smell and feel amazing...

We were walking back to the ship today in St. Thomas, and I stumbled upon the cutest little store. A few minutes later and I found my new favorite hand cream. I could have bought almost any product in this store and it wouldn't have been enough. One thing smelled better than the next.  Welcome to Laline, where you will find your new favorite bath and body products.

This company was started by two Israeli cousins and only more recently has it made its way into the US. There are very few stores, which I prefer, so it's not something that can be found just anywhere and everywhere.  The islands recently started carrying the line, as well. From delicious smelling lotions, hand creams, shower gels, soaps and any bath and body product in between, for men, women, children, and babies - these products make the perfect gifts to give to others or to yourself. One of my purchases that I already can't get enough of is their Vanilla Hand Cream. Enjoy!

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sparkle, shimmer, and shine

With New Year's Eve being just a few days away (where did 2011 go? I don't know), the ladies are starting to put together their fabulous NYE ensemble.  Depending on plans, it may be anywhere from comfortable clothes (if you're staying in the confines of your own home) to a dazzling dress (if you're heading to a party).

Now, I feel NYE is the PERFECT excuse to add some glitz to your 'everyday' outfit.  Of course, if your dress code for NYE is 'Sunday casual' you may think you can't really do this; oh but you can (and should). I, personally, love sequins (to a degree). If too many sequins or the wrong type of sequins, it will never work, but with the right amount, placement, and style - you're golden!

This NYE, since my plans are on the more 'casual' side, I will more than likely be rocking my black cropped sequined blazer (from Pookie & Sebastian), dark skinny jeans (from J Brand), a white ribbed tank (from James Perse), black patent shoes of some sort, and minimal jewelry. Now it's your turn, and for some ideas (all are from Alice + Olivia because when I think sequins and shimmer, this is immediately where I go)...

Vista Sequin Tunic Dress

Timpi Cropped Tee

Shea Asymmetrical Jacket

Curtsy Burnout Circle Skirt

Slim Waist Andy Skinny Pant

Simon All Over Crystal Tunic

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cover me up

Today our cruise stopped in Turks and Caicos, and let me tell you…they know what they are doing when it comes to cover ups. We found a store that sold the most amazing ones I've probably ever seen – all colors, patterns, and styles. I could have purchased 10 (if only I lived in a climate where cover ups were crucial year round)! Here are a few of my current favorite cover ups that are the perfect addition to any bathing suit…

Jordan Taylor from Canyon Beachwear

J Valdi from Macy's

Victoria's Secret

Mara Hoffman from Piperlime

Diane von Furstenberg from Intermix

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vacation essentials

I used to loathe packing. I would have done anything to hire someone to do it for me.  As time went on, I really somehow grew to like it.  When I'm not in overpack mode, I more or less plan out my outfits, mix and match and merchandise things together, get in the vacation mindset (of course while drinking a glass of wine, listening to some good tunes). I'm leaving on vacation tomorrow and thought I'd share a few, what I believe to be, essentials for a vacay to the tropics.

1. Printed shorts (Missoni inspired from Pookie & Sebastian)

2. Straw hat (from Urban Outfitters)

3. Necklace that you can throw on over a beach-y outfit (from LF)

4. Jean shorts (from Earnest Sewn)

5. Fringe tee (from Urban Outfitters)

6. Fabulous sunnies (from Chloe)

7. Denim button down (from Madewell)

8. Colorful bathing suit (from Canyon Beachwear)

9. Fun scarf to wear as a headpiece or draped around your neck (from Laila Rowe)

Bon Voyage!


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I love a good vest

I really love vests. I think they add a bit of 'attitude' to an outfit. Black fitted pants. White tee. Denim vest (Yes, that's correct - denim. I love a good denim vest). Motorcycle boots. Some funky jewelry. What an outfit. Some people think they can't 'pull off' a vest. Almost anyone can absolutely rock it.  You just have to make the outfit work. I would never advise you to wear jeans with a denim vest, but I would advise you to wear jeans with a vintage tee and a black vest. Yes, I certainly would! Some fabulous vest finds below at all prices and styles.

