Laundry Tips

This morning I noticed something that made me shriek. I found a giant bleach spot on my green, 800-count, sateen, sheets. I love these sheets. I waited for months for them to go on sale. Now they are ruined!

After cursing my roommates for using bleach and not cleaning the washer properly afterwards, I went online to see how I could have prevented this from happening.

Turns out, my bleached sheets are my fault.

This happened because either I overloaded the washer or, more likely, I put the detergent in last, instead of first.

So, to help prevent this from happening to you, here are some helpful tips to prevent bleach-stained clothes and linens.

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-First, run the water. Then add the detergent and let it dissolve in the water. Then add the clothes you wish to wash. This prevents the detergent from sitting too long on your clothes and consequently bleaching them out.

-Make sure there is no leftover bleach in the machine. The above instructions will ensure any leftover bleach will not hurt your clothes.

-Use slightly less soap than recommended. Detergent is concentrated and will work well even when you use a little less, providing your clothes are not completely filthy.

-Do not overload the washer.

-Make sure the clothes are loose in the machine. They should fill half of the washer when wet.
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I hope this helps you as it is helping me! In the meantime, I need to find a new set of sheets.

Note: For those of you who might be looking at this blog for ideas for Christmas presents for me, I need a darkish green (not hunter green!) set for a double bed. The green color in the above image is fairly close. I wouldn’t mind another set of sateen sheets, but a nice flannel set would be lovely as well!

Paisley Scarf Shower Curtain

This paisley shower curtain reminds me of a scarf I found while I was still living in Italy. I did not end up purchasing that scarf because I opted for a red floral instead. I love the colors and the delicate pattern. I am also a huge fan of paisley prints. Coincidently, this curtain just happens to match my bathroom set and would look fabulous in my new bathroom.

I found this shower curtain at www.wrapables.com.

Chris Collicott

I love these bookend men by Chris Collicott. I am a fan of bookends because I have many books and I hate it when some books slide down, causing an inevitable domino effect!

I love how hard these little men are working to keep those books together! These fellows are made of stone and resin and are reasonably priced. You can buy a set of them either pushing (man on the right) or leaning (man on the left.) I can’t decide which set I like best! This would be an ideal gift for the bookworm in your life.

Other favorites
-Animal pulls
-Photo holder

For more information go to http://www.chriscollicott.com.

Perch!

Now that the holidays are approaching, I’ll be looking for unique and unusual items that would make great potential gifts!

Are you looking for some distinctive pieces to give as gifts for the holidays? You might want to check out Perch. Perch is the compilation of the work of Amy Adams. The pieces are mostly bird-related although pieces like these are not. It is amazing that I like this collection because I am not a fan of our winged friends (long story). I am one of the least likely people to bring birds willingly into my home. Still, I think Adam’s collection is unique and I like these Apron Vases.

The Apron Vases come in five different styles and are sold individually. I think these vases would look spectacular with some spring flowers such as daffodils, daisies, or tulips. They would be a cheery way to usher in the spring from a snowy winter.

Other Favorites
-Birdfeeder
-Tiny basket
-Feet salt and pepper shakers
-kitchen light

For more information go to www.perchdesign.net.

Christmas Plates

Thanksgiving is over. This means now I can start celebrating Christmas! Christmas is by far my favorite holiday and the only reason I like the cold. Once the holiday is gone, I want the chill in the air gone too. Unfortunately, that does not happen for another three months.

I am going to make my first Christmas posting on this post-Thanksgiving day. Here are my two favorite Christmas plates.


The first is by my favorite dinnerware company, Rosanna Inc called “Twelve days of Christmas.” This is a set of 12 plates, each depicting the twelve days of Christmas. My favorite is the “turtle dove” plate. I especially love these plates because we could put them out on our Christmas table as deserts and each person would be able to have one. (I have a small family.) This would also be a great conversation piece as people are sitting down to dinner.

For more information go to www.rosannainc.com.





