I am rather partial to the scent of lavender.  For me it is calming and soothing.  I have often stated that my quality of life would be better if my whole world smelled of lavender, and since recently I have needed a few extra ways to relax I decided to take a couple steps towards making that happen.

If I had time I would jet off to Nemacolin Woodlands Spa for a Lavender Kur- consisting of a nice lavender body scrub, bath and massage with lavender lotion application, but alas no time for that.

So in the interim I am using the Lavender Bath and Shower gel and the Lavender Lotion sold by Crabtree and Evelyn.  The lotion doesn’t leave you greasy and only has a light scent so it isn’t over powering.  I also like their bath and shower gels because it doesn’t over dry your skin.  The most important thing to me though is they don’t mix the lavender scent with vanilla, because while it is nice to cook with, I really don’t like the two smells mixed.

I then  extended the foray into a life of lavender by purchasing for myself some laundry detergent and sachets from Sweet Grass Farm, which I really like.  The great thing about the laundry detergent is that it is a more natural detergent than your store brands so it is great for sensitive skin.  Also it is low sudsing so it can be used in high efficiency and front load washers.  And they leave your clothes lightly scented, and the environment better off.  You only need about 1/8 of a cup for a load, so at that rate it is just a tiny bit more pricey than your normal store detergent.  I buy normal detergent for Hubby, and do his separately, and since so many of my clothes are dry cleaned it really lasts me a long time.  The sachets can be used for multiple rounds of drying or they can be stashed in a drawer or closet.  I have one in the drawer of my pajamas that has really made everything smell lovely.

When I was at Landsdowne Resort they had lavender eye pillows for guests and I really liked the scent as I was falling asleep, so I bought a couple lavender diffusers for the bedrooms, so my guests can enjoy that same soothing scent to fall asleep.  The diffuser is $29.95 so it is a little less than those at Pottery Barn and other stores, and the refill fragrances are only $11.95, so you can reuse them easily.  I am big on having a nice smelling house, I think it is part of having an inviting environment where people feel welcome.  So I like to have diffusers because there isn’t the hazard of lighting a candle in another room and forgetting to blow it out.

If I really wanted to go all out I think Sweet Grass Farm’s Lavender dusting oil and cleaning spray could really fulfill the wish, but I don’t think overwhelming Hubby with Lavender all at once in that big of a quantity would be good for the overall cause.  But it is a consideration for the future.  Sweet Grass farm also has some other really nice clean not over the top scents if you aren’t as partial to lavender.  And the scents aren’t overwelmingly powdery or floral so they don’t overwhelm your senses it is justa  subtle, fresh scent in the background.

So, I know my blog tends to probably be more for the ladies.  But today it is for the men, and the ladies who dress them, big news:

Charles Tyrwhitt a British men’s clothing retailer with stores world wide is having a really large sale right now, right here with shirts from $30-70 a real steal.  They also have their normal sale fall deals, and there are really some nice clothes to be had.  They specialize in dress shirts, but they have really nice casual button up cotton shirts, suits, cuff links, ties and casual wear, as well.  Their fabrics are really of a high quality and the shirts last for a long time.

Charles Tyrwhitt has long been the solution to the fact that the Hubby doesn’t normally have the same style as me- this is one place where we both approve.  The quality and fit impresses us both.  You can even send in your measurements for exact fitting and tailoring.

Here are a couple ideas to get you believing:

And if you are like me and do your Christmas shopping really early, well this is just a jackpot.  They also have some really nice ladies clothing, as well, but check the size guide as the sizing is very different.

I really like Cole Haan shoes and purses.  They are durable and made of good quality leather.  And I have found that they have really good customer service for repairs- I had a pair of their buck swede and fur mule flats that had gotten dirty that I didn’t trust anyone else with and they restored them beautifully.

Now through September 20, 2009 they are offering a 15% discount off your entire purchase in store if you bring in a pair of gently used or new shoes to donate to Soles 4 Souls.

