Help needed: shell game

Lovely readers, I need your help! I know most of you don't have time to comment on here regularly, but if you could take a second and give me a simple "option 1," "option 2" or "you're a crackhead - I say neither," that would be so appreciated!

Here's the conundrum:

I absolutely love Sherry and John from Young House Love, and am so impressed with how they've renovated their 50-year-old house - not to mention their awesome design skills on a budget. Ever since I saw this photo of their kitchen (below), I've been totally into their clam-shell-as-fruit-bowl. See it peeking out from the counter on the right-hand corner?


Here's a close-up:

Pretty cute, right?

I don't need a fruit bowl (we already have a tiered thing-y [that's the technical term for it] that we use for fruit), but I love this clam shell dish nonetheless and am sure I could find a home for it somewhere. I even saw the exact same one on Cougar Town last night as a mail bowl in the front hall (crap, did I just admit that I was watching that show?).

So my question is this: I have a few options for buying this seashell bowl, but can't decide which way to go. I need your help!

Enter option 1:

This is the exact clam shell from Sherry and John's house. It's from Z Gallerie (here) and costs $49.95. It's made of resin and it's 12" x 20". Don't mind all the filler-junk (bark, ephemera, etc.) shown in the above photo - just think about how cute it looked in the Young-House-Love-ers house.

Option 2:

Okay, admittedly, this one probably looks pretty gross because it's set up with ice and actual oysters in it. Ew.

Here's a close-up in case all the crap on the table above is too distracting:

This one is from Pottery Barn (here) and was originally $139 (woah there), but is currently on sale for $99.99. Before you freak out over the exorbitant price tag for a knock-off crustacean, consider that I have an $82 credit to PB (that I haven't found anything else pertinent to use on), so that makes this shell only $18 for me. Just got a whole lot better looking, right? This one is sand cast of aluminum with a polished finish and is food safe (I'm not sure the Z Gallerie one is).

Option 3: neither. Why buy a giant shell for the home without a solid use in mind first?

So whaddya think? Option 1 - the Z Gallerie shell at 50 bucks; Option 2 - the PB shell at 12 bucks (with my credit); or Option 3 - neither, and I am pyscho for being that into shells...?

Looking forward to hearing back from you on this or any what-is-sure-to-be-entertaining commentary on my thought process and shell obsession. :) Thanks for any help!

To top it off: cupcake kits

I don't have kids yet for whom to plan birthday parties, yet I still feel oddly compelled to buy all of these amazing cupcake kits immediately.

These gorgeous mermaids are perfectly at home here on Sea*Life*Style.

I can think of a certain little boy (Finny Finn Finn) whose mom is going to snap up these pirate toppers immediately...

A cute gender-neutral option:


This one's girly all the way:


Perhaps I'll host a tweet-up and serve cupcakes adorned with these (grasping at straws here, looking for a reason to buy one of these kits!):


I can honestly see some dog-obsessed grown-ups buying these for their dog's birthday party (I still think it's hysterical [cough *weird* cough] that people do that):


Maybe I'll get these for the next friend of mine who has a baby shower:

I die with the cuteness.

p.s. Most of the cupcake themes also have coordinating party supplies, from invites to paper plates and napkins, etc. Check out the full selection here. So cute!

Spotted on Oh Happy Day!

Clean, green, drying rack machine

The lovely Nicole of Making It Lovely featured this Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack (shown here in her own kitchen) the other day, and I think it's totally adorable. I don't think it's quite my style yet - it's maybe more appropriate to hold baby bottles than wine bottles - but it's awesome nonetheless.

It's available on Amazon here and for only 25 bucks. Pretty good deal for a fun and functional counter-topper, eh?

To top it off: wine tags

These letterpress wine gift tags from Papermash are hilarious! Very appropriate for someone whose wine knowledge is intermediate at best (though we're really trying with our Annapolis Wino Club!). These would be perfect to attach to a bottle of wine before bringing it as a hostess gift or to a dinner party, or just for a little thank-you gift.


Psst: Joanna, of the fantastic blog A Cup of Jo, is hosting a giveaway for two sets of these wine tags and a £30 gift certificate (for any of the goodies in the Papermash shop). The drawing ends tomorrow, so hurry over to Jo's site now!

Sun, spring, books and dance

With the weather turning more and more beautiful by the day (hellooo, spring!), I'm so eager to spend more time outside. But a slew of books gifted to me for my birthday has me eager to dig into those, too, so I'm a bit torn on how to use my free-time. Right now I'm trying to soak up the sun during the day and do my reading at night, but I'm looking forward to the days when it's warm enough out to sit outside in the park and read.

Here's a lovely quote about doing just that - reading in the sun (and dancing too):

I love this sentiment by Voltaire. Reading and dancing really are two of the best art forms/activities humanity has discovered.

And here's a self-portrait. It's me, reading in the evening:

Ha - I wish. Check out those shoes!

