Feeding My Inner Zebra ?

After seeing some cute posts on Pinterest featuring black and white stripe tops, I have been on the look out for a couple to add to my own wardrobe.  Yes, a couple of them.  Can't you see the difference?  The top one is black and white striped, the lower one, white and black stripes!  So that is how I justify them both.  Actually, the top shirt is a J Crew Striped Vintage Thermal Tee (on sale now for $19.99).   A warm and cozy heavy thermal - been wearing it a lot under my black down vest.  The one below is from Gap, the Striped Buttoned Boatneck T ($24.95, but watch for frequent discounts).  A regular t-shirt weight and nice long length overall and in the arms.  This just arrived yesterday, so I haven't worn it yet, but can't wait to mix and match it.

An Apple a Day...Keeps the Tangles Away!

Everyone in my family received a 3-pack of these for Christmas... Applecore Cord Organizers.  It's a simple and clever solution to a messy problem.  The squishy rubber material resembles the shape of an apple core with notches on the top and bottom to secure the ends of the cord.  The smaller one is designed for earbuds, the medium is perfect for computer charger cables and the large size is just right for power cords and longer cables.  So simple.

Modern..maybe. Ethnic...maybe. Graphic...yes!

It's the Anders Runner, on sale now for 50% off at Crate and Barrel.  From their website:  "Contemporary runner in luxe Belgian velvet rows up textural, angled bands of russet, green, black and neutrals for a colorful study in abstract asymmetry. Finished with mitered corners and tailored hem."  That may all be true, but I just know that it looks amazing down the center of our black granite topped dining room table.    

My Kitchen Poinsettia

Yes, I do really like fresh flowers.... Yes, my brother-in-law is one of the top poinsettia growers in the midwest... and he generously gives me a gorgeous full size poinsettia every year.... but..... this little Faux Potted Poinsettia from Target is just too perfect for my kitchen table.  Only $10 and no dropped leaves, risk of water spots on the wood finish, or droopy petals, and I get to use it over and over again year after year.  I like that.

$5 Jersey Scarves - Yes, please! One in every color!

Why have I not seen these before?  I'm a regular Target shopper....  I always make a pass through the accessory department....  Anyway, I games across a few of these scarves earlier this week, mixed in with the other scarves in no particular order - Xhileration Oblong Scarves.   At only $5, I snatched up one of every color I could find - blue, maroon (Go UofChi Maroons), and red (Yeah Westside!).  When I came home and checked out the website, it showed a bunch of other colors, but all were listed as being "sold out online".  Bummer!  I am lusting after the light blue, purple, gray and magenta.  What better way to add a "pop of color" (I am getting soooo tired of that phrase, but it just works here) to an outfit?  And the light weight means they are not too hot in the warmer months of the year.  So if you are out and about and come across any of these in another color - give me a call - I may ask you to pick one up for me - I promise I'll pay you back!

Simply Genius

Simply Genius.  Seriously?  Yes, I know it's just a tortilla chip, but these Longboard Tortilla Chips from Trader Joe's are simply genius.  Want proof?  Stand in front of a mirror and stick out your tongue, then hold up one of the tortilla chips next to it.  See... same shape!  And that is what makes these tortilla chips simply genius.  It fits in your mouth, perfectly.  No charley horses in the cheek from trying to get your mouth around a round tortilla chip.  No pokes in the gum from the triangle variety.  Sturdy enough to hold your favorite chunky salsa and traditional corn taste.  Like I said... simply genius.

Ready (& RED) for Christmas!

Are you tired of the junky Christmas decorations?  Over the snowmen craze?  Looking for something different that an overstuffed Santa with a cute smile?  Then I may have found just what you are looking for.  A couple of years ago, I ordered this Rouge Candleholder from Crate and Barrel, and I was happy to see they had on their website again this year.   The vibrant red glass sits on a sturdy iron base.  It has a strong, modern look, and with a lit candle, casts a rosy glow over the entire room.  Bring it out for Christmas, and leave it out through Valentine's Day if you like.  Or even all year round.