tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86244025543677230382024-02-06T21:02:46.911-06:00♥ I love cute ♥Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be cute — W. MorihitoAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-35470985102509961882011-06-26T14:58:00.007-05:002011-06-30T12:10:16.698-05:00Foxy Mocs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://shopredvelvet.com/collections/fashion/products/darlingtonia-foxy-moccasins"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxnNFXwxC1wt_E4dC7_dbDGvnP0jycyuV5jF6nXMZNR1OP6YE8Ksnoh9jYnCw3hRF-CF34kv-W0q-5maoqCT2V2hNZk7MGMp6DlfS8VNPvKO0ujm-cmJmwMyk051jG2v3h8XXTYOF3iEn/s400/img_5797_large.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624052721568274978" border="0" /></a>If you are a woman who lives in the world, you've probably seen the fashion makeover/advice shows where they take an absurdly bad dresser and teach her how to shop for her body and her age (which almost always involves buying a blazer and other "basics"), and then they give her makeup and highlights and a haircut and do the big reveal.<br /><br />Have you noticed a change in the way women dress in the world at large since these shows have aired? Me neither.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ChABumtTwF_87YAT43dh31zfDMDj3ozVUAckHx8ux9kG8D9ivQsZj1a0uAGOKrwpsVMzo2sZ2THhWhaWoTh6uk-jWgn0H1gnRLwoZiM9ZunFl-2l14qMGHyUjiuTg-tZjyfC2SpX6uE7/s1600/img_5830_grande.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ChABumtTwF_87YAT43dh31zfDMDj3ozVUAckHx8ux9kG8D9ivQsZj1a0uAGOKrwpsVMzo2sZ2THhWhaWoTh6uk-jWgn0H1gnRLwoZiM9ZunFl-2l14qMGHyUjiuTg-tZjyfC2SpX6uE7/s400/img_5830_grande.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624052728431590754" border="0" /></a>Well, now it's my show, and I say skip the blazer and classic black pants and buy some <a href="http://shopredvelvet.com/collections/fashion/products/darlingtonia-foxy-moccasins">shoes with animal faces on them</a>! If you already are somewhat stylish and/or aware of your surroundings, it will work, and if you aren't, you aren't, and oh well, you might as well enjoy your animal-face shoes instead of spending the money on something boring that you will probably keep for too long and wear with white socks and gym shoes anyway.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Images from Red Velvet Shop.</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-40953313330742812912011-06-21T23:17:00.016-05:002011-06-22T13:01:34.279-05:00A hankering for hankies<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8dNzVdDo6aBpV6joSNPUC8URksjHQ1_RbDmg7hO_K-sdJ9e8cAmgpPhs4NrLAbdsZ9EcB2eLTHtlyYD52N4LXL6z_A_V0SwLRfBY75QlXLVayocnfZ208mwESiJ5W3YJGzHSXcNO4E2K/s400/IMG_0148.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621090584869792322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few weeks ago—on Mother's Day, actually—I added a new item to my list of things to look for: hankies. I saw another mom pull out a cute hankie (hanky?) to wipe off her daughter's face and immediately decided I need to acquire some. Of course, a "quick look" online turned into a new obsession, especially after I saw this great idea for displaying hankies in a recent <a href="http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/poesys-nursery-toureclectic-vintage-style-141647">Ohdeedoh</a> nursery tour.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9_ADk89Oth1QJKNdN4wzfEayOEPyRpQRodd2DozYfBBM2dtUtUsFZW0E9Lbg9r6SwqttYQAA8KHVXnF7LYSTCIuB2vnEw3CfLDREwNodbdpSjA8AVLPN-HBgon38aPjRqmcyaQ8HL8rz/s400/IMG_0141-copy_rect640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621091554284599122" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div>This room is full of great ideas, incidentally. Why oh why didn't I save the heads from my daughter's birthday pinatas from the last couple years?</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxd8VUZWjLVZbfzLv-alfSqQ0uBEMReLS_ZrSEzavjxJfRkcyOctxZgdpOeBKeDqcTTfGVnBUd2lLe4ju-9fgk7zeytXHqcK8xKwKI-byyh14_LOPyCGiXLZv4fjq9IeFKx7GZsdcZqFg/s1600/2011-poesy2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxd8VUZWjLVZbfzLv-alfSqQ0uBEMReLS_ZrSEzavjxJfRkcyOctxZgdpOeBKeDqcTTfGVnBUd2lLe4ju-9fgk7zeytXHqcK8xKwKI-byyh14_LOPyCGiXLZv4fjq9IeFKx7GZsdcZqFg/s400/2011-poesy2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621090175282168210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a>But back to hankies. Naturally, I found lots of cute vintage options on Etsy, from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68752905/vintage-child-hankie-hanky-handkerchief">children's themes</a>:<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-p-moA1OZkzdWy7DB4iwjIh2GhIDr62-BFsegA1mYKWNVod-V19cp4g3quxHZAJMRnMgcVTzNew91s9KSa9A-tlVKjY1v2HQaLwTa3XcoC_O4T25Sk14ex-uKEgNVDxi8ARK5E3b2yXdb/s400/il_fullxfull.221772835.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621097139902716738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76308314/vintage-hankie-hanky-handkerchief-red?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=hearts+hankie&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage">hearts</a>:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygM8yF-sBhzbGI-mdhqtkQZQoI58htBg1j4qEgfAET4Q6nM_bHcFLFX7nM-wmGbbfRlZ73JqkrREcmz28sCeJK-OC-3VZs7m8hVnasFBEjX8pOAN4pPP2zKPJ_wuTaCtAWeONT3kpT29v/s400/il_fullxfull.252120253.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621103215420339170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to blue-and-white <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68539236/free-shipping-vintage-delft-hankie-with?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=delft+hankie&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage">delft</a> themed:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigusGnFgt2zZOfBLCun6wx53jD1iXH3b_ryvPwiUaaohphppTXUxL44gYZYAys1a3RkPorJtUGmK3r9Cc84jphv1hbcHQa5-eiHPCiBr16oNujZHe32E3uVwCAnwU2WF8UWvkcM7TGktMD/s400/il_fullxfull.220896597.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621093505589159474" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">to an instant <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75652940/vintage-lot-of-10-1940s-blank-center?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=hankie+lot&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_facet=vintage">collection of patterns</a> ready for hanging:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6gUij0m-vYEWOTLbTEiu6M7xnRKtqNl_LunDvXWUB-cJn1bE4HvLRv-4EN2qwrTxaV0AAfhRWaRypiUNfr8nN76vbVIo2xVsHb-DI2xQ2LQbdP8-x1r3jcMn-EjmSHD6X3qfJcAEaxda/s400/il_fullxfull.249878709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621102527226267650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px; " /></span></span></span></div><div>I mentioned this new obsession to my mom, whose own mother always carried a hankie tucked in her sleeve, and she said she would send me a box from her collection. So I'll let you shop from the listings above while I go wait for Dan the mailman.</div></div></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-14402293491128263452011-06-13T12:59:00.002-05:002011-06-13T15:29:25.048-05:00The real cheap and chic/cute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJaOKn_OC1IsPljUCF0VIg5PGhk4ORYwCVAFMJDiLWA-eHXfAzJcxK9w47FtTfgp2xyBt87n7ysEKo48K-YsPAYCSRylxazVQGsR4YtSs8l4TEuEq_5FCAGK24JtNirlQZEzniqVhVNX5/s1600/heart+earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJaOKn_OC1IsPljUCF0VIg5PGhk4ORYwCVAFMJDiLWA-eHXfAzJcxK9w47FtTfgp2xyBt87n7ysEKo48K-YsPAYCSRylxazVQGsR4YtSs8l4TEuEq_5FCAGK24JtNirlQZEzniqVhVNX5/s320/heart+earrings.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br />
Well, what do you know: All this time I thought the slogan was "Moschino Cheap and Cute," but it's actually Moschino Cheap and <i>Chic</i>. Did it change somewhere along the way? Was I wrong the whole time? Could I adopt the "cheap and cute" slogan for my own?<br />
<br />
Like many items from Forever 21, these <a href="http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_earrings&product_id=1074201271&Page=all&pgcount=25">ditsy heart earrings</a> are very cheap ($1.50) and cute. I couldn't find them in the store the other day, but I did manage to find some other cheap and cute accessories to give as little-girl gifts and/or to share with my 5-year-old daughter:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIWBSS099zE9F0UsW0HOtZv-gzPHRKxzaLxQnG6BlxJk-sw764D5wlI2_DD0IKwwy1QAlgY89fLY2TkqGSYxdnyU8oRPBSypkBy-YPCJPjlbPaMyH6o2D3R5E7oUX5wV6YytyAHiMVlXw/s1600/76808427-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIWBSS099zE9F0UsW0HOtZv-gzPHRKxzaLxQnG6BlxJk-sw764D5wlI2_DD0IKwwy1QAlgY89fLY2TkqGSYxdnyU8oRPBSypkBy-YPCJPjlbPaMyH6o2D3R5E7oUX5wV6YytyAHiMVlXw/s320/76808427-02.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><a href="http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=ACC_Necklace&Page=1&product_id=1076808427&utm_source=GCS&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=product_feed">bunny doll necklace</a> ($2.80)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1bScpH0FRWCWz_YlM9Hc4rsx5xFso-x2eR6Q1LyfcZS5STZM7XlIs_LtgnA1g38GjdLE0iPpjZysjceS5sHyU9Xo2tCwN9q3jqwhA4Vi0rUk5C3l4ehIfBu2pa3PBwnhIG2Y1LhX1SHe/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1bScpH0FRWCWz_YlM9Hc4rsx5xFso-x2eR6Q1LyfcZS5STZM7XlIs_LtgnA1g38GjdLE0iPpjZysjceS5sHyU9Xo2tCwN9q3jqwhA4Vi0rUk5C3l4ehIfBu2pa3PBwnhIG2Y1LhX1SHe/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" /></a></div>dachshund jewelry stand ($4.80)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgJQmDyUWY3_Zh9OvpswfbLEErq0qn1biDE4ytFwPegjUkmdsYPtzoFCWw_U0Ml0XCJ7PKH0ZmKX4XZQHtoxuMkewY5JKX98hLiUNhHk2_p9l5AMjQFaeiItA3Bbol9HQs-rYHzkybedB/s1600/78968251-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgJQmDyUWY3_Zh9OvpswfbLEErq0qn1biDE4ytFwPegjUkmdsYPtzoFCWw_U0Ml0XCJ7PKH0ZmKX4XZQHtoxuMkewY5JKX98hLiUNhHk2_p9l5AMjQFaeiItA3Bbol9HQs-rYHzkybedB/s320/78968251-02.