News from BelleRinger PR

2008-08-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

HANDBAGS - WE LOVE THEM!

Just discovered some great purses and bags at Star 50 Bags. What a selection! The company's owner loves to travel throughout the States. She combined her love of handbags with the 'personality' of each state to create a collection of theme bags. And they're marvelous!

Star 50 Bags has a wide range of styles. There's truly something for everybody. From the wild New York Hot Pot to the classic North Carolina Kitty Tote you're sure to find something to fit your fall wardrobe.

Take a look and tell me which is your favorite!

2008-07-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

A CASE AGAINST PRODUCT KNOCK-OFFS

Sometimes a knock-off isn't a true sin. A copy of one of Carrie Bradshaw's dresses or a purse similar to one carried by Posh. But at other times it's just downright mean.

One of my favorite doggie product sites, Big Paw Designs, has fallen victim to copycats (terrible pun) who blatantly imitate the company's original (and copyrighted) designs. The pewter collar charms are the thieves' biggest target. It's unfortunate because though Big Paw Designs isn't a large company it has a huge heart and is dedicated to the plight of 'rescue' dogs. A hefty percentage of sales of the Woof Fleur de Lis charm (pictured) go to pet rescue groups in New Orleans. Join their effort - spend a little ($15) to help a lot!

2008-07-24T07:57:00.001-07:00

NO MORE SHIPPING CHARGES!!

One of the biggest let downs to online shopping has to be shipping fees. You think you've found a great deal on a pair of jeans only to find out at checkout that it has a huge shipping charge. Would have been better to drive to the store and buy it. Oh wait, gas prices.

I recently discovered FreeShipping.org, a coupon site that focuses primarily on free shipping codes. They have free shipping to just about any store imaginable. As well as the free shipping offers, they also have other coupons and discounts listed on the site. Before you make your next online purchase, head on over to FreeShipping.org and get a free shipping code.

2008-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU, FACEBOOK

I became a true fan of social networking when I acquired Louie, my Tibetan Spaniel puppy. Louie's five months old - I believe that translates into something like three human years? We were having major housebreaking issues and I had a lot of questions. I'd just stumbled upon a Facebook group called Chances Are I Like My Dog Better Than You which interested me for its name alone. I was pleasantly surprised that instead of snarky remarks about spouses vs pets I found a community of people willing to help with all dog-related issues. I posted a question about housebreaking and immediately received some very useful - and effective - suggestions. Social networking at its best!

I found this photo of a Tibetan Spaniel on Wikipedia. Louie's nowhere near as regal as this beauty.

2008-05-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

NEW SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE

Calling all women businesses owners! Divapreneur is a hot new site restricted to women entrepreneurs. Equal parts networking, coaching, blogging and 'how to' it's the site to visit for women building an online business. Looking for an appropriate place to advertise? Want to tout your business in a blog? Need advice from divas who are already 'in the know'? Divapreneur is the place to go! It's invitation only and restricted to business owners and women. Haven't been invited to join yet? Go to the site, fill out a form and the Admin team will kindly review it. And have fun!

2008-05-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

MORE ABOUT CONTESTS

In an earlier post I discussed participating in contests sponsored by bloggers. Using visitors to do your market research is only part of the reason to participate. But participating can also help you build a database of people interested in your site and/or products. Why do you need such a database? For the newsletter you send out regularly (or that you should!). More about that later.

2008-04-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

UNIQUE DECOR FOR THE KIDS' ROOMS

Ready to update your child's room? Looking for something personalized to match the decor and bring a smile to the little one's face? Custom Banneramas from Gifts Define are unique wall art that will tickle your fancy. The hand stitched animals have letters attached and are strung from a satin or leather cord. Spell out your child's name on one side - reverse it to say something special on the other. There are 12 colorful animals to choose from, including monkeys, elephants, and more. Take a look at Irma's site to see her Tooth Guardian Angels, Conversation Birds and more cute stuff.

2008-04-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

PRODUCT GIVEAWAYS HELP WITH MARKET RESEARCH

Market research can be pricey and often out of reach of small businesses. Sue Kirchner, a former client and owner of The Chocolate Cake Club, found an affordable way to get the best input possible - from potential customers. When reviewers at Boston Mamas invited her to participate in a product giveaway she jumped at the chance. Sue asked that contestants be required to visit her site and name their favorite product. In addition to getting direct input from her target market Sue also saw a spike in traffic to her site. Lesson learned, don't hesitate to be creative when setting guidelines for product giveaways.

2008-04-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

PUBLICITY TIP

I just learned about Squidoo and why we business owners should be using it. Not only is it great for SEO but it's free! Resourceful entrepreneurs can't afford not to use this site. Just write a lense (similar to a blog entry) about a topic you're knowledgeable about - any topic. Business owners often know more about their product than anyone else. So tell the world about it!

I'm still working on my first lense. I wrote about KLEAN Bath & Body's sugar scrubs - it's easy to write about products you love. The tech support staff and community at SquidU are helping me iron out the kinks - I'll show it to you when it's completed.

2007-11-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

WHAT A CLUTCH!

Thank you, Blooming Lily, for sharing another great find with us.

loungeluxe is a fairly new shopping portal for indie businesses. It's pretty on the eyes and is incredibly easy to navigate. Lots of links. Some of my favorites - Peggy Li Jewelry and Kailo Chic (isn't the clutch pictured here marvelous!) - are already on the site. I noticed there are a lot of items from Modishoppe - that's a great endorsement!

2007-10-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

ECO-FRIENDLY AND ANTI-BACTERIAL

Thank you, fellow blogger teensygreen, for your post about anti-bacterial hand sanitizers and cleaning products. Though I'm well-aware of how alcohol-based products dry out my hands, I had no idea about some of the other safety and environmental concerns outlined in your post. And I appreciate the list of alternative cleansers.

I'm intrigued by the hand-sanitizers from CleanWell. The company uses an environmentally-friendly and patented formula called Ingenium, a 99.99% effective sanitizer made of renewable plant sources. Imagine - no drying alcohol! The soap also contains aloe and white tea. CleanWell is available in foaming hand soap, spray, and wipes. Just have to remember to add it to the shopping list.

2007-10-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

HELP BUSY MOMS STAY ORGANIZED

Lately I've seen a lot of organizational tools and products for moms and families. What a great idea. I have trouble organizing my own rather quiet, child-free life.

But what use is a tool if it doesn't meet all of your needs? The Mom's Plan-It Family Calendar covers all the bases. It has calendar pages and grids and the all-important contacts section for names and numbers of babysitters, favorite restaurants and more. Best of all, it comes with 442 (yes, exactly 442) colorful stickers to use as reminders. A great gift for only $14.00.

Available at The Chocolate Cake Club.

2007-10-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

BEAUTY 411

I just discovered Beauty Banter and am I ever grateful! This well-written blog includes makeup reviews, recipes for facial products, step-by-step directions for applying makeup, styling hair and more. Talk about a treasure trove.

One of the most helpful pieces of advice I found is for applying Oscar Blondi's Pronto Dry Shampoo. Given that the bottle has a narrow applicator at the top, this shouldn't be difficult. However, The Beauty Whore (this is the author's name, honestly) suggests putting the powder in the palms of your hands, pressing them together to remove excess then finger combing through your hair. Perfect for greasy bangs.

2007-10-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

SUBTLE HALLOWEEN WEAR

Not big on Halloween costumes? Tired of being nagged about your lack of the 'holiday' spirit?

Harry Potter costumes are big this year. Hair accessory company Sassy Tails has a sophisticated silk head scarf designed to look like the neckties worn by the Hogwarts students. There's one for every 'house' - you can choose your allegiance by color!

2007-10-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

MORE YUMMY CASHMERE

We love cashmere. Don't we? And it only makes sense that babies will love the soft texture against their delicate skin. The Pashmina Store sells decadent cashmere baby blankets in a variety of soft colors and fun patterns. Best of all? They're machine washable (cold water, etc)!

The site also fulfills one of my cardinal rules of gift shopping - for every gift I buy for another person I'm entitled to buy one for myself. The is the go-to site for luxurious, affordable and quality pashmina shawls in a plethora of colors and weights. I know what I'm getting for Christmas!

2007-10-08T05:08:00.000-07:00

JOIN THE CHOCOLATE CAKE CLUB!

Membership in the Club is easy - just sit back, relax and shop! That's right. The Chocolate Cake Club's goal is to simplify the sometimes daunting process of shopping for little ones. I'm always clueless when shopping for nieces, nephews and rest of the kids in my life. And 4-year olds don't always enjoy opening a pretty box and finding a little plastic gift card.

The Chocolate Cake Club is the perfect solution. The site is packed with original - and sometimes unique - toys and activities that you won't see anywhere else. And they're organized in convenient categories - by need (traveling), age groups, and type (kids games/puzzles). My favorite? The Playful Chef Kids Cooking Set. It has everything for the budding chef: apron, tools, recipes and more!

2007-09-30T08:31:00.000-07:00

YES, YOU CAN LOOK PRETTY POST-SURGERY

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time for all of us to be aware of medical advances, the need for funding for more research, and steps we can take to lower our risks of becoming 'victims'. However, we don't often hear about products that help women post-surgery.

Wear Ease, Inc. addresses the challenge of clothing that can be worn immediately after surgery, lumpectomies, radiation therapy and other treatments. The camisoles and bras are designed with imput from women who need easy-to-wear, comfortable camisoles and bras. The PJs in this picture have a built-in bra and pockets for breast form/s. Just what a girl needs to feel pretty in a difficult time.

We all know how important self-exams are though I suspect many of us neglect to do them. For a refresher go to Health Day.

