I’m thrilled that the nautical stripes of the sailor trend are sticking around for another season!  There’s nothing quite as chic as a crisp black and white stripe.  And, if you take one of these fabulous pieces and combine it with a bright burst of color, whether it’s with a bright yellow ballet flat or a pair of green cropped pants, you’ll be perfectly on par with spring’s trends!

1: Collarless Trench from Asos.com

2: Alice + Olivia Kayden Striped Sweater

3: Kate Spade Striped Bow Jacket

4: MM Couture by Miss Me Striped Panel Miniskirt

♥

Peace, Love and Stripes,
Emily

Enter Candy Cake Company, an Atlanta-based company that specializes in handmade cake truffles. These tasty-looking “cake truffles” look like pieces of candy, so at first glance, I was intrigued. But, when I realized they were in fact cake, my excitement quickly waned. Then, when I read baker and owner Niya McIver’s description of her goodies– “the perfect combination of cake, frosting and chocolate”–my interest was piqued once again. I liked, no, loved, two out of three of the filling ingredients–those were good odds! Oh, the roller coaster ride these bite-sized goodies were inflicting upon my emotions!

Then came the moment of truth: I had a cake truffle pop in hand, and took a bite. I will spare you the exact description of that bite, because I have an aversion to detailed taste narrations. They always sound off-putting and risqué. But, let me just say, angels began to sing. They were breath-takingly delicious. One pop quickly turned into three pops; then four. Yep. These babies put me on the fast train to gluttony.

Niya’s truffles are completely unique. She makes regular truffles as well as cake truffle pops (truffles on a stick) and cake kabobs (three cake truffles on a stick), and I’ve got to tell you: I have bought the whole food-is-better-on-a-stick-craze hook, line and sinker. I’m a sucker for dessert on a stick. And, while I’m typically a death by chocolate type of girl, my favorite of Niya’s creations is the Vanilla Swirl. Other yummy options include Chocolate Mint, Double Chocolate and Red Velvet.

Candy Cake Company’s creations aren’t just yummy with a capital Y, they are also quite pleasing to the eyes as well! And, perhaps the very best part about CCC is that it’s a delivery-based company. You can sit on your little bee-hind and order these decadent treats, and they arrive at your door a couple days later. Just like that. Internet shopping at its finest.

If I had known about Niya and her truffles in 2008, I would have had them on the candy bar at my wedding. Sorry wedding guests. But, although you can’t change the past, you better believe they will be making regular appearances at my doorstep, in my hand and at my parties from now on. And, I highly suggest you do the same! They are perfect for any sort of special occasion, since they are customizable, and Niya can match them to any soirée’s decor. Or, you can simply order them because you’re in the mood for something tasty, and make an everyday a special occasion! I know at my house, today is Cake Truffle Pop Day!  ♥

~Peace, love and sweets, Emily

I have been beyond negligent when it comes to my poor blog.  Explanation: I got pregnant and had a baby.  She is a smurf.  Now that I have a baby, I wonder how I was so busy while I was pregnant, but I’ll address that later.  So here, organized into one convenient post, are some suggestions regarding pregnancy and babydom.

When it comes to pregnancy, Emily suggests:

Birth Control.  Ha.  But seriously.  I know a lot of people whose first babies were “oops,” and quite frankly, I cannot imagine dealing with the huge life change a baby brings if you were not planning on said baby.  So, read a book.  If you can’t hack that, read a pamphlet.  It will explain how a cycle and therefore birth control works.  I suggest: not having a baby until you really want one.

Organization: I kept waiting for that proverbial “nesting” period to kick in so I could do things like organize my nursery and clean out every closet in my humble abode.  But, it never came.  I take that back.  I did get that inexplicable burst of energy one Sunday afternoon, and it lasted 2 hours.  I think I cleaned my bathroom (big whoop).  My lack of  nesting likely came from the fact that as a self-employed individual, I actually worked overtime throughout my pregnancy to get ahead, so I could relax and take some time off after birth.  But I digress.  The point is this: Don’t wait for a feeling, just do it anyway!  Once the baby comes, you are going to cut corners.  There simply isn’t the time (or the energy when you’re totally sleep deprived) to be meticulous about things.  So, if you already have disorder in your world, it’s going to get much, much worse.  My world was disorganized for the first 12 weeks of Smurfette’s life.  Then, one Saturday, I had my mom come over and we completely reorganized my pantry, my kitchen cabinets and my nursery, which included the room, the closet and the dresser.  Offshoot projects became a coat closet and the refrigerator.  This changed my life.  Literally.  All that stuff you read about how a cluttered house clutters your mind and your life is totally true.  I just wish the first 12 weeks of the smurf’s life had been as organized as it is now.