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>and many owl-themed items, including this <a href="http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=ACC_Necklace&Page=1&product_id=1078968251&utm_source=GCS&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=product_feed">psychedelic owl neckalce </a>($3.80) and<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmfVVj-UkVLWQsUF6Vjysdbs-vUFC0b8HSUJIRwRLYaTXUuBETEkD0j3L3jThsPt-PLiTjRCkrkrzOYRh_cM9xQIMGAiJDfygFmXk0aZ4CU0iMxbehvzEmc8rMbjTcM1rlK3e4dehQMB8/s1600/81259098-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmfVVj-UkVLWQsUF6Vjysdbs-vUFC0b8HSUJIRwRLYaTXUuBETEkD0j3L3jThsPt-PLiTjRCkrkrzOYRh_cM9xQIMGAiJDfygFmXk0aZ4CU0iMxbehvzEmc8rMbjTcM1rlK3e4dehQMB8/s320/81259098-04.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><a href="http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=ACC_Necklace&Page=1&product_id=1081259098&utm_source=GCS&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=product_feed#">this owl pendant </a>($2.80). Yes, I bought them all, and so far I haven't given any away.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-64692580078046958112011-06-08T13:40:00.000-05:002011-06-08T13:40:45.075-05:00Birthday wishes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjoeVD79p8LsfxRQeUhPWnT5Lz_G8fBvoL0K4UvC3z-353yNeLwpbOi8iYKBMxdP8mHGtI51X-1u-uWd4x3eP03pj4y-PHstX154-j9EJ9acv0I2PZ39f5FI00BVt53Zn-nmfU-YS2vDc/s1600/badminton+stamp+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjoeVD79p8LsfxRQeUhPWnT5Lz_G8fBvoL0K4UvC3z-353yNeLwpbOi8iYKBMxdP8mHGtI51X-1u-uWd4x3eP03pj4y-PHstX154-j9EJ9acv0I2PZ39f5FI00BVt53Zn-nmfU-YS2vDc/s320/badminton+stamp+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, I have a birthday coming up, and yes, I really would like this $12 <a href="http://www.renegadehandmade.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=5025">badminton stamp</a> more than most anything else you might find at that price! Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-3474119714532761672011-06-07T13:52:00.004-05:002011-06-07T13:59:40.742-05:00Wanted: Working Time Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTsQCbO_xFis7Nj3MCZKR1jR3QBDQmNXzh1lWYTJSufvv83K44g-4S9aaK7l3q28vibwpi0NNinVvjHLFpLE8RzIRNNGSehLlWHqULA0nHEC9Q7f-b-ciU-sis7uJ-2kLBvo3_pZKDD21/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTsQCbO_xFis7Nj3MCZKR1jR3QBDQmNXzh1lWYTJSufvv83K44g-4S9aaK7l3q28vibwpi0NNinVvjHLFpLE8RzIRNNGSehLlWHqULA0nHEC9Q7f-b-ciU-sis7uJ-2kLBvo3_pZKDD21/s1600/01.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'm drafting a Craigslist ad that will help me go back in time and purchase this <a href="http://lucitebox.com/item.php?tab=Housewares&item_ID=9&item=Folkloric%20Vintage%2050s%20Swedish%20Couples%20Table%20Cloth">vintage Swedish couples tablecloth</a> before it sold from my friend's vintage store, <a href="http://www.lucitebox.com/">Lucitebox</a>. Here's what I've got so far:<br />
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<div style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Want to Buy/Rent: Time Machine - $250 (Chicago )</b></span></div><hr /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Date: 2011-06-07, 12:00PM CDT</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Reply to: <a href="mailto:sale-py72y-2426351945@craigslist.org?subject=RV%20Wanted%20to%20Rent%20-%20%24300%20%28Chicago%20%29&body=%0A%0Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fchicago.craigslist.org%2Fchc%2Fwan%2F2426351945.html%0A">sale-want-0669-timemachine643362-6@craigslist.org</a> <sup>[<a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/help/replying_to_posts" target="_blank">Errors when replying to ads?</a>]</sup></span> </div><hr style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><div style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdca2Wbz-zVKcYnjKv8Rdf1FgC3dtPJMlvBA-mgoeNSxGj2r-ZE-xYhwzMcNAWTC_ik9NFjZwx8T8NpbOi8f62NaI-CcOpf6gnvJhBpznJGm1JMhZq7bqOIXr4111QLP-UNXPsMmDeUB60/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div id="userbody"><div style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Want to buy or rent time machine for the weekend of June 11-12. Will consider any machine in reasonable working order. Need to travel back in time to correct very minor shopping error; no major events in history (i.e., having to do with Lincoln, Hitler, general elections, etc.) should be affected.</span></div><ul class="blurbs" style="color: black; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"> Location: Chicago area</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests</span></li>
</ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika4x4xLXh4bvzrLGB0pqPz0sQVt3ym8Vi59PUD9NhHsw4kQJ4TMqKXyrlrn0cWWX95eoF2SvprNVntPpkyoFHw2Kgk1J04zOle_NMBVvyYf2nrCdABY-h_ySf2sp7rJDkR4qyNPBtiBy6/s1600/04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika4x4xLXh4bvzrLGB0pqPz0sQVt3ym8Vi59PUD9NhHsw4kQJ4TMqKXyrlrn0cWWX95eoF2SvprNVntPpkyoFHw2Kgk1J04zOle_NMBVvyYf2nrCdABY-h_ySf2sp7rJDkR4qyNPBtiBy6/s400/04.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div id="userbody"></div><div id="userbody">Fortunately, Lucitebox has a great selection of other items both cute and fancy, including this <a href="http://lucitebox.com/item.php?tab=Separates&item_ID=66&item=Gingham%20Vintage%2050s%20Daisy%20Print%20Blouse/Top">daisy print top</a> (just $10!) and vintage <a href="http://lucitebox.com/item.php?tab=Dresses&item_ID=123&item=Vintage%2070s%20Apple%20Print%20Malia%20Sun%20Dress">apple print sun dress</a> ($68), both on sale. They're not my size, but they might be yours!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCc5-XbDucTJDaL9_49SLVT0y3zBq7AuZVTCAJN5RbF1ON9ZFVx9PuuQMz-NH3f-DQGNLKik0DaZ4azQA03BZ9pEPElxHMlh_fP_WmxQ8iofXvIKNsWrWQuTQi3L8w-EiAZwjtN53taLY/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCc5-XbDucTJDaL9_49SLVT0y3zBq7AuZVTCAJN5RbF1ON9ZFVx9PuuQMz-NH3f-DQGNLKik0DaZ4azQA03BZ9pEPElxHMlh_fP_WmxQ8iofXvIKNsWrWQuTQi3L8w-EiAZwjtN53taLY/s640/02.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div id="userbody"></div><div id="userbody"><br />
</div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-78221856673589520222011-06-05T14:40:00.001-05:002011-06-05T14:43:08.715-05:00The Happiness Ceiling<a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=14413&Code=SHK035&Product=Shinzi%20Katoh%20-%20Small%20Storage%20Basket%20-%20Red%20Riding%20Hood"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGaIpZxgv-BF_D0WodF_LMXz_Tico3TpmfdmhTyUjDcHGdA0-f7vWNnij8B8ZG47kMAxyUYQoOupS1DpLyClUmTlJWzLtZHaT8jNb35HRnDGvTofWRh3rT8ThFE8q9LWmMOBEqq6uYXfZ/s1600/shinzikatoh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGaIpZxgv-BF_D0WodF_LMXz_Tico3TpmfdmhTyUjDcHGdA0-f7vWNnij8B8ZG47kMAxyUYQoOupS1DpLyClUmTlJWzLtZHaT8jNb35HRnDGvTofWRh3rT8ThFE8q9LWmMOBEqq6uYXfZ/s320/shinzikatoh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You've probably heard that more money won't make you happier once you reach the <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2010/09/07/the-perfect-salary-for-happiness-75000-a-year/">magic salary of $75,000 a year</a>. But did you know there is an easy and inexpensive way to increase your happiness NEARLY 3 to 7% ABOVE this reported happiness plateau? Simply replace your existing baskets and old coffee cans with these <a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=14413&Code=SHK035&Product=Shinzi%20Katoh%20-%20Small%20Storage%20Basket%20-%20Red%20Riding%20Hood">Shinzi Katoh storage bins</a> and <a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=14415&Code=SHK037&loc=related">play suitcases</a> available at <a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/">Oliebollen</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFrKPdr0AMZ_NRYylkWTpNjrd00IbNgVU13ae72CPFB8tBA2-8P8bcvh2snXD1_u6NhzX49wWHWJ8-zFMPPMaGmFzrxYpJnupQshbtfHqSA_XknN7Me1wL6tfudnDzxh99wJAujTLcBNh/s1600/SHK033_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFrKPdr0AMZ_NRYylkWTpNjrd00IbNgVU13ae72CPFB8tBA2-8P8bcvh2snXD1_u6NhzX49wWHWJ8-zFMPPMaGmFzrxYpJnupQshbtfHqSA_XknN7Me1wL6tfudnDzxh99wJAujTLcBNh/s320/SHK033_h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's just that simple.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmRrgbJiq7yswKtry9VxQuInY5iGlqaXPD44FNdxM_N2q9mH37fuhEzI9HDhmf6V307YlUhalvwxwXDrhyphenhyphenAjBx3YgNy_pEfNO26sN6lQWPcIhB5_VPHa78HGYuddXv8sN7drZJkMh4dcV/s1600/SHK037_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmRrgbJiq7yswKtry9VxQuInY5iGlqaXPD44FNdxM_N2q9mH37fuhEzI9HDhmf6V307YlUhalvwxwXDrhyphenhyphenAjBx3YgNy_pEfNO26sN6lQWPcIhB5_VPHa78HGYuddXv8sN7drZJkMh4dcV/s320/SHK037_h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-25437799063474351582011-06-04T12:46:00.006-05:002011-06-04T13:52:26.597-05:00Cone Gnomes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnkveqbH2TQCUmWvwnhXQIfDTq1_uoiWYWLtrCiGvnWcYT7d5auziTUMGZ2LvPT6hmqf6bJbWk9n3zNbGbFI4PfsfijqCl9Uf5zD9NpEyDOXaTJjmfrmHZQVTaQCNjaim-ULKlOfZnXP5/s1600/il_570xN.185232223.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614427885280674290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnkveqbH2TQCUmWvwnhXQIfDTq1_uoiWYWLtrCiGvnWcYT7d5auziTUMGZ2LvPT6hmqf6bJbWk9n3zNbGbFI4PfsfijqCl9Uf5zD9NpEyDOXaTJjmfrmHZQVTaQCNjaim-ULKlOfZnXP5/s400/il_570xN.185232223.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Do a little of the assembly yourself, and you can have this set of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59543454/emotions-cone-gnome-set-of-4-paper-toys">cone gnomes</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cutesypoo?ref=seller_info">Cutesypoo</a> on Etsy in your hands within minutes for just $1.99! Display all four or choose to use the appropriate gnome—love gnome, angry gnome, cheery gnome, or sad gnome—to alert your coworkers or family to your current mood.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-20746753583652343412010-07-15T21:41:00.003-05:002010-07-15T21:43:52.456-05:00House hooksI'm a sucker for house images, magnet boards, and the color red; the <span style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.dcigift.com/product.cfm?productID=994&catID=1">House Key Hook and Magnet Board</a> from Decor Craft Inc.