1. Side Tie Tote by Carissa Black. I don’t believe in love at first sight, but I adored this bag as soon as I saw it! I picked this up last weekend at Brazen Betties, a boutique in Torrington that sells Connecticut-handmade clothing, art, accessories, cosmetics, and home accents {more on Brazen Betties [...]]]>

1. Side Tie Tote by Carissa Black. I don’t believe in love at first sight, but I adored this bag as soon as I saw it! I picked this up last weekend at Brazen Betties, a boutique in Torrington that sells Connecticut-handmade clothing, art, accessories, cosmetics, and home accents {more on Brazen Betties next week!}. Carissa uses beautiful, tactile, and high-quality fabrics in her totes, purses, and wristlets, which she sells in shops all over the US and online in her Etsy shop.

2. Vanilla Lip Butter by One Hand Washes the Other. This was another takeaway from my visit to Brazen Betties. I actually found the Torrington shop through One Hand Washes the Other’s Etsy shop. I love this lip balm — though it truly is more like butter, the way it melts right onto your lips to give them that “wet” look without needing lip gloss. It smells and tastes delicious, too!

3. Craft Inc. and Craft Inc. Business Planner by Meg Mateo Ilasco. As I develop my cosmetic-crafting skills more and more, I’m becoming pretty serious about expanding Poor & Pretty into an Etsy shop. These books —which I received in the mail today and have practically read cover-to-cover already — are a must-have for anyone who wants to “turn your creative hobby into a business”. From helping you determine your niche in the craft world, to developing your brand identity, to finding out what government forms you need to fill out and which trade shows you should exhibit at, Craft Inc. literally has it all! I bought the business planner alongside it because it’s a great way to get organized {one of my weaknesses} and plan out your business goals and product ideas. I can’t rave enough about the duo. Thanks, Meg!

4. Eco Awesome Shampoo & Conditioner by Tigi. I knew I had to try out Tigi’s new line, Love Peace & the Planet, as soon as Mish posted her video about how to use their Totally Beachin’ Body & Waves Styling Mist. The last time Mish dyed my hair, I picked up the Eco Awesome moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and I think I’ve finally found a shampoo and conditioner set that I will use until I die {assuming they still make it then}! It’s made with 71% organic content, free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances & colors, plus it’s packaged in a bottle made from 50% postconsumer waste. Oh, and it smells… well, awesome!