So what about you? Have you read any good books lately? Do you ever get the chance to just sit in the sun and read or dance up a storm? Both things are fun to do, free and good for you. With that being said, here's a cheers to spring (and sunshine), to dancing, and to reading good books!

Photo 1 from Mary Ruffle on tumblr; photo 2 from atmosfere neorealist via This is Glamorous.

DIY mini-greenhouse

Terrariums are so hot right now, and this craft project from the April 2010 issue of Country Living fits right in. Their mini-greenhouse/terrarium is DIY and so stinking cute. Best part: the only materials you need are pre-fab wood picture frames.

Admittedly, it'll take a bit of work on your part (some how-to photos below), but the finished product (above - so pretty) more than makes up for the time and elbow grease.

Isn't that an awesome craft? I'm thinking this is right up B's alley... Full instructions and step-by-step instructions here.

Spotted on Love Obsess Inspire.

"Her dress was a white as snow"

Photo by A Bryan Photo, via Martha Stewart Weddings

What do you think of a bride having her bridesmaids wear white dresses? I think the girls above look amazing, but it's kind of hard to tell which one is the bride (she's in the long dress and black shoes in the middle, btw [and her dress is actually off-white, while the girls are in white]).

You can click on the photo above to see the photo slightly larger; I literally had my nose to my laptop screen checking out how each girl accessorized her white dress so differently - it's kinda fun!

Would you ever put your bridesmaids in white and don off-white yourself?

Heading out...

Photo by Douglas Friedman, via Aubrey Road

Hello again, lovelies. I'm sorry to bail on you this afternoon, but I've got to head out the door (ha). I've got a serious to-do list this afternoon and time is a-ticking. Among the fun tasks I've got to check off? Sending out some of my tax docs (bleh), finishing up a present for my grandmother's 90th birthday, and - this is just a tad random - buying a costume for a Mexican fiesta birthday this weekend (ole!), among other things.

I'm off, but I'll be back tomorrow; hope you will too!

xo, r.

Eye candy in candy colors

Now that it's officially spring, pastels are popping up everywhere and I am lapping them up. These candy-colored baubles from Irene Neuwirth are beauts, aren't they? They're way, way out of my budget range (the necklace above is almost 20k!), but I'd take any of these trinkets over Easter candy any day...wait, let me think that one over for a moment - I do love candy... ;)

Spotted on Greedy Girl.

Slip on then sip on

Spotted on Twig & Thistle

These coasters from Dimmalimm Home are genius: No more wine charms needed to identify your glass at a party, plus they act as a coaster to protect your furniture (so you don't have to feel like Type-A-Annie asking your guests to use coasters). I love the colors offered, and the two different patterns, Citrus or Hibiscus, are really pretty without being too frilly. Best of all, they're handmade with recycled fabrics and eco-friendly, so you can be not only clean, but green. I only wish I'd known about these before our first Wino Club party!

Looking for hors d'oeuvre plates to accompany your wine glasses? Check out these fun options.

Piano men on ChatRoulette

A few weeks back I talked about the site ChatRoulette (you can find my post about it here) and wasn't sure whether I thought it was creepy or cool. I've since tried it - actually at a party with a big group of friends, which was funny but random - and still think it's a bit creepy. However, I am loving the piano man mystery that's popped up on ChatRoulette, started by a guy named "Merton."

You see, Merton freestyles songs about the people he gets matched with on ChatRoulette. He wears his sweatshirt hood up, he's a pretty good piano player, and has witty lyrics. Check him out:


Spotted on roblahblog

Kinda funny, right? Well, buzz started going around that "Merton" was actually musician Ben Folds. Merton came out saying he wasn't, but still people thought it might be him. (He's not, by the way.)

Anyway, Ben Folds heard about this and decide to do an homage to Merton before a live concert audience in Charlotte, NC. Hilarious. Here it is (Warning: there is some cursing in here...):



Both hilarious. I haven't been on ChatRoulette since that time at the party, but if I ever do go back on, I'm crossing my fingers that I'll get Merton (or Ben)! :)

Sock it to 'em

Who knew a simple pair of socks could weave such a story? These contrast socks by Townhouse inspired some interesting events.

I know I just espoused wearing flip flops for the season, but these socks are highly enticing - I'd love to outfit B with a pair to go with his daily workwear.

Today's a gray Monday - perhaps the perfect day for B to put on navy and red socks and go yeti hunting... I'd also be excited to be wooed in anthracite and light blue any day.

Or when the weather snaps back and the rain goes away, gray and pink would be perfect for a croquet match (if I could pry the flops off B's feet).


Spotted on Oh Joy!

Spring has sprung!

Via Fairy Tale Diaries

This weekend was lovely. The official start of spring on Saturday did not disappoint; even though I was up north on Cape Cod, we still had absolutely beautiful weather both days of the weekend. I even got to walk on the beach! Hanging with family, eating tons of food, walking in the gorgeous sunshine, reading and relaxing...I am recharged and ready for Monday, despite the rainy forecast. Showers bedamned, flip flops here I come! (And more posts to come, so check back...)