Look Good.  Looking good makes you feel good (and makes everyone hate you for looking good while you’re being pregnant, and that can make you feel good too), and Lord knows anything you can do to feel good while you’re pregnant, you should.  And, while I could have easily blogged for 9 entire months about pregnancy style, I’m just going to give a few basic shopping tips, instead.  For the most part, I hate, hate maternity clothes.  It is extremely hard to find fashionable ones.  I mean when even stylish celeb mommies like Heidi Klum and Nicole Richie are launching maternity lines of boring, ugly clothes (I’m sorry, but those so ARE NOT the clothes they wore while preggo!), you know you’re screwed.  So I say, stick with non-maternity as long as possible!  1) Go to H&M.  Buy a size up, or loose styles at H&M as long as you possibly can.  By not shopping maternity, it’s easier to stay in current styles.  2) Need suggestions for the type of long, loose silhouettes that look good on a preggo body?  Check out ShopBop’s maternity suggestions. While you can buy the pieces if you want, it also serves as a pictorial for preggo dressing.   3) Another great resource: Take the advice of preggo style goddess Amy Tara Koch.  The author of “Bump It Up,” Amy has a wealth of suggestions for looking great throughout the various stages of pregnancy. 4) When you have grown out of “regular” clothes, shop at Asos.com. Their maternity clothes are some of the trendiest I’ve found.

Moving forward, when it comes to having a baby, Emily suggests:

Lilypadz.  Nursing brings a world of hurt to your boobs.  There are all sorts of difficulties/issues that come along with nursing, most of which I’m not going to get into, because since this is not exclusively a “mommy” blog, I’d hate for the innocent passerby to be forced into reading any nursing gore. But, there are a million nursing pads out there, and they all suck.  The gel ones leave a residue that I didn’t think my baby should eat, the thin paper ones scratch, and the big cotton ones look weird, rub and only clean up the mess (Trying to be subtle.  Don’t get it?  Leaking.).  Enter Lilypadz.  Recommended by my sister <A BIG THANK YOU TO HER>, these things are worth every cent.  Don’t get stingy and say they are too expensive, because they will change your life.  First of all, they don’t hurt.  They make your boobs feel normal again.  No rubbing, scratching, pulling…just normal.  Second, they actually  prevent leakage.  While it is possible to still leak if you go a super long time without nursing (you can’t completely reverse nature), these stop the in-between drips (or floods, depending on who you are).  And if you can make nursing even slightly easier for yourself, then I say you’re crazy not to.

And there you have it. Sorry if you’re disappointed that there are no methodologies or theories on sleeping through the night or curing morning sickness.  When I get those things figured out, I’ll let you know.  Until that time, you can read what the countless other people have to say on those subjects, and I’ll stick to the (few) things I actually have figured out. ♥

~Peace, love and babies, Emily

The brand is one of the “greenest” I know of, especially in the cosmetics industry. All the products are made from fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, essential oils, flowers and other natural ingredients. Plus, they are made by hand. And, since no preservatives are used, the products all have rather short shelf lives and some even need to be kept in the refrigerator.

Shopping at Lush is a total experience. Sampling products is encouraged, the product names and explanations are cheeky and fun, and it’s just plain cool to have someone hand cut a chunk of soap for you right before you purchase it.

While it is almost impossible for a true Lushie to pick a favorite product, here are a few that truly make my heart sing:

Porridge Soap: This stuff has the greatest smell in the entire world, and it takes all my self control not to eat it instead of lather with it. For such a drab “please sir, may I have some more?” name, this stuff is super yummy and fun.

Dark Angels Sugar Scrub: While it may not be the greatest pictorial sell, this stuff is amazing. Made from charcoal, rhassoul mud and black sugar, it is a great balancing cleanser/exfoliator for oily or acne-prone skin. Word of warning: This stuff is super messy! You definitely get black specks all over the shower, but it’s easy to rinse it all down the drain when you’re done.

Marzibain Bubble Bar: Typically, I’m not a fan of cosmetics that smell like food, but this almond-scented goodie is relaxing and delish. It also yields rich, frothy bubbles and leaves your skin super soft. Word of warning: That’s a real almond in the middle there, so beware–once the bar has melted, those suckers sink to the bottom of the tub, and almonds up your bum don’t feel good!

In closing, I leave you with the happiest of memories: One Christmas, I bought Lush products for my mom and sister. My sister bought them for my mom and me, and my mom bought them for my sister and me. It was a three-way Lushie love fest, and I’m getting teary just thinking about it. Let’s do that again this year, k guys? ♥

~Peace, love and Lush, Emily

It all started when a local boutique Tweeted me with a link to their blog (http://fabrikfiles.blogspot.com/). On said blog, was a dress I simply adored, and the hubs said he would make it my birthday gift. Three days later, I went to the boutique, only to find they were completely sold out of the dress, as were the shop’s other two locations.  Although the sales associate took my information and promised to call me if more came in, I simply couldn’t wait.

