Favorite Things 2006

We are honored to participate in this year's Favorite Things!

Along with some of our very favorite bloggers, we're listing our favorite products of 2006...

Skin Care
1. Philosophy's Exfoliate Kit. This contains both The Great Mystery daily 1-minute facial (for daily use) as well as The Greatest Love hydrating microdermabrating facial scrub (for use 3 evenings a week). It has transformed my skin. No more pores, blackheads, or blemishes and it is great at diminishing the appearance of sun damage. The price is certainly right at $45.

2. Creme de la Mer. It really is a miracle broth! I had some minor surgery in May and it has really helped with my scarring. As a facial moisturizer, it is rich and smooth, not greasy. Easy to see why this has generated such a following.

3. Retin-A treats wrinkles and blemishes...what's not to love. This is the one thing I missed the most when pregnant & nursing!

4. Botox. The results are amazing. No one else can tell that I've had it done, but when I look at photographs of myself from before & after, I can see the biggest improvement in my crows' feet and the furrow between my brows. My friend "Dr. Mark" has a painless technique! I'm hooked!

5. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is the best...I have tubes of it in my purse, car, kitchen,& nightstand.


Bath and Body
1. Bliss Glamour Gloves & Glamour Gloves Gel set. I recently read that the hands show age fastest...just compare the skin on the back of your hands to that on the inside of your upper arm if you have any doubts. This combo, worn overnight, cures whatever ails your hands...ragged cuticles, cracked & dry skin are all gone!

2. ADV Lime Coconut Sea Salt Exfoliator smells divine and really moisturizes as it exfoliates. From one of the most elegant beauty destinations in the world, Aedes in NYC.

3. AHAVA Bath Salts soothe overworked muscles like nothing else. A staple for me since I'm often in a rush and skip post-workout stretching only to regret it later.

4. Nars Monoi Body Glow II has the best tiare scent and it gives a beautiful subtle glow to arms & legs in the summer. In the winter, I love Neutrogena unscented oil.

5. The Zoom Weekender Kit will save your smile. It really works! You do need to have custom trays made by your dentist in order to use this one.

Fragrance
1. Released just a few months ago, Bond no 9's West Side is a beautiful and modern rose scent. If you're unfamiliar, Bond is a fragrance house in NYC whose scents are named for and inspired by neighborhoods in New York. Check them out...they're amazing!

2. Narciso Rodriguez for Her is a close second. Clean and musky...I love it!

3. I have been addicted to Marc Jacobs' fragrance since it debuted 4 years ago-it's a pretty interpretation of my favorite flower. Annick Goutal Gardenia Passion and Kai are lovely gardenia fragrances as well.

4. Creed's Fleurissimo is elegance in a bottle. Created for Princess Grace on her wedding day - it's a beautiful classic floral.

5. Created by french lingerie house of the same name, Fifi Chachnil is a womanly fragrance in a cute, girly bottle. Powdery and pretty.

Makeup

1. Urban Decay Lingerie and Galoshes for Lashes is a dual-ended lash primer and waterproofing top coat. My lashes were starting to break until I started using the Lingerie lash primer, and the waterproofing Galoshes is a quick top coat for rainy days or tear-jerking movies!

2. Another from Urban Decay, Primer Potion is the key to smoother and longer lasting eye makeup.

3. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner. I was intimidated by this one, but it is so easy to use. It looks great, and lasts all day! I like Bronze Shimmer Ink and Granite Ink.

4. MAC Hug Me Lipstick. This is a new find...a great neutral with just a little bit of shimmer.

5. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. I tried this recently in Chicago & immediately fell in love. It is perfection in a bottle...glides on and disappears...leaving the appearance of flawless skin...and isn't irritating. I wear shade 5.5.

Hair

1. Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment is a deep pre-shampoo conditioner, leave in conditioner, and shine enhancer in one that has made my coarse, naturally curly (yet worn straight daily), color treated hair look and feel like silk. Miraculous!

2. Frederic Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray is the best...it is not your Grandmother's hairspray!

3. Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum imparts a pretty (not greasy) shine.

4. Oscar Blandi Ancora Colore Conditioning System is a great color boost for both colored and natural hair. It comes in 3 shades for blondes, brunettes and redheads.

5. Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo, when used weekly, gets rid of build-up. A must-have if you use lots of products!

6. ghd styling iron, works better than the popular chi irons because the plates do not move and they are the exact same size to ensure even heating, negative ions are released to reduce static and create shine!

Be sure to check out more Favorite Things ...visit our friends at:

Afrobella

All About The Pretty

Aromascope

Beauty Addict

Beauty Blogging Junkie

Beauty by Nadine

Beautiful Makeup Search & Beauty Blog

Beauty Hatchery

Beauty Jones

Blogdorf Goodman

Bois de Jasmin

BonBons in the Bath

Brain Trapped in Girl's Body

Capital Hill Barbie

C'est Chic

Coquette

Crazy Jay Blue

eBeautyDaily

Girl's Handbook

Hautemommastuff

Koneko's *Mostly* Beauty Diary!

Legerdenez

Makeup Bag

Monkeyposh

My Muse

No one knows why the wolf laughs

Now Smell This

Perfume Smellin' Things

Peppermint Patty's Perfume Posse

Platinum Blonde Life

Product Girl

Scentzilla!

She'll Be Feverish After So Much Thinking

Slap of the Day

The Customer Is Always Right

The Daily Obsession

The Great She Elephant

The Life As A Ladybug

The Non-Blonde

Urbane Girl

Victoria's Own

Top Design

Hallelujah!!!

Bravo has a promising new show to tide us over until Project Runway's Season 4!

from BravoTV's website:

"Off the heels of the critically acclaimed “Top Chef” and the Emmy-nominated hit “Project Runway,” Bravo's newest reality competition series “Top Design” offers a behind the scenes look at the creative, competitive and client-driven interior design business at the highest level.
The series features twelve aspiring interior designers who are united in their quest to create the “Top Design” in each episode in the series as they vie for cash to start their own design firm and a spot in one of New York's finest designer showcases. Production, which begins this month, will take place in Los Angeles. "

Bravo's website says Top Design is to air every Wednesday at 10pm, starting on January 31st!

The good folks at bloggingprojectrunway will also be bloggingtopdesign as well...can't wait to hear their take on the new show!

Thanks to bloggingprojectrunway for the news! Hautemommas "heart" BPR!!!!!

photo from bloggingprojectrunway.blogspot.com quoted text from bravotv.com

Fab Flats

From classic Tod's to fun red suede

See more of my Flats list at ThisNext.

Thirsty?

A few new beverages to share:

Fuze Beverages reportedly has a new drink named Rehab. I enjoy their Slenderize & Vitalize drinks (available in the Health Foods section of my local Kroger) and heard via Page Six that the company sent Miss USA a case of this new beverage to aid in her recovery efforts. I'm sure it's worth a shot.

Bawls is similar to Red Bull or my beloved Tab Energy. Another caffeine-loaded energy drink. It tastes pretty good and I could definitely feel the familiar boost of caffeine! They offer a sugar-free version, mints, and a frozen energy drink (snoBAWLS) as well. Warning: These are loaded with caffeine and definitely not for the pregnant or nursing crowd!

photos from bawls.com and bevnet.com

Guilty TV Pleasures

I am a people - watcher. I hate to fly but love the airport. I was in heaven on our recent trip to Chicago in the hotel lobby. Maybe that's why my favorite TV shows are goofy mindless people watching. Not only can you learn something about the subjects, you can also learn a thing or two about yourself.

One of my favorites is returning to Bravo on January 16th at 10. The Real Housewives of Orange County is a riot. It really is a trainwreck. Their use of the term Housewife is pretty loose. Most of the women aren't even married. Their children are older. It is as far removed from my reality as a house

wife as it could be & it makes me so grateful for my family. I watch anyway. Like I said, it is a trainwreck. Check it out on Bravo in a few weeks.

Also on Bravo, Top Chef is actually useful...Think Project Runway adapted to the kitchen. There are some cool celebrities and challenges...and Bravo posts the winning recipes on their website. Love it!

Switching channels to TLC, Little People, Big World shows how the Roloff family meets the challenges of being short in stature. Their family is alot like yours & mine and seeing how they overcome everyday challenges is inspiring.

