It’s the most wonderful time of the year……..

No, I am not talking about Christmas. Backpacks, lunch bags and new school supplies – yes school will be starting next week and parents are preparing to ship the kids off to college or university, or in my case their first day of school.

I remember how exciting it was to get my new binders and fresh crisp paper and colored markers….it was so exciting to start the year off with all new supplies.

While looking for supplies for my daughter, I came across Pottery Barns’ back-to-school line up and while I don’t get paid to endorse PB, I think they really offer great school supplies.

The PB backpacks (love the supply pocket), lunch bags and locker systems are well organized for all the little stuff kids need and like to take with them to school. And for home study space they exceed a parent’s expectations. The flex wall system and style it desk are great at encouraging kids to hit the books.

If you are looking cool stylish supplies Russell and Hazel have awesome elastics and binders. And let’s not forget my favorite site See Jane Work; they have great colored pencils, notebook paper, Happezz butterfly clips in fun prints and cool magnets to help organize your bulletin board!

With all these great supplies how could you not be excited to go back-to-school!

Not just for teeny-boppers?

Teen rooms and dorm décor has really improved from the days of milk crate book shelves and futon beds. Pottery Barn Teen (PB Teen) has a great collection of inspiring room décor and accessories that I think can work in any room, at any age.

Their Kensington Collection is bold and vibrant – with beautiful bursting red and pink flowers. The rugs they have right now are beautifully laden with smart floral and bird designs; I could see these in a beautiful sitting room or home office.

PB Teen has everything for every room in the house – check out the pendant lamps – have you ever seen a cord scrunchie look so good?

On a more kitsch note – I would love to accessorize my daughter's room with the pretty soft colored pillows and plush animal.

While PB Kids is a great source for kids rooms, I would not discount PB Teen as being too old for them …. or too young for us!

All things India

I have to say I am captivated right now by India Hicks. She seems to be everywhere lately. For those who don't know who she is, she is the daughter of famed interior decorator David Hicks and Lady Pamela Hicks.

Born in London, England, she was named in honor of her grandfather, Lord Mountbatten of Burma the last Viceroy to India. She was also a bridesmaid at her godfather's wedding which would not be a big deal unless your godfather was Prince Charles. Yes, she was a 13 year old bridesmaid at the wedding of the century!

Recently, India Hicks became a creative partner at Crabtree and Evelyn. She has launched what I think is a beautiful home fragrance collection called Island Living (inspired by her island life in the Bahamas). She also published a book called "Island Life" which is a collection of beautiful interiors that will make you crave the sun and simpler life of the Caribbean.

India was also featured in Domino magazine. In the article she shares stories about growing up with her dad and experiences with her own family. The magazine did a great job photographing her own home in the Bahamas and from these pictures I am sure you will agree like her father, India also has an eye for interior decorating.

I am eagerly awaiting her next collection at Crabtree and Evelyn; I will let you know as soon as it's available!

All the buzz................

I think I am still in love with the Napoleon Bee motif. A traditional symbol of French Royalty, the collection of bee motif items is endless and timeless.

While this trend made its rebirth several years ago, it is still a great addition to any home décor. The Napoleon Bee motif is both whimsical and posh all in one

Here are what I think are the must-haves……

The classic bee tumblers – a must have! Also the flatware and dishware from La Rochere, William Sonoma and Horchow makes any table setting fresh and stylish.

Restoration Hardware has a pretty Italian embroidered bee bedding set and recently they lunched a baby & child line with the same cute bee bedding and accessories.

Go ahead - create a little “buzz” around the house!

Do you live a charmed life?

Last Christmas I received a special gift from my boss. While she was in London, she came across a Thomas Sabo store and picked me up the modern"today" version of the classic charm bracelet. THOMAS SABO (http://www.thomassabo.com/) is an innovative jewelry designer from Austria that specializes in unisex jewelry. What makes his jewelry so special? It's all in the charm.

The selection of charms is incredible and we're not talking about #1 mom charms either. Take a look through his website -there is something for everyone, every style and every occasion. That's what I like about my bracelet - I can wear it to work, dress it up or keep it casual with jeans and a t-shirt!
Thomas Sabo launches new collections every Spring and Autumn so there are constantly new things to tempt you. The collections are endless and range from Fashion & Beauty to Goth & Rock!

Here are just a few that I adore.



I have 3 charms so far on my bracelet (a lipstick, handbag and flip flop) and next time I am in Hong Kong (they have a great store there) I will definitely be adding a few more to my collection.

PS: Gotta have "my favorite shoes"!!