Inspired by the sheer fabulousness of the one-shoulder floral MM Couture by Miss Me dress, I went on a internet hunt.  It was sold out everywhere!  And, even though Miss Me offers ecommerce on their site, the dress wasn’t available there either.

So, in an uncharacteristically desperate move, I emailed Miss Me customer service and asked if they could help me locate the dress. Within an hour, Jovita, an actual human with a personal signature, emailed me back asking for additional details (what size I needed, etc.). The very next day, Jovita had found the dress in the size I needed at a boutique in Alabama. I promptly called the boutique, CK Collection, and within 10 minutes, I had the dress ordered and on its way to me.

I am pleased to say, I now have the dress in my possession, it fits perfectly, and I cannot wait to wear it to a wedding Memorial Day Weekend.

The moral of my story?  Patronize Miss Me.  They have stylish, affordable clothes and impeccable customer service.  Also, if you are ever in Fairhope, Alabama, shop at CK Collection, because they too, have a level of customer service that is hard to come by these days.

And, I suppose the final moral is, shopping is not for the faint of heart.  You must never give up until you’ve exhausted every option. Dedication yields a fabulous wardrobe.  Oo-ra. ♥

~Peace, love and shopping success, Emily

There are multiple reasons for my dirty hair. The primary reason is I have a ton of it. I don’t care how much hair you think you have, I have more than you (unless you’re my sister). My hair stylists have been cutting and coloring my hair for over six years, and they still make a comment about the vast amount of hair I have every time I’m at the salon. And massive amounts of hair equals massive amounts of time drying and styling said hair. Thus, in my teens, I started washing it less. And this wasn’t some grungy rebellion against society thing–I just couldn’t deal with two+ hours of drying my hair every day, or even every three days for that matter.

Then, as I got older, I learned that washing your hair too often is actually bad for your hair, because it strips the hair of natural, conditioning oils. Victory! Now I have good cause to be dirty! Nevermind the fact that dirty hair (or day old hair as they call it in the biz) holds style better and typically looks better than sparkling clean hair.

But, the secret of dirty hair, as I first mentioned, is for people around you not to know that your hair is dirty. I have tried endless numbers of dry shampoos and hair revitalizers. In fact, it is such a part of my life that I am always shocked to find people who have never heard of dry shampoo. And while I have been completely satisfied with a number of brands, none of them compare with Finley Hair Power ($18 online).

Finley Hair Powder comes in four shades: Black, Brunette, Blonde and White, the latter being good for all hair colors and also platinum blondes. Just a sprinkle on the hair, and the powder immediately soaks up any unwanted oil and shine and provides loads of volume. In fact, I love the volume my Blonde Finley Powder gives to my roots so much that sometimes I add it when my hair is perfectly clean just to get a little added height (hey, I’m from the South). The smell is also yummy, and, the various colors means no more tell-tale white powder residue on you brunettes. While I have never had a problem with this as a blonde, I do know my brunette friends experience this problem with other products.

So skip the hair wash and style and grab a bottle of Finley–your hair and schedule will thank you. I keep mine in my purse for midday touch-ups. ♥

*A tip to all you wanna-be dirty girls (and guys!) out there: If your head is itching or your hair is smelling (even with products), it’s time to wash. Pushing it over a week is just a bit much, even for me. *

~Peace, love and ‘clean’ hair, Emily

Which is why this weekend’s Screen Actors Guild Awards was such a breath of fresh air. So much better overall, ladies! Here are a few highlights:

I love Jenna Fischer (i.e. Pam Beesley Halpert from “The Office”), which is why I hate that she so often looks like a red carpet novice. You’ve been doing this for quite a few years now, Jenna, you should be a bit more polished. And polished she was at the SAG Awards! She’s on-trend with the jewel-tone, and the blue is divine with her skin tone. Add the polished updo and fabulous earrings, and she’s a total A+!

Helen Mirren is amazing. The New World collectively didn’t even know who she was until four years ago when she starred in “The Queen,” but she has managed to become more and more beautiful every award season–at 65 years old, and without visual facial work! At the SAGS, it was not so much her dress, as her make-up and updo and her general exuberance. She is a beautiful, youthful woman, and I want to look like her when I grow up.

Kyra Sedgwick annoys me. Although I’ve never actually seen an episode of “The Closer,” her cheeseball Southern accent in the previews makes me what to stab myself in the eye with a shrimp fork. Her face is also way too “corrected” for my taste. Here, however, she looks exquisite. I love the thick fringe with her updo, and the grey accent on the white Vera Wang is perfection. Plus, she has gorgeous posture. You just won some points, Mrs. Bacon. Congrats.