The second set is by Potterybarn called “Reindeer dinnerware.” There are eight plates in this setting, one for each of Santa’s Reindeer. However, they are sold in sets of four, so if you want all eight reindeer, you will have to purchase two settings. Each plate has an image of one of the reindeer and a corresponding pose depicting its name. I love the “Dasher” plate especially!



For more information go to www.potterybarn.com.

Pecan Pie Recipe

Thanksgiving is a day of feasting, and what Thanksgiving feast would be complete without pie? Here is my pecan pie recipe. It combines four or five recipes that my aunt gave me.

I use refrigerated piecrusts simply because I am too lazy to make my own. Feel free to substitute in your favorite piecrust recipe if you wish. However, if you do use a refrigerated crust, I think the trick is to use two refrigerated piecrusts instead of one. This prevents it from getting soggy.

Katie’s Pecan Pie

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
¾ cup light corn syrup (dark corn syrup is O.K.)
½ cup butter
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups (one package) chopped pecans
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
2 unbaked pie sheets

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Stack the two pie crusts on top of each other and pinch the edges together. Flour pie pan and place crusts in it, pushing the dough to fit the pan. Blend sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it boils. Blend quickly into the eggs. Stir in pecans, vanilla, and salt. Pour into the unbaked shell and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Turkey Fryer

In honor of Thanksgiving, I am dedicating this post to the turkey fryer. If you have not had a fried turkey yet, then you are missing out! The fried turkey is not as greasy or fatty as one would think. The heat from the oil cooks the entire bird without seeping past the skin. It gives the skin a crisp texture and makes the meat nice and moist. The best part is that cooking the entire bird only takes about 30 minutes!

The tradition in my family when we are hosting the holiday is to get my dad’s friend to cook the turkey for us. This man has a fryer and in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, he gives out appointment times to his friends to have him cook the turkey. One by one, minivans and SUVs pull up to his house with anxious hosts and their raw birds tucked inside. He cooks the bird while his wife hands out wine and various appetizers while they wait. Thirty minutes later, those turkeys, now cooked, are whisked home to be devoured by family and friends.

If you have never tried a fried turkey, I highly recommend it. You will save time and energy so you can enjoy your company instead of being cooped up in the kitchen.

I found this turkey fryer on www.amazon.com.

Wine Racks

There is nothing like a glass of wine after a long day at work. I love a full bodied red wine on a cool evening and a glass of white on a warm summer night.

Recently, my friends and I have taken to wine tasting which has led to my wine collection expanding enormously! (By the way, for any of you who have a Wegman’s supermarket nearby, they have wine tasting every night from 5pm-8pm!) My roommate bought a mountable wine rack from Ikea. It is very stylish, but not all bottles fit in it. Some are too small and some are too large at the base.

I have been looking at new wine racks and found these.

This first wine rack is by Crate and Barrel. I love how the bottles of wine seem to float in this piece. It is clear, durable, and holds up to a dozen bottles. The only negative about this piece is how much counter space it would take up. However, this would be a great option for those who have enough space for it.

The presentation of the Shesham Wine Rack, also by Crate and Barrel, is elegant. Made out of shesham wood, this piece can hold up to six bottles of your favorite wine. I love how the curve of this piece mimics the curved bow of a ship. Again, the only problem with this piece is that it takes up counter space, although not much. I would love to have this piece around the holidays when friends and families gather to celebrate.

For more information about the above pieces go to www.crateandbarrel.com.

This Rustic Wine Rack by Pottery Barn is the more upscale version of the rack we have now. The major difference and benefit that this wine rack has opposed to mine is that any bottle of wine can fit in it. Ours has holes that only fit certain bottles. Bottles rest on this stainless steel rack in a downward leaning position that is recommended for wine. The wall mount saves space and holds six bottles.

This Estancia Wine Rack, also by Pottery Barn, brings an old-world touch to any home. I think that storing wine like this is a beautiful. I do wonder if all bottles would fit in this rack. It is made of hammered cast iron and can hold up to six bottles. This one might actually be my favorite of all the pieces I have posted today.

For more information about the last two pieces go to www.potterybarn.com.

Plates!

