b l o g o r e l l i

Project 365: Day 246

I never thought the day would come when my hometown had a vintage/antiques emporium that was enviable to any I'd ever seen in my many travels. Ruman & Kraft Antiques opened on this past December 7 (Pearl Harbor Day)  and I finally had a chance to check out the store this weekend.

AMAZING! Aside from being styled to perfection (I could spend hours studying all of the various displays,) the store is also curated to cover basically any collecting niche from 1800 onward. Every case and corner is full of objects ranging from Victorian portraits, to Bakelite, to Mod lighting, Russel Wright dinnerware, Depression Glass, Pyrex, matchbooks, the original lawn Flamingos, classic black rotary phones, vintage tablecloths/fabric/Hudson Bay blankets, to...

The owners have been buying/collecting for 20+ years, and had stores on Lombard Street and Haight Street in San Francisco; they purchased the space in Leechburg five years ago and spent two years just restoring the interior before the meticulous merchandise arranging began. I plan to go back over Christmas break and ask to do some photographs of the store because I want to write a more in-depth post since this store is just too good for a brief summary.

More to come (hopefully!)

Project 365: Day 225

The Poketo collection at Target is, sad to say, disappointing. The purses and wallets are made from a cheap-feeling vinyl and I couldn't find the any totes, laptop bags OR umbrellas.

I ended up getting a keychain. Le sigh.

Project 365: Day 224

I've seen these Penguin Classic editions online (what a dream project for a designer with those covers, eh?) but the volumes particularly sing in Anthropologie's display.

Extra credit:

Project 365: Day 213

Dear Husband: Thank you for accompanying me to IKEA. I give us credit for making it out under 2 hours and spending less than $100 total. But, yes, I was about to lose it there at the end, too.

Love you!

I'll take two, and a box of cigarillos

Well, when I've crossed a line, I admit that I crossed a line. Especially a terrycloth blue one...

Hello, Christmas card 2010! I love the description the most:

• "Perfect for after bath time"
• "Highly absorbent, fast-drying microfiber"
• "Signature bone pattern"

Next up: 'dogtails' in mini Manhattan glasses that strap onto The Boys' paws.

Really.

Project 365: Day 175

Fantastic jewelry party this evening, thrown by TadaTara's cousin Karen Nelson (stylist ID 110297) for the up-and-coming LA jewelry company Stella Dot. The pieces are made by women in developing countries and the company supports fair trade and empowerment through a living wage for its workers. I still can't decide between the Signature Dot Disc and Della Triple Strand necklaces.

EXTRA CREDIT: the cute dessert table/packaging display

Make Me Salute the Sun

I want to buy The Prof's little sister this t-shirt for her upcoming birthday. She can wear it while doing hot yoga (or, as people say here Boston, "yog-er.") After trying many times, I just.can't.relax enough to take the whole thing seriously.

This shirt, let's face it, this might be the funnest thing that's happened to yoga since its inception.

First Day of Spring = Project "Little Fenway" Initiation

A while back, I saw a press release announcing that Scotts Co. (known for lawn and garden products like Miracle Gro) and the MLB were forming a partnership, wherein:

"Fans will now be able to purchase grass seed blends and fertilizers featured in some of the most iconic Major League ballparks." ... Grass seed blends and fertilizers will debut in 2010 for fans of the Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park), Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field), Cincinnati Reds (Great American Ballpark), Philadelphia Phillies (Citizens Bank Park), and St. Louis Cardinals (Busch Stadium)."

Well, hooty hoo. Our rental apartment's backyard has been pretty patchy from the start, so what better way to revitalize it to a lush playing field (yuk yuk) than some Fenway grass seed? The Professor is, of course, on board. Pics of our "Little Fenway" to come...

(center field at Fenway photo via The Red Seat on Facebook; these feet belong to neither me or my hubs) 

Crafty Monday w. Japanese Masking Tape

As a holiday gift, my co-worker JBC gave me a set of Japanese Masking Tape -- 10 rolls in all! I had previously ordered some marigold colored patterned tape from Ginko Papers, hoping to use it somehow for our wedding, but never did. With TEN rolls, I've been on the lookout for a worthy project...so lucky for me that I came across The Haystack Needle's post on tape tags.

(images via The Haystack Needle) 

Basically, you use plain manilla (or another color, but the lighter the better since the masking tape is slightly transparent) tags, decorate with a strip or two of artfully placed masking tape, and voila! Gift tag, calling or business card, etc...

(image via MintDesignBlog) 

One thing that I'd like to see, though, is the backside of these pieces because the tape has to be attached as an edge somewhere. (Note: Japanese Masking Tape also makes a spectacular gift, and here are a few suppliers: Ginko Papers, Sweet Bella USA, Happy Tape)

Chilewich Iphone Cases

via chilewich.com

On the Block

Due to my newest acquisition (and a birthday prezzie from my husband -- woo wee!) and my pledge to "Simplify," I've decided to prune my beloved typewriter collection. Before, my typewriters were more for decorative purposes, now, I hope to actually use them for correspondence.

Here are the candidates; drop me an email if you're interested. (I'd prefer to sell within the Boston area to avoid shipping/damage, if possible. I "have a guy" for cleaning and ribbons. Ok, it's Tom at Cambridge Typewriter Company!)

Gratzie,
Blogorelli

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Hermes Rocket
Color: Greenish gray, metal
Condition: Fair, needs cleaning and ribbon

Remington Streamliner
Color: Turquoise, plastic
Condition: Excellent, needs ribbon

Smith Corona Galaxie Twelve XII
Color: tan, metal
Condition: Good, needs cleaning and ribbon

YEEEEEEEESSSS!!!!

Only SIX years (yes, since I started this blog, before, actually,) half a dozen "missed connections," and the Smith Corona Ghia typewriter in orange is MINE! MINE MINE MINE!!!

I think my excitement at winning the Ebay auction may have been the scariest moment our young married life for The Prof. Hee hee.

MINE MINE! ME ME ME! MINE!

 

More manual typewriter love here (thx Murf) and here (thx P Natty and Lil K.)

Strawberry, Blueberry, Basil

Even though summer is nearing a close (or a middle, if you live in The Bean,) I'm still keeping a mental list of To Dos for the season. Close to the top of the addendum is bike improvement and beautification. A few items that might help me immensely:

Basil Bike Baskets
The colorful, detachable wire basket would be enough alone to sell me, but the fabric fringe...the FABRIC FRINGE, people!

A bike motor so that The Boys and I can cruise downtown (in the Ros!) and get us home despite not having any gears...

