Auction Shopaholic

Great Gift for Foodies - Cooking Scrabble

2012-01-14T12:01:00.001-08:00

Here's an excellent board game to sit down to on a wintry night after one of your gourmet dinner parties. Whip out Cooking Scrabble and challenge your guests to a quick, fun game. Keep pouring the wine and you're sure to present a delightful evening.

Calafant Cardboard Toys to Paint Yourself

2011-08-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed at how many hours kids will spend coloring, decorating and playing with Calafant cardboard toys. Made of recycled cardboard, they're inexpensive (under $20) and foster creativity.

The Calafant pirate ship includes a cardboard octopus for impromptu attacks.

You can act out the classic fairy tale with this 3 Little Pigs set.

The Calafant Rose Garden Palace has crenellations and several towers. It comes with 12 washable markers you can use to decorate it with.

The Dragonrock castle is a bit squatter and more square.

If your tastes don't run to fairy tales, here's a regular old farm playset.

Harry Potter Playsets on eBay

2011-08-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

This hard-to-find Harry Potter playset has 11 rooms. It requires batteries to run the sounds and lights. It comes with six tiny figures depicting Harry Potter and his friends.

The playset is also available here for about $200 less.

Lovely Czech Glass Necklaces for Fall

2011-08-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

Spruce up your wardrobe for autumn with lovely Czech glass necklaces by designer Detra Kay.

This pale green necklace would be lovely in spring as well as autumn. The green leaves are complemented with white crystals.

This Detra Kay designer necklace features four strands of gold-colored leaves made of Czech glass. Great for wearing with a denim jacket.

This red-and-green leaf necklace would transition well from fall holidays to winter holidays.

8 Fun Outdoor Kids Toys for Summer 2011

2011-05-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

If you have your heart set on your kids running an old-fashioned lemonade stand like you did as a child, here's the Melissa & Doug lemonade stand/grocery store playset.

Another great franchise for young entrepreneurs is the "Big Burger Drive Thru Play Tent.

Little astronauts can blast off to space in their module tent. Perfect for sleeping outside under the stars, too!

Perfect for budding fashionistas, the Red Carpet Runway can be used indoors or out. Grab a camera and photograph your little diva as she struts on the runway, dressing up in your borrowed clothes and heels.

More of a play tent than a structure or playhouse, the Expresso Cafe Play House would be a modern approach to the lemonade stand. Teach kids business skills by letting them open up a cafe in your front yard!

The "Grill & Play Patio Cafe" combines a seating area with a play grill kitchen. It includes a pretend charcoal grill, a play oven and refrigerator, an umbrella to protect children from the sun's rays, a sink and pretend stove-top. I'd love to let my little nephews "cook" me pretend meals and I suspect they'd get a kick out of serving them to me.

The "Neat & Tidy Cottage" matches the Grill & Play Patio Cafe nicely, providing a playhouse type environment for younger kids. I don't find this sophisticated enough for kids over six years old.

If any miniature grillers happen to catch something on (pretend) fire, their next door neighbors in the Firehouse Play Tent can come to their rescue!

Colorful Sunglasses for Spring

2011-05-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

With sunnier days here, and hot summer afternoons on the way, it's time to stock up on cute sunglasses for spring and summer!

I've never quite had the guts to try to pull off having lenses the same shade as the frames. These pretty fuschia sunglasses are probably too cool for little old me!

This seller offers several cheerful, bright colors of Lacoste sunglasses. The teal ones are my favorite!

These pretty fluorescent pink Prada sunglasses would transition well from spring right into summer. They have cat-eye shaped lenses and of course UV protection.

5 Loveliest Old Fairy Tale Books on eBay

2011-03-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

1. Cendrillon

Cendrillon, a French version of Cinderella by Charles Perrault. The illustrator, Henry Lemarie, was a well known miniaturist. The illustrations are lavish, set in the Louis XIV Versailles style. The book was published in 1950 and is very scarce.