Have a great weekend!

Photo of Jessica Stam by Sølve Sundsbø, via Bits of Beauty

I have to head out a bit early today as we're heading up to the Cape to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday (whew, way to go, Nana!) with family. It'll be 10 degrees colder there (booo), but hopefully nice and sunny nonetheless, so I'm hoping to sneak in a quick trip to the beach.

Here's wishing you a fabulous weekend, whether you're just hanging around outside (ha, see photo - baaad pun) or booked all weekend like me.

I'll be back bright and early Monday - hope to see you back here then!

Quite right, blue and white

I'm in love with each of these three rooms below:

Photo by Donna Griffith, via Black Eiffel

The to-die-for backsplash, the chairs (my nailhead trim obsession continues), the clean white palette - it's all so chic.


Photo from Elle Decor, via Design Babylon

I'm a sucker for a bamboo chair and this one in bright cobalt with a crisp white cushion got me immediately.


Photo from Style at Home (Feb 2010 issue), via Dress Design Decor

Something about the eclectic mix of materials and styles in this eating nook really appeals to me. Wouldn't you love to nosh with some friends here and just hang out?

I know these three rooms span a few design styles, but they all really appealed to me. So what do they have in common?

Desktop or Twitter background (free download and a variety of colors!) from Nate Berkus.

They all include a palette of fresh blue and white.

Doesn't the blue and white color combo just feel clean, fresh and perfect for right now? (Hmm, that kind of sounded like a Noxzema commercial...) These three are definitely going up on my inspiration board for spring.

Symmetry scarves

Seeing that tomorrow is the official first day of spring (halle-frickin'-lujah!), I realized I was in a now-or-never situation for posting these new scarves from Symmetry:

They're obviously too heavy for spring - though I was recently informed that scarves are in all year long now (What am I - 80? I know I can wear a scarf whenever I want to! Thank you for sharing, snarky sales girl who was 12 ;) ) - but perhaps they're worth the wait for next year (and they're not available until next fall anyway). What do you think? Cool or weird?


I love the hardware and the I-just-threw-this-on-and-look-what-an-oh-so-cool-shape-it-made-without-me-even-trying styling. Very hipster-y. My only concern is that I'd end up looking like a gay Duke from the 18th century or a Bedouin trying to protect myself from a sandstorm. And yet I'm still strangely into them...

Spotted on Design Crush.

Finally Friday

Photo from The Sartorialist

Good morning, everyone! It's Friday! {Applause.}

I'm feeling much better today - maybe because it's Friday, or because it's gorgeous out, perhaps because I've taken a massive dose of Sudafed to fend off the cold that I got from B, or maybe just because I've been super productive this morning (much more than yesterday and earlier this week at least). Regardless of the reason, I'm so happy for today and all the sunshine in store (forecast of 67 degrees - woohoo!).

Good mood in tow, perhaps I'll put on all my necklaces, my huge rings and giant earrings like this lady and head out on the town to soak up the sun and get some more things done...but I promise I'll be back here a few times today. See you then?

Big prints in little purses

These handmade purses from Jennifer Ladd are the cuteness! The clutches are a bit pricey ($70), but the coin purses and wallets are much more reasonable ($18-$22) - I think they'd make a great little gift for someone (or yourself). I'm loving the fabrics. You can check out all of her stuff here on Etsy.

Originally found via Greedy Girl.

You can ring my (taco) bell

St. Patty's Day festivities for us last night included meeting up at a friend's house (where some of the crew ate homemade corned beef...ick), heading downtown to the bars, seeing a couch set on fire in the middle of Main Street (no idea where it came from or why it was there...), 16 of us heading to another bar, and then a few of us heading back to a friend's house. On the walk back to his house, we were discussing the strange fact that I've never eaten anything from Taco Bell. After years of watching friends eat "the Bell" and immediately being sick, I never felt the need to jump in.

But what better night than St. Patrick's to give it a go for the first time, right? You know, because the Irish and Mexicans are so tight. Why not...

Emily and Jessica kindly agreed to make the trek with me while the boys walked back to our friend's place.

Our first viewing...


That's me, peeking out from the back, as we eagerly awaited our order:


Alex, our "dining concierge" for the evening, endorsed our order:


The goods:

I think we ordered about eight combos.

My first taste of Fourthmeal. I chose a chalupa. Wise decision?


Jess receives a call from the boys to pick up some food for them too:


Our second time through the drive-thru. Alex was not as enthusiastic this time:


Finally on our way back home:


This is what an amazing opera singer gets at Taco Bell (pintos and cheese):


Don't pinch me, I was wearing green under all those layers.

All in all, a delicious experience. I'm not going to try and replicate it again anytime soon (my stomach is still making weird sounds), but I'm glad I knocked that one off my to-do list. :)Happy St. Pat's Day, y'all!