I’m sorry I have not posted in a while. I was away last Thursday and Friday for training.

To make up for my lack of posts, here is my dinnerware post. I have been looking for a pretty dinnerware set for when I move. I have been very fortunate because my roommates for the past four years have always had sets. I yet to buy a single plate!

As you know by now, I get bored with the color white, even though it is the most functional. Food simply looks the most appetizing on a solid white plate. Think of a piece of salmon on a red plate. Not too appealing. Honestly, I’ll probably end up with a white set because that will be the cheapest. However, a girl can dream! Here are some dinnerware sets that I like.

This collection, Vivre, is by Tracy Porter. All of her pieces make me think of a garden party, but the colors in this set make it functional no matter what the season.

I also love the shape of the mug. I prefer rounded shapes when it comes to dinnerware as apposed to angular shapes. The roundness of the mug just looks fun to hold!

The only problem with this set is food may not look very appealing on it. Browns and pinks are not always the most appetizing colors.


I enjoy the collection Artesian Road, also by Porter, because of the shape of the bowls and peacock inspired plumes on the plates. If the color of the collection was not pink, I would really love it!

The last collection I will post by Porter is Botanica. I like the shape of the mugs and the color of the flowers remind me of the plates my mom had while I was growing up.






For more information on Tracy Porter’s collection go to www.zirke.com or www.tracyporter.com.


Next are some dinnerware sets that I was fond of during my black and white phase (except for one.) Actually, I am still in my black and white phase. I feel like the two colors together can give a very clean look, and when on a plate, can really bring emphasis to the food without being too distracting.

I adore this set by Kate Spade called St. Kitts! The flowers are spunky yet elegant. They are bold enough so they would not be distracting when food is placed on the plate. Also, one could mix and match this set with bright solid plates for a holiday celebration or just to add some finesse to an every day meal. However, these plates are not in my budget.




Also not in my budget and also by Kate Spade is this set called Gwinnett Lane Creme. This setting is whimsical yet elegant. It has elements that remind me of being a little girl playing house, but it is still refined and adult. This is definitely not an every day place setting, but I still think it is fun!



For more information go to www.katespade.com

This collection is called Emily by Laurie Gates. The flowers make me happy and feel like more affordable knockoffs of my beloved Kate Spade set. They are a little more chunky and less spunky








The only things I do not like about this collection are the square plates! I think the flowers are simple and pretty. Also, they would not be detracting from the meal. I also like how I could order a few black pieces and a few white pieces and mix and match. This set is called Anna and is also by Gates.



For more information go to www.macys.com.

Molo

Molo’s softwall makes me wish I had a loft apartment. Softwall is a unique way to divide open space using expandable and flexible materials. The partition absorbs light, giving the piece a glow not unlike the effect light has on ice. It can be manipulated to any length or shape the owner wishes, so it can fit most homes. I think that this would look just beautiful in a large, open loft!

Molo is also working on creating softhousing, an expandable, flexible, single-person dwelling that is to be used within existing buildings. This product is being created for the homeless and the first installation is planned to be built in an old shelter in New York City. I love a company that finds innovative ways to give back to the community!

Other Favorites:
-Soft Seating – Made of unbleached brown kraft paper, these pieces can be used as stools, benches, or loungers. They actually look comfortable!
-Float Collection – Liquids look as though they are floating in air.

For more information go to www.molodesign.com

Inhabit

In my search for solutions to jazz up my walls without painting, I came across this wall flat by Inhabit. These tiles are made of paper and have peel and stick adhesive tabs on the back for easy placement. These wall flats have repeating patterns so they are easy to position so there is a smooth transition between each piece.

My favorite is the pattern to the left called Bud. The wall flats also come in four other patterns that you can mix and match. You can even purchase a sample pack with a few of each pattern included.

Also be sure to check out the textiles by Inhabit. I love some of the bedding and stretched wall art produced!

Other favorites:
-Summer Grass Wall Art
-Bud in Chocolate Wall Art
-Bellus in Custard Bedding

For more information go to www.inhabitliving.com.

