Happy Birthday Week {+ a giveaway}

{the giveaway is now closed}

This week is my birthday!  In honor of my thirty three years of age, I'm giving away a little something I use to stay looking a little younger.  My new favorite obsession, Seattle's own Kari Gran Skin Care is sending one lucky reader one travel set + two lip whips.  FABULOUS!

Enter by leaving a comment below and a winner will be chosen this Friday afternoon.

Good luck!

*Legal Business

The 'giveaway' is a sweepstakes contest wherein the winner will be chosen at random based on those who have entered a comment in the comment section of the blog.  Facebook 'likes' are not a requirement of entry and will not be considered when choosing a winner, but encouraged. Winners will receive one Kari Gran Skin Care  travel set and two tins of lip whip as defined by the makers of Kari Gran.  The 'giveaway' is open to US residents aged 18 and older beginning September 10, 2012 and ending September 14, 2012 at 5:00pm PST.  

By entering the giveaway through this website, you release Alexandra Hedin Design from any liability whatsoever and waive any and all causes of action related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway.

Dressed to Entertain

I am obsessed with this cocktail frock from Society Social.  Obsessed.  I can not imagine anything better to wear while entertaining.


Society Social Signature Hostess Gown
Plaid Martini Glass
Nolets Gin

Keep young and beautiful

If you know anything about me, then you know I am a little obsessed with skin care.  And I may be underselling it by saying "a little obsessed."  I've literally tried anything I can get my hands on and I have a new favorite.  Kari Gran Skin is a totally unique type of skin care that starts by cleansing the skin with oil.

What?? You say.  I am not adding more oil to my skin.

The theory is that oil attracts oil.  As you rub the cleansing oil over your skin, unwanted oils from your face are gathered up.  Instead of washing off or scrubbing, you gently apply hot washcloths to your face and let them dissolve and clean away the oil.  It feels like a facial every night.  A quick spray of the tonic and rub in a few drops of serum.  It's heavenly.

As with everything I love, Kari Gran is from Seattle and her products are made in Seattle.  On the shores of Lake Union in the most adorable little loft space you've ever seen.  The products are also natural - made without petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, chemical additives, toxins, preservatives, synthetic fragrances or animal tested ingredients.  You can feel good about putting them on your face - I do.

And super affordable.  Purchase it here - you can even try a small 'travel' size first



P.S. :: Pictured above, being gorgeous, is my friend Katie of being 5.  


P.P.S. :: Do you know the song "Keep young and beautiful?"

Keep young and beautiful
It's your duty to be beautiful
Keep young and beautiful
If you want to be loved.

Find the whole song here. 

Happy Hour Friday :: Fever Tree Delights

Last week the most lovely package arrived in the mail - a box filled with tiny Fever Tree bottles!  Mr. Hedin and I set about in the very important job of tasting each one with - and without - alcohol.  It was rigorous, but we did it for you.

And here's the verdict... we loved them.  But we had preferences, whiskey + ginger ale = awesome.  Gin + Mediterranean tonic = awesome.  Vodka + Mediterranean tonic = not awesome.  Gin + Bitter Lemon = awesome.

Fever Tree comes from Britain and is carefully made to ensure their flavors are not overly sweet (like "regular" tonic) and over powering to the flavor of good spirits.  When you're paying as much as we are for your spirits, isn't it nice to add a mixer that you can still taste the flavor of?


Photos by Mr. Hedin

Get the Look :: Fourth of July

roll of napkins :: buoy shaped cutting board :: crab crackers :: beer pint :: pail

Spoiled rotton

Yesterday I opened the mail and what to my wondering eyes should appear?  But a beautiful blue box and a gift so premier.  An orange leather wallet that feels so deluxe with a place for your phone, your cards and your bucks.  Over the rustling of tissue I could almost hear the sound of sleigh bells and hoof steps - as if Christmas was near.

10 Baby Things {+ a giveaway!}

 GIVEAWAY CLOSED - Congratulations Sharon!  And good luck with your new baby.





We've been discussing my pet peeves and I realized today I would be remiss if I did not mention the largest of all (for right now) which is...

As the mother of three children I have gone through my fair share of baby products.  There are some things that I swore by with baby #1 that I realized were goofy with baby #2 and by #3 they were on their way to the Goodwill (or to someone with only one child who didn't know better).  

Now that my baby is almost one year old, I feel in a position to round up the top ten baby products I used, abused, and loved.  Plus, one lucky winner will get to have - all to themselves - the best system for making baby food! (You should be making baby food, it's really easy)

Why did I choose these?

