Monday, April 30, 2007

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

Friday, April 27, 2007

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.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

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

Monday, April 23, 2007

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

Thursday, April 5, 2007

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

Someday My (Blue)prints Will Come


Since I've joined the ranks of the American Homeowners, my desire for new shoes has transformed into a desire for all things house related. I find myself bored with the fashion magazines, and looking forward to the next issue of Blueprint, which is now going to be available bimonthly. It's got great ideas for DIY stuff, things you can buy for your home, beauty products, and...er, shoes. www.marthastewart.com, $18

This Little Pig




Cooking is so much easier when your kitchen is designed so that things are within easy reach. This (and a lack of kitchen storage) is why I am still obsessed with having all of my pots and pans hanging up instead of in a cupboard. And this is why the salt pig idea is so smart. Keep it right on your stove and just reach in for a pinch when you need it; exposing it to the air also reduces clumping.

Okay, all that may be true. But I really just got it because it's cute.

www.shop.com, $7.95

We Came, We Jigsaw, We Conquered


From the people who brought you paper dolls, we bring you...puzzles. Yes, I said puzzles. They're surprisingly fun when a group activity. Bored with board games? Break out the puzzles! All the cool kids are doing it. store.cherrygames.com, $12.99.

Rock-Dwellers, Take Note!

If you haven't been hiding under a rock, you already know about this stuff, but it's so good, I had to give it a shout out. Or whatever they're calling it these days.
www.pearlriver.com

Chili Paste, $1.65

Death to Target


A little late for Valentine's Day, but these would make a great wedding gift -- yes, that time of year is fast upon us. Check out the other items from this great little site.


This is the artisan-made kind of stuff we want to support! www.beehivekitchenware.com, $40

Say "Cheese!"



Don't blame me if you become totally addicted to this cheese snack. I'm warning you now -- they are buttery and crunchy and delicious. My only complaint is that the bag was way too small. If you're on a low-carb diet (is anyone still on a low-carb diet?), you'll want to stock up. If you're not on a low-carb diet, you'll want to stock up, but you won't really be able to justify it since they do have 8 grams of saturated fat. So maybe you should start a low-carb diet, because then fat grams don't count. www.vitacost.com, $2.59

Sexy Picnic


This dress is soooo Mary Ann. Clearly, we must have it in yellow with a pair of white eyelet lace skimmers. $59.99, www.modcloth.com

There's No Place Like Room Service Home


I thought this serving piece was just lovely. Even if you wouldn't spend this much on a condiment dish, check out the rest of the collection, as some of it is very reasonably priced (bird-shaped salt and pepper shakers for ten dollars, anyone?). The rest of the site has your basic, done-to-death shabby chic stuff with the occasional great find hidden therein. www.roomservicehome.com, $65

Swing for the Fence


I love swings, and although I'm not about to spend 5,000 pounds on one (I think that translates to roughly one MILLion dollars), these are fantastic! If Gatsby were buying a swing for his place, he definitely would be ordering it from this site. And there's no telling what kinds of mischief would happen in that swing. www.fletcherandmyburgh.co.uk