Yankee Candle's Beanswax

My MIL and grandma-in-law were shopping with me last week, trying to find a gift to buy me (I guess for the sake of buying??) and they know I like candles. However, without trying to be snobby, I am trying to always buy a greener alternative to any item to which it is available. We then spied Yankee Candle's newest line, Beanswax.The candles are 100% soy-based, so they don't create pollutants when they burn. Plus, the jar is made from recycled class, and is funky enough to hang out among your other house decor. I happen to love green, so it fits in my living room nicely. The large jar is supposed to burn for 55 hours--that's some serious time. OK--the BEST part: the scents I love are unbelievably realistic. I got Beat Around the Bushel and last night, within an hour, the whole upstairs smelled like an apple orchard! I was then inspired to make an apple crumble (no joke). End of the Line is straight out of every memory of great-smelling dryer sheets, the scent that today inspires every purfume I choose. As usual, the sweet-smelling choices were too strong for me, but I was so pleased that I can still have candles and don't have to feel like I'm polluting my house's air.

Organic Housekeeping

I received this book as a bridal shower gift, but really started to use it when we moved this summer. Once my cleaning supplies run out, I've agreed to replace each one with a healthier, green version. This book does a great job of showing you how virtually every surface in your house can be cleaned with materials you already have in your pantry (i.e. baking soda and vinegar compose about 90% of the cleaning materials). Therefore, you don't really need to make room for 12 different cleaners. Besides the basic cleaning, so far I've cleaned my coffee pot and my dishwasher--not bad.

Foundation brush

For a long time, I thought foundation brushes were just for women who shellacked lots of foundation and crazy crayon makeup all over their faces religiously. However, in the few times I've had my makeup done professionally, each time the artist has used one. I've been told that the special bristles help spread the makeup evenly, and also, as with all makeup, make it look like you're not wearing any makeup at all. This one from MAC is really nice because the center is angled, allowing you to get into little areas on your face. I however, haven't yet brought myself into debt to purchase an entire set of professional makeup brushes (yikes--their duster brush is $45), but this one from Sonia Kushuk is really nice--I use it to put concealer under my eyes--my #1 makeup must-have.

Garden Claw Gold Cultivator

We planted some shrubs in front of the house last week and my mom lent me this. It's really great because it tills the soil, is easy on your back (you can stand upright and use it), and it really helps you dig up some massive stuff.

Born shoes

I wanted a really good pair of shoes for all of the walking I'll be doing on my trip, but they had to be cute as well. I have already been to Europe in the non-cute, overly functional phase (i.e. hiking boots to EVERY occasion) and I promised myself that style mishaps would't happen again. I found shoes just like this style for a great deal at DSW for about half the price. They had them in brown, too. The lining has breathable leather with little holes and good arch support. Feels like I'm wearing slippers. Good grippers on the soles.

Travel blanket/pillow

Liz got me this for my birthday/trip to Ireland and I can't wait to use it! It's a pillow and when you unzip it, a blanket awaits you inside. Plus, it's really fuzzy and soft, and you don't have to share it with other airplane travelers (ew). Patina always has great gifts; thanks Liz!

Aveda nourish-mint smoothing lip color

Give me most skin/cosmetic products from your average discount store, and I'll be allergic to them. This history runs deep, as I've had a dermatologist in my life since the ripe age of 6 mos. I consider Aveda a little piece of heaven. Their hair products (esp. their shampoo) is phenomenal. But lipstick is even more of a treasure--as just like my mom--I can't wear almost any kind of lipstick. It's got SPF and mint in it, which gives you just a little tingle. $14 / 21 colors. Also comes in sheer.

Martha Stewart pom-poms

For anyone who wouldn't make a craft to begin with, perhaps you should just ignore this post. However, I spied these at Michael's a few months ago, and I think they are the epitome of whimsy. I wish I had known about these when I had my wedding, because they would have made a great addition to the colored lanterns that were hung from the ceiling. A pack of 8 pom-poms is $20, which includes the wires, tissue and template. A lot of the how-tos are right on MS's website. These would also be great for a bridal/baby shower; one woman wrote that she hung them above her baby's crib (watch out for falling paper, however). There are also tissue paper flowers (which are really lovely and not high school dance-ish) ($20/27); and party favor boxes with flowers ($10/8). Perfect for spring/summer inspiration!

Trader joe's

CB got me the most thoughtful birthday gift: treats, meals and other items from Trader Joe's, an all-natural, affordable, one-stop shop grocery store. Most of their food is organic, or close to it, and very easy on the wallet.

