2011- My Favorite Things

Happy New Year!
It's a quiet and sunny New Year's Day around here, perfect for longing round and feeling jealous of the kittens for their never-ending energy and ability to be fully entertained by a sunny reflection on the wall. Also, it's as good a time as any for looking back and listing my favorite things of 2011. This isn't necessarily about beauty products, though some will be mentioned. I didn't include any perfumes since I already dedicated a full post to 2011 in perfume. These are just the things that delighted me this year. Please chime in through the comments and share your own discoveries and new loves.

Beauty Trend: 2011 felt like a big year for lipstick, but even those who shy away from full coverage and intense lip colors could get behind the sheer lipstick trend. Almost every company had one to offer: Laura Mercier, Chanel, Burberry, Dior, Shiseido...

Lipstick: Speaking of lipstick, there were many interesting launches in 2011 but the best one came from Guerlain. Rouge Automatique lipsticks have the most beautiful and unique packaging, fabulous formula and more gorgeous colors than one can justify owning (which doesn't prevent the craving).

Tea: Paris blend by Harney & Sons. It's a fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavors, and a hint of lemony Bergamot.

The Duchess Of Cambridge: I'm a royal family nerd, so the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was among of the highlights of my year. As a royal watcher, one of my favorite websites this year was What Kate Wore. I highly recommend following the site on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Social Media: Sometimes it feels like a second job, but communicating with readers and other bloggers through the various channels is also a lot of fun and very rewarding. Many of you already follow and talk to me on Twitter or through the Non-Blonde Facebook Group (have you joined? Please do). Now I'm also dipping my toes in Pinterest. The latter can get very addictive very quickly.

Makeup Remover: Bioderma Crealine H2o Ultra-mild Non-rinse Face and Eyes Cleanser takes off everything, including mascara and eyeliners. The cheapy Yes to Cucumbers wipes have also been a staple ever since I discovered them.

Eatery: The husband and I have been kvetching for years about the lack of a good French-style patisserie in North Jersey. Our wish was finally granted with the opening of Sook Pastry Shop (24 South Broad Street Ridgewood, NJ). Cakes, eclairs, crepes... it's as tempting as it gets, just skip the way too sweet hot chocolate.

Etsy: Being committed to buy a lot less at the mall and a lot more handmade items by indie artsits and artisans, Etsy is often the first place I go searching for cat toys and fashion accessories. I'm not sure who is more amused by the Octopussy, the cats or us, but this felted tentacled catnip-filled toy is ahuge success in our house.

Makeup: Here's the quickest recap, because the entire blog chronicles my quest for fabulous-- foundation: Guerlain Lingerie de Peau, Concealer: Ellis Faas, Eye Shadows: Le Metier de Beaute, Mascara: Hourglass Film Noir, Blush: Sunday Riley, Lipstick: as mentioned above Gueralin Rouge Automatique, but also Edward Bess and Exude.

Lazy Sunday Stroll: This year saw the opening of the Highline's second part. This very urban NYC park lets you see NYC from a different angle. I usually use the opportunity to shop at the DVF boutique on Washington St &14th, and later grab a bite at Fig & Olive (very vegetarian-friendly).

Anderson Cooper:


Did you find new favorites in 2011?

Photos and Images-
Top image originally by Serge Lutens.
Paris- fashion illustration by Sophie Griotto
Kate & William: Reuters
Cake: The Franklin by Sook Pastry
Cat: that's my Cedric and his Octopussy.
Self portrait on the Highline by Diane von Furstenberg for Muse Magazine.