2007-09-25T04:22:00.000-07:00

FASHION 911

The countdown has started; in exactly 18 days I'm leaving for my first trip to New York City. Needless to say, my wardrobe (which consists mainly of jeans, t-shirts and sweats) needs a major overhaul. Thank goodness for my fellow bloggers!

First item on the list - the perfect bag. I found inspiration at The Bag Snob - thank you ladies! For the best help in shoe shopping go to Haute Momma Stuff. The ladies find hot styles in prices to fit every pocketbook. And a huge thanks to The Daily Obsession for endless advice and resources.

2007-09-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

RE-PURPOSE IS THE WORD

Recycle, reuse, reclaim - we know the words, use them daily. But do you 're-purpose' yet? That's exactly what the folks do over at The Green Glass Company. The artists take wine bottles reclaimed from wineries and give them a second life - in the same industry. The bottles are cut and redesigned to be used as goblets, tumblers, candleholders and more. The result - beautifully re-purposed stemware. Everything the company does is environmentally-friendly, from the sandblasting done for decorative design to the packaging material they use.

The glasses are available in collections comprised of the same kinds of wine bottles. The goblet here is from the Topaz Collection and is made from a reclaimed California chardonnay bottle. It's available with the Equus pattern frosted on it (see the picture), or reverse - or with no pattern at all. There are 14 collections and oodles of other beautiful things.

2007-09-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

TIME FOR A NEW LOOK?

I scooted over to Inmod minutes after reading this post on Daily Candy last Tuesday. I recently redecorated my bedroom but one look at the beautiful custom linens at Inmod and I'm ready to do it again.

Like many design-your-own-purse companies, Inmod lets you select the fabric, color and pattern design of your duvet. Select a base fabric, choose from oodles of modern designs, decide upon colors for the embroidery and you're done. They have 'recommended configurations' (this picture is one of them) for the creatively-challenged. I already have two or three creations of my own . . .

2007-09-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

READY TO BE A BITER?

Before you answer this question take a look at Ideal Bite, a fun site loaded with tips about going 'green'. Changing habits and products isn't always easy; this site and blog offers tips and information about small things we can do to help preserve our planet.

In addition to providing daily 'bites' of information the site has an archive of past tips. I found a gem while skimming through past posts. Saying 'no' to printed catalogs and printed 'junk mail' is easier said than done; once in the clutches of mailing lists it's hard to get out. Ideal Bite offered a list of services that will actually help you escape these tree killers. Go to this post for information about sites and services that will help you "just say no''.

2007-09-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

GROWING LOVE

Over the years we've seen a lot of beautiful greeting cards that include seed packets. Some of the newer designs let you toss some dirt right over the package, water it and let it grow. No unnecessary packaging.

One of my favorite bloggers, Zem at ecofabulous, keeps me up-to-date with beautiful products and creative ways to live a 'greener' life. Her recent post about Plantable Papers is a great example. Their handmade paper is made of cotton and other recycled materials and is 'seeded' - embedded with wildflower seeds. I particularly love their wrapping paper - 'planting' it takes a step out of a labor-intensive recycling process. This is a wonderful example of a Cradle to Cradle product that makes living a greener lifestyle just a little bit easier.

2007-08-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

LET'S CELEBRATE!

This is a VIP (Very Important Post) - it's my 100th post! Congratulations to me! If I've learned anything while blogging I've learned to relax and have fun. Sure, everything I post is going out into cyberspace where zillions of people can pore over it for years. But who really cares?

As long as I can post a pretty picture and spit out a few coherent sentences I'm happy. A pink cake like this would make me even happier. It's one of the creative yummies you can see at Coolest Birthday Cakes where you can find recipes and pans for cake designs ranging from Dora the Explorer to lambs and alligators to monster trucks. Like everything else on the Net - there's something for everybody.

2007-08-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

PRETTIER AND PRETTIER

Plus size clothing is becoming big business (terrible pun intended). Which is good! For too many years there were too few choices for ladies of a certain size who wanted to look stylish and sexy. One of the companies leading the market in providing quality apparel is Plus Size Plum. Deborah, owner of the business, is a champion for larger women who want to look chic. Her many years modeling and working in high-end retail give her a keen eye for quality fashion.

Some of the items I noticed on her site, these chemises, look like they can easily do double-duty. Pair this one with a cardigan and you have a perfect outfit for an informal party. (Would you describe the gorgeous black gown pictured here as cool and classy or just plain hot?)

2007-08-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

UNIQUE - AND ECO-FRIENDLY - GIFTS

Ever wonder what happens to those discarded bottles you see on the side of the highway? If they're found by Nicole at Paloma Pottery they're destined to become art. By fusing recycled and crushed glass into pottery she creates jewelry (the pendant on the left is my favorite piece), candleholders, tiles - and much more.

Nicole gives shoppers over 30 products to choose from - each available in a choice of eight colors. Two of her best-sellers - these ring holders make perfect birthday or shower gifts. And the price is very friendly - only $26.75 (it's also available in a smaller size for $23.00).

2007-08-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

A TRUE SMART BARGAIN

You never know what you'll find on Smart Bargains. I scan it periodically looking for great steals and deals. This particular find just begs to be shared!

I'm not a fan of licensed products; being a walking ad has never been my thing. But this Hello Kitty sweater may change that. Soft heather gray. Lightweight cashmere. Vee neck. 62% off the original price - it's only $119.99. I know what the next charge on my AmEx may be.

2007-08-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

ALREADY SHOPPING FOR FALL

Fall and winter styles are already out. It's time to go shopping! Gray's one of the hot colors this season - it's a great addition and/or substitute for black. And it doesn't hurt to have neutral colors with all of the bright jewel tones.

I've been loving Harveys Seatbelt Bags since I saw the first one. Here's one of their newest styles - notice the gray with black. The bag comes in a variety of contrasting colors and styles - here's a peek. I also like this bag from the Treecycle collection - the subtle shades of gray and light brown give it a sophisticated look. The Treecycle bags have hemp lining with eco-friendly ink.

2007-08-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

CHANGE CAN BE GOOD

Today I received an email from one of my favorite blogs, The Daily Obsession, that had a link to their new web site. Wow. It's as clean and sophisticated as the blog itself.

What's with the pretty swimsuit picture you ask? Follow this link to see TDO's rave review - and you'll see what the new site looks like!

2007-08-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

DESIGN*SPONGE LETTERPRESS GUIDE

Today's post at design*sponge included a marvelous directory of letterpress studios. In addition to giving us the scoop on many creative designers, Grace provided the information so that it can be sorted in a variety of ways; custom work, pre-made, e-commerce enabled and many more.

Anybody who isn't familiar with letterpress stationary should definitely take a look at these sites. I'm always amazed by the creativity of the designers. Whether you're looking for something with classic fonts in a basic format, fun and funky, ultra-hip or modern, there's a designer out there who's making it. The card pictured on this post is a Bird and Banner creation. Other fun stuff to look at - Zeichen Press cd sleeves, Birdwood Press scrolls, and Invited Ink's Backstage Pass collection.

2007-08-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

MY FAVORITE HAND SANITIZER

Hand sanitizers can sometimes be hard on dry skin; the chemicals contained in many of them is death to eczema-prone (ick) skin. Thank goodness for EO's organic skin and hair care products. I've been using their organic lavender hand sanitizer for the past month and absolutely love it. The aloe vera and safflower oil actually soothes and moistens hands, combating the organic alcohol that cleans them. I also love their hand soap; a great plant-infused antiseptic that contains no alcohol.

The company also makes hand and body lotions and oils, shower gels, and lip treatment. Available at Body of Grace (which offers a 15% discount on most EO products).

2007-08-01T16:28:00.000-07:00

GOOD GREEN FUN

What's a Stemcil you ask? The latest in fun for kids and adults alike! These pencils are made of recycled newspapers (vs. beautiful cedar trees) and have scented lead. Give your still life a strawberry scent or draw a picture of a bubblegum-scented dog!

As someone who's trying to 'go green', I'm always on the lookout for fund and innovative ways to do so. Stemcils fundraising programs are great for enlightening kids while helping them raise money for their schools and groups. (Who wouldn't like to buy something other than a sugar-laden candy bar or more wrapping paper?) And there's even a Home Kit that allows you to scent your own Stemcil. A great rainy day or birthday party activity!

Thanks to Great Green Goods for the find.

2007-07-31T13:18:00.000-07:00

OH LA LA!

Trust Laurie at Blooming Lily to find some fun and quirky jewelry. This is one of Oh! LaLa's current collections; the curvy crosses paired with rich colors have a European look. I can easily picture the gold-tone pieces with black; this collection must look fabulous with this summer's white tops and blouses. French owner/designer Karine Sultan and her team make each piece by hand using stones and epoxy to achieve the unique look. Alas, these jewels are only available to wholesalers. Send an e-mail to this address to find out where you can pick up a piece.

2007-07-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

NOT YOUR DADDY'S ROLODEX

I'm posting this picture of a yellow Rolodex to prove to a friend that yes, the tried-and-true office necessity does come in colors other than black. Mine is pink!

While looking for a picture on the company's official site I found their Virtual Workspace line. Wow. These are yummy goodies. I'm just imagining my increased productivity - not to mention creativity - with one of these office sets. My favorite is the Harmony collection. Now it's a matter of sorting out whether to make an office or clothing investment . . .

2007-07-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

THE ULTIMATE GIFT BASKETS

Don't you love feeling the excitement of someone who's preparing to launch an internet-based business? And being able to give them one little hint that is truly appreciated? I started my day chatting with a lady who's looking for just the right 'look and feel' for her web site. I immediately thought of La Vie en Rose.