Storage ottoman

When it comes to decorating and design, I consider about 500 items/sources/magazines, think some more, and then finally decide to buy. Since we are in the process of staging our house to sell, we are trying to pare down items, find items for a smaller space, and use furniture that is multi-functional. Enter ottoman. There are a million to choose from and yes we could have purchased a really high-end, long-lasting one but since none of our other furniture is high end, we wouldn't want the rest of the room to be jealous. This one's from Target and about about $80. We have it as a quasi table (with a tray on for a level surface), but you can also use it for additional seating, and you can store blankets/pillows/junk inside.

Dymo Personal Label Maker LetraTag Plus LT-100H

(Left item) Okay, I know this is a bit Type A but I love this thing. We recently organized all of our important documents in a file cabinet. I spent a great deal of time separating and categorizing bills and documents. This item accomplishes this--and many other related tasks--easily. I got the label maker at Target (it was about $19) and the refills are about $6 (2/pack). I think it's easier to read when it's printed with no particular person's handwriting. Corey used it to organize items in his classroom, and we have a more sophisticated version at work. In fact, this was the most sought-after Christmas gift at our exchange last year. I can imagine it: one great big craft/scrapbook/photo closet, divided and organized with these labels...

Mukka Express cappuccino maker

This weekend on our visit to see Janell, I spied this very intruiging Bialetti product in one of her cabinets. This item is not to be confused with the coffee maker that you can get at Target for $19.99. I wanted to put it on my wedding registry, but I didn't want to miff people with my impractical item (CR did register for it and I thnk I may have to get it for her). I knew the cappuccino maker had a hefty price tag and probably would only serve a bi-annual indulgence. However, I think there's safety in knowing that Italian products that are related to coffee probably are top of the line. Jeff filled it with espresso, water and milk (either for foam or a latte) and within 5 minutes professional cappuccino was made. WOW--really good foam. I will refrain from buying a hand blender if I purchase this product. However, it certainly would enhance my coffee dependence from 1/2 cup of Dunkin' Donughts to a stratosphere of Italian espresso...

Ginger people ginger chews

I knew ginger was good for you, but I never thought I would be voluntarily eating it in any form except after my California roll. Ginger is magical in that many of its properties aid indigestion and inflammation of the digestive tract. These candies were a great tummy tamer on my last trip. Don't get me wrong, it's got a kick, but the taste is really refreshing.

Ball park cuff links

Okay, let me preface this with I would never spend this ungodly amount ($150 - $230) on said item. Also, if it weren't for the 195 weddings he's been in, Corey probably wouldn't know the purpose of a cuff link. However, it is an amazingly creative idea that Red Envelope came up with. I suppose if you had an extremely rich uncle who had everything, including his own jet, these would proabably do the trick. But chances are anyone who would appreciate these would probably prefer to take the $230 and actually go to a game.Their quote: These aren't just cuff links—they're a piece of baseball history. Crafted of salvaged seats from America's most famous and beloved stadiums, these cuff links are one of a kind. Coated in the original paint of the stadium seat colors, each cuff link boasts a deep patina collected from decades of home openers, double-headers and grand-slam ovations.

* offered in Yankee Stadium (royal blue), Wrigley Field (dark green), Fenway Park (dark blue), Dodger Stadium (Dodger blue), RFK Stadium (orange), Busch Stadium (gray), Tiger Stadium (dark green), Comiskey Park (light green), or Shea Stadium (orange)

Salud rollette perfume

I stumbled upon this wonderful boutique near the U of AZ campus in Tuscon. The store manager said Salud Spa Bar is about to go nation-wide, but for now only has a few stores. I love the concept: organic products and custom-made perfume and body care. I am such a product whore, but at least spending my money here ensures that I am getting something high-quality and good for my skin. I was nimbly eyeing the Skyn Iceland and Nuxe Paris lines, but I was hooked by the custom-made perfumes. For $24 I was able to make a perfume that I can stick in my carry-on and I don't have to haul around a big glass bottle. Also, the scents come from essential oils, so they don't have any toxic chemicals. My scent is a mixture of "bubble bath" (basically a citrusy concoction) and fig. They store your mixture in the computer system so you can easily reorder. Corey really liked the scent, so everyone wins!

MAC's mascara X

My eyelashes are pretty much non-existent and this is one of the only mascaras I've ever tried that actually seem to help in remedying this. I know half the trick is curling my eyelashes, and a MAC employee told me the trick for people with wimpy lashes is to make sure that they stick up past your eyelid. This mascara doesn't irriate my eyes, and I can get it all off. Lancome's main mascara is really good too, but I guess I just like MAC in general. MAC's also got a promo that if you bring in 5 empty makeup containers (lipstick & mascara, I think) you get a free lipstick. Bonus.

