Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Last Supper.

Can you guess which items contain some form of pork?



















The Memorial Day lineup:  pork ribs (a hunk 'o' pork), green beans (cooked with bacon), beans (also cooked with bacon), grilled broccoli (thankfully, no pork), mashed potatoes (with a heavy dose of sour cream) and deviled eggs (not pictured, and no pork). Southern-style overeating at it's finest.

"We cannot be defeated." -Ribs.



















The infamous "pork and beans".



















Yesterday wasn't the first time I've overeaten. However, it may very well be the last. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, I find myself hating myself this morning. Pretty sure my stomach wants to punch me in the face. I'm sorry stomach--so, so sorry...

You see, this Southern boy turned semi-vegetarian (thank you, Seattle), has grown accustomed to what most might refer to as a "healthy lifestyle". Think fish instead of pork ribs, free range lamb sliders instead of Costco value-pack burgers and grilled potatoes instead of potato salad.

My vacation ends tomorrow, and I'm more than anticipating a return to my healthy ways. No doubt, I'll miss the flavors and tastes of the South. But after a 2-week barrage of meats, fats and starches, I won't miss the calories.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Off The Bone.

Best ribs in America? (photo from the ABC News Blog).




















If you're a fan of ribs (like me), this story, will make your stomach grumble. Ron Claiborne, from ABC's "Good Morning America" has been searching for the best ribs in America. It appears he may have found a winner.

"Dinosaur Bar-B-Que", from Syracuse, New York, was recently crowned the winner of ABC's "Best Barbecue" contest. According to John Stage, owner of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, "straight-up hickory" is the key to their success.

Hankering for some ribs? Check out Dinosaur's award-winning recipe, here. (Story, images, video courtesy of ABC News/Blog).

Friday, May 27, 2011

Truche, OG.

I "Heart" Italy necklace, from Truche.



















And by "OG", we mean "Original Gangster". In case you hadn't heard, Urban Outfitters has ripped off another independent artist. This time, it's Etsy seller, Truche and her adorable geographically-inspired, "i heart" necklaces.

While we're all for flattery, this is crossing the line. And as independent artists ourselves, we're peeved. But while many bloggers have suggested a boycott of Urban Outfitters and their sister company, Anthropologie, we think the ultimate course of consumer action may be far less dramatic.

Simply put, the next time you're feeling the itch to spend some dollars, sit down on your computer, head on over to Etsy, and buy yourself something handmade.

With all that's happened (in regards to Urban Outfitters), just think of it as avoiding the middle man.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Quick Draw.

Vintage Dietzgen drawing instruments, from Callooh Callay.

Doin' Alright, Gettin' Good Grades...

Hand-painted "Shades" mug, from Corduroy.


















"...zukunft so hell muss ich eine sonnenbrille tragen!"

That's the German version of the Timbuk 3 classic, "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades", of course. Oh c'mon, like you didn't know that...

Find even more cute, humorous goodies in Corduroy's Etsy shop.

Part of our Featherette Favorites series. Come back tomorrow for more faves!

The View From Below.

"Slow Breathing" print, from Samantha French.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Theme Of The Week: Featherette Favorites, Part III.

You asked for it, you got it! Actually, no one technically asked for this--but it's being gotten anyways! That's right, it's time for "Featherette Favorites", Part III (echo)...

"Lester the Lion" planter and succulent, from Plaid Pigeon.


















Hand-painted vintage clutch, from Junkyard Glitter.

















Vintage "Rockwell" parking meter, from Tom Laurus Vintage.

















Filigree lollipops, from Vintage Confections.






















This week is all about the wildest, wackiest, zaniest, coolest, neatest, cutest, fanciest, awesome-est... O.k., forgot where I was going with that thought. At any rate, this week is going to be amazing! So stay tuned, and enjoy Part III of our most beloved weekly theme to date (get ready to insert another echo):

"Featherette Favorites"... (aaaand end imaginary echo). Have a great week everyone!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Quick! Mother's Day!

Hand-painted chevron wood block, from Red Tile Studio.



















Chandelier earrings, from Branchbound.























Natural vine crown, from Which Goose.





















"Cookiewich" lovers sampler pack, from Tookies.





















Just a little last-minute, gift-giving inspiration for Mother's Day... And remember, your mom birthed you, fed you and even put up with your awkward, adolescent antics--so don't forget to make her feel special this weekend.