2. Blanche Neige

This 1950s edition of Blanche Neige is a Snow White retelling. The illustrations are unusual in that they depict Snow White as an adolescent, rather than a little girl.

3. Jack and the Beanstalk

This antique Jack and the Beanstalk linen book has utterly charming 1920s illustrations. Not one of the most popular fairy tales, it's nice to see something other than Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, etc.

4. Little Red Riding Hood

Frances Brundage is one of my favorite children's book illustrators. Here's her 1929 Little Red Riding Hood, with warm, charming pictures.

5. Sleeping Beauty

Who can resist the stunningly beautiful illustrations of Edmund Dulac? This Sleeping Beauty features his romanticized Oriental drawings from the early 1900s.

5 Coolest Pop-Up Books of 2010

2011-01-04T15:41:00.001-08:00

1. Harry Potter Pop-Up Book

I'm not a very big Harry Potter fan. I don't have anything against the series, it just never particularly called to me. This Harry Potter pop-up book, however, has such fabulous papercraft artistry, I simply must own it! The Hogwart's pop-up page is mindblowingly cool, and the Diagon Alley is really cool too.

2. Robert Sabuda's Beauty and the Beast

My favorite pop-up artist's rendering of the classic French fairy tale. The limited edition version is collectible and comes in a special decorative box. It's hideously expensive, though. You can buy the regular version for just $19.79 on Amazon.

3. Paper Blossoms: Bouquets for the Table

It's unusual to find a pop-up book that isn't geared towards children. This playful, colorful pop-up book is designed to open flat, providing a pretty paper bouquet for your next dinner party or tablescape.

4. Snowflakes Pop-Up Book

I just thought this Snowflakes pop-up book was a fabulous holiday-themed book. A great gift for kids. I also thought it would be a wonderful hostess gift to bring to the next winter dinner party you attend.

5. Wild Oceans

The papercrafting in the Wild Oceans book is phenomenal. Very complicated, colorful and intriguing. Forget the kids, I'm buying this one for myself!

Japanese Felt Cake Kits

2010-09-28T21:37:00.001-07:00

Want to craft something pretty, soft, and delicious looking? Try one of these felt cake kits from Japan. They create everything you need to create the pictured cakes - plus a manual that may or may not be helpful and probably isn't in English. These would be great for table decorations or gifts.

This felt cake kit makes a cake that looks rather like a gingerbread house.

This felt cake kit contains everything you need to make this light-as-air felt strawberry-kiwi cake.

For a more unusual felt cake, try this felt roll cake kit.

Here's another unusual felt cake kit: powdered green tea.

I think I have to admit this pink cake kit is my favorite - it's just so pinkariffic!

Tron Kubricks on eBay

2010-09-28T20:35:00.001-07:00

I try not to clutter up my house with too many collections, but I have a weakness for Kubricks. They're really small, after all! Here are Tron and Sark Kubricks, a pre-order.

And here's a Tron in lightcycle costume and requisite Bearbrick.

Pixie Jars and Serving Pieces on eBay

2010-09-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Lately I'm fascinated by vintage pixie jars, serving pieces, dishes and planters. They're so cute! I normally like fairy things better, but these usually-wingless pixies are so cute!

This is a Jack in the Beanstalk sugar and creamer set. One of the less-popular fairy tales, so I'm delighted to see this.

This cocktail cherries pixie jar makes me so thirsty for a cocktail with cherries in it! I might have to run upstairs and break into my stash of Maraschino cherries after looking at this cute jar.

Here's the matching olive pixie cocktail jar, with a little green pixie peeking over the top.

This vegetable pixie jar almost looks like a fairy, but she has no wings.

This pixie relish jar features a crying onion. Adorable!

I can barely restrain myself from buying this adorable Pixie teapot, jam, and sugar set, made to look like cabbage. I just can't figure out where I'd store it when not in use.

