A Fine Line

Always on the lookout for new things for the store, I came across Far Fetched, a fair trade jewelry company based in California. Their jewelry is mostly sterling silver, made in Taxco, Mexico (famous for its silver). Some of it ventures dangerously close to cutesy -- not to be confused with "cute" -- but there is one cuff bracelet coveted by all of our staff, and I'm not sure I can live without it much longer. It's a simple silver cuff (similar to those pictured at left) and the inscription reads: "Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult." I don't think you can buy it online, but if you want one, Ten Thousand Villages will be happy to ship!

To Noir Me is to Love Me

Collecting books has never been my thing -- as much as I love to read, I'm perfectly content to use the public library or borrow from an obliging friend. Then, I discovered the Hard Case Crime Series. Garish, retro covers and a heart of dark, noir goodness. Perhaps it might reveal too much about my character to have a bookshelf full of these, but I don't care...I want them all.

www.hardcasecrime.com

I Believe in Miracles

There are the practical aspects of staying warm, and then there are things like hot chocolate. Hot chocolate accomplishes a few things, not the least of which is warming you without the use of microfleece. And I suppose it tastes pretty good, too.

My favorite hot cocoa also happens to be unavailable at your local grocery store and is not the most convenient to make. Why are we not surprised? But (she pleaded plaintively) it's really, really good! And it's not as expensive as all those haute chocolates.

www.mexgrocer.com, $4.95

It's Electric

As soon as the temperature drops below, oh, let's say seventy degrees, I make it my mission to avoid the cold. And by "cold" I mean anything below seventy degrees. That's why my favorite Christmas present had to be the electric blanket my parents gave me. I just use it to preheat my bed before going to sleep, and it's so warm that I've been able to keep my home thermostat five degrees cooler than usual, which appeals to the environmentalist in me. You might even say it gives me the warm fuzzies.

I mean, you could say that -- if you were kind of a dork.


cozywinters.com, $89

Feeling Somewhat Scrabby?

I've resumed my love/hate relationship with Scrabble, but now I'm doing it online, which means I can drag it out for weeks or even months instead of a few excruciating hours. Who invented this game?!! (Alfred Butts, during the Depression.) More importantly, why is that d#@$ "3X word" tile always one letter out of reach???

Sigh.

If you're an English major, a masochist, or any twisted combination thereof, you should check out www.scrabulous.com. But don't say I didn't warn you.

Fly Me to the Moon (or Atlanta)

The Flying Biscuit has long been one of my favorite restaurants. The fact that it's 331.14 miles away isn't going to stop me. Whenever I'm in Atlanta, I have to eat there at least once. Okay, usually more than once. And when I say "eat," I mean "order multiple menu items and stuff myself." But good news, kids! Word on the street is -- The Flying Biscuit is being franchised! Huzzah! This means that someday, if I'm lucky, I might have a sad imitation of my favorite restaurant in my very own neighborhood. I can't wait.

www.flyingbiscuit.com

Make Me Up Before You Go-Go

Lately, I've been liking a matte face, pale berry cheeks, lips without too much gloss, and either navy eyeliner/purple eyeshadow, or brown eyeliner/blue eyeshadow. Have I gone crazy, or is this what we'll soon be seeing on everyone? Only time will tell.

Oh, yeah -- I'm also thinking thinner eyebrows, but I'm a little scared of that one.

In A Word

Sometimes these things are inexplicable, but I just had to say...Flamenco.

Just So Ya Know...

Strawberries are the new cupcake.
www.superbuzzy.com
$11.95/yard

Domo Allegrato Mr. Gozaimasu

Oh, my gosh, Becky! In looking for a camera case (it's been a long, drawn-out search and this is only day one) I found this case for pills. In Japan, there are all kinds of products with random English phrases, some of which make more sense than others. (Check out engrish.com for some funny examples). But this pill case! It makes me wish I were on anti-depressants, just so that I could keep them in this case. http://www.kawaiicorner.com/product_info.php?products_id=2555, $4.15

