Who Knew!

Mocha Manual Guide To A Fabulous Pregnancy by Kimberly Seals Allers was one of my favorite books while I was pregnant, but I'm happy to discover that Ms. Allers has the second series to her book available. Mocha Manual To Turn Your Passion Into Profit will definitely join my reading list for next month. I'm finally just about done with Sue Monk Kidd's Secret Life of Bees but will be sure to pick up the new book.

That brings about my question. What's your passion you hope to turn into profit? Mine is my writing. If you haven't gotten a chance to read my book Dream Chasers check it out and tell me what you think.

Something About Cupcakes...

...that brings about a smile! Could it be the fact that it's small enough for one and big enough to share with a friend? Could it be that it reminds us of parties in elementary school where everyone had a Valentine or secret Santa? Or could it be that anything with a dose of sugar and icing can make anyone happy?

I'm loving cupcakes with edible pansies on top. The trick is to get organic pansies, use a paintbrush to lightly coat egg whites that has already been whipped, and very carefully dust with sugar. Then you can put atop your favorite cupcake.

Or you can bypass sugar coating the flowers and just opt for strategically placing some flowers on your cupcake. Snapdragons, hibiscus, and violets are usually recommended.

Simple Luxuries

French milled soap, rich chocolate, tailored suits, lux skin care line, organic food. What are some luxuries you can't give up?

Get Into the Groove

I was in Harlem the other day and was happy to finally get a chance to check out the Carols Daughter. I know I'm really late. It is such a cute store! I love the layout and am happy that the business has expanded beyond being my favorite Brooklyn spot.

But what I especially loved was this fragraance Groove. My, my, my this fragrance is great (said like the the Tiger from Kelloggs). If you don't belive me look at what their website says about it.

A seductive flow of red currant and sugared dewberries, embraced by undertones of decadent nuances of Tahitian vanilla, cocoa and rich musk add to the finishing touches.

Doesn't the description make you just want to drown your body in this fragrance?

Honestly, a perfume hasn't enveloped me in a trance since Gucci Rush in 2002. And get this the price is only for $27! How's that for recession proof?

Stuffed Animals

I hope to one day be a Do It Yourself type of mom. There's something unique about homes where people don't just buy everything off the rack but use creativity to make their living space special. However, now a days major corporations are creating products that vaguely resembles something a loved one may have made. Gund Babies has these cute stuffed animals that could be passed on to each child and so does Amy Coe's line at Babiess R' Us.

If you are trying to get your feet wet in the sewing scene (like myself) check out Amy Butler's Design and download a free pattern of these adorable stuffed cats that you can put your own personal touch.