I know I posted about ikat last Friday (in the form of cool ikat shower curtains) but when this set of dinnerware is just too pretty not to share. It would be pricey to buy a few place settings, but a single mug ($), bowl ($8) or plate ($10 and $12) would be nice, inexpensive treats. Use the cereal bowl to corral jewelry on your nightstand, and the plate as a catch-all on your console. The nesting bowls and cloth napkins would make very nice hostess gifts. It looks like we'll finally get … [Read more...]

The other night  my  husband groaned when I told him that I've got a bunch of Christmas gifts waiting to put under the tree for him. Christmas shopping puts him in a bit of a panic, and although he usually comes through with great gifts (a leather jacket I briefly mentioned that I loved, a Bluetooth headset that I use all the time, pretty gold hoops...) like any man he freaks out at the prospect of hitting the mall. So my dear, this is for you: some things that I find pretty or pretty and … [Read more...]

Every fall I buy chrysanthemums for my front door, and every year I forget to water them. I suppose that by the time fall rolls around, my mind is out of plant-watering mode. As fall begins to fade into winter and neglect, frost, or even snow sends your chrysanthemums to the great garden in the sky, why not treat yourself to some mums that don't require watering? These lovely treats for you and your home are all under $30 and all handmade. Start your Christmas shopping now! Who wouldn't like … [Read more...]

When I showed you a chic but cheap candlestick floor lamp, my blog buddy Kristin asked me if I'd spotted an inexpensive arc lamp. I knew I'd seen one somewhere...     At $199, the Big Dipper arc lamp from CB2 is quite reasonably priced while still looking sleek and stylish. If you're seeking something cheap and chic, let me know! I'd love to feature the product you're searching for in an upcoming Friday post. … [Read more...]

The floor lamps in our living room are cheap, but decidedly not chic. My effort to spray paint them a hammered silver color yielded a marginal improvement, and an attempt at new lampshades was a bit fat failure. Bottom line: I just need new lamps. Until Junior loses his desire to try to pull the lamps to the ground, there's no sense in upgrading - but when I do, I want the Jolie Candlestick Floor Lamp from World Market. Go ahead, guess how much it costs. It's only $99.99! Crazy, huh? It … [Read more...]