It's a Wrap

My obsession with beautiful gift wrap is in equal proportion to my inability to wrap a gift. Hence, I am totally enamoured of the overpriced gift wrap available on this website. I spent a good half-hour fantasizing about the impressive gifts I would give family/friends/co-workers for birthdays/Christmas/just because I'm such a great person. Needless to say, none of you will be getting anything wrapped in this paper (or probably any other, since I usually have to resort to gift bags). But enter my world of gift wrap fantasy, and imagine that when I give you that thing you never knew you always wanted, it's wrapped in this paper.

www.flaxart.com, $12

Salad Days

These salad servers are gorgeous, and they make me extremely happy about the return to a sort of Art Nouveau aesthetic that draws on nature for inspiration. Despite the fact that they do look somewhat nonfunctional.
www.californiafleurish.com

$68

Unrequited Love

Wow, this is cool. And totally unavailable at the moment. (Is that part of what makes it cool? Perhaps.) www.bags2riches.co.uk Made of silver and recycled plastic bags.

Already Cynical About It

I'm going on vacation next week, but mentally, I'm already there...basking in the sun in...Montana. Ahem. Yeah, I guess there won't be much basking. But it is a gorgeous place -- I could bask in the beauty of Nature, if not in the actual sun. Good thing I'll have that handy digital camera for all the pictures that won't remotely capture the beauty of what I actually saw!

Welcome to the Nineties

So, I finally broke down and bought a digital camera. After much research (okay, reading a few online articles and asking two people) I decided on the Canon a550 Powershot, one of the few options within my budget. I don't have any basis of comparison, really, but I'm digging it so far. Spent the weekend geeked out, reading the manual, then proceeded to torture my family and dog by taking pictures of them constantly. And I'm not done!

I bought my camera at PrestigeCamera.com, which had the best price and a decent customer service rating. After my experience, I would say that the price was good, but I'm not so crazy about the way the transaction went. But if listening to a high pressure salesman from Bombay is necessary to save money...

Numbers Make the Best Blogs

My absolute favorite blog site (this one excepted, of course) has to be 101cookbooks.com. I've tried a couple of recipes from the site, both of which were excellent, and I can't wait to get the cookbook. It's Super Natural Cooking by Heidi Swanson, available at amazon.com for $13.60. And if you don't cook, perhaps you should consider getting it for a friend. Maybe a friend who's birthday is in 116 days.

Now Hear This

And speaking of ways to spend way too much time online... I can't resist the various "Overheard" websites. I keep trying to eavesdrop on interesting conversations so that I'll have something to add, but I haven't had any luck. If only I lived in New York, I would be sure to hear something worth posting. Oh, well. It's a small price to pay for not having to live in New York.

www.overheardeverywhere.com & www.overheardinnewyork.com

The Noun, Not the Verb

So, glass floats. I don't know why, but suddenly I long for a set to display on my mantel. (Having a mantel is a terrible thing...the pressure to come up with just the right objects, art, etc. is practically unbearable. But maybe my life is just too easy). If you, too, find yourself longing for a glass float, eBay looks like the place to go. Good luck!

I Told You So

Although I wear a moisturizer with sunscreen year-round, for Summer I switch to a higher SPF for everyday since I'm always riding around in my car with the windows down. Did you know that most sun damage occurs with incidental exposure? Over the years, those minutes add up, so if you're not wearing sunscreen on your neck, hands, and any other exposed skin, don't come cryin' to me when you're old and wrinkly. You could have avoided it by using this new product from Neutrogena -- you don't even have to get your hands in it, and it's not sticky at all! www.walgreens.com, $9.99.

Hang It All!

Pendants are supposed to be big this season. Well, here's a big one, and it's supercool. From our favorite site, www.etsy.com, $30. It looks very Art Deco to me. Art Deco meets Mondrian meets recycling. Okay, I'm totally making that up, but it sounded good, didn't it?

Can You Tea Me Now?

These fabulous creations are, er, created from vintage tea tins, which I will admit makes me like them even more. This would be one of those wish-I'd-thought-of-that ideas; I don't think I've ever seen anything exactly like them, but they're brilliant!

Once more with feeling -- BRILLIANT!