 

Vintage Surfboard Coffee Table

Anyone, anyone...Bueller?

I'm selling our previous coffee table because we got a new one from the IKEA Stockhom collection. Seriously, no bites on this beauty? Inter-net, I am ashamed of your lack of interest.

In other news that involved online things that are brown, I am stalking a new "grandma" house for sale in West Roxbury. If someone bought the coffee table, we'd have $65 more towards our current non-existent mortgage down payment!

Hive Buzzzzz

What better way to tighten that belt on the finances than to buy economical yet unique holiday gifts at the Design Hive, an indie designers market in Cambridge?

The event is held indoor every Saturday from 10am - 5pm at:
Maria Baldwin School (formerly the Agassiz School)
28 Sacramento St. (off Mass Ave. @ corner of Oxford St.)
Cambridge, MA 02138
(directions here)

I'll be there with Wündercabinet this Saturday, 11/22/08, and the first Saturday in December, 12/6/08 -- come out and say "hiya"! The inaugural weekend drew a crowd of 800, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be able to sell the cabinet clean for winter.

SOWA Style

Our last South End Open Market (Oct 5) was totally hoppin', mostly due to the Baked Fresh event, complete with bands and scads of college students. We hd a busy day in the booth and loved all of the great crowd energy. Plus, I made it into the "SOWA Style" photostream (see below)!

We only have one market day remaining: October 26, 2008, which is also the closing day of the SEOM and Market of the Living Dead. The day promises lots of fun costumes, a pumpkin carving contest...and perhaps some deep discounts to clean out the "cabinet" for winter, hmm?

Hope to see you on the 26th!

Some shots from Baked Fresh...

The booth, full of shoppers!

Wündercabinet table display (thx to A Classic Girl for all her help during the entire day; I couldn't have done it without ya!)

Shopgirl

Do these ladeez have crazy good style, or what?

Mark yer calendars for OCTOBER 26 -- the last market (for us, and in general.)

Market Day #2

Last Sunday was Wündercabinet's second day at (South End Open) Market. The sun shone, and even though the morning crowd seemed more in the "Sunday strolling" mood, things picked up significantly in the afternoon, and we not only made back our booth fee, but also a bit more. I think that "the business" is now on the even with purchase vs. sales, so hopefully we'll make some actual profit on our next two market dates.

Plus, we met all kinds of fun people who loved vintage goods -- including the cute India, who wrote about us on her designer apartment blog, Apartment 528, and her boyfriend Jerome -- yea!  The WC even made the South End Open Market Flickr set (start at the last page), even though they labeled our shots as "Artifaktori" -- boo!

I know I'm a little late to the game, seeing as today is Thursday already, but I wanted to note a few of my favorites from this week's Market...

The Herb Lyceum at Gilson's
This stand had so many great offerings like lavender, various honeys, actual live herbs, and other mixes like herbal teas and herbs de Provence. I've read about this place, and Gilson's son Will Gilson's  restaurant in Cambridge, Garden at the Cellar, and have been meaning to stop in for dinner. I also love the website's intimate language: "David Gilson and his family welcome you to their hospitality and their passion for herbs.  The Herb Lyceum at Gilson's, a masterfully renovated 19th century carriage house, is located in scenic and historic Groton, Massachusetts, on the grounds of the Gilson Family Homestead."

They also do weddings...hmm.

Artifaktori
Dame
Next up, two vintage clothing vendors, one of who has a physcial store, the other who does not. I've mentioned Artifaktori a while back in a post, and was excited to meet the owner, Amy. She even bought one of my clocks to have in her store. I can't wait to go visit the little yellow guy in his new home. Dame is close to the Ros in JP, but only has a virtual store . I'd highly recommend both shoppes as sources of skillfully curated vintage threads.

Fibrevolution / Sweater Hospital
This booth was caddy corner to ours, and I got to check out everyone trying on the cute hats and especially looped scarves (one big circle so you don't have to mess with ends, very neat and neat.) The proprietor also runs Sweater Hospital on Etsy, an artsy knitty rescue service for sweaters with unfortunate holes.

MAP Boston
Finally, since I'm a total sucker for planners/datebooks, I had to check out Morgan First's Motion Action Planner (MAP) Boston, a "weekly agenda and city guide created to help make everyday life in Boston an adventure." The book includes:
- Information on over 100 off beat Boston destinations
- Weekly handpicked destinations
- Quirky Boston facts
- Weekly must do Boston events
- Insider Info Sidebars

Of course, I got to talking with Morgan (and her dog Josie, well, Josie didn't talk) and bought a planner -- thanks for the free bag, too, Morgan! I was particularly interested in MAP because Cho and I tried to self-fund and design a project similar many years ago, called "Pastiche," which never happened. I realize now that the main reason is because we had no revenue source=advertisers.  Morgan seems to have figured this side of the business out, and is in her third year of doing MAP, which she started as a student at Emerson. Anyway, MAP Boston would be particularly good for students, or also anyone just moving to The Bean and needing to organize their calendar and social life...

Three more confirmed market dates left -- we hope to see you there!
WUNDERCABINET AT SEOM 2008:
SEPTEMBER 14, 28 & OCTOBER 12, 2008

Vendor Friend-ors

One of the most interesting things about participating in the SEOM was meeting other vendors, chatting, and getting a look at life on the other side of the merch table. I wanted to highlight a few people/products that "made" my first market (Sun)day...

Alanna and Kate run toby+rei, a green biz offering "super-soft T-shirts, onesies, even lunch bags printed with robots, elephants, sharks, and flowers, as well as cotton/bamboo fleece baby blankets and accessories to cradle tiny new additions." They set up across from us and had such cute items -- I can't wait to buy something for one of the 2008 Blogorelli Babies! Also, Kate purchase some cool Russel Wright melamine cups and saucers from the WC, so big gratzie to her.

Directly next to us sat Olaria Studio, and meeting Amy and her hubby Ashley made my day. (Plus, we couldn't have gotten our tent up without their helpful tips.) Amy handcrafts beautiful necklaces and earrings from clay, using a specific style that she learned at the University of Montevallo. She finishes the pieces with "mid to high-fire clay & glazes, which offer...a range of finishes & natural variations" and "an array of slips, stains, glazes, underglazes, & even a few overglazes" A+A moved to The Bean from Birmingham, AL, and were just the warmest, best, "boothies" that I could have wished for on my first go around. Hopefully, we'll see them again this summer!

Finally, I only had a chance to briefly browse Looka Jewelry's booth, but her little envelope necklaces are completely precious. I bet they'd make a perfect gift for someone who is near in heart but far in miles.

