What girl doesn’t love unicorns? I don’t think you can ever outgrow them! This unicorn key fob makes me smile every time it jingles. Available at Kuhl-Linscomb.
From the moment I discovered Deborah Main’s series of pillows made from vintage 1940s and 1950s souvenir state scarves I was smitten. The luxury pillow designer based out of Austin custom creates each pillow with a backing of your choice. I love the huge size plus it’s perfect for lounging on the ground. Prices start at $125 and go up to $550; available at www.deborahmaindesigns.com.
We’ve got quite a few Lucite pieces throughout our home, from vintage mid-century modern items to new IKEA ones. Novus Plastic Polish helps keep them looking new and can even remove deep scratches. www.novuspolish.com
I can’t imagine what my hair would look like without regular Keratin hair treatments. Most would never guess I deal with unruly hair, thanks to these treatments. I love Andre Walker’s Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) Deep Conditioning Treatment packages. The extreme moisture hair repair treatment features intracellular proteins to help protect, restore and repair hair. Available at www.AndreWalkerHair.com.
THINGS I LOVE | june 2011
I love old-fashion bars of soap. I think it’s like the substance of a book. Nothing against liquid, but like a book, there’s something tactile about a good bar of soap. Agua de Colonia by Alvarez Gomez – Madrid’s oldest and most prestigious fragrance house – is worldly and smells divine. The bright yellow wrapping holds the most exquisite soap with extracts of Lemon, Spanish Lavender, Geranium and Eucalyptus with essential oils of Rosemary, Thyme, English Lavender and Bergamot, which all mingle happily as I scrub the grime away.
I’m a big fan of rollerball perfumes; they remind me of childhood perfumes. Tocca’s Cleopatra scent is perfect for spring and, you guessed it, comes in rollerball.
La Prairie’s Summer 2011 Colour Collection Bouquet de Jardin created by Rachyel Wade features this super-flattering crème blush inspired by peonies. I love the consistency and color plus all the skin benefits La Prairie is known for in their skincare. Available at Neiman Marcus.
Nothing rings in summer like a bright beach towel. Love Lacoste’s rainbow towel with its famous croc. www.lacoste.com
I want to live inside one of Vernon Caldera’s terrariums… really each one is like its own city. Which is Caldera’s inspiration for each terraium. The cities he’s visited inspire each one and is named after one. I can’t tell you more now – we’ll have a feature on the art behind these magnificent pieces in the July issue. www.vernoncaldera.com
I have been a believer of the oxygen facial craze since my first one about five years ago. The results are immediate and skin looks plump and lush. There are so many different options and price points out there that you should be able to find one that suits you. I recently tried the Intraceuticals Infusions facial at Nordstrom and loved it. The treatment delivers specially formulated serums that work deep within the skin via pressurized oxygen to transform each layer, inside out. And I really love that I can extend the treatment’s results at home with Intraceuticals Rejuvenate Daily Serum.
As it gets hotter, I get well…sweatier. Sorry – there’s no graceful way to say it. BUT Clean’s new Moisture-Absorbent Deodorant has me actually wanting to sweat to release the amazing warm cotton scent. It smells like clean clothes… and so do I. Available at Sephora.
By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen
THINGS I LOVE | may 2011
I’m a little crazy when it comes to my laundry and was a little skeptical when I came across Purex Crystals. Was this cat litter-looking stuff supposed to replace my bottle of Downy and Suavitel combo? I can’t say it’ll replace it (old habits die hard) but it certainly sits side by side with them in the laundry room. A cap full of the crystals poured directly into the wash gives the liquid drawer backed up with goo a well needed rest, plus our workout clothes never smelled better or felt softer for that matter. Available at grocery stores.
This Dog On-the-Go booklet is the cutest! Keep all your pet’s needs, likes, meds, etc., in this Doggy passport. The next time you leave your pooch you can rest assured all her important stats are within reach. www.peg-loves.com
By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen
THINGS I LOVE | april 2011
I am obsessed with these elastic hair ties. Overdyed elastic hair ties not only come in the most amazing colors, but they don’t take out my hair with them. Plus they double as super-cute bracelets. Coming soon to Longoria Collection.
