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.