Thanks to a bedtime of 10:30 last night, I think my exhausted 30-year-old bod (and mind) is finally recovered from the physical/mental toil of the first SEOM. I'm really looking forward to the next time, now that I know what to expect and have planned ways to be even more efficient.

Finally, I wanted to shout a THANKS! and HURRAH! to Little Kim, who came to cheer me  on, and A Classic Girl, who hung out away from her baby, GretaBoo, for hours keeping me company, helping with merchandising displays, and just making sure I didn't take the whole thing too seriously. Last but never least, all my gratitude to The Prof, who was his usual rock of support and love.

Butter, Three Ways

I successfully survived both my first wearing of the Butter by Nadia dress and my first wedding with The Prof's muy grande familia...both events went off without a hitch.

After some experimentation, I decided on a style from the instruction card. The Prof helped me with the back section and we were ready to go. Initially, I was a little worried about "the girls" making a surprise appearance, but dang it if that 72% rayon/ 28% spandex mix doesn't hug the bod in right tight.

We attended the ceremony and the time had arrived to celebrate at the reception. Style #6 (halter with twisted center back) received rave reviews, and when I revealed the dress's switchable nature, many partygoers (and The Prof himself) came up  with the idea of me switching the configuration during the reception. Never one to turn down the chance to please a crowd, I obliged, going into the bathroom and working up Style #3 (knotted straps, cap sleeves) about mid-reception. Again, the dress did not disappoint.

By the end of the night, I was three g+ts and dress styles in, modeling #10 (a Grecian-esque one shoulder arrangement.) No one got any pictures of that one, and I'm sort of glad...because a certain drunky someone caught said amazing dress in the car door on the drive home. However, I did get up and go to work the next day, so the old gal's still got it.

Beginning:

Middle: 

 

End (clearly not me, but this is the style):

Not Just For Saugus Girls On Club Night Anymore

...and not just in "classic", retina-burning white cavas, either! Keds has stepped up their fashion consciousness considerably in the past few years (they even have a collection designed by Nanette LePore) and they seem to have produced the first pair of shoes I'll buy from the brand since eighth grade.

"Inspired by our 1950's Kedette collection, the Keds Do-Si-Do Linen Wedge is pulled from our archives and updated for this Fall. The new laced high wedge, in linen, combines timeless femininity with a sporty look."

I ordered the shoe in two sizes just in case (since shipping was free) and am excited to initiate them into my Fall wardrobe. Disagree with me, but I think the wedges will look fabu with jeans, "slacks", and skirts (i.e. Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.)

Keeping my fingers crossed that these shoes aren't awful in an orthopedic-looking way upon arrival...

(Below, the other contender, which was eliminated for possibly not being neutral enough. Heh.)

Artifaktori

My old hood 'Da Ville continues to build a (dare I say?) hip and thriving retail district with the addition of a little store called Artifaktori on College Avenue, which carries antiques, clothes, and shoes. More details from a Decor 8 post...I can't wait to check out this place!

Like Buttah

On the Saturday while my mom was visiting a few weeks back, I made two just, well, tremendous purchases sharing a common theme: butter.

I've wanted to Believe The Hype about French-style butter crocks since I saw an über-cute hand sculpted one on Etsy a few months ago. Unfortunately, that crock sold and all the others I've seen looked too chunky and big. We took my mom into the Boston Cheese Cellar (watch the video, really, it is too fun and adorably pro-Rozzie) to show her where The Prof threw my surprise 30th birthday party and -- wham -- right there, in the window, The Original Butter Bell! I immediately bought the matte white version (although I wouldn't mind having some of the "mini bells" for brunches.)

Basically, you put 1/3 cup of cold water into the bottom of the crock and smooth softened butter into the lid. The lid turns upside down, goes down into the very top of the water, a vacuum seal is made...and the result is delicious soft butter for all your spreading needs. We tried the bell when we got home and have been using it since so I can truthfully gush: genius! I love having soft, fresh butter every time. Plus, keeping the butter in the crock on the counter feels so European somehow. Finally I can stop microwaving the butter dish, which was attracting much contempt from Bobby Crocker (a butter connoisseur) and The Prof (who disliked the resulting hills and valleys in the stick.)

One warning: if it's a bit balmy, the water must be changed every three days to avoid spoilage, and if the butter/room temperature reaches higher than 80 degrees, the yellow stuff will slip out when you raise the lid. I lost one stick of butter in this way last week.But no harm, no folly...a little time in the fridge to firm up, and the bell was back in service.

Now, what could possibly top and still thematically link with The Butter Bell? Why, Butter by Nadia's Signature Wrap Dress, of course. I happened upon this amazing garmet in the store Bliss when we daytripped to Portsmouth. I will be wearing the dress to all remaining weddings this season -- but in what configuration? Guess the world will have to wait and see, since the slightly shimmery, nylon cloth can be wrapped, knotted, and tied into 15+ combinations. This dress so flattered my "bod" that I almost want a jersey version in some fun color (or basic black) for everyday.

TYDTWDwPF!

Do I mean "Take Your Dog To Work Day with PoopFreeze"? Why yes, yes I do.

I'm a few days back on the official TYDTWD (June 20) but I couldn't miss commemorating the occasion without encouraging dog owners to "Frost it and Toss it!"

At first, I thought this was a viral video gag, but turns out the company is legitimate and "Pet owners can now buy the first freeze-spray aerosol made for animal waste pick-up" right on the PF website, for $9.95 a can. They even sell a carry Poop-Freeze Carry Tote, for those pet owners who think they're hot shit, not cold...well, you get the idea.

My Sigg, Your Sigg, No Sigg

Been waiting since the downfall of Nalgenes to jump on Sigg's train? Get to a computer or nearest "outdoor lifestyle" store stat -- apparently the lightweight, crack-resistant, reusable, and recyclable aluminum bottles are in such short supply that even the company's own online store has halted sales.

"Due to the incredible demand for SIGG bottles, we are forced to close down the MySIGG shop. We are also unable to supply any other Internet business for Sigg Brand. Our Swiss factory is working around the clock to produce and ship more bottles to us, but the demand has currently and for the near future - exceeded the supply."

REI, EMS, and LL Bean all seem to still have the bottles in stock (online and off)...I might just buy a few to auction at eBay!

Grobal Gifting

One of my favorite things about the warmer, sunnier days? The time is ideal for planting outdoor gardens. This year, I'm hoping to not kill my green flock through under-watering by using Grobals, "The Cutest Self-Watering Plant Pot(s) Ever" (not to be confused with Josh.)

