December 2006

What the Cluck?!?

Ladies and gentlemen, behold the Chicken Shirt, the most horrifying garment I have ever seen! A lovely lady named Rose was actually wearing this when she came to see me at the Macy's in Minnetonka, Minnesota. (For the full story, click here.) I was so horrified - and made so much fun of her - that the store's Ralph Lauren reps gave her a super-cute new ensemble. Rose gave me the shirt in return and I promised to do some good with this piece of pure evil. So here's the deal. It's a silent auction. To bid, please go to the contact section of the website. Enter your bid amount in the subject heading and tell me what you plan to do with the shirt in the body of the email. If you are the highest bidder, I will send you the shirt and match your bid, up to 500. I'll send a donation of our combined loot in your name to Second Chance Animal Rescue in White Bear Lake, MN. They do great work with adorable animals that deserve a second chance. Auction ends January 15, 2007. And to make the deal even sweeter, I'll throw in the delightful pewter rooster pin! And if you're the winner, you can send me a picture of you in the chicken shirt and I'll post it here!

Inspiration Hardware

If there's a babe in your life who can't get enough of the downward-facing dog, she'll certainly appreciate a little bling from Satya Jewelry. The company offers yoga-inspired accessories that are earthy-crunchy yet fashionable. (That's a tough line to walk, people.) Satya's line ranges from simple charms with meaningful symbols like this Lotus pendant to bolder pieces you can wear during a fancy dinner of brown rice and herbal tea. Gold Bangle Cuff $408 and Lotus Pendant $88 shown here.

From Ted for Fred

I've been known to wear bold printed shirts from time to time, many of which have been loaned to me by Ted Baker. And I know that not every man is as adventurous, fashion-wise, as I. But maybe your guy might like this scarf from Ted (£35.00). It's got great colors running through it without being too "out there." And if that's too fey for him, next year you can give him a gift certificate to your favorite shrink.

Cash Stash

Where you put your money matters. Your little beaded coin purse just doesn't cut it after the age of 12, nor does stuffing a wad of bills in your hobo bag. A sophisticated, modern woman might carry one of these wallets by Castor & Pollux. I think the croc finish ($156) is particularly splendid, but the smooth leather is chic too ($145). The wallets are subtly embossed with the C&P logo. I'm buying some for friends. You can join me if you want.

Decoupage Done Right

I love this store! Every time I go in I want to buy something, but there comes a point when a man can indeed have too many decoupage trays for one home. So, I've decided to share the joy. Seriously, everyone can use a fun dish or tray or coaster set. If you're coming to Manhattan, check it out in person or visit Kaas Glassworks' collection of antique designs online. I dig the Domino Bugs 9x14 inch tray shown here, $162.

Best in Throw

A couple of years ago my friend and colleague Vikki gave me a MyBlankee throw and let me tell you, it is the softest blankee ever! Whenever friends come over to watch TV, they somehow manage to curl up under it and I practically have to wrestle it out of their hands. It's MY blankee! Available in a range of colors, patterns, and sizes.(P.S. I don't really use the word blankee at home.)
Baby blanket: $66
Adult throw: $130-$170

It's Why God Made Pens

Don't you love receiving an actual hand-written note from a friend? Well, guess what - you have to SEND them from time to time if you expect to get one in return! I say buy a box of these for yourself and give a box to your best pal. Then start your own letter-writing renaissance. It doesn't have to be War and Peace on a note card, just a few lines. Check out John McDonald's great holiday cards too!

Box of Aesthetic Movement Note Cards. 18 blank notecards & envelopes - 2 each of 9 designs (3 of the 9 designs included shown here) $22.50 a box.

Don't Forget Fido!

Every dog I know loves the Bettie, with or without peanut butter stuffed into the sides. I read a comment at Otis and Claude from a Bettie fan: "Dizzy now does 3 Betties at a time and is working on 4! Definitely his favorite toy." I'm not sure what it means to "do a Bettie" but I think it's something good.
Bettie Dog Toy
Small $10
Large $14

Who You Callin' a Cream Puff?

My friend Sarah hosts a most-charming website called Pink of Perfection. If I were a betting man, I'd wage at least a Benjamin she gets a TV series within 5 years and manages a housewares empire in 20. Anyway, she's got lots of crafty ideas and recipes on video, one of which features little old me making my famous cream puffs. Here's a link to my webisode, but please check out the entire site. (I like the way she dresses too!)

Brush and Win!

Ah, stocking stuffers. Some are a lot better than others. Last year, someone stuck stinky cheese in my sock! Instead, stick to the basics, like some scratch off lottery tickets from your local convenience store. But add some oral indulgence to the mix with one of these fancy toothbrushes from Waterworks ($8). They'll bring splashes of color to bathrooms everywhere and they're the perfect accoutrement for that trip you'll take with your lottery winnings.

An Entry a Day Keeps the Shrink Away

What can you do with 80 pages per month for a whole year? You'll think of something. You can draw, write, and dream on paper. What a great gift for the closeted poet in your life. One Year Of White Pages $35

Block Out Da Noise, Block Out Da Funk

TLC marathons on JetBlue have never sounded so sweet, and neither has your noisy roommate or cacophonous work environment while you are trying to focus. Float in a cushiony bubble of quiet with these noise-canceling headphones from Bose ($299). Coach feels more like First Class when you have these.

Naturally Original

This votive is modern, organic looking and unique. I found this at Tao Living in the West Village and told them to expect your call. In addition to this simply elegant gift, they have a range of modern-earthy home decor to complement many lifestyles. Aviva Bud Vase/Votive is Capri in Kohl/Twilight Flame $45.

Great Minds Read Alike

Should you find some indulgent window of free time to curl up by the fire with your favorite book and hot cocoa, reach for one of these. I truly enjoyed both.

Winner of the National Book Award by Jincy Willet If you have a sibling you may relate to the often complex relationship that Willet weaves between two sisters. The story is a bit dark but also hilarious and I couldn't put it down.

Runaway by Alice Munro is another recent favorite of mine. As soon as you open the book you are drawn into the lives of seemingly real women and their relationships and choices. They're all short stories, so they're perfect for travel.