omg!

I was so lucky to have the chance to meet Alexis Stewart before the show.  We ran into her outside the studio (and when I say we "ran into her", I mean that we hung out in front of the studio for an hour and saw Alexis walking in).  Contrary to what "people" (like Tim Gunn) say about Alexis, I have to say that my experience meeting her was nothing but a pleasure.  She was really sweet and really down-to-earth.  She spoke to me for quite a bit, took pictures, and signed my book.  The show was great!  Alexis and Jennifer are doing a really great job.  If you want to watch a really fun hour of talk (where no topic is off-limits), then tune into Whatever with Alexis and Jennifer, only on Hallmark, weekdays at NOON.

the cutting edge

This Ekobo knife block is a free-trade product made in Vietnam.  There are no slots on this knife block; instead, there are bamboo skewers that hold any size knife.  This was one of the first things I purchased for the kitchen.  They are a little pricey, but I promise you, it's worth it.  They are little works of art! Available at Lekker home

the real McCoy

In April 1910, the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company was formed by Nelson McCoy and his father J.W. McCoy, in Roseville, Ohio.  They began manufacturing and selling functional and decorative stoneware.  Today, McCoy pottery is highly collectible and very sought after.  I have a small collection of some of their planters from the 1960s.  Many antique stores and consignment shops have McCoy pottery, but be aware, because there are many fakes out there..  Hence the term, "the real McCoy".

multicolor man

Takashi Murakami is a contemporary Japanese artist who works with painting and digital media.  He takes popular themes from mass media and pop culture, and turns them into 30-foot sculptures, paintings, or commercial goods.  He is also the mastermind behind this famous multicolored Louis Vuitton print:

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moo

Moo.com is a super cool, ultra-modern print company.  They do business cards, greeting cards, postcards, and--my personal favorite--mini cards.  Everything is completely customizable and each order is sent in a very nice recyclable box.  With Moo, you can promote your business, website, blog, or even yourself!

mr. adler

What can I say about Jonathan Adler?  The store is amazing.  He sells everything, and it's all so quirky, chic, and colorful.  It has wall art, bath accessories, furniture, candles, bedding.. EVERYTHING!  If you're looking for a unique gift, check out Jonathan Adler.

i die

I was given one of these for Christmas last year.. and died!  This murder ink pad is a deadly take on the classic sticky note.  It is an outline of a man's body with a bloody pen stuck in his heart.  FUN, RIGHT?!?!

ez does it

One thing I always have plenty of is EZ glides.  With hardwood floors, these are a must-have.  I find myself using them for more than the bottoms of chair legs and couches.  I even use them on the back of mirrors and wall hangings to protect the wall from scratches and dents.

the perfect process

 

I love my Cuisinart food processor.  Mine is the brushed metal one like the one in this picture.  It can hold 7 cups and there are a lot of different blades you can use to chop foods differently.  The feed tube on top makes it easy to put in even whole fruits and vegetables.  I think this machine is a must-have for anyone who cooks!

branch out

Perhaps one of the easiest ways to add life and interest to any room is with natural elements like branches, flowers, or even grass.  Nettleton Hollow is the best website for all of these.  I am loving these moss-covered branches.