Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel has always been a favorite of mine - their whole product line is so clean and simple - just the way I like things in my life! Just look at their logo, it really doesn't get much more simple than that . . . .

The other thing I like about Crate & Barrel is they stick to what they do best  - entertainment items and don't deviate from  it!  As the old saying goes, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" . . . I think that sums it up!

They offer simple, straight lines of furniture, simple tabletop items and classic cookware - the best part is the items will never go out of style; they are so timeless . . . that is what I really love about it! 

I also love the fact they offer a gift registry so check it out - you never know the next gift you need may be on a registry!

 

One line they added to their collection, being the dog lover I am, I think it is perfect and so does my poodle, Coco.

Their glassware is one of my favorites - the clean lines . . .

Speaking of Martini - I found a new favorite - take a peek (recipe to follow)

It is the best, it is a Hawaiian Martini - and don't worry - it's not too girlie - my guy friends enjoy it as much as I do!

Hawaiian Martini

                      1-1/2 (750 mL) bottles Skyy Vodka (or 4-1/2 cups)

                      1/2 (750 mL) bottle Malibu Rum (1-1/2 cups)

                      1/4 bottle Stolichnaya Vanil (3/4 cup)

                      1 pineapple cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges

                      1/4 cup sugar

Layer the pineapple wedges into the jar. Pour in the remaining ingredients and allow the pineapples to marinate for at least two days. To serve, ladle approximately 4 ounces of the liquor into a stainless steel shaker half filled with ice. Shake 30 times, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a wedge of marinated pineapple and enjoy!

Don't forget Halloween is coming - they have all of their new Halloween items online!

Enjoy the Hawaiian Martini - I'm off to enjoy one of my own!

All images courtesy www.crateandbarrel.com  . . . except for my martini photo :0)

Kelly's Kids

I came across this catalog in my mailbox one day and thought, what great kid's things! 

It is amazing how many great sites and catalogs are out there - unless you stumble on it or someone suggests it to you, you never know it exists!

So let me introduce you to . . .

       

The website is:  www.kellyskids.com

Kelly's Kids offers all types of children's items - clothing, matching accessories and bedding.  One thing I like about Kelly's Kids is they offer matching Family Outfits (not for Mom and Dad - don't worry!)   When you have a special occassion or a photo opportunity, it is nice to have your children resemble each other!

Some examples of the Family Outfits

Kelly's Kids offers cute, girly things . . . even though I can't buy them I still love to look!

For the little girls in your life, Kelly's Kids offers dolls made in Germany!

The baby items are too cute - not that I am in the market, but you may be!

 

 

Their bedding is also sooo cute!

 And comfy loungewear before bed. . .

 

 Don't forget, the holidays are soon going to be upon us - you may want to plan ahead!

Kelly's Kids also offers: 

so go ahead and add to your cart, shipping is free!

Napa Style

I love this site, Napa Style, they offer unique gifts, cooking items, furniture and tabletop items.  The style of this site is so relaxed and inviting - like you could sit down, pour yourself a nice glass of wine while enjoying your favorite meal.  Don't forget to light a few candles, turn on some relaxing music and enjoy . . .

www.napastyle.com

Napa Style even offers some items the man in your life will love - the first item is so up my husband's alley - if we had a cauldron like this, he'd never come inside for a meal!

Napa Style also offers  . . .

And for the cooks in your life, don't forget to order them this:

Sit back and enjoy . . . I'm off for a glass of bubbly, Napa Style, of course!

All images courtesy www.napastyle.com

Borsheims

Unless you are like my husband, I'm sure you are familiar with the story of King Midas - meet a company where the Chairman is a real, modern-day King Midas . . . meet Borsheims.

Borsheims is a company owned by a modern day King Midas - Warren E. Buffett.  Everything he or Berkshire Hathaway touches seems to turn to gold! 

Borsheims is a great site - they offer a variety of products ranging from fine jewlery, to wedding gifts, to fine china and crystal, to corporate gifts.  Borsheims also carries one of my favorites - MacKenzie Childs! 

Check it out, I think you'll see  . . . if it is good enough for Warren, it is good enough for me!

www.borsheims.com

Enjoy . . .

Borsheims also offers a wedding gift registry - so be sure to check it out!

http://shop.borsheims.com/Borsheims/Registry.aspx

 Don't take my word for it, here are a few words from Mr. Buffett:

http://shop.borsheims.com/Borsheims/CustomerServices-Buffett.aspx

All images courtesy borsheims.com

Wisteria!

This is such a great site!  I don't know if it is because of my design background, or if it is just a great site - or both?!
Wisteria offers such great things - from tabletop accessories, to bed & bath accessories, to furniture and everything in between! 
From what I can tell, they don't offer a gift registry so you'll have to make your wishes known other ways - be creative - I'm sure you can come up with something!
If you haven't taken the time to stop by, I think the time has come . . .

www.wisteria.com

          

And, maybe it is just because I was "back home" visiting the Lake in Indiana, but I seem to be really drawn to the whole "coastal scene" . . . there is just something so summery and inviting about it - you be the judge - maybe you'll find it isn't just me . . .

Before you decide whether you like Wisteria or not, there are two places on their site you have to visit:

One - Their Blog

And Two - Audrey the Dog - Wisteria has to have a sense of humor if they dedicate a section to their mascot!

Hope you find you enjoy Wisteria as much as I do!

All images courtesy www.wisteria.com

The Land of Nod . . .

If you are familiar with Crate & Barrel, then you will love The Land of Nod. 
As clean and refreshing as Crate & Barrel is for adults, The Land of Nod is as creative and fun for kids!  They offer such great items for kids rooms, playrooms, toys and accessories! 

They also offer a gift registry, so the next time you need to buy a gift, check out the registry, who knows the recipient may be on the registry list!

If you are not familiar with The Land of Nod, take a little time and take a little visual adventure, you never know what you might find!

The website is:  http://www.landofnod.com/

They offer everything from baby gear . . .

To Kid's Bedding . . .

To Toys . . .

 

And everything in between!

P.S. Don't forget about the registry . . . you can create one for you or check it for someone else . . . as they said, what the heck, "Go gaga"!

All images courtesy www.landofnod.com

Back Home Again . . .

There is just something about coming "back home" to Indiana.  I think Indiana will always have a place in my heart.  You cannot deny the cool mornings, dew on the grass and the wonderful sunsets over the lake.  When I am back home, it brings me back to all the things I love . . . home grown tomatoes, Indiana sweet corn and fresh melon. 
Another Indiana "thing" I love, is a Ft. Wayne, Indiana company - Vera Bradley. I have always loved Vera Bradley designs.  In Florida, Vera Bradley items are not as easy to find - but in Indiana, Vera Bradley items are well known and found in many local shops.  You don't get the puzzled look from Sales Associates when you walk into a shop inquiring whether they carry Vera Bradley, they know the name like they know their own.
If you are not familiar with Vera Bradley, I suggest you visit their site.  You can also order online, if you are like me and do not live in Indiana.

The link to the site is:  www.verabradley.com

Vera Bradley items make wonderful gifts for your mom, sister or best friend!  At our wedding, I gave each of my bridesmaids a Vera Bradley cosmetic bag that included the necklace to be worn during our wedding. 

All images courtesy www.verabradley.com