myBKR.com

I’m in love, love, LOVE with a new water bottle. Is that insane? Is my passion misplaced? I think not!

I cancelled my Arrowhead delivery over a year ago. I’ve been using environmentally friendly, non-plastic water bottles for a while. I finally got a refrigerator with a freezer compartment so I can make ice – ah, the joys of ice, particularly in the midst of our almost-perpetual HEAT WAVE! However, a few things recently conspired to compel me to hunt for something more, something BETTER.

1. I got the diagnosis. I’ve learned that hydration is very important when trying to regulate sugars.
2. I read Crazy, Sexy Diet. I’ve been inspired to increase the amount of veggies in my food regime.
3. I found my blender. I’ve tried my hand at JUICING my veggies and – oh holy hell – I LIKE it!

So, I now know how to make green juices. Green juices and metal containers do not combine well. I never have time to drink my green juices while leisurely reading the Sunday funnies (do they even have those any more?) on my (nonexistent) patio.

What I need is a portable, compact, cute bottle made out of GLASS.

A friend of mine has a childhood friend who just started a company that makes exactly what I need.

DON’T YOU LOVE WHEN KARMA COOPERATES WITH DESIRE?

And now I have a crush. (And neither of them know about it… yet.)

Seriously, people, I love the design of these bottles, I love the look of the website and I particularly love Tal and Kate’s philosophy and philanthropy. Hell, even the names of the bottle colors makes me giddy. It reminds me of when I first saw Apple products. In fact, one could argue the aesthetic is the same. I purchased “pool.” Doesn’t that just make you feel the splash?

What do you think?

It was suspended from the table. LIKE MAGIC.

HOW? HOW? HOW?

The purse was hooked onto a stunning little contraption that grabbed my fancy with the strength of a PIT BULL.

Purchase #1: Leilani

It’s called a luxe link. My poor neighboring volunteer gladly gave me the name of the product, once she’d deciphered my squeal of delight and blocked my attempts to accost her for information. Of course, I visited the company’s online shop as soon as possible.

“Why?” you may ask. “It’s just a hook…”

And I would have to look at you sadly and pity your incomprehension.

You see, I love my purses. I carry my life in them – scripts and cameras and glasses and addresses and money and make-up and sometimes even food.  But I do not treat them well. And I am forever looking for a place to put them, other than beneath my feet, when I am out and about.

I stress out if I hang my purse on my chair.

It is frequently so heavy that the chair falls over as soon as I stand up…

Or it maims people as they try to weave past…

Or it taunts the gazillion pick-pocketing thieves staking out my position and intent upon stealing the whopping 5 bucks I’ve got squirreled away.

These little luxe link thingamajigs could solve my problems. Plus, THEY ARE SO PRETTY!

Purchase #2: Tiffany

I purchased two (out of far too many choices) – one to keep in each of my primary bags so that even when I forget my drivers license and keys upon switching looks I WILL NOT BE WITHOUT A HOOK!

What do you think – necessary, extravagant or necessary extravagance? And which design is your favorite?

by LensENVY / flickr

I have a sweet tooth. I’ve given up trying to deny it. I like dessert. Dark chocolate is, indeed, better than much of the sex I’ve had. The French have every right to their perceived snobbery when one considers their pastry offerings. So, it is to be expected that I pause at the sight of sugary delights and I feel compelled to try any new confection about which I hear. Particularly if I am not required to make it myself.

This is why I found myself with four packages of artisan peanut brittle on my desk the other day. I’d stumbled across Morning Glory Confections a while back and filed the info away to be investigated at a later date. The later date arrived just before Halloween as sugar mania took over the world. I went online and purchased four out of the six flavors of peanut brittle offered by this Los Angeles-based company – Chai Tea & Cashew; Cocoa Nib, Coffee Bean & Pecan; New Mexico Chili & Pumpkin Seed; and Fleur de Sel & Peanut. Don’t the unusual ingredients themselves catch your imagination?

I still get giddy at the idea of these flavors.

Unfortunately, the potential grandeur of these combinations was not fulfilled in reality.

I roped two co-workers into a little taste-testing game. They both happen to be huge peanut brittle fans, and we had great fun escaping our offices for a moment of foodie experimentation.

I really wanted the brittles to blow me away, the way fresh dark chocolate or perfectly balanced strawberry-rhubarb pie does. They didn’t.

They weren’t BAD. But at 5 bucks for 2 oz., I want stupendousness. My co-workers agreed.

my order

The packaging was nice – simple, clean – but a bit wasteful. I wished that the labeling had been put on the inside ziplock bag instead of on a secondary clear box into which the ziplock bag was placed. Clearly, Annie Leonard is having an effect.

Chai Tea & Cashew Brittle (via Morning Glory Confections)

My lab rats and I each had a different favorite flavor, when push came to shove. I went with the Chai Tea and Cashew, thinking it would pair well with a strong espresso. The Cocoa Nib, Coffee Bean & Pecan brittle had too much coffee bean and not enough cocoa nib, and the coffee bean tasted burnt, but it ended up being LR#1′s preference. The New Mexico Chili & Pumpkin Seed was too savory; as LR#2 put it, it tasted like taco seasoning. And the Fleur de Sel & Peanut just wasn’t special enough to warrant the hoopla, in my opinion, but LR#2 rated it the best of the bunch. None of us would purchase any of the flavors again, however.

I am bummed. I had hoped, when ordering my batch, that I would be able to rave about this handmade sweet and perhaps introduce you guys to something extra special we could all add to our holiday buffets. Alas, my conclusion is that it’s just not worth the expense.

