She had beautiful, long blue hair, but the deed had to be done, and so it was. That we are making fun of her now is salt in the wound.
Kat had to be shaved. Too many mats for one cat to handle. She is recovering from the ordeal, and Kwinn finally stopped hissing and spitting at her last week, so things are slowly getting back to normal at home, but I can't help thinking we owe her something. An apology gift? An apology gift for pissing her off, then giggling about it.
We aren't really going to buy her an apology gift, but Poseidon stumbled upon a great idea. I received an email from him today, telling me to, "Get ready to squee," with a link to something I was afraid to open (mostly because I didn't want to squee). A desk for humans to do human work while cats do cat work. “Cat Table” by Ruan Hao. I'm guessing this particular table isn't in our budget, and probably not for sale, but genius nonetheless.
“Cat Table”designed by Ruan Hao, exhibited in the University of Milan at Milan Design Week in 2014. Source: lycs-arc.com (via: boredpanda)
Kat's 'before' and 'after' shots...why we owe her a desk:
This sweet birdie yarn bowl is the gift I've asked Santa to consider dropping down my chimney this Christmas. I took up knitting earlier this year, and I'm happy with my progress, but I manage to drop my yarn on a regular basis, and even the cats are no longer amused.
Fitbit. Poseidon and I have the Fitbit One™ and this little activity tracking gadget is a fitness motivator, for sure. I wear it everyday, and try to push myself to get in at least 5000 steps/day. During the day, I'm motivated to move more (which is great for the neck and back). The One™ tracks steps (even when biking or on an elliptical at the gym), stairs climbed, calories burned (including "existence" calories, calories you burn breathing, blinking, moving in your sleep, etc.), and miles traveled. This will make a great Christmas gift for folks looking for an extra push to stay healthy and active. The Fitbit One™ can also track sleep habits, but I don't use that feature. I already know I sleep.
If you know someone who lost a pet this year, consider giving them the gift of making a donation in memory of a pet. There are many charities out there. Petsmart Charities is one example. This precious angel is my own Kat, from December of last year. She wanted to help us wrap Christmas gifts, and she did a great job. Our apologies to everyone for the cat hair stuck in the tape.
Know anyone traveling in the near future? I bought a set of these Herb Lester maps for Poseidon two years ago (for our future European trips). The artwork is super, and these maps feature off-the-beaten-path sorts of things for major cities. A map devoted specifically to donut shops in New York. Paris for single travelers. Untamed London. The description they give for their Clandestine London map makes me giggle:
"The desire to see and be seen is not shared by all. For those who prefer to conduct business away from prying eyes, this map is for you.
We list 31 places with hidden alcoves and easy exits, neglected restaurants, unreconstructed wine bars, ancient pubs and even natural isolation. In these locations discretion is assured, it's entirely up to you to decide how you make use of that."
While I'm on the topic of travel, my passport expired in May, and I have to renew. I can't believe how expensive this is going to be! I might add this passport holder to my Christmas list for next year. More birds. I would have expected the whole bird motif thingy to be dead by now. It's a slow death.
I can't even believe I'm going to post these, but I can't help myself. Poseidon sent me a link to these several months ago (I'm not ever going to ask what is was he was searching for when he found them). Gnome shoes. These are neither in my budget nor my heel range, but so adorable (and sold out by now). For the cool, happy person who has everything (and a gifter who has too much), perhaps some gnome shoes for Christmas?
Last night, Poseidon asked what I wanted for my birthday, and I said, "Hmmm, I dunno, I'll think about it." My birthday is less than a month away, and I assumed, being a Pisces and all, I would find something au courant, the newest wrinkle, to pass along to Poseidon (I'll pick it out, he'll pick it up--or have it shipped--and I'll open it with an open-mouthed surprised look on my face).
Well, not even 24 hours after Poseidon's question, and I know what I want for my 44th (God, can it be true that I'm really going to be 44?) day of existence: A doll house. Not just any doll house: This doll house! A coffee table/doll house, all in one!
I found this beautiful mod doll house, handmade in the UK by Amy Whitworth Design, on Qubisdesign.com today and I want it like mad. But, with a price tag of £400 (plus shipping of course, and that my friends isn't going to be cheap from the UK to North Carolina), I've landed safely again on planet earth, and will be happy with a new pop up book or whatever gift Poseidon deems all the rage.