Erich Ginder

How great is this Ghost Tree Coat Rack by Erich Ginder? This is a way you can bring nature indoors, without having to water anything! The graceful, stark, design qualities of the piece really are ghostlike. The piece is handmade, with flexible branches and a steel base. I absolutely LOVE the fact that the branches are flexible! It is just one more element that makes this piece one of a kind.

I have to admit, the Ghost Antler Coat Hook that is also listed as part of Ginder’s collection kind of creeps me out, but the Mansion Chandelier would look handsome hanging from a high ceiling of a rustic home.

For more information go to http://www.erichginder.com/.

notNeutral

Happy Monday! This week I will open with these cute Fallin Trivets from notNeutral. The bright colors of these trivets bring the colors of autumn right into your home.

I think they would look festive on the Thanksgiving table or anytime you set the table during the fall season. I love the graphic nature of the design. These trivets are made of sturdy steel and range from 7-10inches long. This set also comes in a snowflake pattern.

Other favorites:
-Ribbon Martini Set
-Pretty Piggy piggy bank
-Blu Ribbon Pillows

For more information go to http://www.notneutral.com/.

Fishs Eddy

This tableware collection by Fishs Eddy is called Pantone, named after a company best known for its color matching systems. I have to admit, this is kind of a tribute to my design background. I have always used Pantone colors whether it was for lighting design or print. This is why the collection excites me!

This dishware collection is inspired by the dishes traveling china salesmen would carry with them to show the variety of colors available. What I find hilarious about this collection is how the name of the color used on each piece is written on it. The best part is after you are done dining, you can hold your plate up to the wall and use it as a color swatch!

Other Favorites:
-Chintz Serving Tray
-Hula Dinnerware


For more information go to http://www.fishseddy.com/.

Ikea

Ikea is a poor girl's dream store for home furnishings! I bought all of my Crate and Barrel and West Elm look-alikes here. The only problem difficult part about Ikea is that you need to assemble pretty much everything you buy here yourself. However, the price is right, so I rise to the task!

This piece hangs from your ceiling and saves storage space for your pots and pans. I like it! I do not like having to stack my pots inside each other and then pry them loose when I need them. Sometimes they get stuck. It is a pain. This would solve that problem! This piece is also a lot more affordable than any others like it that I have found.

Name: Utsaga
Price: $19.99



These wine glasses are part of a series of glasses by Ikea. I enjoy the entire set! They are festive and pretty. This set is actually more expensive than previous wine glasses I had bought at Ikea, which makes me wonder if they might be more durable or well made. Even if they aren’t, I like them and think they are worth the purchase!

Name: Skir
Price: $9.99


I have realized that my new living room will be too tiny for a coffee table. I already own a sofa, chair, and ottoman, and these will most likely take up most of the room. Therefore, I figured that I would just place a tray on my ottoman and turn that into a table when needed. I know. I am pretty clever.

I really like this tray! I think it is sleek and reminds me of the curves of a boat.

Name: Skala
Price: $11.99


I think this standing lamp is so cute and would look great in my living room. I love how it gracefully hangs. It would give a good amount of light for when I am reading or knitting on my couch.

Name: Regolit
Price: 39.99






What pretty storage boxes! Right now I am storing all my papers and folders in ugly plastic bins. These boxes would be a delightful alternative! They would also be ideal for storing all those pictures that have started piling up over the years. Each package comes with two boxes.

Name: Lingo
Price: $3.99 per package




I didn’t post about my fabulous new purchase thanks to Craig’s List. I bought a barely used 32 inch television for $100! Can you believe it? Currently my beautiful new television is sitting in the backseat of my car because a certain person and I have not had the chance to bring it into his house for safe keeping until I move. We should do that soon.

Anyway, I have realized that my amazing television will not fit where I had planned on placing it. I think that this TV stand will take up little space and be able to accommodate the size of my magnificent television.

Name: Lack
Price:$49.99


How could I not post a shag rug? However, this one is too small and costs the same amount as my favorite shag rug from West Elm at the same size.

Name: Fakse
Price: $119.00.







