you better work

I love when I find a store or design studio that turns an everyday object into a perfect work of art. That is what you will find at Waterworks Studio.  They have bathroom accessories, tile, faucets; all things bathroom.. and all beautiful.

pillow talk

I am all about velvet details right now, and I am thinking about pillows!  Crate & Barrel has some really chic velvet pillows in an array of sophisticated colors.  I think when choosing a color for a pillow, contrast is something to keep in mind.  Velvet is the perfect accent material.  Velvet pillows are plush, lush, and just lovely!

hella nutella

I found my new favorite snack!  I take a coco pop, which is a multigrain crisp (but you could use a rice cake and it would be just as yummy), and then I spread Nutella on it and add a sprinkle of ground sea salt.  And there you have a delicious, sweet and savory snack.  It's simply divine!  And if you can believe it, it has less than 50 calories!

inspired shopping

Amazing, fresh, modern, unique, and inspired.. all words that perfectly describe Design within Reach.  They sell some of the most beautiful everyday things.  Visit their online store to see what they have; and if you have a chance, go to one of their stores and gaze at all the glory that is within reach.

kitchen prep

I love these Martha Stewart kitchen prep bowls from Macy*s.  They will keep all of your ingredients well-organized and readily available.  They could also be used for dressings or dipping sauces.  They come as a set of 6 for $9.99.

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!