I've never given dolls the boot. My twin sister and I had our Barbies and their houses and cars until we were 15ish (then we reluctantly gave them to a younger cousin), and driving and high school moved to the forefront. I actually have a few Barbies now that are hanging out patiently in their boxes, in a large, comfy closet, including this Versace Barbie (a Christmas gift from my sister several years ago), this Bob Mackie Sterling Silver Rose Barbie (also a Christmas gift from my sister), and the Japan Barbie (a Christmas gift from Poseidon one year, based on my desire to be a Samurai), to name a few. I bet my dollies would love to see the light of day every once in a while. That is a topic for another post...Poseidon complains that I never take those dolls out to play. I know he will demand a tea party, thrown by me, with every doll in the closet present, chewing on scones and gabbing about who knows what, before he accepts another doll (or doll house) into our home.
I can't help it. I am fascinated with dolls. In addition to Barbie, my sister and I have also collected porcelain dolls since the age of 7 or 8. These dolls too, unfortunately, are boxed away in the attic, planning their escape and my punishment. I rue the day they learn to climb out of those boxes. It will not be pretty.
In 1999, I started collecting Tyler Wentworth dolls. Tyler Wentworth is made by The Tonner Doll Company. I was (still am) in love with these dolls. I have several Tyler dolls, and rather than looking for specific photos of them to include, I'll post a link to this awesome Pinterest board filled with Tyler pictures...OK, here is one picture, Tyler Wentworth "Opera Gala" doll, one of my favorites from my collection:
Now it seems I'm turning my attention to doll houses, mostly the mod, contemporary styles, and I've seen some truly first-rate doll houses lately, but I have to admit, this Amy Whitworth Design, on Qubisdesign.com is by far my favorite!
I have no real point to this post, except that I love dolls and now apparently doll houses, and I can't seem to grow out of them, but I don't want to. One can never be too old to make believe, and this 40-something Gen xer is happy to be able to solder wires, use a drill like a champ, change my own flat tire (if I absolutely have to...I can call AAA now), but still gush over the prettiness of my doll's hair before her big night at the opera.
I should be working, but I'm surfing and shopping. I'm going to analyze myself here and say that I'm looking for a distraction because one of my coworkers is retiring today, and he will be missed, and I'm trying not to be sad. So, shopping it is! I found a funky clock that would make a great gift, then another funky clock, and another, and another, and now I have a headache. This Five for Friday edition is all about time management...in a cool way.
Oh, this is almost too terrific to share, and I don't think I've seen anything
like this before! From madeindesign.com, Coolheure Magic mirror Clock - Projected display. Make sure you look through all of the images of this clock on the website to really get the idea. This projects images of clocks on your wall! Want it, but the price tag is a bit high. 200.00 British pounds, or about $320 bucks! Perhaps if I win the next Powerball drawing.
A modern take on the cuckoo clock! Also from madeindesign.com.
Sleek stainless steel. This isn't just a clock, it's art for the wall, with an actual cuckoo. The design looks as the though the poor cuckoo drilled himself a hole in the steel to pop through. This isn't your grandmother's cuckoo clock, that's for sure!
The same clockmaker responsible for the design above just stole my heart with this
next one. Diamantini & Domeniconi Striped Cuckoo Clock (I found this one on the Rockett St. George site (all of these are UK sites so far...the Brits have an eye for design, no?), and yes it is pricey as well, 195.00 pounds. I can already hear the shopper voice in my head trying to justify the price: "But this would look amazing in the green room."
Poseidon and I recently saw a similar gear clock for sale in a local shop,
but I spotted this one on Etsy, made by pixelthis and it's affordable! The artist's creation uses a large recycled bicycle cassette gear, a recycled computer DVD and a new quartz drive clock movement. Up-cycled and recycled. It's cool with a conscience.
The Albero Cuckoo clock, first designed by Paolino & Fusi in 2008. Yes, another cuckoo
clock! I found this on a the momentoitalia.com site, and at $410.00, I won't be owning this one either, but I'm so excited by these cuckoo clocks!
I feel a tug of war emerging with my practical self and my I-want-it-now-Veruca-Salt self. I really want to see a bird pop out of a clock, and I'm oohing and ahhing over the stainless steel and the striped clocks. Poseidon will have to talk me down off the ledge.