I need some flatware and I like this set. The set is curvy and feels as though each piece was punched out of a piece of paper. Knives are very important to me and I like the knife that comes with the set. I feel that knives need to have a shape that feels good in your hand when cutting. I have not held this knife yet, but it looks as though it would feel natural when held. I also really like the shape of the spoons.

Name: Dragon
Price: $24.99 for four of each piece.


This is a table created just for a laptop. What a great idea! I have a hard time finding desks that are not created for desktops. They always have a sliding tray for the keyboard and a special spot for the hard drive, which is nice, but I do not need those features because I have a laptop. I also like this because it is portable! I can use my computer anywhere and not have to work with it on my lap or hunched over a table.

Name: Dave
Price: $34.99


For more information to go www.ikea.com.

My Pet Hermit Crabs

I thought it would be fitting to put in a post about my pet hermit crabs, seeing that this blog is filled of things I love, and I adore my hermies!

I decided to get hermit crabs when I realized that I am too busy to give a dog the proper attention it needs. I seriously want a puppy! Hermit crabs are pretty independent and rather fun as far has non-cuddly animals are concerned.

I bought the hermit crab on the left first, but after about a week I figured out he was depressed. He wouldn’t eat. He wouldn’t come out of his shell or coconut-shell house. He slept all say. It was quite sad.

I figured he was lonely, so I bought him a friend, who I have named “Beast” because he climbs like a beast! Now the two are inseparable. They crawl over each other, play together, and sleep snuggled up next to each other. What a pair!

My only problem is that hermit crab #1 still does not have a name! I originally named him “Boo” because I bought him right before Halloween but now it does not seem to fit. Any suggestions are welcome!

Melissa Borrell

I like Melissa Borrell’s Pop Out Pendant. The pendant comes attached to a square piece of metal. You simply punch it out and place it on the chain included. It is very much like wearing a drawing around your neck, which is fabulous because it is part of her “How do you wear a drawing?” project!

Other Favorites:
-Bubble Ring
-Eclipse Ring

I found this necklace at www.elsewheres.com, but you can go to www.melissabdesign.com to see more of her work.

World Market

I swear these are not as ugly as you think! I found these Chenille Shag Ottomans while browsing through World Market yesterday. I would say that they are more like upgraded bean bag chairs than ottomans though. They are fantastically comfy and I can see one of them becoming my favorite spot for watching TV!

I also think that they would be very helpful in my new space when I need extra seating for company. They do not take up much space and are portable, so when I don’t need them, they can be hidden away! I like it in plum. It might just be the perfect thing to satisfy my new shag rug fixation for less money.

Although...

I did find a sweet shag rug for $199! I just am not sure if I like the available colors.

Other Favorites:
-Barrel Wine Rack
-Venice Fine Art Print (I almost keep buying this. It makes me miss Italy so much!)
-Block Print Cotton Napkin Set

For more information go to www.worldmarket.com.

Susan Bradley

Check out Susan Bradley’s collection “Creep.” The pieces in this collection are inspired by the way plants creep as they grow. I like how the creeping effect adds interest to what could easily be boring metal shelves.

I would love to see the effect of a small lamp being placed on one of these shelves. I think that the light it gives off would have a beautiful effect when combined with the cutouts.

They come in black, white, gold, and red and the collection involves both shelving and side tables. I think that one of these shelves would add an interesting dimension to my apartment and make it feel less bare!

Other Favorites:
-Dressing Up Mirror- This mirror is a life-sized silhouette of a dress and comes hanging on a hanger.
-Outdoor Wallpaper- This is what Bradley is best known for and worth checking out.

For more information go to www.susanbradley.co.uk.

Rockett St. George (revisited)

Ok, ok, I had to add just one more item from Rockett St. George because again, the design is so cool! Like many of the items I found on this site, this piece was well thought out and properly executed. It even won the “Good Design Award!”

The “decode clock” is just a regular old clock, but all the numbers are for the most part illegible until the minute hand intersects with it. Cool, eh?

Maybe I am so intrigued by this piece because it feels like a spy toy, only more refined and practical!

