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Hi, my name is Megan, and I'm a Chocoholic
Phew, I feel so much better now that I got that off my chest. Of course, I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in addiction, so I doubt I'll receive any complaints about adding an entire Chocolate category to this site.
Did you know that the first chocolate was consumed in liquid form? In fact, it was a medicinal treat only available to the elite. That's right - it was medicine! So better keep eating it, if you don't want to get sick.
Speaking of liquid chocolate, I came across La Chocolatière in a magazine recently. What's a Chocolatière, you ask? It's basically a chocolate pot that makes perfect drinking chocolate. Now keep in mind, drinking chocolate is different than hot cocoa. It's richer and creamier and is made from real chocolate flakes. You could always just use powered cocoa, but I think that would be an insult to La Chocolatière. Once you try it, you'll never go back to Nestle's Quik again.
Also seen at Amazon and on sale at iKitchen
Posted by Megan on August 31, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Champagne: It's not just for special occasions, anymore
I'm not sure when my love of Champagne began, but I'm sure it coincides with my love of everything expensive. Thing is, most people think that Champagne is only for special occasions, weddings, anniversaries, and the like. Not true! Champagne is a wine just like any other and deserves the same respect at the dinner table. I'm usually on my own with drinking Champagne on a semi-regular basis, which is why I'm so glad that Champagne makers have come out single-serving Champagne bottles (like the one above - Pop by Pommery). This way, I don't have to either drink the whole bottle or waste it. Brilliant!
So now that you're sold on Champagne, try out these fancy new flutes (Edge & Zara) from Crate & Barrel, because like, me, you'll always want to sip your champagne from a fancy glass.
Posted by Megan on September 2, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Chocolate Candles
Posted by Megan on September 15, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Understated Halloween Decor!? Tell me it's true!
If you're like me, you absolutely love Halloween, but the typical garish Halloween decorations make you cringe! My never-ending hunt for minimalist Halloween decorations proves to be very exhausting. Boy was I thrilled when I came across these Haunted Houses. I bought one three years ago and absolutely love it. the line continues every year, and I'm able to add little things like trees, gates and ghosts to build it up. They have a huge selection of similar items for Halloween, Check them out! What's even better is the 15% off and Free Shipping on all orders above $65.
Posted by Krista on October 21, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
It was a dark and stormy night...
When I was in Portland, ME recently, I popped into a pub for a pint...of pumpkin ale! It was by the Shipyard Brewery, quite delicious AND was served in the most awesome pint glass! On the front is the pumpkinhead, on the back a VERY scary jack-o-lantern...and the bottom of the glass is orange, to give the pumpkin ale a nice glow. I forgot to pick up a couple of the glasses while I was there, so I ordered some on Monday. Tuesday, they arrived at my house in the mail! Great customer service, and quick too!
Posted by Janet on October 28, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
For Thanksgiving and Christmas and Birthdays and every holiday you can imagine!
I don't know about you, but I love holiday-themed china. What I don't love is having to buy a new set for every holiday. I don't have a ton of storage space, either, which makes this interchangeable china by nora fleming a perfect solution.
The entire stock of serving pieces and place setting is entirely customizable. Every piece has a place to insert an interchangeable mini. The site sells a wide selection of these minis in a ton of different styles to fit every occasion and season.
Posted by Megan on November 5, 2006 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Chocolate aromatherapy for your PMS
I love chocolate and I have been known to use a little sarcasm and dry wit on occasion. Haven't we all? Well the ladies at Chick Wicks know all about it. They've embodied the feminine (sarcastic) spirit with their line of candles and home fragrance.
A little birdie told me about these candles and I just had to smell them for myself. Luckily, the ladies at Chick Wicks were kind enough to send me a few samples to try out for myself and I couldn't be happier. The soy-based candles are double-wicked in a reusable jar and come packaged in a cute tin decorated with hints, suggestions and even martini recipes that will help you with the situation at hand. These candles come in a variety of scents for a variety of moods/themes including:
PMS Mood Tamer (Scented Coping Candle)
Rid-Ed (Divorce/Break-up Candle)
Snag-a-Man (Scented Love Potion Candle)
I just about lost it after reading the container for the PMS Mood Tamer candle:
"Think PMS stands for Pass My Shotgun? It's that time of the month and you're either crying of locked, loaded and looking for a fight. PMS rage is real; just ask the people who live with you.PMS is nature's little way of bringing all of your issues (big or petty) that usually lay dormant, right to the surface. That's right, your hormones are in the driver's seat and you no longer have the wheel. It's time to be careful. Time to bite your tongue. We're all so glad it only happens once a month, but when your "little friend" has come for a visit, you can burn this candle to warn loved ones and help you through the tough parts. Period."
