Coffeecake

Route 63 Snap Tote from Lands' End

via www.landsend.com

 

I think the Route 63 Snap Tote from Land's End is just perfect for summer...and anytime.  I recently purchased this tote and could not be happier with it.  It come in a range of neutral colors.  I love the Natural shown here, but purchased the Beechnut...at tan color that I think will not show dirt as well. 

Spring Handbag: Knotted Mini Tote from Ann Taylor

via www.anntaylor.com

I am really liking this  "mini tote" from Ann Taylor. It is a nice blushy beige color, very fresh for spring, with a light croc pattern.  I tried it on in store and found it really comfortable over the arm and a great size, too...not too big and not too small. It's conservative, but stylish, too.  It could be easily dressed up or down and would make a nice handbag for work, shopping around town, or an evening out.

Photo credit: AnnTaylor.com

Baby Tree of Life Throw from Lion Brand Yarn Company

via www.lionbrand.com

While perusing the latest Lion Brand Yarn catalog, I came across this petite version of Nicky Epstein's well-known Tree of Life Afghan.  I have long admired the pattern in its adult size, but am really charmed by this sweet baby size.  It's knit with only a single skein (1020 yd) of Lion Brand's Pound of Love of acrylic yarn.  I have long been a "yarn snob", and thought about knitting this in a specialty yarn, but am going to give the Pound of Love a whirl.  It is machine washable and dryable, which you can't beat (but I will probably still handwash).  And you can't beat the price of $9.49 for the whole afghan!!

P.S. if you haven't checked out Lion Brand lately, check out their new website with TONS of FREE patterns, join them on twitter, Facebook and Ravelry,or better yet, get their iPhone app (I did and it is very cool!).

Book Review: The Comfort Table, Recipes for Everyday Occasions, by Katie Lee, Book

via search.barnesandnoble.com

I got this wonderful cookbook over the holidays and I am so happy with it.  Katie Lee has wonderful, unique recipes and great ideas for entertaining.  She includes ideas for a variety of celebrations including a Retro Cocktail Party, Chrismukkah, Steakhouse Night at Home, Spa Lunch and Chinese New Year.  For each event, she features a complete menu and even a music playlist. The photos are beautiful and the recipes clearly written in a warm, engaging style.  Highly recommended.  $20.80 at Barnes & Noble (additional saving for B&N members).

Valentine's Day Garland from Pottery Barn Kids

via www.potterybarnkids.com

I love this vintage-looking garland from Pottery Barn Kids.  It sells for $29 and would make a sweet addition to a party for kids or just for some Valentine's decor for your home.

• 10.5' long
• The three-dimensional hearts feature the same retro designs found on our Valentine's Day Plates.
• Hearts hang from a grosgrain ribbon.

New Hanna Andersson Celebration Sleepers

via www.hannaandersson.com

One of my favorite sites for baby and children's clothes is Hanna Andersson. Yes, they are a bit pricier, but the quality can't be beat, and they last really well. My boys live in Hanna's sleepers, which come in one piece (for baby) and long john styles. Now there is a new line of "Celebration Sleepers" in organic cotton. The line includes designs for big sisters, birthdays, and more.  By the way, we also love the Hanna's Swedish moccasins.                                                                                  

Luxury Plush Throw Collection from Restoration Hardware: Great Deal on a Luxury Throw!

via www.restorationhardware.com

I am convinced this is the best deal out there, anywhere! For only $39 you can have this wonderfully plush throw from Restoration Hardware. Plus, they are now offering an extra 10% of sale merchandise (code RSA01 at checkout).  I have already bought two of these.  I bought the silver sage for my bedroom, which is a silvery, slightly bluish grey, and liked it so much I went back for one for my family room. The second time, I got the brown, which is a true chocolate brown.  I have already washed and dried both in the washing machine (but did not use fabric softener), and they are just as nice as before.  These make a great gift for others, or for yourself.  If you are in a cold climate, they are perfect for cozying up with a good book.

The website describes it as follows:
Made of supremely soft poly plush. Ultra-soft and generously sized.  Finished with a mitered 2-1/2" border. Imported.  Machine wash. In ivory, tan, caramel, silver sage, graphite, garnet and chocolate.