I am also a fan of What Not to Wear, 10 Years Younger and Honey We're Killing the Kids.

Leave us a comment & let us know which shows you love!

photo from bravotv.com

Christmas Poem You Must Read....

Thanks to Manicmommies.com I stumbled across this great Christmas rhyme:

The Mom Before Christmas
Saturday, December 23, 2006

'Twas the night before Christmas,when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.

The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half-constructed bicycle propped on his knee.

So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh,"Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs,and saw the old man.

He was covered with soot, which fell when he shrugged,
"Oh great," muttered the mom,"Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa,"I'm glad you're awake."
"Your gift was especially difficult to make."

"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled,"So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered,"What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa,I've no time to chat."

Then out walked the clone -Her identical twin,
The same hair, the same eyes, the same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, and she'll do the rest."

"Fantastic!" the mom cheered."My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."

The clone replied,"I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled,"She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the small one and hummed her tune,
as she bundled the child in a blanket cocoon.

"You're the best mommy ever.I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed,"And I love you, too."

The mom frowned and said,"Sorry, Santa, no deal.
"That's my child's LOVE she is trying to steal."

Smiling wisely Santa said,"To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head."

"I sometimes forget,it won't be very long,
when they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone"It works every time."

With the clone by his side Santa said "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom,You will be all right."

~Author Unknown~

Newsworthy - Blogs are Haute!

Once again Vogue features Bag Snob! That's two articles this month; UK Vogue and French Vogue!

We love the BagSnob and if you haven't checked it out you must.

Valley Girl...for like ever

There are a few sayings I think are just 'perfect' - unfortunately sometimes the F-bomb does the job - but we all have those 'sayings'.

This poster sums up most of my high school days, also nowadays, my sis Kris and pretty much all of my friends. We just can't quite lose that Valley Girl. She will remain there....for like ever!!

Thanks to my sis Kris and my friend, hair stylist, owner of Salon 8, and fashion maven, Annie Williams, I found out about this poster. Gracias to Paper Lily for posting the story behind it - how it became famous.

Noir Ceramic

Not long ago, Chanel's Black Satin caused a stampede at the counters. Bottles were gone in minutes.

Then they started turning up on Ebay for hundreds of dollars.

I learned of Noir Ceramic's pending arrival via one of my fave morning reads...Blogdorf Goodman....and I got lucky yesterday. I was cruising through Dillards just as the boxes were being delivered to the Chanel counter. Here's my haul...
I 'm having my nails done tomorrow in the Noir Ceramic & will post a photo afterwards. The gloss is the new Paillettes Glossimer. It is the perfect shimmery pink...not at all dusky, but not bubblegum...I may need to go and secure a back-up of this one. I'm also thinking I need to get the Blanc Ceramic polish.
Update: Here's a photo of Noir Ceramic on my nails. I love the iridescence...it looks much less harsh than the more matte black of Black Satin. It took 2 coats and 15 minutes of drying time but was well worth the wait!!
A big thanks to the beautiful Mina at Chanel for digging through the boxes for me!

Conspiracy Theory? Check this out...

Now why didn't I think of that!!! Another one of those gadgets that makes so much sense, it makes you sick!!

Check out the Shredder Hand from compact-impact.com. It is a great convenient way to quickly shred small items, like those pesky credit card applications that come in the mail...everyday!

Again, wish I'd seen this for our gift list! Great gift for anyone!

Another Haute Must-Have...Stylish Gadget

Wish I had added this to our gift list! What a great gift for the Haute Momma that has everything...

The Limited Edition Diane von Furstenberg Sidekick from T-Moblie!! You must check out the special packaging and carrying case too...way Haute!

Not only is the Sidekick Haute...But Diane!...wicked Haute!

Second Chance

Miss USA, Kentuckian Tara Conner, has been given a second chance.


She and Donald Trump said yesterday that she has made some mistakes and will be entering rehab, but will not (yet) be dethroned. I am sure it was an enormous change for her, going from Russell Springs to New York, and I hope she'll be able to make the necessary changes.

Don't let us down, Tara. Don't tarnish your own reputation, that of your family and our Great Commonwealth!