Shopping for Christmas is one of my favorite things. The thrill of the hunt, finding cool junk that neither my friends nor family really need, is so much fun, I'm sure it's a sin. When I shop for gifts, I'm ashamed to admit, but , I do the "one for you, two for me, one for you, two for me" gambit.
Getting right to it, here is my list of 2012 fun gifts for fun, awesome women:
HOBBIES - Gifts
This is the lomography camera I have asked Santa for, and I'm told it is in his big bag of Christmas toys, just for me!
Photo from Lomography.com
Bird watchers out there? What bird would pass up a chance to feast at this mod house? This is a great Christmas gift for your female friends who like our feathered friends.
SOCKS - Gifts
I know, this year, the octopus is last year's owl, which was the previous year's bird, (Poseidon was a cephalopod fan way before they were hip), and those tentacled beasts are everywhere, but these socks are a great gift...oh, and the cardigan isn't a bad gift either:
Some people joke about getting socks for Christmas, but I am happy to get socks as a gift. Poseidon always buys me at least one pair of socks for Christmas. Socks are like a Linus blanket...to me anyway. These koi socks would have have been well received, but they are on back order. Frowny face. If you haven't noticed, I'm a fan of PlasticLand.com.
Alright, one more pair of socks before I move on to the next gift category. Something else I just noticed...I am definitely a Pisces, as all these socks have a 'water' theme.
TECHNOLOGY - Gifts
My old iPod nano died. I had to make a decision: Do I buy a new iPod or put all of my music on my iPhone? I know it isn't hard, but I like my nano, so I bought myself a new one. In red.
I was shopping for stocking stuffers yesterday at The Container Store. This store is an amazing place to waste spend hours and hours. Poseidon may get one of these laptop pillow thingys from Santa. It is called a Surf Pillow, and it is just as good excuse as any to go to The Container Store.
SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS - Gifts
I'm not sure why, but this year seems to be the year of the salt and pepper shaker set. Shakers have been a trend before, and eventually these will collect dust, or find homes in sad landfills, but for now, they are trendy and it seems every site I visited during the past few days...s&p shakers. Everywhere.
These are adorable and they are on sale (as of today at least):
These are hideous, (and sold out), but my grandparents had these, and they are taking me back!
JEWELRY - Gifts
What list of gifts for women would be complete without jewlery? I found a bracelet I thought might be nice, and I put it on my list to Santa. I've been underwhelmed by jewelry I've seen lately, but this black sheep brooch is worth a look!
ART - Gifts
Poseidon and I have art that we have yet to hang, display, dust, destroy, etc., but I'm always on the lookout for fun prints, like this (and they make great gifts for women)
...and this:
Awww, and this:
CLOTHES, BAGS AND SHOES - Gifts
Pretty, pretty shoes. Women (or many women) like shoes.
I WANT these! Anne Klein Plural Color-Block - I saw them at DSW two weeks ago:
I don't usually suggest buying clothing for women, unless you really, truly know their size, correct measurements, etc., but I'm in love with this dress, so I'll share it:
Just a note, if you are ordering from Mod Cloth, their sizes are never true to size, in my opinion, so read the reviews that others have written before ordering. I find the reviews helpful in determining which size to order.
I'm a fan of the Vero Moda brand on ASOS, and this wrap it dirt cheap and cute and would make a super gift:
This is a great looking bag...I asked Santa for one similar, but I think my camera trumped the bag:
MAKE UP, PARFUM and GIRLY STUFF - Gifts
One can always count on ThinkGeek.com for cool, geeky gifts for women:
Tokyo Milk brand - since Gwen Stefani's LAMB scent is no longer available, this is my favorite parfum:
BIKING - Gifts
I'll close with bike bells. Everyone fun chick needs a bell on her bike.
I also suggest FAB.com for gifts...you have to sign up in order to browse, but it's free. Just give them your email address. I get a headache wading through some of the pages, but you might find something that inspires. Happy shopping everyone.
Now that Poseidon has gotten his way, and I'm substituting one Diet Coke everyday with a cup of tea (don't be silly, I'm not giving up my diet sodas completely--just yet, but I am trying to cut down), I find I'm severely lacking in the "cool mug" department. I can't earnestly continue drinking tea from a boring cup everyday. If it is to become a new habit, I have to embrace it with every fiber of my being, and I simply cannot see myself doing so without being outfitted with a hot looking teacup, pronto.
I live on the edge, which means I drink my Diet Coke straight from the can, so I've never bothered myself with finding a hip beverage vessel. It was a good run while it lasted.