In addition to having a beautiful site that's easy to navigate, the company makes some of the most original - and spectacular - gift baskets out there. Imagine opening a box and finding an experience! A great book, tea to sip while reading it, background music, Karen Neuburger slipper socks; how good can it get? Here's an example of a basket called For Extraordinary Women, perfect for the special women in your life. Look at The Prima Ballerina for a truly feminine little girlfriend. My favorite? A Gift of Friendship.

2007-07-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

MY NEW FAVORITE LIP BALM

While shopping last week I paused at the Burt's Bees display - I always look at their new products. As soon as I saw their new lip balm I knew I had to have it.

Lip Shimmers is the company's newest line of lip products. Unlike other lip balms (both Burt's and other companies') it's actually creamy. There's a great selection of colors (11!) that look like they'll work with every complexion. I love the Papaya. I can't think of enough good things to say about this product: it's 100% natural, comes in a nice little tube (no messy finger application), has just enough shimmer to look like lip gloss and is a budget-friendly $4 per tube.

2007-07-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER NEW BAG. . .

Just found another 'gotta-have-it' bag, this one from Envirosax. Believe it or not, this is a grocery bag! What a great replacement for those tedious plastic bags that so often end up tangled in trees or on the side of the highway. And there's also the virtuous feeling of becoming just a little bit 'greener'.

Envirosax's bags are waterproof, lightweight and hold the equivalent of two regular plastic grocery bags (thanks to reinforced seams). They also come in an array of fashionable designs. I love the black and white collection. And there's even a little pouch you can use to keep them in your glove box between trips to the supermarket.

Thanks to PoppyTalk for the scoop on Delight's special free shipping offer!

2007-06-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

BLOGS SPELL SUCCESS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

There's a lot of talk about how blogs and social networking are changing the way PR and marketing are done today. They've turned it on its ear! Witness the phenomena of handbags. It's doubtful that many of today's smaller designers would be as successful as they are without word of mouth. Or rather, buzz among the bloggers.

It's always gratifying to learn about an acquaintance or client who's gained national recognition through blogs alone. KLEAN Bath & Body recently reached out to beauty and fashion bloggers; what better way to gain exposure for bath and body products. The company hoped to see increased orders and customers - which happened. Many of the major bloggers posted product reviews (including product pictures and the company logo); smaller bloggers followed, having seen the first round of reviews. Social networking in action.

But it gets better. KLEAN was recently contacted by a major national retailer (we're unable to disclose the company yet) to discuss carrying their products. One of the buyers for the chain saw reviews of KLEAN's products in two of the large beauty blogs and didn't hesitate to call the company. Could this have happened without blogs? Doubtful.

2007-06-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

AT LONG LAST, HARRY POTTER HAIR ACCESSORIES

They've been long in the pipeline but they're finally available. The only licensed Harry Potter hair accessories are designed and distributed by Sassy Tails and can be purchased through their web site - www.sassytails.com.

This is exciting news to the scores of female Potter fans. Until the introduction of Sassy Tails' products, there haven't been any Harry Potter-themed accessories. This is a picture of a Gryffindor head scarf. They're available in all of the house colors in addition to solid black and red. The line also includes three styles of ponytail holders and reversible headbands.

Any guys who are feeling left out need to take a look at Sassy Snaps. These ponytail holders are being used on backpacks, belts, shoes and as bookmarks. (They look great on Crocs!)

2007-06-22T05:58:00.000-07:00

TICK TOCK . . .

I know there are worse things than insomnia. But it sure is hard to think of any while tossing and turning, chasing that elusive state - sleep. I found this photo while sleepily looking for a picture of another suffering soul. Thank you, Sleep-Aid-Tips - it's perfect.

Experts recommend things to do when searching for sleep - drink warm milk, read a book, etc. But I have my own list of activities to pursue when insomnia visits - all things that make me want to crawl back into bed to escape them. These are some of things I recommend: Wrap gifts (this can be seasonal), organize a kitchen cupboard, write a blog post, start the laundry, or - my favorite - tweeze and shave all unwanted body hair. These are enough to make me hide under my pillow and really work on sleeping.

2007-06-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

SHAMELESS (?) PROMOTION

Just wanted to tell you a little bit about BelleRinger PR's newest client, Nubius Organics. It's the site to visit to pick up a new SIGG bottle from their extensive selection, find an eco-friendly gift bag from B.HappyBags and darling stuffed toys to put in it.

I fell for the onesies in the picture on the left. They're silk-screened with Sweet Pea, Perfect Peach, and Apple of My Eye. Designed by Elizabeth, the site owner, they're 100% organic cotton, printed with soy-based ink, and made in the U.S. Talk about all the right stuff! And only $34.75 for the set of three.

2007-06-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

SUMMER LOVE

I always have trouble finding the perfect summer jewelry. Anything too heavy or wide (like the oh-so-popular plastic bangles) tend to get sticky in the hot weather. And any weight on my ears just adds to my irritability. That's why I fell in love with these simple earrings from Wink. The open design would look perfect with a baby doll dress or light-weight tunic.

Another great find - this adorable fedora. (It's the closest I ever want to be to any spider!

(Thanks to Daily Candy for introducing me to Wink!)

2007-06-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

FINALLY, A NEW SUMMER BAG

After hitting major purse and fashion blogs all across the web for inspiration (Bag Snob, Beauty Snob, Fashion Tribes and more) I finally found my 24/7 summer bag. Thank you, fellow bloggers, for doing so much work for us! This is Lucky Brand Jean's 'Patchwork' Tote. I'm not usually a fan of any kind of patchwork but this caught my eye. The colors give a ho-hum shape a modish kind of look, don't they? (I bought it online from Macy's, $188.00)

While doing all my browsing I discovered a great Harvey's Seatbelt Bag in their Carriage Collection. This bag's now at the top of my list!

By the way, Frankie had another one of his hacking attacks today. At 5am. It sounded like he was trying to toss up something the size of a baseball. Pepcid AC to the rescue! The hacking stopped within minutes. How many dogs do you know who have acid reflux?

2007-06-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

FRANKIE GOES ORGANIC

The recent discovery of toxic substances in some pet foods, followed by the recalls, sent shivers down my spine. Like most pet owners I quickly became paranoid that my little friend, Frankie, might be effected by it.

My reaction was to start preparing Frankie's dinner myself, in my own kitchen. My husband fell out of his shoes when I started doing this. He had to help me find the map to the kitchen. Then he quickly became envious of Frankie's healthy home-cooked meals.

I decided that if I was going to cook for Frankie I would prepare the safest and best food possible for him. After consulting with his vet I started feeding him a combination of brown rice, organic green peas, fresh baby carrots, and organic ground round. I add a sirloin-flavored multi-vitamin goop (it's impossible to get a pill down this boy's throat).

Originally this was going to be a short-term project (I use the word project because that's how I describe any food prep that happens in my kitchen) and solution to the scare. But Frankie's obvious excitement about this wonderful new food made it impossible for me to stop. I now visit my kitchen weekly to cook a vat of his food. This is true love.

By the way, this isn't a photo of Frankie. This is another Tibetan Spaniel named Happy Face whose picture I found in the Tibetan Spaniel Network's Photo Gallery. Frankie's missing his two front bottom teeth - a result of dragging blankets and bedspreads around the house when left alone - making him look like a 'devil dog'.

2007-06-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

STEF'S SUMMER READING LIST

I would love to lounge in a hammock all afternoon with a good read, an oversized floppy hat and some lemonade. Should the opportunity ever arise, amidst the baby showers and new jobs and piling bills, I'll have a book list ready. I love interesting stories, raw, blunt poetry and the occasional classic piece of literature. Here's my list:

1) Grendel, John Gardner takes the Beowulf myth and creates a fiercesome protagonist, 2) Wicked, Gregory Maguire's take on The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch, 3) The Book of Ruth, Jane Hamilton's novel of a young woman's search for integrity and discovery of hope - I can't put this one down! 4) Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser; "The Dark Side of the American Meal." Enough said., 5) Cosmo en Espanol. Why not? Should be great reading for the long flight to Costa Rica.

I'm always looking for great reads. Send me some titles!

Posted by Stef.

2007-05-31T08:51:00.000-07:00

SCRUB-A-DUB-DUB - THERE'S CHOCOLATE IN MY TUB!

While trying on last year's summer wardrobe (Do these shorts still fit? Do I really like this blouse?) I noticed that my legs are not only pasty white but they also have flaky scales. Not quite the look I want.

I must be one of the only gals out here who's not clued in to the magic of sugar scrubs. Ever the brave soul, I decided to find one and give it a go. After looking at lots of pretty packaging (always an important consideration when buying unfamiliar beauty products) I decided to try KLEAN Bath & Body's German Chocolate Cake Body Polish. This certainly isn't the best time of year to eat chocolate cake (if I want to wear those shorts) so I'll take the no-calorie version for the bathtub!

Now to the self-tanner. I'm not brave enough to try a new brand so I picked up a tube of L'Oreal's Sunless Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer. It gives just enough color to my skin to make it look naturally tan and healthy. And I like that it comes in both face and body formulas and has lots of moisturizer in it.

(By the way, last year's cute sun dress now looks fun and perky thanks to my scrub and rub!)

2007-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

SOFT AND (SAFELY) SUN-DRENCHED SKIN

My beauty product search just began! The Costa Rican coast is rich with sand, sunshine and salty air. I'm headed down there with a very special guy and want to look especially good! We all know that what can start out as the perfect all-natural no-makeup look (an hour plus to do it) can end with mascara running down your cheeks and hair ratted from the ocean water. No need to go into the skin damage from all the sun, sand and salt. Fortunately, I've been there and am going back armed with Skingenic's Regenerating Moisturizer (recommended by Julie at Almost Girl). It's made with antioxidant rich ingredients and includes lychee fruit. The cream is formulated to fight overexposure to extreme elements; I imagine it'll be great for those long, sun drenched afternoons at the beach.