Now that I've gotten that out of my system... Check out the seller's Etsy store, BluePlateStudio. www.etsy.com, $47

Mimi Me!

I knew as soon as I saw the picture on the home page of Mimi and Marge that I had a found a company after my own heart. And here to prove it, these fabulous sterling silver earrings! These are the "Soda" earrings. Also love the plum blossom pendant, and the big buckle handbag in Pewter. Happy shopping, and don't miss the testimonials! www.mimiandmarge.com (you can look but you can't buy)
To purchase, go to www.amazon.com, $73

A Black and White Issue

There are some truly hideous things on the "Casual Living" site, but this sweet sundress is not one of them. I just can't get over black and white right now, and what's more perfect for summer than a light, airy, sexy-but-not-slutty sundress? And while you're there, just for laughs, check out the "slippers" designed for cleaning the floor. www.casuallivingusa.com, $59

Sweep Me Off My Feet

Looks like the only prince in my life lately could be a dustpan. (Well, that, and the Prince Formerly Known As The Symbol Formerly Known As Prince, because I heart his music). But if your prince has to be a dustpan, how cute is this one? www.pylones-usa.com, $45

Lettuce Be Well-dressed

Salad days are here again! Who really feels like cooking when it's hot? (Yes, I know some of you never feel like cooking -- I'm not naming any names here. You know who you are). In honor of my current favorite meal, let's talk dressing. Here are a few of my favorites.


Brianna's Real French Vinaigrette. This is my all-time favorite bottled salad dressing. It's a classic vinaigrette, not too sweet like a lot of balsamics can be. No added sugar, all natural, and generally...yum.





Annie's Naturals Organic Papaya Poppy Seed Dressing has won over many a visitor to my house. It's fruity and sweet, almost like a French dressing, but much, much better.





Girard's Light Champagne Dressing is a new one for me, but is quickly becoming a favorite. In addition to being half the calories of the other dressings in my fridge, it's delicious, with a light, mustardy tang. (Because calories be d*$#ed, if something tastes bad, I'm not going to put it on my salad!)

Even Amish Girls Can Look Glamorous

Sigh. If only I could sew, I would make myself some super-cute aprons. But since I don't, I'll have to be satisfied with admiring the ones available for sale. Here's a great one that even has matching gloves -- a must for those of us without automatic dishwashers.

www.carolynskitchenonline.com, apron $38, gloves $18

Jersey Wrapsody

Wrap jersey dresses are everywhere right now (almost as ubiquitous as tar), and what's not to love about that? If they're cut right, they're extremely flattering, and they DON'T WRINKLE. Ever. I mean, I dare you to try to get jersey to wrinkle. You can forget it in the bottom of a laundry hamper for three years, pull it out, and it won't be wrinkled. Not that I've done that. Ahem. I'm just speaking theoretically. So...despite all the wanna-bes (translation: dresses I can actually afford), I have to pay homage to the original -- Diane von Furstenberg. (And as a side note, when I was in seventh grade, I thought her "Tatiana" perfume was awesome).

www.nordstrom.com, $298

Tar

I really feel that the next big thing is tar. (Pause for effect). Just kidding. But it does seem like the entire city is repaving everything. It's like the smell of spring is in the air. Only...stinky.

Ours is a Complicated Relationship

I've been seeing wallpaper lately. I mean, I'm not commited enough to actually have it in my house. Not on the walls. But I like it. Sometimes I think about it on lonely nights. And I'd like to have it to dinner. www.bunnymaxwell, set of four $42

Give in to the Marketing

Normally, I eschew the whole concept of the card -- isn't it just a marketing scheme? I make exceptions for very funny cards (See Bald Guy Greetings) or for incredibly beautiful ones like these from Artecnica. The one pictured is blank, but they have an entire line of these, most of which have messages printed in the middle; they say very original things like "Happy Birthday" and "Thank You." While you're looking at these, don't miss the Fairy Tale Greeting Cards by Tord Boontje. He's such a genius! www.unicahome.com, $6

