It’s five in the morning and I’m really sleepy, but can’t go to bed because I want to write something; however, the creative side of my brain has already gone to sleep. So, I’m going to show you some things I think are really cute and you can click on the link to find out where to buy them. How does that sound? Here goes:

Terry Cloth Elephant ($60)

Kitchen Towels ($8.50)

Couture Stationary

Diaper Cake ($80) 

My favorite accessory designer, Tarina Tarantino, items

Flower Bobby Pin ($15)

Pink Head Earrings ($8

When I worked in the corporate world, I was considered a pretty organized individual, but something strange happened a year or two after I quit: I seem to have lost those skills. It’s an interesting phenomenon. My husband swears I have no concept of time and insists I buy a watch. I think my lack of time management may be a contributing factor to my non-organizational abilities. I can’t explain it!

Are you one of those people who can painstakingly look through clothes on a sales rack? Not me, I can’t stand the fact that the clothes aren’t organized into proper categories. Seriously, I become overwhelmed by the whole experience and will pass up the extra savings because it. My cousin, Lorena, is the same way minus the lack of organizational skills. What do you make of this? Humph! It’s bizarre! You would think that I would thrive in this type of environment, but the truth is I’m really not at ease with the disorganization I face on day to day basis in my home either.  

Everyday, I swear that I’m going to become more organized, especially when I look in my pantry, linen closet, make-up drawer, or that growing pile of papers on my desk; the idea of tackling that mess alone dumbfounds me. So…I must take baby steps to accomplish this goal, but…don’t hold your breath.

In the meantime, let me share a tip with all of you who seem to transport your entire life in a bag and the paper and file carrying working girls. The Aubrey bag, a cross between a tote bag and a file box, is the perfect tool to help you look like a fashionably, organized individual.These lovely bags come in a matte white or glossy black and your choice of four leather handles. These are so adorable, and are available at Russell and Hazel, $48 for the expandable five file tote and $60 for the eight file. It’s so fashiolicious! 

…You’re not the only one with mixed emotions, you’re not the only ship adrift this ocean. This coming and going is driving me nuts, this to-ing and fro-ing is hurting my guts, so get off the fence it’s creasing your butt, life is a party lets get out and strut…

This song, Mixed Emotions, by the Rolling Stones is so befitting because we as women often display such a wide range of emotions. For many, it’s the weight of the world on their shoulders, for some, the circumstances of life, while others were simply born moody. Fortunately, we know how to work what the universe has dealt out to us, turning it into something fierce and sassy, meaning distinctively smart and stylish.

Needless to say why I love the concept behind Mixed Emotions’ products. The products go right along with however you’re feeling when you wake up in the morning. If you are in a lovable mood; there is the Kiss Me line, including a body butter, scrub, and shower gel. Then, there is the Bite Me collection for those times when you feel like sucker punching the next person that asks you a stupid question. Of course, they have the confident diva in mind with their Bee Me products.

Mixed Emotions also offers an all in one soap & sponge ($12.50) that is good for cleansing and exfoliating, and it will last for about 15 showers.

Still on the look out for those after Christmas deals?

Eva’s Runway is having a great sale. Save up to 55% on all your favorite premium denim from Antik to Chip & Pepper.

J. Ransom, an upscale clothing store on La Brea in Hollywood, is also having a blowout sale. You can save 25% to 75% off original prices. 

You can save 30% to 80% on designer duds at Revolve Clothing.

Happy shopping! 

When I purchased this Capiz lamp in white from West Elm; I was really excited because, as you can see, the lamp is very unique with its cascading natural shells. It took my husband two hours to unwrap those delicate suckers, but it was well worth it. The lamp is absolutely adorable!

West Elm carries some of the most stylish furniture and accents for your home.

Of course, I have to tell you that EQ3 has gorgeous furniture too.  This store is so much better than Ikea with an unparalleled quality and reasonable prices. I love the fact that their sofas are made to order and they have a large selection of fabrics to choose from that will add spunk to any room.

When I saw this picture on Domino’s website, I quickly clicked to subscribe to this home decor magazine. It’s so me and so cute! Although it will probably take me awhile, I’m looking to transform my living space into something c’est magnifique! And, I think this magazine will serve as a great resource for ideas.