Now it's time to find the perfect shampoo. Know of anything?

Posted by Stef.

2007-05-28T17:23:00.000-07:00

SUMMER READING LIST! ! !

This week's shopping agenda - everything on my summer reading list! I'm so excited about it that I'm having palpitations! Instead of boring you with an entry about my love of reading, favorite books and authors, and all that stuff I'll just list 10 of the books I'll be reading this summer - in no particular order. 1) A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini's novel about the extraordinary friendship between two women in Afghanistan, 2) The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates (easily my favorite story-teller), 3) Bad Luck and Trouble: A Jack Reacher Novel, Lee Child's Jack Reacher is easily the sexiest tough guy out there!, 4) Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, J. K. Rowling's last(?) volume in the series, 5) A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, Ishmael Beah's remarkable memoir, 6) True Evil, Greg Ile's latest crime thriller, 7) Invisible Prey, John Sandford brings Lucas Davenport out to solve another mysterious crime, 8) Beloved Stranger, Clare Boylan's novel of a couple married for 50 years who suddenly face insanity, 9) The King's English, Betsy Burton (who can resist a book about a bookstore?), 10) The Overlook, Michael Connelly gives us more Harry Bosch!

Let me know if I'm missing a vital read. But please, please, please - no spoilers!

2007-05-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

ANOTHER SURFING LESSON

Here's a quick update on my surfing education. I recently learned that there are differences between beach breaks and reef breaks, and that the first person up gets the wave. Most recently, I learned that I'm not ready to surf alone, and that you shouldn't always take the advice of the surf shop guy wearing a Giants hat. He told me I'd be "Allllriiight." That the waves would be "Allllriiight." That the beach break was "Allllriiight." Perhaps his surfing vernacular was limited but he sent me into some fierce waters that were definitely not "Allllriiight".

Though I should have questioned why NO ONE ELSE was surfing I jumped in anyway. Unfortunately, so did Yuba, my dog. He tried to keep with me until we both got worked by the foamy unstoppable madness whirling in front of us. I got toppled by fast moving baby breakers and Yuba ended up rolling onto the shore with me. Funny, yes, but my furry friend was terrified. Lesson learned.

PS ~ 32 days and counting until Costa Rica!

Posted by Stef.

2007-05-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

AUNTIE NEFIE

Wonderful news everyone! I'm going to be an aunt again! I have two beautiful sisters, one of whom is the proud mom of three girls and another who is expecting her first baby in July. She’s bringing another little girl into our family.

One of my favorite parts of being an aunt is being called “Nefie”. When my first three nieces were learning to talk none of them could pronounce "Stefanie" and each of them wound up with variations resembling "Nefie." I'm still not sure if they know my name but I like the moniker better. I sort of hope the newest member of our ever-growing family follows the trend.

While scoping out baby gifts on classymommy.com I came across the coolest announcement idea! My sister will love sending "It's A Girl!" cards with a miniature picture of her baby on the postage stamp. It's adorable; I just have to patiently wait another two months before for her first baby picture. The site also has other amazing and fun gift ideas - I'll definitely go back.

Posted by Stef.

2007-05-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

SHOES, SHOES, SHOES

It just hit me. Well, not literally, but I just realized what the most important thing on my packing list will be. Comfortable shoes!

Who wants to challenge rain forest terrain in stilettos? Who wants to hike through sandy beaches in Mary Janes?

I'm tempted to try a pair of sandals from Terra Plana Shoes. I found these eco-friendly sandals at Great Green Goods and am intrigued by the design and material. I'm seriously considering the Dopie sandals and wonder if if they'll be practical.

I remember the cozy Roxy shoes that got me through Europe, but for this upcoming trip, I'm all about comfortable flip-flops or sandals. These colorful sandals may be the perfect tropical footwear. Do you have ideas for 'rain forest shoes'?

Posted by Stef.

2007-05-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

A SIMPLE VISIT TO THE DENTIST

Let me start by confessing that I avoided visiting a dentist for a long time. An embarrassingly long time. Yes, I knew the potential consequences of my neglect - my teeth could all turn irreversibly black and fall out one by one.

But that didn't happen! What did happen - one night while watching Leno I noticed that his guest's ill-fitting dentures made a clicking sound when he spoke. I do not want my teeth to click when I talk. My great-grandmother's dentures clicked and I always found it annoying.

I have a great dentist - no complaint there. Of course, I've never really spoken with him - much less heard him. My time in The Chair is spent listening to Abba as loud as my ears can take it. Fortunately, my hygienist is very tolerant of both Abba and a cheap headset.

Today's little rant is about the time I spent today dreading my next dental appointment. Which was scheduled for tomorrow. WRONG. One last look at my calendar tonight confirmed the appointment - which is scheduled for NEXT Tuesday. Now I have all week to dread next Monday which I know will be spent dreading Tuesday's dentist appointment.

2007-05-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

TAKE THE PERSONALITY QUIZ

Don't you love personality quizzes? I do. Over the years they've helped me establish my identity (to be truthful, create my identity). But sometimes you have to wonder. Today I took a novel quiz; it didn't give me the self-enlightenment I usually find but it ranks among the most unusual I've taken. More about it below. . .

True sugar hound that I am, I have many favorite cookies. Circus Cookies, ginger snaps, peanut butter cookies - you get it, it's a long list. This month's favorite is Oreo Double Delight Mint Cream. The traditional crisp Oreo chocolate cookie, paired with a mint cream that has so much sugar in it that you can actually feel the texture of the granules, is exquisite.

Today I Googled Oreo, just to see if the web site is as wonderful as the cookie. It's a Nabisco website with a section devoted to all of their cookies. The Oreo site is incredible! Did you know that there are 14 varieties of the cookies? And you'll have a great time at the Oreo Memories site; it has online Oreo games, e-cards, and a jingle contest. But my favorite is the personality quiz. It's pretty standard - would you rather go to a party or stay home, would you sing at a karaoke party, etc. After you've answered all ten questions it determines if you're a Dunk, a Twist, or a Lick. I was pleased to find out that I'm a Dunk. For what that's worth.

Today I meant to blog about Vis.A.Vis Magazine, one of the most beautiful online magazines I've seen. I'll trust you to take a look at it yourself.

2007-05-03T09:28:00.001-07:00

HANGIN' TEN WITH MOM

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and I’ve been pondering what sort of cheesy gift I could create to impress my amazing mom. I'm a fan of homemade goods - sewn, baked, painted or whatever, but this year, with a bit of help, I discovered what could potentially be one of the coolest gifts under the sun.

Wet Women® is a bright and upbeat website where you can learn about all kinds of water sports (including surfing) and find links for more information. While browsing the links at the speed of Google, I came across a handful of websites of places in Costa Rica that offer mother-daughter surf packages! Is this not the perfect gift? Some of the sites linked me to surf schools for women (way cool) and others had surf/yoga packages to check out. As a surfer babe I’m convinced this is the ultimate Mother's Day gift.

I imagine this is the conversation that would precede opening the package. "Mom, I love you; you've brought me up through thick and thin and you've worked your butt off the entire time. Thank you. Wanna go surfing in a tropical paradise?" (My mom thinks I'm crazy; she'll probably think this present rocks).

Posted by Stef.

2007-05-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

GOOD KARMA

This photo made me smile. Maybe because candy makes me smile. Today I'm writing from the perspective of the owner of BelleRinger PR; I usually write as a consumer who finds lovely products or a blogger who enjoys the fun of posting. And I'm all smiles as I think about the many ways other individuals and smallish companies have helped BelleRinger PR during our first crucial months.

One of the most (and least) surprising things I've learned as a business owner is the importance of working with a competitor. Sue Wetzel, owner of The Winning Pitch (a rival pr firm), is kind in sharing advice, knowledge and resources. The two of us firmly believe that there's enough business out there for both of us to be successful and happy.

Another great businesswoman who's been generous with her knowledge and contacts is Crosby Noricks at PR COUTURE. As a proponent and cheerleader of Fashion PR, in addition to being a great blogger, Crosby always seems to know who to talk to and what they'll talk to you about. She keeps us abreast of new trends and business practices in this ever changing industry.

I don't want this to sound like a plug but Kim Madden, the owner of Sassy Tails and a current client of mine, has been a source of inspiration. She took all the qualities that made her a successful trainer in the corporate world and started a company designing hair accessories. What a switch! Kim's persistence and confidence in herself and her company helped her secure - against all odds - Harry Potter product licensing rights from Warner Bros. Wow.

Another great source of inspiration for me is Liz Strauss's Successful Blog. Liz shares writing tips, muses about the universe, and interviews fun people. I've never spoken with Liz, nor corresponded directly through email, but I feel that I owe her a big 'Thank You' for the positive vibes she sends through her posts.

Thank you, everybody I've mentioned and those I haven't (yet), for sharing your time, experience, and knowledge. Let's continue to work together for the success of our selves and our businesses. But more importantly, let's keep having fun!

2007-04-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

VITAL ACCESSORIES

Ah, checklists. The most important part of packing is making sure you have everything you may need, right?! I'm at the brink of going berserk with all the what-if's and just-in-cases. Luckily, I found two reasons to relax. My awesome REI Luna backpack is made for the contours of a woman's body, is roomy and has lots of pockets. But it definitely needs accessories. I found these scrumptious luggage tags by Fluff at Mable's Unique Shopping Blog. These cupcakes, popsicles and ice cream cones with sprinkles made this frantic packer smile! Fluff's other tags are just as cute even though they have nothing to do with food.

I found another "gotta-have-it" at Mable's. Attachable to any key ring, the BodyGard 5-in-1 Emergency Tool is a total must, especially if I end up renting a four-wheel drive Jeep to drive along the treacherous roads of Northern Costa Rica. This baby has a glass breaker, red distress light, LED flashlight, sonic alarm and seat belt cutter. I hope I'll never need to use it!

