Spotted at NYIGF

On Monday I attended the New York International Gift Fair, which is a trade event where about 2,700 vendors exhibit their wares for retailers across the country. The event was HUGE and I don't even think I covered 1/4 of the show. To give you an idea of the scale according to the NYIGF website 31,000 people attend over the span of the 5 days representing all 50 states and 85 countries.

Though I only spent a couple of hours there, I was very inspired by the various wares as well as the vendor displays. No simple tabling here, you're invited into mini showrooms some of which even have couches to lounge on.

I was able to cover the full bath & body type section of the show as I was looking for new products to carry in my shop. I still have to sit down and thoroughly sift through all the catalogs that I received, and will be receiving in the mail. But while I'm still on a high from my quick trip to NYC I'll share a few fun products that I found while roaming around some of the other sections of the show...

1. These cute little felt  gift boxes from Twinkle Kids, whose felt cakes I already loved... would make a nice addition to a sweet/candy shoppe themed party or dessert bar.

2. I was introduced to poo~pourri months ago via the Savor the Success network and was intrigued by the product. I was able to sniff all their various scents while at the show and snagged a sample of the Loo-Pouri, which I'm looking forward to trying. If you aren't familiar with the product it's a proprietary blend of essential oils that you spray into the toilet before you go, the oils form a film over the water which traps odors in, allowing folks to think that maybe your _________ really doesn't stink.


3. Right around lunch time I happened to wander by Reid Foods booth where I got to taste their sweet pepper jalepeno jam and raspberry jalepeno jam which were tasty.

4. I found some absolutely beautiful products in the handmade/fair trade section but one thing I really fell in love with were these belts from Erick & Mike, which can be found online at Southmoon Under. In my photo you can see what a variety of colors and patterns the belts which are made in Indonesia come in, not pictured are the matching bracelets that are available also with wooden clasps.
Photo: Southmoon Under; me








If you visited the NYIGF feel free to link to your post featuring your favorite finds in the comments section.

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K.I.S.S.: Pretzels & Oreos

I may be super late with these, but yesterday as I was browsing the candy aisle of the craft store and I came across Wilton molds for Pretzels and Oreo cookies.

Perfect for making treats for your Dessert Bar.

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K.I.S.S: Delegate to Celebrate

Photo:Service Is Us, Inc. 

I personally love to cook for other people. I often get asked how I made this; can I supply the recipe for that; or If  I could bring some of these to a potluck. However, my reputation for being a good cook often lands me squarely in the kitchen when company comes 'round.


I recently learned about party staff for hire that will come to your home and take the "work" out of entertaining so you can get out of the kitchen and spend time with your guests. These companies service small and large events and perform a whole host of services including:

• serving food & passing appetizers,
• heating food & replenishing trays, 
• bartending,
• grilling & carving, 
• pre-party set up & food presentation,
• and emptying trash throughout the event.

In addition to the services they provide during the event, many companies will also wash the dishes, mop the floor and leave your kitchen and dining areas spotless.  Some services even promise to store all of your food in Ziploc bags and put it away for you.

These types of services are especially useful if you are hosting a spa party. When you delegate to celebrate, there's no need to ruin your newly applied polish while emptying an overfilled wastebasket or wonder if the cheese and crackers are running low mid massage.


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Winter Pedicure Products

During the colder months of the year, many nail salons and spas feature pedicures that are designed to warm feet through the use of hot stones, hot towels, warming scrubs, etc.. The descriptions of which often sound so alluring, until you realize that after getting these decadent treats, your newly polished and toasty toes will be exposed to the cold. For those of you who don't want your feet to hibernate all winter, here are a few products to check out for keeping feet warm and polish perfect.

Legwarmers 

Take a tip from the cast of Fame, legwarmers are a great way to keep feet warm by simply pulling them down, and come in a great variety of prices and styles. They are also flexible as a fashion item, and can be worn with heels, or over skinny jeans peeking out of a pretty fall/winter boot. One good place to start your search for legwarmers is Sock Dreams.


Moisturizing heel socks by Avon

These terry socks have a moisturizing heel infused with Vitamin E, grape seed, jojoba and olive oils. These are great for an extra boost after a home pedicure and in between salon visits.

 
Peeky Toes
 

Peeky Toes come in two varieties Peeky™ L U X E and Eco Peeky. Peeky™ L U X E is a real treat enveloping feet in a blend of 85% Italian-spun cashmere & silk. The Eco Peeky is "greener" version made with Bamboo and REPREVE^® Recycled Nylon and dyed with Global Organic Textile Standard

approved dyes. Both products feature a thong to help keep the sock from slipping as well as arch support.
 
Bootie Pies

If you take your pedicures really seriously, Bootie Pies might be the product for you.  These Ugg-like suede boots are lined with faux sheepskin and feature a soft patent leather toe that crushes down so that toes can sit on top.

