MHM! #obsession

From the time I was in college through my early twenties, I would use any excuse to wear false eyelashes.  Night out?  Done.  Senior week? No brainer.  Nice dinner?  Check.  Then I got older, made more money, and had more “grown up” places to go.  Weddings, work events, more sophisticated nights out with friends (yeah, sure). 

That’s when I discovered eyelash extensions, this week's MHM!  Sure, they’re more expensive (expect to pay about $100-$200 depending where you go) but they’re worth it – they last at least a week and they look real.  And they’re fun.  With the holiday season upon us, I was thinking about making an appointment for myself because…why not?  ‘Tis the season, as they say.  Never know when a party may strike.

MHM! #obsession

Trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone?  Check out Ariel Gordon Jewelry - a mix of custom and simple but elegant pieces, today's MHM! #obsession.  Their beautiful "personalized" collection hits right on the monogram trend but is unique enough that they'll have others asking your friend, girlfriend, mom, niece, whomever, "where did you get that?!"  They'll be the talk of their office, school, whatever for weeks to come ;)

I’m kind of obsessed with their slim signet bangle…anyone out there…

www.arielgordonjewelry.com

MHM! #obsession

Check out Paper Culture www.paperculture.com for today's Must Have Monday!  I somehow came upon this site for holiday cards, placed an order, and I'm never going back.  You'll see why.

Great designs aside, the company only uses recycled paper and also plants a tree for every order placed and lets you make a dedication to a loved one for that planted tree.  Super sweet.

For the financially savvy, Paper Culture will mail cards for you.  Instead of paying for shipping and then having to buy stamps for each card, you only pay to cover the cost of stamps for Paper Culture to mail each card for you.  Not to mention the time you'll save by not having to address each envelope, right?  And they put your return address on the envelope...I checked (so your friends and family don't think it's marketing or junk mail and accidentally throw it away).

Oh, also, once you upload all of your addresses into their system and place your order, you can select a date that you want your cards to be mailed.  So you can place the order today and set them to deliver next week.  I mean, could this get more perfect or what?  It can.  When you call Customer Service you get a real person (in my case, she was super nice and very much in the know).

Love, love, love.  Happy holidays everyone!

  

MHM! #obsession

Economy Candy is this week's MHM.  My friend and fabulous event planner of Oh So Fab fame, Tina LaMorte, first introduced me to Economy when candy buffets were all the rage at weddings (I think they're still popular because who doesn't love a chocolate covered pretzel and bag of M&M's at the end of the night?  Let's get serious.).  But I've come to use Economy for everything because they have everything you could ever imagine.  It's like Wonka's factory but in real life.  I even bumped into Jake Gyllenhaal there once, whom I suppose could be categorized under the candy category.

Bulk candies, old fashioned candy, home made treats like chocolate covered s'mores and pretzels (a la above).  Economy is no joke.  So sometimes I'll drop by the small LES shop on a random Tuesday to get my sweet tooth fix and other times I'll go there for serious matters, like when I was making ring pop boxes for the most recent bridal shower I planned, or now for my son's birthday party which is slowly creeping up on me...for color coordinated M&M's for the favor bags of course.

Check them out either in person: 108 Rivington Street, NYC or online www.economycandy.com and you won't ever be disappointed.

MHM! #obsession

      Today’s MHM! #obsession is yoga and/or meditation practice.  I recently started taking yoga classes because I found myself debating one Saturday night whether or not I should check myself into a mental facility (I’m half kidding).  After I decided that I didn’t want to move into a hospital for who knows how long, perhaps be put on medication, miss work, not see my friends, and all that goes along with solitary confinement I decided to go a less permanent route.  The next day I found myself at a Buddhist Temple meditating and listening to sermons from Monks for three hours (not kidding at all)...and all felt good in the world again. 

Meditation is a very disciplined practice and, while I love the idea of it, I’m still researching what type is right for me (there are many).  In the meantime, I’ve fallen in love with yoga.  One of my best friends recommended it as it combines meditation with inner and outer strength building, spirituality, and (what I’ve found and found the most helpful), peacefulness or an overall sense of calm especially in our hectic, over-scheduled worlds.  I only go a few times a week but I always look forward to it and feel amazing afterwards – as if I can take on anything.  It’s only been a few weeks since I’ve started but I already look at the world with a different set of eyes.  I’m more appreciative of what I have, take on stressful situations with a better sense of calm, and feel a greater sense of appreciativeness.  Not just for what I have, but for everything.

Hear me?

