OMGWTF...Really? (Home Edition)

I’m doing something a little bit different for “hump day.”

Usually when I talk about travel, I focus on makeup, skincare, hydration, hair care, etc. During my last trip, I really was thinking about those things on the plane. That is, until I picked up a copy of Skymall. For those of you who don’t fly much, Skymall is a catalogue located in the seat pocket of the airplane. (It’s usually in front of the safety information card and behind the pretend magazine.) Skymall is chock full of gizmos, gadgets, furniture and…stuff. Apparently, tons of people browse the catalogue during their flights and end up ordering things from it.

Anyway, I was flipping through it, and I couldn’t believe some of the things for sale in there. There was a whole bunch of really tempting cool stuff. But…since I usually post about cool stuff; I thought I’d share some of the really…um…different…stuff.

King Tut's Egyptian Throne


Blurb: Our artists worked to capture every detail when they re-created this attention-demanding, full-size replica throne from King Tut's 3,500-year-old museum original in Cairo.

This is the item that made me think, “I have to post this on my blog!” Because…really? A throne? I wonder what kind of person sits on an airplane, flips through a catalogue, and then says, “Aha! There it is! The perfect throne for that corner in the living room! I’ve been looking at thrones for weeks, and it was right here in Skymall all along!”

"The Grand Ruler" Life-Size Anubis Statue

Blurb: At more than eight feet tall, Anubis is ready to protect your Egyptian palace. We guarantee heads will turn toward this enormous, more than eight-foot-high masterpiece whose "wow factor" rivals every other statue we've produced! Paying homage to the god of admission to the underworld.

I know I just hate it when my Egyptian palace is left unprotected. I also want my guests to feel warmly welcomed to the underworld. So what could be better than a hospitable, hand-painted god (complete with scepter and ankh)? And…did someone say life-size? How did they ever manage to figure out an ancient Egyptian god’s actual measurements? Those Skymall folks are clever.

T-Rex Dinosaur Trophy Frieze

Blurb: Our Toscano-exclusive wall trophy celebrates one of history's largest known land predators, the fabled T-Rex! Mount our prehistoric, treasured artifact on home or garden wall for Jurassic-sized impact in your own museum!

Now this is definitely one of the more useful items in the catalogue. No one ever believes me when I regale them with my dinosaur hunting stories. Now I can offer actual proof of my adventures. (And I also have something festive for that hard-to-decorate east wall in my “museum.”)

Bath Tissue Tyrant: Dragon

Blurb: This medieval-style toilet tissue valet guards your bathroom bounty with Gothic flair! Unique to all the kingdom! Due to the nature of this item, we are unable to accept returns.

Another truly practical item. I’m not a morning person – so I’m usually groggy and disoriented when I first wake up. I think that seeing a fierce, Gothic tissue valet first thing every morning would be a great way to jump start my day. The blurb warns that this item is not returnable! As if! I’m going want a little friend like this in every bathroom!


Roswell, the Alien Butler

Blurb: Whether you use his flying saucer tray to serve guests or to ponder the mysteries of the galaxies, you're sure to admire the painstaking detail of this fellow from "the beyond." Cast in quality designer resin for use in home or garden.

Poor Jeeves. Obviously the 21st century has tossed him aside for a younger, flashier, naked foreign guy with ripped abs. This must be what all those pundits are worried about when they talk about aliens taking up the “good jobs.”

Babette Table

Blurb: Seamed stockings, red garters, and strappy red heels combine to demand attention in this retro work of decorative art for home or gallery. The 3/8" thick, pencil-edged, 18" dia. tempered glass tabletop balances on a sturdy fulcrum while our sexy miss tips her champagne glass.

Is it my imagination, or does “Babette” look like she’s been around the block a few times? Maybe even more than a few times? I’m not so sure anyone should be drinking out of that particular champagne glass.

Basho the Sumo Wrestler Glass-Topped Table

Blurb: Basho crouches in his mawashi (Sumo belt) in these intricate sculpts with wide stances. Our table is topped with a 3/8"-thick, pencil-edged, 27" dia. tempered glass top for views from any angle. Cast in quality designer resin for display in home or garden.