Still not in love with the idea of braving the elements for a bit of beauty, don't give up just yet, find a mobile nail salon or spa that will bring the pedicure to you.

How do you deal with the cold weather pedicure dilemma?

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Spotted At Shecky's: KNP Boudoir

T his past Tuesday I attended my first Shecky's Girls Night Out event. Though I enjoyed myself I was a bit disappointed with the variety of vendors, which isn't a reflection of Shecky's per se, it's just the way it worked out. Anywho, while the overwhelming majority of vendors were selling jewelry, I did find a few folks who were promoting things that you wouldn't find everyday. One such vendor was Kim Noel of KNP boudoir.

boudouir (French): a woman's dressing room, bedroom, or private sitting room -Merriam-Webster

Boudoir is also the name of a tasteful yet tantalizing style of photography that can boost your self-esteem and your love life all in a single shot. Boudoir photo albums make a great wedding, anniversary, birthday, or just because it's Tuesday present for the guy in your life. As a mother of a not yet two year old, I can see a boudoir shoot as a good way for hot mamas to fall in love with their post baby bodies.  Recently reached a new decade or are newly single?  Try a boudoir shoot as way to show yourself you still got it!

Because everyone has a different take on sexy, the KNP Boudoir studio has 10 different sets, to suit your fancy. The sets range from a high backed over stuffed red velvet sofa, or a vintage glam damask wallpaper background, to the simplicity of a white sheet or a polished hard wood floor. And of course there is a canopy bed that you can pose in for the genuine boudoir feel.

To afraid to go it alone? No worries, Kim makes it easy for you to invite a few friends to try out the experience as well, by offering Girls Night Out packages. As a hostess you can earn a free photo session just by inviting your girls.

• Invite 4 friends and recieve the Simply Sassy package which consists of a 20 minute personal session, 1 outfit, 1-2 sets and a $100 credit towards ordering prints of your photos ( a $150 value).
• With six friends you'll recieve the Little Black Book package, which includes a 40 minute personal session, 2 outfits, 2-3 sets, and a bound "Little Black Book" with 10 images.

Still need a little more convincing, here are some of the reactions of Kim's satisfied clients:

“I just wanted to thank you again for the fabulous shoot you did and the beautiful album. Matt totally flipped over it! I had it given to him the morning of the wedding while he was getting ready and he was totally shocked and amazed. It was definitely the reaction I was looking for! Now the only problem is that he is so impressed that he wants to show to every he knows!” – Katie S.

Kim relates another story that is really touching..

Another client I recently had was in her mid 50’s. She had five children and wanted to know if she could still look beautiful and sexy. While I don’t have a word for word reaction from her, she was teary eyed as she viewed her images. She explained that she was actually in therapy to help with her self-esteem and that having this photo shoot was actually the best therapy should could have had. She really left feeling beautiful and worthwhile.

So enough with my jibber-jabber you're ready to see some pics right? If your kiddos are sitting right next to you as you try to find time in your day to be on the computer, now might be the time to tell 'em to shoo.




All images contained in this post are courtesy of KNP Boudoir. For a chance to win a FREE photo shoot, head on over and become a fan of KNP Boudoir on Facebook, before October 15th.
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So, for a sexy twist on your Spaparazzi party, channel your inner pin up girl and schedule a boudoir party. Of course hair and make up aren't the only things to worry about at this type of photo shoot, scheduling a spa day to get everything in tip top shape before the shoot isn't a bad idea. Keep in mind that some mobile spas do offer waxing and spray tanning right in the comfort of your home.

For tips on how to find a make up artist to help you look your best see my interview with Ivy Cooper.


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Find: Diaper Zoo

The little cutie to the left is the diaper elephant I concocted with the help of the wondrously detailed e-book from Brenda over at Diaper Zoo. Diaper Zoo is a must see if you are planning a baby shower. The owner used to sell her diaper creations but now devotes her time to coming up with new products which she teaches you to DIY with her very reasonably priced e-books, featuring photos of each step.


For my own baby shower, we whipped up a mini menagerie of elephants, and giraffes grazing on a piece of green felt, decorated with little sunflowers from the scrap booking section. I set these under the money tree also inspired by a Diaper Zoo creation, at the time Brenda had not yet released the how-to ebook for the tree so I was left to my own devices to figure it out, and thankfully she gave me some tips via email. Instead of using the tree to collect money, it functioned as a sort of wish tree, where guests were asked to leave motherly advice.

Below I've featured a few more of my favorite projects from the Zoo.

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Find: Tie Chair

This past weekend I attended a wedding with my 17th month old in tow. I didn't get the opportunity to do much socializing as I was too busy trying to keep the little wiggler in my lap and not running down the aisles. As there weren't any high chairs or booster seats my husband and I took turns eating and passing the baby back and forth.

While many wedding receptions are adult only, kids do sometimes attend formal events. Couples may have children of their own or have neices/nephews, etc. that will be attending the wedding. Attending special events with toddlers can be fun with forethought and preparation, neither of which I personally employed.