So, for everyone following along, I've got t-minus 50 days and counting before I ship out to surfing paradise. Unfortunately, I'm the type who'll end up leaving the flight tickets on the kitchen counter yet manage to remember the extra nail polish! Let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions.

Posted by Stefanie.

2007-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

After numerous travel tips from worldly folks I'm more knowledgeable about practicing safety abroad and won't be drinking any water that isn't already bottled (unless I accidentally swallow some of the Pacific Ocean while surfing!). I've also found an incredible way to fight off those nasty viruses that can turn a relaxing vacation into a huge stress. I remember last September when I caught some sort of bug in Ireland - I was feverish and miserable for almost four days. Well, as far as I'm concerned, Costa Rica will be a happy, healthy adventure.

I was skimming Daily Candy and came across an amazing article entitled, "Health Assurance." It was about Vuru, a company that creates customized supplement packs, making them easy to remember to take! The idea is absolutely perfect for a vacation since you can choose the duration of the supply. The packets are cute and will fit nicely in my travel bag. Plus, it beats carrying around a bunch of bottles and tissues and medicine, if I should catch a cold while in paradise. These daily packs are a great idea for everyday use, but I'm looking forward to using Vuru in Costa Rica!

Posted by Stefanie.

2007-04-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

READY FOR THE COSTA RICAN SUN

I've learned while planning my Costa Rica adventure that products don't just pop out at you from the aisle shelves. Seek and you shall definitely uncover some amazing things. I plan on spending as much time outdoors as possible during this excursion, and yes, I'm aware of the adverse effects this may cause to my skin.

Luckily, while browsing the Beauty Snob's blog I found Solar Protection Pads, created by Park Avenue Skin Care dermatologist Dr. Neal Shutlz. A set of 60 grease free pads is packaged in a container that could be mistaken for a compact (how convenient!) and has an SPF of 30. I'll be able to easily touch up or reapply - often!

OK, maybe I'll throw in a backup lotion just to be on the safe side since I am traveling to a place in the neighborhood of our Earth's equator. I'm used to packing sunscreen with a consistency that doen't withstand an elevation of 40,000 feet, leaks onto everything, and has to be kept in a Ziploc bag.

I can't wait to try Solar Protection Pads while on the sands of Tamarindo! In the meantime I can test them while surfing here in California.

Posted by Stefanie.

2007-04-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

NO MORE THAN ONE COLOR AT A TIME, PLEASE

I always notice other women's nails and manicures. Could it be because I've spent so much time, energy and money on my own? I hadn't given it much thought until I saw a post on The Beauty Insiders - you're missing out on some fun if you haven't read this blog by the beauty writers from Glamour. Before writing this post I thought about the history of my nails, back to the late 80s, when many of us in our first career jobs discovered that we could afford silk manicures from cheap nail salons. Ah, the glamour! I was the renegade in my office; I didn't wear pink or red polish - I opted for OPI's Gold Digger. It was a gorgeous shade of golden brown that wouldn't raise an eyebrow today but was definitely risky in those days.

Silk, acrylic, gel, silk, natural, acrylic, gel, silk, natural . . . And the color wheel seemed to follow the nails - red, black, sheer or bright, dark, nude. That was the fun part. But who doesn't remember the pain - both physical and fashion - of taking off a set of acrylics. Never to wear them again, because of how they made our poor nails suffer when we took them off. Gel nails were next and they weren't too bad, once I got used to the drying process - you know, the little broiler with the purple light inside. But in time my manicurist tired of repairing too many 'lifted' nails. Why, she asked, do I even wear artificial nails if I want my nails to look completely natural. So I renounced all artificial nails and went au naturel. My nails were free! Of course, I went through the cycle again - I'm back at the freedom stage.

I'll have to talk about the color cycle in another post. Remember the excitement when Urban Decay first came out? It's become a story in my family - remember when Carolyn had black nails and pink hair? And her husband didn't even mind?

By the way, yesterday I saw the most beautiful manicure - nails that came just to the fingertip, were perfectly shaped, and painted a pale shade of pink. The ironic part - the woman with the perfect nails is my dog's vet. Somehow a beautiful manicure on a vet doesn't compute.

2007-04-05T00:54:00.000-07:00

SAY HELLO TO YUBA

Yesterday I took my crazy puppy, Yuba, to Crissy Field, a beautiful dog-friendly beach in San Francisco, where he frolicked in the waves and finished digging holes the other had dogs started. Yuba is just over a year old, big as a pony, incredibly playful, and dedicated to destroying anything I can’t keep out of his reach. After about two hours of romping in the surf he was a disaster, in the cutest way possible - he'd dug a hole three feet deep and fallen asleep in it. As I watched his innocent puppy nose twitch, I wondered how the heck I'd get him dry and sand-free by the time we walked back to the car.

Yuba had run himself ragged and happily pranced with sand clots in his eyes and drool wrapped around his nose. He smelled like the salty beach where we'd just spent the day. After surfing around The Pampered Puppy I found HappyTails' EyePads, which act as a nice cleaner in lieu of a shirt sleeve. The Pampered Puppy blog has a link to the Kool Dog Kafe, where they bake Yuba-friendly treats that look adorable and won't upset his stomach. Speaking of which, I also found an interesting read at Great Green Pets; every pet owner should read the April 3 entry.

If I could, I'd take Yuba to Crissy Field daily to burn off that boundless puppy energy. But it’s back to work – takes lots of cash to feed gourmet dog food to pony-size puppies!

Posted by Stefanie.

2007-04-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

COUNTDOWN TO COSTA RICA

This is only the first of what will probably be too many 'To Do' lists before The Big Trip.

1) Dog Sitter - Prices begin at about $60/night and surpass skyscrapers. Good thing I've networked with a responsible, retired animal lover and the ex-boyfriend I bought the dog with!

2) Rent - Saving for room and board abroad is like getting ready to pay rent for two places! This means NO fancy dinners or extra expenditures (except pedicures) for 2 months

3) Diet/Exercise - I am committed to feeling comfortable in a bikini by June. Diet details to come . . .

4) Itinerary - Ah, the debate between having one and winging it; I would feel a lot better if I knew where I was going to be sleeping at night, preferably before that night arrives.

5) Packing - This will become more important at the travel date nears. We're going during the 'winter,' but it isn't the full-blown rainy season yet, so this will be tricky.

6) Language - A dear friend of mine loaned me Spanish CDs so I can brush up on the language. (I took Spanish in college but very little of that was retained . . .) My traveling companion isn't fluent either. I like the idea of immersion when traveling abroad; we should at least try to speak the language.

7) Safety - To rent a car or to not rent a car – that’s become a sticking point. He wants to - I don't. (My earlier entry has the details about this issue). Any advice or opinion would be greatly appreciated.

So far, that's all I can think of. Except I can't shake the image of my ghastly white bum getting burned under a tropical sun ~ I'm adding sunscreen to this list! And I can’t wait to go dancing! Neither of us is salsa-savvy so adding dance lessons to the list won’t hurt. I saw an ad for a salsa-workout DVD that looks promising. I think it was Core Rhythm.com, but there are dozens of workout-while-you-dance sites. I checked out Zumba and Mambo Fellow too. Even if I don't learn how to dance correctly, at least I'll have nice abs! Check back for more about this unfolding adventure.

Another post from Stefanie.

2007-03-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

COSTA RICA HERE WE COME!

Spring is here and a change of scenery is needed soon. Fortunately for me, the Fairy Godmother of airline ticket contests has granted me a Costa Rican dream come true! After some spur of the moment research and brief consultations with anyone willing to listen, I'm whisking up a trip for two; 8 days of vacation in the north and central Pacific regions of this amazing country.

After trekking through Europe last summer I learned that traveling in extremely close quarters can either make or break a trip (or a relationship). Not only do I need to plan what I have to pack and what I may need and what I most definitely cannot forget, I also have to prepare for obstacles we may each encounter, like language barriers (neither of us is fluent in Tico-Spanish or Spanish in general). He wants to rent a car - I think we should take public transportation for the lower cost and hassle. He doesn't want to plan everything to a T and neither do I, but I'm afraid we might get stuck sleeping in the back of the car. Oh, you can't do much more than laugh.

Our trip was originally going to be centered around surfing and Coronas. But I've since bought some literature about the country and found that if I have 8 days, I want to indulge in more than water! I chose Key to Costa Rica, which not only gives travel and planning advice but offers some ecotourism information, something I would have never before considered but after having read through the book, have found to be essential. We also picked through Frommer's Costa Rica for reviews of hotels and surf spots.

Here's to hoping that this vacation is an adventure in new cultures and experiences, pictures worth a thousand words, and an early summer tan from a truly tropical location! Over the next couple of months I'll be chronicling my plans and decisions, from what to pack (which bikinis and shoes to take) to resorts vs. beach camping. This is going to be amazing - I've never been more excited about a trip!

Another post by the lovely Stefanie, who can't contain her enthusiasm about her upcoming vacation.

2007-03-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

THE BLACK KEYS HITS THE BIG TIME!

Exciting news from the music world! One of my favorite bands, The Black Keys, a duo whose popularity has been cult status at best, has just burst onto the commercial music scene. This morning, during one of my spacing out, simultaneously reading, listening to iTunes on my computer and watching television, I heard the background music on a commercial, looked up, and realized that I was listening to The Black Keys while Adrianna Lima and Giselle Bunchen walked down a runway with wings! I was listening to one of my favorite bands in a Victoria's Secret ad!

