My Daughters and I On Our Weekly Girls Day Out
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Every Saturday morning my daughters, who are 10 and 8, and I venture out on our self-patented Girls Day Out. It's nothing fancy, mind you. We visit different coffee shops in our city and make a full morning of it. They get hot chocolate and scones and I settle down with a cup of coffee or chai latte. Today we decided to also do a little bit of boutique shopping as well and I'm glad we did. It's amazing how many little gems you can find in your local area if you just look.We stopped by two boutiques in what the Winston-Salem, NC locals affectionately call the Arts District. Walking into the first shop, Pantina (see address below) was like physically stepping into etsy.com -- colors and creativity everywhere! There were handmade, whimsical, funky, and lavish products all under one roof from designer purses and jewelry to French soaps and one-of-a-kind greeting cards. And then to top if off we discovered that Pantina has a coffee shop and art gallery in the back. My girls and I were not only walking around the shop in bliss, but we instantly made plans for next Saturday's Girl Day Out.
I couldn't pass up their La Lavande gift soaps that were stacked s
o beautifully with all of the various fragrant body lotions, candles and soaps. I bought La Lavande's Pear and Cassis and Vanilla Espresso. If you want to buy some La Lavande and try it out, visit www.lalavandegifts.com.The second boutique we visited was Signature by Carolina (see address below). They're a lifestyle gift shop and wedding registry and carry everything from gifts to tableware and even gourmet foods. It has a lovely atmosphere, cozy feel, and an extremely helpful and pleasant owner. My daughters were immediately drawn to the section where they carried select products from Stonewall Kitchen. We opted to go home with rosemary basil crackers and basil pesto. Yum! Can't wait to try them tonight.
And for me, I bought a small tube of Lollia Handcreme. It is made with peony, white lily, lavender and violet, with rich shea butter, macadamia and Brazil nut oils. The handcreme is so rich with a distinct, deli
ghtful fragrance that it makes you only want to use it on special occasions. Visit www.lollialife.com for more information about their entire collection.Jennifer James, Editor
Pantina: 217 West Sixth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Signature by Carolina: 534 N. Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC Phone: 27101, 336-777-3677
Labels: boutiques
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 3:52 PM,
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Why I Love Nimli and You Should, Too
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
If you are a frequent reader of The Mom Salon you know that I love Nimli! Just take a look at the Nimli ads all over the site (we're an affiliate). Here's why I love it: Nimli is an online boutique that focuses on selling chic and aesthetically beautiful products that are also organic, green, and sustainable. Why is this combination so important? A lot of times when I go hunting online for green and sustainable products, there is a lack of aesthetic beauty and eco-consciousness rolled up in one product. I may find a beautiful product, but it kills the earth, or I may discover a product created with the sole purpose of environmental sustainability, but is pathetically ugly and not very well made. Nimli has painstakingly culled together a huge assortment of beautiful products and wares that will not only turn heads, but will also help preserve the environment -- a true win-win in my book.
I was thrilled when I was asked to review a few products that Nimli carries. OK -- I was ecstatic because I fell in love with the brand when I first laid my eyes on it and took a few clicks around. This is one of the funnest reviews I've ever written, so I hope you sit back and enjoy.
BODY and SKINCAREI tried two wonderful products for the body: the All Natural Sugar Body Scrub made by Scrubz ($8) and the Solay Wellness Organic Moisturizer ($28). I have to say, I absolutely loved both, but for different reasons. Th
e sugar scrub -- in their flower scent -- felt wonderful when I spread it on in the shower. The fragrance is remarkable; it's one of those that you'll never forget, even after you haven't smelled it in a long while. What I loved the most about the scrub was how it felt afterward. Because they combine the sugar with grapeseed, mineral, olive, canola, aloe vera, jojoba, soybean, coconut and supreme oils, I didn't need to use lotion afterwards. Needless to say, I loved it so much that it's gone! The Solay Moisture Therapy is an effective way to keep your face hydrated and smooth all day long. The only drawback: It doesn't have a real fragrance and instead takes on the scent of the organic safflower oil that it's mainly made with. In all honesty, it smells like the organic mayonnaise that I buy at Whole Foods, but guess what? It works, so I happily use and enjoy it every morning.
JEWLERY
I have never been a big earring kinda gal, but I am in lust with my Hovey Lee Campbell VI earrings ($40). They go with everything I we
ar forcing me to be more selective about the earrings I wear because I could easily wear these with every outfit. They are very lightweight and just big enough to make a fashion statement. And I also love my Azuri ZigZag Skinny Bamboo bracelets ($15 each). Every time I wear them (I have two) I get compliments, plus I love the light, but sturdy feel of the bamboo and its weave features. Beautiful.
I also received two pieces of clothing that I can't wait to share. I'll review those tomorrow. In the meantime, save 60-70% during their winter sale and if you use code FINALO9 at checkout you will receive an extra 20% off.
On the Net: www.nimli.com
Jennifer James, Editor
Labels: boutiques, fashion, Nimli
posted by The Mom Salon Editors @ 4:05 PM,
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