Designed by Karim Rashid (who did the Method packaging, among many other things,) these adorable pots are not only available in lots of stylish colors but also draw water and nutrients from the reservoir into the soil to keep plants happy + healthy. I love that the product photos feature succulents, which are my personal favorites due to their general heartiness.

Plus, Grobals look like the little machines from Batteries Not Included when open and come in various sizes...perfect for gifting, not to mention mixing-n-matching.

When Green + Beans = Good

I'm always on the lookout for unique present ideas, and with NStar receiving state approval to offer green energy to their customers starting this summer reminds me that  "green" is another dimension added to my gifting criteria.

Luckily, The Dairy Queen received a brilliant -- and practical -- enviro present for her birthday: the Bentwood Coffee Cuff. Available in Bengle,  Birds Eye Maple, and Black Maple, the cuffs (fashioned by hand with reclaimed architectural veneer offcuts,) can make your wrist and morning "habit" fashionable.

Go one step further: add DecorCraft's "I'm Not a Paper Cup", um, cup (made of porcelin with a silicone top) to the morning routine and your a.m. carbon footprint is suddenly mucho pequeño. How very appealing to those of us wearing size 10s.

Grete Prytz Kittelsen: My New Non-Sexual Crush

Since I've mostly maxed out the typewriter collection in space and variety (only two remain that I truly desire: the Smith Corona Ghia [orange] and the IBM Selectra [green],) I've decided to redirect my collecting desires in a new direction:

All of the above fotos are from the Flikr pool Lovers of Catherineholm Designs and show pieces designed by  Grete Prytz Kittelsen for Catherineholm of Norway.

"Lovely items with the ‘Lotus’ pattern created by Grete Prytz, a second wife of infamous Norvegian Designer Arne Korsmo. Grete Prytz Kittelsen was born 1917 in Oslo, Norway. Her designs have won many prestigious awards. She was one of most influential designers in Scandinavia in Mid-Century. In 2003, when she was already 86, Grete visited China, where she saw traditional Chinese enamel factory still in operation and which inspired her to start designing again. Chang & Biörck got exclusive rights to reproduce some of her design, among which a bowl and a plate, that she designed using similar colors as her original 1950s works. Cathrineholm of Norway started enamel production in 1907." (from Nordic Design Blog.)

I already own one GPK4CH piece, an enamel bowl that I unknowingly bought for $2 while thrifting five years ago. Now  I have a new (and domestically inclined) purpose in trolling ebay and random thrift stores -- I can almost feel my blood boiling in excitement!

1, 2, 3 Shoes You're Out

Inevitably, the day has arrived: the first "official" televised Red Sox game stateside (they played a series in Tokyo last week.) As such, The Prof gets to  watch the game in HD on our new(ish) flatscreen television...and I get to enjoy pleasurable pursuits as well: sit next to him on our new(ish) couch, drink a G&T, and blog about warmer weather shoes.

Spring is here!

The weather today hit the low 60s, and despite the wind, I decided to take a walk to DSW at lunch and investigate shoe options for the Spring-to-Summer months (now through June in Boston.) Basically, I've decided that flats are the way to go, but really comfy yet fashionable flats. Last year, these podiatric jewels were rare, but with the surge in popularity of no-heels, I hit the jackpot:

Cole Haan (G Series w/Nike) Coby Flats

Royal Elastics Flonica

Both pairs were on sale and are über-comfy. During a weekly phone chat, I mentioned my new kicks and The Polish Princess mentioned that she saw some great shoes at Target this past weekend. She recommended these stylish picks:

Merona Amber Chop-Out Flats

Xhilaration-Shauna-Ballet-Flats

But what to do when those spring showers hit? Personally, I always wear my red Hunter Wellies, a skirt and some cotton knee socks...but I keep an open mind:

Swims, the supposed "it" footwear of Spring, are sleek overshoes designed by a Norwegian. I saw these called "nouveau galoshes" and, hey, I can hang...even if I think they might make feet sweat like John Mayer's palms. They certainly do look like fun for puddle jumping. Thoughts on this one, especially from the gents?

Look that Horse in the Mouth

One thing I very much enjoy is giving presents, just ask anyone who knows me well. As a distraction to this never-ending winter season, I thought it might be fun to put together a little gifting guide (admittedly, I originally culled this list in January to present as an idea-scape for people who had to buy presents during the upcoming year.) Luckily, there's still nine months left in 2008, so take that ridiculous Economic Stimulus check and go on a spending spree!

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Any-Year Gifty: Fortune-Telling Birthday Book

I gave The Prof this adorable red (faux?) leather bound mini-book for his 29th birthday, and have since went back to my original place-of-purchase -- Restoration Hardware -- and bought more as gifts. Aside from pleasing typography and charming vintage illustrations for each month, the FTBB is very mailable (4.4" x 3.5"). Each month divider page offers birthstone and astrological overview, and each day gives a little fortune for the birthday boy or gal. I can imagine a yearly reading ritual (along with Cho's traditional birthday questions, of course.) Here's mine, November 16:

"You are intellectual, capable, and discerning, as well as fond of good literature, and you are a convincing and fluent talker. You have a deep and spritiual nature, are orthodox in your views, and spend little time in unknown fields. Your love is strong and deep, and you will receive a true devotion in return."

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Gift-of-Whimsy: Make a Wish Necklace

The Dairy Queen gave me one of these delicate sterling silver wishbones on  a vibrant red silk thread (with clasp) for my thirtieth birthday. Back in November, I followed the instructions to "simply make a wish and put on this necklace...when your necklace wears off...your wish should come true...enjoy, trust, believe" from the necklace's hang card. Four months later, around my neck the "wish" still hangs (guess my request isn't coming true anytime soon.) I can think of lots of occasions to give the Make a Wish Necklace; the same company also produces a few other necklace variations -- Karma and Pearls of Friendship and Love -- that I could see as great gifts for other special occasions (weddings, births, etc.)

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Crafty Gifty: Cake In A Jar

Ok, these are both cute and give lots of room for interpretation of design and flavor based on the recipient (both big pluses for gifting, IMHO). More details and some recipes here. 

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New Parent Gifty: Quarterly Baby Update Cards

Of course they already have Pee-Pee TeePees, Pants in a Pinch, and burping cloths galore...but do they have these handy, simple-to-fill-in-yet-stylishly-letterpressed cards to keep relatives and close friends in the know? I thought not. Bonus points if you pre-postage the envelopes for the new Mam and Pap.