Sandra Bullock is my favorite of the night. I love red carpet looks with sleeves, but it is a risk that often doesn’t work. The drape on her Alexander McQueen gown is impeccable, and the keyhole and sequin detailing in the front is to die for. Her body is also amazing. I think of Sandy as the “every girl” and since every girl isn’t pooch-free, I’m thinking Ms. Bulluck may have skipped a few meals prior to the show. It worked.

Diane Kruger has easily established herself as a fashion icon in recent years for her fashion-forward styling, and I share her devotion to Jason Wu. Does anyone else find this Wu to be slightly reminiscent of Michelle Williams’ Vera Wang dress at the 2006 Oscars? The dresses are really quite dissimilar, but I think it’s the color along with the bright red lip that conjures up the memory.

I always love seeing photos of Julie Benz out and about, because she always looks so haggard on “Dexter,” and it’s nice to see her fixed up. I absolutely love her bold eye, messy-but-styled updo and asymmetrical styling of the gown. What I don’t love? That as I was just searching to find out who designed her dress, I had the most recent season of “Dexter” completely ruined for me (The hubs and I are a season behind. We watch TV on DVD.). My day has seriously just been ruined.

Finally we have Betty White. I am obviously not a fan of the applique action on her dress, but she’s 88, so we’re going to let it go. I love the ice blue color, but including her has nothing to do with her dress. I love this lady’s spunk. When she was on the red carpet before the show, she said: “Anytime anybody asks me in the business, ‘What haven’t you done that you’ve always wanted to do?’ I would say Robert Redford.” That, my friends, is what you call classic.

That’s for bearing with the long post! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with me? Disagree? ♥

~Peace, love and red carpet style, Emily

An Atlanta institution, Dante’s has been doing what they do for 40 years. Owned by the fabulously eccentric, titular Dante, the interior of the fondue restaurant is a wharf and a pirate’s ship–complete with a moat, which is home to quite a few live crocodiles. While this all may sound a bit Disney World-esque, I assure you, it works! Plus, the service is impeccable, and Dante himself often visits tables throughout the night.

On top of the compelling and unique design, there is live jazz music every night of the week except Monday (when there is an acoustic guitar player and soloist). And by jazz, I mean really good jazz.

Those who know me will argue that the reason I’m such a fan of Dante’s is that it is where the hubs took me for our first date, and where he proposed to me. But, I promise these milestones in my life have not rendered me too partial to be objective. Dante’s epitomizes romance. There is something very intimate about sitting together and cooking your own meal, and since it is a lengthy process, lingering conversation is a default.

There is one common complaint about Dante’s: You have to cook your own food. I get the argument (typically made by foodie snobs), but here’s the bottom line: I have had some pretty fabulous cuisine in atmospheres that are lacking, and with service that is dismal. Valentine’s Day is primarily about celebrating love (pardon my rose-colored glasses), and there is simply no better place to be pampered and enjoy delicious (albeit “self-cooked”) food than Dante’s. They also have an exceptional wine list that should please even the most high-brow connoisseur.

My only request? If you see me when you’re there, do me a favor and leave me alone–I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day with my husband. ♥

~Peace, love and good eats, Emily

The incredibly talented Aslyn is one of my favorite singer/songwriters. There is a soulful depth in her voice and her lyrics. And, the fact that she is Atlanta-based, only adds to her appeal.

I first discovered Aslyn when she was opening for another musician, and have since then caught many-a-show. Her song “Wally”, about her grandparents’ love, is the most compelling and heartfelt love song I’ve ever heard. I cry (hard) every time I hear it. We also share a bond over the Elton John song “Goodbye Yellowbrick Road” (one of the greatest songs of all time), which she covers at every concert. I prove my devotion thus: I went to an Aslyn concert with mono and strep throat. In my defense, I didn’t realize I had strep until I was leaving the concert, and it was another week on the mono, but in her defense, I probably would have gone anyway.

Get thee to amazon/iTunes right now and discover her goodness for yourself! ♥

~Peace, love and good tunes, Emily

Enter Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36 at Sephora). This primer delivers-big time. I absolutely love how smooth my skin feels after I apply it, and it keeps me from looking shiny for a full 12 hours. I have noticed that sometimes I may begin to feel a little oily later in the day, I still don’t look it.

Photo Finish comes in several varieties for various skin concerns: Green to minimize redness, Lavender to minimize yellowish undertones, and even a bronzing version.

So leave the radiance to brides and mommies-to-be, and embrace your inner matte finish. ♥

~Peace, love and shine-free skin, Emily