Dimensions: 45" x 65"

Product Review: Sephora by OPI Modern Flowers Collection

Lately I am really obsessed with the Sephora by OPI line of nail polish. This is a line created by salon favorite OPI and, as the name suggests, sold exclusively at Sephora. The latest collection is the Modern Flowers Collection, a palette of pinks, purples and green. I love the colors, especially how they look all together.  However, I have tried various purples, and have not been too thrilled with how they look on me.  The lilac looks really pretty, though....Go With the Flower is described as "bright tulip pink with hot pink shimmer" and sounds irresitistible, as does the coral Cover Me in Petals ("vivid tigerlily red-orange").   Leaf Him at the Altar (metallic vine green) is fun, too.  Can't wait to try them out !  Here's the full list of colors:

Iris I was Thinner: Medium iris purple

Cover Me In Petals: Vivid tigerlily red-orange

It's Bouquet with Me:  Sheer violet with silver and holographic glitter

Go With the Flower: Bright tulip pink with hot pink shimmer

Handpicked for Me:  Light pink lilac with silver shimmer

Leaf Him at the Altar: Metallic vine green

The Sephora by OPIline sells for $9 per bottle.  It is free of many of the harmful ingredients found in other polishes.  I have a couple of bottles and find that it wears very well. My favorite color so far is "Set the Mood", described as a metallic dark pink and a great alternative to reds for this time of your.

And check out a great blog for nail polish reviews: StephsCloset (not me, another Stephanie!) She shows you just what the polishes look like on and gives great suggestions for the nail polish obsessed.

Halo Sleepsack on sale at Babies "R" Us

UPDATE SEPT 22:  UNFORTUNATELY, THIS SALE IS NO LONGER GOING ON, BUT ONE STEP AHEAD HAS 15% HALO SLEEPSACKS WHEN YOU BUY 2 OR MORE.

The Halo Sleepsack, which I have previously blogged about, is now on sale in store and online at Babies "R" Us.  For a limited time, if you buy one Halo Sleepsack, you can buy a second one at 1/2 off.  The Halo Sleepsack is a "wearable blanket" that comes in a range of sizes, from newborn on up, colors and fabrics, including cotton and fleece. Read more about the product at Halo.

Also on sale at Babies "R" Us for buy-one-get-one 50% off are all Carter's and Gerber bedding basics.

Koala Baby Storage Tote-- Great Organizing Find

 

In my efforts to control the clutter of toys and books, I recently purchased a couple of storage totes by Koala Baby from Babies 'R Us--1 each in Sage and Blue.  They are currently 2 for the price of one (along with other Koala Baby bedding basics and storage items) at www.babiesrus.com. 

I am really happy with this purchase.  The totes are in nice bright colors, made of a textured plastic with a laminated finish and handles for carrying.  The dimensions are generous--15" high by 16# wide.  I have already filled one, and they hold a lot of toys, while not being so deep that things get lost in the bottom. 

I have previously been a fan of Pottery Barn Kids canvas organizing buckets and floor totes, but I am liking the change of pace of the Koala totes so much so that I am thinking of getting some in a neutral color for other rooms in my house.

Halo Sleepsack-Great product for baby

I have been wanting to mention a great product that I have been using for my son--the Halo Sleepsack by Halo Innovations.  This is a wonderful product that helps prevent the risk of Sudden Infant Death (SIDS).  It is a wearable blanket, available in different sizes, colors, patterns and materials including cotton and fleece.  It is even available in toddler sizes.  The Sleepsack goes on over a sleeper in place of a loose blanket. 

Available at major and specialty retailers including The Right Start, Target, and Babies-R-Us for approximately $25.00.

Just in time for Easter--new Karen Katz Book

I LOVE Karen Katz' wonderful children's books. They feature sweet, whimsical, colorful illustrations and come in both board book and regular formats, as well as in boxed sets.  I especially love that she covers a range of holidays and cultures, as well as adoption (Ms. Katz is an adoptive mother, with a daughter from Guatemala).  Her books include Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, and many other holidays.   I have bought numerous Karen Katz books for gifts as well as for my son. My favorite is "Counting Kisses"..I love reading this to my son before bedtime.

Just in time for Easter is her new book, "Where are Baby's Easter Eggs?"  This is an interactive "lift the flap" book. It would make a great addition to any child's Easter basket.  Check out her other titles, too!!