Method cleaning products

Since I am pretty much allergic to everything anyways, the push for retailers to start offering organic/non-toxic cleaning supplies works for my consumer interests. Target features a line of plant-based, non-toxic cleaning products called Method. Some of them still have scent but they are all natually-derived. I've used the bathroom cleaner, wood cleaner, multi-purpose cleaner (in unscented & grapefruit--YUM). Oprah's got a whole list of other companies that offer non-toxic supplies, so I am sure I will try some of those out too. I've tried the Seventh Generation powdered dishwasher soap (in which I was only trying to buy the cheapest version of a pricier product) but it left some chunks on my dishes. Method also carries microfiber and other cleaning cloths (I have the one to use with the furniture polish), mops, and air fresheners (I've got two) that used soy-based, all-natural scents that are non-toxic. They smell great and last a long time.

Deceptively Delicious

My new obsession is cookbooks, but I am trying to limit what I buy and use the best ones I have. I am bad, but I returned a book I received so I could get this and still had $3 to spend. I went home the first night I got it and read it cover to cover. I am amazed at how this concept was not popularized before. My husband said that he will make it a mission to eat more healthy foods, but also informed that that the only vegetables I can make him eat are green beans, corn and green peppers (on his pizza). I came home and spent the evening looking at the cookbook, telling him I was going to make blueberry muffins, chicken kabobs and even mozzarella sticks. Apparently he hasn't yet connected all of the dots because I'm in the planning phase. Now I just need to get to the grocery store to claim my veggies!

Kefir yogurt-ish drink

One of my co-workers said she's been drinking this for years. I saw it in the grocery store (in the organic/dairy section) and decided to give it a try. During my very brief research, I discovered that there is a whole type of food called Kefir , which basically works like yogurt in that it's packed with pro-biotics (the healthy bacteria) and has a lot of protein. It kind of resembles a creamy smoothie, and there are lots of flavors. It's a nice shift from eating traditional yogurt, and I can drink it on the run when I am getting ready for work.

Pottery Barn's daily system

I'm not a shopping snob. I will take Target anyday over some yuppie store where a tube of shea butter hand creme costs $37. However, I have done enough research to know what I want when it comes to storage, and frankly, Pottern Barn has done their homework. Overall, the company's approach to decorating small spaces (they have an entire line of furniture and storage systems devoted to this) is really smart. Therefore, it's worth a little bit more money knowing I've exhausted all of my cheaper options. The daily system offers lots of storage ideas and you can customize and buy only the options that will fit or that you can use. I just bought the letter bin and last year I also purchased an all-in-one cubby that kind of resembles this, however, I would never spend $399 on it; mine was sold at PB but they don't carry it anymore. It was also more useful because it had magnetic chalkboard doors and cost about 1/3 of this price. I know I've seen them online through JC Penney. Update: Kim bought the magnetic calendar and you do have to order the rod to hang it on (it doesn't have books on the back).

Origins Leg Lifts

My boss first introduced me to this product on a trip after many hours of hitting the pavement. It is definitely an aquired sensation, as the tingling can get pretty intense. However, the next morning you will wake up with renergized legs and feet (I know, it's miraculous). I given this to my nurse sister and my mom, and for anyone who is on their feet or just needs a little pampering, this is a great gift. Plan on either wearing socks or doing the laundry afterwards, as the essential oils will probably rub off on your sheets.

Wedding paper divas invitations

I think I have paper products on the brain, but since I've been helping CR with her upcoming nuptuals, I've had so much fun revisiting all of the sites and products for weddings. Wedding paper divas has beautiful invitations in so many styles and colors. I was surprised that they weren't really $15/ea, in fact, I might consider splurging if I have to throw a bridal/baby shower with these.

L'Occitan roll-on deodorant

CB introduced me to this deodorant about 2 years ago and I think this could be a lifelong staple. Initially I started using it in the summer when apparently I started to sweat for the first time since birth (it must be a gland thing--I just get really red and look like a tomato usually). It's men's deoderant, but it works really well. This bottle lasted me almost a year. It's made with all-natural ingredients, essential oils and reminds you of your male counterpart.

Paper Source: Antique Gold 3-D Star Kit

I bought these on a whim this summer in DC. I thought they would make a great mobile in a child's room or a template for some other fanciful art project. Also, I knew I could keep the pattern for the future. Paper Source is chock-full of beautiful items and even offers workshops to assemble different products. For a paperless world, they certainly keep busy. My Christmas present from CR was a sample pack of different patterned paper and envelopes. I was able to make about 6 really pretty homemade cards. It's a great idea if you want to make something homemade but not invest a lot of money.