Day 11: They're cute!

What can I say, the Ugly Dolls are so ugly they're cute. Owen has Wage (top center) and I think Santa may be bringing him another one. Love 'em.

Day 10: The Best Mascara

I was lucky enough to get a tube of Lash Stylist for free when I bought one of Maybelline's eyeshadow collections. I was so surprised at how much I liked it. I have tried lots of mascaras, even the pricey ones from Clinique and Lancome, and so far this is the best I've come across. The cool wand keeps the mascara from building up and causing lumps and you can get to the tiniest of lashes with it. Magic!

Day 9: Wallpaper

So I have never been a fan of wallpaper...until now. These are the two I am considering for above the chair rail in my new office: Kenzan by Romo Fabrics and Herrick by Osborne & Little. What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

Photos courtesy of the manufacturers' websites.

Day 8: Life's a banquet

Auntie Mame is one of my all-time favorite movies. Rosalind Russell is such a kick—a woman to admire with a fantastic spirit. Here a quick synopsis courtesy of Moviefone:

This 1958 film version permits Rosalind Russell to recreate her stage role as Mame Dennis, the flamboyant, devil-may-care aunt of young, impressionable Patrick Dennis. Left in Mame's care when his millionaire father drops dead, young Patrick (Jan Handzlik) is quickly indoctrinated into his aunt's philosophy that "Life is a banquet--and some poor suckers are starving to death." Social-climbing executor Dwight Babcock (Fred Clark) does his best to raise Patrick as a stuffy American aristocrat, but Mame battles Babcock to allow the boy to be as free-spirited as she is.

Day 7: A little bit of luxury

Olema Druids Hall is a wonderful inn located in the town of Olema, about an hour's drive from San Francisco. The Hall was constructed in 1885 and used for many years as a meeting hall and community center. In 1950 the building was sold to the current owner's family and was used primarily as a rustic retreat. The structure was converted to a full-time family home in the 1970s. The family has since done major renovations and turned the Hall into a peaceful hotel.

Matt and I stayed here just before Owen was born, about two years ago, and it instantly became my favorite getaway. Of course it doesn't hurt that it's 10 minutes from my favorite place on earth, Point Reyes National Seashore!

The bathroom in our room, The Olema Room Suite.

The garden.

The surroundings.

The store is located at the bottom of the hill.
You can even buy some of the items that decorate the inn!

Day 6: Trips are adventures

As the mother of two young boys, I have read tons of bedtime stories. And let's face it, Dora leaves a little to be desired. This book is my favorite by the talented illustrator and writer Maira Kalman. She is a fascinating woman with a gift for capturing the essence of people which is what she does in her fabulous children's book Next Stop Grand Central. And you don't have to be a kid or have one to get a kick out of it.

Day 5: A clean day

All of Mrs. Meyer's products are exceptional, but my favorite item is the Lemon Verbena Candle. It reminds me of New York City, which for some of you may not be a ringing endorsement. I was introduced to this lovely candle during the AIGA conference in NYC a few year's ago. I was lucky enough to hear a presentation given by the company's founder—an amazing woman. After the break, each of the attendees had one of these candles on their chair. I took mine back to my hotel room and lit it and instantly fell in love. Plus, the cute working glass container can be recycled or reused as a vase or for another candle.