The time-honored, revered sport of Sumo wrestling requires talent, dedication, sacrifice and unimaginable discipline. These elite athletes undergo years of grueling preparation, hoping their skill and perseverance will be rewarded with victory and recognition. And it goes without saying that each of these valiant warriors longs for the day that he or she will be immortalized in designer resin and topped with tempered glass. Basho must be the envy of the locker room!

Folies Bergere Boudoir Stool

Blurbs: After a day of follies, rest your tired gams on this whimsical, oh-so-French footstool. Its plush, upholstered cushion lowers a swagged curtain on four legs kicking up fashionable fun in garters and high heels.

I’m…speechless. (Maybe because my gams are tired from a day of follies.)

Mademoiselle Floor Lamp

Blurb: Our life-sized work of decorative art - glamorously six-feet tall with her black fabric shade has the chic knee-high boots, trendy cocktail dress and accentuated curves that make her a timeless, always-in-style, fashion statement. Cast in quality designer resin with a sumptuous black faux-leather finish, her provocative presence demands attention anywhere she strikes a pose!

Well, this is a beauty blog after all. I couldn’t leave this out. And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her before. She was the one on Cycle 4 of America’s Next Top Model who was sent home for “not wanting it badly enough.” Well, Tyra, I guess she took the judges’ advice to heart – just look at her now!

Thanks all for letting me indulge a little. I promise we’ll return right back to beauty land just in time for Your Thursday Face! Have a great day (and please return your seats and tray tables to their upright and locked positions).

(ftc disclosure: I didn’t buy any of this stuff)

Blue and Super Cool: Philip B Blue Spray (review)

First…I'm feeling mighty sheepish. Somehow in all the rush; I completely forgot to post something for hair care Friday! Duh! I was so preoccupied that I didn't even notice until today. My apologies, everyone – I promise that the hair care fun will continue this coming Friday (and there will also be a super cool giveaway)!

I'm not going to feature a hair product today; but to kind of (sort of) make up for my airheaded-ness, I'm featuring a fab product from one of my favorite hair care brands. Check out some awesomeness from Philip B!

Blue Spray

Blurb: PHILIP B® Blue Spray is an incredibly fresh herbal mist that brightens a room, bed linens, your skin and your spirits. PHILIP B® Blue Spray’s light blend of Menthol and pure essential oils of Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Pine & Tea Tree Oil goes on chilly - perfect for cooling down your body during a workout or for soothing sore muscles afterward. Spritz a little PHILIP B® Blue Spray on your towels to soften and invigorate your skin. Or mist some on your bed linens for a deliciously serene night’s sleep. Light enough to use compulsively (it’s hard to overdo it!). PHILIP B® Blue Spray’s unique botanical mix will clear your mind and boosts your mood. PHILIP B® Blue Spray contains only the highest-quality botanical ingredients, making it instantly refreshing as an aromatherapy treatment and luxury room spray. The fresh, unisex formula is filled with antioxidants and skin-soothing plant extracts. Plus, it’s paraben and phthalate-free. Blue Spray – let the Zen begin!

The site says that it's not for face, hair or sensitive surfaces; but it's fabulous for just about everything else! I used it all weekend, and now I want a 10-year supply. Saturday, I did a huge cleaning marathon; and I tried it on my linens, curtains and towels. I got an amazing fresh, cool scent all through my apartment. I spritzed it on my pillows and went to sleep surrounded by a wonderful, clean blend of herbs, lavender and mint.

I also brought it with me yesterday to an outdoor barbecue. It was hot and humid (yet again); so I kept my little bottle nearby and spritzed my neck and arms every now and then. It was heavenly!

The great thing about the fragrance is that it's completely unisex. It works equally well for a girly bedroom or a man cave (or man) in need of some instant aromatherapy. This would also be a great item for cooling off at the beach, a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or to freshen up a hotel room.

Check it all out on the website. And be sure to take a peek at the What's New section, and browse the list of retailers in your area!
.
(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Stop and Smell the Kat Burki

Need a minute? Check out the heavenly scents (including 5 new ones) at Kat Burki. Ahhh….

