Pick up today’s NY Daily News (page 3) to read about what Mrs. O wore on yesterday’s talk show circuit—and what I thought about it!
Baby Must Haves:
In the past 14.5 weeks I’ve realized a lot about the baby industry. For starters, you can never have enough diapers, and most children’s books are just plain dumb (as in, “how are these words really coming out of my mouth?!”). That being said, I’ve rounded up my favorite products that are most definitely worth sharing with all of you moms out there.
Jolly Jumper Stroller Caddy: I kid you not when I say I’ve been through 5 cup holders. One sticks out too far, prohibiting me from getting into doorways, another one’s made out of material so the drink’s constantly spilling with every cobblestone I stroll over. And the list goes on. This console’s ($14.95) the perfect combo of practicality and sleekness, and takes up no additional room.
Buy it here
Buggy Love: You probably don’t think about how dirty a stroller gets until you trek it into your apartment every day. Mud’s stuck in the wheels, and one can only imagine what else. This first ever organic cleaning kit ($49.99) comes with everything needed to clean every nook. You wash your car so why not clean your baby’s vehicle?
Buy it here
Innobaby Packin’ SMART containers: I’m a big fan of organization, and the contents in my diaper bag are no exception. These interlocking storage containers from Innobaby ($17.99) allow everything to have a home, from storing pacifiers, both liquid and powder formula and any other baby supplies. The containers are far cuter than Ziploc bags and way more reliable. The 1-touch release for quick access to the contents is genius. After all, every second counts.
Buy it here
Memorial Day Weekend Recipe:
We were recently at my sister’s home for Mother’s Day. She’s very crafty when it comes to food and kids products, for that matter (check out her site, http://just-name-it.com). Before we lunched, she put out a dip that took her almost no time to make. You know Hillstone’s (or Houstons as I still know it) artichoke dip? Well think of that without the fat and calories. Here’s the recipe!
-15 oz artichoke hearts in the can, chopped
-1 cup low fat mayo
-1 cup part skim mozzerella
-1/4 cup parmesan
2-3 garlic cloves (Trader Joe’s has these little cubes of garlic already prepared—and the best part is you can freeze them so they don’t expire)
Mix everything together.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
We had the dip on sea salt pita crisps from Trader Joe’s, as well as cut up veggies. Dig in!
A Little Bit of Love and Luck:
I’ve known Casey Singer for years now. We go way back to desksides during my days at Gotham. I’ve seen Casey’s line of jewelry, Love and Luck, grow, and I must admit, I love what I’m seeing.
All of the jewelry has some sort of symbolism; whether it’s a buddha (sooo chic, I have the wooden version with a few diamonds in it), an initial (check out my wrist, I sport the “C” for my cutie, Colette) or a lucky shark’s tooth (encrusted in diamonds, nonetheless!).
Casey’s jewelry is all handmade in NYC…and made with love and luck.
www.loveandluckjewelry.com
Give Casey a shout if you’re looking for something specific: cznorth@aol.com
Who Would’ve Thought…
I’d be into peplums. Well I am. They were cool back in the day, before taking a hiatus, and now they’re back…and better than ever. J.Crew’s rendition is made out of floral sateen, and even has some history behind it. The designers found this hand-painted rose print in the archives of Italy’s Ratti mill, and held onto it until this top was created. It doesn’t hurt that it’s original price tag of $350 has been drastically reduced to $119.99.
*Looks best paired with white shorts ($45) or skinny jeans. Steer clear of pairing a peplum with bell bottoms. Only one article of clothing per outfit should flare.
My Newest Neons:
I’ve really turned a corner on color. Neon, specifically. These days I’m all about mixing up to three colors in an outfit.
These are a few items I’m obsessing over:
-Nars Roman Holiday lipstick ($24). It stays on longer than a gloss and is that perfect carnation pink.
-Ann Taylor chunky necklaces. Wear just a basic T or layer a bright little jacket (like my Zara one pictured here) with one of these baubles. More is more!
-Ann Taylor neon yellow heels. Honestly, this is just one pair out of the 10 I’m loving (check out the site). They come in coral and yellow.
If you’re debating about what color(s) to wear, don’t limit yourself to one. Also, try to keep warm hues together (reds, pinks, yellows, oranges) and cool hues together (greens, blues, purples).
Love:
When Colette was born I was gifted what has become one of my favorite possessions—a personalized Jennifer Zeuner necklace. When I’m not with my daughter, this necklace reminds me of her. It symbolically spells out “I Love C” with a gold bar adorned with a diamond, a heart and the letter “C”. I love it because it’s not one of those typical child charms (not my style), it doesn’t have light pink enamel on it, and you have to look closely to see what the charms are. It’s perfect.
You can personalize your own necklace for your wife, mother, sister or friend (or yourself!), with up to 5 letters. Because it’s customized, expect a few weeks for delivery (belated Mother’s Day gift perhaps?)
Additional Step in Skincare:
For a few months now I’ve replaced my old face products with a regiment from Mario Badescu. After settling into my routine, and pleased with the results, I decided to add in another product that was recommended to me—the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser. Twice a week I use this deep lathering cleanser in place of the the Enzyme Cleansing Gel. Dead cells feel like they’re instantly removed and your skin is left glowing. Follow it up with some moisturizer (I love the Oil Free with SPF 30) and an eye cream (never too early to start using one!) and you’ll feel lighter and refreshed.
Have to Have…and Under a Hundred:
I receive daily emails from publicists pitching me the latest fashion trends, beauty products, baby lines and store openings. And I’m grateful! Without pitches I wouldn’t have my finger directly on the pulse.
I just received information on a line of jewelry from K2o by Karen Ko. The pieces are edgy—perfect with that v-neck fitted T to a demure dress. What especially struck me is the price point. This seven piece bracelet set in gold, silver, gunmetal and black is only $65. The bracelets look heavier than they actually are (especially with the dangling spikes) and are stretchy so they fit everybody. You get the illusion of chain mail with the weight of feathers. I was also impressed by the packaging. My set was tied together by a ribbon, nestled in a velvet pouch, situated in a round tin. Ideal for gift giving!
Neutral Round Up:
It’s Friday. Chances are you’re getting a mani or pedi after work to head into the weekend. Go into your salon armed with your polish selection in mind. Here are my favorite Essie colors as of late, all having one thing in common—they’re neutral.
Master Plan: Very light gray. This is gracing my nails right now. I’d group it with the popular pastels for the Summer. (top left)
Mink Muffs: This is currently on my toes. It’s a gray with taupe and mauve undertones. (top right)
Jazz: An opaque nude. (bottom left)
Case Study: This rich camel hue makes me crave a skim cafe latte. (bottom right)