Sophea's Choice

The only real answer to "Paper or plastic?" is "I brought my own." C'mon! Just stash a couple of bags in your car so that you have something on hand when you stop at the store. They don't have to be as pretty as this one, but wouldn't you be the envy of all your fellow shoppers as you left the store with this slung over your shoulder? And you can be extra smug because this bag is fair trade, and helps widows and abandoned children in Cambodia! www.globalsistergoods.com, $37

Not for the Faint of Heart

I haven't worn this color since I was in the fifth grade, and then it was in the form of puffy paint and jelly bracelets. (I can't believe I just admitted that!) But the other day, I gave into the siren call of...fluorescent pink. Yes, you read that right. My toenails are currently glowing with the color of my new favorite nail polish, which would be...(cue ominous music) fluorescent pink!!!

Get it at your local Sally Beauty Supply -- Orly Passion Fruit Nail Polish, $5.

Baldly Go Where No Man Has Gone

Okay, I wouldn't *actually* give this card to my mom for Mother's Day, but in the spirit of the holiday, you must check out these cards by Bald Guy Greetings. The anti-Hallmark, they are hilarious, and many of them wouldn't offend the recipient so badly that they would never speak to you again. My favorites are the wedding cards and the "You're welcome" card. www.baldguygreetings.com, $3

Confessions

Since getting involved in fair trade, I've felt somewhat guilty about my occasional forays to World Market, but in searching their website, I was happy to discover that although they are not fair trade, they're not completely devoid of a social conscience. They are carrying a collection by Novica, National Geographic's fair trade, artisan-made products, and all of their outdoor furniture is made with environmentally-friendly acacia wood.

And that's my justification for showing you these super-cute containers. That, and the fact that they are super-cute, and match my Fiestaware. www.worldmarket.com, $17.94. Oh, and despite the fact that little glass jars are a popular way to store spices, having them in an opaque container actually keeps them from deteriorating as fast. (Note: for those of you who are paying attention, this is another justification for why I should immediately discard all of my glass spice jars and buy these new ones.)

Pure Genius

This ingenious new product goes on your feet (it's in a stick like deodorant) and prevents blisters from forming. I wish I had some of this stuff right now. Seriously, why didn't someone come up with this sooner? www.drugstore.com, $6.99

Trump Cardamom

I've recently discovered the joys of freshly ground cardamom. In fact, all I've really done with it is use it to flavor a banana smoothie. Well, that, and smell it obsessively after grinding it in my mortar and pestle. And I might have rubbed a little on my fingers in some sort of perfume replacement experiment. But all that aside...ahem...it's good stuff! Perfect with bananas, and I'm already envisioning all the baked goods that would benefit from the addition. I think the key is to grind it when you need it. All of my favorite cookbooks recommend freshly ground spices, but until now, I ignored them. Turns out they knew what they were talking about. Who knew?

I've been shopping around for the best (read: cheapest without being sketchy) place to buy spices, and right now, World Market is a clear winner, but they don't sell them online, so if there's not a store in your area, good luck.

Book 'Em

These are blank journals made from old hardback books, which seems like a pretty clever thing, if you ask me. You've got books, you've got recycling, and you've got cuteness. The selection changes all the time -- I'm hoping to find an old Nancy Drew one of these days. The Hardy Boys are for suckers. www.bookjournals.com, $13.

Top That!

This month, Dining for Women will be giving to a sewing co-op in Nicaragua (the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere). The women who work there built their factory with their own hands (I would have no idea how to start building a factory myself -- would you? I picture these women standing around with a big pile of cinder blocks just going, "okay, um... let's put some here."). It took them over two years of working 20 hours a week (each) while trying to support their families with other work. Now they are such a success that they are looking to expand, providing jobs for more women.

That's the story behind the women who make this great wrap top with 3/4 sleeves. I think it's wonderful on its own - flattering, reasonably priced, and nice, wearable colors -- and I love knowing that not only was it *not* made in a sweatshop, but that it actually provides income and dignity to these women who certainly deserve it!