</span> has all three!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRJEc4qdiJI4EP08Sq7rIVTnYug1CPqZP0gEOUtc53wQceoxwigbh7AHj40tPoCk-IQuLVNDX4pqaCMUbKD7CNEKhLjKopWgu6c7trdNoLOC3qO2K092vC-8Lej3E97CLtDnq4HKiMomc/s1600/house_magnetboard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRJEc4qdiJI4EP08Sq7rIVTnYug1CPqZP0gEOUtc53wQceoxwigbh7AHj40tPoCk-IQuLVNDX4pqaCMUbKD7CNEKhLjKopWgu6c7trdNoLOC3qO2K092vC-8Lej3E97CLtDnq4HKiMomc/s400/house_magnetboard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494328940279010738" border="0" /></a><br /><a name='more'></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-24675299363797391992010-07-11T21:50:00.007-05:002010-07-11T22:21:50.939-05:00Perfectly PerfectI was overjoyed to get two copies of this adorable notebook by <a href="http://www.beciorpin.com/">Beci Orpin</a> from two different friends:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeDcWyXsobKnEf7nuTWaEoNIAv7ABDFKaGnAUZYkSQix330N6910s4-IC0dQBn3Nf8uicCAbBwU8GDs_6G0sc1wU7cWPZcvGS4hnd_8f6eXz2Jjj8fJdQqYEki4ph8cmq4lmzibMVEt1Y/s1600/notebook.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeDcWyXsobKnEf7nuTWaEoNIAv7ABDFKaGnAUZYkSQix330N6910s4-IC0dQBn3Nf8uicCAbBwU8GDs_6G0sc1wU7cWPZcvGS4hnd_8f6eXz2Jjj8fJdQqYEki4ph8cmq4lmzibMVEt1Y/s400/notebook.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492849412048023682" border="0" /></a>Every time I look at this image, I feel a bull's-eye "thwap" in my occipital lobe (at least I think that's the area of the brain designated for cute). A+ to Amie and Holly! I love having doubles because now I can actually use one.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-77050738859093827402010-07-08T23:30:00.006-05:002010-07-09T18:38:16.042-05:00One bouquet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA-KM44hOjdXl-fMyjp9XT_cTgghg-hLC14pgJFSvhCfEYHgH7qnKRomyt9wOrrNzxA9TqB54IW2Yn-_bqdo_DXP4dhZicLtYyGzsHAw4_6do9pJt7a5pBPjLRmcJRJUnVrJDNEFyulEp/s1600/CIMG3706.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA-KM44hOjdXl-fMyjp9XT_cTgghg-hLC14pgJFSvhCfEYHgH7qnKRomyt9wOrrNzxA9TqB54IW2Yn-_bqdo_DXP4dhZicLtYyGzsHAw4_6do9pJt7a5pBPjLRmcJRJUnVrJDNEFyulEp/s400/CIMG3706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491759397409331762" border="0" /></a>Flowers from our yard last year—but I just noticed the same ones are blooming again right now, so let's pretend this is a current photo.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-41070681922143443222010-07-08T13:17:00.004-05:002010-07-08T13:27:04.629-05:0040 Going on 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5jpi8c64yBAZqRfQbyIeSspU9AnGO6_3fuhPQTxI2O3VgNxbYUnCmme5v71wE1uB0t88_1R842JTker6lsWOsbnAMIp2hI7HBuDLYS5S3ZQSmlpPafgmCwZuQRz5ZfYDYmro_TOfjIWF/s1600/il_430xN.156488067.jpg"></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50951003/fun-miss-j-big-paper-envelope-set-of-3?show_panel=true"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5jpi8c64yBAZqRfQbyIeSspU9AnGO6_3fuhPQTxI2O3VgNxbYUnCmme5v71wE1uB0t88_1R842JTker6lsWOsbnAMIp2hI7HBuDLYS5S3ZQSmlpPafgmCwZuQRz5ZfYDYmro_TOfjIWF/s400/il_430xN.156488067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491601879686348130" border="0" /></a>Yesterday was my birthday. Now I'm 40, but my aesthetic is still stuck at age 10. That's fine by me; I've noticed that the 10-year-old aesthetic is often very affordable, like this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50951003/fun-miss-j-big-paper-envelope-set-of-3?show_panel=true">Fun Miss J Big Paper Envelope set</a>, available from Etsy seller NothingElegant for just $6.99.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-83207871420840614352009-06-17T22:47:00.004-05:002009-06-17T23:06:42.474-05:00Talk cute to meSometimes things just say "buy me." Such was the case with these paper lanterns spotted on <a href="http://decor8blog.com/2009/05/20/jurianne-matter-paper-artist/">decor8:</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSpUWqqwjTYEk71RBcaGZb267uKimXJ7TDX_CsFNICRkl50W8279bbQ5JMChYPlzOPxQTxEnqRq9W4D-MiEJ-jXyMHltaJcxNhX3Q7nGwRgHU3MWKdGnHYbqjMMVdtQyb3jiJrtiSp5Yh/s1600-h/paper+lanterns.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSpUWqqwjTYEk71RBcaGZb267uKimXJ7TDX_CsFNICRkl50W8279bbQ5JMChYPlzOPxQTxEnqRq9W4D-MiEJ-jXyMHltaJcxNhX3Q7nGwRgHU3MWKdGnHYbqjMMVdtQyb3jiJrtiSp5Yh/s400/paper+lanterns.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348510459445267874" border="0" /></a>I was all set to rationalize buying a couple when I thought the $16.50 price on <a href="http://ferrolstudio.com/products/75">Linda Ferrol Studio</a> was for just <span style="font-style: italic;">one</span> lantern, but as it turns out, that price buys you a set of seven!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-82900111224714182492008-11-25T00:01:00.004-06:002008-11-25T00:26:54.559-06:00I'll take two, please<blockquote></blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.plasticashop.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=JUPITERBUCKET&Category_Code=HE"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 396px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqL02-oKTIjJMp7vlytCAtx18gNjD-q0krAYrScN4IZod4x7A4S-5fQhI2rpSP7YeqLXPsNGVKII4ybpoftW2_jCrVxTfGUdc3d5p5ob6zDyvK-5_B_VxaTzAo528jgEQKF5qKgvREmLL3/s400/JUP_BKT.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272471356810896370" border="0" /></a>The <a href="http://www.plasticashop.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=P&Product_Code=JUPITERBUCKET&Category_Code=HE">Jupiter Bucket</a>, offered at <a href="http://www.plasticashop.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=P">Plastica</a>:<br /><span style="color: rgb(89, 90, 96);font-family:Arial,Helvetica;font-size:85%;" ></span><blockquote><span style="color: rgb(89, 90, 96);font-family:Arial,Helvetica;font-size:85%;" >Molded from colored hot glue.<br />Vase bottom is made of scrap pieces that have been melted down and dyed black.<br />Water tight. Wipes clean with water. Looks like glass, feels like rubber!<br />May be used as a planter, a fancy wastebasket, or a decorative container.<br />Each piece is hand crafted.<br />9" tall by 7" diameter<br />Made in New York City.<br />$165.00 </span></blockquote>I think the thing that takes it from "pretty" to "cute" is that it feels like rubber.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(89, 90, 96);font-family:Arial,Helvetica;font-size:85%;" ></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-54597306475570034712008-11-17T01:05:00.001-06:002008-11-17T09:39:06.884-06:00Artiste de mignon: Made with Love by Hannah<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17349290"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 357px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNxPGRzzZtanr8DZn0KY9WMJdxWDzkLtE6EbIc3_rUBwp5FKI80mMuzGjgdi_akIgByk5wIGlBWlet5F8BHd_sd7K3bXV8MyC64yFfby2zavEBzAetuwxiELGl1sze2poUOnHByCANj5D/s400/fairytaleskirtgreen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269493341654701746" border="0" /></a>I'm a big fan of <a href="http://madewithlovebyhannah.com/">Made with Love by Hannah</a>, whose impeccable eye for cute is reflected in her hand-screen-printed clothing (available through her <a href="http://www.madewithlovebyhannah.com/">website</a> and her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=2945">etsy shop</a>), <a href="http://madewithlovebyhannah.com/WordPress/">her blog</a>, <a href="http://www.craftzine-digital.com/craft/vol06/?pg=28">her house</a>, her miscellaneous projects (like a five-foot-tall papier-mâché replica of her favorite knickknack, Pooky, or the "custom glitter Skee-Ball alley with tufted red vinyl sides and super-jumbo gold ric-rac trim" she just happens to mention in a blog <a href="http://madewithlovebyhannah.com/WordPress/?p=5">post</a>)—it seems like pretty much everything she touches turns to cute.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjkIqtUyHu5IYgEyUL5i0I4XSTzvjeGjASFhfdwdskuKU79OoRYU3fZ_q1iwTymplxxsFRICfpT3ldmsNBMLIFU3zAmGLio1TsLOdE03_k19iniEtprJQjh9GF4u_j7Rf8uILnr05uwJE/s1600-h/ribbonprintskirt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjkIqtUyHu5IYgEyUL5i0I4XSTzvjeGjASFhfdwdskuKU79OoRYU3fZ_q1iwTymplxxsFRICfpT3ldmsNBMLIFU3zAmGLio1TsLOdE03_k19iniEtprJQjh9GF4u_j7Rf8uILnr05uwJE/s400/ribbonprintskirt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269491092453140098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zPt77LrwxdgQG1XAjC7GK4R7Hc4x6-chL_3QFcpne9UMa5z3jH5MNygPmIQSf1uZPkiwtmEwoF3R9PTqVJJXrBy3QgmL3DuIgGkoB-lI1xVIQWU09RNcDTJW4zk1QDC_Nz2joeLX9CzU/s1600-h/woodcarvingbig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zPt77LrwxdgQG1XAjC7GK4R7Hc4x6-chL_3QFcpne9UMa5z3jH5MNygPmIQSf1uZPkiwtmEwoF3R9PTqVJJXrBy3QgmL3DuIgGkoB-lI1xVIQWU09RNcDTJW4zk1QDC_Nz2joeLX9CzU/s400/woodcarvingbig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269506739236053218" border="0" /></a><br />The only thing preventing me from buying any of these adorable skirts is that I rarely wear skirts at all these days, as working from home + frequent playing on floor with toddler = jeans.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKi4vrsJQRo8TYhn5gn0l7AGmRHOfgjAk1YaqSU5X539tL8BF4rklHB-75M3qtPf0VOLGZQiXp69Z-A7tIwWIiituC8YDuwJw4SHyYJyd2QRwmsua0flad7-HdH1ttaT7unxvaTQbOoIn/s1600-h/scherenschnittebig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKi4vrsJQRo8TYhn5gn0l7AGmRHOfgjAk1YaqSU5X539tL8BF4rklHB-75M3qtPf0VOLGZQiXp69Z-A7tIwWIiituC8YDuwJw4SHyYJyd2QRwmsua0flad7-HdH1ttaT7unxvaTQbOoIn/s400/scherenschnittebig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269504970621256642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzFKo7d790Gk44MySHAnXgWYyoXbMGLPN1NjIfNkO5zVQWBMy5883Swjddq2gjG0VKPObA5Rck9Ukqhf2WU9q6pwJZshDgk3qZGAQiPyARn4LRmFy9ntOseqmSN4vyfOxY_dD4_3PNMh7/s1600-h/gingerbreadbig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzFKo7d790Gk44MySHAnXgWYyoXbMGLPN1NjIfNkO5zVQWBMy5883Swjddq2gjG0VKPObA5Rck9Ukqhf2WU9q6pwJZshDgk3qZGAQiPyARn4LRmFy9ntOseqmSN4vyfOxY_dD4_3PNMh7/s400/gingerbreadbig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269504974282536546" border="0" /></a><br />Well, we're all in luck, because she now makes an <a href="http://madewithlovebyhannah.com/potteryapron.html">apron</a> in her Polish pottery pattern, trimmed with giant red ric rac. At just $28, it's perfectly priced for someone to give me for Christmas, wouldn't you say?