Ever since I first laid down on a thick slab of memory foam, I’ve been dreaming of adding a memory foam mattress to my home.  Of course, my brief but luxurious rest was abruptly ruined when I glanced down at the price tag - over $1000.  And so my dream died, along with a little part of my soul.  I just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t born to that special, privileged class of people who can effortlessly buy $1000 mattresses.

…But all that has changed.

This morning, I was pondering the fate of an Overstock gift card balance on my account, browsing the top sellers for good deals.  Then I saw it.  My Memory Foam Mattress in Queen size.

For a mere  $399 plus shipping.  They also had the other sizes, including California King and Mattress Toppers, too.

Memory Foam 10-inch Mattress (Queen)
Price: $399.99
Features 3-inch layer of 5-pound density Nasa developed memory foam on top of a 5-inch, 2.5-pound density base layer of regular foam Provides the ultimate in pressure-relieving comfort Made from 100-percent hypoallergenic materials.

Most of the people who know me don’t think of me as a particularly happy person.  Maybe it’s because I don’t walk around with a smile plastered to my face like I need to convince the world that every moment in my life is a never-ending thrill.  All the same, I’m an extremely happy person.  Apart from a couple of years in the late 90s, every single year has been better than the last.  I guess that’s just the up-side to growing up with chaos and near poverty.

Since I don’t feel the need to grin all the time, though, I figured that this vintage-styled Happy Face T-Shirt could do the job for me.  With a shirt doing the smiling for me, I can use my energy to focus on more important things, like making memories, pondering the people and things I’m thankful for, and thinking of ways to enjoy life even more.

Happy Face Burnout Tee
Price: $24.5
Cotton-poly. By dELiA*s. Ivory. XS-XL. 26″ long. USA.

Ever since I lived in a really urban neighborhood, I’ve been sold on the benefits of messenger bags.  Unless you need to carry a ton of weight, or you’re planning on hiking, the messenger bag is a perfectly convenient choice for transporting your stuff.  You can throw it over your shoulder and everything you might need is accessible without the need to stop and set it down to search.

These Dakine Slimline Women’s Messenger Bags are an especially cute and affordable backpack alternative.  In general, Dakine makes great bags, but these are especially attractive with their more feminine colors and patterns.  The fact that you can get a whole Dakine messenger bag for less than the cost of a Coach wallet or wristlet is just a bonus.

Dakine Slimline Women’s Messenger Bag
Price: $26.99
Fashionable Dakine Slimline bag is a unique way to stay in style Chic messenger-style bag is made of durable canvas material Women’s fashion handbag is perfect for the fashionable woman on the go

I’ve had guy friends who spend small fortunes on their electronic toys, even when they’re completely pointless. This EyeClops Night Vision is a perfect example of the kind of thing they’d get.  It’s incredibly cool, and probably a lot of fun to play with, but honestly, not many people really *need* night vision, even if it does have a cool name like EyeClops.

The  EyeClops Night Vision gives you up to 50 feet of visibility in total darkness, which could be pretty handy for a late night game of hide and seek.  Until someone shines a flashlight in your face, anyway.

I can remember shopping with my mother and grandmother and aunts when I was younger, and the trips were never boring.  They were like those eccentric old witches who live together in the movies, except without any special magical powers (that I’m aware of).  These trips were some of my first times being exposed to groups of women, and certain things stand out…for instance, the time they spent an entire day pointing out “crepe-y cleavage”.

Now obviously, no one can avoid aging, and a little age is certainly no reason to start covering yourself up like a nun.  25-year-old men might be offended at a little 60-year-old cleavage, but they just need to get over that.  Anyway, I’ve never been able to look at crepe paper the same way, and I’ve never been one to neglect moisturizing my own neck and décolletage.

I recently got a chance to test out a sample of Clarins’ Super-Restorative Delletend Neck Concentrate, and I’ve gotta say, if anything will ward off the crepe-y cleavage, this stuff will do the trick.  At $97, it’s a little steep, but if it gets you a few more years of smooth cleavage, I’d say it’s worth it.

Super-Restorative Delletend Neck Concentrate
Price: $97.0
Dare to wear lower necklines! Bamboo, Sunflower, Pueraria Lobata, Parsley and Khaki Calyxes reduce wrinkles, smooth surface skin and promote a more even tone.

