Marvis-lous

It's possible that I only like this toothpaste because of the packaging. Would that really be so wrong? If you're trying to be a prop stylist for your own life, this is the toothpaste you want. That's all I'm saying. www.bigelowchemists.com, $8.95

As Long As We're Dreaming

This is way too modern for my house, but it's extremely cute. And orange, which is (almost) always a plus. If I had an alter ego who lived in an urban studio apartment, this would be her chair. (Oh, and she would have lots of money to spend on furniture). www.urbanoutfitters.com, $300

Hold the Arsenic

I never thought I would find myself looking for old lace doilies, but lately, the idea of a group of them framed with black paper behind them seems like the perfect thing for my dining room. Maybe it's the Spirograph thing, or the snowflake exhibit I saw recently at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, but it seems to be in the collective unconscious, because this month's issue of Blueprint magazine has a feature about a cute little boutique with -- you guessed it -- framed lace doilies. www.ebay.com

Recipe for Love

Sometimes retro kitchen stuff can be a little over the top, but this recipe holder has just the right balance of nostalgia and sophistication. Love the jadeite green color, and especially the way you can put a recipe card on display for easy reference while you cook. Now, if I could just find someone to copy all of my favorite recipes onto index cards... www.jackandfriends.com, $9.95

The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth

Ethiopian food, how did I live without you for so long? And how am I going to live without you now that I have experienced your deliciousness? On my recent trip to Chicago, I made a bittersweet discovery -- Ethiopian food. In a word, yum. Served on a pancake-like flatbread and eaten with your hands from a communal plate, the lentil, chickpea, and greens were a perfect balance of spices. And the tea...again with the yum. But I guess I'll have to experiment with making my own, since there's no Ethiopian restaurant in town. If you're fortunate enough to be in Chicago, don't miss the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant located at 6120 N. Broadway. Have dinner there, and let me live vicariously through you.

Well-Heeled

I never thought I would abandon my heels -- and I haven't -- but skimmers have been calling out to me of late. I'd like this bright red pair, especially worn with jeans or a short skirt, and a top in light green, turquoise, or mustard. The great thing about skimmers is that they're casual and comfortable like a sneaker, but still girly (and the ones with a rounded toe make your feet look tiny). www.piperlime, $34

(Rose) Serenity Now!

Right now, I'm wearing Loreal Colour Riche Lipstick in Rose Serenity, a bright but not too bright pink that hovers between blue pink and coral (although Loreal describes it as "a brown-rose" -- go figure). This particular drugstore impulse buy worked out much better than the other Loreal color I bought from the celebrity designed line. Surprisingly enough, when I got it home and put it on, it did *not*make me look exactly like Aishwarya Rai. www.walgreens.com, $8.49

But Don't Get Your Hopes Up

I can't tell you how much I really like this book, because then your expectations would be too high, and you might be disappointed. (I doubt it). It's the true story of a mountain climber from Montana who began building schools for impoverished girls in Pakistan. Hmmm...somehow that description does not convey how fascinating and well-written the story is. How about this? On Amazon.com, it has 102 customer reviews and is rated a perfect five out of five stars. And if I had the money, I would buy a copy for every reader I know. $9.45 Note: Purchase the book on Amazon through the official website www.threecupsoftea.com and 7% of the sale goes to benefit the organization.

Rhassoul Man

I can't vouch for this -- I've never actually tried it. But there's something about the obscure origins of the mud, coupled with the fact that it's not cheap and is unavailable locally. Makes you want some, doesn't it? C'mon! It's mud from Morocco, guaranteed to give you a perfect complexion. Oh, yeah. You want it. www.daybreaklavenderfarm.com

I Hate It When I'm Right

And the Spirograph returns... See these plates? I rest my case. www.violet.com, $50 set of 4.

Tassels R Us

It's a little known fact that you really can't have enough stuff hanging from your keys. So, this is it. The keychain for which I have been looking for months. It's bright, it's Brazilian, and there's a tassel. You know you want one! www.madewithloveinbrazil.com, $35

Tag - You're It!

I'm not sure why this is necessary in life, other than to feel like the coolest person at the baggage carousel. But you want to feel like the coolest person at the baggage carousel, don't you? Well, with these, you will be. As long as I'm not there. www.pamelabarsky.com, $12

Kawaii, Desu Ne?

