If you look closely, you'll likely notice that the great creatives - think Tom Ford, Betsey Johnson, DVF, Rachel Zoe, and Jonathan Adler to name a few - have established a unique design aesthetic that runs through every element of their life. Thanks to the voyeuristic nature of our society (and the internet, natch) we're blessed with sites like StyleLikeU that allow us to get a sneak peek (albeit an edited version) into these very personal spaces.

As I've gotten older, I've noticed a fundamental shift in the way that I think about money. Perhaps it's a generational change, however the conservative Arkansas in me never would have shelled out for a Chanel handbag. In fact, she would have likely carried a fake and hoped that no one called her out (seriously, the secret shame is intense). Maybe it's a sign of maturity, but every time I make a purchase, down to the coffee mug I desperately cling to in the morning, I think how it fits into my vision of my life. Would it look out of place in a photo of my desk?

Taking inspiration from many of the creative geniuses that I named above, I think about the impact my potential purchase might make within my apartment, my wardrobe or my every day life. For me, finding the balance between price, functionality and appearance is a struggle.  For example, when you pack for a vacation, do you pick a theme for your daily outfits and build upon that? Might one of your goals be to have matching luggage?

Granted, it's much easier to make these decisions when money is no object, but I'm so curious about the approach you take when adding a new piece to your life. What is your thought process?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Since my home now doubles as an office, the energy of the space now plays a much more vital role. One way that I help to maintain balance and a sense of calm in my apartment is to be diligent about home fragrance. Sounds a little silly, but when your home smells good, you feel good.

My latest sense of calm comes from Peony Blanche, a delicate and spring-infused candle by NEST Fragrances. By blending peony blossoms and a white floral bouquet of jasmine, magnolia and lily, Laura Slatkin, founder and CEO, has created a scent that perfectly complements the fresh breeze on a spring day or a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers.

Peony Blanche also marks the first time NEST Fragrances has released a candle with a colored wax in the signature clear vessel, opting to color the signature wax a creamy blush tone. If you aren't familiar with NEST, you should be. The luxury home fragrance line, lead by Laura Slatkin, boasts some of the highest fragrance oil content in the industry, creating candles with not only significant throw, but with incredible longevity.

To bring home a Peony Blanche of your own, or to check out NEST's other fragrances (I recommend Bamboo and Wasabi Pear for the spring), please visit NESTFragrances.com, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. $32, available mid-April.

I must preface this post by saying that the entire credit for discovering these mirrors goes to the golden haired Glambr from Beauty Blogging Junkie. While visiting the BBJ headquarters, I noticed these gorgeous handheld mirror shaped mirrors (that was a mouthful) hanging on her wall. Of course I immediately demanded to know everything about them and I was shocked to learn that they're actually affordable.

You see, these five mirrors are from Umbra and retail for only $22.49. They're cheeky, charming and belong on my wall at this very moment. Mirror, mirror on the wall - can't you just picture it? If you're not into hand mirrors (I may judge you for that), Umbra also has gorgeous dragonflies and Twitter-inspired birds.

Now if only I could figure out where I'd hang these....

Saturdays just might be my favorite day of the week. There's something about the weekly renewed promise that comes from sleeping in and an entire day to yourself. What do you do? Do you go out, see the sights and experience new aspects of your city? Do you order breakfast in, snuggle your delightful puppy and sip coffee inside your perfectly air conditioned apartment?

However my Saturday starts, it is amongst my greatest joys to wake up in my apartment. I'm well rested, surrounded by things I love, and in a room that smells delicious. For the past few weeks, my apartment has been well scented, due in large part to Infusion Organique's Acai Rain Scent Diffuser.

Made from organic ingredients, Infusion Organique believes in using high quality ingredients to create a natural, efficacious home & skincare line. The inspiration for the Acai Rain fragrance collection comes from the Brazilian Rainforest, where the acai berry was discovered.  Fusing acai extract with orange oil, raspberry, white peach, fresh greens and vanilla extract, Acai Rain is a fresh, clean scent with sprinkled with refreshing berry notes.

I've been using the scent diffuser for several weeks and the scent is still going strong. What fragrance do you currently have diffusing through your home?

Waterpik® Ecoflow™ Power Spray Chrome Handheld Showerhead

$39.99 by Waterpik at Bed Bath & Beyond

Ever since I moved into my new apartment, my showers have been sucking, to put it bluntly.  They take twice as long because the water was flowing out of my shower head with less velocity than a garden hose.  When I had the chance to test out a WaterPik Ecoflow Showerhead, I jumped.  If an eco-friendly shower head could reduce water waste AND make my shower better, I was ready to sign up.

The Waterpik Ecoflow promises the same shower pressure as a regular shower head, and save up to a gallon of water per minute which could pay for the cost of your shower head within 6 months.  in one year, you could save 7,500 gallons of water and $90 just by replacing your shower head.

Was I skeptical?  Heck yes.  The phrase "Ecoflow" screams "reduced water pressure" to me.  I couldn't afford to lose anymore, but I was dying for a change.  My super came and installed my Waterpik, and I haven't looked back.  Unbelievably, my water pressure actually increased once the shower head was installed.  Not only that, I love the upgrade to a handheld shower head, especially if you have poor water pressure.  Shampoos and conditioners are more easily rinsed, and you don't have to worry about positioning yourself in the water stream - you determine where you want the water to go, thus making your showering more efficient.  Additionally, the shower head has 3 great settings that allow you to adjust the shape and speed of the flow.

On Earth Day 2009, how are you making the world more beautiful?

You probably feel the same way I do about vacuum cleaners - they're expensive and they remind you that you have housework to do, right? After experiencing the Dirt Devil Designer Series, I've had to reconsider my thoughts.  Not only are these cleaning products sleekly designed, but they're relatively inexpensive.

The product I had an opportunity to try out was the KWIK, a sleek detail vacuum.  I had never seen such a vacuum - particularly because this doesn't look like a vacuum.  To be honest, it looks more like a $300 futuristic phone than a cleaning appliance.  For only $32.99, you can give the gift of clean to your college bound child, the hostess of your latest party or as a hint to your significant other.

What I loved about it:  Obviously, the design was the biggest WOW factor with the KWIK.  It's a vacuum cleaner - it does what it's supposed to and does it well.  I found it very hand in my New York City apartment, where I have hardwood floors and a dog that likes to shed more than I'd like.  The slim nozzle makes it easy to pull hair from those hard to reach places and all around my desk.

What I didn't love:  I'm not thrilled that the KWIK charges via usb (standard packaging).  I am as high tech as the next girl, but I always run low on usb ports and it's difficult to keep something like an applicance charging for the standard 16 hours before first use.  I would have preferred a larger bag to catch all the hair my dog produces, but it is certainly adequate.

If you're looking for gifts on a budget, the KWIK makes a great choice.  If you're in the market for similarly designed appliances that pack more punch, check out th entire Designer Series by Dirt Devil.