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrqea9oRNWkWsBMcHH9uc-6EPWyKATPoaFoKA0GWgsP6Evg7M7E87nS9bYQSfuZeLi-us8bkhXkVbpaiL1kaOhO39rAXrAeM2gxZn2jAZP7xck7g5pl8uWief1ScLXZNnDHpubhztKJt8/s1600-h/potteryapronbig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrqea9oRNWkWsBMcHH9uc-6EPWyKATPoaFoKA0GWgsP6Evg7M7E87nS9bYQSfuZeLi-us8bkhXkVbpaiL1kaOhO39rAXrAeM2gxZn2jAZP7xck7g5pl8uWief1ScLXZNnDHpubhztKJt8/s400/potteryapronbig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269501979259140866" border="0" /></a><br />I have to stop myself from just posting photos of every one of the items in her <a href="http://madewithlovebyhannah.com/home.html">store</a> (did I mention there's a subset of crocheted items called Made by Grandma?) and from linking to all of her <a href="http://madewithlovebyhannah.com/WordPress/">blog posts</a>. Go check them out for yourself, and prepare to have your mind blown!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXpw_wt-bpOR5OgiPc7v5MKDhQ2t9hJbghCv33duUlW8iO6G0KAljdCqnEGFE9urSZQdM5hNx-1178c-6H-BU5qCbwMoeQXeSMdqmsu5Nu78n7P-kcUW0Bf5K6munVjm9Ohlj_jlOBl4W/s1600-h/wycinankitopbig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXpw_wt-bpOR5OgiPc7v5MKDhQ2t9hJbghCv33duUlW8iO6G0KAljdCqnEGFE9urSZQdM5hNx-1178c-6H-BU5qCbwMoeQXeSMdqmsu5Nu78n7P-kcUW0Bf5K6munVjm9Ohlj_jlOBl4W/s400/wycinankitopbig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269505950031964498" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw6ZQwEALLwDBE_Aj2OBCOEuewEUsGXpbMpMru3pR3cgSlxktpZx3jblYOAnBvxXJUqrKWb-W-2l7Vwg46w99zpCHD58sj7o9-3J460HrTc4ntGTSS6vDdZpsMxEav2ju-ZTaYaUOkF4S/s1600-h/treetopbig.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 365px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEw6ZQwEALLwDBE_Aj2OBCOEuewEUsGXpbMpMru3pR3cgSlxktpZx3jblYOAnBvxXJUqrKWb-W-2l7Vwg46w99zpCHD58sj7o9-3J460HrTc4ntGTSS6vDdZpsMxEav2ju-ZTaYaUOkF4S/s400/treetopbig.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269504975666395842" border="0" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-71202242441681862002008-11-10T23:45:00.012-06:002008-11-11T13:18:32.718-06:00Middle-of-the-road cute<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIuXFQSKe_gL9XBBmnrhrSBiVBgdq7bP17OAtdjr4PIiohPJHQO8zFJ42OAZrzPC9tElNIqCKSw9wXwqU39i5eI5Al74ZOp-JmV1zMN1hmzy5eJbfPgqLjc4c-PWOQH1Huz3Fslg2hkRZ/s1600-h/pTRU1-3646911dt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIuXFQSKe_gL9XBBmnrhrSBiVBgdq7bP17OAtdjr4PIiohPJHQO8zFJ42OAZrzPC9tElNIqCKSw9wXwqU39i5eI5Al74ZOp-JmV1zMN1hmzy5eJbfPgqLjc4c-PWOQH1Huz3Fslg2hkRZ/s400/pTRU1-3646911dt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267274813262054914" border="0" /></a><br />I love etsy and design blogs as much as the next girl, but deep down, I'm a mall shopper at heart. I get overwhelmed by all the exquisite prettiness and hardcore craftiness out there, so for comfort I turn to places where you have to dig to find the cute: big-box stores and junky malls. It must be the thrill of the hunt that calms my mind.<br /><br />Needless to say, then, I am happy to start looking for some mainstream gift ideas for the grandparents to consider for my daughter. Melissa and Doug toys perfectly fit the bill: You can find them at your local Toys R Us, but they're not as depressing as the plentiful licensed-character stuff you'll find on the shelves next to them.<br /><br />I can't quite articulate why this <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2668142">Melissa and Doug Deluxe Plus Prance-N-Play Stick Unicorn</a> appeals to me. It's not particularly ironic, it doesn't bring up any memories or longings from my own childhood, and I don't even know if my daughter—who so far has exhibited no signs of having the princess and fairies gene—would like it. I just want one.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-33358513789631490712008-10-29T21:54:00.010-05:002008-10-29T22:36:34.592-05:00Model home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.owi.bz/pic/?uid=c96b2f62-b7dc-4bf9-9c73-c23465afa20f"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFZKPXnj4o9O0khxxlf_WuQI6hGpBndgXD3arkKj5K7cXK4ANPMNFZrnuCbnUBYpgSIBe7jiYOQOCroH1KS_0xz7HLl-vdXLJekaxmz-msQgozCrLm_7nGWDXex0DdiElmBHNU-SScsOc/s400/drawpic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262775716572577106" border="0" /></a>I can't think of much to say about <a href="http://www.owi.bz/collection/?uid=CBFAB36A-179E-4D6C-9B63-D31679DE23C4">this place</a> except, "Wow."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWr_aIdSVzN8Y8vRHuWdLdJZzB6yMG5rWTT-DpSjqKbOkdgTOvZk1jNTGUI1UYwyxmA21NJAZlXVApVJ-pGiAdkpUUoJ4r1f2VoyKciwe7gFLy_id2LS2bDmuQrq4aklpq4qJBBk4g5QI/s1600-h/drawpic-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWr_aIdSVzN8Y8vRHuWdLdJZzB6yMG5rWTT-DpSjqKbOkdgTOvZk1jNTGUI1UYwyxmA21NJAZlXVApVJ-pGiAdkpUUoJ4r1f2VoyKciwe7gFLy_id2LS2bDmuQrq4aklpq4qJBBk4g5QI/s400/drawpic-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262776915399739746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGee-Wh2Q2BBK1EpPj94iW8dbnZqYpbW3TnfimCrpYNdQgjyMPogGhyphenhyphenAhMJ8VYKJR0b2w02DvYTjfArN9RRQZI6DXOnThXLgMBiqCLJNMnzSZgGpeu1XyBDd4_wYR3jJZIKvLW0NzShFW/s1600-h/drawpic-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGee-Wh2Q2BBK1EpPj94iW8dbnZqYpbW3TnfimCrpYNdQgjyMPogGhyphenhyphenAhMJ8VYKJR0b2w02DvYTjfArN9RRQZI6DXOnThXLgMBiqCLJNMnzSZgGpeu1XyBDd4_wYR3jJZIKvLW0NzShFW/s400/drawpic-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262783484810309474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.owi.bz/pic/?uid=73854c50-486d-4b90-9df9-9b3a3cae8adb"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-9I5GoNXcYDmVOFVe3KK5cBCPnpJsZLvanbUuC0LWoaT4PU8Rs11AqdfgXZJWTatw5nki1q2pWehwHwgyucI5B7wT5qFPxSrlF08v0pCQerMYsYXymzX3ZaOjw2wfcxEqf-uciJmMOEt/s400/drawpic-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262776183859115154" border="0" /></a>I don't even remember how I came across this. A link from a link from a blog, no doubt.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNEf_IzzHtGpTOuC5r9U9UpaIRFb_t9oG1ZRg0w4pkmAGgdy_tjjOpT71AILigAa3dS1KgpcqMiUrVTHEVm64K8BPnKm2EmS3ZnIRJFqPdW3wE5Gf33kB02Mp0DVx5NNUouwCBY9cs5zT/s1600-h/drawpic-3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNEf_IzzHtGpTOuC5r9U9UpaIRFb_t9oG1ZRg0w4pkmAGgdy_tjjOpT71AILigAa3dS1KgpcqMiUrVTHEVm64K8BPnKm2EmS3ZnIRJFqPdW3wE5Gf33kB02Mp0DVx5NNUouwCBY9cs5zT/s400/drawpic-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262778073754163506" border="0" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-72437305115487190412008-10-12T23:09:00.027-05:002008-10-15T00:31:50.538-05:00Catalog curator: Catching upI used to have a good system to keep catalogs from piling up: glance through what comes in, keep a few in a special spot in the living room, recycle the rest immediately, and weed the saved ones when the container gets too full. It still would be a good system, had I not started the catalog curator feature; now instead of tossing most catalogs after they arrive, I have to put them all into a holding spot on top of my printer, where they wait for me to post about the cute treasures inside each one.<br /><br />Well, we did a lot of cleaning out and tossing this weekend, so in the interest of not losing momentum, I'm going to make a pass through the stack, pick out one cute or otherwise noteworthy item, and call it a day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7U7pIKfQ2CQrDjbJ5kVVx1siXIhh0d5rB_dK_EYoAb6RchHfKOKnwvXEAn1ll9HdUCI2Yq8AS9ApcROEGHFfK5l5eZcY9B_XIza2KEdC3mcTV9_6So5zzbCdWZfVFZl43bOHzVWL4tY6/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7U7pIKfQ2CQrDjbJ5kVVx1siXIhh0d5rB_dK_EYoAb6RchHfKOKnwvXEAn1ll9HdUCI2Yq8AS9ApcROEGHFfK5l5eZcY9B_XIza2KEdC3mcTV9_6So5zzbCdWZfVFZl43bOHzVWL4tY6/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256490512914923890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garnet Hill</span>: If I were of a mind to buy $70 boots for my 2-year-old daughter, these <a href="http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=16491&fromNewSearch=true&mercadoResultId=0">Merrell Spirit Tibet Snow Boots</a> would be the ones.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRo9jZC_yupJB_nugu3mq_7_HexpCadq67QVycVXcoGXLVu0bnnWNThc_M6adcxqwL0BpOwPi_GKzjXlbPXdIuvRj3ALQy7OHEYRpWTYT9RnlNL6xqUBHqBxG7cr0p6J0nzmzazhsV8hZ/s1600-h/Untitled-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRo9jZC_yupJB_nugu3mq_7_HexpCadq67QVycVXcoGXLVu0bnnWNThc_M6adcxqwL0BpOwPi_GKzjXlbPXdIuvRj3ALQy7OHEYRpWTYT9RnlNL6xqUBHqBxG7cr0p6J0nzmzazhsV8hZ/s400/Untitled-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256493858783276386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boden USA</span>: I think it's safe to say I've been buying slightly different versions of the same boot for about seven years now. I haven't bought anything at all for a few years, though—and probably shouldn't, since last year I don't think I wore so-called "fashion boots" even once. If I were in the market, though, I love these <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-us/womens-shoes-and-boots/flat-boots/az086/womens-leather-fur-lined-boots.html">Leather Fur Lined Boots</a> ($268). It's hard to choose a color, but since this is all theoretical anyway, let's say I'd solve that dilemma by buying all three.