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Baby Girl Gifty: Grain d'Or

I don't know how I stumbled upon  Corey Amaro's delightful blog, Tongue in Cheek ("stories and things collected while living in France", ) but I'm so glad that I did -- she gave me the #1 idea yet for a baby girl shower gift!

"The Collier Marseillais, or Grain d' Or, is a necklace that is added on to, one-by-one, as time goes by. When a girl is born she is given a chain with one gold ball. As each moment in her life comes to be, the child is given another gold ball to string on her chain. A first word, a first tooth, the first step, her first day at school ...by the time of her 21st birthday or her wedding day, the necklace will be ready to link. The young woman would have a full necklace of golden memories.

Now, someone have a baby girl already!!!

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Eco-Housewarming Gifty: Modernist Terrarium

This is a DIY project, and the components are fairly simple: glass container with clean lines, some succulent plants, soil or small pebbles, and white sand. I've seen several simple versions of  these terrariums online, and it seems like the Whirly Hanging Candleholder from CB2 might make a stylish container (there's a square version, too), since succulents need a minimal amount of soil. Plus, what's greener than giving plants?

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Hostess or Housewarming Gifty: HomeHero

Nothing ruins that cocktail soirée  or the homeowner's insurance policy rates like a kitchen fire. Save your favorite host or hostess with a fire extinguisher full of "safety+confidence+style" that doubles as a modern sculpture when not in use (and let's hope that's most of the time.) Only available at Home Depot stores.

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Blogorelli Gifty: Daschund
(also here, here, and here)   

This call-out is pretty much solely for The Prof and also a complete fantasy since we aren't allowed to have a dog in our apartment. BKP Sophia's 10th birthday is coming up later this month, and I must  say that though she remains of a delightful temperament overall, she's less receptive to my attempts at dressing her up. Enter Peculiar Gorelli, my future weiner dog. In fact, I can't think of anyone who wouldn't benefit from the company of a "clever, lively and courageous" (according to the AFC) canine tagalong. I also get to give one last gift! (as seen on d*sponge)

Paul + Joe Do Perrier

Hey, has anyone seen the new labels for Perrier designed by Paul+Joe's Sophie Albou? I love buying the Perrier in the "classic" glass bottles, and was pleasantly surprised to see something fresh on the labels (a Spring/St. Patrick's Day theme, I guess?) The main Perrier site doesn't have any info, but looking around the blogosphere, I found out that there are also Paul + Joe limited edition Perrier cans which are chic and retro-Francais.) 

(Image below from Design Finds)

These commerce-meets-design partnerships always intrigue me (like Target's GO International line, of which Paul+Joe was coincidentally a part). So of course, I totally bought both versions of the new Target reusable shopping bags when I saw them in the local store earlier this month. Minneapolis-based firm Wink did the cute illustration and, let's face it, in both color and design, these bags far exceed the standard of style seen in other supermarkets (which I wrote about a while back here.) After using both bags, I'd recommend splurging for the $1.49 version, which has a box shaped bottom (better for carrying purchases) and a handy hanging loop once the bag is rolled and snapped.

(Images below from Wink)

The Dairy Queen sent me the perfect example of well-designed functionality in a product this morning: Dots Gloves. The simple, black gloves have smooth (and non-scratching) curved metal dots on the fingertips to offer iPhone and iPod users out there the ability to interface without suffering cold fingers. Genius.

"Couch Weekend"= Success

In case anyone is wondering, our new couch did arrive bright and early (7:31 am!) this past Saturday. I am loving the new piece of furniture, while trying to control my obsessive leanings to vigilantly protect it from stains like a newly Crest Strip-whitened tooth. Someone else is enjoying the new sofa too:

Yep, that's The Prof lounging on our new Corona immediately after he returned from Florida on Monday night.

In an funny coincidence, Cho and Bobby (whose tip led us to our couch) also had their new couch delivered on Saturday morning. How "Nicole and Christina" are we?

Plait

I just love a good brunch and, even more so recently, hosting a quality mid-morning meal. One thing that I've found really adds to the cozy mid-winter ambiance are table linens. We have a few tablecloths, none of which really fit the table correctly, and some napkin sets that we rotate. Just two weekends ago, while setting the table in preparation for Bostonists Jon and Katie coming over for brunch, I pondered how much I'd like some new stuff for setting the table.

Plait Textiles to the rescue!

Jennifer Pellman, a graduate of Cranbrook Academy, weaves her napkins and table runners by hand and from 100% cotton yarn. The sets come in a variety of patterns (mostly checks, stripes, and plaid) with whimsical names like Chocolate Wasabi, Salted Caramel, Cherry Clafoutis, and all maintain their natural selvage (apparently something generally missing in commercial textiles.)

Pellman's site also points out something that I've been trying to embrace lately -- enjoying the simple routines of one's day...

"There is an intimacy in soft, cotton cloth on your lips, and pleasure in attention to the details of every day living."

Napkins and table runners available at Plait's Etsy store.

(Below, prep for our Bostonist brunch. I made two kinds of quiche from Mom-orelli's recipe. Notice two Christmas gifts we received this year: spiffy new  Pop Ink plates (Cho+Bobby) and a toaster oven (The Prof's sister.)

The brunch table is set:

Hepper Hippens Pets

One of my goals for the upcoming weekend is to organize our office. We plan to store all electronic equipment under the desk using a large, sliding, mountable basket from The Container Store, and then figure out some sort of clever cord management system (if such a thing exists.)

Aside from general clutter, we also have another issue: a certain Baby Kitty Princess insists on lounging atop the router and external hard drives. I suppose she likes the warmth, but considering the presence of a large radiator mere inches away from her preferred perches, I gotta ask -- why are cats just...difficult?

Here, a shot of the general sassiness regarding hard-drive-sitting (she's on the router in this photo, however):

Once the office revamp is complete, there will be nowhere for her to sit (except on the radiator, ahem) so I am on the search for a chic, design-y solution. Hepper, with their modern pet furniture, might just be my savior. I love both their Pod and Nest, the smaller ones made for cats, of course. They have the same products for pooches too, if you roll that way.

"The Pod offers the security of a mountaintop cave with way more style. It serves as your pet’s own personal sanctuary – a perfect place for curling up to snooze, hide, or reign supreme."

"Why should birds have all the fun? Now your four-legged friends can have a Nest all their own. This floor-level sanctuary is perfect for curling up for a nap, storing toys, or falling asleep to daydreams of…zzzzzzzz."

Unfortunately, at $155 and $95, respectively, I guess the BKP will just have to imagine what it feels like to have her own mountaintop cave, or be birdlike...or just "discover" the RADIATOR.

