When each of my older two children were born, my dad gave me a bottle of Estée Lauder Beautiful Eau de Parfum Spray. I remember that each time the gift was very special both because I was a new mom without a lot of time to spend on things like makeup or perfume and because of the implied compliment.
Beautiful is a lovely feminine floral scent and I think I’d like to carry on the tradition when my own girls have children some day.
Fragrance notes: Rose, Mandarin, Lily, Tuberose, Marigold, Orange Flower, Muguet, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Estée Lauder Beautiful Eau de Parfum …read more

You’ve seen all the up and coming Fall handbag trends like rocker chic and metallic, to animal print and textures and gorgeous grey bags I’ve showcased. I’m sure you’ve also noticed the steep prices for those gorgeous bags as well. Now let’s take a look at some more budget friendly alternatives.
Alfani Genova Rounded Shopper ($80.99; originally $109) – Makes a perfect bag for work, sleek and non-fussy.
Giani Bernini Glazed Large Dome Organizer Satchel ($72.99; originally $98) – A functional satchel that will keep you organized and looking chic.
Steve Madden Weekend Warrior Shopper ($88) – Purple is the colour to have …read more

Summer is in full swing and just about everyone is heading to the beach or relaxing and partying poolside. If you haven’t already, you can still get yourself a cute tote to carry your stuff in. Your beach bag should include the following essentials:
- sunscreen (most important!)
- swimsuit (if you aren’t wearing it already, of course)
- sunglasses
- your wallet or a wristlet (to hold your ID, CCs, cash, minimal make-up, lip balm & hair ties)
- a beach coverup
- flip flops, sandals or water shoes
- 2 towels (one to lay on and/or one to dry off with)
- ipod, a book …read more

Don’t we all love a bargain? A lot of handbag fanatics love their designer bags (and I love to feature those beautiful bags!) but I’m sure we all can appreciate the affordable cute handbags under $100.  I found a few more bags that fit the bill!
Jessica Simpson Boulevard Glazed Top Zip Bag ($88)
Lacoste Croc Pocket Shopper ($70; on sale for $52)
Kenneth Cole Reaction Changing Lanes Satchel ($179, on sale for $89)
Add a little colour to your handbag collection with these beauties!  Every woman needs a bag that will infused that pop of colour into her ensembles.  You can get all …read more

The Farmaesthetics skincare line was established in 1999 by Brenda Brock when she began to sell her products from an organic farm.
Brenda’s skincare recipes blend the “kitchen chemistry” of her rural farming heritage with the modern science of cosmetic manufacturing.
The skin care line features products which are free from preservatives, parabens, dyes and petroleum. They use organically grown herbs and flowers and put a new light on the term sustainable beauty.
This introductory 6-piece collection, Sustainable Beauty Travel Kit ($58), by Farmaesthetics will give you everything you need if you’re unfamiliar with the brand.
The kit includes the following:
Cool Aloe Mist – a …read more

Yesterday, I showed you a few cute handbags under $300. While that’s all well and good, I’m sure some of you want to save a bit more money. What if I told you I found a few more bag but this time they’re way below $300. Awesome, right? Check out these cute handbags under $100!
Nine West Great Find Medium Hobo ($79; on sale for $59)
Liz Claiborne Suit Yourself Large Satchel ($90; on sale for $67)
Etienne Aigner Essex Hobo ($128, on sale for $96)
These three bags would work very well for work and as your every day bag. They’re roomy enough …read more

You’ve seen a lot of fantastic high-end bags now let’s take a look at the more budget friendly handbags! It’s true, you don’t have to spend lots of money to score a great handbag. The key is to look for bags in classic, versatile styles, rich colours and sturdy materials.
The Fossil Talita Leather Hobo ($158) is a great hobo that will take you easily from work to play. The bag is available in camel brown (shown), green, purple and rust. The style is simple but versatile and the soft pleating on the leather is a nice touch.
This gorgeous …read more

Looking for a go with everything brown bag? Look no further! I’ve found a few brown handbags under $200 that look stylish and you’ll have money left over to get yourself a matching pair of shoes or even a new outfit to wear with it.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chain Event Medium Hobo; $159
The chain detail on the strap of this leather hobo is a nice touch. It’s not at all boring or too generic looking and thats important when looking for a cute every day bag.
Giani Bernini Glazed Leather Tote; on sale for $51
Use this fab glazed leather tote as a …read more

To continue our  handbags under $200 series… I thought I’d showcase ones that are in the same colour family in case you’re looking for a particular shade. First up is the colour blue.
Blue is a fun and unexpected handbag colour and here are some very cute blue bags under $200 .
Nine West Great Find Medium Hoho Bag (on sale; $59.25)
Lacoste Summer II Small Tote ($75)
Kenneth Cole Reaction Glisten to Me Top Zip Bag (on sale; $73.50)
Tommy Hilfiger Eden Hobo ($148)
All the handbags above can be purcahsed at Macys stores and online. If you like any of the ones on sale, …read more

Looking for a white handbag for Spring and Summer that won’t break the bank? I found a bag that fits the profile to a T.  It’s stylish, on trend and you don’t have to take out a loan to get it.
Steve Madden Totalli Woven Tote has the makings for a wonderful bag you can take to work and use on the weekends while you’re out and about.
If you’re not a fan of leather, don’t worry, this bag is made out of PVC and the woven design is quite fashionable.  It’s a pretty big bag at 22″ W x 12-1/2″ …read more