Today Hilary...

loves lobster!

2011-07-14T23:40:00.002-04:00

My hubby made a delicious lobster bake.
He kind of made it up as he went but it was sooooo good!

Find a similar recipe here

got on the Warby Parker bandwagon!

2011-07-12T21:19:00.005-04:00

I bought Warby Parker eyeglasses this week. I have tremendously horrible eyesight but I swear by contacts. I got bad headaches if I don't wear sunglasses and prescription sunglasses just sounds like too much work. So, I'll stick with my formula of contacts by day and eyeglasses at night in bed to read.

Warby Parker is genius, simply pick out 5 pairs from the website to try on. They send them to you and you send them back when done, all with free shipping. If you decide to order it's as easy, scan your prescription, pay $95 for any frame and wait for them to arrive....I'm telling you EASY PEASY!

Not convinced, how's this for genius they donate glasses and funds to a non-profit charity, for each pair purchased....

I choose these:

But these were a close runner up:

bumped into an old friend

2011-05-24T14:29:00.004-04:00

Isn't it nice when you bump into someone and your conversation picks up right where you left it as if no time has passed at all?

Where did I see her, at the mall of course?
Whiles I was picking up this from Anthropologie for $18!

a bird house I'd live in

2011-05-07T21:26:00.006-04:00

Seriously, how fantastic are these?

I found it on a new site I love HomeSav.
Kind of like "Groupon" but with deals on gorgeous home decor and products.

Use this for a 50% link

How fun is this video?

2011-04-26T21:51:00.000-04:00

wants these sandals

2011-04-25T18:56:00.006-04:00

Friends: It's been a while.
I guess my get up and go, got up and left....... I'll try and blog better.

I'm loving these new Jack Rogers Navajo sandals in waterproof PVC. I got turned on to this brand years ago while working at Ralph Lauren in NYC. They are chic, stylish and also comfortable. Honestly, come to think of it, I don't know why they didn't think of a "jelly" version sooner....

$68 sold at several stores including Nordstrom (one of my favorite stores based on their amazing customer service - evidenced in this post).

I'm getting a pair, who's with me?

James Taylor

2011-03-29T21:38:00.004-04:00

My love for James Taylor came in my early teens while at a sleep away camp called Frost Valley. I got homesick every year but overall I loved camp. I had great experiences and met friends I wish I was still in touch with today. It was at camp that I learned to ride a bike and tried vegetarianism for the first time. Good times I tell you!

But I digress, every year at the end of each session we'd have bonfires, sing songs and swear we'd never forget each other. We'd sing "Fire and Rain" and "You've got a friend". Every time I hear those songs to this day it brings me back to a time where I had no worries or responsibilities.

I put my daughters to sleep to instrumental music every night. The CD's range from No Doubt, U2, Bob Marley and Madonna. But my personal favorite is the James Taylor CD my parents gave them one year for Christmas. I always smile as I leave the room and I hear the melody to the lyrics "Shower the people you love with love, Show them the way that you feel, Things are gonna be just fine". What better way to fall asleep?

Here's my personal favorite from Mr Taylor

is loving the Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

2011-03-28T22:40:00.002-04:00

Confession:
I'm not too happy with how my skin is aging. I spent my teens and early 20's sans sunblock and am paying the price now.

I frequently try new skincare products and I guess I'm secretly hoping for a miracle. It's a vicious cycle I tell you but I take it on willingly. I switch products pretty regularly and rarely re buy an item because I'm on to the latest product.

This will be my exception. I love this! It leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and fresh without ever irritating it. I've used it with several different cleansers and it works equally well.

Love love love it!

Read more here

PS - I even caught hubby using it the other night

entered to win $100 - you can too!

2011-03-27T22:31:00.004-04:00

Be sure to follow one of my favorite blogs for a chance to win a $100 Amex gift card!

Good Life for Less

PS - Check out the wardrobe consult Jill did for me about a year ago here.

did the easiest self manicure ever!

2011-03-18T23:36:00.006-04:00

These Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips are genius! Within, 10 minutes I had a professional looking manicure with no drying time. I'm hoping it will last through the week; if so I think I found my new Friday night pastime.