Black (Friday) Is My Luscher Color Test Result

I love to buy things...and then return them with shocking swiftness. Bending the fine print of retail establishments' policies and the wills of their employees is not just one of my favorite past times, but also a somewhat sad addiction. I'm the odd mix of an impulsive shopper who is initially indecisive and then immediately remorseful post-purchase.

So it may surprise my fine readers to know that I've never attended an early morning Black Friday sale. Luckily, The Prof and I changed that sad fact this past weekend. We decided to buy a mutual Christmas present for ourselves and the apartment -- a flat screen television. After scouring the circulars on Thanksgiving night, we picked our top candiate for size, quality, and budget: the Olevia 37" HDTV, on sale at Target starting Friday.

I know the mentality of bargain shoppers, so I convinced The Prof that we needed to get up at 5am and be at the store by 6am sharp. Luckily, he was sedated enough from the day's eating to agree with me. When the alarm went off early the next morning, I wanted to kill someone...probably the person who sets the time for doorbuster sales. However, we both got up, poured coffee into our matching travel mugs, and set out.

Strategically, I identified the Target on Commercial Way, Route 93, as our best bet. Any store closer to the city would undoubtedly be mobbed. How early could suburbanites be willing to get up to buy some cheap LCD monitors? As we pulled into the parking lot and saw about 100+ people in line, I realized the answer: very early. In fact, these people likely had nothing to do for the rest of the day than buy digital photo frames and fleece pajamas at 70% off list price.

I looked at the clock: 5:56am. I felt the adrenaline kick in...a mob of people, emotions running high, aggression in the air...could the scene be set for me to finally achieve my dream of getting into a bar fight? The only difference was that this "bar fight" might take place in a Target store, not an actual "bar," per say. No matter. We decided to let the doors open and then join the back of the line. At exactly 6am, the doors bent back, the crowd rushed forward, and The Prof looked at me and uttered the only words I'd hear from him until we got back to the car: "Promise me that you'll never make me do this again."

We melded into the back of the line and, literally within a minute, we entered the store. Now, I have seen some crazy sights while shopping massive sales, but I've never seen a spectacle to equal the first 25 feet inside of this Target store. The television boxes, piled high when we were filing in, had been reduced to four. FOUR! Amid the shoppers crazily piling 19" LCD monitors into their carts (that item was next to the televisions,) I calmly walked over, attached my hand to one of the television boxes, and waited for The Prof to find me. We'd gotten separated while entering the store.

"THERE ARE ONLY TWO TELEVISIONS LEFT!" a Target queen employee next to me screamed. Within thirty seconds, the other tellies disappeared, and The Prof and I were carrying our new set to checkout. We had a bit of trouble fitting the box into Vinny, but we eventually loaded our new purchase, got in the car, and clicked our seat belts. I looked at the clock...it read 6:12am.

We arrived home and hooked up the set -- it turned on right away and the picture looked great. Not to mention that I no longer have to worry about our old cathode tube set falling on BKP and crushing her tiny kitty frame. I must admit, though, that I don't plan on attending another Black Friday sale...unless there's some insanely good deal on iPhones next year, of course.

A freeze frame from Black Friday (via The Inter-net):

I Believe The Hype:

Survey Says...

...little soaps shaped like baby arms, creepy or cool?

A recent Etsy find:

"this is real soap that you can wash your little (or big [or medium-sized]) hands with. wash your hands with hands. hold on to your soapy hands. i created molds of doll hands and then used the molds to make shaped soap. you will get 10-13 hands in a pretty little bag (good for giving to someone who has dirty paws). they will be of various skin-ish colors and sizes (average height: 1 inch). they are very lightly scented, and the soap itself is of a lovely vegitable (sic) glycerin goat's milk variety, colored with soap dyes...

hands...
touching hands
reaching out
touching me
touching you"

Thoughts? I yearn for comments on this one.

Greenward: Fruit Flies Not Included

Few who know me know that the reason I've always been a Reluctant Recycler is because of a past roommate's habit of throwing non-rinsed containers into our kitchen bins, turning the recycling "center" into a breeding ground for fruit flies, fungus and rancid smells.

On Saturday, while shopping near Porter Square for some shoes to alleviate the two-week ache which has settled into my heels, I came upon a new(ish?) store that makes being green hipper than Al Gore.

At Greenward, "being green doesn't mean having to sacrifice style." They carry eco-modern goods. I know, what the heckie are those? The shop defines them as elegantly designed, attractive, and functional...at least one of the following:

- made from recycled materials
- recyclable
- made from organic materials
- handmade
- made from sustainable materials
- -energy efficient
- biodegradable
- educational"

Apparently, being green in Cambridge no longer involves the rank scent of patchouli or seeing cracked, dry heels rubbing around in Birkenstocks -- woo hoo! The "new green" is designerly too. Anyway, the store is great, very clean, and cute, with little check boxed tags attached to all the items so you can see if the thing you're aiming to needlessly (in my case) purchase is recycled, handmade, biodegradable, etc. Plus the goods would be great for a little green gifting. I'm especially crushing on the Carrie bicycle basket in kelly green <hint, hint.>

Like Croquet, but Better

There are quite a few summer/fall weddings coming up in the Blogorelli datebook, and I couldn't help thinking that this Oenophilia Picnic Stake Set from Target is a cute gift....at least for that couple who, like me, enjoys drinking their vino while catching a pleasantly warm breeze.

The set comes with one bottle holder and two cup rests, which are steel with a zinc finish (no rusting) and a "charming and smart way to spontaneously enjoy wine outdoors." The whole thing brings to mind a very New England weekend feel...complete with plaid picnic blanket, seersucker suits/dresses, and smooching. But, like, wholesome and confined smooching, of course.

Like, "Good" Baggage

Forecasts for today in The Bean report that temperatures will be "much cooler" (sniff, NECN Weather Department, sniff.) So I've decided to inject some green -- and Hype -- into the day with a recent grocery store phenom: reusable cloth-y shopping bags.

Everyone has seen the different varieties in their market of choice, usually priced around 99 cents/bag and branded with the store's logo and some "green" messaging. The totes have a boxed bottom and are not-quite-cloth. So far, The Prof and I have collected around 10 bags...5 from Shaws (my preferred "design") and Stop and Shop (his.) But this week we stumbled on Whole Foods' variety (see below.) Not only does the W.F. version offer a bigger height by at least 2", but they feature nostalgic seasonal illustrations of fruits and vegetables with decorative typography.

Jackpot!

