pretty accessories

I'm a big fan of putting fresh flowers all over the house - but flowers can get a lil pricey and the upkeep can be a lil annoying - For a while I was putting fresh lemons and limes in a bowl, but for some reason they were rotting faster than I could use them all (I'm no Giada, okay?) here's a no- fuss way to add a little personality to your table, console, nightstand.....

In the fall and winter seasons I like pine cones. I found mine at my local Shop Rite, but you can always grab a few from your backyard (just make sure to clean them well before putting them in your home.) They look so pretty and fresh in just about any kind of bowl and add so much warmth (mine were scented, which I wasn't such a fan of).

Check out vandykestaxidermy.com for a package of six pine cones for three bucks!

In the spring and summer seasons, I recommend saying g'bye to the pine cones (until next time) and switching it up a little.

I have to hand it to bedbathandbeyond.com for having the greatest selection of table accessories. Amongst my favorites are these;



Mosaic Glass Balls are so pretty and rich looking! Two color choices, sold as a set of three, and retail for about $25 (be sure to bring your million coupons they send in the mail!). They look so much more $$$. I happen to be a big fan of the chocolate colored ones.



Check out these rustic, contemporary Batok Balls. About $15 for three. I love the idea of buying quite a few of these and placing them in unequal amounts in a couple rooms in the house - it creates a cohesiveness throughout the home.

Here's the best part yet: when you're sick of looking at them, carefully store them away - when you're ready to take them out again, you'll feel like you've just bought yourself a pretty bouquet of flowers!

enjoy!

personalized gifts

here's a way to give a gift with a little more thought....personalize it! Check out these great soaps at potterybarn.com:

On sale now for $29 with free shipping. So pretty!

Adorable online store worth checking out: threehipchicks.com! Check out their Personalized Wooden Oval Pendant and Necklace. So great for summer. Retails for $45.50. Choose from nice variety of shapes, fonts and necklace colors - you can also purchase just the pendant.

Love the Monogrammed Large Oval Shell Pendant too! Retails for $21 - check out their gorgeous silk string too!

hair to stay

I must say I am very apprehensive when it comes to buying my daughter hair clips - with good reasons: 1. they are always overpriced. 2. some just look so darn cheesy (don't do to others as you wouldn't want done to yourself). 3. I'm the queen of breaking clips! (don't let me borrow your fish clip if you ever want to see it again). 4. My daughter finds enjoyment in pulling them out of her hair.


In search of the perfect clips for her daughter (who had just a wee bit of hair), Anna, a mom from Seattle, created Moo G Clips.

Anna's adorable daughter, inspecting the clips!

a yummy, refreshing assortment of snap and clippies

With Moo G's genius no slip grip, these chic lil creations aren't goin anywhere! You'll get carried away just checking out the huge selection of appliques, bows, and snap and clippies - moogclips.com. Makes a great gift! High quality, very well made and really decently priced - an adorable applique clip costs $4!

a frog worth kissing!

We received a gorgeous gift basket full of treats galore when our daughter was born! This ever-so-perfect basket contained such wonderful unique items - including a hat by Rich Frog. I was so excited that finally, at 15 months it fit my daughter. It is too cute, so original and gets complements everywhere we go...

My baby girl wearing the princess side.

Here's side two (and an understandably restless model!)

The "Princess/Pea Reversible Hat" by Rich Frog, retails for about $16. My daughter usually wears it princess-side out. Both ways are adorable! A dozen+ great selection for boys and girls and very well made. Makes a great gift. Here's a link to their yummy hats: www.richfrog.com