1. Diaper bags are dumb.  They are heavy, annoying, and totally emasculate your husband.  L.L. Bean bags are washable, durable, and re-usable when your kids are not in diapers anymore.  Plus, way cuter.

2.  No other ball has gotten as much use as this.  It's fabulous for infants because they can grab it.  It bounces, providing loads of joy for toddlers.  And it doesn't go far if you hit it, making it easier for t-ball practice.

3. Hanna Andersson pajamas last an eternity!  Through three kids and onto hand-me-downs and they still look decent.  Plus, they are super cozy and made from organic cotton

4. It's a really expensive blanket, so buy it with your first kid.  You can't find anything as cozy as the Little Giraffe blankets.  They come in tiny sizes too which made the perfect comfort blanket for my son when we traveled.  We also have the jumbo adult size one on the couch because we're obsessed.

5. Really cute shoes aren't hard to find, but really cute, locally made, long lasting shoes are.  We love these.

6. When you're on the go and need to have food on hand, these pouches are divine.  When Pearl refused to eat off a spoon, these pouches were a lifesaver.  Anymore you can find them almost anywhere.  Taste them before you give them to your kids - I think the 'pea' ones are vile.

7. When I was pregnant with Pearl and in New York it seemed like every parent had the "double decker" stroller.  I thought it was brilliant - and I still do.  Ours looks like it's been through a war zone.

8. Blankets in the car or in the 'diaper bag' are annoying.  To be warm enough, they are crazy bulky.  That's why I love BabySoy blankets - the warmth of wool with the weight of cotton.  

9. If you don't make your own baby food, you should.  It's crazy easy.  What did you eat for dinner last night?  Grind it up.  Salmon?  Potatoes?  Green beans?  Throw it in the Baby Bullet and away you go.  I have always made baby food for my kids.  It's crazy simple - and impossibly simple with the Baby Bullet because it comes with EVERYTHING you need.  Literally.

10. A way to carry your baby without breaking your arms or your back.  I've tried every carrier available and this is the best.  Pearl even napped in it on Saturday and she's two.  

In honor of the my favorite baby products, Baby Bullet is offering one lucky winner their very own Baby Bullet system!  

*Here's how to enter :: 

- Comment below (so I know you are interested)
- Go to the Baby Bullet Facebook page and click "like"

- Go to my Facebook page and click "like" (if you haven't already)

Easy peasy.  At the end of the week, I'll randomly generate a winner based on who has commented below.  The winner will receive one Baby Bullet, one Turbo Steamer, and one cookbook.  

I really am excited about the Baby Bullet because I genuinely believe everyone should make their own baby food.  You can control what goes into the food, you know it hasn't been over processed, and you know where it's been processed (no allergy concerns).  When Lars was a baby I made everything in the food processor - not that it was hard, but when Pearl was born we had a Magic Bullet.  It was remarkable how much simpler it made everything.  The Baby Bullet takes it one step further.

I don't even think I need to mention how much cheaper it is to make your own food either - but it is.  A lot.

Enter!  I hope you win.  Then you only have nine things left to buy.  

**UPDATE** Some people are having a hard time leaving a comment below - I'm not sure why, but try first and if it doesn't work, send me a message on Facebook (link above) and I'll add you to the list.

*Legal Business

The 'giveaway' is a sweepstakes contest wherein the winner will be chosen at random based on those who have entered a comment in the comment section of the blog.  Facebook 'likes' are not a requirement of entry and will not be considered when choosing a winner, but encouraged. Winners will receive one Baby Bullet system as defined by the makers of Baby Bullet, one Turbo Steamer, and one Baby Bullet cookbook.  The 'giveaway' is open to US residents aged 18 and older beginning June 11, 2012 and ending June 15, 2012 at 5:00pm PST.  


By entering the giveaway through this website, you release Alexandra Hedin Design from any liability whatsoever and waive any and all causes of action related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway.

Laundry Day

There are very few things that I actively dislike.  Laundry is one of them.  I truly do not like to do laundry.  One could even say I hate it.  It's boring, it takes forever, and it's endless.  The moment you think you have FINALLY finished all of the laundry, someone comes in from outside and takes off layers upon layers of dirty clothes.

In our old washer and dryer I did an average of twelve loads a week.  That's not counting sheets and towels.

That's a lot of laundry.

When we started planning the new basement I became obsessed with the Electrolux washer and dryer.  As a mom who hates laundry, the thought of being able to wash so many things at one time was exciting.  And that they could be washed so quickly was amazing.  (There is a setting that can wash a load in 15 minutes and dry it in 15 minutes!)