This tie-chair is one element that party guests or hosts that think ahead can incorporate for family friendly events. It's great because for one it looks much better than restaurant high chairs and is cleaner to boot; there is no need to worry about the perpetually broken or non-existent straps in commercial high chairs because the ties are built right in; parents hands stay free, kids butts stay put; it is ultra portable.

For those party hosts that really want to have even the toddler seating tie in seamlessly with their decor, this tutorial by jan andrea, demonstrates how to make similar "chair slings" in a fabric of your choosing. If your going the DIY route, why not whip up phone book covers with a little batting, for those little bottoms that could use a boost. Adding a side or back pocket, in which to stash toys or wipes also isn't a bad idea if you want to keep little hands busy and clean during the event. Putting coloring books, and knick-knacks in a chair pocket is also a way for hosts to show they thought about their tiny guests without cluttering or overshadowing their table decor. More tips on how to throw a kid-friendly event.

Tip: If you are a wedding guest with a toddler buy enough extra fabric to make yourself a nice ring or pouch sling that is dressier than your everyday baby carrier. Free sewing tutorials for these can also be found on jan andrea's site for you or your seamstress to follow.

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Find: Shower Sugar Cubes

As soon as I saw these sugar cubes for the bath/shower I was in love. I'm a big fan of sugar scrubs for exfoliating, so I was naturally excited when I found this solid version. I've already tried mixing up a batch of my own. They'd fit perfectly into a tea themed spa party, just pile them into a nice old fashioned sugar bowl and let guests use them for pedicures or manicures. Try letting guests steep their fingers in teacups filled with warm "tub tea" with a slice of lemon, before scrubbing down with their sugar cubes.

Update: When I first wrote this post I had not yet had the opportunity to try the product. I have since gotten the opportunity to try it and they are awesome!

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Green Manicure Pt. II: Product Picks

If you read yesterday's blog post, you aware of the harmful effects of your average manicure. Luckily, there are plenty of great products that are free from parabens, acetone, formaldehyde and the like. Here is a list of my top product picks and tools for Gorgeously Green Hands & Feet:

Tools:

1. Sephora's Glass File: because the pattern is etched into the glass they file won't become dull or rust like steel files can. The nonporous material is super easy to sanitize and gentler on nails which leads to less splitting and chipping.

2. EcoTools Bamboo Foot File & Foot Smoothing Stone:the foot file is earth friendly because the handle is made with sustainable bamboo instead of wood or plastic; while the smoothing stone is crafted from finely ground recycled glass.

3. Organic Cotton Balls: the cotton used in these balls is grown without the use of pesticides and are bleached with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine.

Products:

1. Priti Soy Polish Remover: 100% organic and safe for expectant mothers and children this remover is derived from American grown soy and corn crops.

2. Carol's Daughter Lemon & Jojoba Cuticle Oil & Lemon Ginger Mint Manicure in a Jar:
as a fan of Carol's Daughter from way back, I had to include some of her lovely hand products. Made with essential oils and free from petroleum products, parabens, mineral oil and artificial colors these products are sure to leave hands moisturized and sweetly scented.

3. Piggy Paint: after seeing how solvent based nail polishes ate through a styrofoam plate (see below) , I became believer in Piggy Paint. This water based polish is specially formulated for children and is non toxic, non flammable, odorless, hypoallergenic and "Natural as Mud". Another reason to love Piggy Paint is because it was founded by a stay-at-home mom with two little girls underfoot.



4. SpaRitual Nail Laquers: in addition to being "three free", SpaRitual's nail laquers are vegan, and therefore don't contain fish byproducts that can be found in other nail polishes. The polish bottles are crafted from reusable glass and are fully recycleable. Each of the colors that makes up their beautiful palette is "associated with a unique message or meaning and numerological value." For instance:

This shade Epicurean
Numerology: 120= 1+2+0=3
Expression & warmth. The artist.

Message: Eat, drink and be merry. Only the best for you at this time. Work hard. Play hard.

or

This shade Disco Inferno
Numerology: 001=1
Independence and ambition. The hero.

Message: Don't plan anything. The best is yet to come. Stay up past midnight. Feel the heat.

5. SpaRitual Let It Go Callus Remover: a combination of natural fruit alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidant green tea, aloe and tea tree oil will help smooth even the roughest soles.

6. ME! Bath Body Icing: a sweet finish to your green manicure this creamy paraben free blend infused with shea and cocoa butters will leave your skin moisturized and smelling delish. Try it in Gotta Have It Pomegranate.

7. Carol's Daughter Ecstacy Body Butter: is my mother's favorite CD scent. This butter is super rich and perfect for dry feet with shea and cocoa butters, plus jojoba and sweet almond oils that'll leave skin nourished and smelling absolutely delectable. Of course its free from parabens, petroleum, mineral oil and artificial colors.

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