And the back of the tin is even more hilarious! What a great idea for Christmas!
Posted by Megan on November 22, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
I was framed! Framed, I tell ya!
This product suggestion is from the photo-queen - my mom.
I love photos so it would only follow that I like frames too! This frame is great, it has seven individual frames hung by hooks from a beautiful nickel-plated bar. It created a gorgeous gallery-style collage with room for 13 photos of various sizes. I received this one (by request) from my children for my birthday and it's hung in our newly-remodeled bedroom.
I also love this Flipside Wall Frame from Crate & Barrell - it's so ver-si-tile! Three black frames, two 4x6 and one 5x7, pivot on a wall mounted bar. They can be mounted vertically or horizontally and double-sided frames pivot on a wall mounted bracket, so I can rotate my favorite pictures as the mood strikes. I bought a pair and mounted them over our bed, classy and classic! Now to pick which photos will be showcased!
Posted by Megan on November 30, 2006 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Heaven is 800 thread-count
There are a few things I will splurge on. High thread count sheets being one of them. Ever go to a higher-end hotel and wonder why you sleep so well or why the best is sooooo soft and comfortable? Higher thread count sheets. These sheets are so soft they feel like silk snuggling your body. Not a nubby to be found! And if this wasn't a good enough deal for you? How about the set includes four pillowcases instead of the usual two!
Posted by Krista on December 4, 2006 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Why ask for his when you can have your very own!
So many times, especially at the office, I ask for a pocket knife. Never occurred to me to get my own until I saw this! The Miss A Kit has 16 tools for the girl on the go: a flashlight, keychain, needle and thread, perfume bottle, mirror, pill box, knife, and more. It easily fits in your pocket or purse and makes a great stocking stuffer.
Posted by Krista on December 7, 2006 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
They just make me smile
I have a few Nyokki pets and love them. These tiny pets are an adorable and unique addition to your nearest windowsill. Nyokki means grow in Japanese, and that's exactly what these Nyokki Pets do! Filled with rye grass seeds, these little pets are easy to grow - seeds germinate and grass grows to full height in less than two weeks. The funnest part is you can trim and style their hair, no I'm not kidding! Comes as a set of two matching Nyokki pets. Choose from Monkey, Chickee, Froggie, Panda, and Piglet.
Posted by Krista on February 28, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
You Too Can Have A Green Thumb!
With the first glimpse of grass revealed from beneath the melting snow and the sounds of the birds chirping I thought about spring and the flowers that would soon start to bloom, Hmmm... What would I plant this year? I knew I wanted something fragrant, but what? With the Garden Makers Fragrant Flower Garden Kit it was easy! Leave it to the experts! They also have a French Market, Bird-Bee-Butterfly, and a Culinary Herb Kit! All of which are found at Olive Barn! I'm anticipating spring so much I can smell it, and I soon will!
Posted by Darlene on March 19, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks
Spring is already here. Think summer! A cool ocean breeze, warm sun, yellow dunes - all captured in the hand-blown glass works of Martha's Vineyard artists. I know about it because my son's friend Harrison Neel started working there last fall after completing his study in Sweden. Martha's Vineyard Glassworks. Check it out on your next visit to Vineyard.
Posted by Sarah on March 21, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Wicked Sticky Designs are Wicked Awesome!
I wanted something for my kitchen that was unique but not busy. A friend of mine passed along this link for Wicked Sticky Designs. Perfect! I wanted Live, Laugh, Love but I like to be difficult, so thru the wonders of the internet I got it translated into Gaelic; Beatha, gaire, grá ("Life, laughter, love") . I asked Nicole if she could do it and she said no problem!
No mess, no commitment, no painting! It is that easy. Think of any saying or design and she'll send you a mock-up design for your approval before its made. Prices are based on complexity of design, size, how many colors are involved... plus tax & shipping. (5% + $5 for shipping) The piece I had made was $35. Generally, 25" long x 3" high is about $25. I'm so happy with the way it came out, I'm thinking of other designs for my walls!
Posted by Krista on April 2, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
A Table Set For Two? Four? Maybe More!
I happened upon these neat disposable place mats, while flipping through a magazine recently. I immediately thought it would be fun to have these for a get together (party!) rather than my standard cloth ones. Spilled Martini? No problem, toss it! Disposable has its advantages; if you get sick of one design, you can switch to another!.
There are so many designs; from lobsters and palm trees to hearts. The one that I liked the most? Ditsy! No, there is no implication there; just love the bright yellow design. Go straight to Carrot & Stick Press for more designs.
P.S. A little birdie told me they have more designs to come!
Posted by Darlene on April 17, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Peel & Stick Art. Brilliant!
BUTCH and Harold are brilliant. They came up with ultra-easy artwork for your walls! Delightful, colorful, and it's peel and stick!