Fair Verona’s Shakespearean-inspired lingerie collection is simply decadent. Satins shine alongside well-appointed ruffles and chiffon to create the sexiest, curve-loving collection. I love the frilly Giuletta skirted panty in pearl – they look like meringue. www.fairverona.com
Caswell-Massey’s Ocean Natural Bath Soap is the perfect something blue for your new home. Made with the semi-precious stone, lapis lazuli, the bars smell divine and look just as precious as the stone. Available at Neiman Marcus.
For some reason weddings bring out the need to monogram in most gals I know. Myself included. Except it hit me about three years after the wedding! LOVE Louis Vuitton’s personalization service. Mine took about 3 weeks to come! Well worth the wait.For some reason weddings bring out the need to monogram in most gals I know. Myself included. Except it hit me about three years after the wedding! LOVE Louis Vuitton’s personalization service. Mine took about 3 weeks to come! Well worth the wait.
Believe me, I’ve still got some wedding wrinkles from the stress of planning a destination wedding. This month Kiehl’s launches their Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler. The treatment is an instant line filler plus a long-term wrinkle reducer. Although I wouldn’t change a thing about my big day, I have no issues saying goodbye to those wrinkles. Available at Kiehl’s in Higland Village.
Maison Burdisso’s Parisian macarons are perfection for any wedding shower, reception, rehearsal or just your kitchen island! The colors are divine and the taste is as close as I’m going to get to Laduree. They feature weekly specials so visit the website to see what they’ll be offering as well as where to get them. www.maisonburdisso.com, 713.545.5005. They are also on Facebook.
Sonia Kashuk’s travel cases are the perfect organizers for your honeymoon. The designs are Palm Beach meets graffiti, and the colors will pop in your luggage the second you open it! Collection available at Target.
By Carla Valencia de Martinez | Photography by Gabriella Nissen
THINGS I LOVE | march 2011
• Dial recently launched a line of body lotions with dermatologist Dr. Jody Levine. What makes them so great is the BioNutrient Complex in the collection. I like the Chamomile lotion, which soothes and keeps my skin hydrated all day.
• I LOVE la Michoacana Meat Markets! They have all my favorite authentic Mexican stuff. I fill up my basket with conchas (sweet bread); cans of pickled peppers and beans; quarts of Mexican sour cream (which is like crème fraiche); Sidral (apple soda); all sorts of spicy sauces for my chips and popcorn; avocados, peppers and even freshly made tamales on some days – and for about 20 bucks!
• Reminiscent of my DASH (Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart) days, I can’t get enough of Hamilton 1883 oxford shirts. The short sleeve pink is my current favorite. Available at Hamilton Shirts, 5700 Richmond, 713.780.8222 or online at www.hamilton1883.com.
• I don’t know about you, but my skin hasn’t seen the sun in Lord knows how long. It’s been so long I’ve resorted to self-tanners. Beautisol’s self-tanner has an odor-eliminating technology that reduces the processing odor by 80%. In a nutshell, it leaves you smelling like you put on clothes fresh out of the dryer; it smells like Tide! I am obsessed, and happily tan. www.beautisol.com
• The craftsmanship in La Isla bikinis is sublime and seeing that this is the fashion + travel issue, I only saw it fitting to share. Plus the chic line out of Colombia is supporting Children of the Americas (www.childrenoftheamericas.org) with the 2011 collection. Proceeds from the sales this year will help children in rural Guatemala receive medical care. www.laislabrand.com
• This Tiffany’s blue credit card holder just makes me smile every time I locate it in my huge bag. Plus it’s perfect to toss in a clutch.
THINGS I LOVE | february 2011
I’m obsessed with lip balms. I recently discovered Korres Lip Butter. The Jasmine one has a slight nude tint, smells a little sweet and is just like butta! Sephora.
This might look familiar, since I recently raved about the Regenerating Serum, but this is La Mer’s new Radiant serum which launches this March. I got to sample a bottle prior to and the potion is amazing. With a brightening ferment, the serum improves texture, plumps skin and tightens pores helping restore the glow of young skin. It’s worth it. Neiman Marcus.
I’m awful at getting my hair or nails consistently done – but the one thing that is in my book without fail are my massages with Kim. Seriously, the woman has changed my stress level and the way my body moves. It doesn’t get any better than $1 a minute. Massages by Kim, 281.787.0592. 2203 Washington Avenue.
I bet you can’t just eat one. Tate’s all natural chocolate chip cookies have fulfilled my quest for the best chocolate chip cookies on earth….for now. They are thin and crisp but packed with flavor. The consistency is perfect for dipping in ice cold milk and into your belly. Central Market.