Intermix:

Christoper Fischer Boucle Vest

Adrienne Landau Fur Vest

J.Jill: 

Simple 120 Vest

Faux Fur Vest

Madewell:

Longroad Denim Vest

Furry Festival Vest

Urban Outfitters:

Thistlepearl Golden Lights Vest

Urban Renewal Boys' Menswear Vest

Shopbop:

Rachel Zoe Tuxedo Vest

Tibi Vest with Leather Trim

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Meatloaf Muffins? Yes, please!

I know it sounds odd, but it could be one of the most delicious dinners I've had in a while. Meatloaf is one of my favorite things to eat, and in the shape of a muffin - how cute is that? I was trying to find a recipe for a scrumptious dinner last night, and I came across MEATLOAF MUFFINS, and put my own little twist on them. It's especially a good meal to make if you're having an informal dinner party.  Put the 'muffins' of meatloaf into cute little muffin cups and pass those little guys around. 

Ingredients (for 12 muffins):

• 1 3/4 pounds of ground sirloin
• 1 medium onion - chopped
• 2 ribs of celery - cut into 2 inch pieces and then chopped
• 1 egg plus a splash of milk - beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons of Good Seasons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup salsa
• Vegetable oil

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees
• Put ground beef into a bowl
• Put onion and celery into the food processor 
• Put chopped up onion and celery into the bowl with the ground beef
• Add egg (beaten with milk), bread crumbs, and seasoning to the bowl
• Pour half the BBQ sauce and half the salsa into the bowl
• Mix the meatloaf mixture together with your hands
• Brush a 12-muffin tin with vegetable oil or spray with non stick cooking spray
• Use an ice scream scoop to fill the meat into each tin
• Top each 'muffin' with a small spoonful of the extra BBQ sauce and salsa
• Bake about 20-25 minutes
• ENJOY 

And some cute muffin cup options:

Black & White Flowers & Checks

Elegant Gold Swirl

Snappy Stripes

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shake shake shake

One of my best friends has a love for salt and pepper shakers, and she is my inspiration for this post. Strange you may ask...not so much.  Salt and pepper shakers are a great collectible, great gift idea, and it can be fun to change it up from the standard types you may use every time you make dinner.  Let me take you on a mini journey through the land of salt and pepper shakers.

Michael Aram at Bloomingdales

classic, elegant

MoMA Store

cute, silly

Guggenheim Store

artsy, decorative

MacKenzie-Childs

black, white

Etsy

unique, fun

Which salt & pepper shaker are you?

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the gifts that keep on giving

As the end of the year is approaching and the purchasing of your holiday gifts is coming to a close, I wanted to share two great gift ideas (not ONLY for holiday time) that won't only make the receiver happy, but many others, as well.

Everyone loves candles - from the delicious smell to the feel it gives to a room, and my current favorite is the Haitian Mango Breeze candle from Be The Light. Not only does it smell so incredible, but 20% of all the proceeds go to Happy Hearts Fund.

And if you think your gift receiver would prefer jewelry over a candle, you should buy none other than this October Anniversary charm. Not only is it a great addition to any necklace, but 80% of the proceeds go to Happy Hearts Fund.

What is better than that?!

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jewelry to go buy now

When I walk into Jennifer Miller I want to buy everything. Even though the store is quite tiny, I could spend hours there.  There is so much to look at and every piece is truly amazing.  Since her jewelry is at all price points, it makes it easy to shop the fabulous collections.  Some of my current favorites below.

Oversized Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Teardrop Earrings

Yellow Gold Fill Stamped Initial with Chalcedony Bead Necklace

Yellow Gold Plated Large Caged Green Resin Ring

Set of Bangles

White Gold Plated Pave Faux Diamond Clear, Jet, Champagne Ring

Yellow Gold Plated Brown Leather and Blue Agate Cuff

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color me purple

Purple has been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. I've found some pieces that I'm currently swooning over. Come swoon with me...

1. Kendra Scott earrings

2. Intermix one shoulder dress

3. Rike Feurstein beret

4. Urban Outfitters high rise jeans

5. Anthropologie chantilly top

6. American Apparel hoody

7. Lululemon ultra mat

8. J. Crew cardigan

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