MHM! #obsession

The cold weather outside and the dry heat inside only means one thing for my son...eczema ("Eczema? Gross!") $1 for anyone who knows that movie.  The poor kid gets spots all over his legs, back, and arms each winter.  It wasn't until last winter that we finally found something that works for him...today's MHM!

Neosporin Eczema Essentials.  It's a lotion formulated with colloidal oatmeal to treat the rash.  For anyone with eczema you know what I mean.  You literally see a difference with this stuff in a day, it's that good.  You can get it for about $10-$13 depending on where you buy.  They also make a body wash that I'm totally going to pick up now that my son is almost 3 and "asserting his independence" at every turn - which includes wiping the lotion off after I put it on.

MHM! #obsession

Fall's here and you know what that means.  My shows are back on!  Some are examples of amazing television, others guilty pleasures that let me pretend like I'm still in high school.  Whatevs.    

So, is it just me or has this month flown by?  I was a little shocked and then super psyched to see some of the old standbys in the DVR queue this weekend.  I had zero idea they were even starting.  For that reason, today's MHM is DVR, people.  Please, please, please, if you still don't have it do yourself a favor and get it.  It's an amazing feature that remembers when your selected shows are on when you're sure to forget (like me), and won't let you miss a thing!  You never have to rush home to watch a show again, nor do you have choose between watching a show or living your life ever again.  

It's the 21st century.  Join us.   

MHM! #obsession

Two words for today, kids.  Scrubbing Bubbles.  I've been using this amazing foaming cleanser for years and years and years for two reasons: 1) it's super easy to use 2) it's fast.  Spray your sink, tub, and faucets, let sit, wipe them down.  Everything will literally sparkle.

For about $5 a can you really can't go wrong.  And it's sold literally everywhere - drugstores, grocery stores, etc. so finding it is almost too easy.  If it can make your cleaning jobs feel like less of a chore (which it will) isn't it worth a shot?

www.scrubbingbubbles.com

TAKE COMMAND

I’ve recently become captivated with Command 3M products, as one of their commercials is on during a show my son watches.  Of course, I DVR everything and used to fast forward through the commercial break between the two 10 minute cartoons but now my son insists on watching the commercials too.  Whatever. 

So they got me.  Their perfectly placed time slot during kids’ cartoons actually worked.  Go figure.  I zoned in one day and a light bulb went off.  Huh.  One of those clips would be great to hang my dish gloves under the sink.  And the Velcro tabs would be pure magic for hanging my mom’s door mirror vs. the screw debacle we tried.  And a hook!  A hook would be perfect for my hairdryer under the bathroom sink.

But while I’ll never use the products to decorate my house like the overly thrilled woman in the commercial does (I mean, at one point she literally covers her daughter’s bedroom walls with hooks and actually looks excited about it).  I think the room looks worse off than when she started but whatevs.  I am excited to look for a Command Damage Free Hanging Solutions Center at a store near me as the announcer suggests.

I’ll let you know how it all works out.  

MHM! #obsession

This week's MHM! #obsession is a jewelry collection that I've been loving for a while now.  Gioielli by Nikki Baker caught my eye a while ago because her simple yet beautiful style is something that I'm very much drawn to.  I actually have a necklace very similar to one in her "single stone" collection (but my mom made mine). www.nikkibaker.com 

Her styles are worn by celebrities and are featured in tons of magazines so you've probably seen her work maybe without even realizing it was her's.  As I sit and write this I'm debating which color combo of these gorgeous stackable rings ($95 each) I should get...and in which shape configuration.  This blog is sometimes very hard on my wallet.  And I know that once I get a set I'll want to get more, but they're meant to be worn together so I suppose I could (and will).

Check out the site today to see if anything strikes your fancy.  And keep in mind...they holidays are slowly coming upon us.

MHM! #obsession

Huggable Hangers, are the best for streamlining a closet and for ensuring that clothes stay on the hanger and don't end up on the floor.

It drives me absolutely insane to peek into a closet and see 1) wire hangers from the dry cleaner.  Please bring those back to the dry cleaner to be recycled...please, or I may have a "Mommy Dearest" moment.  She wasn't that crazy- they're not meant for hanging clothes long term.  2) Mis-matched or bulky hangers are next on my list.  It's more visually appealing to have one type of hanger in one color keeping your clothes in order.  This way you can focus on the clothes and not the disorder that is your closet.

