I am loving the vibrant hues of the Essie nailpolish Spring 2010 collection. They are calling it The Art of Spring Collection and it features colors such as Tart Deco, Lilacism, and Van D’Go. Most of these colors are little girl appropriate so Miss J. will be happy about that. Did you know that Essie nailpolishes contain no formaldehyde, DBP, or toluene?

After reading about The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics last year, I have started changing over some of the products that my family uses including soap, shampoo, and lotions.

 I am glad to know that Essie is making nailpolish that is free of these dangerous chemicals and safer for myself and especially for my little girl.

Have you used Essie nailpolish? I love their vast array of colors. What are you favorites?

I am loving the Smith & Hawken Spring collection at Target.  The Target Corporation acquired the Smith & Hawken brand earlier this year.  The popular garden supply company was in business for over 30 years but sadly closed their doors and ceased operations due to the recession and weak economy.

As I nervously await another impending snowstorm, I am dreaming about spring – planting flowers and having the windows open again.  I thought I would share some of my favorite things from the Smith & Hawken Spring line at Target.  Are any of you as ready for spring as I am?

Smith & Hawken Bird Doormat – I love silhouettes right now and the birds are so pretty on this.
Smith & Hawken Filigree Doormat – The bright green of this mat would really pop on my front porch.
Smith & Hawken Flower Doormat – This flower design kind of reminds me of a pretty tile pattern.

Smith & Hawken French Lavender Candle – Love the lavender color of this pillar candle.
Smith & Hawken Anjou Pear Candle – For those who like a fruity scent, pear is awesome.
Smith & Hawken Copper Garden Sign – This would look so pretty on a white picket garden fence.

Smith & Hawken Bird Feeder – This is so cute and I love how the colors blend will blend into a tree or garden area when hung.
Smith & Hawken Planter – I can see 3 or 4 of these lined up on my kitchen table with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano growing in them.
Smith & Hawken Strawberry Pot – I have always wanted to try one of these.  It comes with the seeds to get started.

Take a look at these beauties.  They are Lilac & Cassis by Le Creuset cookware.  New for spring, these two pretty shades of purple can be found exclusively at Sur La Table.  Did you know that Sur La Table is the second-largest cookware retailer in the US, after Williams-Sonoma?

Le Creuset has been producing their cookware in France since 1925.  These are definitely investment pieces and are of superb quality.  The Lilac & Cassis collections by Le Creuset are available in everything from the round French ovens to a 2-quart pitcher.  The mini cocotte would be so lovely to use for individual baked macaroni and cheese dinners.  Just add a side salad and a glass of wine.

I am considering using one of these attractive polypropylene rugs as an area rug in our dining room.  We painted the room a gorgeous earthy red color and purchased our casual table, chairs, and sideboard about two years ago.  I am just getting around to adding the finishing touches – rug, updated chandelier, curtains, and wall art.

Polypropylene rugs are said to be durable and functional indoors and outdoors.  There are large sliding glass doors that lead from the dining room to our back patio.  I need a rug that is easy to clean and inexpensive but still pretty and soft under foot.  These are some of the options that I am looking at.  Have any of you considered using a polypropylene rug for a high traffic indoor area?

Ballard Designs Avondale
Overstock.com Houndstooth
Pottery Barn Diamond

Ballard Designs Navarre
Dash & Albert Diamond
Ballard Designs Juniper

If you are from Lancaster County, PA or somewhere nearby, you will know that today is a holiday - a yummy one!  Today we celebrate Fasnacht Day also known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday.  It is the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of the Lenten season for Christians.  Lent is the period of 40 days leading up to the Holy Week in the Christian churches... a time of reflection and preperation for Easter.

What do you do on Fasnacht Day and what the heck is a fasnacht, you may ask?!  The tradition of the fasnacht came as a way to clear the cupboards of butter, sugar, and fat which might be fasted during Lent.  A fasnacht is a delicious doughnut made only for Fasnacht Day.  They come in plain, sugared, and my personal favorite, powdered sugar.  These are not your everyday doughnuts as they do not have holes in the center and they are just a little bit spicy.

So, Happy Fasnacht Day and excuse me while I go change my shirt.  It has powdered sugar all over it!

Have you caught the Olympic fever yet?  Our family has been glued to the TV since Friday when we watched the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.  British Columbia looks incredible.  Another trip to add to our travel list.

♥Happy Valentine’s Day♥ by the way!  We are having a quiet night with the family.  A comfort foodish meal for dinner tonight will be followed by a special dessert and more viewing of the Olympic games.

As someone who enjoys watching sports but has never been particularly good at playing any sports, I am just so impressed with the efforts and passion of the young athletes (and the not so young athletes) that we have been following.  What are your favorite winter sports to watch in the Olympics or to participate in yourself?  Has your family been glued to the TV, watching the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the way that mine has?