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipawFIaSIc5Bri5ypQWUFfJjYGMVLn1j1aAJcHNYIAcEhSZJlVTxkJ1v33gmhCW67JODi_lEF75F3VnJzndu1MVqiMet53Hv3Dt0f92m4IdQAbG32RPXkrAUP77F6LwQWHLEEtsvBL11wQ/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipawFIaSIc5Bri5ypQWUFfJjYGMVLn1j1aAJcHNYIAcEhSZJlVTxkJ1v33gmhCW67JODi_lEF75F3VnJzndu1MVqiMet53Hv3Dt0f92m4IdQAbG32RPXkrAUP77F6LwQWHLEEtsvBL11wQ/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256496278600525234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthropologie</span>: Lots of turned-down page corners here. I have one go-to black wool jersey dress, but I'm not sure how well it fits post-baby (can I still say "post-baby" when said "baby" is almost 2.5 years old?). The <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=830109&navAction=jump&search=true">Well-Forged Dress</a> ($188) would be a great replacement.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WAqszd6CNf9_aSr95wlyu9DB1X6JSXXY5iwU2zTS9ZN34o7HF5ZU2-O0nAmlmTOigaQJpjLzc7sJiokqSNsmsJWKzjobOAGPiRp2ds1WuafD3CDJUlV-klsJm9jSwfmrwGBUv4QVb_en/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WAqszd6CNf9_aSr95wlyu9DB1X6JSXXY5iwU2zTS9ZN34o7HF5ZU2-O0nAmlmTOigaQJpjLzc7sJiokqSNsmsJWKzjobOAGPiRp2ds1WuafD3CDJUlV-klsJm9jSwfmrwGBUv4QVb_en/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256501263491737442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tracy Porter</span>: Not my sort of thing—there's a definite Veronica's Closet vibe here—but speaking of go-to classic black items, I love the <a href="http://www.tracyporter.com/The-London-Boot-p-17646.html">London Boot </a>($325), which looks to be a near replica (but in real patent leather, and with a much-needed side zip) of a pair of $80 Franco Sartos I wore until they fell apart.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOoZVBKwprQ_MdJqTfxFLmb9efCtNX1zj17Ivl55Zz2Mn8irF1lGsnxmcaqTAZpvz-kUejR17hEZnPdzNe13wT5XJc_ITSqhAYvMzCmLdCHPVLk6covY6gfj8N1_h0U0QZwBDDmMzgCpK/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOoZVBKwprQ_MdJqTfxFLmb9efCtNX1zj17Ivl55Zz2Mn8irF1lGsnxmcaqTAZpvz-kUejR17hEZnPdzNe13wT5XJc_ITSqhAYvMzCmLdCHPVLk6covY6gfj8N1_h0U0QZwBDDmMzgCpK/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256500767046337362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Land of Nod</span>: Needless to say, it would require in-person inspection, but I predict the <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=46&f=4826&q=oak+park&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1">bookcase </a>($449) from the new Oak Park Elementary Collection could be great outside a kid's room, too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8IoWKR8a2nd3X2nnyMASXLdpdhjc0oSkJMZ0zlCXyEewm2QrM0zqJ20e1PFqaDNILk1F5dF0W88stq602OqaM_6D7NQRGS5bjZvJowtovjaYIlisGi0G6foh8kDfergcvHElqgbDHCwg/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8IoWKR8a2nd3X2nnyMASXLdpdhjc0oSkJMZ0zlCXyEewm2QrM0zqJ20e1PFqaDNILk1F5dF0W88stq602OqaM_6D7NQRGS5bjZvJowtovjaYIlisGi0G6foh8kDfergcvHElqgbDHCwg/s400/Picture+12.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256502479256859826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />CB2</span>: <a href="http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=238&f=4387&q=mosaic&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1">Mosaic Recycled Placemats</a> ($6.95 each) are shredded and compressed juice boxes: 100% recycled, and 100% great at disguising dried bits of spilled food.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVSxNm5eCyXAll7-U8TaA3NZfpDvLKvxNyAUApYYSC7D2jS1lmjR1FHzqk3Rtdkfvw9TJHVT1TZRbYl_GtaLGSjZhxBqoE320Eg1R6Y6-fq99Y4qlJFEfbpgmvjEs8QECFB1pqumnGenz/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVSxNm5eCyXAll7-U8TaA3NZfpDvLKvxNyAUApYYSC7D2jS1lmjR1FHzqk3Rtdkfvw9TJHVT1TZRbYl_GtaLGSjZhxBqoE320Eg1R6Y6-fq99Y4qlJFEfbpgmvjEs8QECFB1pqumnGenz/s400/Picture+13.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256506020637505378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garnet Hill</span> (#2): I guess I'm in <a href="http://ilovecute.blogspot.com/2008/10/coming-in-from-kallt.html">a mood for blue and white</a> (and red), but I can imagine the <a href="http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=16951&fromNewSearch=true&mercadoResultId=0">Fuji Percale Bedding</a> would be a perfect masculine-feminine compromise for a couple's bedroom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_qf0_IbMPBULKxT_XXOBFGq2mF78KIGMZWfQNLvYoprzHDZBRtXLxroCtY2Enz_Ueyo0CrXHfi-3jviYrap3_iVkaq_mhEXQn9bZ2oLK1hHMP9gNsISp4rm7KZMt6aVAjlku7wa17w2o/s1600-h/85J0988_62_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_qf0_IbMPBULKxT_XXOBFGq2mF78KIGMZWfQNLvYoprzHDZBRtXLxroCtY2Enz_Ueyo0CrXHfi-3jviYrap3_iVkaq_mhEXQn9bZ2oLK1hHMP9gNsISp4rm7KZMt6aVAjlku7wa17w2o/s400/85J0988_62_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256510553803782162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFir_d0SkQA7A7DJxATqnGKtCjpQOerS9972pKp2rTyydJzox00jkMlZS5a8ewBG2N9qCYxLh8x7mZVM3mqwlt15MTSI0Rf-XseH9R2yJZza6BNtublR1vQCERffgk-HnmurGNf_-L-5v/s1600-h/85J0988_62_d-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFir_d0SkQA7A7DJxATqnGKtCjpQOerS9972pKp2rTyydJzox00jkMlZS5a8ewBG2N9qCYxLh8x7mZVM3mqwlt15MTSI0Rf-XseH9R2yJZza6BNtublR1vQCERffgk-HnmurGNf_-L-5v/s400/85J0988_62_d-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256511179358852482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free People</span>: I'm sure I'm too old for it, but I still have deep respect and great admiration for the <a href="http://www.freepeople.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/productID/f2fe8471-7513-4a19-88bf-610ea2dcb6de/cmCategoryID/683d4023-53f5-4900-b5ce-ecf465df31a9">Parker Plaid Overcoat</a> ($198).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGakaZLXydQpUroZfpq5fcPX-P9o_I2KwdEBKksSpkrrMk5bOeu6EWOzdGe-jqqNWjebkH39t6Kwpt_Lf73NzZQ28yqSzzx_EcY9_VRxRMMwVQUq0xL5TTi3sLKBPK44nCRnI5zjKDVA8/s1600-h/puzzles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGakaZLXydQpUroZfpq5fcPX-P9o_I2KwdEBKksSpkrrMk5bOeu6EWOzdGe-jqqNWjebkH39t6Kwpt_Lf73NzZQ28yqSzzx_EcY9_VRxRMMwVQUq0xL5TTi3sLKBPK44nCRnI5zjKDVA8/s400/puzzles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256512760431317650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sensational Beginnings</span>: Okay, I know they're not cute, but <a href="http://www.sensationalbeginnings.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=P+3+718">Your Body Puzzles</a> ($24.95 each) for boys and girls are just so strange they deserve a mention.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-37462477474211259182008-10-05T11:42:00.028-05:002008-10-05T17:45:07.049-05:00Coming in from the Kallt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtNogvrgdikG9SLeRGFgJnk7C8GvQwQC7Zih49A8ssg-EWgLfkna0o3jYCXWB22a8jQyFz5C0cboK6R4gDDjcgBhn57HvXsfvLoKzyWWKWyTkCSVe9PjGDe-hhk56X5n3SxgUi749RjO8/s1600-h/ikea+kallt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtNogvrgdikG9SLeRGFgJnk7C8GvQwQC7Zih49A8ssg-EWgLfkna0o3jYCXWB22a8jQyFz5C0cboK6R4gDDjcgBhn57HvXsfvLoKzyWWKWyTkCSVe9PjGDe-hhk56X5n3SxgUi749RjO8/s400/ikea+kallt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253731882463795762" border="0" /></a><br />The topic sentence of my post was supposed to be something about children's play dishes, but I got sidetracked from my "research" on the Ikea website by their new winter <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=kallt&category=%23%7EProducts&filter=&pageNumber=3">Kallt series</a>. The red, white, and blue paper, ribbons, and table decor are really speaking to me, and that means that now I must find some other larger purchase (perhaps a lamp or tray for our new hand-me-down buffet?) to justify the 30-minute drive and inevitable 3-hour visit to the Bolingbrook store.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rDR4ri5LMSACYPEeg-5IpNVkAd-L59UMI-VXRqXnFwgacHdk9-9glpK1iikDmIU-3NDg-Ianeuf-5FXDcPZIsTVg3FUlDkd43xFKIH6wj79a6nBeIdero9eKrgF1m0nzNXrkxw3KPUbl/s1600-h/coffeeteaset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rDR4ri5LMSACYPEeg-5IpNVkAd-L59UMI-VXRqXnFwgacHdk9-9glpK1iikDmIU-3NDg-Ianeuf-5FXDcPZIsTVg3FUlDkd43xFKIH6wj79a6nBeIdero9eKrgF1m0nzNXrkxw3KPUbl/s400/coffeeteaset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253731867475502290" border="0" /></a>Getting back to my original subject, maybe I can do some early Xmas shopping, starting with these adorable <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00130148">tea/coffee</a> and <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40130165">bowl/plate</a> play dish sets (both in the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00130148">Duktig</a> series, $9.99 per set):<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPTKD6iwEVt32YbRdRxcltdOiz2Fw5HqK2ghTuT_SzHy0X_bayz4VP_xvX9F7gyJNEQF1ji2gjWGuqzuT2x-dXkZGZliuHTBN8B0jXMVuoIp1HSdMP6YbU9dE-KDCG-gtxjshrXe0nL2o/s1600-h/dishset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPTKD6iwEVt32YbRdRxcltdOiz2Fw5HqK2ghTuT_SzHy0X_bayz4VP_xvX9F7gyJNEQF1ji2gjWGuqzuT2x-dXkZGZliuHTBN8B0jXMVuoIp1HSdMP6YbU9dE-KDCG-gtxjshrXe0nL2o/s400/dishset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253731870785855202" border="0" /></a>My daughter isn't into dolls—at least not yet—but she plays almost every day with the white porcelain Ikea tea set she got for her 2nd birthday (thanks, J&M&J!). I can't find a link to the exact set online, but in any case, it's become a permanent fixture on our porch, so naturally I had to buy this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80132563">Busig tray</a> ($5.99) to tie it all together and, more importantly, to transport the entire set to the kitchen for daily washing, since I haven't found a way to stop Sophie from drinking the days-old water that would otherwise be in there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme4TyhcEsR4lKOemXVfbR6G0KqwmP1ZOX6ftuUorgTuR6pR24ddv8I6ncJUXpHeRYZSQzSSCO8BJVNEzmJMagAF90onPUvPOY-EK_5yUVRNoGOPHH22UXAJD4avT9jlzRVqeUOpFMy5h1/s1600-h/elephanttray.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme4TyhcEsR4lKOemXVfbR6G0KqwmP1ZOX6ftuUorgTuR6pR24ddv8I6ncJUXpHeRYZSQzSSCO8BJVNEzmJMagAF90onPUvPOY-EK_5yUVRNoGOPHH22UXAJD4avT9jlzRVqeUOpFMy5h1/s400/elephanttray.