Because I had worked with Electrolux and Albert Lee Appliance before, I knew exactly where to go to get exactly what I wanted.  The people at Albert Lee were super helpful - and even though I knew exactly what I wanted - they still made sure I knew about the other brands and options that were available.  But not in an annoying way.

I watched the entire first load run.  I sat on the floor and watched it.  The last time I loved something this much, it was a child.

Creating a laundry space that doesn't make me cringe has helped too.  I've filled it with colors I love, products that work, and a few charming details.

I'll share more of the actual space soon... awaiting details and finishing touches to be installed.

May Must Haves

clips :: lips :: tulips :: bag

Blue Moon Monday

This weekend was the book launch party for Molly Moon's new book - which I adore - and the party did not disappoint!  Ms. Moon certainly knows how to throw a party!  Guests were feted with fabulous food, loads of ice cream, and quirky entertainment at every turn.

A giant ice cream tub served as a photo booth :: the vis-a-vis society held an overhead projector survey :: the Girl Scouts posted the flag :: a bike rider created gyro-paintings :: & the bar served up locally inspired cocktails.

Ms Moon - who has a little bit of a Zooey Deschanel vibe - enthusiastically thanked the crowd, signed book, and looked generally fabulous in her Milly dress.  If you haven't picked up a copy of her book yet, stop by the stores and grab one - or catch her on tour as she skates across the US this summer!

FAQ :: What do you use on your face?

I get the same questions asked over and over.  So I thought I would take a few moments each week and answer a few of them.

Question #1 :: What do you use on your skin?
Comes alternately as :: How do you have such good skin?  What is your favorite skin product?  How old are you?

Answer :: Way too many things.  If it is out there, I have probably tried it.  Topical only.  I don't go for injections or other things that require a doctors office.  I have a variety of things that I do depending on the day, the weather, the season, the activities of the day.

When I get asked this question I either start to stutter uncontrollably while I try to come up with a reasonable answer that doesn't make me sound neurotic or I laugh it off.  Because if you wanted the real answer, it would take way too long.

The reason I am a little crazy - and the reason I don't like people touching my face - is because I don't like to wear make up.  At all.  You know those girls who loved make up from an early age?  The girls who wore actual lip stick in middle school and spent time in high school applying eye shadow?  I was not that girl.  I am not that girl.  The fact that I get eyeliner on straight is a miracle.  And a necessity because I have small eyes.

this is my daily make up - that's it.

I learned early that if you have good skin, you don't have to wear much make up.

Here's a quick list of what I actually have and use on a regular basis :: Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser, Kiehl's Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer, Kiehl's Cryste Marine Ultra Riche, Origins 'A Perfect World' cleanser, Origins Starting Over Eye Cream, Kate Sommerville ExfoliKate, Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser, & Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser.  And that's just what I had in front of the cabinet.

And then just last week I discovered this ::

It doesn't replace absolutely everything, but it's pretty close.  It's Aveda's Tourmaline Charged skin care system.  It's a three step process twice a day and a mask once in a while.  It's lovely.  And it solves the biggest issue of all.

"How do you have such good skin?"

Answer :: "Try Aveda's Tourmaline skin system thing-y.  It's been great for me."  Big sigh of relief.

I actually got to use this answer in two different mommy play groups this week.  Follow up answers include, yes, it's not super cheap, but we aren't exactly getting younger.  It comes in a small size that's $30 and perfect for about two weeks - so you can try it out.

To answer that last question - I do still use the above listed items.  And probably a few more that I left out.  But if you have good skin, preschool drop off can be gracefully done in sunglasses.

April Must Haves

dress :: spoons :: camera strap 

Valentine Surprises

I am not the type of girl who expects big gifts for Valentine's Day.  But there are a few trinkets I'd love to see...

Jeni's Valentine Collection
The Perfect Manhattan
Converse
Cabana Umbrellas

February Must Haves

Cheeky Valentine Cards

Mini Heart Ring

Copper Fondue Pot (reasonably priced alternative)

Magic Kitchen Whisk

January Must Haves

Arik Levy Vase
Fur Scarf
Burberry Taupe Brown Eyeshadow
Gold & Jade Earrings

December Must Haves

grafitti cocktail shaker   ::   ribbon ring   ::   lip glow  ::  monogrammed flutes

Getting Beautiful :: Intraceuticals Facial

I was lucky enough to get a facial from the Intraceuticals team two weeks ago.  I haven' thad a facial in ages - since I had babies and stopped having "extra" money.  So this was a treat.