Perhaps I’m just on a Calvin Klein kick these last few days, but I love this  Calvin Klein Jeans Burnout Floral Tee.  The shade of blue is almost universally flattering, and the combination of the v-neck and the scattered graphics makes it a little preppy and clean cut while still looking really casual and laid-back.  At $45, it’s also fairly reasonable for a shirt you could wear frequently for relaxation, shopping, running errands, or working out.

Calvin Klein Jeans Burnout Floral Tee
A slim-fitting tee with unique burnout floral scroll print, from Calvin Klein Jeans

At any given time, I have at least 3-4 boxes of brownie mixes in my pantry.  I’ve also been known to make them from scratch once in a while, but I don’t have the kind of time 50s housewives had so that isn’t exactly a regular occurrence.  I love plain brownies, frosted brownies, Funfetti Brownies, and even cheesecake brownies (on occasion), so you can probably guess how thrilled I was to see a pan just for brownies.

The Baker’s Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan capitalizes on something all true brownie lovers know - the best part of the brownie is the edge.  Baked properly, the edge of the brownie is just a little bit more firm than the rest, but every bit as flavorful.  Even better, it has a satisfying “bite” and perhaps just a hint of a butter taste, if that’s how you greased the pan.  At $34.95, the Baker’s Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan is a brownie bargain.

It’s amazing how much of a difference a good set of bedding can make.  I used to pay very little attention to my bedding, opting for whatever was cheap and comfortable.  In the last few years, though, I’ve accumulated a few nice sets, and I switch them in an out with the seasons and my moods.

The result?  A more relaxed (or energy-inspiring) bedroom based on what I want at the time.  I love this Acacia Bedding Set from Calvin Klein Home, as it would be a perfect relaxed, autumn sort of set.  Although it’s a little high (not a surprise, coming from Calvin Klein), it looks amazingly soft and luxurious.

Calvin Klein Home “Acacia” Comforter, King Bedding
A tranquil fern pattern in plum and pewter brings a sophisticated natural touch to this comforter. Made of vat-dyed Italian cotton and easily reversible to fit any slumbering mood.

I’m not usually a big fan of Coach products. I’m all for buying quality products and paying a bit more, but I don’t feel the need to advertise that all over my body. I often like the pieces that aren’t logo-crazy, but I’ve just gotten a little tired of seeing Coach logos everywhere.

That said, I’m a little embarrassed at the fact that I like these Coach Kyrie Logo Signature Tennis Shoes. They’re $85-90, so they’re really not *too* unreasonable, and I love the fact that they make your feet look smaller. They’d be perfect for casual wear with almost anything, so you’d definitely get your money’s worth.

I love ocean-inspired and nautical decor, so I was really excited to see this collection of housewares from Michael Aram.  They’re contemporary and bright, but they retain a lot of personality (as opposed to a more stark and modern look).  The only downside is the price, as some of the pieces are a little expensive - but I guess they’d make good gifts or splurges.

I’ve included several pieces from the collection below, but I especially love the salad servers and the candle holder.

Michael Aram “Coral Reef” Salad Servers
Connected with purity, protection and serenity, deep-sea coral has always fascinated. Hand-sculpted by Michael Aram, this set of two servers captures the ravishing color and intricate texture of the one-of-a-kind creature. Each measures 12″ long.

Michael Aram “Coral Reef” Bowl, 9″
Connected with purity, protection and serenity, deep-sea coral has always fascinated. Featuring a hand-sculpted coral base and detachable bowl, this magnificent bowl captures the ravishing color and intricate texture of the one-of-a-kind creature. Coordinate with other Coral Reef giftware from Michael Aram.

Michael Aram “Coral Reef” Candle Holder
Connected with purity, protection and serenity, deep-sea coral has always fascinated. This magnificent hand-sculpted candleholder by Michael Aram adds lush dimension to any setting. Holds three candles. Measures 14.25″ tall.

Michael Aram “Coral Reef” Nut Bowl
Connected with purity, protection and serenity, deep-sea coral has always fascinated. Featuring a hand-sculpted coral base and detachable bowl, this magnificent bowl captures the ravishing color and intricate texture of the one-of-a-kind creature. Coordinate with other Coral Reef giftware from Michael Aram.

Michael Aram “Coral Reef” Bowl, 6.5″
Connected with purity, protection and serenity, deep-sea coral has always fascinated. Featuring a hand-sculpted coral base and detachable bowl, this magnificent bowl captures the ravishing color and intricate texture of the one-of-a-kind creature. Coordinate with other Coral Reef giftware from Michael Aram.