I don't eat marmalade, or else I'd be tempted by this pixie marmalade jar. Love her cute wink!

Disney's New Apples to Apples Game

2010-09-02T00:32:00.001-07:00

Today I couldn't resist picking up a set of the new Disney-themed Apples to Apples game.

Commercial tie-ins aimed at kids sort of nauseate me, but my nieces and nephews are huge Apples to Apples fans, and they've probably memorized all the cards and combinations in Apples to Apples Junior.

We don't let them play with the original (adult) set, since some of the themes may be too grown-up, and many of the celebrities or references would go over their head. With the Disney set though, we're pretty sure they know who Balu, Snow White, and the Wicked Queen are!

This set introduces the concept of the "Poison Apple" card, unique to Apples to Apples. The card apparently makes what's just been played into the opposite of what it states on the card. Or something to that effect.

We're looking forward to trying it out over Labor Day weekend!

Great Scents for Summer from Bath & Body Works

2010-07-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

New for Summer 2010, Bath & Body Works' Summer Vanillas series of bath and body products.

Coconut Shower Gel, on eBay

Lemon Body Lotion

Berry Vanilla Shower Gel

Berry Vanilla Body Lotion

Upstairs, Downstairs Cookbook

2010-07-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

As a huge fan of the 1970s British TV show Upstairs, Downstairs, I am totally excited to see the Upstairs, Downstairs Cookery Book. With Mrs. Bridges right there on the cover!

I like cookbooks by fictional characters, too! This one features recipes for the foods Mrs. Bridges cooked on the show. I love that the "author" is shown as "Kate Bridges" instead of the actual editor who compiled the recipes.

Wedgwood's Clarice Cliff "Red Tree" Art Deco Dishes

2010-07-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of orange, but I love the Clarice Cliff art deco teacup by Wedgwood.

There's a matching Clarice Cliff salad plate too. I'd probably use it for dessert.

This plate shows an adorable farmhouse.

See what other Clarice Cliff art deco dishes are available on eBay!

Pixie Tea Set on eBay

2010-07-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

This is just too adorable! It's a set of vintage creamers, cookie jar, jam jars, and salt and pepper made to look like a pixie. Too cute! I wish there were a matching teapot.

Funny Rubik's Cute 80's Retro Style Purse

2010-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

This purse cracks me up. It's made to look like a Rubik's Cube, but of course they can't call it that. I guess nobody is going to run around making a Monopoly, Simon or Uno shaped purse, huh?

Awesome Miniature Castle Replica

2010-07-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

The seller's photography is blurrily atrocious (you'd think for $100k asking price you could bother to take some fabulous photos) but you have got to check out this awesome five foot tall miniature castle.

My favorite pic is the castle at night with light showing through the stained glass window.

Fun and Funky Supplies for Summer Entertaining

2010-07-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

These Matryoshka nesting measuring cups ensure your baking and cooking will never be boring or unstylish!

I'm not sure what type of theme party you'd use these Easter Island Moai Head ice cube molds for, but they're really cool. New from Fred.

Also new from Fred, Brain Freeze brain-shaped ice cube molds. Maybe even good for green Jello?

Candles for Summer, on eBay

2010-07-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

Votivo's Clean, Crisp, White candle was practically made just for summer. Great for guest rooms when you're not sure if your guest is offended by strong scents.

Another refreshing scent for summer is White Ocean Sands, also by Votivo. If you like ocean scents, you might also like Seablue Sky.

Another one of my favorite scents is Honeysuckle. Great for when my actual honeysuckle bush in the back yard isn't yet in bloom.

My favorite candle to burn in summertime, whether it's in my living room, kitchen or bedroom, is Pacifica's "Hawaiian Ruby Guava." Not too sweet-smelling, and not too citrusy, it's refreshing and fruity. Prefer something with more of a citrus scent? Try Votivo's Vanilla Grapefruit.