Plus look at all these fun color choices!

I choose the fishnet effect and I'm very happy with how it came out.

*Disclaimer - My Hubby helped me a bit

Donated $ to the Japan relief fund

2011-03-17T23:36:00.002-04:00

Living Social is generously matching donations made to the Red Cross for aid in Japan.
So far $997,000 has been raised!
Click here to donate.

couldn't resist a great deal

2011-03-15T23:16:00.003-04:00

Philosophy shower gels - 3 for $33!!
Ummm, yes please!

I chose be somebody green tea, be somebody water lily and vanilla ice cream. Plus to get qualify for free shipping ( did I ever tell y'all I'm a sucker?) I bought purity made simple one step facial cleanser.

Can't wait for that to come in the mail...

loves this song - Fall For Your Type

2011-02-01T23:03:00.003-05:00

I am loving this song. First of all it features Drake (read about him in this post). Also, I am ALWAYS a sucker for a good slow jam, cry your heart out, love song. Lastly, it's so true, when you are dating you do seem to meet the same person over and over again - whether it's their appearance, mannerisms or their attitude towards women. It can get pretty monotonous- it did for me at least until I met my Mr....

how cool are these VISA cards?

2011-01-29T21:44:00.007-05:00

The hard part would be to choose just one.

conquers the knots!

2011-01-26T21:18:00.008-05:00

My daughter Olivia's hair is thick and long (she's just three and it's halfway down her little back). It's also slightly wavy and just about the knottiest hair I've ever seen. She's actually a really good candidate for dreadlocks if she were ever interested.

Here's what I use to tame her mane:

Tangle Teezer brush.
I use this on wet and dry hair

CVS detangling spray
This is cheaper than other brands and works just as well. I use this on wet and dry hair

Johnson's No More Tangles Leave in Conditioner
I use this on wet and dry hair

Rusk Sensories Invisible Foam Detangler, this product is discontinued but find it here.
I use this immediately after I shampoo her hair and comb it through.

How do you combat tangles? Any tips?

got a mani/pedi

2011-01-21T21:46:00.004-05:00

It's our anniversary this weekend so I've been doing a little preparatory preening. I got my nails done earlier today and the color still hasn't grown on me. It looks like the whiteout I used to paint on my nails as a bored teenager in class (Did you do that too?)

Well take a look for your self. Maybe I'll try it again in the summer on tanner skin. Also keep in mind there's no real flattering way to photograph feet.....

OPI Alpine Snow

Whatcha think?

recent date night outfit

2011-01-19T22:34:00.002-05:00

Here's what I wore out to a recent dinner date with the Mr to Fascino:

Top: thrifted
Pants: Delia's
Shoes: Chadwicks
Belt: vintage
Jacket: Xoxo
Purse: Louis Vuitton

Also take a peek at my new hairdo, I spontaneously cut it around Thanksgiving and am still getting used to it. I thought a shorter do would be easier boy was I wrong. I am now obsessively waiting for it to grow out (story of my life).

I also used this product from Garnier which I really liked. It was easy to use and was non-damaging. It's a temporary fix lasting 7 shampoos and it really reduced my frizz. I was actually able to air dry my hair and have it look decent

What's new loves?

went to preschool

2011-01-04T21:47:00.005-05:00

Olivia turned three right before Christmas, December 23 to be exact and I rather spontaneously decided that I'd like her to start pre-school in January. I'm not sure how the pre-school situation is in other parts of the country but here in Northern Jersey it's a bit ridiculous. Preschools have waiting lists, lottery systems and a few even require large non-refundable deposits. I was starting to get anxiety already. Luckily, I loved the first little pre-school we visited and so did she. In particular I liked that the school is a co-op so there's always one parent helper in the class, I'm looking forward to that.

So today was her first day of school! I can't believe my little girl is in school. Now I really understand why growing up my dad would always look at me and say "You're getting big fast". Oh my God!!! It's so true...

On another note, I really enjoyed the little two and half hours I spent with just Sophia.

I didn't get any photos in the school because she literally ran off to make friends but I took this one on my iPhone right before we left.