Perfection Stands Alone
Perfect Atmosphere. Perfect Scent. Perfect Skin. Perfect You!

Candles, Cremes and Soaps In Five New Scents and Five Classic Scents.

New Scents:
- Rosa Baroque
- Sugar Magnolia
- Eucalyptus & Verbena
- Avocado & Cucumber
- Cacao

Classic Scents:
- Tuberose
- Lavender Lightly
- Freesia & Pink Grapefruit
- Eau de Poire et Santal
- White Tea
.

Tread Lightly: Kat Burki Lavender Lightly Bath & Body (review)

OH…EM…EFF…GEE!

I have had the most ridiculous, stressful afternoon. No, wait…it’s evening already. I have had the most ridiculous, stressful afternoon and evening. And I’m still not done. I still have “work” left. Bleh. I’m in desperate need of an uplifting fluffy blog break. And when all the nonsense is over tonight, I may need to treat myself to something pampering and soothing. Something that smells good. From Kat Burki.

Lavender Lightly Candle

Blurb: Calm and inviting, our Lavender Lightly fragrance combines lavender with a touch of sweet vanilla, making for a decadent and soothing aroma. The sprinkling of lavender buds atop is the final touch on a beautiful candle. Try lighting a few in the boudoir for a tranquil atmosphere. Top Note: Lavender, Middle Note: Vanilla, Base Note: Cassia.

Lavender Lightly Beauty Bar

Blurb: A lovely fragrance of lavender, with a hint of vanilla. Sweet and soothing. Top Note: Lavender, Middle Note: Vanilla, Base Note: Cassia. Made with saponified oils of olive, coconut, and palm. Organic.

Lavender Lightly Body Creme

Blurb: Calm and inviting, our Lavender Lightly fragrance combines lavender with a touch of sweet vanilla, making for a decadent and soothing aroma. The body creme soothes and moisturizes the skin, while leaving it pleasantly scented.

Step 1: Light candle. Step 2: Bathe with the beauty bar and get all clean and refreshed. Step 3: Slather on body creme. Step 4: Go on about your business all fresh, relaxed and fragrant.

I’ve already lit the candle. It’s giving off a gorgeous lavender/vanilla fragrance that’s filling the room, cheering me up, and de-stressing while I type. Soy candles are fabulous, and this one will burn for about 60 hours. The Beauty Bar (I love soap in bar form) has soft, luscious lather and a clean herbal, lavender fragrance with just a touch of vanilla. The Body Creme moisturizes, soothes and smells amazing. In the beginning, the lavender is most noticeable, then the warm sweet vanilla starts to come through as time passes. It’s very feminine, and soooo relaxing.

These would make awesome gifts. They’re luxurious and beautifully packaged. Of course, I couldn’t possibly give these away…because it’s my duty to try them out and report. That’s right…I’m a giver.

If you’re feeling the need to give yourself (or someone else) a lovely relaxing treat, check out the website. There’s a really extensive Bath and Body collection that includes body care and wonderful, pampering accessories.
.
(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

The Right Kind of Blue: Kat Burki

Really? An Italian Leather table? Nice. Check out the gorgeousness…

.

New in May! Limited Edition Candle Collection from Jo Malone (and Farrow & Ball)

For the first time ever, Jo Malone (maker of yummy fragrances) will launch a limited edition collection of Colored Candles with British paint and wallpaper company, Farrow & Ball. Jo Malone collaborated with Farrow & Ball to pair five of the most popular scents (Grapefruit, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis, Pomegranate Noir and Blue Agava & Cacao) with five of Farrow & Ball's most popular colors (Cream, Breakfast Room Green, Pelt, Eating Room Red and Oval Room Blue). Read all about it!

Jo Malone Introduces Collector’s Edition Coloured Candles with Farrow & Ball
Decorating with Colour Meets Decorating with Scent

In a creative collaboration between two British lifestyle brands, Jo Malone has joined with expert manufacturers of traditional paint and wallpaper, Farrow & Ball, to launch its first-ever collection of coloured candles, designed to create a scented ambiance and enhance any decor.