I am in a constant battle with my workout headphones…constant. They either pop out, or get wet, or are too delicate and one side inevitably goes out or all of sudden gets static-y. Yurbuds were developed by a marathoner and triathlete and are the official earbuds of Ironman®. If that’s not endorsement enough, I don’t know what is. www.yurbuds.com
I LOVE my 11”MacBook Air! I haven’t had a computer upgrade in about 10 years. My trusty PowerBook was an extension of my arm until this Christmas! To my surprise, under the tree sat this tiny laptop that upon first glance I thought was an iPad. This monster of a machine is super fast, super light and makes me super happy. www.apple.com
One of my favorite events is coming up this spring. It might be too early to share but I think you all need to save the date! It’s Memorial Park Conservancy’s 3rd Annual Four the Park Fun Run. Join us to celebrate and support the park in the heart of the city! April 2, 2011, come out and help the conservancy plan, protect and preserve the park you most likely use on a regular basis. www.memorialparkconservancy.org
I hate my skin this time of year. It’s dry, parched and drained of all moisture. Caudalie’s Vine Body Butter quenches and rehydrates my sickly looking skin. Sephora.
I am beyond excited for the Texas Yoga Conference this month! February 25 – 27 at the Jerabeck Athletic Center, St. Thomas University. Highlights include class with Dana Flynn, of Laughing Lotus in New York; a concert with Sean Lotus and the Wild Lotus Band and a performance by MC Yogi! I’ll be there! Sign up now at www.texasyogaconference.com.
THINGS I LOVE | january 2011
Love the simplicity of the messages on tees for a change. Win a Practice Peace t-shirt when you sign up for our e-blasts. Just go to our website and click the “sign up” tab to be entered into the drawing for 2 shirts. Or you can get your own at www.teesforchange.com.
THINGS I LOVE | november 2010
Back in high school, one of my friends (you know who you are!) convinced me my bushy eyebrows had to be tamed. Off I went to get waxed and ended up with pencil-thin brows. They never grew back the same. Uneven arches and awkward uneven patches have reigned supreme. I’ve been using neuveauBrow for about a month and with its special formula of Apple Stem Cell Extract, peptides, proteins, vitamins and moisturizers, those patches are about to kiss my face buh-bye! Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Love the idea of a detox, but fear that they usually involve colonics, strange diets or cayenne pepper? I tried the GliSODin Skin Nutrients Detox Formula for 15 days last month. The cleanse is supposed to “aid in weight loss of 6-8 pounds of water weight through proper excretion of toxins from the system with potent antioxidants and botanical extracts that cleanse eliminative pathways to speed up the metabolism while removing toxins to promote clear and radiant skin.” (giggle, giggle) Two packets a day is for an intense detox; I opted for the “lighter” cleanse of one packet a day. The concoction of French melon, berries, Chardonnay grapes, dandelion and nutra flora (which is an excellent source of soluble fiber that aids in digestion and water retention) didn’t taste too bad to me. I certainly had more energy, and my skin seemed to glow, plus I didn’t have to change my diet or give up a glass of red wine. The supply will cost you about $125 which is the equivalent of a facial, but last time I checked a facial won’t do much about that extra water weight. www.SpaLook.com.
I recently discovered reBloom, a beauty sleep drink. Originally created by the founder for his wife whose sleeping issues had her taking Ambien™. He wanted a healthier option, so he created reBloom with the help of doctors and scientists. The elixir tastes like herbal tea and “of those that took reBloom, over 90% reported falling asleep faster and over 75% reported improved sleep quality, more sleep and feeling refreshed in the morning.” Beauty and sleep in the same super-cute Alice in Wonderland-esque bottle? I’m sold, plus I did sleep better the nights I took one. www.reBloom.com.
Now that I’m rocking a glow thanks to better sleep, a clean digestive system, a lack of water weight, etc., how about something to illuminate that glow? La Mer is introducing the limited edition illuminating power just in time for the holidays. Hits Neiman Marcus counters in December.
The TRAINERmat is perfect to kick start some at-home core work after a run or bike ride. Especially when you just can’t think of what to do. Available at Sports Authority.