Taking the bull by the proverbial horns, last week I began my mission: To find myself a tea mug that makes me want to run, not walk, to the hot water dispenser. Now the tricky part of my objective...choosing.
Bunny Blossom via Click for Art - I'm sad because this teacup and saucer makes me smile, but it is currently sold out : (
This Tokidoki tea set is also sold out, and it was my 2nd fave...boo, hiss:
I know I've blogged about Meliciously Yours tshirts in a previous post or two, because I am truly in love with these beautiful Victorian-inspired t-shirts for women (and infants). The shirts are edgy, yet beautifully feminine and several ladies on my Christmas list can expect to receive one (or two, or maybe even three). The designs are so intricate, and the fun part is that each design has the MeliciouslyYours logo--a peacock feather--hidden within the design.
These shirts couldn't be more apropos. Recently JCPenney came under fire for a girl's t-shirt with "’m too pretty to do homework so my brother has to do it for me" emblazoned on the front. I won't go into the ridiculousness of that shirt because fortunately, JCPenney decided to remove it after many, many complaints.
Meliciously Yours super soft ladies vintage tees with Victorian-inspired designs are not just pretty and comfortable t-shirts. They allow smart women to brand themselves positively, and I feel empowered and feminine when I wear them. My personal favorite is the "Innovator" design. The infant shirts are adorable and would make a great Christmas gift for 2011.
Meliciously Yours is also a proud sponsor of Girls Rock NC, a non-profit organization that provides music and arts programming for girls ages 7 - 17!
I swear, October isn't even here yet and the Christmas faeries are already stuffing thoughts and ideas into my head! Last year I composed a brief post about Christmas gifts for intelligent women, and hopefully I helped a few people with gift buying ideas for 2010. In anticipation of the 2011 holidays, I've already charged ahead and created my "2011 Christmas Gifts for Kooky, Fun, Intelligent Women" post to help out those early shoppers, and perhaps jump start those pesky procrastinators (I lump myself into the latter category):
Meliciously Yours tshirts make my list again. These soft vintage tees with Victorian inspired designs make me feel empowered and feminine when I wear them (no, unfortunately, that is not me in the picture). When I wear these tees out, I nearly always have women asking me, "Where did you get that shirt?" That's easy! Go to the Melicious Tees site and order one (or two, or three) for yourself or the hip, bright chick(s) in your life (or if you are in the North Carolina, South Carolina area, a few boutiques along the coast sell them). I personally like the new 'Innovator' design. Meliciously Yours is also a proud sponsor of Girls Rock NC, a non-profit organization that provides music and arts programming for girls ages 7 - 17!
The Emwave Pc Stress Relief Biofeedback Heartmath System is on my personal Christmas list this year. Yeah, I know it sounds a bit like science fiction, and a few years ago I would have gone so far as to say this is a bit "flaky" but I use this device from time to time in my therapist's office and she recommends I get one for myself, so Poseidon, if you are reading this...just want you to know what you can add to my Christmas list for 2011. This little contraption guides you to achieving more creative energy levels and reducing your anxiety and stress levels. Hear that intelligent gals everywhere? This little gadget helps reduce stress! I can personally vouch for it's effectiveness (ok, its effectiveness on me...I don't want hate emails later).
What woman doesn't love shoes (there may be some out there who just don't get shoes, and I call them freaks)? Poetic License is one of my favorite shoe brands because they come in some wacky textures and colors, yet classic enough to wear to work. The Poetic License Jeweled Expression flat is a sensible, yet funky shoe for the intelligent belle. Not too high, just right. Even my batty little bunions don't scream quite as loudly as they could in Poetic License shoes. Try Endless.com when shopping for Poetic License shoes because they seem to be cheaper than other online shoe sites. I know in my area, Belk carries this line, but they usually have only a handful of styles.
Another item from my 2010 shopping list that is making a repeat performance is the B&N's Nook Color. Now, I still haven't purchased one of these myself because I worship paper books and I'm not ready to part with the feel of paper on my fingers and all of that nonsense. But, my sister does own one of these now and it is super handy and super cool. I think I mentioned last year that my mother-in-law has the nook (not the one in color), and she still loves it. As a matter-of-fact, a few weeks ago her power was out, she had no lights for hours, but she could still read! For now, ladies (and gents), I'm sticking with the old-fashioned kind of book, but I recommend these, especially great for travel. You can read, surf, or just look distinctly smart while carrying it around.