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253731870661017794" border="0" /></a>Wouldn't these <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00148214">Oändlig</a> ($1.99 for 50) papker napkins add the perfect touch to the tea party?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sc0HLML4jLbJRjGzVNz57e6TewksGU_Dwi2Hm_wlHQdYVzdHR3i2DllgEJ6J9j2Rc8UpIYh4vQ2S3TWPLl7J_4XOljs5jIsQGK0LgcpbnAIziCVOTgQqaiNLhW9YYCmn9UUlwn72XLXa/s1600-h/napkins.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sc0HLML4jLbJRjGzVNz57e6TewksGU_Dwi2Hm_wlHQdYVzdHR3i2DllgEJ6J9j2Rc8UpIYh4vQ2S3TWPLl7J_4XOljs5jIsQGK0LgcpbnAIziCVOTgQqaiNLhW9YYCmn9UUlwn72XLXa/s400/napkins.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253732100394817250" border="0" /></a>If only the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/rooms/kitchen/">Ikea kitchen experts</a> could help me design a child-sized set of cupboards to tidily store all our play dishes, pans, and utensils! I suppose that will have to be <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> Xmas wish.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-39111779915990566092008-10-01T23:34:00.002-05:002008-10-02T00:50:06.208-05:00Catalog curator: Tea Collection, Chasing Fireflies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiixORrPpbcgxhDhcJ0MPyprZq6xptsRfti5MUs64QGhaqpLX_NZQlnUdv6J0SkDpWIyQFAj6L7I6wPaqDYlxQTKwpsHkFWKS0Ddz1ttmHVogrXYDTFcD8ALvw5vjPil0oxnrkGWbY75j/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252381104876052322" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiixORrPpbcgxhDhcJ0MPyprZq6xptsRfti5MUs64QGhaqpLX_NZQlnUdv6J0SkDpWIyQFAj6L7I6wPaqDYlxQTKwpsHkFWKS0Ddz1ttmHVogrXYDTFcD8ALvw5vjPil0oxnrkGWbY75j/s400/Picture+7.png" border="0" /></a>Taking on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tea Collection</span> almost feels like cheating; I wouldn't turn down a single item in here. But suppose I won a $150 gift certificate and had only 24 hours to redeem it? I guess I'd probably have to choose the <a href="http://www.teacollection.com/s.nl/c.575156/it.A/id.15467/.f">Molfrid Floral Dress</a> ($65) and the <a href="http://www.teacollection.com/s.nl/c.575156/it.A/id.15478/.f">Fjord Swing Coat</a> ($89). (I love the purple boots shown above, but they aren't for sale here—and my $150 is spoken for, anyway.)<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoYEavadbemZBWKjP0lroU3IVKKDpSYyYgqueBOpri8lEdGtGH1dC5So-Wnq3qwzbpVvtpEH_diZeRspIEbckSJ59gBwipR5mhjwuoJI6cXx2GS2up5ng5IgfNiGxAte9a32LVOo7HUhyphenhyphen/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoYEavadbemZBWKjP0lroU3IVKKDpSYyYgqueBOpri8lEdGtGH1dC5So-Wnq3qwzbpVvtpEH_diZeRspIEbckSJ59gBwipR5mhjwuoJI6cXx2GS2up5ng5IgfNiGxAte9a32LVOo7HUhyphenhyphen/s400/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252424239074460674" border="0" /></a>Somehow<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Chasing Fireflies</span> manages to be both precious <em>and</em> bitchy (case in point: a $4,800 <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=25178&top=">Pumpkin Carriage Crib</a>), but there are some undeniably cute things offered here. Take the <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=24544">Musical Chairs Dress</a>, for instance: Originally $225, it's now on sale for "just" $99.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFuww1CS3Rcw6EfTsK-mUOgs2WdDj8FnZoV5Hdd8EEliKkPCGmd0bC48yZT0HqXP0KqUS6SwQVwgYV71GsEDwuUpUne30PgylKv0vqD6NQfXYfLvhuHEKRVrK2S9NuOzWplDl00mXR_P5/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252386701049870082" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFuww1CS3Rcw6EfTsK-mUOgs2WdDj8FnZoV5Hdd8EEliKkPCGmd0bC48yZT0HqXP0KqUS6SwQVwgYV71GsEDwuUpUne30PgylKv0vqD6NQfXYfLvhuHEKRVrK2S9NuOzWplDl00mXR_P5/s400/Picture+8.png" border="0" /></a>A $150 gift certificate wouldn't go all that far in the toy section, either, but I'd consider putting it toward all or part of the <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=24961">Twig Crayons Set</a> ($28), <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=27298">Mini Color-My-World Playhouse</a> ($38), <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=26519">Cozy Cube Desk</a> ($198), or <a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/prodinfo.asp?number=27338&top=">Lounge Hound</a> ($148).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqnXxFeHpK87zmLlbd0VeR6G_Vw5Tv9VHXYcVGKqNgAfRrGwMfi56dlriiMmz9hw2h066oZInQohisDgpBxjg2xK0WRct78s09nppC01wY5EpW51ChBt2nbXsBrQaFsgj4_IbOf7-7fKU/s1600-h/24961_p.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqnXxFeHpK87zmLlbd0VeR6G_Vw5Tv9VHXYcVGKqNgAfRrGwMfi56dlriiMmz9hw2h066oZInQohisDgpBxjg2xK0WRct78s09nppC01wY5EpW51ChBt2nbXsBrQaFsgj4_IbOf7-7fKU/s400/24961_p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252426325399345410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1bcJVvPzTbvStF32hQqut2YTj__N6Y8JV_iGUEzKs-NfAdQ13HOW9jCu79vgpjdKftRtdrguYTyMovuV-OFl0vT4WQvW1rFQg8kydR8s6zup9oOBH4o5tGcxhUMtOo11TCdFdTtQV-xT/s1600-h/27298_p1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252389626142936850" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1bcJVvPzTbvStF32hQqut2YTj__N6Y8JV_iGUEzKs-NfAdQ13HOW9jCu79vgpjdKftRtdrguYTyMovuV-OFl0vT4WQvW1rFQg8kydR8s6zup9oOBH4o5tGcxhUMtOo11TCdFdTtQV-xT/s400/27298_p1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM62IsvAuhLAeG836Cx3PIfpjT2bTEdsP_mqxxt_hkp8qd0PTQeSWbyV7zJcgRnhxXw1NgwCDkbgrK0KW2xFZsR8QMa4bEkpFkJL9wotzAzeytdbe6HomSNUxAom-voZJCZns2QZ3jApy/s1600-h/26519_green_p.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252392986054530898" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMM62IsvAuhLAeG836Cx3PIfpjT2bTEdsP_mqxxt_hkp8qd0PTQeSWbyV7zJcgRnhxXw1NgwCDkbgrK0KW2xFZsR8QMa4bEkpFkJL9wotzAzeytdbe6HomSNUxAom-voZJCZns2QZ3jApy/s400/26519_green_p.jpg" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iODMK7elFAx4qWtswxQEncqJIkmyuDOjrbSHWJNV5Z_6KGwhZlNykkQaltM3TUNy5I91yr3LicM5npWPghvsrF7GIGvqYs3ZLYvetAIDHEikeM0VV9dkchbh5zJe2lurFRQYESHxTz90/s1600-h/27338_p.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252389626108702466" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; cursor: pointer; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iODMK7elFAx4qWtswxQEncqJIkmyuDOjrbSHWJNV5Z_6KGwhZlNykkQaltM3TUNy5I91yr3LicM5npWPghvsrF7GIGvqYs3ZLYvetAIDHEikeM0VV9dkchbh5zJe2lurFRQYESHxTz90/s400/27338_p.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-6922838733411198442008-09-28T00:37:00.009-05:002008-09-28T01:29:52.574-05:00Superior storage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LdJPpdgu2n24ee4c-UmDpMi6_rDRTkVbGIp-T_7ZAvPIux-jJBijc9aiTV-IDjfgjYBIKSOIMqzb3sJOTK-WzoVHlsOhKfSeSHcmi34reCCLeEhzpmIpX6uN3GK0V16Ey7yRoRvfOHyH/s1600-h/RIT006_h.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LdJPpdgu2n24ee4c-UmDpMi6_rDRTkVbGIp-T_7ZAvPIux-jJBijc9aiTV-IDjfgjYBIKSOIMqzb3sJOTK-WzoVHlsOhKfSeSHcmi34reCCLeEhzpmIpX6uN3GK0V16Ey7yRoRvfOHyH/s400/RIT006_h.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250948980313140482" border="0" /></a>I was delighted to run across this set of <a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=11174&Code=RIT006&cc=go">Euro Play Cases/Nested Country Cottages</a> ($36 for two) at <a href="http://www.oliebollen.com/">Oliebollen</a> (where practically everything for sale is cute). Not only are they adorable, but I already own a set—or at least some that are very similar—and it's always nice to meet up with old friends online. Mine came as a gift (thanks, S&D!) via the Land of Nod a couple years ago, after I had put them on my baby registry. Just like an iPod, though, two years go by and the new version comes out with improved features and more memory: These nesting houses now have velcro doors on the side and hold 16GB of trains and vintage Fisher Price Little People.<span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-size:78%;">(via <a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/2008/09/dollhouses_to_go.php">Cool Mom Picks</a>)</span></span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-17627268410226527972008-09-26T23:15:00.011-05:002008-09-28T01:30:54.383-05:00Kingdom, phylum, class, order<div style="text-align: left;">Where does exquisite letterpress fall in the taxonomy of cute? I've long felt the need to come up with a workable classification system for the vast world of cute, if only to get things straight in my own mind. But why do it myself, when I can cut and paste from Wikipedia—a graphic that explains the hierarchy of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_classification">biological classification</a>, plus a surprising <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuteness">definition of cuteness</a>—and end up with something that looks almost scientific:<br /></div><blockquote style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxAq0TFh6nY0SCPjNY9qdjmzfYTDv2vQd1XicdJr5QFpnkj45DH48SJ_W8ig4TsE8k0CSggODTlPKarrs-WXGb8EeurUHPy2oDw6IT4E_L1FUltdP8jhN9Rk3pDyYpKF3yEKTQO20Md_X/s1600-h/150px-Biological_classification_L_Pengo.svg+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxAq0TFh6nY0SCPjNY9qdjmzfYTDv2vQd1XicdJr5QFpnkj45DH48SJ_W8ig4TsE8k0CSggODTlPKarrs-WXGb8EeurUHPy2oDw6IT4E_L1FUltdP8jhN9Rk3pDyYpKF3yEKTQO20Md_X/s200/150px-Biological_classification_L_Pengo.svg+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250431412745214530" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Cuteness</b> is a kind of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_attractiveness" title="Physical attractiveness">attractiveness</a> commonly associated with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth" title="Youth">youth</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_physical_appearance" title="Human physical appearance">appearance</a>, as well as a scientific concept and analytical model in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethology" title="Ethology">ethology</a>, first introduced by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Konrad_Lorenz" title="Konrad Lorenz">Konrad Lorenz</a>. It is usually characterized by (though not limited to) some combination of infant-like physical traits, especially small body size with a disproportionately large head, large eyes, a small nose, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimple" title="Dimple">dimples</a>, and round and softer body features. Infantile personality traits, such as playfulness, fragility, helplessness, curiosity, innocence, affectionate behavior and a need to be nurtured are also generally considered cute.