I shop at Cole Haan for nice basics.  The loafers to wear with all the leggings in fashion this season.

The comfortable flats.

The Village Soft Hobo- a nice not too big not to small black all around bag.

Or something fun like this blue tote.

So if you find yourself in need of some nice basics and have a new or gently used pair of shoes to give stop in.

I thought with all this advice on long weekend traveling you might need some great weekend getaway travel accessories.

By coincidence today and tomorrow One Kings Lane is featuring Saltbox.  One King’s Lane is a site that features designer home goods at a discount.  It is an members only site, but membership is free, so sign up here.

But even without an invite to One Kings Lane you can get the really neat products of Saltbox at Pop’s online store.  To view all their collection you can also check out their site here, which I prefer over Pop for viewing styles and colors.  I love their striking prints, that are modern and colorful, but also not too busy.

My travel essentials normally include a large weekend bag that is squishable.  That means if the overhead bin is full it can get shoved under the seat, it also means that coat check at Bloomingdales in New York will hold my bag while I shop, even better it means I can fit in those extra goodies I bring home for my friends.  I like the bright yellow collection best as it would be glamorous but not too beachy so it would travel with me to New York, Philly, Miami or Phoenix and not look out of place.  This bag fits the bill perfectly as a weekend bag:

I really like that it has an outside zippered pocket perfect for magazines or other quick grab items (like the hotel confirmation).

On a weekend getaway I also absolutely have to have a large purse that can fit everything that I or Hubby might pick up.  Realistically for it to work for me there has to have room for sunglasses, cameras, flip-flops, wallet, change purse, souvenirs I buy along the way, a water bottle and maybe even a beach towel.  My purses endure sandy beaches, state parks and floors everywhere so they need to be big and tough.    A purse like this with a reinforced bottom will take a lot of abuse and a style that is somewhat collapsible means when everything isn’t in my purse it isn’t huge, but it will hold all those things I require.  I also like that the strap isn’t sewn on to the purse so it cannot come unattached due to poor or abused stitching.  Although this purse comes in  the yellow I love so much I am featuring the sherbet basket weave color here because I think it really compliments the leather/leatherite accents well:

You can clip the center and it will have a smaller rounder appearance or use it more market bag style.

Next for the trips I know I will be coming home with goodies I often also take a tote bag.  I can easily shove it empty into one of my other bags, and use it latter.  Saltbox’s tote bags would nicely carry a couple bottles of wine, wrapped up by the local winery I am at for a day.  It also perfectly held all those notes and folders I had for wedding planning (even holds a clip board) or that conference I went to (nicely held the spa brochure for the conference center’s spa too), it also fits that pair of running shoes or stilettos that just don’t quite fit in my overnight bag for a longer trip.  The picture below is of the tiki basket weave print which is another very good all around color:

If you want something that has zippers and closes for this type of function, check out their carry all, which for me would also make a cute briefcase or day to day purse, as well (featured in black and white to show off how easily you could use it at home day to day):

Now come all the accessories I need to keep my big bags organized.  You have the cosmetic bag for lip gloss, wipes or even your toiletries if you pack light (line it with a plastic bag so you can easily pull it out of your checked luggage through security in a required clear plastic bag).  Sometimes I pack two of different prints and I store my camera and video camera in them.  This one is marine colored.

They also have wallets in two sizes.  The travel wallet will fit a passport, while the day to day wallet is slimmer but still holds a good amount of stuff.  They have a separate place for coins, which I like if I am going somewhere with a different currency that uses a lot of coins.

The pencil bag is perfect for fitting sunglasses (in case we forget our case), our currency if two currencies so they don’t get mixed up, or umm pens (which I don’t like just in my purse because I have had one break and ruin a purse).  It would also be good for cosmetic brushes, and non liquid toiletries.

Then of course you need a couple luggage tags for these bags, and I love to match.  I also think these bright colored tags would be great on a piece of black luggage to stand out from the crowd.  I have a big black garment bag so I always like something to differentiate it.