I love Pacifica's Malibu Lemon Blossom for the kitchen in summer, particularly.

For the living room and guest room, I like to employ Tuscan Blood Orange. It's not at all citrusy, but smells fresh and feminine.

Fabulous Pasotti Umbrellas for Summer

2010-06-21T00:13:00.000-07:00

You can find several of the high-end, fashionable Pasotti umbrellas on eBay, just in time to use as summer parasols, or decorations for your outdoor cocktail party.

Here's the most cheerful, summery Pasotti umbrella one could ask for. Lined with vibrant yellow flowers.

This extra special umbrella is lined with a red flower, and the handle is inlaid with Swarovski crystals.

Animal prints never go out of style, and here's a nice modern zebra print Pasotti umbrella. Extra great when paired with red boots.

This lovely floral Pasotti umbrella is probably my favorite, though I don't usually care for orange. Perhaps it's the darling ruffles on the bottom.

Scents for Summer from MOR Cosmetics

2010-06-20T23:57:00.001-07:00

Tuck MOR Cosmetics' Lemongrass body butter into your suitcase to pamper your skin during your summer vacation. Refreshing and light, and comes with the matching fragranced soap.

Another great summery scent is MOR's Cumquat, a citrusy fragrance. This set includes the fragranced soap and body butter.

Also great to take along in your suitcase, MOR Tahitian Bronze Body Shimmer Cream. Apply just after showering, right before putting on something slinky to wear out to a nice dinner.

I don't take long, hot baths nearly as often in summertime as I do in fall and winter. But when I do, I keep it summery with MOR's Green Tea bath soak. Try bathing with it while sipping ice cold green tea!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Items on eBay

2010-06-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

If you couldn't make it to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened this week in Orlando, you can still pick up intriguing souvenirs on eBay. It won't surprise you that several items have already been listed so quickly!

The pin collectors will be out in force, and here's one of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter limited edition pins. Still in its wrapper, of course.

You can taste Pumpkin Juice yourself, and keep the decorative collectible bottle for years to come.

Pretend you were there with your very own Wizarding World of Harry Potter event guide, dated June 18-20.

Jelly Watches for Summer

2010-06-05T02:13:00.000-07:00

The hottest trend in watches for summertime are brightly colored jelly watches.

I would be sorely tempted by this lovely, colorful Michael Kors jelly watch, but I prefer digital time displays.

This lime green jelly watch reminds me of the Day-Glo trend of the 1980s. Perhaps it's good those times are past.. but I still like the color of this watch.

This blue sport jelly watch is less expensive than many I've seen today.

Casio makes this slightly sporty blue jelly watch.

Casio also makes the Baby-G jelly watch in pink. I bet it would be great to accessorize with hot pink sandals!

This cheerful, vibrant orange DKNY jelly watch is perfect for pairing with your colorful summer outfits. Very reminiscent of citrus. I'm thirsty now!

I love the clean, modern look of this unusual jelly watch. It doesn't hurt that it's hot pink, too!

I was quite astonished to see that this dark blue jelly watch incorporates real diamonds. That explains why it's so expensive!

See other jelly watches on eBay...

Laduree Temptations on eBay

2010-06-05T01:31:00.000-07:00

Having a bit of a balance on Paypal to play with this week, and a recent obsession with macaroons, I'm indulging myself in a long browse of Laduree items on eBay. Laduree is the historic French purveyor of delicious pastries and macaroons.

Here is the new book on the history of Laduree It's also available on Amazon.

The packaging on this Laduree sparkly powder is gorgeous. If I don't buy this for myself, it will be an awesome gift for one of my friends who is obsessed with violet scents and glitter.

This pink Laduree votive is embossed with the Laduree logo, and scented with caramel.

What?! I didn't know that there are branded Laduree umbrellas! This purple one is gorgeous. I think I need one!

Here's an amazing find: a Laduree recipe book with recipes for their pastries and yes, their macaroons.

