What I’m Loving Now: Summer 2012 Edition

We’ve all heard the saying that “life’s about the little things,” and to a large extent, that’s true. Sure, we do—and should!—enjoy the dream vacations, the new cars, and the purchases for which we’ve saved for months. But the truth is, we don’t earn those big rewards for ourselves frequently. In my opinion, that’s why it’s so important to fill our everyday lives with the so-called “little things” that allow us to enjoy ourselves, our surroundings, and our time.

I know from years of experience that you achieve everyday happiness and fulfillment by paying attention to your mind, body, emotions, and yes, appearance. Taking good care of yourself isn’t selfish at all. You have to be comfortable in your own skin and in your own environment in order to share your best and most authentic self with others.

With that in mind, I’d like to share seven things I’m loving right now in hopes that one or more of them might help you to enjoy your life a little more, too.

Thieves Household Cleaner. Chances are, you view cleaning products as one of life’s necessary evils, or at best, as a means to a desirable end. If that opinion sounds familiar, prepare to be very pleasantly surprised by Thieves^® Household Cleaner! This product (which is available through Young Living Essential Oils) will clear out a lot of space under your sink and save you a lot of time and money.

Thieves Household Cleaner is meant for multipurpose use, so it can do everything from degreasing cookware to cleaning floors and upholstery. Even better, it kills germs while remaining safe for the environment. It also contains several essential oils, which means it smells great and makes you feel great. If you’re interested, you can order your own supply through my personal essential oils guru, Lucey Harley, by emailing her at luceyharley@aol.com or by going to her website: www.luceyharley.com.

To purchase on Amazon.com, click here.

Bumble and bumble. Hair Powder. If you aren’t familiar with hair powder, here’s a crash course: It’s a product that adds volume, texture, and style-ability to your hair while reducing the appearance and feel of oiliness. These properties mean that hair powder is ideal for perking up your look between day and evening. It can even help you to go longer between washes and styles without feeling gross!

I recommend Bumble and bumble. Hair Powder for several reasons. Not only is it salon-quality; it also comes in several different colors, which will cover up gray at the hairline. At $35 a can, it’s a good investment that will last several months and get you from one color to the next without noticeable roots. And I love that it washes out easily!

To purchase on Amazon.com, click here.

Paul Mayer flats. I have long been a proponent of flats as a shoe staple because they’re versatile, stylish, comfortable, and available in so many styles and patterns. Right now, I’m loving chic flats from Paul Mayer’s collection especially.

These handmade shoes have rubber soles, and while they’re oh-so-cute, they’re also workhorses! I walk a lot and have back issues, but I can wear my Paul Mayer flats all day with no problems. My personal favorites are made of a camel-colored quilted material with a black patent toe. (For more information, visit www.paulmayerattitudes.com.)

To purchase your own pair of Paul Mayer flats at Amazon.com, click here.

Wrinkle Prevention Pillow. Did you know that something as common as a pillow can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness under the eyes? That’s why I highly recommend the contoured Wrinkle Prevention Pillow, which allows you to sleep comfortably without your face touching the pillow.

Sooner or later we all age, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do so gracefully…or slow down the process! In addition to helping you stay wrinkle-free, these pillows can also improve the quality of your sleep. And on the fashion front, you can get a beautiful satiny pillowcase in a variety of colors. If you want to buy your own, visit www.wrinklepreventionpillow.com. (If you choose to order one, you can use the coupon code leslies22 for a discount!)

To purchase on Amazon.com, click here.

Odoardi Savuto. Whether you prefer to enjoy your wine with a delicious meal or slowly sip a glass to unwind after a long day (or both!), it’s always a pleasure to find a vintage you know you’ll be coming back to again and again. My husband and I had that experience with Odoardi Savuto, an Italian red that we first tasted several years ago and have recently rediscovered.

Savuto is a blend of different varieties from southwest Italy. My husband and I have really enjoyed the bottles we’ve bought from the Odoardi winery. It’s smooth with low tannins—great for drinking. If you’re a wine lover, treat yourself to a glass (or two) soon.

To purchase on Amazon.com, click here.

Worth pants. The Worth Collection of New York City is a luxury womenswear company that sells directly to customers (not to stores!), by appointment, from the company’s impressive midtown showroom. Specifically, I recommend Worth’s tissue-weight bi-stretch wool pants, which are available in several different cuts for different body types.

Most of Worth’s styles are available in many colors, including winter white, black, navy, tan, and bisque. I own several colors in my favorite style, the Keira, which has a narrow thigh, no pocket, and a “flat” silhouette. I love Worth’s pieces so much that I became a consultant for the company, and I always tell people that these are truly “money in the bank pants.” That’s because they’ll hold up exceptionally well over time, and in most climates they can easily be worn for nine months out of the year.

Mally Lip Fence. We all love that extra something special that the perfect shade of lipstick can bring to an outfit. But all of lip color’s beauty benefits fall by the wayside if it smudges or bleeds. And that’s why I have such high praise for Lip Fence from Mally Beauty.

One of my clients recommended Mally Lip Fence to me. It’s a clear lip liner that keeps your lipstick from bleeding—we all need that!—and helps it to wear longer. Plus, at around $12.50 a tube, it’s very affordable, and it can be purchased online at a variety of websites including Amazon.

To purchase on Amazon.com, click here.

I hope that my recommendations have introduced you to quality products that will enhance your style, comfort, and enjoyment of life. Remember, spending a little money and time on yourself every once in a while isn’t selfish—it is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those you love!