Not Oprahs Favorite Things!

Clearly Oprah and I don't run in the same crowd. I will not be celebrating sequined UGG boots, iPads, ridiculously expensive mac+cheese mix, or Josh Grobin's new CD. I will however, be sharing my top 10 favorite things I have managed to find this past year that are practical and you don't have to sell your body to get them. Drum roll please! And in no particular order....Enjoy!

10) Mychelle Deep Repair Cream

If your looking for a stellar, organic face cream, then hot damn, this is it. I love this product. It's not harsh on my skin, the smell is not potent, and it makes my skin feel great. Highly Recommend. You can get this on their website www.mychelle.com or Whole Foods from $28-$30

9.) Aztec Secret Healing Clay

This stuff is AH-mazing for facials. Best thing I have ever bought for my face. Here's the breakdown: Pure bentonite clay derived from ancient riverbed volcanic ash. Historically used by American Indians for purification and healing. Great for facials and skin rejuvenation for the total body. Use externally.AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY is bentonite clay from Death Valley, California, where it is sun- dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees.

It's pretty awesome. The clay hardens on your face and you can actually feel your skin pulsate. There is redness that does occur after wards, for about 30-40 minutes or so. (think looking sun burnt) It's so worth it! Then use a little of the Mychelle Deep Skin Repair after wards and your skin has really never felt better. It's one of my favorite things to do, well once a week. You can also pick this up at Whole Foods for about $8.

8) CrossRoads Sauvignon Blanc 2008

This New Zealand find, was actually found in New York while dining out on my birthday. I happen to like sweet, and usually partake in either a dessert wine like a Moscato or a nice German Riesling. This night, when asking the waitress about the Riesling, she told me that it's more on the dry side. Not my idea of a party, so I told her my pallet prefers sweet and she told me she thinks she knows what I might like, and did she ever hit the head on the nail! The label that I put up actually shows the year 2007, but I actually had the '08. I suggest that one, since I have not tasted the 2007 and I couldn't find a stock photo for the 2008! You can visit their website at www.crossroadswinery.co.nz/ You can get a bottle between $15-$30, depending if you order through them or visit your local wine shoppe.

7.) Flo + The Machine

I had a very frustrating cat and mouse game for 2 years trying to search for her and her band after hearing, what I didn't know then the was 'Dog Days Are Over' at the Forever 21 at 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica. I drove myself loony trying to figure out who sang that song, until I finally heard her played on KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic on my way to work. I freaked! I got to work, jumped onto their website and low and behold Florence and The Machine was the band I was head over heels obsessed with. Later on that night, I jumped on iTunes and bought both albums, Lungs and the deluxe version and have been non stop ever since. If you have never heard of her (it's hard not too now, she's bursting onto the fore front) try the jams : Drumming Song and and Blinding. Brilliant. iTunes sells it for $9.99.

6.) Are You There Vodka, it's me, Chelsea

I know this isn't new, but I LOVE it. I would like to be her one day! It's just so wrong, it's right. Try Amazon.com it's sells from $7-$16

5.) Amazon Kindle

This was a huge surprise for Christmas and I love it! How perfectly lazy and convenient to be watching the View, when they have some celebrity on promoting their new book and you can just pick up that Kindle and boom! Loves. You can also subscribe to magazines and newspapers as well. Genius.

Check it out at www.amazon.com sells for $139

4.) Dry Soda

This popped up at a bar I used to work for in Hollywood and it was love at first sip. My personal favorite, Lemongrass. It may not sound great, but if your into sparkling water with a hint of lime, this is your drink. They also have rhubarb, lavender,juniper berry,vanilla bean, cucumber and blood orange. I like to infuse with vodka and fresh fruit! Delish! Visit Whole Foods, 4pks $5.99

3.) Aromatherapy Vanilla Jasmine Body Lotion

I have been wearing this stuff for years and I refuse to give it up. I am all about relaxing scents and you really can't get any more relaxing then Jasmine. It happens to be my favorite flower and I can't get enough of this stuff. This makes my list every year of fav's. You can find it at Bath & Body Works for $14

2.) Tomato Vine Candle

www.daylesfordorganic.com

This is the most amazing summertime candle. I am a huge fan of gardening. Veggies, flowers, herbs, I love it. You wouldn't think that a candle that smells of tomato vine would smell good, but you are oh so wrong. These come from Daylesfod Organic in London, England. I myself have not gone here but believe that if I ever come up with the money, I will be camping out at this farm. My old boss visited London and came back with a few of these and I quickly became obsessed. After conversion your looking at around $27 for the medium size. And don't forget shipping. Don't want the hassle of shopping over seas? If you want something comparable, try TOCCA SOFIA candles. www.candlesoffmain.com You are looking at about $36 for 10.6 ounces and 60 hrs. of burn time.

1.) David Austin English Roses

I have been working with flowers, on and off for about 13 years. Until my very last job working for a floral and event company based out of Los Angeles, called Hoot & Heart Co. did I actually find my true love for roses. I'm not talking about your hot house, grocery store kind rose. I'm talking about beautiful,voluptuous, heavily scented garden roses. We had our own rose farm, but we would also get them flown in from South America as well. One of my favorites, Yves Piaget, is the most sweetly scented, gorgeous rose I have ever seen in person. They are not available on the David Austin website, but if you research a bit you could probably find a nursery that sells them. The DA roses are amazing. I suggest ordering a free copy of their catalog so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about. They also make great gifts for a fellow rose/garden lover. I sent my mom a DA bare root rose 2 two years ago for Mother's day and she loves it. Pair that with an old antique bud vase for the first bloom picked for the season and you have a full fledged botanical affair at your hands. Once you go English, you won't go back.

YVES PIAGET BOUQUET
Photo credit: Black Bachman for Hoot & Heart Co.
www.davidaustinroses.com
www.hootandheart.com