<br /><br />Konrad Lorenz argued in 1949 that infantile features triggered nurturing responses in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adult" title="Adult">adults</a> and that this was an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution" title="Evolution">evolutionary</a> adaptation which helped ensure that adults cared for their children, ultimately securing the survival of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Species" title="Species">species</a>. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></blockquote></span></blockquote> I promise to work out a real system of my own very soon. But, whatever their ultimate classification, the letterpress cards made by <a href="http://www.productsuperior.com/">Product Superior</a> definitely fall somewhere in the kingdom cute:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kjke9AKCExzcO9G_QQNo_mkR6nDghKM5MAai5-QYe9zh2bz9rdHb_-FJDQ6pTKi2yY51NfUWPwIkyVNoij3FLNdmGrE4CT3msYMNIV17nRWRLYth5X8DSlyBk6fsLTXWIJypjeRVqJ1h/s1600-h/projects2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kjke9AKCExzcO9G_QQNo_mkR6nDghKM5MAai5-QYe9zh2bz9rdHb_-FJDQ6pTKi2yY51NfUWPwIkyVNoij3FLNdmGrE4CT3msYMNIV17nRWRLYth5X8DSlyBk6fsLTXWIJypjeRVqJ1h/s400/projects2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250430158841393634" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMkkrfUvxeLQ29cowSU1czI0ygsjLkPyAo5vwZzFZD97L1mNVckURQ5jrfJBbybwedB3ahY9_WyCR8fOdDWGPu_qcYmdNObbB7Qvz6doWvyocHYbc6i0ViLXVymK-jsqaQw02QvtkY-zo/s1600-h/projectsuperior.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMkkrfUvxeLQ29cowSU1czI0ygsjLkPyAo5vwZzFZD97L1mNVckURQ5jrfJBbybwedB3ahY9_WyCR8fOdDWGPu_qcYmdNObbB7Qvz6doWvyocHYbc6i0ViLXVymK-jsqaQw02QvtkY-zo/s400/projectsuperior.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250430157427093714" border="0" /></a>The company's online shop is breathtaking, but apparently not open for business yet; for now, buy cards and paper goods through <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5969871">their Etsy shop.</a> <span style="font-size:78%;">(via <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/09/product-superior.html">Design Sponge</a>)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQa1gzC9Phi22oVFKMm0sKj99ZJ_f7dV_Dq_BFnvXdWPXcLIZqRDiyokiGxL8lCZo27opoaQrdhyphenhyphenYbhwchVucgveYWQyfcIVhkvfDhCl7uLKGHv4kQVYwktjgFKTVIimfpNEhvIz4YVkGB/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQa1gzC9Phi22oVFKMm0sKj99ZJ_f7dV_Dq_BFnvXdWPXcLIZqRDiyokiGxL8lCZo27opoaQrdhyphenhyphenYbhwchVucgveYWQyfcIVhkvfDhCl7uLKGHv4kQVYwktjgFKTVIimfpNEhvIz4YVkGB/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250340373071832098" border="0" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-87581279284270136792008-09-25T15:51:00.001-05:002008-09-28T01:34:18.993-05:00Catalog curator: Rockler, Rejuvenation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3rLHxGd_Z4g8n_RHYvZNRuxEXzqsyC55I_VU7rD-ggvpxBsgFHSc3SpUNOznf0m18HPlo-bo7NQ0MCx6iAu5kwHcH8G6jUBdP3Kq1UWkQdy1e9rDSNQsM4QscT6WeYiYFwEkYbKeptRQ/s1600-h/28035-03-500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3rLHxGd_Z4g8n_RHYvZNRuxEXzqsyC55I_VU7rD-ggvpxBsgFHSc3SpUNOznf0m18HPlo-bo7NQ0MCx6iAu5kwHcH8G6jUBdP3Kq1UWkQdy1e9rDSNQsM4QscT6WeYiYFwEkYbKeptRQ/s400/28035-03-500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249808868477290818" border="0" /></a>When I said <a href="http://ilovecute.blogspot.com/2008/09/catalog-cute-continued.html">I page through every catalog</a>, I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">every</span> catalog. There's always something cute, even in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rockler Woodworking and Hardware</span>. Take, for instance, this <a href="http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=9854">Hand-Operated Mini-Flocker</a> ($5.99). Not only is the applicator/canister appealing in a found-in-the-basement-at-an-estate-sale sort of way, but think of the many and varied cute uses you could put this toward. Why, you could flock the inside of all your holiday gift boxes, or fancify random wooden containers you own so they are soft and pretty on the inside!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjcDZubzpVpwNU3sDJkBv8p9NLxkNH1AfEsoUW_SlRYhqVJnvCXKRneHaYv7GzxTiqhjnV2LET_X6YUlytvaKegptrGq4LtoIvNLYpLIPG0kNwvKPDcZpRNp93bEgmhdxSmuXNKl0vXCu/s1600-h/32222-01-500.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjcDZubzpVpwNU3sDJkBv8p9NLxkNH1AfEsoUW_SlRYhqVJnvCXKRneHaYv7GzxTiqhjnV2LET_X6YUlytvaKegptrGq4LtoIvNLYpLIPG0kNwvKPDcZpRNp93bEgmhdxSmuXNKl0vXCu/s400/32222-01-500.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250041482993622674" border="0" /></a>For bigger projects, upgrade to the <a href="http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=18187">Air-Assisted Flocking Gun</a> ($59.99)—not quite as cute in its design, but it "propels fibers at a perfect velocity for optimum adhesion on vertical surfaces, corner, and other tricky areas," which is likely worth the tradeoff.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFqWwpQwAN3E7BnCDCQJ7a3Swb8qJdKffWFfOopYKjnlSJmN2a5RF530evvETuQDKBmiYzHEXkMvT-ZOLFyzCte9brVyvxnepGoOwW8o5hC02DsABo9YOn6AvJ0BsEhDCAVs87OaLNlvV/s1600-h/rejuvenation.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFqWwpQwAN3E7BnCDCQJ7a3Swb8qJdKffWFfOopYKjnlSJmN2a5RF530evvETuQDKBmiYzHEXkMvT-ZOLFyzCte9brVyvxnepGoOwW8o5hC02DsABo9YOn6AvJ0BsEhDCAVs87OaLNlvV/s400/rejuvenation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250058152239111474" border="0" /></a>If we ever have the funds to redo our bathroom, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rejuvenation</span>'s porcelain fixtures, hardware, and switchplates will be at the top of my list. The <a href="http://www.rejuvenation.com/styles/Streamline_Porcelain_Lighting.html">Streamline Porcelain</a> lighting collection offers seven styles in black, white, and (my favorite) green; the <a href="http://www.rejuvenation.com/typepageChandler%20Collection/templates/houseparts_group.html">Chandler Porcelain Bath Hardware</a> covers basics like soap dish, hooks, toilet paper holder, and this adorable cup and holder; and coordinating <a href="http://www.rejuvenation.com/templates/collection.phtml?accessories=Porcelain%20plates">Porecelain Switchplates</a> add the final touch.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-52689091264437160922008-09-23T00:06:00.002-05:002008-09-23T00:10:12.939-05:00Hot for fall: crying food<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKpkGYgmrDgknEC8PuCwLiXxxiPyem80bEwk0RMCF8nclYUuNAf5fMBIdScKpHd57CXY-uik3QhBXGI1PRP1pzljUApa7K5Nqn-kOpEp8yaEbvUlnq3KSSnHO8QXJ2BbKH9dUBo5OK-fB/s1600-h/threadless.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKpkGYgmrDgknEC8PuCwLiXxxiPyem80bEwk0RMCF8nclYUuNAf5fMBIdScKpHd57CXY-uik3QhBXGI1PRP1pzljUApa7K5Nqn-kOpEp8yaEbvUlnq3KSSnHO8QXJ2BbKH9dUBo5OK-fB/s400/threadless.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249071378903927730" border="0" /></a>I'm the first to admit you can't just slap tears on any old cartoon images of food and expect it to be cute. But it works most of the time. I bought <span class="blue"><a href="http://www.threadless.com/product/941/There_s_No_Crying_In_Breakfast">There's No Crying In Breakfast</a> on a baby onesie for a friend last year, but it was out of stock in most other sizes.</span> Happily, now it's back! Too bad most sizes only come in royal blue. I thought only free promotional T-shirts were royal blue.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR-ixoQR52xrcpfgf0lbsYqCNHtvxw1InUnOnnt9uQFdL_y3xUJzgr3iEgopxqCaHp23Rk6fFp-khygNjq5uSyCCloW1TQHoPEwo-Og4cIXo2DRSKhkHDafmvfVHSuDsITbv467fR2AZB/s1600-h/941-storekids2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR-ixoQR52xrcpfgf0lbsYqCNHtvxw1InUnOnnt9uQFdL_y3xUJzgr3iEgopxqCaHp23Rk6fFp-khygNjq5uSyCCloW1TQHoPEwo-Og4cIXo2DRSKhkHDafmvfVHSuDsITbv467fR2AZB/s400/941-storekids2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249074989501105842" border="0" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-76498370609181771122008-09-22T00:09:00.006-05:002008-11-17T09:38:56.144-06:00Catalog curator: Crate and Barrel, Eddie Bauer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xyzbHehggXIfrfrwJMaYR1MWCjTKJ0FGE1ZYIWslPhWUYXGlB_E28KY-oXSiU6RcPKzqbJW7u1BhLREQ4Uzig2yKIEFnHVca_bjjyia_aYB9xYfbEYYLSASxS_4SgOAT-zQM_rOpoA-k/s1600-h/NomadStorOttoGraphiteF8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xyzbHehggXIfrfrwJMaYR1MWCjTKJ0FGE1ZYIWslPhWUYXGlB_E28KY-oXSiU6RcPKzqbJW7u1BhLREQ4Uzig2yKIEFnHVca_bjjyia_aYB9xYfbEYYLSASxS_4SgOAT-zQM_rOpoA-k/s200/NomadStorOttoGraphiteF8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248673762967140722" border="0" /></a>I’ve got a weakness for plaid, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Crate and Barrel</span>’s <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=998&f=28941&q=nomad&fromLocation=Search&DIMID=400001&SearchPage=1">Nomad Storage Cube</a> ($299) is speaking to me, even though I can’t certify it as 100% cute. Maybe in the right context? For a few more options (and great deals), skip the grown-up stuff in C&B’s print catalog and go straight to the website. I can vouch for the adorability of the <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=150&f=26591">Gus Glasses</a>—now just $0.95 apiece—as earlier this year I bought a set of 12 in the highball size after I got fed up with our dwindling set of mismatched vintage glasses. They even <span style="font-style: italic;">feel</span> cute in the