One of my favorite past-times is attending wine and art festivals. I like the idea of several artists and various vendors being gathered in one place surrounded by great food and live music. But what I love most about these festivals is; I’m often able to find unique pieces of jewelry, like my Wearable Phantasy necklace. I never fail to receive at least one compliment whenever I wear this gorgeous piece of jewelry, and when I tell people that it’s made of recycled computer parts, they usually remark with disbelief.

Jewelry-makers are amazing artist. Equivalent to painters, who are able to transform a blank canvas into something beautifully unrecognizable from its original state, jewelry-makers alter metal, precious stones, and glass, turning them into pieces of awesome wearable art.

Well, I didn’t have to go to a festival to find Holly of Kincaid Designs; she came to me…sort of. You see, she left a comment for me with a link to her website, which is filled with a vast selection of exquisite must-have handmade jewelry for all women, including adorable bracelets for baby fashionistas. As soon as I pulled up her site, I immediately fell in love.

Holly is an amazing glass artist who flameworks her beads individually before using them along with semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, and pearls to create magical pieces of jewelry constructed on a sterling silver or gold filled wire. She offers everything from bridal jewelry to wine charms. 

I can definitely see myself wearing the drop necklace pictured above and this mother of pearl flower pendant necklace. I will definitely be placing these items on my wishlist.

So after you’ve had a chance to view her site, tell me what you think. I’m sure you’ll agree!

Don’t you hate it when things don’t work out as planned? It is an aspect of life that is quite frustrating for me, especially when I’ve been planning for several months. In 2005, shortly after I returned home from a trip to Vegas, I was looking forward to returning again in July of ‘06 for the Girlfriend’s Birthday Celebration. Since I live miles apart from my friends, celebrating our birthdays together is a great way to stay connected.

The plan for this weekend getaway was to stay at the Venetian, shop, and enjoy a few hours at The Bathhouse Spa for some much needed rest and relaxation. When I received the travel information via email from Nanora, I immediately booked my flight on Southwest. Later I emailed Nicole, informing her of my spa treatment selection. Needless to say, I was really looking forward to this trip.

To make a long story short, my plans were derailed because of the complications I developed as a result of my pregnancy. It was very upsetting because I knew that I would not be able to meet up with them again until 2008. Why you ask? Because Mademoiselle Ori will still be nursing.

One day, I took a wrong turn down an unfamaliar street filled with stores and restaurants. So I drove slow to check things out, and that’s when I discovered a store called Sumbody. Of course, I had to stop and take a look.

Once inside, I found so many delightful treats for the body, but what stuck out the most were the Bonbon Salt Scrubs. I absolutely love these chemical and preservative free goodies due to the fact that they fit in the palm of my hand, eliminating the mess left behind from the typical jar scrubs. Lord knows I have plenty of body scrubs that simply go unused because I can’t stand dealing with the jars, but Sumbody offers the perfect solution for this problem with their bonbons. 

Sumbody’s Bonbon Salt Scrubs come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate orange and rasberries and cream. They are the perfect solution for exfoliating dry skin. And, that’s why everybody should love Sumbody.  

Now, you’re probably wondering how Sumbody’s bonbons relate to my foiled trip to Vegas? Well…I was planning on giving these blissful body treats to my friends as party favors.  

$3.50 at Sumbody.com

The elder women in my life had some pretty interesting words for me when I was growing up, which were intended to help guide me down the road of life. ”Boys don’t like girls with scars on their legs,” my grandmother, Katherine, often said.  ”You’re too young to wear black,” she added. I was also told that women who chew gum in public have absolutely no class and little girls don’t spit in public. My mother’s sayings were probably the funniest of them all. “You should always make sure you have on decent underwear because if you’re in an accident and the paramedic has to cut your clothes off, you won’t be embarrassed when you’re stretched out in the street in front a crowd of people,” Jackie, my mother, said. Yes, my mother is a very intriguing person.

 The verbal lesson that sticks out the most is the one my grandmother frequently quoted, “It’s best to buy one expensive thing rather then waste your money on several cheap ones.” I totally agree with her. But, I’m here to tell you, my friends, that buying expensive items don’t have to break you. I’m notorious for buying high end clothes, handbags, and shoes on sale. I will wait patiently for that final markdown, and when I tell people I bought it at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf, Nordstrom, or Saks they automatically assume I spent a small fortune. Not so!

So, are you ready for me to tell you why next week is your lucky week to save a whole lot of money on all your favorites?