From the website:
Looking for ways to decorate walls, BUTCH & harold offers a "no installation required" approach that can be changed effortlessly. Imagine - art that requires no framing, hooks or hammer!Yes... just stick it to your wall.
No... it won’t hurt your wall.
Yes... you can peel it off and put it somewhere else.
Imagine you can move it to the dining room for your Friday night dinner party and move it again to spruce up your kitchen for Sunday brunch.
Peel... Stick... Love... Repeat
Was this made just for me? Here, over there..no a little lower-> EASY! Gee, you could move it around on a weekly basis and not worry about holes in you walls. I'm kind of fond of this birdy one and according to the website, it's a favorite.
Posted by Darlene on May 22, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
A Night In The Forest
Ok, First off, I just wanted you all to see this bed! Oh, how I just love this Tree Bed! It's enchanting to say the least and yes, it is expensive. I can say that if I win the lottery or come into a small fortune, this is mine.
Is that a nest I see at the top? Tweet-Tweet! Definition of unique can be found at Shawn Lovell Metalworks!
Posted by Darlene on July 23, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Yes Mom, you do know best! Pfaltzgraff is the best!
My Pfaltzgraff catalog came in the mail last week and I just got around to looking at it when I spotted these Glass Seashell Tealight Holders. They come with two bags of sand, candles, tealight holders and seashells. Hmmm, I thought what a great idea for the little beach treasures that I have collected through the years with some sand from my favorite beach!
Why am I acknowledging my Mom? Well, my Mom bought me my first set of dishes from Pfaltzgraff and she insisted that they were the best!
Posted by Darlene on August 6, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Laundry detergent can be cool!
OK, so it’s really not that cool, but it is eco-trendy. (Especially for me- it’s made right here in North Carolina.) Charlie’s Soap has converted this former Tide girl. They say:
“Our Laundry Powder is a revolutionary approach to laundry care. It does not cover up stains and odors with scents and brighteners - it really cleans. It is made with a unique blend of biodegradable coconut-based detergents and high-grade, completely soluble, Green River washing soda.”
Because there are no dyes or additives, it’s great for sensitive skin- even babies. You don’t have to use much- approximately a tablespoon of the powder. Their 3-lb bag of powder cleans 80 loads. (That’s smaller than a bag of flour!). The cost works out to $0.16 a load. Tide is over $0.20 per load.
This stuff really works! My clothes are clean, with no stiff residues or cloying scents. My co-worker (who told me about it) has four kids, and has found that it even gets out red Kool-Aid. I do find that I need to throw a dryer sheet in to prevent static cling, however.
Oh, and if you find you are sensitive to the chemicals used in all-purpose cleaners as I am, their cleaner is fume-free.
Posted by Michele on August 13, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Marc Jacobs Scented Decanter with Sticks
Marc Jacobs invites you home with a new fragrance collection. The MARC JACOBS home collection combines luxurious modern aesthetics with a classic fresh scent to enrich and refresh the ambiance of your home. The Home Scent Decanter is the utmost modern new home fragrance accessory to freshen any room in your house. The new formula allows the fragrance to travel through the sticks and scent the air inside your home.
Top notes: wet cut grass, wild strawberry, clementine zest, dewy cypress. Mid notes: tropical rain, passion flower, sunshine flower, white orchid. Base notes: beech amber, musk, tree moss, teak wood.
- $65 from Nordstrom
- 10 oz.
- Lasts up to six months
- By MARC JACOBS
Posted by Denise on October 21, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Pomegranate's sea turtles will make you smile! (Plus! FREE giveaway!)
I find it so sad to see the summer waning and fall fast approaching. In fact, I'm boycotting the drab autumn colors and holding on to my cheerful, happy summer brights.
Like this colorful sea turtle pattern that I discovered at Pomegranate, Inc. Here is a dinner napkin with a Sea Turtle pattern that is just perfect for the colors in my kitchen. Of course there are many other uses for the napkins, as Sarah from Pomegranate, Inc., pointed out to me - her dog uses the handkerchief as a bandana. I'd love to see a picture of that, Sarah!
In love with the Sea Turtle pattern, too? Excellent! There are a ton of other products available in that pattern including place mats, table cloths, aprons and various totes and carry-alls.
Be sure to check their 50+ other patterns. There's something there for everyone!
Attention GIVEAWAY!
Leave a comment on this entry telling us which Pomegranate item(s) that you like best. One random commenter will receive a FREE Sea Turtle Cosmetic Bag. All comments must be in by 12am EST on Thursday, September 20, 2007. Good luck! (Please let us know if you have difficulty leaving a comment).
Posted by Megan on September 20, 2007 | Comments (5) | Tell a friend
No matter how young they are...
