Arnold Lewis Wilde

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Coaster Conundrum

What is a coaster? The thing you use under beverage vessels to prevent rings and water damage. How hard is it to find a coaster that does it's job? VERY!

Most coasters are made from some type of hard, non-absorbent material (plastic, wood, tile). When you use these types of coasters, condensation pools under your glass and usually spills down the side onto the surface you are trying to protect. The coasters they use in restaurants are usually made of layers of cardboard or other absorbent paper. They work well, but they are disposable and don't last. A folded up paper towel or a napkin works well, but is not exactly  an aesthetically pleasing option to offer guests. It's like saying, "Here, take this used kleenex to keep your drink dry."

When D.D. and I moved into our new place we were given a set of clay coasters. These semi-porous coasters worked well for a while, but tend to not dry out and they mildew. Eewww!

I don't spend sleepless nights worrying about beverage accessories, but finding adequate coasters has been a struggle.

Today I decided to take matters into my own hands. I went through my felt drawer, pulled out some wool and put these coasters together. I am quite pleased with the results. They have yet to be tested, but seem promising. If they don't work out, they didn't cost me very much. And since they match the decor they can always be scattered around the apartment as added texture. Hopefully I have solved the coaster conundrum.

D.D. found these fabulous glasses at Urban Outfitters!

Giagantous Wonderful Plaidness

This might be my new favorite bag! I started on Saturday. It was supposed to be a day project, but the dandelion embroidery took something like 5 hours in and of itself. That's a lot of french knots! Anyway, because the Sylvia-Louise Signature Bag isn't big enough---I stretched the length and width of the pattern. Carrying this bag should guarantee me my own personal space. And such a gorgeous buffer!

I love the plaid and the colors are very ME. The wool felted fabulously. I am very happy to introduce you to the newest member of my handbag family. And if anyone wants to order a slightly smaller version, I still have some of this fantastic plaid.

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Only the Best of Etsy Sample Packages GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

A fabulous idea!

"Let me in. Wee-ooo."

This is my front door.

Every winter, after it rains, this door swells---making it almost impossible to open or shut the door. That doesn't even include the struggle it is to get the door locked or unlocked. It is much easier to accomplish either task from inside. Which doesn't work so well when you are leaving the apartment. Last year we were promised a new door. Still waiting. I just went 10 rounds with the door. He should maybe have a name to shout and curse at. Anyway, I decided to focus on some of the things I love about my apartment and share them. Knick-knacks, antiques, monograms, figurines---all with a black motif.

These HUGE scissors hang in what would be the dining room, but is in actuality the sewing room.

This photo of my dad as a little boy wearing my grandpa's watch makes me smile everyday. It hangs in the hallway, next to the pictures of us dressed as hare krishna.

A Kosher Day

We made it to the Griffith Observatory today. Parking was no problem. We couldn't figure out why these CHiP's officers were there though. And why they were allowing the rabbi, his children, and everyone in the Asian tour group to take their pictures on the bikes. It was quite a sight!

After the photo op, we were the next attraction. Everyone stopped by to see what we were working on. One woman asked us what university we were from. Maybe I'm not as old as I think I am.

And we thought the cops were there to tell us that we couldn't sit on a blanket on the grass. Lucky for us they were occupied with the tourists. Just another gorgeous January day in Los Angeles.

Rock With You

Last night DD and I watched This Is It on DVD. It was just as fabulous as in the theater and has great bonus features. I am grateful to the concert organizers, director, etc. who put this footage together to share Michael's last creative endeavor with us. I have been a fan forever and there just aren't words to describe the talent, the creativity, the vision, the impact, or the love (L-O-V-E love) of the man. It is still hard to believe that he is gone. Yes, he was surrounded by controversy---but what celebrity isn't. He had more to deal with than anyone. No one single person had ever experienced being as great as he was. I am so glad that he was able to develop his talent and live his dream of sharing it with the world. Anyone who can take their talent and passion and turn it into what they do for a living is an inspiration to me. So in honor of MJ I've rocked out all day to his music---singing at the top of my lungs. Shamone.