One of my favorite daily reads, ljcfyi.com, did a write-up on reusable bags yesterday, with links to some more durable options. But seriously, $8.95 for a plain cotton canvas sack? I think not. Just go to The Gap or Old Navy's clearance section at the end of spring/summer and score a gigantic tote that can hold enough groceries to literally break one's back.

And if an ego boost will help get people to go reusable, Americans use 100 billion plastic bags per year, which might make us sound pathetically disposable...until you find out that the Japanese use 380 billion -- boo YA!

(Below, some actual greens to brighten the day, from The Dairy Queen and I's trip to the Flower Market over the weekend)

Greener ... In A Good Way

My recent run-in with the stomach flu has me singing the praises of good health every morning that I've awoken (since Monday, anyhow.) I'm drinking tons of water, taking the stairs, going to bed early...and getting on a little DIY green action in the shower.

Huh?

April 22 is Earth Day, and with the "Al Gore-scars" this year, every magazine that I pick up is cashing in caring big time with spreads X infinity about helping the environment, getting greener materials into your house (whether to build or clean) and only smooshing the purest, organic concoctions onto one's body.

In many ways, I find the call to action (and accompanying Hype) refreshing. Luckily, when I decided to take a post-illness "cleansing" shower, I only had to look as far as my fridge for the most natural products. See, for part of my Christmas present, Cho gave me a set of three cute tins (the labels of which she designed herself) filled with homemade bath&body goods prepared lovingly by her own motherly hands (I can say that now, right-o, because she is a certified MOTHER...of The Butterbean.)

As I relaxed and read the ("Treehugger" issue of) Domino magazine, lovely lemony scents wafted up my nostrils as my Squeezed Lemon + Bourbon Whiskey Face Mask set. Soon, I stepped into the shower and devoured (in a usage sense) my whole tin of French Vanilla and Caramel Sugar Body Scrub. I've yet to relish the Sea Salt + Wild Honey Skin Polish, but when I do, well, won't the scenerio be just like an Herbal Essences commercial? No, dear readers, no it will not. I will enjoy the experience completely, though, of that I am sure.

For those out there who are not fortunate enough to have their own Cho connection, Etsy is a natural (yuk yuk) place to find lots of people making natural concoctions, a lot from products they grow? A few of my favorites:

- Daisycakes Soaps, where you can pick up a FULL POUND of various olive oil soaps for $13
- Lushbox's Get Nakey Mineral Foundation Powder
- Spazspun and their customized natural herbal shampoos

Since most accidents in the home occur in the bathroom, which is the scene of every fifth fatal electrocution (eek!), a word to the wise: have some traction on the floor and clean up tidy afterwards, as a lot of natural products have an olive oily base, which makes everything soft, smooth...and slippy!

Karl, Karl Lager-fab

I have often wondered whether people are truly eccentric because of nature or merely the means to support their unconventionalities. Howard Hughes stored his urine in jars and obsessively scrutinized the size of peas on his dinner plate, but he was also one of the wealthiest men alive in his time. Nikola Tesla lived only in hotels, ate dinner at exactly the same time each night, and compulsively fed certain New York City pigeons every day. His theoretical work formed the basis for the alternating current (AC) system.

According to Wikipedia, eccentrics "may comprehend the standards for normal behavior in their culture, or they may not. They are simply unconcerned by society's disapproval of their habits or beliefs. Many of history's most brilliant minds have displayed many unusual behaviors and habits."

The New Yorker fueled my flame for famous eccentrics last week with a brilliantly detailed profile of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Among a few of the article's gems?

Why Lagerfeld lost 90 pounds in 2000:

“I suddenly wanted to dress differently, to wear clothes designed by Hedi Slimane,” he said. “But these fashions, modeled by very, very slim boys—and not men my age—required me to lose at least 40 kg. It took me exactly thirteen months.”

What I can learn from Karl when it comes to my hoarding "issues":

 “I throw everything away!” he declared. “The most important piece of furniture in a house is the garbage can! I keep no archives of my own, no sketches, no photos, no clothes—nothing! I am supposed to do, I’m not supposed to remember!” He smoothed a gloved hand over the empty page in front of him and visibly relaxed."

And how I'll replace all the stuff I threw away:

"Unlike creative people who fear the blank page, Lagerfeld has a horror of the full page, the page that cannot be altered—the page that possesses the power to bore...He has devoted his existence to living as much as possible in the present, keeping himself attuned to trends, not just in fashion but in art, politics, movies, and music. 'I go to Colette,” he says, referring to the eclectic boutique on the Rue Saint-Honoré. I buy all the new things, I buy all the music magazines, listen to new music.'

No one wants to be Karl's Bookmooch buddy:

"According to his publishing partner, Gerhard Steidl, when Lagerfeld reads a thick paperback, he tears out the pages as he finishes them."

A few other fascinating facts:
- the designer reads fluently in four languages: English, French, German, Italian
- besides designing for three different labels, he also shoots the Chanel press kits and fine art photography (which he sometimes exhibits)
- he publishes books under the imprint "Édition 7L"
- during the interview he proved that he ate "next to nothing" by consuming a powered mixture from an envelope mixed with that he called 'protein' and which looked like chocolate pudding
- he communicates with outside world mainly through faxes written in script with a fountain pen

The article is a time-consuming read, but one I'd label a Blogorelli must!

A Little Adventure Holiday

...with Esthex!

Sofie & Naomie are best friends, Richard & Rita are horses, Lola is a rabbit-creature, Roos is a bird sans beak and Finn is a fish. Have we just entered an acid fantasy? Nope, just the world created by Netherlands artist Esther Schuivens through her line of children's toys, dolls and accessories.

Schuivens became inspired by her old childhood drawings that she drudged up in her parent's attic one afternoon. Their most interesting and endearing features? Humour, simplicity and strange proportions...not to mention a wicked penchant for fashion and a back story that could only come from the Land of Wooden Shoes.

Finally, all of Esthex's wares "are made in the Netherlands at a social workplace, they love making dolls and make sure every doll wears the right clothes, colours and accessories!" And, needless to say, any of Esther's products would make a superb gift for a newborn, toddler...or me..

Somerville's Madonnas Kick Cambridge's Madonnas' Asses

"My name is Josh Michtom...I started this project in the summer of 2005 while taking my one-year-old son Max for long walks in the stroller. Soon, I was going out on my own, usually early in the morning on my bicycle, and methodically exploring each street in search of more statues to photograph. As of November, 2006, I had covered about half the residential streets in Somerville, yielding pictures of 234 separate statues."