...a girl still must shop! If you have any two year old budding fashionistas in your life, this nightlight will start them on the road to a lifelong love of shoes. Small enough to be unobtrusive, but big enough to keep the monsters away, these adorable kids' accessories from Tree by Kerri Lee will put a smile on both kid's face - and mom's. This would be a fantastically unique shower gift from a hip auntie - or a lovely treat for your own little shopper. Night light, shine away!
Posted by Shannon on September 21, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Must. Have. Owly. Cuteness. For. My. Wall!
I saw this adorable owl-in-a-tree vinyl wall art at Outblush the other day and I just had to tell you all about it. It's a clingy piece of vinyl that sticks to your walls - instant wall art! Think how easy it would be to change the wallpaper.
And there are a ton more adorable images to choose from - something most certainly for everyone!
Posted by Megan on September 29, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
The Pink Ribbon collection at FTD
Stop by FTD.com and check out all the lovely Pink Ribbon collection. 10% of all sales will go to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.
When was the last time you sent flowers for no reason? Wouldn't you love to receive these pink gerbera daisies on a dreary day?
Posted by Megan on October 10, 2007 | Comments (1) | Tell a friend
Three Six Cheers for CB2!
I love entertaining (who wants to party?)! These cheers wine glasses are the perfect size, simple but so much fun; a great conversational piece! Six handblown glasses raise spirits in a half-dozen world languages expressed in graphic red, black, silver. Salud, kampai, à votre santé, le'chaim, prost and cheers. I am a fan of CB2 because its affordable and the simplicity and uniqueness of their designs.
Posted by Krista on November 1, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Got an Avid Gardener or Chef on your Holiday Gift Giving List?
You might want to consider The Culinary Garden Maker Collection. 
With this kit they can create their very own windowsill or kitchen
garden. The kit contains seeds for ten different herbs, a detailed
booklet with growing instructions as well as recipe ideas as well, and
a Herb Chart reference guide. Everything tastes better with fresh
herbs!
Posted by Amy on December 12, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
ACE his (or her!) gift this holiday!
We all know that guys wait until the last minute to do their shopping - but I'm sure quite a few of us shopping maniacs are still running around trying to find the perfect gift. I'm usually really good about getting it all done within a few weeks of Christmas, but my fiance is just so hard to buy for. He doesn't want, need, or even ask for anything, and short of plunking down a grand for a HDTV, I'm out of ideas.
Then it hit me - he loves working around the house and in the yard - I'm SURE he could use some tools or something that would be used on the lawn. But since I politely refrain from yard work I haven't the slightest clue what he would want. But I do know that a gift certificate would be definitely useful. We've got an Ace Hardware right down the street (I think it's his second home!) and I think I'll head on over and pick him up a gift certificate - easy peasy. Gift certificates too impersonal for ya? Head over to the Ace Hardware Gift Guide and you just may happen upon the perfect gift. Just be sure to keep the receipt!
Posted by Megan on December 20, 2007 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Create your own with Starbucks!
My hubby has a super long commute and likes to take tea with him for the trip. He had been toting around a gas station tumbler I received for free w/a fill up. It was not cute, the logo was fading and it was bright yellow! He did not care, why? He is a boy. BUT thats why he married me, to spiffy it all up. Men would still be living in caves, me thinks, if it weren't for us!
So, the perfect answer is Starbucks "create your own tumbler". It was so EASY and fun, and just $10.95! He's been using it for a month or so and we can even clean it in the dishwasher and the photo stays dry. yay!
Posted by Krista on February 6, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
Cool Coasters, Nifty Nightlights
Nifty Nightlights by House of Six Cats. Lovely home decor, waiting to grace any room of your home. The artwork is stunning! Perfect for the renter not allowed to put a nail in the wall and hang a fabulous painting. Visit House of Six Cats to find a gorgeous bit of decor for your home!
Check out these cool coasters also by House of Six Cats. Oh, how I'd love to
invite you over and hand you one of these lovelies to set your cup of
tea on! Check out all their latest designs. Great as a house warming
gift, or wedding gift, or time-to-treat-myself gift!
Posted by Deborah on February 18, 2008 | Comments (0) | Tell a friend
I am nuts for this bird feeder
I am so excited for spring. It had been a long, rough winter for us New Englanders. I have already started planning my garden; beating the rushes and buying my window boxes, planters and bird feeders.
In my search for the perfect planter I stumbled upon this acorn bird feeder from Anthropologie. Too cute! I can't wait to hang it from my deck in hopes of attracting a blue jay or sparrow. Spring has finally sprung so check out their other adorable outdoor and garden accessories.
Posted by Krista on April 7, 2008 | Comments (2) | Tell a friend