The concept is that it's not a traditional facial where they 'extract' (read pick your face), cleanse, etc.  But this facial uses a patented machine that uses oxygen to push vitamins and acids into your pores to create a smoother skin surface and a youthful appearance.

They warn you ahead of time that one treatment isn't going to provide a complete turnaround.  But they sent me home with a series of products designed to compliment the regime at home.  I was skeptical.  I still am, quite frankly.

But I have been shocked at the compliments I have received in the last week on my skin and how refreshed I look.  In case I need to remind you, I have three children.  Who have decided not to sleep in their own beds recently.  Who test my patience regularly.  Who cause me to not sleep more than four to five hours a night.

And I have had more people tell my that I look really well rested.  I'm not well rested.  Not even kind of.

Maybe this stuff really does work.

Their spokesperson, Gina Brooks, swears by it.  She uses the treatment as a way to prep the skin of celebrities she works with - like J.Lo, Madonna, and the case of many TV shows - like the Mentalist.  I got to meet her and chat about the products.  She's lovely - and a mother herself so she understands the stress your skin deals with on a regular basis.

I wanted a picture with her, but should have remembered that I had no make up on.  None.  Not even mascara.  Really bad move.  Oh well.

I'll be back for another facial soon because they are available at Nordstrom Spa locations - including my favorite spa downtown.  You can get the facial and pick up the products there.  I got the 'rejuvinate' facial but they have a variety of options including 'clarity' which helps with acne.  Try it for yourself.  Especially if you have a big event coming up.  Make-up really does go on better.

About Town :: Design*Sponge Seattle Event

Last night was the Design*Sponge event in Seattle.  And judging by the turnout, you were there too!  A huge group of people lined the stairs at Anthropologie downtown Seattle to meet Grace Bonney and get their copy of Design Sponge at Home signed.  Guests were feted with champagne cocktails and chocolate provided by hometown favorite, Theo Chocolates.  Turns out Grace is a dark chocolate fanatic too - so it was good for everyone.

After having a book signed, guests could have their photo taken in front of this custom designed paper wall.  Designer Matthew Parker created this with his friends and it was really cool.  Each city had a different wall for photos created by a local designer.  San Francisco had a cookie wall.  Yum.

Matthew put me to shame, as I do all this with an (almost) eight week old, and he was there with his beautiful two week old daughter in a front pack.  Side note - I'm a little obsessed with Matthew's website right now.

If you weren't at the event, be sure to pick up a copy of the Design Sponge book.  I got mine at Anthropologie because you get an extra 16 pages in their copy.

The A-List :: Kitchen Tools

This month's issue of 425 Magazine features an A-List that's near and dear to my heart; kitchen tools.  Because it's something I'm so passionate about, we spent a lot of time making sure our recommendations were tools we would use in our own kitchens.

The tools that made the list this month are ::

:: Staub Pots ::
I rely on these pots for everything from making jam to searing meat.  They distribute the heat really nicely and last for ever.  Literally, they will last for your lifetime at the very least - and my mother-in-law is using one that was her mother-in-law's.  I recommend the La Coquette in a 3 quart to get started.
Find them at Sur la Table, Mrs. Cooks, or Metropolitan Market


:: King's Road Redux Plates ::
Oh Rosanna - another winner.  My maiden name means 'crown' so more crowns are always welcome around our house - well really my mom's house but whatever.  The fact that they are a perfect fall gold only helps this season.
Find them around town, but also at Rosanna's website.


:: Mesh Scoop Colander ::
These came in the mail and I thought "meh."  Turns out I use them more than I would have ever guessed.  Especially helpful with canning peaches as they made plopping them in the hot syrup a snap.  I've also used them for noodles and making soup.  It's become as indispensable as the spider they are created in the image of.
Find them online here - and for $8 you can easily get a few and hand them out.


:: Flexible Mixing Bowls :: 
My sister saw these and thought they looked annoying.  I have found them super useful.  Ways they are useful ::
1. Pouring ice cream base into the ice cream maker
2. Pouring dry ingredients into the mixer
3. Pouring sugar into bubbling berries for making jam
Get your own on amazon.com


The cookbooks were chosen because they are a mix of stunning photography and great recipes/ideas.  More on those coming in the next few weeks.




photo by Jeff Hobson

Favorite Thing :: People in my life

I discovered this because a friend of mine was tagged in it on Facebook.  Random, I know.  But this project is SO COOL.  Art Director Jake Kahana to document the people in his life, he says the project started in November 2010 of people in my life and the quotes that sum up their personality, my relationship with them or reminds me of them." 


I so dig it.