This has got to be one of the coolest ways to shoot to stardom, especially for these two guys, from Akron, Ohio nonetheless! Two landscaping, basement living, musically inclined white guys who have delta-blue in their souls are now selling out of vinyl and their songs are being chosen for million dollar ad campaigns and major motion pictures! (their song, "When the Lights Go Out," is being featured in the movie Black Snake Moan) I've liked The Black Keys since I heard them on the bartender's iPod playing at Beckett's Restaurant in Berkeley, CA about 2 years ago. I'm also happy to pass on the news that the band will be playing at the Coachella Music Festival, and that in gaining fame, they have not lost the sound that got them there.

(Another post by Stefanie, lover of all things eclectic and indie.)

2007-03-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

THE EASTER DRESS

Ever since I can remember the women in my family have marked the beginning of Spring with 'The Easter Dress'. Shopping for the dress, buying the dress, wearing the dress - these were all important rituals us. The dress had to meet certain criteria: a style and color the elderly ladies would approve of, dressy enough to be worn to Easter Sunday church service and any wedding we may be invited to that spring or summer and detailed with little flowers, lace, and a sash or bow. Finding a dress that fit all these criteria was always a challenge.

As I grew older I rebelled against the little flowers and lace but I still like bows and sashes. (They're good for hiding figure flaws.)

I started shopping this morning and found a few options. This Shelli Segal wrap dress is a beautiful blue - and has the requisite bow. I found it at Nordstrom for a very affordable $195. I also found this dress by Pow Wow. I like the criss-cross bodice - it draws the eyes up from my tummy. And this Melissa Masse dress also made the cut - the green is yummy. And it has a tie - which means it has the bow.

So far I'm leaning toward the blue Shelli Segal. What's your favorite?

2007-03-24T20:53:00.000-07:00

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

Being health conscious and globally aware is part of California’s culture; it only seems right that eco-friendly clothing cost proportionally as much as Bay Area gasoline. But of the ways available to protect our environment, I think ‘green’ fashion is probably the most fun and versatile. We’ve already embraced organically-grown and pesticide-free foods; now it’s time to do the same with our threads!

I’ve been looking at ‘green’ fashion; unfortunately the cost of the clothing makes it unattainable for some of us. BTC Elements has amazing styles but $79.00 for a pair of shorts? It makes more sense for me to buy recycled clothes from thrift stores. Another way to recycle!

Great Green Goods features incredibly funky recycled home decor made from materials ranging from used Mardi Gras beads to old pipes. The inspiration and ability of 'green' artists make for some one-of-a-kind pieces, but again, some the costs aren't friendly to my budget.

However there are some designers who are as conscious of our wallets as they are the environment. Helen E. Reigle's gorgeous handbags are made from natural and sustainable fibers. Her hemp Mushroom bag is beach-perfect! (Here's a picture of it.)

It’s a familiar dilemma – cost vs. ideals. If organic goods could be produced less expensively many more of us eco-savvy and green-craving customers would purchase them.

Seeing some of the finished products online makes me want to create of my own recycled gems. I think I’ll hit the thrift stores, find the nearest flea market then raid my girlfriend’s closet!

This is another entry by my pal Stefanie. You definitely don't want her near your closets!

2007-03-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

FALLING GRACEFULLY, WOMBAT STYLE

I just finished reading about John Edwards' decision to continue his presidential campaign despite the recurrence of Elizabeth Edwards' cancer. For those of you who can't keep track of all of the Democratic candidates out there, John Edwards is the young cutie who is earnestly vowing to wipe out poverty in the US. My first reaction was to shriek 'You loser!' at the charming photo of him. Admittedly, it was the knee-jerk reaction of a married woman. The old, "I would kill my husband if . . ." But then I took a breath and thought about it.

It's doubtful the majority of voters will listen to anything John says that doesn't pertain to his wife's illness and his reaction to it. If he stays in the race he's a dog, if he drops out he's a quitter, if he spends too much time thinking about it he's ambivalent . . . And what about Elizabeth? Shoulder on and shake hands with voters? Stay home and cherish every minute with her young children? Silently blame herself if this illness costs John a boyhood dream?

This unfortunate couple has my sympathies. Whichever road they take will doubtless be wrong in the eyes of unforgiving voters; we're not very nice to people brave enough to run for public office. Let's try to show respect for the Edwards family. They don't need any judgements passed on them.

How does this pertain to wombats (Women's Mountain Bike and Tea Society) you may ask? It doesn't. But Pilar, a member of the organization, wrote a great article about learning to fall.

2007-03-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

THE LOST POST

You're looking at a picture of me searching for the post I spent an hour composing. My tears aren't visible from the back but I'm sure you can visualize them. The beautifully written post disappeared when I tried to publish it. Enough said - no more whining from me today.

Rather than rewrite the entry I'll just summarize it for you. It was an eloquent piece about some of the excellent blogs I read daily. A shout-out to some great bloggers. So here's an annotated version. I start my day with a cup of coffee and Dooce, Heather Armstrong's ramblings about her interesting life. I then do some virtual browsing at Design*Sponge, Modish and Cuteable. Then I go to A Girl's Gotta Spa, SheFinds and Cool Mom Picks for savvy product reviews.

Trust me, readers, the original post was eloquent, humorous and insightful. All things that this one is not. But the blogs I've named are outstanding. The authors are all great writers and creative thinkers. Take a look for yourself!

2007-03-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

A WHOLE LOT OF WHINING GOING ON

There's been a lot of talk about the recent time change - none of it very positive. It irritated me for some very specific reasons.

First, I lost an hour of reading time. I resent anything that cuts into my precious reading time. Right now I'm devouring some of J.D. Robb's brain candy; I missed an hour that should have been spent with Lieutenant Eve Dallas.

My Sunday afternoon nap was another casualty. It's a tradition for me to have a snooze late Sunday afternoons and people who know me don't interfere with it.

Another casualty was the hour I could have spent at the gym working off the Ben and Jerry's I ate Saturday. (I just learned that they'll deliver ice cream directly to your home. Check out this page for more information.)

For those of you who persevered and read this entry - thank you. It feels good to get this off my chest.

2007-03-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

PERSONAL ALL-TIME FAVORITE SHOES

Isn’t that always the fun discussion? Before telling you about my favorite shoes I have to confess that living in a warm climate and loving regular pedicures has made me a huge fan of flip-flops. And I like pairing fashion and function - blending the two and looking great is a fun challenge. On that note, here are my current faves.

1) Joan & David "Circa" - Cream-colored sling backs with dark heel and toe accents. I paired these shoes with a cream, black and brown colored satin dress for a romantic dinner with a new boyfriend. I was one step out of the car when a woman across the street yelled out, "Great SHOES!" My boyfriend was impressed.

2) ROXY Telluride - Suede-upper/Fleece lined track shoes
I ordered these from Zappos. My burgundy pair was so comfortable and lasted so long that I ordered a pair in camel. They kept my feet happy for 3 weeks of walking through Europe!

3) DANSKO Mary Janes - The soles of these shoes kept me comfortable night after night working in restaurants and looked fabulous at the same time. They were so sturdy and weathered so many food and drink spills that I became a lifelong fan.

4) VANS Flip-Flops - I've had this pair of men’s sandals for more than three years and the comfy soles have just about molded to my feet. And since they’re wide I can skateboard in them.

5) Cowboy Boots from Goodwill – This was my first pair of cowboy boots and they were beautifully broken in, comfy and had a strong heel. Unfortunately, my dog loved the leather and took a few chunks out of them. Better $6 than $600 right?

I love walking barefoot through cool, wet grass. I like the hollow clopping sound high heels make against linoleum. I like to scuff and scrape new heels on the ground so I don't slip later (thanks Mom). But nothing feels better when taking off 5” heels than sliding into a pair of slippers.

Another post from lovely Stefanie. I've warned her that skateboarding in flip-flops will ruin a pedicure every time!

2007-03-08T19:31:00.000-08:00

THE HOME FOR AGED WOMEN

I've been wanting to write about my career stint as a Family Service Consultant at Skylawn Memorial Park, a cemetery in the luscious green mountains south of San Francisco, California. Imagine being recruited (yes, I was recruited) to be 'of service' to a grieving family planning a burial. The sheer goodness of the job was too much for my vanity to reject. So I was shocked when two days into the job I learned that I wasn't hired to counsel the grieving but to sell plots to the living. It's called selling 'pre-need' - talking the purchaser into buying their plot/niche/crypt/whatever before they die.

I won't talk about the 'good' work I did by helping families plan services or design site markers. We've almost all experienced some part of that so there's not a whole lot to add. And I won't talk about the challenges of showing a prospective buyer a beautiful piece of 'property' - a burial site - and asking for their Mastercard. But I'll tell you a few things that I learned.

1. When there's a suspicious odor inside of a mausoleum it's usually exactly what you imagine it to be. Though there's been a lot of progress in the science of embalming, Mother Nature usually wins out.

2. Don't laugh at of the woman (I hate to be stereotypical, but it's usually a woman) who threatens to throw herself into the grave with her loved one. Because it happens. And it's hard to pull a living person out of a grave.

3. No one should ever have to attend the burial of an infant. Ever. It's truly one of the saddest things I've ever done.

4. I have a morbid fascination with headstones and markers. You can learn a lot about a family by reading what they put on a marker. I've written and designed my own and made my husband vow to use it. It's not something to leave to chance.

5. If the deceased was a large person let the cemetery personnel wheel the casket from the hearst to the grave. You can bet that casket will be very heavy. And you don't want anybody to drop it on his toe.

By the way, that's a picture of a cemetery area in Bangor, ME that's called The Home for Aged Women. That's what they do with their old women in Bangor, ME. Wonder what they do with the dead women?

2007-03-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

MY SPACE OR YOURS?

