You had me at packaging

I must get my hands on some of these, I almost don't care if they're not any good.
Topshop. You had me at packaging.

Dry Shampoo I love you!

Like any new mom pressed for time I appreciate anything that makes my life a little easier. What I appreciate even more? Products that actually DO what they say they can do! Dear marketing professionals: if you say that something is going to double the length of my lashes, call me crazy but yes I actually do expect my lashes to double in size.

So I saw the commercial for TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo last week and for someone with overzealous oil glands it immediately got my attention. Secret? I HATE washing my hair. Washing it makes my showers and getting ready twice as long and when you have a baby, this isn't a good thing. Shampoo, conditioner, blow-dry and since I HATE my hair pin-straight I usually run it through a curling iron for a little volume :) This is why I love the next day soooo much, no need to do all that. Sometimes OK most times I try and get a third day in there but sometimes it looks a little too oily and I just can't get away with it. WELL, this stuff somehow sucks up the oil and you can go for another day or two without washing your hair. (By the way just so we're clear, I do find the time to shower daily) YES!! OK so it's not anything a blush brush and good ol' baby powder can't fix but who needs to spend 5 extra seconds juggling the two when you can have a nice shiny aerosol bottle to fight against the evil oil glands?? OH what a walking contradiction I am. I preach about over abundance and excess and here I am touting yet another product to add to the top of your dresser or bathroom counter - yep the one that doesn't look anything like those magazine-esque clutter free homes with the all too perfect vignettes (antique hand mirror, glass carafe, granny's monogrammed hanky...) you see on blogs/pinterest. Who lives that way??

Anyway back to the overzealous oil glands... so yes, go, run to your nearest drug store or wherever you buy your necessities and give it a go!

PS. If you have black hair like me, take it easy with this stuff. Although it takes away the I have the flu and been in bed all day oily look, it can however add a few years (it turns your hair greyish white if you add too much) - so don't go to town! Oh and I'm taking a little break so I won't be posting here next week but I'll still be over at Nice Package! Happy early Thanksgiving!

Obsessed I tell ya!

Double Devon Cream Butter. Hands down THE best butter. A little prosciutto di parma doesn't hurt either!

A few things...

A little roundup of a few things.



a. I'm dying for a new wardrobe. A grown-up up one with quality pieces that will (theoretically) last a lifetime. Until then I'll continue dreaming about items like these boots.

b. Yes. We're baaaack! Not the shop, but the blog! More news to come ;)

c. It seems that everyone has already read the AH-mazing Gifted Mag produced by Ez but just in case you haven't seen it yet hurry up and click. It's pretty freakin' good and I'm not just saying that coz we're friends.

d. The latest issue of 3191 Quarterly looks so beautiful. I think I'm gonna have to buy it!

Image Sources: Totokaelo, Nice Package, Creature Comforts, 3191 Quarterly

I love this

I haven't had that much time to think about home decorating lately but I came across these beauties and just had to share...



Image: Paula Valentim/otchipotchi

I love this

How cute are these terry cloth rabbits by MIKO DESIGN?? Erika has the most unique textile products for babies, children and women - I love her fabric doll kits and screenprinted fabrics. You can also find her on etsy and on flickr.

Images: Erika Harberts/MIKO DESIGN

Current Fave: Inset Lace Bikini

Let's talk undies shall we?
Everyone (including books) recommends packing undies you don't care about in your overnight hospital bag. I get why, but unfortunately I've purged my drawers of these bad boys a while ago and replaced them with ones that I'd actually wear. For years I kept a drawer full of too small, worn elastic waist bands, what was I thinking types of undies that never saw the light of day. Not really sure why I kept them for so long?

I recently discovered the Super Soft Angels by Victoria's Secret line and purchased a whole bunch of them a couple of months ago. Little did I know that Puff Puss would be making a sudden appearance, making all thongs instantly redundant and completely out of the question (which unfortunately makes up about 90% of my stash). So what's a girl to do? I refuse to believe that Puff Puss is going be a permanent fixture around here so paying VS prices ($10 each if they're on sale) for a whole new set of larger-sized undies seems wasteful to me... Target to the rescue!