I love the special kits beauty brands create just in time for the holidays. They are usually a better value than buying the pieces individually. Kate Sommerville’s Merry & Bright kit is just one of those. The kit’s three treatments work together to diminish uneven skin tone, age spots and freckles to leave you with brighter radiant skin. Available at Neiman Marcus.
ZENO – the creators of the handheld device to fight acne – recently launched the Heat Treat device. I couldn’t have gotten my hands on a sample on a better day. A monster of a blemish had reared its ugly head in the middle of my forehead! The device works with heat and vibration and kills 99.9% of acne-causing bacteria. Spread a thin layer of the serum with 1% Salicylic Acid and the sensation causes pores to open up driving the serum into the skin essentially killing acne. The rhythmic movement is calming, plus that zit shrank in time for a night full of events. www.myzeno.com
By Carla Valencia de Martinez
THINGS I LOVE | october 2010
Photography by Gabriella Nissen
Boho meets rock n’ roll meets glamour in de petra’s jewelry. Love this sister duo’s creations and find it quite impossible to just pick one. Available at Kuhl-Linscomb.
Shoe angels might just be heaven sent. Simply peel and stick to the back of your favorite heel or flat and drive scuff-free through those pearly gates … just remember to take them off before you get out. www.myshoeangels.com
Speaking of shoes, I am kind of obsessed with Elaine Turner’s faux tortoise shell heel bootie for fall. I had the opportunity to chat with the designer last month when she graciously opened up her home for a petit media preview of the fall collection and discovered we both have a love for tortoise. Faux, of course! www.elaineturner.com
Hugo Naturals line of bath products is intoxicating. The all-natural, handcrafted, vegan products are cruelty-free and still remain ultra rich, super fragrant and luxurious. Available at Whole Foods.
There’s something so feminine and whimsical about Martha Grover’s pieces. They are both beautiful and functional. Pitcher available at 18 Hands Gallery, 240 W. 19th Street, www.18handsgallery.com.
Does it get any cuter than this pint-size Tory Burch umbrella? Available at Tory Burch.
Yesto cucumbers facial towelettes are great for a post-workout wipe.
Dryel has rown up and perfected their method to apply to all your clothes. Simply add 1–4 dry clean garments to the included fabric protection bag (remove stains with the included pen if necessary first), add Dryel cleaning cloth, zip and place in dryer. Tumble for 30 minutes, hang garment to release any wrinkles, and that’s it!
By Carla Valencia de Martinez
THINGS I LOVE | august 2010
LOVE these pillowcases! I saw them in those super cute emails I get from www.houstontidbits.com (sign up to get them, it’s free) and went straight to the online store for red, the fantastic boutique (so tidbits tells me) in Fredericksburg, Texas. www.redinfred.com
It’s my bday month! I love the Hardy Klub. I get to sneak peek new collections, get special invitations and a newsletter, plus a get a surprise in the mail on my birthday. www.johnhardy.com
It’s the crafter in me that loves these Lilah Gabriel necklaces made locally by a husband and wife duo. (Jessica is a fashion designer/stylist and Jason a jewelry designer.). The two merged their talents to offer these fabric and chain pieces. I love the beautifully tangled mess. Available at Peel Gallery.
Great for impromptu stops at Memorial Park for a quick run. Neutrogena facial wipes.
I think more of you get sick in the summer than winter. AIRBORNE, people! I don’t get on a plane or go to large public venues, camps, etc., without taking one. And guess what? I don’t get sick coming back from a vacation.
Last month I started getting cramps in my toes, calves and legs. I mean paralyzing charley horses. And I was turned onto Nuun electrolyte tablets. Drop an effervescent tab in your bottle of water and – presto! – instant electrolytes without the sugar. At sports stores.
Yummy, yummy, crunchy and chocolatey! Kashi Go Lean all natural bars. At CostCo.
When I find something I love, I’ll buy more than one in case it’s never, ever available again. That’s what Newton tennis shoes do to me. I have a hot pink pair as well. I run better, faster and harder in them. Available at Fleet Feet and Luke’s Locker.
Unfortunately my revolvolution doesn’t have navigation, but my iPhone does thanks to AT&T’s new app. $6.99 per month (I got it on sale, peeps!) gets me automated navigation complete with my own lady with the educated accent telling me how to roll.
Gotta take your vitamins! Right now, I’m loving Shaklee’s Vitalizer+Iron Rise and Shine packs. www.Shaklee.com
Photography by Gabrielle Nissen.