Love the Japanese-style flowers sparsely embroidered on this runner. It's sweet without being twee, although I guess that's a matter of opinion. Well, around here, there's only *one* opinion, and that's MINE. (Unless you leave a comment.) These are at www.wrapables.com, $35.95.

On Pins & Needles, Or Just Needles

Wondering what to get your crafty friend? This adorable kit looks like a real bulb kit, but includes pattern and yarn for making felted flowers. Do you think if I gave one of these to someone who knits, I would get a flower in return? pickupsticksonline.com, $11

Sunny Days Are Here Again (Sorta)

Although it's not quite time for sitting outside enjoying the sun, it's definitely time to start dreaming about it. In my dreams I will be sitting under this umbrella. There will almost certainly be a book and a glass of tea involved, and the cutouts will make it seem like sunlight through the leaves (without bugs, dirt, etc.) What more could a girl ask? www.mattermatters.com $350

Snap To It

Maybe it's because I'm hungry that I am posting about a snack food, but if you haven't tried the Calbee Snapea Crisps, you'll be glad I told you about them. They're not really peas, they're made with rice flour, so I'm not sure they qualify as health food. But they're good! And probably better for you than Cheetos. Definitely better for you than Cheetos. Pick them up at any natural foods store.

The Syntax of Things

A painting that references e.e. cummings. Be still my heart! This seller - windshine - has lots of great stuff on etsy.com, which is the online version of Art in the Park, and one of my favorite sites. The piece shown here is entitled "Twilight." Don't miss the "Breathing Room" charcoal piece, which is very different but also great.

Don't Think I'm Nuts, But...

The birds are having their heyday; it seems only fair that the squirrels should get in on the action, too. I've never understood why people are so anti-squirrel -- getting mad when they try to eat seed from birdfeeders, calling them glorified rats, etc. I, for one, wouldn't mind seeing that cute squirrel face peering back at me when I came around a corner. www.velocityartanddesign.com, $59.

That's Pronounced "Kah-Lee"

This curry is one of the best things the Japanese ever invented. It's definitely on the list of foods I miss (Go-Go Tea -- where have you gone-gone?) but thanks to amazon.com, I don't have to miss it anymore! That's because you can buy it online for only $3.49. So, the next time you buy a book or a cd from Amazon, throw one of these in your shopping cart. You can thank me later.

Perchance To Dream

Although my dream sleep mask ("dream" sleep mask? hahaha) is the one from Breakfast At Tiffany's, this one might do in the meantime. www.aldeahome.com, $22.

Skim But Whole Percent Cute

All of the Eleanor Grosch print skimmers are cute, but I'd have to say the panda was my favorite. Skimmers are a nice alternative to tennis shoes (because who looks good in tennis shoes?) and every time I wear mine, someone says, "Cute shoes." But I get that a lot. www.keds.com $39.99

Senhor do Bon Bangles

I'm not sure I would actually wear these (bangles can be quite annoying, can't they?) but I love the wrapped fabric thing, and the fact that they're from Brazil. The designer, Karina Matias, has some other cute stuff, and it's all very reasonably priced. I'm sure she'll be showing up in In Style soon. But remember, you saw her here first! www.starsandinfinitedarkness.com, $8 - $14.

Nice Glass

I developed an instant crush on this guy, if only because he is so ridiculously talented. He made these goblets, for instance, which will also be an unrequited love. There aren't even any prices listed on the website, so I don't think they'll be gracing my table anytime soon. Despite the tragic love story between us, you owe it to yourself to peruse his gallery at www.mongrainglass.com. Don't miss the "gaffing" section, which features his art installations, including a ceiling at the Bellagio.

You're Only Jung Once

It's weird how the collective unconscious works. Months ago, I had this (brilliant) idea for a pillow. I even bought a pillow to use for the project. Unfortunately, I can't sew, as we have already established. Therefore, said project never came into existence. Except...it did. And here it is. At amara.co.uk for 79 euros.

Who's Got The...

If only I had taken that sewing class! Then, I could make something with these adorable buttons. Those of you who sew can get a card of four buttons at www.peacefleece.com for $8. And when you do, you'll be contributing to peace in the Middle East. Think I'm kidding? Read all about it on their home page.

I Can Dish It

My jaw *literally* dropped when I saw these plates. There might have been a gasp involved, too. Can I help it if I'm a sucker for dishes, prints, and these colors, much less a combination of all three? Is there a support group for this? If not, you'll be seeing more from this site, I promise. www.rosannainc.com, $48 - $90.