Frugal Friday ~ Gifts for Mom!

 

mother's day is this coming sunday and it you have been procrastinating a bit and are short on funds, luck is on your side, because any of the gifts above are sure to bring a smile to moms face, all while keeping your tab at under $50!

 

kai travel set (my moms fave!)

 

mr. boddington's mistral soap (cute packaging and amazing scents!)

 

tuscan herb candle (what mom doesn't want to go to tuscany?)

 

gucci flora rollerball perfume (i wear this scent and get complimented daily)

 

sea flower print scarf (perfect colors for spring & summer!)

 

eiffel tower ring dish (darling little accent piece - ooh la la!)

 

be sure to give your favorite moms a little love this sunday!

I'm Lovin' It ~ Summer Lovin'

happy may gray day!  even though the gray skies continue to rule over los angeles, my recent spray tan appointment and vacation in 15 days has me in a summer lovin' kind of mood. 

even though my vacation isn't to anywhere tropical, i am dreaming of blue skies, warm sun on my shoulders and all the fun that summer brings today. 

the items that currently haunt my summer dreams include:

jo malone vanilla & anise cologne - smells just like a root beer float.  yum!

every summer my flip flops take a beating and need to be replaced and every year i almost cave and buy those $50+ capri ones and every year i am saved by a cheaper pair.  this year gap nailed it with their leather flip flops available in a variety of colors and even come with a little extra cushion for your footsies.  awesome.

like the ray of light  kissing my shoulders, my toes will be sporting deborah lippmann's version of ray of light.  perhaps i will even listen to madonna's take on "ray of light".  that's cray, cray.

fringe benefits this summer - yes please!

in order to fully get the most benefits from my fringe, i plan to snack on these tasty little that's it. bars that give you two servings of fruit in one bar.  two fruits, one bar - much better than that other two girls one cup business (do not google it).

lastly a sweet little tumbler to enjoy a variety of light beverages from - although i am heavily leaning towards a calimocho or sangria - yum. 

what are you craving for summer?

B*Day Wishlist Part III

well, i am officially 5 hours and 40 minutes away from turning 32! 

which means my wishlist is getting down to the wire. i present you with my last, greatest desires...

hot dot scarf by marc jacobs.  do i even need to explain why?  just look at it.  a beauty.

i have been hesitant to buy an iPhone 4 cover because i could never find the "perfect one".  stop the presses, found it!  thank you rebecca minkoff!

ever since i smelled it for the first time at bergdorf's in nyc, i still crave creed's virgin island water.  vacation in a bottle.

trust me when i say the dl & co thorn apple signature collection scallop candle  is worth every penny.  not only can you light it around the house for a little piece of heaven.  but you can also dab a little on your wrists for a sexy scent-sation that stays with you all day long.

i have a fetish for mustaches.  no joke.  and i am really excited by this jonathan adler muse bottle opener.  tmi?  sorry, must be my old age...

to help with my resolutions to travel more (and the overnighters at b's) this deux lux felix weekender duffle is perfect amounts of chic and flashy.  yum.

weird.  a piece of jcrew jewelry that i am dying to own.  that's a first!  NOT. 

feel free to come to mama pave chain link bracelet.

last, these aqua boho drops are the perfect accessory for spring.  the colors are so bright and cheery and would look fabulous with just about anything.

and that my friends sums up my b*day wishlists.  it has been fun imagining receiving any of these items, but i must admit, just spending time with friends, family and loved ones is the best gift of all (i know it sounds cheesy but i mean it).  i am off now to enjoy dinner with b at a surprise location (let's just hope it isn't magic castle). 

see you all tomorrow when i am a whole year older and wiser...err something like that.

xoxo

Summer Essentials Series ~ Menu a la Marguerite!

Happy Friday to you all!  Wrapping up this weeks summer essentials is one of my fave gal pals Marge (really Lisa) from Menu a la Marguerite.  I met Marge in college officially at WSU but quickly realized we actually met for the first time our senior year of high school when I was a guest judge for cheerleading at her high school - small world.  Years later we are still buds and this gal has way of just making me giggle over just about anything.  The beautiful Marge is also a bride to be with "Forever Young" nuptials just around the corner (can't wait!).  Head on over to Menu a la Marguerite for great recipes, photos and fun!

