We are just weeks away from meeting our little Peanut, and I honestly can’t believe how quickly time has passed.

We’re quite busy laundering and folding itty bitty baby clothes and blankets; hanging artwork on the walls of the nursery; stacking diapers; and tackling the million other odds and ends on our to-do list. But I also know how important it is to find time to pamper myself. Between an expanding waistline, an achy back, and regular heartburn, it’s sometimes the …

I saw an image from the 2011 Ralph Lauren Collection on Carrie Leber’s website, and spent a few minutes just staring. I’m definitely a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, but these dresses were so romantic and sweet. They pull in that perfect Wild Wild West feel with a touch of Americana.

{images credited to Monica Feudi for GoRunway.com}

I love how they kept the makeup and hair fresh and easy (perfection!) and while I probably won’t (ever) purchase a cowhide purse …

One of my favorite places to look for party, fashion and decor inspiration is Vogue.com. They have a great collection of images. Even if I can’t afford the brands and companies they promote, it definitely inspires me. Here are a few images that have caught my eye lately.

This House of Lavande beach party is pretty fabulous, and I think this would be pretty easy to duplicate on a much smaller scale for an outdoor party when the weather warms up. …

Note to self: never again do a google image search for “Lasik”. ::shudder::

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I’m a contacts-wearer. I have worn corrective lenses since 7th grade.  During my regular eye appointment this year, I was scolded for wearing my contacts too much.  Um, you mean that wearing them from 10 minutes after I wake up until 10 minutes before I go to sleep is too much??

Well, the more you wear your contacts, the less oxygen gets into your eyes. And …

Every year I visit my dermatologist for a full body skin exam. Being fair-skinned and freckly, I’m concerned about at a higher risk for skin cancer, so I let my doctor take a look at every spot, freckle and mole — even the ones that never see the light of day. I check myself regularly, too. I’m a bit compulsive about that.

After getting the “all clear” from my doctor, I asked her the ideal skin care regimen. Every month, beauty …

We’ve all heard mention of the “Recessionista,” and I’d bet a shiny Buffalo nickel that most of us have employed some creative tactics in order to look fashionable while tightening our belts!    But don’t leave your face out of all the fun… Everything you need to pamper your pores is waiting right in your fridge (or grocery aisle)!

{images here, here, and here}

I’ve used the following “recipes” for years.  If you can believe it, …

I’ve always been fascinated by the tradition of gap year. It’s not celebrated, for the most part, in the United States. However, the organization I work for is trying to change that. For the past eight months, I’ve been working with 18-22 years old American young adults who are taking that gap year (some after college graduation). During this time, they work through project goals that include finding out who they are, their purpose in life, how to live in …

My hair has not changed since I was 13.

Sure, it’s been trimmed and highlighted (I’ll admit it!) and feathered…but CHANGED? No.  It’s been a side-part bob for as long as I can remember.

Even though hair is a relatively quick and easy thing to change, something that is cosmetic and we are constantly reminded “will grow back,” it doesn’t make doing it any easier.  Life is kind of like that.  It can be changed quickly, on a whim, and generally, it …

You know when you’re not physically ill but, for whatever reason, you’re just not feeling so hot?   My mom’s response to complaints of these sorts of general feelings of malaise is always the same:  ”Take a shower – you’ll feel better!”  I like to think of it as her version of Gus Portokalos‘ “put some Windex on it!”

Anyhoo, I used to roll my eyes at this suggestion, but – as with many things in life – mom’s advice works …

Several weeks ago husband and I celebrated our first anniversary by spending the night at the W hotel in Dallas (we stayed for free with points, woohoo!) where I was introduced to the line Bliss. My wallet has been regretting it ever since! For me, a big part of a good skincare product experience is the smell, and Bliss seems to specialize in scents that make my shower experience blissful. I’m guessing that is where the name “Bliss” came from? …