Nars spring makeup

The line of makeup called Nars is one of my favorites.  They make very finely milled powders, blushes and eye shadows that go on the face perfectly.  The finer the mill, the better the makeup application...this is what makes Nars so special.  I personally love their blush called Orgasm / Laguna duo.  Orgasm is a peachy / pink blush that just glows and Laguna is a beautiful bronze...combined they make quite a team! This blush duo consistently wins awards in magazines for looking nice on every complexion!

What I am currently fawning over is the Nars Spring line of makeup.  Stunning and natural are the two words I would use to describe the spring line...two words that don't seem to go together, but with this makeup, it just works!

The eye shadow trio, called "Calanque", is all you need for your spring summer eye shadow.  The darker shade can be applied wet as an eyeliner.  Love it!  The lipstick is called Tzigane and will give you a lovely, neutral lip.  Perfection!  Feeling a little sassy?  Add one of the three gorgeous lipglosses over the top, and you are set to go.  You can't go wrong with this makeup ladies!  All available at www.shop.nordstrom.com

Nars gloss in Super Orgasm, $24

Nars lipstick in Tzigane, $24

Nars spring trio eyeshadow in Calanque,  $45

Nars blush duo Orgasm/Laguna, $40, sephora.com

Nine West shoe love

I really like Nine West shoes...I find them to be very well made.  Here are a few of my favorite Nine West shoes for spring.  All available at ninewest.com.

This Pila flat is so cute, I just can't wait to try them on.  Stripes are BIG for spring and summer, and this is a fun & unexpected way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.  They come in two color ways, bronze and rose, both equally adorable.  They go on sale on May 24th and are $79.   

I am always on the lookout for a two inch heel.  So practical and comfortable!  This Alvet Sandal fits the bill.  It comes in four beautiful colors, but the grey leather is the perfect neutral against many skin tones.  This sandal would be adorable with cropped pants or a summer skirt or dress.  Style and comfort...heaven!  $79

The Braxton Wedge is perfectly "summer" with its' blue and green toned straps.  Wouldn't this shoe pop with a white eyelet dress?  I love the high platform on the Braxton wedge...a great way to add height without having to wear super-high heels.  $99

  

Pila Flat, $79

Alvet Sandal, $79

Braxton Wedge, $99

Snazzing cutting boards

Again, an amazing Etsy.com find.  I love giving gifts that really represent a person's spirit and attitude, and oftentimes that was shaped by where a person grew up.  I grew up in Wyoming and I always jump at the chance to get cute Wyoming accessories (candles, pillows, glasses, etc) for myself and my Wyoming friends.  It just makes us smile to remember our youth!

The artisan shop called "A.Heirloom" on Etsy makes the cutest state and country cutting boards for only $40.  I just LOVE these!  Get ready, because I will be giving these out for Christmas first chance I get (did I mention I buy Christmas gifts all year round?!?).  They would also make a PERFECT housewarming gift.    http://www.etsy.com/shop/aheirloom

Australia!

Missouri!

Tangled yarn

Hello everyone!  Perhaps you have heard of Etsy.com?  Etsy is an online community for artisans of all sorts, and is one of my favorite websites for browsing and buying gifts.  Everything is totally unique and handcrafted...I can't resist!

Some of you may know that my beautiful mother, Judi, is battling ovarian cancer.  A friend of hers is an Etsy artisan (The Tangled Yarn shop) and named her best selling crocheted scarf after my mother, "Judi's magic scarf".  Why?  Because my mother makes friends wherever she goes (like magic!), and has never met a stranger.  This is my mom's all time favorite scarf...she wears it spring, summer, fall and winter.  At $18, this handcrafted beauty is a bargain, and you can request it in any color you like!  

Another particular favorite of mine is the set of 3 crocheted dishcloths for $12.  I love the subdued neutral colors, which have such an organic feel, and besides, who doesn't need a dishcloth?  This is a perfect gift for anyone on your list!  Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/tangledyarn

Chic shoe bags

Packing for a trip is part art, part science.  One thing I like to do is keep my shoes separated from my clothes and toiletries (dirt and clothes don't mix!).  I don't mind packing, but I do tend to bring too many shoes to my destination.  I used to pack my shoes in plastic Target bags (the REUSE part of the 3-Rs), but they were flimsy and would end up ripping.  Besides, I try to eschew plastic altogether these days!

Two years ago I found the cutest fabric shoe bags, and believe me, they will entice you to pack too many shoes as well!  The fun prints are addictive and the bags (made in the USA) are so sturdy.  Not only do these bags perfectly protect your shoes, I have found they make great packing bags for curling irons, flat irons, hairdryers and brushes...you know, all those odd hair items we need to bring with us!

These bags are available at www.shubilove.com.  I like the Shubi one piece bag (a pair of shoes fit perfectly inside) for $29.  These make GREAT gifts!  Aren't they chic!