You can broadcast your love for Laduree macaroons by carrying this lovely Laduree handkerchief. It's decorated with macaroons, cupcakes and pastries. There's also another Laduree handkerchief on eBay with a different pattern.

You can haul around your latest shopaholic purchases in this attractive Laduree tote.

Related Links:

Laduree (Official)

Laduree, on Facebook

Laduree, at Wikipedia

Cool Shrek 4 Movie Goodies on eBay

2010-05-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

There's already a Shrek: Forever After game for the Nintendo DS. Before the movie is even out?

You can even spoil the movie for yourself by reading Shrek: Forever After, the Book ahead of time.

These Shrek figures come in a nice display box. There are eleven figures total.

Oh good, I was hoping there would be some Shrek plushes, and here they are. They are Shrek, Sir Squeakles, Felicia, and Donkey.

If you win this charity auction, you'll attend the Shrek 4 premiere.

On May 21, you can show up at your local movie theater with Shrek-themed nail polish on your fingers. The colors are named "What's with the Cattitude," "Rumple's Wiggin," "Fiercely Fiona," "Ogre the Top Blue," "Funky Donkey," and "Who the Shrek are You?" My favorite is definitely the extremely purple Funky Donkey. Or you can buy the whole 6 bottle Shrek nail polish set.

You could wear these decorative Shrek ears to the movie, but it might block the view of someone behind you.

Related Links:

Shrek 4, at IMDB

Shrek: The Final Chapter (Official, at Shrek.com)

Shrek Forever After, at Wikipedia

Spring 2010 Cocktail Rings on eBay

2010-05-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

This Spring, why not treat yourself to a sparkly new cocktail ring? Perhaps you'll wear it when you go out with your girlfriends to see "Sex in the City 2!"

This butterfly cocktail ring has yellow, pink and clear cubic zirconia stones.

This 3D rose pink cocktail ring is unusual, I haven't seen many like it during my eBay explorations today. It might be a little too girlie even for me, but I love the added bling of the purple stones.

I adore peacocks, so I was delighted to come across this colorful Peacock cocktail ring. Fabulous!

I love that this burgundy floral cocktail ring is stretchy, so it fits almost all sizes of fingers!

I adore the rectangular cut on this pink sapphire cocktail ring. Very Art Deco!

I wear purple quite often, but I don't yet own a purple cocktail ring. This one is tempting me. I like the pave look around the bottom of the ring.

Lego Winter Toy Shop, on eBay

2009-11-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

The Lego Winter Toy Shop is perfect for spending time with your kids on long cold wintry nights. Create your own North Pole scene or add this to your winter village setup.

Art Nouveau Wrapping Papers on eBay

2009-10-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

I might use this C.F.A. Voysey nouveau wrapping paper during the holidays. It's not too Christmasy enough to bother my Jewish friends, and I find the color scheme refreshingly different from the overwhelming amount of red-and-green at that time of year.

This Alphonse Mucha wrapping paper would look amazing with a teal or orange organza ribbon.

This green paisley wrapping paper is more India than Art Nouveau, but I love the flowery natural curves to it. Would be perfect for wrapping fall birthday presents or Christmastime calendars.

New Ruth Sanderson Goldilocks Book

2009-09-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Goldilocks, on Amazon

My very favorite children's book illustrator is Ruth Sanderson. I love her magical paintings, especially those of "The 12 Dancing Princesses" and "Cinderella."

I'm very excited that she's comiing out with a new book in October, Goldilocks. I can't wait to read this to my little nephew and niece!

New Goldilocks Book at Amazon

2009-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

I can't resist this new Goldilocks book featuring beautiful photographs of the doll and some stuffed bears. It reminds me of the "puppet" storybooks my brother and I loved as children, with 3D scenes of dolls in little dioramas.