Again, go to http://www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk/ for more information.

Update: I found this clock for $59.95 at www.wrapables. com.

Rockett St. George

Today is simply a yucky day. It is rainy and cold and miserable outside and cool and damp on the inside. I drank hot cocoa and had my space heater at my feet, but neither was working to warm or cheer me up.

But then I discovered Rockett St. George. Rockett St. George is a British company that focuses on British art. I love so many things in this store that I don’t know what to post first!

This “by the lake” teacup and saucer has a simply fantastic design! The cup is decorated with the silhouette of a forest and a little blue bird. To me it is very reminiscent of Art Deco (But I could be wrong. I haven’t taken Art History in a few years!). But the true beauty of the design lies in the saucer. The saucer is platinum-plated and the effect of the forest silhouette reflected in the saucer is remarkably like that of trees on a lake! This piece is wonderfully executed.

I included this Burgundy chrysanthemum wall tattoo because it might just be the answer to my wall-painting dilemma. One simple little design is much more cost-effective than painting an entire wall or covering it with my lovely Blik decals. The website says that this is an alternative to a stencil, which makes me think that it is also a wall decal. If this is so, then my life just got super easy!

For more information go to www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk.

Individual Icons

My co-worker thinks that I am crazy for liking this piece from Individual Icons, but I can’t help it! I love anything that makes me giggle, and this compass necklace did just that. What a cool idea! The compass necklace is set in sterling silver and fully functional. This could prove to be very helpful to me as I am prone to getting lost.

I also have to support this artist because she is a Rhode Islander, just like me!

Even when faced with rugged subject matter such as nuts and thermometers, Herreid manages to make each piece delicate. In this way, her collection is extremely wearable, and makes a fashion statement!

Other favorites:
-Level necklace
-Level cufflinks
-Compass cufflinks
-Phillips Head cufflinks

For more information go to www.individualicons.com.

West Elm

I fell in love with this cable carpet from West Elm over the weekend. However, it looks more like a shag carpet to me! (Are shag carpets out of date? I sure hope not!) It looks as if it has mini dreadlocks! How cool is that? It is hand woven, made of wool, and is quite soft to walk on. I like the gray because it would be a nice contrast to my dreary oatmeal-colored carpet in my living room.

The bad news is that as usual, I cannot afford it. I have decided to give up my lunches and use that money to start a rug fund. I figure I spend anywhere between $5-10 a day on lunch (I really need to start packing.) and I found $14 in my drawer this morning. That puts me about $24 closer to my goal! Shag carpet, here I come!

...that is unless Ikea has a cheap knock-off...

For more information go to http://www.westelm.com/.

Crate and Barrel

I love Crate and Barrel. I just wish I could afford Crate and Barrel! I only recently realized that every piece of furniture I own is a Crate and Barrel knock-off, which is close enough to the real thing for me!

I love these photo coasters. I actually had this idea myself, but I was going to make the homemade version. (Get clear coasters, decoupage images on the underside of each coaster.) My homemade coasters would probably end up costing about as much as the Crate and Barrel variety and wouldn’t have the nifty coaster holder.


I also love this six-piece bowl set because it is so colorful! I get bored with plain porcelain white or clear glass pieces. All the different colors make me happy! Also, I am pretty pleased with how each bowl fits perfectly within each other. My problem right now is that all my mixing bowls are doing the Eiffel Tower lean and I am afraid that they will come tumbling down on me each time I open the cabinet! The way that they fit together eliminates this problem and saves space. They only take up as much room as the largest bowl. Lastly, and possibly most importantly, these bowls are made of plastic so when I do drop them (which is inevitable because I am a klutz) they won’t break. Love it!


For more information go to www.crateandbarrel.com.

Thomas Paul

Look at these pretty linen pillows from Thomas Paul! The muted colors, delicate patterns, and careful, handmade craftsmanship make each pillow feel like a vintage piece. Each pillow is hand silk screened and hand sewn together in a variety of patterns in whatever color you choose!