I found these NON-maternity bikinis that I absolutely love. They fit perfectly (I just had to buy M instead of S). The best part? They're only $5 each! Unfortunately I couldn't find them online so if you're interested, you'll have to go to your nearest Target. PS. They're cut low enough to accommodate a 9-month belly!

I love this: ATSUYO ET AKIKO

I want to buy Emma one of everything from Atsuyo and Akido's magical studio! I especially love all of the accessories and jewelry...

1. Yellow String with Sheep Necklace, Nonchalant Mom
2. Lucky Charm Stars, atsuyoetakiko.com
3. 14K Gold with Diamond Ring, atsuyoetakiko.com
4. Ribbon Necklace - Rabbit, Nonchalant Mom
5. Ribbon Necklace - Bell, atsuyoetakiko.com
6. Heart Ribbon Necklace, atsuyoetakiko.com
7. Vermeil Beads Bracelet - Heart, atsuyoetakiko.com

(via kenziepoo)
Images: Nonchalant Mom & Atsuyo et Akido

I love this

hello there! I'm really lovin' these two pieces (tabula rasa in gold + akira) from elephantine, not to mention Rachel's awesome blog.

Today I'm busy getting a head start on a tutorial for a fellow blogger that'll be up in the beginning of July. I've had this project worked out in my head for months now, I just hope it's as good in reality as it is in my head! Wish the darn sun would peek out just for a little while so I can take the step by step pictures! Sheesh.

Pregger news: 8 weeks 2 days to go... took off my rings this morning :( noticed that my fingers were a bit more plump than usual!

Images: Elephantine Jewelry

I love this

I think I finally found the solution to my office/craft supplies issues. Well sort of. I was in Target yesterday and spotted three of these Metal Bins (in the Nickel color) - not bad for $7.99 each, now I just need to drive to the other locations to find five more, then return the white wicker baskets :)

I love this

I've started following a brand new set of blogs and have begun eerily stalking a handful of new shops - mostly dedicated to little ones. Nonchalant Mom has become one of my ultimate faves, I'm quickly developing quite the laundry list of must-haves from Carina's shop...



Collector Pants. Love how you can turn these pants into a romper, the cutest thing ever!
Matta Metal Wraps. Versatile piece that can be used as a necklace, bracelet or a belt. One in every color please!

What's on my agenda this weekend? Gardening! Have a great weekend everyone!

Via Nonchalant Mom Blog

I Love this

I've been spending lots & lots of time on the IKEA site lately looking for affordable pieces to add to the nursery and saw this darling Skruvsta Swivel Chair!

Image: IKEA

I Love This

Lovin' these bracelets by Laurel Denise!!! The coppery color is perfect and would look great layered with oxidized silver, gold and silver chain bracelets! I also love the subtle word etchings!

images: Laurel Denise

I love this

I usually start putting together our Nice Package orders for the week with Ez on Tuesdays. It's basically printing out packing slips, pulling out items, wrapping them up nicely, writing thank you notes, filling out custom forms for our international orders, etc. So not exactly the most thrilling part of our week (don't get me wrong we LOVE orders, we just wish that Santa and his helpers were in charge of it all!) So playing cheesy dance music while completing this task makes it 10x better!! Our current shipping day playlist is actually the same one I use for my workouts - Ultra Dance 11.

Anyway, long story short - I always joke around w/ Ez when the music starts to play. I tell her that I totally imagine myself dancing in the middle of crowded dance floor all into the music and what not, slightly perspiring and wearing a short sequined dress. I just happened to spot this dress this week and it's totally THE dress that I had in mind!!!

If I weren't packing up NP orders, 4 months pregnant with a kangaroo pouch, ankles ripening for their summer premier and watching American Idol + Lost... I would be wearing this dress (with black shoes) in the middle of a dance floor, eyes closed, hair waving side to side in slow-mo, sporting JLo's Waiting for Tonight body/face glitter look and maybe a fist pump or two (I do after all live in NJ!)

I Love You...

How cool is this Crepe Paper Necklace (available at Castor & Pollox)??!!??

I'd love a bracelet version - hmmm, I have a whole bunch of crepe paper from a previous project. I might just have to give this one a go...

Image: Castor & Pollox