And now that I've done sermonizing for the day, check out the top, available at www.organicclothes.com, on sale this month for $30.60

Oil Producing States

Summertime, and the livin' is greasy. (Imagine that being sung. Badly.) Ahem. Now that we've gotten that out of the way... There's no need to be all shiny just because it's hot outside, and if you've been putting powder (shudders) over the oil -- STOP!!! The next time you're at the drugstore, pick up some of these amazing oil-absorbing sheets. Sure, you could find a similar product with better packaging, and yes, this brand is basically marketed to twelve-year olds, but why should they have all the fun? These things work, people. Would I lie to you about a cosmetic product? www.walgreens.com, $4.99

Appealing Stuff

Someone recently asked me about a good exfoliator, and this is my answer. If your skin is too sensitive for alpha-hydroxy products, this is not for you, but everyone else is in luck because this stuff really works! Use it once or twice a week on a regular basis, and you will actually see smoother, less flaky skin and a general improvement in texture. And, no, I'm not on the L'oreal payroll. One more thing: don't confuse this with their similarly packaged micro-dermabrasion kit(ReFinish); that one exfoliates with aluminum oxide crystals while this one (ReNoviste) uses glycolic acid. Let me know what you think! www.drugstore.com, $23

Get Carded

I never got into the card making that was all the rage because -- well, frankly, it looked like too much work. But it is practically impossible to find great stationery, and when I saw this gorgeous card and read that it was made with (brilliant!!) rub-ons, I thought, "that much work even I could do!" And promptly started looking for cool rub-ons. I found this website -- amillionlittlethings.com, short on style, but full of rub-on cuteness. My favorites are from American Crafts, $5.59.

Window to the World

Sometimes you just don't want to deal with window treatments. This would be perfect for a window that you want covered but translucent. Yeah, I'm thinking of putting them on the window in my shower. I think the neighbors would like that a lot. www.jane2.com, $76

Lemon Tree, Very Pretty

I've finally given in to an obsession with lemons. I was trying to resist -- really, I was. And for a few brief moments, it looked like the pineapple would triumph as Fruit of the Moment. But here we are, looking at cute lemon topiaries and buying lotions smelling of lemon and making lemon bars and lemon-cilantro hummus, so lemon it is.

www.acornsprings.com, $42.50

Throw Some Peanuts on the Floor

Made from recycled plastic bottles and packing materials (what does that mean? I hope it's those awful peanuts that fly all over the place when you open a box), this rug is cute, easy to clean, and I'm pretty sure it would look great in my kitchen. I know you were hoping to hear that. However, if it wouldn't match your kitchen, there are two other patterns. See how I'm always thinking of others?

www.vivaterra.com, $29

Post Haste

More creative recycling -- I love this trend! And don't tell me you wouldn't feel like the coolest kid on the block when whipping out this wallet to pay for a Dr. Pepper.

www.firebox.com, $19.95 paper wallet

Oh, My Gosh, Becky!

I don't know that I can add anything to this shirt, because, let's face it - it's perfect. Gnomes and puns. That's all it takes, I think.

www.davidandgoliathtees.com, $18

Think Tankard

In the spirit of Earth Day, a recycled goblet for your spirits. This is the kind of thing I always see and think, "I could make that!" And then I collect bottles or cans or whatever random item/tool is involved and let it sit around for months (okay, sometimes years) until I eventually realize that I'm never going to make the goblet/candleholder/sweater and throw it all out. So, I guess what I'm saying is -- save yourself the trouble and buy these now.

www.firebox.com, $24.95/2 recycled beer bottle goblets

But, Really, Who's Counting?

I was playing with Play Doh the other day and remembered (a) how much I like the smell of Play-Doh and (b) that Demeter recently came out with a Play-Doh fragrance. I'll admit I haven't smelled it, but Demeter has successfully bottled the smell of -- among many other things, dirt, lettuce, and gin and tonic -- so you can bet the stuff smells like the real thing. (Dirt has long been a personal favorite, btw.) If you're feeling nostalgic, adventurous, bored with all those pretty smelling girl-fragrances, maybe this is just the thing for you. Or a friend. A friend whose birthday is in six months and eighteen days. www.demeterfragrance.com, $19