Better than the pot of gold!

Rainbow flip flops are the best ever! They may take some time to break in (thanks to their memory foam construction), but they take a licking and keep on ticking...or flip flopping! Hand made in San Clemente, Calif. for 35+ years, they stand true to their reputation for comfort and durability. (And they're not just pink. They come in "manly man" colors too!) www.rainbowsandals.com

Look no further...

...than your own backyard. Because sometimes inspiration catches us off guard and finds us when we're not even looking. Nature painted me a Magritte sky, and I think this is the moment my eyes were first opened to the true beauty in the fields I see every day

June 2011 Cedar Rapids, Iowa

At wit's end for a gift?

Try AtWestEnd.com...

I couldn't possibly pick one item to highlight. When the catalog came to my home the other day, I spent hours browsing through the unique rustic and recycled items. From the funky felt owl to the pool ball candle holder, no item is uninteresting! I particularly love all of the reused and repurposed choices. Neat-o stuff, and a beautifully designed catalog that will whisk you away to simpler world.
www.atwestend.com

iGrill

Now you're cooking!

Not your ordinary cooking thermometer, iGrill will revolutionize the way you grill. Equipped with long-range Bluetooth, it works with your apps to turn your i-devices into your own personal Sous-Chef so you can spend more time with your guests and less time with the grill. 

Light the Night

There's nothing more magical than catching lightening bugs with children. Growing up, it was one of my favorite summer activities. Fred's Dreamlights lamp keeps the memories of catching fireflies alive all year long- for kids or adults! It winks and blinks, reminding you of happy childhood memories, warm summer nights and lazy vacations. It's solar-powered and can be set to automatically switch on in the dark or turn on with a shake. (Plus, you get the joyful experience of watching fireflies in a jar without the mosquito bites!)

Inspiration delivered

I'm in love with Serena & Lily. Besides whole-heartedly believing in their formula for a happy home, their selection of bedding, decor, gifts, furniture and more is exactly the same as their tagline...Inspiration delivered. From their light and breezy living spaces to their enchanting baby decor, it's all infused with the spirit that makes each of our homes unique.

"It's about Family. The one you come from and the one you create. It's your inner circle. Your urban tribe. It's friends stopping by for cocktails. Kids staying up too late. It's those unplanned moments that make life beautiful."

Celebrate Dad!

Woodhouse Chocolates does it again with their adorable "tools for Dad" chocolate set. They may not fix the sink, but they're sure to satisfy a father's craving for the finest chocolates!

Chef's Delight!

This spectacular kitchen from Christopher Grubb is packed full of bells and whistles, making it an entertainer's dream. Check it out: http://www.kbbonline.com/kbb/projects/Chefs-Delight-2097.shtml

Sweet Tweet!

Give your feathered friends a unique dining experience!

I came across these one-of-a-kind glass bird feeders at the downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market. Mike Shannan makes beautiful yard art out of recycled glass bottles, jars, bowls and more.

MNS Bird Feeders, Washington, Iowa
319 931 1175
mnsbirdfeeder@yahoo.com

All the Marbles!

I love the clean lines and gentile curves of this stone basin designed by Italian designer Enzo Berti (for Kreoo, available in the US through Charles Luck). The Nabhi Bowl  No. 03 is based on mid-century modern design, but refined for today. This graceful, yet striking design comes in 9 different marbles. 

2011 Bath Trends

Check out one of my latest articles on bath trends!
(Above, the REGIO from INAX. Below, Malibu from The C.G. Collection by Christopher Grubb.)

http://www.woodiq.com/Blogs/BlogDetails/tabid/270/ArticleId/960/Bath-Trends-2011-960.aspx

Don't Leave Home Without It!

Yeah, you can make sure you've got your AMEX handy, but don't forget to bring along this awesome coupon caddy from Real Simple. The folks who've helped me simplify and streamline my life over the past few years with their magazine gave me a total "Duh!" moment when I came across this little gem at Target. I'd been looking for this exact sort of thing. If I had a dollar for every time I went shopping and left my coupons for baby formula and diapers sitting in a basket at home, I wouldn't need coupons. It's got pockets for holding credit cards, gift cards, frequent shopper cards, etc. as well as a built-in filing system to keep all of your money-saving materials in order by category. You'll never again have to sift through all the coupons for cola and coffee while searching for the ones for diapers and deodorant! 

Pass the Grass!

Cables from all of your handheld gadgets snaking through your home? Tame that cable rats nest and add some color with a zen-like grass charging station! The Grassy Lawn Charging Station  cushions your gadgets while they charge. A compartment underneath keeps power adapters and cables out of sight. It's easier on the eyes, and your iPhone will think its on vacation! 

Ohhhh Baby!

When I was expecting my first, I would have bought this.

Okay, it's over $4,000, so I probably wouldn't have. But I would've REALLY REALLY wanted it! Now that I've "been there, done that" with two babies, I realize the ridiculous impracticality of it. However, that does not stop me from oohing and aaaahing over the totally cool design!

If you're still not sure what you're looking at, it's a baby cradle. Designed for London's Dripta Design Studio. Designed to emulate the feeling of being in the womb, this alcove shaped cradle swings smoothly to make the child feel safe.

Seeing as how my daughter was nearly 10 pounds when she was born and she probably wouldn't have even fit in it, it worked out. But if you've got a spare $4,000 and want a cool conversation piece...