Going to hell in a handbag

I had a working lunch yesterday with a friend who is helping me with a trendforcasting project I am working on. 

I consider myself a decent "spotter" but forecasting has been an interesting challenge. I have been asked to predict what will be happening in the design world a year and a half from now.

Of course, I only hope that the economy gets back on its feet and that all will be right with the world - all the while with everyone sporting great shoes, and lounging on streamlined furniture.

Until then, I am seeing lots of neon brights for spring and this bag just might need to be a part of my ensemble.

Chocolate Memories

My friend Wendy grew up in Seattle, WA and has yet to say anything positive about her childhood there except this little trip down memory lane involving Frango Mint Chocolates. I had never heard of them.

She remembers her mother taking her to a sophisticated Tea Room at Frederick & Nelson's department store where Wendy recalled this frozen treat as a silky confection that melted in her mouth. She kind of went on and on about it and lamented that the store closed and was then sold to Bon Marche.
A little Google search directed me to find them sold exclusively at Macy's.

Frango Chocolates sold only at Macy's

Of course, I'm going to ship her a box...

I, on the other hand, remember the days of waiting on a long line with my friends for the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity's. 

Serendipity's

225 East 60th Street

NYC

Use your Trigger Finger

I think these are a perfect holiday gift for the iphone-ers amongst us.
Magic Texting Gloves


These are all from Zappos:

Echo Touch Cashmere Gloves

Michael Kors Texting Glove

Shelli Segal E-Touch Glove

And then there's Brian's expert contribution to all this:

Featuring Textured palm and fingers for better grip while shooting

A Charming Duo

I stumbled across these books several years ago at Anthropolgie.

Cordelia was about five years old at the time, and they were immediately appealing. You see, my kid walks the "naughty or nice" tightrope often.

Let's just say they have been a mainstay in our house, and gifts to my close friends with kids.

With the holidays approaching, I may just pull these out again. At age ten, and as adults, we could all do with a little polishing up with Miss Manners.

Originally published in 1946, some things (thankfully) never change.

How To Behave and Manners Can Be Fun, available at Anthropologie and other fine booksellers.

'Tis the Season

Hello friends. It’s been a while. Don’t worry, I have been shopping like a mad woman, but not blogging as much.
There are 24 days until Christmas. Time to get in gear.

My Mother lives in a Co-Op building in New York City where the Board dictates all matters of dwelling decoration. It is against policy to hang anything on the apartment door, or put out doormats. Ever.

For those of us who don’t have such restrictions, we get to choose what we put on our front door this holiday season. I have my eye on this succulent wreath from Viva Terra. I know it really only works in warmer climates and it seems to require some upkeep which is always a bit tricky with my brown thumb.

West Coast:
Succulent Wreath by Viva Terra $88

I cannot imagine this greeting me on the door of a house in Connecticut. And in the end, Brian will most likely opt for the traditional deal.
But you just never know.

East Coast:

Lands End $44.95 and free shipping.