Happy Mother's Day, moms of the world! We love ya!

From Past To Presents.

Antique photographs, set of 5, from Sadie Olive.




















We love the sweet, honest nature of antique photographs and how they remind us of the "good 'ol days". In fact, we think a stroll down memory lane would make a fantastic Mother's Day gift.

This weekend, ask your mom about her childhood. Where did she grow up? What did she do as a kid? Did she have a dog? Where did she live? Find out more about that special lady in your life.

To break the ice (and get the dialogue moving in the right direction), we suggest visiting Sadie Olive's Etsy shop for a slew of vintage gift-giving ideas. Make this Mother's Day one to remember!

Part of our "Gifts For Mom" series--more finds later today!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

From One Mom To Another.

Mom, tattoo heart shirt, red (sizes 3 mos. - 10 yrs.).


Wren Willow's garments are hand-dyed, using water-based inks.


Hawk, screen printed bodysuit, in plum (size 6 - 12 mos.).
























































Vintage typewriter, long-sleeved shirt, kelly green.




























If you're a new mom, you've probably grown tired of hand-me-downs for you kids. Sure, the "retro" look can be ironically hipster-ish, but you gotta draw the line somewhere, right?!

Wren Willow should be the first stop on your journey towards a new look for the kiddos. This working mom's Etsy shop is filled (and we mean filled!) with tons of awesome hand-dyed t-shirts, bodysuits and much, much more! And each are lovingly screen printed using environmentally-friendly, water-based inks. Even the designs are her own gorgeous illustrations. Egads!

So take a pit stop in Wren Willow's Etsy shop and use this Mother's Day as an opportunity to give the gift of handmade. Just think, you'll essentially be gifting an amazing, handmade item from one excellent mother to another!

Part of our ongoing "Gifts For Mom" series. More amazing finds all this week!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Mom, Unleashed.

Reclaimed handprinted pelican pouch, from Seaoats.

















Hot air balloon necklace, from Beauty Spot.



















Geometric ring, from Nomilk Today.















"TecnoEtno" leggings, from QooQoo Fashion.






































Inside that sweatpants-wearing mom of yours, is a secret fashionista, just waiting to be unleashed. Because we all know, when your mom has a good reason to get fancified, she can transform in a heartbeat! 

This weekend, give your mom that reason. She's itching to get out, look sassy and show the world she can still strut her stuff. Plus, how awesome would it be to see your mom in those leggings?!

Part of our "Gifts For Mom" series. More Mother's Day finds all this week!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

This One's For You, Mom.

"A Hard Day" 8 x 10 print, from Amber Alexander.

























Your mom has experienced her share of taxing days. Sure, you were a little kid at the time and oblivious to the stress your mom was under. But know this: making your lunches, picking you up from soccer practice, helping you with your school projects and keeping your hyper antics in check weren't easy. But somehow, your mom did it all.

So this Sunday, make sure you give your mom a hug and tell her "thanks". And while you're at it, bring her a bottle of wine and leave her alone for a few hours. She's earned this moment of solitude.

Part of our "Gifts For Mom" series. More finds all this week!

Who You Gonna Call?

Recycled felt pillow, from Alexandra Ferguson.

























Let this serve as a clever Mother's Day reminder. Your mom simply wants to know that you're doing ok. After all, it's been a whole 4 days since she last heard from you!

Part of our "Gifts For Mom" series--more mom-centric finds all this week!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Super Mom.

Vintage "Super Mom" mug, from Oil and Blue.

















Because not every mom is necessarily a "Super Mom"...

Part of our week long "Gifts For Mom" series--Happy Mother's Day!!

Theme Of The Week: Gifts For Mom.

For those of you who didn't know, Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 8th. But wait, don't panic--your favorite blog is here to help...

Mother's Day card, from 4/Four Designs.

























Your mom, my mom, his mom, her mom, their mom...ALL moms! We think they deserve more than a box of generic, waxy chocolates or a last-minute card from your local drugstore; wouldn't you agree?!

So in honor of moms everywhere, we'll be showcasing a slew of fabulous, handmade and vintage, mom-centric items--all guaranteed to put a smile on the face of any mom! And perhaps to our mom's shagrin, we'll also share a few of our favorite mom-themed tales from years past!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!