I know, you're thinking I'd rather spend my money on other things than new hangers.  I get it.  But Huggable Hangers really aren't that expensive.  You can get 24 for less than $24, 36 for $29.  They're really thin too so you'll instantly have more space in your closet.  I swear.  They come in tons of fun colors so you can personalize your closet; it doesn't have to be boring.  And you don't have to buy them all at once.  You can work your way up to a full closet.  But once you buy a few you'll probably want to buy them all.  Just promise me that you'll get started.

Huggable Hangers are sold at The Container Store, Target, Amazon, HSN, etc. etc.  Look them up on Google today and start streamlining.

MHM! #obsession

Move over you know who.  This week's Must Have Monday is for when I need a little caffeine pick me up during the day.  Yes, I make my lattes at home every morning but every once in a while I treat myself to what I've found to be the most delicious coffee in all of everywhere.  Seriously.

I had never heard of Blue Bottle Coffee www.bluebottlecoffee.com until I started working in Rockefeller Center.  Tucked away in a back corner of 30 Rock is this little gem of a coffee shop.  They focus on simplicity and truly tasty coffee.  I don't know what I love about them the most, there's too much to choose.

• The hipsters behind the counter are legit.  They bike to work, wear newsboy caps with vests and tortoise shell glasses, are super nice, and they all live in Brooklyn.  I'm totally generalizing and making most of that up, but that's the story I give them.  

• The care taken in the foamed-milk designs on the top of my lattes puts a genuine smile on my face.  There are hearts, swirls, and once I swear I saw a flower.  I always feel bad stirring the sugar into my drink and then putting a cover on.  The baristas know everyone's going to eff up their designs but they continue to make them anyway...with love and a smile.  

• The menu is refreshingly simple.  You won't find pumpkin triple pump, half caff, no whip, blah, blah, blah here.  The first time I walked in and looked at the menu I thought, this can't be right.  But then realized, yes it can.   

• Their fixins' bar is simple too.  1 bottle of natural sugar, 1 bottle of honey, a tray of spoons for stirring, and empty tray to drop your dirty spoon into, lids, napkins.  Done and done.

• Instead of using bags for the small selection of treats they offer, they use coffee filters.  Simple and oh so cool.

Oh, and did I mention the coffee is really, really good?  Check out their site (you'll get their vibe once you do) to see if there's one near you (CA, and NY).

MHM! #obsession

Today's MHM! #obsession is something that I've had for a bit but actually just started using.  It's a reusable sandwich and snack bag from Resnackit ($9.99).  After going through I don't know how many plastic zip bags for my son's school lunch I decided to actually use the Resnackit that I bought him just for this purpose.

It's saving me money, helping the environment, and he loves it for some reason; maybe because it's different.  They have all different styles (snack size, sandwich size, double pouch, wrap size) and patterns: check out their site www.resnackit.com.  I can wipe it clean, hand wash it, or even throw it in the washer/dryer.  I'm definitely going to get some more and start using them for my lunches too.

Brilliant

STAMP OF APPROVAL

I bought a return address stamp from Noteworthy Stamps a good 5 years ago.  The idea behind it was to get one for every house we ever moved to, and get a cool stamp collection along the way.  I loved it.  Only problem was I never moved.  It’s OK though because the idea still works for other reasons.  I use the stamp for every piece of mail I send – mostly personal stuff – but there are some random medical bills here and there so everyone gets a peek at our unique “family seal” with every letter from us.  And the medical community thinks we’re truly fabulous.  I forget how much I paid for the stamp; maybe no more than $40 - $50 and I’ve never had to replace ink or cartridges in over five years.  Think about the time I’m saving using it vs writing my name and address over and over.  And the stamp doesn’t take up much space – it fits right in the palm of my hand.  Perfection.

MHM! #obsession

Today's Must Have Monday #obsession are paper clips.  Oh yeah, paper clips.  But cool ones...read on.

I first came across these quirky moustache paper clips while out shopping at the Container Store, then found them again online at www.paper-source.com so I'm sure there are a few other spots that carry them.  Now, I can't say for certain who makes them (Paper Source doesn't say) but the company is genius in my eyes.  It's fun to be silly sometimes and I know there are some of you out there who still use paper occasionally, no?

Check out the pics below - they also make a bicycle version and I think I remember seeing numbers as well.  You get a set of 5 for $5.  A total novelty but think of the smiles you'll spread while using them.  Who says the fun stuff needs to be reserved for the kids??

Keep your eyes open in stores near you and grab some for yourself.  And if anyone can figure out the brand before I can, feel free to post...I feel bad not giving credit.

MHM! #obsession

Today's obsession is a new one for me.  I haven't purchased anything from these guys before but am seriously considering doing it very soon.