Lomonosov Squirrel Teacup for Fall, on eBay

2009-08-31T15:03:00.001-07:00

I would so love to have a set of these beautiful Lomonosov squirrel teacups. They'd be wonderful for autumn tea parties. Since they're antique and Russian, it would be expensive to find more than a few of these on eBay.

My Most Coveted Lego Ever - Cafe Corner

2009-08-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Look what I just found on eBay: The Lego Bricks Cafe Corner. I'm swooning!

I can't decide if it's supposed to be French-themed or New Orleans-themed (same influences I guess) but it's adorable.

I'm not sure what other sets it's supposed to go with - it won't really go with my old yellow castle or my Space set!

Oh here's something that would go with it! The Lego Bricks Green Grocer. At $199, it's expensive enough I'd probably refer to my set as "Whole Paycheck."

Pin-Up Girls of WWII Paper Dolls on eBay

2009-08-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the new Tom Tierney set of paper dolls from Dover: Pin-Up Girls of World War II. I think I can't resist these! Saucy!!

Mid-Century Modern Pillows on eBay

2009-08-27T08:21:00.001-07:00

Today I'm browsing through mid-century modern pillows on eBay. I don't decorate in that style, but I have fantasies of having a small modern condo someday as a vacation home. (I can dream, can't I?)

I love the house motif on this Marimekko pillow.

This also comes in green and yellow, but I love the red and pink working together in this pillow.

This "Twiggy" pillow would be perfect for autumn decor.

Lomonosov Porcelain Figural Cups on eBay

2009-08-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

This Lomonosov Russian cup is one of the prettiest figural cups I've ever seen. I'm not sure I need to spend $900 to drink tea out of a lady's head, but I would love to admire something like this in my curio cabinet.

This one is a few hundred dollars cheaper.

I also like this cute Russian folk figural oil jar. I'd never actually store any oil in this lovely antique!

Princess Bride Plush Dolls on eBay

2009-08-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

Any Princess Bride fans here?

I find this hilarious! This is a Dread Pirate Roberts plush doll. It talks! No idea what he says though.

There's also a plush talking giant Fezzik doll in the likeness of Andre the Giant. I wonder if you can understand the doll when it talks?

Nostalgic Major Matt Mason Space Station Toy on eBay

2009-07-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

This month's 40th anniversary of the Moon landing makes me nostalgic for space-themed toys. My brother and I grew up in the 1970s and never saw this Major Matt Mason space station toy, or we would have been absolutely unbearable whiny brats after Christmas when we hadn't received this box of awesomeness.

We did have something very similar to this space station, however. It's a bit childish for the ages we were when we got it, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. However, it isn't as cool as Major Matt Mason toys!

History of Major Matt Mason

The Space Station: Major Matt Mason's Base on the Web

Major Matt Mason at Wikipedia

Liudmila Kondakova Art on eBay

2009-07-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Every time I go to the mall, I linger by the windows of Martin Lawrence Galleries to see artwork by Liudmila Kondakova. I vow to work harder every day and stop frittering away money on Starbucks and manicures so I can save up to someday own one of her colorful, cheerful, restful scenes. I've never seen her Chambord in person, and that's probably for the best - I would swoon.

I love this serigraph of a Paris cheese shop, but it's a common one and I bet I'll see it on the walls in several friends/families homes in the future. Which is ok, but maybe I will hold out for something seen a little less often.

"Room With a View" makes me happy just looking at it. I'd love to hang this in my "library" (ok, it's a living room with overflowing, dusty bookshelves). Or in my kitchen, so on dreary rainy days (of which Seattle has many) I could imagine myself somewhere else.

Playmobil's new Egyptian Sets!

2009-07-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

My niece and nephews and I are SO excited about the new Playmobil Egyptian sets. We definitely have to own this pyramid. I'm hoping it doesn't take eight hours to put together like the Playmobil hospital did! The kids are most excited about the "secret trapdoor" inside the pyramid.

These are European exclusives and aren't available at US shops yet.

