New Addition

Last week, I took a trip to Sephora. Yeah, I realize that I should just start paying rent there...but this time, I had a good excuse. I accidentally fried my hair and was in desparate need of a miracle (aka a new jar of Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment). But while I was browsing around, the cutest blue and brown bottle caught my eye.

LAVANILA, famous for their vanilla scented fragrances (Vanilla Blossom, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Pure Vanilla) just added another player to the team. Vanilla Coconut is an indulgent blend of coconut, hints of monoi Tiare (a Tahitian white flower), and a warm sensual base of Madagascar vanilla bean. This new addition is, in my opinion, the best of the bunch – and its creamy, yet refreshing scent comes just in time for Spring.

And here’s the kicker… LAVANILA's breakthrough fragrances are infused with natural fragrance oils and 100 percent active botanicals. So given that skin absorbs 60 percent of what you put on it, it’s nice to know that every spritz feeds your skin with antioxidants, amino acids, essential vitamins, and minerals.

Vanilla Coconut is available in a 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray ($56) and 8 oz Vanilla Coconut Body Butter ($25). Available at lavanila.com, Beauty.com, and Sephora.

The Commitment-Phobe Finds A Fragrance

I recently introduced my sister, Lauren, to Comptoir Sud Pacifique’s line of fragrances – and was surprised by how strongly she responded to their Vanille Citrus scent. You see, Lauren is an incredibly fickle perfume user who never buys full-sized bottles because she can’t commit to just one.

The warmth of Vanille Citrus is nicely balanced by the zest of candied lemon peel, Brazilian orange, and blackcurrant syrup. With this sexy, playful perfume, you’ll be sure to stand out in a crowd of too-serious winter scents.

My sister raved about the smell, which she described as something akin to “vanilla lemon bars.” “It makes you want to eat yourself,” Lauren joked. “Vanille Citrus is not really a perfume to wear during a night out, but makes a great everyday scent – or a nice alternative to your favorite fragrance.”

Sold at Sephora and Amazon.com.

This Line Takes The Cupcake!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2007 list. Though Oprah made some fine choices, I have one recommendation for the media mogul.


If I had a list, I’d call it ‘The D-List’ (original, I know) - and everything on it would be from Jaqua’s Buttercream Frosting line of products. I’ve been using the Buttercream Frosting Exfoliating Body Polish, Shower Crème, and Hand Crème for a couple of weeks, and my enthusiasm has not waned. In fact, my fondness grows stronger every day. Not only do the Buttercream Frosting products pamper my parched skin, they smell like heaven - a sweet tooth’s version of heaven, anyway.


Like vanilla frosting with a hint of fresh strawberries, Jaqua's Buttercream Frosting products smell so much like the real thing, I have to remind myself that they're not edibile. I can only hope that Jaqua is developing hair care, shaving cream, toothpaste, antiperspirant, and contact lens solution…so that every square inch of me can smell saccharinely sweet.

Spoiled Pretty tip: while you’re on the Jaqua website, sign up to become a Jaqua VIP (no purchase necessary, and it’s free). Be the first to find out about new Jaqua products, special discounts and best of all, freebie offers only available to Jaqua VIP members.

Cornucopia of Cosmetics

Greetings from Spokane, Washington - where I am celebrating my first Thanksgiving away from home, with my hubby and in-laws. Thanksgiving is the ultimate celebration of family, friends, and food...and as a bonus, you get a day off from work, football is on TV three days early, and overindulgence is encouraged! Doesn't it seem unfair that it only lasts one day?

The following products simulate the scents of the season, and will have you giving thanks well into the new year.


Indulge your feet and your senses with The Body Shop's Cranberry Heatable Booties. To use, simply remove the cranberry-scented sachet and heat in the microwave for one minute.


Treat your lips to Philosophy's Kiss Me Lip Trio. There's a flavor for every kiss—Melting Chocolate Lip Shine for a decadent kiss, Cinnamon Buns Lip Shine for a sugary, sweet kiss, and Cranberry Lip Shine for a red, juicy kiss. Spread holiday cheer with these luscious high-gloss Lip Shines. Only at Sephora.


Korres Vanilla Cinnamon Moisturising Body Milk has an exceptionally light, powdery texture that goes on matte, and keeps you fresh and soft, all day.


The Pumpkin Classic Candle from Paddywax shows its bounty with scents of fresh carrot, spicy pumpkin and vanilla bean.