Last but not least I always have a business card holder because I never know who I might meet that might need a little assistance in some way or another.  And being stylish never hurts one win business.

So travel in style, with function and form.  With a little help from Saltbox and Katelin Taylor (don’t worry I won’t tell).

So I am covetting this set of china that I saw at Bloomingdales.

It is the Flora pattern by Villeroy and Bach.  My favorite are the pink plates below.

The major problem though is that they do not match with the decor of my current house.  (Well the blue would, but I love the pink)  Well Hubby would also  claim that the other problem is that I just got new china and I have rather recent new casual dinnerware and I just put in all the cabinets we can and it now just fits all my current china, as well, details, details.  But if these match your house please register for them or buy them and take good care of them and then pass them on to me, ok? (Ahem, I know of a few certain brides who NEED to register, at least for china)

What makes them so appealing is that they look very similar to the rhododendron china that is used at the Greenbrier which is just stunning china.  They have stood the test of time there looking so classic.  The rhododendron china was used at my wedding, and is used during regular tea and dinner service their and just looks amazing.  They would be perfect for my Aunt who has beautiful pinks and greens in her home and her dining room.

They are on sale, as well.  So girls that need china and have a beautiful classic apartment or house, really think about these, yes they are bold colors, but Dorthy Draper never feared color and look how great her creations turned out.

I don’t have many purses, except if you count the few small bags, most of which I have had since high school, one since before elementary school that are mainly just small cloth able to hold…. my phone.  Still probably all countable on one hand.  And evening bags are an even more rare thing for me to own.  It’s not that I don’t love or appreciate a nice purse, it just isn’t my thing to spend money on, but this purse here is one I had to own.

The brand is BeeGee Bags.  And the maker of the purses is a local Arlingtonian, which is one reason I bought it.  I really like to support local artists when I buy products.  As a quasi-artist jeweler myself, I appreciate things that are hand crafted.

I also like them because they are so colorful, you could wear them with something that doesn’t really match, but coodinates and it is very cute.  My Aunt would love these as they have big, bold retro prints which is something she adores, and she really likes evening bags and purses.  They suggest them for a bridesmaid gift, I actually had a bridesmaid carry mine during the wedding then had it at my table after so I could put on lipstick and etc.  They are very well crafted.  And the owner of BeeGee Bags is just as nice as can be.  So if you want a colorful, fun evening bag definitely check them out.  I love peacocks, so currently I am coveting this peacock one here which is just beautiful.   And ask her to put a couple business cards in the purse so when people ask about your extremely cute purse you can give them a card.

Here is a coupon for a big Crabtree and Evelyn sale. Yay very nice smelling goodies!

I would say a little birdie told me this, but then I would really seem to talk to birds a lot, so let’s just say I heard by word of mouth that a lot of you really adored the snacks sets.  Really what isn’t to love about them?  They are adorable.  But then I heard another truth, many of you are cabinet challenged.

Trust me I may not seem like I understand this, what with my love of anything for entertaining, but until mid-June when I have my counter-top extended slightly so new cabinets can be installed in the unused space where they put an area for a bar (we don’t use a bar we eat at a table like civilized people), I do have only moderate cabinet space.

I don’t want to give up chic for function, it really isn’t my thing but a girl can only have so much china that will fit in her small apartment.  So I have brought you a compromise.  I found this when I was strolling through a wonderful little kitchen shop in Sonoma called Sign of the Bear.  It is a lot like a William Sonoma or Sur La Table, but in cute country general store format.  Anyway if you are in Sonoma it is a must stop little place.  Conveniently enough they ship too, so I have a nice little box of goodies that they shipped home to me being held hostage in the package room downstairs.  Anyway without further ado:

The Wine Glass Plate Clip.