Everyone knows something about myspace. It's one of those sites and trends that you’re either excited to be part of or embarrassed to admit that you aren't. I've had men ask me if I ‘myspace’. When did it become a verb? It's quickly becoming the gray area between the, "Want to go out sometime," and the "I'm too shy to ask," pick up lines and tactics. Some of these guys seem to think that if a girl ‘myspaces’ they can skip conversation (read relationships) and cut straight to the chase. That’s the first reason I won’t open an account.

I started browsing the site recently and got caught up for hours. Some of the trends are pretty shallow and cliché. The most obvious is the user photo. When creating a myspace account you’re given the opportunity to post a user photo that’s seen by anyone who may come across your page. I saw three types, 1) Drunk women holding cocktails - usually the one in the middle is the one whose profile you’re viewing, 2) Couples’ photos - followed by a purging of emotion on the webpage, or 3) Limitless Napoleon Dynamite sites – why so many? The possibilities are endless but the imagination gets cut short. Another reason I can’t open an account.

Myspace.com is like a resume for friends, which brings up the dilemma associated with any resume – how can you make yourself stand out on one page? How can I make myself seem funny - but not completely hilarious and incapable of taking things seriously, choose music that’s cool – but not Dave Matthews because EVERYONE likes him, and select a picture! I can't begin to narrow my life down to just one picture (well, I could post a picture of my dog, or maybe all my girls at that club we hit up last week, or better yet, a photo of me and my boyfriend, so everyone knows we ARE exclusive . . .) and it goes on and on.

Myspace is the networking technology for my generation; I guess that’s why I can't bring myself to become a part of it. If I had the money and the time I'd buy an antique typewriter and snail mail letters to all of my friends. Getting a handwritten card or letter, or a phone message from another time zone, will always be so far above and beyond a size 12 Times New Roman snippet with a LOL dragging up the rear. In the meantime I’ll just keep browsing around myspace.com.

This post was written by my friend Stefanie (that's her in the picture). Send a comment and let her know what you think about myspace.com.

2007-03-02T18:21:00.000-08:00

MORE ABOUT FOOD

Though I don't have an obsession with food I do get almost as excited about it as Frankie (my four-legged officemate) does. New readers - my 1/27/07 post has a picture of his beer-swilling twin. Yesterday I came across this dog feeder made from an actual wine crate. Not only does it look chic, but it's also very practical. Tall dogs don't need to bend too low to eat, uncouth dogs can't push their dishes around so easily, and lazy dogs have both dishes side by side. I know putting two dishes in one stand isn't new but there's probably at least one reader who's dazzled by the concept. Whiner and Diner (appropriate name, yes?) uses crates from US and European (oooh la la) wineries. Though I'm trying to focus on the aesthetics and practicality of the feeder, a little voice in my head says Frankie would look sophisticated if he drank wine from this feeder instead of beer from a bowl.

2007-02-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

CHILD ADVOCATES NEEDED

Many of us are familiar with foster care and group homes for abused, neglected, and abandoned children who are caught (through no fault of their own) in the over-burdened legal system. What some don't know about is Advocates for Children (or CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates), a non-profit organization that pairs these children with adult volunteers who spend time with them. These kids have social workers who represent them in the legal system and many have attorneys, therapists and other professionals who work with them. But what few of these children have is an adult who will be a constant presence in their lives, a person who will spend time with them on a regular basis. Child Advocates are court-appointed volunteers who fill that need. They spend a minimum of 10 - 13 hours a month with the child they work with, doing everything from going to the zoo, the movies and the library, to ensuring that the child receives any special assistance that may be necessary. There are advocate programs nationwide; take a look at the organization's web site to find a chapter near you. There were 50,000 Advocates nationwide last year, not nearly enough for the hundreds of thousands of children who could benefit from having one. Your donation of time or funds can make a huge difference in the life of a child; don't we all want to make a difference?

(After posting this entry I was contacted by people who know I'm an Advocate and were curious about why I didn't put this in the entry. Simple answer. Doesn't everybody know I'm an Advocate? Seriously though. If you have any questions about the program or my experiences with it please contact me.)

2007-02-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

A BOOK FOR EVERY PARENT'S SHELF

I just have to share this book with you - and hope you tell a friend about it. As a child-free woman I've always wondered how parents explain tattoos to their children. It can't be too difficult if Mom has one on her ankle or Dad's is on his arm. But if, like James in Mommy Has A Tattoo, a child only sees them on strangers it must be more difficult. Author Phil Pawde saw the need and wrote this darling book. He and his friends believe in teaching children to respect individuality in others and sum up their mission by "Teaching Tattoo Tolerance". Visit their site and read the story behind the book - it may sound familiar to some of you. (And make sure to look at the photo of Phil and his tattoos.)

2007-02-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

WHEN YOU NEED A SASSY 'DO

I love this picture of Breanna with her horse. I also like Breanna's hair. That pretty cascade of feathers and ribbons she's wearing is a Sassy Tail. They're all the rage with girls, tweens and teens. Even Cheetah Girl Sabrina wore one on her latest concert tour (you guessed it - she wore the Cheetah Grrl design!). Sassy Tails was founded by Kim Madden and her daughter, Heather, a budding fashionista. Heather was tired of pedestrian bows and worked with her mom to create these fun hair accessories. There's a great variety of styles - some with feathers, others beads - to choose from. My favorite is the hip Classic Camo- too bad I don't have enough hair to wear one . . .

2007-02-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

UNABLE TO PART WITH YOUR FAVORITE VINYL?

No need to - with the help of JB Hoffman you can carry it with you! Their handbags and totes aren't only for music lovers - the eco-friendly folks also love them. The tote gussets and handles are vinyl and its fabric lining has two pockets and a 9" zip enclosure. The choice of LPs available is extensive and includes The Beatles, Diana Ross, Elton John, The Wiz, Supertramp, Sonny and Cher, Elvis and more. Or send in your own for a custom tote.

2007-02-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

WISHING FOR WARM WEATHER . . .

I started dreaming about Spring the moment I saw this cute little birdie by indie designer/artist Chika. Her felt animals and creatures are more unique and detailed than the other offerings I've seen. The colors and shapes will help fight the cold weather blues. You can see all of the darlings at Chikagraphy. My favorites are the dachshunds - what's yours?

2007-02-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

A BAG TO BRAG ABOUT

Tired of your kid's artwork cluttering the refrigerater? Do you want to keep it forever but don't know where to store it? Does your little one need to be reassured that yes, Mommy loves his/her art? A custom bag from Scribble Couture may solve these problems. Each one is as unique as the child who designs it; the artists take your child's artwork and embroider it onto the item of your choice. Choose from a tote, clutch, or bag made of leather or a leather/canvas combination. It's guaranteed to be noticed - hopefully by a gallery owner!

2007-02-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

NOT YOUR TYPICAL FAUX FRUIT

I've never been a fan of artificial fruit or vegetables - no matter how nice the presentation. (Though the glass pumpkins I blogged about on 10/7/06 almost changed my mind.) However, these stunning hand-crafted clay pomegranates by Canadian artist Silvia Dotto will make some of us re-evaluate our preferences. She is known worldwide for exquisite serving pieces which feature highly-detailed clay medallions on functional pewter bowls, trays, and platters. Silvia's signature work is used and collected by afficionados world-wide. It certainly qualifies as art and must be seen to be fully appreciated.

2007-02-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Some ladies in a certain age range find keeping dry a nasty problem. Yes, I'm referring to uncomfortable hot flashes and night sweats. But wildbleu has come to the rescue with sleepwear to keep us dry and comfy. The company's proprietary HRT fabric wicks moisture - it draws it away from the body -and feels like the soft cotton we love to sleep in. The jammies are cute - lots of fun styles and comforting colors. And the company also makes sheets. Let me know if you've tried wildbleu's sleepwear - I'd love to hear your comments.

2007-02-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

FUNKY SHOES FOR HIP BABIES AND KIDS

The folks at Soft Star Shoes appreciate how unique each child is. And how much they may dread wearing shoes. However one look at the Taz (pictured here) may give your most stubborn little friend second thoughts about how much fun shoes can be. The company prides itself on making soft soled shoes that that help build strong feet in babies and toddlers. Each pair is handmade of the highest quality materials. And the choices please even the most discriminating fashionistas. You can design your own shoes from the sole up - from leathers, styles, soles, decorations - or choose from styles already in stock. Caution - your child's passion for shoes may surpass your own!

2007-02-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

CHOCOLATE WITH A CONSCIENCE . . .

Valentine's Day is a great excuse to share my passion for chocolate. There's a definite advantage to looking at pictures and blogging about this wonder food - it ends up on the page rather than my hips. However, it can be difficult to share my rapture without actually tasting the treats. That said, I must share my latest find. These artisan chocolates from Lillie Belle Farms are more than beautiful - they're certified organic and made with ingredients from fair trade sources. Don't miss looking at their chocolate paintings and sculpture; it's not only exquisite it's edible. Have any of you eaten Lillie Belle's goodies? Please share your experience with me!

2007-02-03T08:10:00.000-08:00

FOR THE DIY DIVA

Haven't we all seen the tiny little hammer/screwdriver with the pretty floral handles? Or the miniature tool kits in plastic pink cases? Here's a elegant twist - a full tool set in a floral brocade carpetbag. The handy kit contains a coordinating hammer, tape measure, box cutter, pliers, scissors and screwdriver. This chic bag may ensure that any man in your life doesn't find practical tools to 'borrow'. Tell me - would this qualify as an acceptable Valentines' Day gift?

2007-01-31T20:06:00.000-08:00

PUTTING OLD WELLIES BACK TO WORK

Designer Maxim Velcovsky (Qubus Design) plays with form and function in delightful vases made from rainboots. Workers in the Czech Republic cast porcelain over the rubber then hand detail each piece (take a look at the treads on the soles!). These fun vases come in plain white or this traditional onion design. I'm not sure how to select a left vs. a right boot - I've always bought them by the pair. Very cute decor for an entry or sunroom. (Seen on A+R.)