Josh is my friend. He's also fighting for the common man as a public defender AND rides cool bikes that he builds himself (in the snow, even!) Only 39 days until Christmas means it's time to start buying stocking stuffers -- and who wouldn't like a kitschy-cool calendar or post/notecard set detailing Somerville's quirkiest of residents, the Madonna statues?!?

Besides, just because my own dreamscheme is stalled doesn't mean I can't heartily endorse a great idea by someone else with ingenuity AND a work ethic! Plus, Josh will deliver the order in person on his bike to those in the greater Somerville area.

Get 'em  before the Allston hipsters suck the supply dry...or just marvel at the 234 photographs.

www.somervillemadonnas.com

About the Only Time Squishy Tooth = Good Tooth

Just in time for my upcoming 29th birthday the The Sew Dorky School of Dentistry gives me three reasons not to dread aging...and to look forward to opening my presents this year (hint hint).

I just wonder which is the most applicable for moi: Sweet, Pimp, or Monster Tooth? The obvious choice, Blindingly Whitened Tooth, is missing from the lineup.

In Your Satin Tights, Fighting for Your Rights

Just when I pull the trigger and decisively buy the BKP her Halloween costume...THIS is brought to my attention.

Luckily, the costume only comes in size large, and is "currently" unavailable.  All I can say is next year ...matching harem girls !

The Special Feathered Eclair No-No Place?

There are so many disturbing phrases in this morning's Daily Candy Everywhere that I couldn't pick just one or two on which to comment. As such, I've pasted the item below and highlighted those things which most shake my secret prudish sensabilities to the core:

DailyCandy - The Coloring Box
"Time to refurbish your special no-no place with a jazzy fall color: Put your triangle’s tresses in the capable hands of Betty, the first dye created especially for your down-there hair. The easy-to-use formula is safe enough for your sensitive lady place. And if your orchid is wilting, fear not — Betty easily covers grays.

Decorate your fuzzy éclair with a variety of icings, like subtle auburn, blonde, brown, and black. Not enough options (or unsettling euphemisms) for ya? [BLOGORELLI INTERJECTS: "YES!!! Women's no-no places everywhere are begging you, STOP!"] Feather your nest with FunBetty, an oh-no-she-didn’t pink. The dripless formula guarantees that no dye will sully your pee-pee’s teepee, and your new plumage is more than certain to attract plenty of male attention.

So go on and wash that man right into your hair.
Available  at BettyBeauty.com"

AAACK!

(Below, words which now, like the aborred "panties," will cause me to recoil in disgust: "nest," "tee pee," "eclair")

Save an Animal, Eat a Vegan

Matt and Nat want you to "choose life," "choose positivity," "choose salvation." But don't hate them because they eat imitation bacon…instead, lovey LOVE their vegan handbags and the fact that their company is based in Montreal.

The two powerhouses (ahem) behind this clever yet stylish business are partners Inder Bedi and Manny Kohli, and do these boys ever know how to make a faux handbag. The styles range from classic to right-now, and the purses, as well at the shoes, wallets, and accessories that complete the N+M line, are all completely sans animal.

Buying cruelty free feels good. And besides, you'll look totally chic the next time you join friends for that comfort burger.

Scales…They're Just Like US!

I hardly need a subscription to UsWeekly to know that my life very closely resembles The Celebrity Existence — but perhaps I would just feel better having a scale to remind me that I'm a s-u-p-e-r-s-t-a-r! [jazz hands]

Now, instead of using pesky numbers and that stupid "math" thing, I'll hop on The Celebrity Scale to find out whether I can eat another Daim bar without ending up as big as Mr. Ed. And seriously, I know not of a man hasn't wanted to possess Ralph Macchio's sleek Karate Kid-esque physique.

Because envy of the rich and famous never gets out of control…right?
Buy it here for 35 Euros.

Money Can't Buy Happiness

…but the moolah can buy a squeaky-clean organized and diverse Netflix queue that everyone will envy:

- - -

Having Trouble With Your Netflix Queue?

Did you toss 200+ titles into your queue and now don't have the time / energy to sort and put together a balanced lineup? Are you renting a lot of heavy foreign films that you always thought you should see...and now they're sitting next to your dvd player collecting dust? Do you come home each day and see Maria Full of Grace looking back at you as it has for the last year and a half? I can help you.

I've been a Netflix subscriber since its genesis. I've rented hundreds and rated thousands of films and I believe I have finally come up with an effective queuing formula that aptly mixes melodrama, comedy, foreign classics, horror, noir, documentaries and those tricky 6-disc television series.

Tell me your preferred genres, give me an idea of which titles you're particularly interested in and I'll jump into the fray.

Stop avoiding your queue and allow me to increase your dvd turnover and satisfaction.
Fee is negotiable based on need, queue length, etc.

Contact Netflix.Help@gmail.com

- - -

This is a business venture of a friend, and I offer my commendation; after all, not everyone can push through with his/her entrepreneurial desires. I mean, let's face it — if the modern wo/man can find someone to manage day schedules, apt. decoration, grocery shopping, clothes styling, fitness training and even pet care — then why the hell not throw some money towards having a fuckin' hot queue? You know, the one that makes the hipster girls say with disdain, "How did she know to see Grey Gardens six months ago?!?"

To quote the add, "Stop avoiding your queue"…and obsess about something more important, like the new crop of tooth whitening products or if the leggings trend will indeed last through Fall 2006.

(Below, my Queue. Not sooo bad, especially since I've managed to power through all the romantic comedies that I had front-loaded for a while there.)

What to Buy the Father-to-Be Who Has Everything?

...and even conquered The Man Brooch?

Why man slippers , of course. Or, as I am christening them, mippers.

"The slipper collection is our largest for gentlemen and known for its unique designs and unmatched comfort. The most elegant, whether for day or evening, are our velvets that come in a variety of hand embroideries and understated prints. Our needlepoints…go anywhere and everywhere.        

The most unique of the slippers are made from one-of-a-kind silk and wool paisley shawls. No two slippers are the same and none can ever be duplicated."

Hello? Is anyone else seeing an ascot, some cropped silk pajamas pants, and a stiff scotch on the rocks completing this "waterfront sunset" portrait? Exactly.

Father's Day is June 18th this year...

(Below, the nautical theme screams for Bobby Crocker, although were I a, erm, "gentleman," I'd definitely go for the scorpion. And -- ahoy! -- there's even a skull+crossbones for ye velvet pirates out there.)

BUMP WATCH! 3.8.06

How are these for some "booties"?

"My First Cowboy Boot", a purchase for Baby ChoBo/Kicker/Professor E./Sprout/Vinz Clortho...shown next to Cho's own cowgirl kicks for contrast + cuteness.