Each of the Jo Malone iconic candle fragrances – Lime Basil & Mandarin, Wild Fig & Cassis, Blue Agava & Cacao Grapefruit, and Pomegranate Noir – have been matched with a classic Farrow & Ball Colour that is intrinsically linked to the unique inspiration behind each scent. The five limited edition Home Candles that compose this charming collection may be used singly or together to create an alluring aroma and colourful palette.

About Farrow & Ball: Farrow & Ball have remained the expert manufacturers of traditional paint and wallpaper since the 1940’s. From small beginnings, this group of craftsmen rapidly established a reputation for quality, winning important contracts for the supply of paint to the Admiralty. During the post-war period, while virtually all other paint manufacturers abandoned traditional formulations and switched to cheaper acrylic paints with a high plastic content, this privately owned company stuck to its craft and continued making paint to its original formulations, using the finest raw materials, and this remains to this day. Farrow & Ball was always appreciated by a loyal group of customers, and with the revival of interest in restoration and historic colours twenty years ago, its reputation began to spread. Farrow & Ball has been discovered by discerning customers in countries across the world, all of whom appreciate the unique Farrow & Ball look.

About Jo Malone: The British lifestyle brand Jo Malone is known for its unique fragrance portfolio and luxury products for the home. Each scent is uniquely crafted in such a way that fragrances can be combined, allowing each client to become the creator of their very own signature scent. Having rewritten the rules of perfumery by mixing unexpected combinations of ingredients and providing elegant yet playful concepts where scent is used with abandon, The World of Jo Malone™ continues to inspire a loyal following. Whether it is creating a personal scent through Fragrance Combining™, delighting loved ones with The Art of Gift Giving, or creating a welcoming home ambiance through Scent Surround™, every product, concept and philosophy is designed as a unique sensory experience.
.

Fragrant Friday: Kat Burki

Oh, I just had to look! Check out the yummy stocking stuffers from Kat Burki.

.

Random Weekend Stuff: Kat Burki

I honor of getting to sleep late today, I’m posting a picture of the Hollywood Headboard from Kat Burki. (Disclosure: My current headboard does not look like this.)

And omg…it looks like THE CHAIR is also in the picture.
.

Give/Get/Have/Use: Fab Stuff from The Soap and Paper Factory (review)

This just in: The holidays are coming.

This also just in: I have not done one single holiday thing yet. So far I have managed to write about the holidays, make holiday gift suggestions, and browse holiday items; but I have not done one smidgen of actual preparation.

But since it's Friday, I have vowed to start some kind of holiday stuff this very night. First, I'm going to start learning the holiday music that I'm supposed to be singing next week. Then I'm also going get the ball rolling by setting out some fab items from The Soap and Paper Factory.

Room Spray (in Roland Pine)

Blurb: mmmmm! Never will you smell a room spray like Roland! You will literally feel as though you are in a pine forest in Heaven! Enjoy!

I love this fragrance for the holidays! It smells exactly like a winter pine forest. It's clean, fresh and really festive. A fresh pine scent is also great because it's kind of "gender neutral." Since it's neither manly or girly, it works for both.

Soy Candle (in Geranium)

Blurb: Natural and pure, enjoy the luxe Soap and Paper Factory soy candle. Clean burning, beautifully scented and "green"!

Soy candles are the bomb! They burn clean and there's no sootiness. Geranium is a gorgeous and sophisticated fragrance. Really versatile and great for almost any occasion.

Aromatic Room Diffuser (in Gardenia)

Blurb: NEW!! Finally, a diffuser! Surround your envioment with our lovely fragrances! Our petite diffusers are oil based, biodegradable and phthalate free! Get one for every room!

I love this for everyday -- especially during cold months when the windows are closed and the air needs a bit of fragrance assistance. A diffuser is no muss, no fuss (and no flame); and works especially well when the heat is on. The Gardenia scent is subtle (but still kind of sexy and tropical). This is also an excellent hostess gift.