The company is called She Hit Pause founded by Brooklyn based, Matt Schwartz.  He takes polaroid pics then transfers them to watercolor paper creating faded, really dreamy looking prints out of his work.  They're kind of amazing and reasonably priced: www.shehitpausestudios.com; something that would make people talk if hung on your walls.

What I love about the company is that they do photo sessions too.  Sessions in which for a set price you get 100 digital images (cost of prints is extra but I know totally worth it).  Ever since I heard about it I've been imagining a really cool family photo or two that I could hang on my wall and obsess over for years to come.  I think it's time I gave them a call.  You should at least check them out. 

MHM! #obsession

Today I have to give it up for Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day.  I use a few of their products here and there and I love them (if only for the scents alone - Basil is my fave).  But a bonus, the cleaners are mostly natural, and the containers are recyclable and made from 25% post consumer plastic.  I love how I can clean my apartment and not have to worry about my son putting his hand on things I've just cleaned and then in his mouth.

While there are so many products to choose from, I use the counter top spray and hand and dish soaps mainly.  I love the hand soap because it makes my hands smell delish, and the dish soap makes doing dishes worth doing.  I've tried the plug in air fresheners and am about to get some candles.  They're soy based and have extended burn time (35 hrs).  I've gotten them as gifts for friends in the past and they've given rave reviews so I know I won't be disappointed.  I figure since I love the scents so much I may as well go full tilt, no?

Check out the site if you're interested.  There are so many more products and scents that they carry.

www.mrsmeyers.com

MHM! #obsession

My MHM! #obsession for the week is City Slips by Sporto.  As I got into the elevator to head home last Friday I glanced down at my flip flopped feet and, while I was comfy, I felt very underdressed.  I'm sure no one really cared, but I did - and I should've.

I've had my eye on these cute flats for a while and last week's episode finally pushed me over to the buying side.  They're foldable flats that you "slip" on then off as needed.  And because they're foldable you can fit them in your bag.  They also come with an expandable travel bag that you can throw your heels into once you've had enough of them and want to change into the City Slips.

For $29.95 you have your choice of colors and patterns.  Check out their site to get your own: www.cityslips.com

MHM! #obsession

It's Must Have Monday time, kids!  I can't believe I didn't think of this one sooner, but most of my posts and tweets pop into my head as I go about my day.  I've been using this product for over ten years - my friend Sherry and I used to go crazy for it.  I forget who got whom addicted to it, but when we worked together it was a staple in our office.  While I was just out shopping last Friday for replacements and realized that I had to spread the word.

L'Occitane's Hand Cream with Shea Butter needs to be a staple in everyone's bag, medicine cabinet, and desk.  I keep the small 1 oz ($10) in my purse and I just bought the large 5.2 oz ($28) for my desk at work.  The formula is a unique combination of rich & light; it keeps hands perfectly moisturized without getting greasy.  And the faint powder smell is delish.  L'Occitane makes a handful of other scents in the Hand Cream too but I've yet to try them.  I've tested in store and, sure they smell great, but I hear that the formula isn't as thick.  I'm all about sticking to what I like but you should check them out for yourself: www.loccitane.com   

I used to get frustrated with the big tube because it's metal and as it wears it tends to crack (read: lotion oozes out).  In talking to the sales woman this time around she introduced me to the "Magic Key" ($5).  If it does what she says it does then it truly is magic.  You put it at the end of the tube to roll as you go (see tag in photo).  It's supposed to stop all creasing and cracking, and I bet it will really do the trick.

Like it needed to get any better?

MHM! #obsession

My son is starting school today (OK, daycare but we're calling it school) and everything that he brings in the door has to be labeled.  I get it, but it's kind of ridiculous.  Like, I know what I should be going home with everyday, but whatever.  In my search to get labels that would last but be cute at the same time, I came across today's Must Have Monday!

The company is called Label Your Stuff www.labelyourstuff.com and they have every kind of customizable label that you can imagine.  Simple lunch box and bag tags, waterproof options, shoe tags, clothing labels (goodbye permanent marker), book tags, allergy labels, they've literally thought of it all.

I tried not to go too crazy with the labels because I don't want to be "that mom" but at the same time I don't want his name written all over his stuff in black marker.  That's not cool either.  I also love that the labels have customizable designs so kids feel like they're stuff is special.  Don't worry, they also have adult designs if you want a luggage tag or whatever - you don't have to walk around with a construction truck tag hanging off of your carryon.

Definitely a winner for me, and I'm pretty sure the teachers will give me a gold star for following directions.  I know school's over for everyone but camps are starting.  Definitely worth checking out the site for...