Daydress/Play dress from Hanna Andersson (thrifted)
Strawberry Shortcake hair bow from Calcotecrys on Etsy
"Henry" the doll, from Target (birthday present last year) wearing pjs from Build a Bear

snow shopping

2011-01-03T21:44:00.011-05:00

We had a major snowstorm last week and I was stuck in the house for a few days, not just any days - days I take very seriously post holiday shopping days. So I did what any shopnista would - online shopped and online shopped some more. I received one of the many packages I'm expecting today, it contained:

For my beloved:

For Olivia:

(her shirt is similar to this one - it's sold out)

For moi:

A little something for everyone except my cotton ball Sophia who doesn't fit into crewcuts yet but we'll save Olivia's little outfit for her.....

Here's to a great 2011

2011-01-02T23:18:00.004-05:00

I've been slacking on my blogging this past month. December was probably the lowest point of the year for me and I'm glad to put it behind me.

Lowlights from my December 2010:

getting a hideous haircut that will take forever to grow out
our house getting robbed midday including all the presents from under our Xmas tree

I'm looking forward to making 2011 a memorable year and have a couple of resolutions to help me get there. I'm hoping by writing these down it'll make them stick...

New Year's resolutions:

Eat healthier including much less soda, much more water and less junk food
Rejoin the YMCA (maybe it should be rejoin and actually use YMCA membership 3/4 times a week)
Get a handle on $ - waste less, save more

What about you? Are you making any changes for 2011?

is loving Drake

2010-12-06T20:36:00.003-05:00

I swear I love every song of his in addition to every song he's featured in
( which equals 75% of what's on radio).

I'm watching "Drake - Live from Radio City Music Hall" as I write this.......

PS - He's not to hard on the eyes either - just saying

how cute are these?

2010-12-04T23:58:00.002-05:00

How cute are these wooden bumble bee and lady bug souvenirs
my mom brought my girls from Slovenia?

They are so lucky to have such a great grandma...

3 days and counting...

2010-12-01T21:10:00.006-05:00

Three separate days I've tried to get pictures of my girls for our Xmas cards.

Day 1 - Get girls dressed to find out all 3 camera batteries are dead
Day 2 - Got girls dressed - went to local reservation for some candid outdoor photos - took close to 100 shot - nothing remotely usable
Day 3 - We'll just call it the Santa disaster - enough said?

Should I try again tomorrow or just go to The Picture People? I'm always happy with their photos but hate being limited to their cards. I was hoping to design my own this year using cards from Minted or Tiny Prints as I mentioned here.

Here's a few card choices from The Picture People:

What do you think?

has $5 for you...

2010-11-30T14:47:00.004-05:00

I've been pretty obsessed with Groupon lately. They send you daily promotional deals at savings of up to 80% off. The offers are specific to the area where you live, it gives you a chance to try some independent restaurants or retailers as well as to get major discounts at national chain stores.

Here's an example, today's deal for my area (Northern New Jersey) is:
$6 for $12 admission to Montclair Art Museum plus 10% one item in the gift shop

I've participated in a few good ones such as $20 for $40 worth of food at Gencarelli's Cucina (best food I've had in a while), $25 for $50 store credit at American Apparel and $20 for $40 worth of store credit at The Body Shop. I've also kicked myself for missing a few good ones, discounted keratin treatment anyone...?!?

Give it a try, Sign up for free today and Groupon is offering $5 Groupon bucks after your first purchase with this link:

http://www.groupon.com/r/uu4196382

won a contest!

2010-11-29T21:21:00.003-05:00

I haven't posted on in a while, just a bit short on time between all the holidays and my 2 year old's upcoming birthday. I was so happy when I finally did check in this weekend and found a comment from Melisa of The Lil Bee, whose super sweet posts I read daily. I still mourn the closing of her Feather Report (genius idea). She was emailing me to let me know that I won her most recent giveaway. I almost never even enter contests it just goes to show, "You gotta be in it to win it!". My prize is letterpress stationary from Richie Designs, check out her etsy shop. I'm partial to this design:

Have you won anything lately?