I would, however, like to compliment her on her Black Satin nails and very effective waterproof makeup...
photo from cnn.com

My Kind O' Town!

voice over by Jim McKay:
"Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of shopping...the thrill of victory....and the agony of defeat...the human drama of fashion competition...this is Hautemommastuff!

As part of Hautemommastuff's dedicated mission to bring you the best in fashion & beauty, I took one for the team and hit the road to do some Chicago blog research (aka shopping).

Actually, my husband had a deposition there on Friday, so we all took a much-needed break and made a 4-day weekend of it.

Let me tell you, we crammed it all in! Hours in the American Girl Store, hikes up and down the Magnificent Mile, cruising thru Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park, more Starbucks visits than I can count, hundreds of Santas (yes, there were atleast a hundred of them in the hotel lobby/bar Saturday night), Millennium Park, the Theater District, and Lake Shore Drive. A good time was definitely had by all!

The highlight of my trip was meeting the beautiful Jen of MonkeyPosh!
Jen was so kind as to take the train in and meet me for some Nordstrom & Sephora shopping. A transplanted Southerner, she lamented the lack of Sonic Drive-Ins in her fair town & I have been trying to think of a way to overnight her some tots & a cherry limeade, but can't think of a plan that doesn't involve a big mess and a little food poisoning...sorry, Jen.

I have been a fan of Jen's blog since it's inception...she is a fellow Tim Gunn devotee (she met him at Crate & Barrell), a lover of Haute shoes, and the original "Pony Tail". She has created some major lemmings for me on her blog...including Jemma Kidd, Elliot Luca bags, and the beautiful Tom Ford!!!

Jen is sweet, fun, hilarious....a true gem! Thanks again, Jen...it was a pleasure spending the afternoon with you!

Quoted text from ABC's Wide World of Sports

Blogs are so...HAUTE!

The image to the right is a recent quote from British Vogue's January 2007 issue. It is one example article reporting on how 'fashion forward' people and 'fashion lovers' use the Internet today to read [fashion] reviews, chat, gather info, and much more!

This UK Vogue article focuses on one of HMS' favorite sites - thebagsnob.com - a definite Haute spot!

Nip Tuck...why not!

We can't help it....we love Nip Tuck! Unfortunately Haute Jen hasn't stayed as updated this season as Haute Gretchen; but never fear, buying seasons on DVD is here!!!!

If you love it too let us know!!
Even if you hate it you can tell us that too, but we won't hold it against you!:)

Current Cravings..

Check out these last minute gifts! Perfume, jewelry and clothing...oh my!

See more of the Current Craves.. list by hautemommastuff at ThisNext.

Haute! Free Shipping, Discounts and more...Hurry!

1. Bergdorf Goodman just extended their FREE three-day delivery - Enter code BGSHOP at checkout.


2. Gloss.com - Use offer code MERRYDEC at checkout to receive FREE standard shipping plus FREE gift wrap!


3. Disneyshpping.com offers FREE shipping on shipment of $75 or more - enter SHIP75 at checkout.

4. Activeendeavors.com has FREE shipping UPS Ground for all orders shipped to Canada or the continental U.S. Also all orders placed by 11.am. on Dec 21st are guaranteed by Dec. 22nd!!



5. Anntaylor.com offer available exclusively online, not available in stores, now through DEC. 18th, receive 20% off and FREE three-day shipping with order of $100 or more.


6. Vivre.com is offering $50 gift card for any purchase over $250 - use code EC106 at checkout.


7. VictoriasSecret.com is offering FREE 2nd Day Express Delivery on U.S. orders of $100 or more placed by 1 p.m EST on Dec. 20. Select 2nd Business Day Express and enter offer code 2AIR at checkout!


8. Check out the number of great gifts with FREE Shipping from Potterybarn.com also check out the gifts with FREE gift wrap




9. Of course we can't forget Crateandbarrel.com - check out their selection of gifts with FREE shipping...but hurry!



10. Neiman Marcus FREE three-day delivery with checkout code SHOPNM ends on Monday, December 18th at midnight!!!

Haute Gifts of Beauty

Gifts for the Beauty Addict on your list...Mom, Sis, BFF, Babysitter, Teacher...or just indulge yourself after all the shopping and merriment!