2007-01-29T19:13:00.000-08:00

CARE TO JOIN ME FOR A DRINK?

Ever fret about drinking alone? Tired of soulful eyes silently pleading to join you? Some of you may share an experience similar to mine - dog accidentally spills a beer, takes a sniff and a sip, and a beer drinker is born. But there's no need to guiltily sip solo anymore. Thanks to the folks at The Dog Star Brewing Company your faithful companion can safely join you. Happy Tail Ale is an all-natural beef-flavored ale that's non-alcoholic, non-carbonated and fortified with both Glucosamine and Vitamin E. Interestingly, the company is located in California's beautiful Napa Valley, home of many of the most celebrated wineries in the States. (By the way, the doggie in this picture looks almost exactly like my Frankie!)

2007-01-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

TRUE KEEPSAKE JEWELRY

I have wonderful memories of my great-grandmother and the afternoons we spent playing dominos. The heat and humidity made us retreat to her 1930s-era kitchen where we sat at the table sipping icy soda while contemplating the tiles in front of us. Her old fan was so loud that we sometimes had trouble hearing the baseball game; the radio was always tuned to a baseball game. This domino charm from Chocosho may seem kitschy but sometimes it's the odd or quirky that reveals a precious memory.

2007-01-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

HELLO FELLOW CHOCOLATE FANATICS

I'm finding so many goodies to share with you in my quest for the perfect chocolate that it's hard to know where to start. Today I came across Moonstruck Chocolate's web site. Reading the description of their chocolate-making process and ingredients hooked me - importing carefully selected cocoa beans, hand-rolling truffles, ensuring a cocoa content of 67 - 70% . . . But the serious drooling began when I looked at the presentation and packaging of these gourmet goodies. This "hand made Thai silk box contains 12 heart shaped hand painted truffles and is packaged with a small book of poetry." Awesome. Or the Chocolate Novel - 15 pieces of heaven in a gold and black book-shaped box. How much better can it get? Send me the name of your favorite chocolatier!

2007-01-24T05:29:00.000-08:00

FOOT MASSAGE ANYONE?

I found this versatile beach stone doormat while searching for interesting home stuff. We just repainted our house and a new doormat is required to complete the look. This one is made of actual river rocks that are polished and rounded before being hand-applied to indoor/outdoor carpet. The folks at Acacia Catalog mentioned that it makes a great food massager. If so, think of the $$ you can save at the spa! It's also one of those all-natural and environmentally concious products we feel so good about buying.

2007-01-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

FOR THE FUSSY FELINE IN YOUR LIFE

Many of you know me as a dog lover but I try to show a little love for the feline species. As the owner of a canine who suffers from 'separation anxiety' I understand the lure of independent cats who care for themselves. But I've been told that their notorious reputation for being fussy eaters can be challenging for their owners. (My solution to this problem - let them eat mice!) Here's a buffet set I saw at Muddy Paws that gives fickle eaters a choice at dinnertime. Though it means more dishes to wash at least your kitty will have a selection of dinner entrees to whine about.

2007-01-20T15:07:00.000-08:00

A NEW TAKE ON THE TRADITIONAL BOOK BAG

Bookworms like myself - rejoice! Caitlin (one of the coolest Indie designers around) at Rebound Designs has crafted a nifty purse for those of us who must take a book with us wherever we go. Similar in concept to cigar box purses, these are made with hardback books. Caitlin's purses range from Freud tomes to the nostalgic Alice in Wonderland pictured here. She's also more than happy to make a custom purse - send her your favorite book and she'll whip up a novel (bad pun) one for you!

2007-01-17T16:20:00.000-08:00

DRESS-UP FUN

My niece went through the ubiquitous Barbie phase recently. Nothing against Barbie and her anatomically impossible body (not to mention that hair!), but my childhood obsession made me cringe when I had to play with her again. How I wish I'd known about these charming little mice. They and their eight outfits come in a little wooden box; maybe our budding stylists will want to put their clothes away! I found these cuties at PADiLLY - a great site that's full of high-quality, fun, and educational European toys.

2007-01-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

WHAT'S A CHANCHITO?

This, my lovelies, is a Chanchito, a cute little three-legged pig. These clay treasures are from Pomaire, Chile, where natives give them as tokens of love and goodwill. Do any of you remember the pig decor craze of the early '90s? Followed by Cow Parade? We're currently loving birds but could Chanchitos take us back to pigs? Let me know what you think. (Another great find by Orange Lola.)

2007-01-11T03:18:00.000-08:00

SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE

Despite my New Year's goal (haven't we all agreed not to say resolution?) I've found a sweet that I can safely have in my house. This yummy cupcake pillow (yes -it's a pillow!) is only one in the food collection at The Sofa Garden. Kellie designs pillows and cushions to fit every style of decor. Looking for something contemporary? See her Mod Spots and Alchemy collections. Other groups are Wine & Martini, Rustic Decor, Garden Inspired - and many others. The size and heft of the pillows is impressive - the wine bottle pillows are 3x the size of a bottle and just as hefty. I can't say enough good things about The Sofa Garden's products - you'll have to take a look for yourself!

2007-01-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

RE-USE, RECYCLE, RE-GIFT

These are the 3 big Rs in my household. So when I find something beautiful and recycled I'm always pleased. Today I came across these charming plates from Esther Derkx. She takes 'cast-off' and vintage porcelain pieces and adds fun screenprints to dainty plates (available in sizes ranging from 4" - 9"), platters, soup bowls and teapots. I can just visualize a candlelit room with white linens, the 'real' silver, Esther's porcelain - and a box of gourmet chocolate! See more pictures of this eclectic tableware at Rose and Radish.

2007-01-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

A MODERN TAKE ON AN OLD ART

I stumbled across some gorgeous cards recently. Petite Prints allows you to customize their products by sending in a sideshot picture of a person, animal, etc. Owner/artist Susie makes a silhouette of the photo which can be printed on cards, stationery, notecards, gift tags, paperweights - even t-shirts and needlepoint kits. Silhouettes have always been popular - look at those cool iPod commercials - and Susie makes it affordable to put them on items you'll use and share with others. These would also make great gifts - take a friend's photo and put it on gift tags for her to use. But the needlepoint kits are my personal favorites - Susie has scads of color combinations that she handpaints on the canvas when she receives a photo and order. I just ordered an espresso-colored silhouette on a mustard background (there goes my craft budget for the month!).

2007-01-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING BLOSSOMS

This chilly winter weather (yes, it can get cold in California!) has me longing for the arrival of spring and fresh flowers. I came across this beautiful vase by Swedish designer Karin Eriksson; it's a great reminder that spring will be here someday. Fill it with some green foliage or silk flowers to keep your yearning at bay. The ceramic transfers used by Karin very cleverly spill over the lip into the inside of the vase - giving us more blooms to enjoy. You can find more of her lovely pieces at Rare Device.

2007-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

AROMATHERAPY GOES TO THE DOGS!

Though I don't consider myself an over-the-top doggie owner - no nail polish, faux fur clothing or crystal jewelry in Frankie's (my canine) wardrobe - I recently found a product that makes our lives together much more enjoyable. Aromatherapy for dogs may sound a little 'Californian' but that's where we live. This line of candles from Hands N Paws may be a life saver for doggies with separation anxiety - yes, it's a real condition that plagues Frankie when I leave the house. With a pleasant scent that we humans enjoy - lavendar is my favorite - it also contains a secret ingredient that can be detected solely by our little friends. For those of you who haven't - I dare you to try aromatherapy for your doggie!

2007-01-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

MY FIRST PROJECT FOR 2007

Today I found myself obsessing over the lovely patterns and items on the Deadly Squire site. I would love to take one of their patterns - the Wandering Oak is my current favorite - to use as a theme for a couple of room redecorations. In fact, that may be a great project for 2007. But until that happens I'll be very happy when indie designer Ann Wood makes another plush little bird just like Ida. She can perch in any room without calling too much attention to its questionable decor.

2006-12-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

Nothing is exactly what you get when you purchase this non-product from British company I Want One Of Those (IWOOT). The item description on their site calls it " . . . a lovingly crafted vial of emptiness . . . " It's great for the person who has everything, doesn't want anything or just plain doesn't deserve a thing. The product struck a chord - it sold out in mid-December and IWOOT won't have new inventory until early January. Those of us with concerns about the environment may cringe - the non-product sells for $6.28 in American dollars and ships for approximately the same amount. Imagine the good those dollars could do if donated to a responsible green charity . . .

2006-12-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

CLASSIC BUILDING BLOCKS - WITH A TWIST

Ever dream of your child growing up bilingual? Or able to communicate through sign language? Building blocks from Uncle Goose make it possible for your child to learn while playing. The company's beautiful basswood blocks are also available in sign language symbols, Braille and 12 languages. The aesthetics of the blocks are also pleasing; they feature bevelled edges, embossed letters/numerals/signs, and non-toxic inks (see the site for more details). And the price is right - $30 will get you a bag of blocks that should last at least two generations. (Seen on babygadget.)

2006-12-19T18:23:00.000-08:00

IN THE DARK
is where I wouldn't want to be with a Living Dead Doll. I missed these pretties when I substituted gift cards for toy stores - probably a good thing for my niece's sake. There are over 50 collectible dolls in the 12 series - something for every taste. The first Living Dead Dolls Art Show was held in NYC Nov. 1-14, 2006, where creators of these cult collectibles - Ed, Damian and Mez - invited 100 designers to submit renditions and suggestions for the next series. (Thanks for this find goes to The Cool Hunter.)