That being said, however, check out Morning Glory Confections and be your own judge if you wish. I still think the CONCEPT is fantastic.

Oh, well.

One of these days, my sweet tooth will land in something truly remarkable and I’ll tell you all about it…

NotedDesign at Etsy.com

If you feel like moseying on over there, it’ll be like giving me a great big ole smooch and, really, haven’t you been wondering what that would be like? I’m sure it’s been keeping you up at night.

I’m selling handmade jewelry using semiprecious stones and beads and silver and gold and anything else I think is pretty. I’m also doing some hand stamping. I’d love to know what you think of it all!

I’ve only hinted about my intentions to open up the shop a few times, and put it on my list. Why haven’t I regaled you with tales of every step I took to get here? Because I was doubting that I’d actually accomplish the task. I’ve been creating jewelry forever, it seems, and I’ve wanted an Etsy presence since I discovered the site years ago, but fear and doubt have always kept me solidly anchored in inaction. UNTIL NOW.

I have you, my lovely dear readers, and this blog to thank for providing the kick in the butt necessary to see this particular dream become a reality. THANK YOU!

Now, let’s take another moment to let it soak in… I have an Etsy shop, folks. KICK ASS AWESOMENESS, I tell you! Makes me feel like anything is possible. Now if only I could figure out how to bottle that feeling, I’d be golden. But, hey, clearly stranger things have happened…

xo

I'm a superhero!

Fabulous, no?

It says so right HERE.

Unfortunately, my cape and stiletto boots are on indefinite back-order.

Now, I’m off to do good… and find some breakfast…

From Delight.com

I’m a sucker for candles, all kinds of candles. Except the super smelly ones. And the ones shaped like cowboy boots or the Statue of Liberty… So, basically, I just like really classy, straightforward, nicely scented candles. But then I found this chalkboard candle, and I think it is fabulous. There are just so many possibilities. I can leave it untouched, in its sleek, matte black state. Or I can decorate it to suit my every whim, using the three sticks of colored chalk that come with it – though the chalk doesn’t come in that nice little box as shown in the photo. Fun, affordable and utilitarian. Kinda hot.

Price: $19.75. Available at Delight.com and other online venues.

By Design Glut

I’ve been traveling a lot lately, and following a bunch of international news stories. I am invested in creating and maintaining a global view. I don’t know who I would be if not for the experiences I’ve had visiting and living in other countries. I do know that I wouldn’t be me. So it should come as no surprise that I simply adore this necklace, by Design Glut. Sorry, guys, no matching cuff links for you, but think of this around the delicate neck of your lovely lady… See, pleasure for all!

And there are so MANY reasons to love this little accessory. Here are just a few:

1. It comes in gold, silver and a smokey gunmetal color. Damn, but I love choice. Don’t you?
2. The ladies who created Design Glut seem like they’d be a totally rad pair with whom to share a beer… yes, I said “rad.” I’m bringing it back.
3. The continents are LINKED, a nice reminder that we are all connected in this world, and that what happens in one place has an effect everywhere else, so maybe people should PUT THE FUCKING GUNS DOWN already. Just sayin’.
4. It’s really pur-tay! Equally fashionable with your favorite jeans or that little black dress.

Price: $60.00. Available at Design Glut and a whole bunch of other places.

Stuck!

I simply can’t stop giggling. There is nothing really to say. I fucking love this bathtub plug. Love as in I’m tempted to get it for every single one of my friends and family. It is the absolutely perfect stocking stuffer… Look at that! I am so inspired by the damn thing, I’m already ahead on my Christmas shopping. Awesome, I say. Flipping awesome.

Price: A Steal. Available at Perpetual Kid and various novelty stores.

Carrie Basket designed by Mary Louise Gustafsson

Summer is in full swing. Today marks the beginning of a holiday weekend. The weather is perfect for picnics and bike rides. What better accessory than this adorable and functional Carrie Basket? Designed by another one of those brilliant Swedish designers, this basket can be attached to the front of your bicycle or, using the strap, slung over your shoulder as you peruse the weekend Farmers’ Market for festive edibles.

It is available in white, black and green. What I like most about it is how the filigree detailing adds a flirty accent to what can be just a boring, utilitarian item. Now I just have to get myself a bike… and the courage to ride it on LA streets.

Price: $65.00. Available at Scandinavian Grace and other fine contemporary furniture and design studios.

Sunny Saffron by GamiWorks/Etsy

Etsy is a very dangerous place. Dare to spend a few minutes perusing the website and you will discover two things – 1) hours have mysteriously disappeared instead of the mere minutes you intended to lose, and 2) there are a hell of a lot of talented people out there. One artist whose work I find particularly delightful is gamigirl, the Houston based woman behind GamiWorks, who makes whimsical necklaces, rings, belt buckles, earrings and magnets from delicate pieces of chiyogami sealed beneath hand-cut glass.

Chiyogami is a type of Japanese paper, originally stenciled and crafted by hand but now machine produced. It employs traditional Japanese motifs in bright colors, and is most commonly used in the folded paper art known as origami.

Cheese Please, Napa Grapes and Little Chic Pendants

The thing I find most pleasing about GamiWorks’ jewelry, however, is that it doesn’t feel traditional at all. It feels modern, light and fun. The perfect accent for jeans and a t-shirt, which is pretty much what I live in.

Diving Koi and Flowing Dogtag Pendants by GamiWorks/Etsy

Each pendant is handmade, and therefore unique. Best of all? You can own one without breaking the bank. In fact, grab a bunch and wear them together to tell a story. That’s what I plan to do.

Price (based on my budget): Very Affordable. Available at GamiWorks/Etsy.