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Jennifer Anniston Perfume - I. LOVE. IT.  Smells like a beach and makes me feel sexy!  I love it so much that when I broke my original bottle in New York I went to the mall next door to our hotel and bought another one.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Vita Coco water.  I love anything that tastes or smells like coconut.  Although this is neither, really, it helps keep me hydrated and refreshed on a hot day!  Available at Costco for super cheap in a 12 pak.

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

I have a few:

Sara Evans - "Suds in The Bucket"

Katie Perry - "Last Friday Night, TGIF"

Thank you Marge for sharing your summer picks!  I rushed out and smelled the Jen Anny perfume after you raved about it and I have to agree it is a great scent, very beachy and summery!  And you know I love coconut water also, but lately have been also enjoying Aloe Vera Water....and "Suds in the Bucket" is one of my faves!

I hope ya'll have a fabulous summer weekend, we only have a few left!!!

XOXO

Gift Guide #4 ~ Nifty Gifty under Fifty

I am dying to own this luxurious Belmacz Glow Lip Balm and I am pretty sure any other gal in your life would too.  It has a pretty color with actual flakes of gold that blend in to make the gloss a shimmery goodness. 

For the hostess with the mostess or the party that needs to get started, the 80's Table Topics will make sure there aren't any crickets present at any future parties.

The Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar not only looks gorgeous when lit but also fills the home with a delectable scent. 

For your accident prone friend, why not help her cover her boo-boos with these cute Cynthia Rowley Band Aids Dress Ups?  My fave is the sequin one, I may have to fake an injury just to use one.

I have been dying to try the EOS lip balm and what better way to introduce yourself or someone you love than this EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Holiday Bag. 

Story of my life.  I need this f*cking bag to use at the grocery store.  Also perfect for the eco-friendly cute boy you have been stumped on what to buy.

Smelling good is never a bad thing, and options are even better.  The Juicy Couture Spray Pen Set is perfect for the gal on the go or to split up and pass along to your coworkers. 

I love the message associated with this Pearls of Love Dogeared Necklace.  Whoever you give it to is sure to feel incredibly loved.

Another eco-friendly and incredibly stylish gift for the go getter is this Red Jonathon Adler To Go Holiday Mug .  Throw in a little Sbux gift card and you are sure to be a favorite.

Last year my gf Christy gifted me this awesome Lash Stash set from Sephora.  They are all travel size mascaras that you can try before you buy.  And let me just say that the danger is finding numerous mascaras that you not only like but LOVE!  The Hourglass and Laura Mercier were my faves in last years batch.  Perfect for the girl who is always up for trying something new. 

I'm Lovin' It

The packaging of all the Honore des Pres perfumes.  I am head over heels in love with the Vamp A NY scent and have included it in my Holiday Wishlist.  The scent is a little bit sweetart meets a little bit spicy.  Pure goodness really. 

These Loeffler Randall Back Zip Rubber Rain Boots.  I love the color and really love the edgy zipper in the back.  They are also slightly more affordable than the leather pair I have been eyeing. 

Those crazy ass bizzos over on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  I have my favorites (Lisa for sure) and then there are those that are just wacky (Taylor and Camille).  I am loving that they let us into their lives. 

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These beautiful, sparkly, ultra lovely frocks from Elie Saab's Spring 2011 RTW Collection.  Oh what I wouldn't do to one of those dresses.

Enjoying the Starbucks Christmas Blend in my "Red Cup" as I continue to wade through The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. 

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The Cranberry Bliss Bars are back.  Trouble.  Trouble. Trouble. 

Taste Like Cherry Cola....La-La-La-La-LOLA

I am kind of a nosy person...especially when it comes to perfume! My nose is quite selective and has left me with a few staples that I rotate between. Whenever a new scent comes out on the market, I rush out and take a big whiff...only to find out that, it smells like every other scent I am avoiding out there.

Lola by Marc Jacobs on the other hand, had me spritzing my wrist to enjoy the scent throughout the day. Yes, I am a fan of all of his perfumes and this one smells classic, yet unique in its own way. In any case, the bottle is so gorgeous it's worth the purchase alone! This perfume will be making its way onto my growing Christmas Wish List (yes I still make them for my parents).

Spill it...what's your signature scent? What should I be sniffing at the stores?