice (Pomegranate Blueberry Margarita, oh yeah), a jar of strawberry rhubarb jam and a couple of boxes of Granola Goodness Jam Bar Mix. Oh, by the way...if you've never tasted the Bountiful Beer Bread, you are SO missing out! It's ambrosia-like, even.

Other things I would've liked to get had my will-power and bank account not stepped up and talked some sense into me (besides more of everything I did buy):

Chocolate Bliss Cheese Ball mix -- sounds gross? Yeah, tastes like brownie batter. Good times.

Twisty Grahams - To eat with said Chocolate Bliss Cheese Ball. Sure, it's cheaper to use graham crackers but these are little twisties like prezels and so cuuuuute!

Bacon Bacon - It comes as a shakeable dry mix, but when blended into cream cheese...drool-worthy, smoky, bacon-y spread. How is that not win-win?

Absolutely Almond Pound Cake Mix - Sure, I could make it from scratch, but this is so easy it's almost not right.

Country Blackberry Preserves - It was so good I turned it into a topping for the pound cake.

So. I know I'm not alone here when I say that a little extra income couldn't hurt? Well...maybe you should look into Tastefully Simple as a solution. It's a consultant-based sales job (like Mary Kay or Tupperware), you work on your schedule and this product is Quality with a capital Q. Seriously, the products almost sell themselves. I don't know the details about initial investment to become a consultant, but if you're interested in such a thing...look into this company.

What else did I learn from my Tastefully Simple adventure? It makes GREAT gifts (Hello! Mother's Day!) The stuff doesn't melt, leak or ooze, so shipping is actually an option and even people who hate to cook (yes, that would be moi) won't run screaming the other direction from this stuff. It's idiot-proof food!

Add water and butter. Stir. Bake.
or
Add cream cheese. Stir. Serve.

They should add "Completely Impress Everyone" as the final step. I would. Seriously.

Eye Candy: My Favorite Shoes

This is an unabashedly shameless gush over my favorite shoes...consider yourself warned!

So...my favorite shoes are apple green suede Marjorie ballet flats from J. Crew. I wear them with everything...even if I skirt dangerously close to looking silly. On more than one occasion, I've referred to them as "My Lucky Green Shoes." I know how cracked that sounds, but I can't help myself.

The downside to having this particular pair of shoes as my favorites are some of the same reasons for that position...they're suede, they're J.Crew and they're apple green. Let me explain:

Suede isn't the most durable fabric out there...not that I'm looking for a Teflon shoe or anything, but they require a bit more caution than if you were donning something in a waxy leather.

J. Crew knows how to make a shoe, but they come with a hefty price tag...$98! No...I didn't pay that much for mine, of course, but I'm not going to spill the beans on my super ninja shopping abilities either.

Apple green. They are so darling. I would, in fact, pay $98 for another pair exactly like mine...only J. Crew sells my beloved Marjorie ballet flat in very select colors each year. I can just hear the snooty designer now..."Apple green is so out this year." (Apparently it is according to J. Crew...but I don't care. It's my fave-o.)

Here are other colors I heart and am doing my best to resist buying, but Wow. It's hard. They are the most comfortable shoes I own (and I have had surgery on one of my feet...Orthopaedics are NOT an option, people!) Oh yeah, did I mention they have them in metallics and satins now, too? Argh.

{All courtesy: J. Crew}

Eye Candy: Perfect Pendant

My newest obsession is with resin jewelry. I am all over it. If I can find a moment of free time, this is most definitely a craft I'd like to get into (but I vowed to D. once before that I won't start another craft until I finish my multitudes of unfinished projects...bah.) So, until then, I'll keep drooling over a few of my faves over at Etsy.

{Courtesy: SquishySushi}

I love that these pendants are recycled Scrabble letters and use bits of decorative Japanese papers. When I was in 5th grade, my best friend Kanae was Japanese and she taught me all about origami and Milky candy (yum). All these years later, I'm still a huge sucker for a brightly colored Chiyogami paper and those delicious little milk-flavored caramels.

{Courtesy: Urban Bead}

Did you know that I have a humble collection of vintage posters? They're all repros, of course, but I love them dearly. It just so happens that more than one of them are advertisements for Absinthe, so this bracelet was an easy pick for me.

MUST HAVE: Let Them Eat Cake

I couldn't sit on this gem of a website...I HAD to share! Specializing in a foray of mismatched china transformed into darling cake stands, Let Them Eat Cake is tops. They are taking recycling to an entirely new level. Lucky for us, the folks over at Let Them Eat Cake are stepping up and giving new life, purpose and beauty to some lovely pieces of china. Based in the U.K., all of us on this side of the pond have to watch the dollar-to-pound conversions, but I'm telling ya. One of these babies would make one heck of a unique wedding gift. Whoops! Did I say that outloud? I guess I've never been one for the fine art of subtlety ;)

Neigh.

Crinoline Beauty.

A Many Splendoured Thing.

Mary Mary.