See more of my Beautiful Things... list at ThisNext.

Haute Gifts!

Only 13 More Days...Here are some more ideas for those who (like me) are waiting until the last few days!

Hautemomma in New York

No matter how many times you go to New York, there is no better time than during the Christmas season. I just got back from a quick trip there with my sister and friends....it was wonderful!

Here are a few wonderful things about New York at Christmas (and New York in general):

1. The lights! Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Hotel after Hotel (Palace Hotel) decorated for Christmas, St. Patrick's Cathedral (my personal favorite of the churches in Manhattan).....

2. The windows! Saks and Macy's...enough said!!! Other links to windows in New York.

3. SHOPPING in New York!!! Just being in New York is exciting and going shopping is even more amazing! No matter what you are shopping for you will find it in New York!

4. FOOD! Of course we do have to take time to eat...occassionally....here are a few Haute places: Spice Market, Craft, Aquavit, of course Nobu, Villa Berulia and more New York Restaurants

Obviously there is a lot more Haute stuff in New York...so you must go! (below Haute Jen and Haute sis Kris in the Palace Hotel courtyard)

Hautemommas' Night Out

Everyone had a blast last night at our second Hautemommas' Night Out!

We enjoyed private shopping at Polka Dots' Boutique and Gifts...with an exclusive HMS discount. Everyone found tons of gifts (and of course more than a few things for ourselves) from their awesome selection of beautiful clothes, home accessories and gifts.

Then it was on to Village Vineyards for Wine Tasting (these guys and gals really know their wines), Martini Sampling and snacks. (My favorite was the spiced apple martini made with Wild Turkey!)

Of course, it wouldn't be Hautemommas' Night Out without a haute HMS goodie bag!

Thanks to Kristin, Betty, John and everyone who made last night a great success...we had lots of fun!

Check out more photos...at flickr.

Weight Loss, Botox and more!

Look at how my friend, Susan, has changed in just 5 short months. She lost 32 lbs and went from a size 10 to a size 6...without being miserable and hungry. She no longer craves junk food and has adjusted to eating smaller portions and balanced meals.

No, she hasn't gone on a crash diet or sold her soul to Richard Simmons. She got help from the physicians at Total Med. Their medical weight loss plan includes a complete work-up (EKG, labs) monthly visits with the Doctor, and prescription diet pills when needed. There are four physicians, and a registered dietician & licensed counselor on staff as well to be sure you reach your goals and stay healthy!

Total Med also offers a physician-directed anti-aging program and aesthetic procedures, including Botox Cosmetic and Mesotherapy.

Call 859.263.0374 in Lexington or 502.964.8789 in Louisville to meet with one of the Doctors and look Haute just in time for New Year's!

Haute Designer Momma! (for the sixth time!!!)

Congratulations, Laura!!!

Laura Bennett (Project Runway Season 3 finalist) and husband Peter Shelton welcomed little 8 lb Finn at 10:46am on December 1st. Read all about the arrival at People.com.

In tribute to Laura's signature look (and with the Holiday party schedule in high gear), here are some Fab Finds:

Crimson Lips:

MAC's Holiday Set includes 2 great red lipsticks and a red gloss. Their lipglass is the best...not sticky, yet it doesn't wear off on your wine glass (and even lasts if you get caught under the mistletoe!)

Tarte's Dual Ended Plump n Shine is another longwearing option. From the Sephora website: " The ultimate wakeup call for lips, one end of this dual-ended wand contains a waterproof pink stain that imparts a natural rosy glow, while at the other end, a plumping lip gloss that stimulates collagen on the cellular level."

Classic Black Cocktail Dress:

Maxstudio.com has some great dresses like this one. Lots of them are on sale, too! (sorry, apparently "blogger" doesn't want to show the photo now...i'll try again later).

White House Black Market and JCrew have some great options, too, if you are like me this season ( i haven't planned my party wardrobe ahead) and need to run out and pick one up! Also try Ilo , Bella Rose and Worlds Apart!
photos from bravotv.com and gloss.com quoted text from sephora.com