Having just returned from a trip to a new locale, I found this quote appropriate for this week’s LuSHHus Lines:

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." ~ St. Augustine

Have a great week!

I will be away on vacation for the next week.  All the best to all of you!

The LuSHHus family is preparing to embark on a summer vacation, and that means I am busy determining what we will take.  As you probably know, smart packing is key to a successful vacation.  The goal of this summer trip is relaxation (well, as much relaxation as possible with an almost-three-year-old in tow), and, with that in mind, here is what I consider must-have items:

I love this Susana Monaco Pool Side Dress that I got here.  It’s easy, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish. 

This is one of the suits I will be wearing.  I love the bandeau top and the keyhole detail.

After each day in the sun, sand, and water, I will be sure to apply my favorite lotion.

I will definitely be taking my new Kindle.  So far, I am planning to read Sail, An Absolute Scandal, and The Collectors.

Playing cards is always a fun way for my husband and me to spend a couple of hours, so we’ll probably take a deck.

Matching toiletry bags with a beautiful monogram are a nice way to keep all your products and supplies organized.  Many styles and patterns are available, and you can get a set here.

Here is one thing I won’t be bringing:

Wow…a computer-free week…I’m not sure how I will fare!

Cheers!

I came across a few new LuSHHus pet products that pet lovers everywhere will likely covet and added them to The LuSHHus List for Dogs and Their People.  Here are the new items:

If you have a large dog, the Rapid Bath Pet Bathing System just might be the thing for you.  Attach this little device to either your hose outside or your shower head inside for a quick and easy way to get your doggie clean.  The website claims you can administer a professional level bath within three minutes using this system!

I love this dog bowl!  I would get orange.  Check them out here.

You drink fortified water; why shouldn’t your furry four-legged friend?  Hero Dog Water from Century Foods comes in three formulas to meet your dog’s needs: healthy aging, healthy joints, and endurance.

Here is the complete LuSHHus List for Dogs and Their People:

Cheers!

A friend mentioned The Lucky Shopping Manual to me recently, and I just had the chance to check it out.  In this fashion handbook, you will find really useful tips such as:

• which pieces comprise a complete wardrobe
• how to mix and match various pieces
• which items are worth splurging on and which are not
• practical techniques on how to care for and maintain your clothing
• ideas for smart packing
• suggestions on where to shop around the country
• and much more

The editors of Lucky Magazine really packed a lot of advice into this manual, and I think you will enjoy it and benefit from it if you check it out.

Cheers!

Now you can order M&Ms with pictures of your favorite person on them (or even pictures of yourself on them!)  I think this fun chocolate candy would bring happiness to most people. 

You can easily place your order online here: customers upload one or two photos, pick the desired colors, and include one or two texts to be printed on separate M&Ms.  M&M’s Faces are available in several sizes:

• 7 ounce bags for $14.95 per bag (minimum order: 3 bags)
• 5 or 10 pound bulk box for $162.50 or $312.50, respectively
• a variety of 1.6 to 1.75 ounce party favors (minimum order: 20 bags), priced at $4.99–$6.19 per bag

The uses for M&M’s Faces are endless: centerpieces, wedding favors, wedding or baby shower favors, child’s birthday party favors, birthday gift, retirement gift, holiday fun, anniversary or Valentine gift, new baby…. 

Enjoy!

I am busy working on an upcoming series of posts called "20 Days to a More LuSHHus Life."  In each installment, you will find a suggestion on how you can fill your life with more luxury, improved style, added happiness, and better health.  Please stay tuned for "20 Days to a More LuSHHus Life"…you are sure to enjoy it!

In the meantime, I was so excited about a healthy living feature called "Fit to Eat" in the latest Living magazine and had to bring it to your attention.  The article speaks to the old adage "you are what you eat" and specifically discusses how diet affects the appearance of our skin and complexion.  There are three recipes included, and all three recipes in the article are tempting me to make them. I bet I will try them all before the week’s end.  Here they are:

Creamy Spinach and Sweet Onion Dip with Crudités

Salmon and Citrus Rice Bowl

Dried Fruit and Nut Health Bar

Cheers!

I first heard this week’s quote at the annual MOPS convention last year.  I think it’s an important message for everyone. 

"You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life."

Have a great week.

I am very excited about the new website LIVESTRONG.COM, which is a site focused on changing your life.  I think you will find this website to be a trusted resource for daily health, fitness and lifestyle information (The Lance Armstrong Foundation partnered with Demand Media to launch this venture.) 

The site includes some very useful tools such as The Daily Plate, a free food, calorie, and fitness tracker. 

I also like the "Dare to" section that empowers you to make smart choices in your life or even dare a loved one to do so (examples: quit smoking, exercise regularly, get more sleep….) 

Many well-known experts will offer their two cents on matters related to health and overall well being.  I loved reading Bobbi Brown’s article here. 

You will find all sorts of advice on health, food, exercise, balance, and more, so check out LIVESTRONG.COM for a more LuSHHus life.

Cheers!

If you’re with child - or plan to be sometime down the line - you have to check out Isabella Oliver.  These are some of the most stylish and glamorous maternity clothes I have seen.  The wrapping and ruching that are the Isabella Oliver signature and that are seen in most of the pieces makes you look fabulous throughout your entire pregnancy and even in the few months following delivery.  Here are some of my favorite items:

The Portrait Top

The Duo Sleeveless Wrap Dress (it’s reversible!)

The Cap Wrap Around Top

IO Jeans

Twist Swimsuit

The Wrap Column Dress

Cheers!

If there’s a little girly girl in your life, I can’t imagine a cuter way to contain her bows than these ballerina bow holders.  They’re precious! 

Cheers!

I’ve admired the products from Erin Condren for quite some time, and, because I’ve been needing some casual and fun family gift cards, I just recently placed an order for these gift labels:

FYI - the anchor labels are under the sorority section on the website, but I chose them since my husband is in the Navy (which, of course, means the whole family is in the Navy.)  Anyway, imagine my surprise when I opened my package yesterday and received more than just my gift labels!  I found the following note:

Along with a complete set of these:

There are 20 personalized note cards, 20 white envelopes, and 20 matching round return labels!  And I didn’t order them!  How’s that for taking care of your customers and showing appreciation?!  Thanks, Erin Condren…I love my gift labels and my note cards! 

Now, LuSHHus readers, I am not saying that all of you will get a free gift with purchase, but you never know…!  Check out the website here.

Cheers!