On Tuesday, December 26, Saks Fifth Avenue is having a second cut sale. What this means for you is that between the hours of 8am and 12 noon, an additional 50% will be taken off already-reduced prices, meaning that you can save up to 70% off original prices. This is a great opportunity for you to get your hands on that designer handbag you’ve been eying or that pair of Jimmy Choo’s.

I must warn you, this event is like a feeding frenzy of wild animals. The women who show up to this affair are nothing nice to deal with. So, put on your sneakers and sweats, eat a good breakfast because your going to need the energy, and get there by 7:15am.

And, while your standing in those long lines don’t forget to ask for your free beverage (water, juice, or soda). I believe after Christmas they stop offering wine to customers, but it won’t hurt ask.

Growing up, I had an awesome imagination and often lost myself for hours in the world of play. I really enjoyed playing with dolls. In fact, I played with Barbie for years. It wasn’t until half way through 11th grade that I sat down and gave myself a serious little talk. “Now, you’re getting to old to play with these,” I reluctantly admitted to myself. “Next semester, you’re going to be in the 12th grade, so it’s finally time to let Barbie go,” I said.  So I got a box, packed up Barbie and her things, and placed it on the top shelf in my closet. Although I never opened that box again she was always close to my heart, and I was devastated when my mother informed me that my brother destroyed all the contents of the box shortly after I moved away.

Barbies have undergone some changes over the years and have become quite fashionable these days. Several powerhouse designers, such as Anna Sui, Dooney & Bourke, and Diane Von Furstenberg all have dolls baring their signature styles.

This summer, when I heard that Byron Lars was at the helm again, designing the first doll in a series called the Chapeaux Collection, I immediately pre-ordered Sugar and waited patiently for the Creole cutie to arrive in the mail. Let me just say that she is just as beautiful in person as she is in print. This photo does not do this doll justice.  Sugar is exquisite in an over-sized pagoda hat. Her ensemble displays a intense contrast of vibrant colors and gold stitching. I really love that she comes packaged in an oval hatbox. 

Even though I’m much older now, my being in love with Barbie continues on. It’s a passion that I will no doubt pass onto my little girl. 

When I moved back home from Michigan, I immediately set out to find a really good esthetician. After months of searching, I thought I had finally found a good one, until the day she ruined my skin. Visual Changes was the product line she highly recommended and stood by, saying it was the best thing for my skin. First of all, I didn’t have a major skin problem to begin with, but after using Visual Changes I did. Whatever the ingredients were in the face wash and moisturizer caused my oily skin to dry completely out. Prior to using the products, my face would get extremely oily, especially in the heat of summer. Well, guess what! After using Visual Changes’ products the heat had the opposite effect, causing my skin to become very dry. I must not fail to mention how the blemish creme burned my skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation. Yep! I had a huge, dark brown dot right in the middle of my forehead that only went away after using bleaching creme. Needless to say, I was really upset. My skin was extremely dehydrated. When I started noticing fine lines around my eye area, I quickly sprung into action and was fortunate to find several products that helped whip my skin back into shape. I’m so glad to be able to share them with you today.

Mario Badescu makes a great skincare line. I use the Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($12) because it provides gentle exfoliation (papaya extract) without drying my skin. It’s perfect for all skin types. In addition to this cleanser, I also use their Glycolic Foam Cleanser ($15) two to three times a week. Although this cleanser can be used on all types of skin, glycolic has a tendency to be a little drying, but I use it because it helps to even and smooth out my skin tone. If you have acne or congested skin, then I would advise you to use it on a daily basis.

Since my skin was in a state of duress, I had and still continue to use the following products: 

To deeply moisturize my skin, once a week I use the Intensive Hydration Mask ($32) by DDF. With this mask, a little goes a long way; it will be in your medicine cabinet for a long time.

At night, I lock in moisture with Kinara’sNighttime Skin Quencher ($60). The shea butter in this cream contributes to its ability to combat dehydration. Don’t worry, you’ll have this product a long time too!

Before I apply any moisturizer to my face in the morning and at night, I first use Skinceutical’s Hydrating B5 Gel ($65) because it contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that enables the skin to retain water, helping it to stay hydrated. This is a miracle serum. I highly recommend it for all skin types. Remember, a good moisturizer is key to fighting wrinkles.

I know these products come with a hefty price tag, but the results are priceless. I no longer have the problems that were associated with my skin being dehydrated.

All of these products can be found at Kinara’s Skincare Clinic located on Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles and on her website. If you’re lucky, you might even run into Halle Berry who goes to Kinara for her weekly facials.