hand:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tybPktHOyV7jGDRVmCfK2T7IFsX0ZZ8BINja7z5DP2f45e6ImTH7W-bhH4NqInxR69VyBO8NungIygvw7ttTJSgTPou2h2QtEQ0GVExlSPGfSz6oXjQEd9dUh9cpTSX8D6FolwuCd8Di/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tybPktHOyV7jGDRVmCfK2T7IFsX0ZZ8BINja7z5DP2f45e6ImTH7W-bhH4NqInxR69VyBO8NungIygvw7ttTJSgTPou2h2QtEQ0GVExlSPGfSz6oXjQEd9dUh9cpTSX8D6FolwuCd8Di/s400/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248684787847084866" border="0" /></a>From the Outlet, I like these <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=4040&f=28072">Appetizer Plates</a> ($1.50 each), which could also serve as trays to corral keys and cell phone or small desktop items:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgK1LmQazBDi63BUIYrgxFWffyHt163nswsBFKUb6j1hyphenhyphenc7w5hLda8Vh8dHn4kmcxpdcNz2EpToFETbgUDJchRmQvwgKnwsvgcgr7t6jDjLHqY63JOU9EeVSPtAXU-qgBxr9Kx0c2FCL/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYgK1LmQazBDi63BUIYrgxFWffyHt163nswsBFKUb6j1hyphenhyphenc7w5hLda8Vh8dHn4kmcxpdcNz2EpToFETbgUDJchRmQvwgKnwsvgcgr7t6jDjLHqY63JOU9EeVSPtAXU-qgBxr9Kx0c2FCL/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248686871232314482" border="0" /></a>And I’m sure the <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=4210&f=25716">Lacey Felt Placemat</a> ($2.95) could be used in any number of creative ways (I just can’t think of any right now):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJubDJ_9GoAc9gYyO7RpWqNZTRp1SPhHeX1azU4IdP_iXwa-ssxjck0LwgihAwXIgwCCendp36EkRDbsw6AT4eiDJo83yeNsoE1v70Xh-vYIBwo0h_xz6CHAe-HGy7vDKzDauJ3-fXsu7C/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 337px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJubDJ_9GoAc9gYyO7RpWqNZTRp1SPhHeX1azU4IdP_iXwa-ssxjck0LwgihAwXIgwCCendp36EkRDbsw6AT4eiDJo83yeNsoE1v70Xh-vYIBwo0h_xz6CHAe-HGy7vDKzDauJ3-fXsu7C/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248684793264849250" border="0" /></a><br />Not on sale but cute all the same are the <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1615&f=29349">Etch Sheet Sets</a>; I’d buy just the pillowcases ($24.95 for a standard set) and use with plain white sheets:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf0YVqkjYxnfQ0b7F7PbUFZrknQKD9hMrvR0ahPDV5SMsBAUUt78aB8D19BVviLw8qEp-gDqdO8S0CKuNOhrj72Hjgo6vovQ35sUfNXljuvdDeCfgv1vZUiWRluN1SBxZe7k7OyfH-poA/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimf0YVqkjYxnfQ0b7F7PbUFZrknQKD9hMrvR0ahPDV5SMsBAUUt78aB8D19BVviLw8qEp-gDqdO8S0CKuNOhrj72Hjgo6vovQ35sUfNXljuvdDeCfgv1vZUiWRluN1SBxZe7k7OyfH-poA/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248686439809101890" border="0" /></a><br />Next up: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eddie Bauer</span>. Usually, gray, wet days beg for fun prints and cute, cheery accessories (see my <a href="http://ilovecute.blogspot.com/2008/09/so-much-cute-so-little-time.html">post about the Cupcake Land boots</a> I got for my daughter), but <span>EB</span> wisely keeps its rain gear understated, so you can use it even when you don't feel like standing out from the crowd. The dog print on the <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Bags--Gear/Luggage--Duffels/index.cat?viewAll=y#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2231914%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%2231914%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%22214%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C1C5C214%22%2CcolorId%3A%22642%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB08IC_0221626_642C1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22C%22%2CcatPath%3A%22lineId%3D-1%7E%7EcategoryId%3D5%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7EcategoryName%3DLUGGAGE--DUFFELS%7E%7EpCategoryName%3DBAGS--GEAR%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22%7D">Mini Travel Umbrella</a> ($16.50) is suitable for most any man, woman, or child:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEW9fCef6Z-wKeh4TXqT46ViorecaYH9hQ0-9nRm3tlQ3BoKGdyO2xsGmkGgpCsG6cwRVaVYMql1omxQXAp-53C4rNZiw9jf4xjCWqW0Xm4cfifm1ax5W4rOCYtydPUHDriH3XgsTM5ga5/s1600-h/Picture+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEW9fCef6Z-wKeh4TXqT46ViorecaYH9hQ0-9nRm3tlQ3BoKGdyO2xsGmkGgpCsG6cwRVaVYMql1omxQXAp-53C4rNZiw9jf4xjCWqW0Xm4cfifm1ax5W4rOCYtydPUHDriH3XgsTM5ga5/s400/Picture+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248688383577560306" border="0" /></a><br />and I like it in the black/red combo on the <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/search.jsp?N=0&Ntk=IALL&Ntt=dog%20print%20rain%20boots&Nr=REG%3aY&Nty=1&Ntx=mode+matchpartialmax&D=dog%20print%20rain%20boots&Dx=mode+matchpartialmax&cm_se=dog%20print%20rain%20boots_All&init=1#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22hide%22%7D">Tall Rubber Rain Boots</a> ($49.50), too:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha39Q0x1YP0ZSR2hNslZf0xyfDk4zFGiDt1wqnigd0cd4tYh5FbRrcuOLf_wSPI4-6xkIMWphE3A7G7jcRCeGJaEeCTA3WkAEyGRAyZlBUTChU0_jzcXeybyo8HyhnZBjDegqwjkGoY9Sm/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha39Q0x1YP0ZSR2hNslZf0xyfDk4zFGiDt1wqnigd0cd4tYh5FbRrcuOLf_wSPI4-6xkIMWphE3A7G7jcRCeGJaEeCTA3WkAEyGRAyZlBUTChU0_jzcXeybyo8HyhnZBjDegqwjkGoY9Sm/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248688794784746098" border="0" /></a>But if you’re like me, you really only need heavy-duty boots when the basement floods. For everyday wear, I have to go with EB’s pièce de résistance, these low <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Womens-Shoes--Accessories/Slipons--Pumps/index.cat?viewAll=y#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2232674%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%2232674%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%2224221%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22T281P32674%22%2CcolorId%3A%22100%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB08IA_0203075_100C1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22C%22%2CcatPath%3A%22lineId%3D-1%7E%7EcategoryId%3D23211%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7EcategoryName%3DSLIPONS--PUMPS%7E%7EpCategoryName%3DWOMENS-SHOES--ACCESSORIES%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22%7D">Rubber Rain Boots</a> ($39.50) that somehow manage to conjure old-fashioned galoshes <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> old-school sneakers:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCDYUCpx1PZGCY_Q6-RXye0ogSdaGyCq9y0qGyhhvztbwEQvyI5C7hD0b-HZkV5RbFzI9c7K-BCSIwKCrsvJQDmXA5BW9fU_huONrZJS5rexwholV5YM42Ux2aFS1Gs0BjgIpdQt68pVb/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCDYUCpx1PZGCY_Q6-RXye0ogSdaGyCq9y0qGyhhvztbwEQvyI5C7hD0b-HZkV5RbFzI9c7K-BCSIwKCrsvJQDmXA5BW9fU_huONrZJS5rexwholV5YM42Ux2aFS1Gs0BjgIpdQt68pVb/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248694156984443234" border="0" /></a>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8624402554367723038.post-90323967947433799222008-09-20T10:50:00.001-05:002008-09-20T13:47:54.550-05:00My perfect grocery store<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzgGASwPWHCWUhncLmsetkovWRdVoQ3GD5DzWHQmJX6XKpN8PO2wVipjmgnuG-tHHKJE9mrwOx5AMRKH8jidIIDeoDObn9YdM9c1tbHHb5ziwkSdQxf2wwYycJ5tmPmFH8ba0LYB0YE20/s1600-h/groceries.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzgGASwPWHCWUhncLmsetkovWRdVoQ3GD5DzWHQmJX6XKpN8PO2wVipjmgnuG-tHHKJE9mrwOx5AMRKH8jidIIDeoDObn9YdM9c1tbHHb5ziwkSdQxf2wwYycJ5tmPmFH8ba0LYB0YE20/s400/groceries.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248127381628942050" border="0" /></a>While shopping last week I was struck, for about the millionth time, by just how long it takes to find any single item at the grocery store, even when you always buy the same brand and size. This is by no means a new or original observation, but still, as they say, it's true. Then, as often happens, a few days later I saw <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/business/10grocery.html?ex=1379131200&en=705c17ecf8334295&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink">an article</a> in the <span style="font-style: italic;">New York Times</span> that took my fleeting thought and fleshed it out into a relevant, interesting story:<br /><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Miles of Aisles for Milk? Not Here</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">New York Times, </span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">September 9, 2008</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></blockquote><blockquote style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">HARMAR TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Like cars and homes, grocery stores are beginning to shrink.<br /><br />After years of building bigger stores — many larger than a football field and carrying 60,000 items — retailers are experimenting with radically smaller grocery stores that emphasize prepared meals, fresh produce and grab-and-go drinks.<br /><br />The idea is to lure time-starved shoppers who want to pick up a few items or a fast meal without wandering long grocery aisles or paying restaurant prices. <span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/10/business/10grocery.html?ex=1379131200&en=705c17ecf8334295&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink">Read full article</a></span></span></blockquote>I have long dreamed of having my very own scaled-back store, a place that carries just one choice for every essential item. I guess this is my winning-the-lottery fantasy: A well-lit, beautiful storefront—a blend of fancy boutique, old-fashioned general store, and pantry of eccentric billionaire recluse—located within walking distance of my house. It would stock either the best (that is, my favorite) or the cutest of every type of item I typically buy at the grocery store, plus the occasional great new thing I might like to try. Others would be welcome to shop there, too, but I think I would be the only one authorized to use the drive-thru.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12728608651531589661noreply@blogger.com0