Pop of Color

One of the best things about Spring are the natural pops of color that happen all around. Crate and Barrel has mastered the art of seasonal accents of color. We recently used their Pink Lolli Candleholders for an event to add a punch to all white lounge areas. Because these are well made they are a great buy to be used season after season.

A couple of sugJEStions for how to get the most out of your purchase?

If you use real votive candles make sure to put a little splash of water into each to keep the wax from sticking in the bottom.

An even better option to make these glow is with LED lights that give the illusion of a candle without the hazards of a flame and the messy clean-up.

Get the Lolli Candleholders at Crate & Barrel for $6.95

Get Down With OPI

Since I am on a roll with things I love today, (and I just painted my nails) I thought I would share my favorite shade with you guys. OPI makes about 900,000 shades I love but the one I always seem to go back to is "Brand New Skates". Gray with a little bit of shimmer, you can rock it with everything at every occasion. It's my weekend shade, what are you guys wearing? Leave it in the comments!

OPI

Living bi-costally often takes its toll on my body, especially in the winter. I am going back and forth between the two very different climates of LA and NYC. For the most part this rocks because I get to experience the best of both worlds, but usually my skin does not agree. With the combo of plane flights, NYC snow, and Cali winter wind my skin gets more than distressed! One of the best things I have ever found to combat this are the ExfoliKate products from Kate Somerville. Obviously my first choice would be to get a fabulous facial from Kate's staff everyday but her products are definitely the next best thing. The regular ExfoliKate is even small enough to be safe in my carry on, Perfect!

Kate Somerville

Setting the Bar High

Yesterday we gave you a few tips from the book on how to set-up a home bar for your holiday party. Today I wanted to show you a few of my favorite classic, functional items from Crate and Barrel. Each of these items (and most things at C&B) are a good investment because they are staples for the home bar you will use for seasons to come!

With the Swoon Carafe form meets function. The shape is beautiful while allowing wine to breathe and pour easily. ($24.95)

This party beverage server is a great item to have behind the bar to chill beer, wine and mixers. It's also attractive enough to have your selection on display. Loop a bar towel through the handle so no one drips on their party clothes. (party beverage server, $69.95, bar mop dishtowels $8.95)

No one wants to be struggling with a cheap wine opener in the middle of the party. The rabbit wine opener has a sophisticated design and opens a wine bottle with two simple motions to let you keep the party going! ($59.95)

I love that stemless barware has become trendy. People are less likely to knock things over and spill; they really are the best bet when having a bar in your home. ($2.50 each)

All of these items can be found on Crate and Barrel's website (photos from website).

Not So Square

Today while searching on some of our favorite blogs we came across this awesome little item. (via The Cut) This Jigger cube by Josh Owen holds a different amount of liquor on each side so it makes mixing your own cocktails that much more fun. This item also looks great sitting atop your bar, or makes a wonderful gift. At only $25 this cube is a much better bargain than having your drinks out on the town! www.charlesandmarie.com

Jes' Picks

Shopping for the contemporary couple (or single!) can often be a challenge. It is difficult to find the perfect gift for the person who celebrates a combination of form and function while enjoying a slick style and minimal approach. One of my favorite local stores for these types of gifts is A+R. They have all kinds of quirky items that you can be sure are unique. Below are a few of my favorites.

The water bottles, or "Hydration Vessels" as they are called are perfectly streamlined. They also dont contain any of the bad chemicals that many plastic water bottles do. Also a percentage of the profits go to safe water programs around the world. ($29.95)

These Tord Boontje & Artecnica's Charms make a great gift. The Dutch and LA designers collaborated on a collection of charms in either 18-karat gold or sterling silver. The whimsical charms can be worn alone or together, as necklaces, earrings or purse charms. ($22.00)

These shot glasses are one of my favorite presents for guys. Goody Grams' shot glasses are packaged individually so you can choose your herd of animals. They come in Bull, Bear, Moose, Deer, and Rhinoceros. ($32.00)

This gift is definitely for the contemporary with a sense of humor. It is also however, a very practical and interesting element in any home. The knives are top of the line and the set comes with 5 of various sizes. ($158.00)

A+R is located in Venice, California but all of the items are also available online at www.aplusrstore.com

The Importance of Eyebrows

I have always been a relatively low maintenance girl when it comes to beauty. I don't wear a lot of make-up regularly or spend multiple hours on my hair, but one thing I pay a lot of attention to is my eyebrows. I firmly believe that they can transform the look of your entire face. I also know that the perfect shaping of an eyebrow is truly an art, and requires a lot of patience. Finding the perfect person for this task can be difficult, but for years now I have used a brow artist named Kelly Baker and would love to pass along my discovery with all of you!

Kelly does amazing work and gives each and every one of her clients personal attention. Take a look at her website (http://kelleybakerbrows.com/about.html) it is full of before and after shots that can really make you a believer. She was also voted 2008 Best Eyebrow Shaping by LA City Search. For those of you not in the LA area Kelly also recently came out with her own line of brow brushes, tweezers, and highlighters.