Shea Butter Soaps (in Roland Pine and Jasmine)

Blurb: Hooray! By popular demand, a smaller bar of soap! All natural ingredients and shea butter makes this bar of soap a skin softening extravaganza! All we are thinking here is soft, supple skin! We're so excited to introduce this bar with our new logo!! Check it out and remember, Never Shower Alone!

I know these aren't room fragrances or anything, but I'm putting out a bar of Roland Pine soap for my guests this season (again, the pine scent works for both men and women). And the Jasmine (Jasmine!) soap is all for me. These all natural soaps are loaded with shea butter. They clean well and make skin buttery soft.

The Soap and Paper Factory website has an amazing assortment of gorgeous things to give (or keep). Bath and Body products, solid perfumes, room fragrances, note cards, thank you notes and scented drawer liners are just a few. You can also visit Gift Factory and find out how to have custom gifts created.

Happy Friday!
.

New Rad Chair: "Clyde" from Kat Burki

Kat Burki, you are killing me with your awesome home furnishings! I got this in my email the other day. I want you, Clyde!

.

Info and News from Kat Burki

For all of you fans (and fans to be) of the amazing home products from Kat Burki, here’s some news…

If you're in the area, check out Kat Burki at the Hampton Designer Showhouse:

July 26-September 6: The Hampton Designer Showhouse
179 David’s Lane, Water Mill, NY


And if you want the latest, but don’t want to wait for me to post…Kat Burki is now on Twitter!

.

Pretty Home DIY: Homemade Fabric Freshener

My LUSH post (below) reminded me that I recently had my very first Mojito (I know, that's like soooo 2008). I love them now. The flavor of the mint leaves was still on my tongue the next morning (and I seriously hope that my breath was minty and not Mojito-ey). I don't drink often (because of singing and all); but in the space of three weeks, I had margaritas and mojitos. Gasp! I guess I'll start calling around now to reserve my bed in rehab.

Anyhoo…besides remembering almost behaving like a tacky wino; I also got to thinking about some of the many respectable uses for hard liquor. Specifically, cheap vodka.

To balance out my mad, reckless behavior, I'm going to be all Martha Stewart-ey and share my recipe for home made fabric freshener. A costumer in one of my previous shows told me that a spritz of vodka was great for freshening fabrics. It's inexpensive, removes odors (by killing bacteria) and evaporates quickly.

So I got all creative one day and mixed up a little vodka with some essential oils and made a great freshener for soft surfaces (carpet, drapes, furniture, linens, etc). Ever since then, I've been thoroughly smug every time someone says my apartment smells great.

Ready?

- 1 spray bottle (preferably in a cute color)
- 2 cups super cheap vodka (any brand)
- 2 drops vanilla essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 6 drops grapefruit (or orange) essential oil

That's it. Just vodka and essential oils. Put it all in the spray bottle, shake and spritz. And if you wanted to get all free spirited, you could break the rules and use different oils...or use them in different amounts and/or combinations. How crazy would that be?

My favorite place to buy essential oils: Le Melange
Places to buy vodka: The local store (or local sleazy bar)

Of course if this doesn't sound fun, you can always just buy some Febreeze. But then you'd miss out on all the DIY self satisfaction. And most importantly, you'd miss the huge fun of bringing a giant jug of super cheap vodka to the cash register and watching the cashier decide whether or not to judge you.

Hey, fun is everywhere.
.

Shout out to my Peeps!

I wish you all a very happy holiday! I’ll be back after Easter. In the meantime, you can read my older posts or check out these links:

Traditional, delicious, marshmallow-ey PEEPS®. Mmmm. Did you know that if you put them in the microwave, they expand? I’m not suggesting you try this, just take my word for it (but it’s completely true).

And, lest we all forget that this is a beauty website…why not pick up some Peeps Grape Marshmallow Cream Lip Balm? Also available in Strawberry, Cotton Candy and Vanilla.


AND…Lenox has come up with fine china sculptures! Whoa, man. Whoa.

Lenox PEEPS® Chick Sculpture

PEEPS® Bunny and Chick Salt & Pepper Set – I want this real bad!


Okay. Nuff said. Really.