Guilty Pleasures

OK. I don't usually do this. And for good reason. I hate selling. BUT I have to share.

A long time ago, on a blog I happened upon by accident, I ran across a stunning bedding set that was credited to Rue La La. Which at the time I had not heard of. It was such gorgeous bedding, I took the blogger up on the invite and signed up to the site to look at more. Well, now I am hooked. I used her code to get onto the members only site which was good marketing on her part because for every person who signed up, she got a discount. On the one hand, I was impressed at her sneaky way of getting people to sign up under her.. on the other, I had that "sneaky salesman" feeling that comes from falling for the pitch. Either way, I go over there regularly to imagine owning a $2000 gown, or toying with the idea of adding to my (amazingly pared down) shoe collection. I don't do much shopping anymore, but the near latent fashion industry side of me still likes to look. And yesterday I came very close to dropping $400 on about $1200 worth of Le Creuset pots and pans. And then today, just to torture myself, I got back on there to see if my pots had sold already (most sales last only two to three days) and I came across some summer stuff that is just too good not to share with you.

First, I am a total sucker for picnics and the adorable and funky carry-alls that go with them and these sets are pretty nifty.





I love the colours and the neato shapes. I also think that at $40 ish they are worth consideration if you are in the market. My kids love to go on picnics, even just at the park down the street. We use a vintage "bubble" basket that I love, but if I were needing one, I think I would go for the last, round one. So much fun and sophisticated looking too.

Next up, from the same sale, is a portable picnic table. THIS I LOVE! I can see so many uses for this, not the least of which might be encouraging that friend of mine who has sworn off camping to give it another go. A sleek number like this, a few decent bottles of vino and some great cheese... she might let the stigma go. Probably not, but hey, you never know.



Add to this incentive a super cute sunhat and shoes, and the camping trip may look appealing. Just saying...




... and everyone needs a hammock in a bag. That I can vouch for personally.



So, in summation, if ridiculously sweet deals on labels, designers and even vacations (they had a PHENOMENAL Father's Day lineup last week that included lessons with a professional race car driver and trekking across mountain ranges,) appeal to you in any way shape or form, you may want to check out Rue La La. If you are not already a member, feel free to use MY code (http://www.ruelala.com/invite/abell69) and get me points towards my cookware the next time it goes on sale. I would even invite you over for dinner, but you might want to give me some time to learn how to use it adequately. I am all for you using the code as long as you don't feel like I was being all shady about it. It really is fun, even if just for a good browse. Happy picnicing!!

http://www.ruelala.com/invite/abell69

For the dog days...

Last week I walked into an office downtown to inquire about taking a web design course... (I am working at not having to pull out any more hair if the innards of this computer decide once again to pull rank.) After answering a few simple questions I was ushered through a set of doors and into a week long course that I was totally unprepared for. This is my utter apology for having been absent for the past week. By the time I picked up my kids (I walk everywhere) and carried groceries home the kids were lucky if I had the energy to make something resembling a dinner. In fact, last night I fell asleep feeding the baby and when I woke up the five year old was standing over me covered in red and holding a plastic knife. Aside from the cartoonish horror and confusion that initially gripped me, I suddenly realized that it was seven thirty and I owed the child a meal. Instead of waking me when he got hungry he simply helped himself to half a watermelon.


The other reason I have no energy is the extreme heat. I don't know about the rest of the world, but in our little pocket of the universe it is about a bazillion degrees the last few days with 100% humidity levels. I am not sure how they scientifically figure this percentage thing out but I am willing to bet that feeling as though you are walking through a swimming pool means a high humidity. This is Shambhala weekend and I imagine they ordered this weather for the out of towners.


So I am offering up this gorgeous little treat that I found over at Oh Joy! These little beauties deserve a party thrown in their honor, don't you think? Why have I never thought of grown-up icies? I mean, I have never even thought of them! Not only did Krystina Castella think of them but she has compiled a book of recipes that go way beyond simply freezing some juice on a stick. I have to say that I am duly impressed. Any ideas on what you could use for sticks that look less... popsicle-y?

Thinking in Green

I am usually loathe to suggest that people buy from a chain store such as Pier One or Pottery Barn, although my love for IKEA stands uncontested. I usually buy artisan made pieces, thrift store finds, or retro-fit pieces myself. There are definitely stores that I snoop through but I am lucky enough to live in a place that has an abundance of artists and finding a unique piece is, to me, a far more enjoyable and satisfying option.

Having gotten this disclaimer out of the way, I have to say how much I love these pieces out of the new Pottery Barn catalog. I love the fabric selections for both the 'Madison' and 'Brooks' chairs and the simple style of the chairs themselves.

There are a few accessories that I may have been tempted into buying if I lived anywhere near a store, but with the headache of shipping glass and the added cost of shipping period, I can get an artist here to reproduce them. This is something that you can always consider, in this day of greener thinking and trying to support a local market, there is no reason not to collect your ideas from stores, catalogues or the WWW, but always keep in mind that these can be re-created by an artist in your area and often sourcing them out is a wonderful experience. Getting together some friends and doing a tour of a studio or even an art school (where the prices tend to be much lower) can make for a rewarding weekend activity.