Last but not least, everyone should visit Maylee's Garden on Artfire.com. Poseidon and I buy her handmade laundry detergent and it is fantastic! The scents are incredible, most notably the nag champa. My other favorite is patchouli lavender (though I think patchouli is sometimes difficult to get because the patchouli crop demand is still greater than the supply, so sometimes she may be out). We always buy our laundry detergent from Maylee's Garden rather than local stores because the essential oils and scents make the laundry smell spectacular (I'm not just saying that). You actually use much less of Maylee's detergent than you do store-bought suds, so the price is well worth it! She often sends a sample pack of a new scent with our order, which is an added bonus. Maylee's Garden also has soaps, perfume oils, and she even makes a shampoo bar specifically formulated for dreadlocks (I've never tried it because, well, I don't have dreads -- not yet). Please do visit her site. Her products would make great gifts for moms, mother-in-laws, sisters, cousins, aunts, daughters, friends, (ok even men), etc.
I know it is a short list, but it's been a busy year (new job, gallbladder removed, house on the market, etc.) and I personally haven't seen much in the way of anything intensely new or exciting screaming "BUY ME, DAMN IT."
Before closing, I just want to add a word or two (or a few) about gift cards. Gift cards may seem boring and dull, and some may even say "tacky," but they are usually much appreciated, so if you have to wimp out and you just can't summon any imaginative shopping juice from the creativity gods and none of the above ideas are "just right," then gift cards are a sensible choice. I recommend Sephora, Amazon, or a local day spa (if you are in the Raleigh, NC area or GA, TN, FL, or KS, I highly recommend Natural Body Spa).
My sister bought a Christmas card once that had a beautiful holiday scene on the front, and inside the card read, "Merry Christmas, but just remember at 12:01 am on December 26, it's back to F' You Charlie." I remember laughing out loud at this card because it seemed so true, and this year was no exception. After Christmas, I was witness to many people out to prove they had not one ounce of holiday spirit left in their bones.
The Sunday after Christmas I decided to go to a local shopping area to see if I could find Christmas items marked down, and of course, I wasn't the only person who had this brilliant idea. However, I think I was the only one with the brilliant idea and a touch of holiday spirit still left in me.
I was in a great mood while shopping and I found some beautiful birds for my Christmas tree for next year. I also found some cool yule candles for the dining room, and few other things I didn't really need but when the sign says 50% off, I'm on a mission to buy something whether I need it or not. Anyway, I won't go through all of my purchases and bore everyone into a 2010 coma. The real treasure at this after-holiday sale was the people-watching. The store should have charged for the people-watching. Everyone knows I love people-watching and I had reached nirvana.
As I was shopping, I noticed a grumpy,cross old man not far from me. I noticed him because he loudly called one of the store workers, "girl." I'm serious. He said (loudly), "Hey girl, I need you to help me." That almost made me want to lose my holiday peace and love attitude and kick him square in the nuts, but as always, I refrain because I don't think I'll like jail. It's just a feeling I have.
Apparently Mr. Disagreeable Grumpy-ass wanted to buy several prisms that were hanging on a display Christmas tree. When the "girl" told him they weren't marked down because they were not considered "Christmas" items he lost it! "What do you mean these aren't Christmas items, they are hanging on a darn Christmas tree aren't they?" Yikes! The poor sales clerk was amazing. She seemed to ignore his jackass attitude and politely said, "Yes sir, they are on the tree because we had no where else to hang them, but they are not 50% off because they are not Christmas items. However, we will be happy to call the owner and see if she will give you a discount." He seemed to accept that answer and the sales clerk called the owner of the booth (this shopping area is like a large store with consignment booths, so each "booth" is owned independently). Turns out the owner of the booth said she would give him 20% off the prisms and no more.
Now, I don't know how the story ends with Mr. Petulant Pants, because I was in line at the check-out area when all of this was going on, and my transaction was complete, so I promptly left the store before finding out if Mr. Grouchy accepted the 20% deal, although I did hear him say, "20% isn't enough" as I was leaving. My fantasy of what happened is this: he refused to take the prisms at only 20% off, and as he turned to leave, he tripped over one of the many fully decorated Christmas trees in the store, had to ask for help getting untangled, but all the "girls" were helping other customers.