So these really aren’t as cute, but with my China pattern that is white and silver they wouldn’t look THAT bad, nor would they on plain white plates or black plates.  They are small enough to throw in a drawer with your wine tags, bottle stopper and cork screw (which I know you have a drawer for).  And really their functionality is so great, I think the fact that they aren’t as cute as the snack set may be able to be overlooked until you get more cabinets.  See girls, there are always solutions.  Always.

Now they can’t be used with flimsy plastic plates, which in all honesty you shouldn’t use unless you have a very large group size and in that case you shouldn’t have enough of these to go around so it should all work out.  You can get these in multiple places, The Container Store has a pack of six stainless steel ones for $14.99 which seems to be a pretty good deal.

These from WineOpeners.com are a bit cheaper, but are not as nice in quality.  I mention them because you can buy in bulk and get them printed with a logo or picture.  I know many of you in the DC/Arlington area throw big corporate functions so I thought I would mention them as a reference.  How nice would it be to receive this at a big function?  I promise I would take mine and hubbies home to use.  You could also get them printed with a cool picture to make them a nice present.  Even better might be a wedding favor if you are having a reception that doesn’t have a sit down dinner.  (Sorry I love weddings, I could spend my whole life planning weddings if only it paid as well as my current profession)

Ok peeps today Wedding Wedneseday is all about the jewels.  Well actually one particular jewelry site that I am particularly found of: Mali Jewelry and Accessories.

I first visited this store shopping the Miracle Mile in Chicago and when I was in the store what hit me most was how perfect the jewelry would be for a wedding.  But online they have a huge selection of one of a kind necklaces and accessories which are just beautiful, especially this year when big jewelry is in.

Their jewelry would also be very appropriate for a Mother’s Day present as they have some cool chunky jewelry that any Mom would love.

The bonus for you is that I suscribe to their mailing list and this month they have a 20% off Mother’s Day discount.  Just enter 20 at the checkout.

Check out some of my favorites below:

For a daring Bride not afraid of some color.

For a more traditional bride.

For something a bit smaller.

Something pretty.

Something blue (I believe this one is adjustable, how cool).

Also pretty.

Lariat style perfect for a v-neck dress.

They also have some neat, but a little pricey, evening bags:

Isn’t the gem detail beautiful?

One last one I promise:

So enjoy one of my favorite online jewelry stores!  Perfect for brides and everyone else (including Mom’s don’t forget to do something, I will be calling my brother to remind him)!

Have any of you ever heard of a snack set?  If you are about my age you probably haven’t, so let me introduce you.

Girls this is snack set:

Snack set meet the girls.

I recently happened upon snack sets at my wedding shower.  The person throwing my shower was having a tea, and borrowed glass snack sets from her church for the event.  I also then noticed that my MIL to be in 17 days had snack sets in her glass cupboard.

Snack sets are small serving plates, a little bit bigger than a dessert plate, not as big as a dinner plate, with either an indentation for a cup to rest, like the snack set above, or a walled off section for a cup to sit.  This completely solves the problem of carrying a drink and plate, and not being able to snack on either.

I think a snack set would be perfect for a cocktail party where you are serving hor d’oeuvres, a tea with sandwiches and cookies or even to start a dinner party before the food is served.

The one hang up is that most drinks you serve at a cocktail party are not meant to be served in a tea cup.  The solution would be to find some stemless glasses that would sit in the indentation or walled off part of the snack set.

This picture shows you a good view of one that has dividers.  I think a stemless glass would sit in there.  This set also comes with a small serving bowl for fruit, trifle, pudding or even a small salad.

Some other snack sets I thought were super cute:

This one from Replacements, LTD.com.  I know normally this site is to replace broken items, but you can order multiples and make yourself a full set.

This china one with gold rim from Granny’s Treasure Box.

This blue one from Tias.com.

And this vintage milk glass from Robin’s Nest.

They have all sorts of patterns in glass and china, you can even get high end Fenton art glass snack sets, or Federal snack sets.

Once my new china cabinet is built, and I have a home for a snack set, I will be acquiring one, with some stemless glasses.