I am thinking of the “Lace” pattern in pumpkin, Indigo, or scarlet to go on my sofa. (My sofa is a green Ikea pain in my side. But that is another story.)

The only problem is that I cannot find a price or a place to order these pieces on the website. So that means they probably cost around $200 per pillow. I think you have to email a retailer to order this. I still think they are pretty though!

Other favorites:
-Feather
-Blossom
-Damask
-Robin

For more information go to www.thomaspaul.com.

Songbird Korean Bar-B-Q

Well, tonight was my first Korean BBQ experience! I am very excited about this because I have wanted to try Korean BBQ for a long time. My friend Enette and I went to Songbird Korean Bar-B-Q near Tysons for dinner tonight. I thought it was delicious.

For those of you who have never had this kind of cuisine, let me walk you through this. You sit down at tables with mini grills in them and order. We ordered bulgogi, which is beef marinated in soy sauce. The meat comes out with what feels like one million mini side dishes. The meat is raw; the side dishes are not. You place the meat on the grill and let it cook in front of you. Then, you wrap the meat, some rice, and some spicy sauce in a lettuce leaf. Delicious!

Enette is a great eating companion because she tends to eat what I do not. I loved the lettuce-rolled beef, while she munched on the side dishes. There was more than enough food for the two of us, and this was all for about $22 total. Not bad for a Friday night meal!

You can find Songbird Korean Bar-B-Q at:
8413 A Old Courthouse Rd
Vienna, VA
Phone: (703)821-1110

Canoe

Last night I decided to make cupcakes. I used my whisk when I made the frosting and, as always, it was not fun to clean. I can be very lazy and I hate how much effort it takes to clean up the little bits of food get stuck at the top of my whisk where all the little wires intercept. (Although it did help when I started eating the frosting off the whisk! Yum!)

I love this Ball Whisk from Canoe. The design enables faster whisking with less effort and an easier cleanup! Plus, it looks chic.

Other pieces I love:
-Wooden Trays (Be careful, the price is deceiving. You THINK the set costs $25 but in reality the price is for only the littlest tray.)
-Akari Beehive Table Lamp
-Lucky Gnome Soap (so funny!)

For more information go to www.canoeonline.net.

Crutch Pouch

Please don’t think that I am a giant dork for posting this! Those of you who know me also know that I have been on crutches for the past three months due to a bouldering accident (See the picture of me below on the boulder right before I fell and hurt myself.). Crutches are not fun. They are especially not fun when you are trying to carry a drink. Imagine hot tea. Everywhere. Ouch!

At the same time of my accident, my delightful cousin had minor surgery on her foot and had to be on crutches as well. She introduced me to the “Pocket Pouch,” otherwise known as “the invention that saved Katie from burning herself every day.”

This pouch is great! It straps onto your crutches via Velcro straps and has a pocket for your cellphone, a pocket for your drink (I suggest using a mug with a top or a water bottle), and a giant pocket for your wallet, keys, etc.

The pocket pouch seriously made my life so much easier and I highly suggest it if you or anyone you know is on crutches for an extended period of time! I swear it will make life so much simpler!

For more information go to http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/view-product.asp?product_id=1385.

Cabin Cuddler

I am posting this entry in honor of my mother. My mother is a very honest woman. She does not lie. She does not cheat. She does not steal…sometimes.

My mom steals airline blankets. This is the same woman who will return to a store if she is accidentally not charged for a stick of gum. In all fairness, she has only done this a few times; and only because she knew that she would be cold on a future flight and not be able to find a blanket. I feel her pain! I fly often and find myself freezing more often than not.

Well mom, look what they are selling! The “Cabin Cuddler” is a blanket specifically made for the airplane! But this is not just any old airline blanket. It is in two parts so you can wrap your upper and lower body evenly, and it has a pocket for your feet so your tootsies stay nice and snuggly warm. And better yet, this pocket keeps you from touching the grimy airplane floor. Brilliant!

Each blanket comes in its own traveling bag and you can order it in a variety of colors including red, aqua, lime, and gray.

For more information go to www.cabincuddler.com.