The boys definitely want the Egyptian warrior ship, but they might have to wait until their birthdays - we don't want to overspoil them at Christmastime.

Also of very much excitement to all three children is the Egyptian Tomb Raider set. It comes with a tomb, robbers, and a camel. There are also various jars and vases and nice things the robbers might want to well.. rob.

The Egyptian family is so adorable, but I don't know what we'd do with them. They can't quite live in the Pyramid - it's for dead people - and they look much too clean to be actively working in the pyramid building industry. Hrm!

These items are on sale this week at The Corner Toy Store, the store I normally buy from.

Playmobil Wedding Toys on eBay

2009-05-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

This Playmobil Wedding Pavilion is probably too pricy for a wedding gift (I do like to stick to things the couple's registered for) but if you had disposable money and knew the bride was a Playmobil fan when she was younger, it would sure be a fun surprise.

The pavilion is where the reception takes place, but the wedding itself should be in the Playmobil church.

You can't have a wedding without a bride and groom!

I think my ten year old niece and her friends would be ecstatic to hold a Playmobil wedding with this!

Pirate Doggie Bed - Too Cute

2009-05-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

I don't have a little yappy dog, but if I did, I would be sorely pressed to resist bedding them down in a plush pirate dog bed. I might even attempt to coax said doggie into wearing an eyepatch, but only for pictures!

Sephora Monopoly Game on eBay

2009-05-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

This is so cool - I would totally play Sephora Monopoly at a Girls' Night In. Maybe we'd watch Sex and the City re-runs, drink Cosmos, do our makeup, and fight over who gets to play Sephora Monopoly using the lipstick token playing piece!

Pink Princess Style Bassinet - Swoon!

2009-01-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

I've always thought bassinets silly and a bit wasteful - you mostly use them for a few months so you have somewhere to put the baby safely nearby after nursing them in the night. Then Baby moves to the crib. But when I see this gorgeous pink bassinet I get really tempted to turn into one of those "Reborn addicts" women who buy furniture for their realistic looking baby dolls. Or maybe I could buy this and convince my cat to sleep in it! It's so pretty. (Let's not mention that it wouldn't match anything in my room, which has cranberry bedding and curtains!)

I don't like this pink bassinet nearly as well. I'm surprised I'm saying this, but it's actually "too ruffly."

Superstar Barbie Reproduction for 2009!

2009-01-31T12:21:00.000-08:00

Ohmygosh, I am so excited to see this. When I was a girl in the 1970s, my very favorite Barbie was my Superstar Barbie. She just looked so glamorous and pretty, and I adored her glittery silver-and-hot-pink boa. Nowadays most girls' toys have some form of metallic or glittery fabric on them, but back in the 1970s that much glitz was extremely rare. My best friends' mom was more religious than mine, and she didn't let them own this racy doll.

I'm not sure what happened to my Barbie; she probably got given away when we moved when I was a teenager. I wish I'd held onto her for old times' sake. Maybe I'll just have to pick up this new one for nostalgia.

New Costume Drama Chick Flicks on DVD

2009-01-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

This version of Tess of the D'urbervilles is a four-hour miniseries from BBC. It showed on PBS this month, but I forgot to set my TIVO and I missed it, drats!

Grab it from Amazon for $25.99, or on eBay for $25.40.

Intrigued enough to read the book? Buy it used on Half.com for $2.00.

Brideshead Revisited is a movie I sadly missed seeing in the theater due to the busy holiday season. My mother adored the 1981 miniseries and tried to get me to watch it, but at the time I was only 12 and found it intensely boring. Now, I'm looking forward to the costumes (1920s through WWII) and Emma Thompson's performance.

I'm going to pick up a copy today. You can get it on Half.com for $12.46, or on Amazon for $19.99, or on eBay for $11.99.

Costume Screencaps, at LiveJournal

Emma Thompson, at IMDB

Emma Thompson, at NNDB

Brideshead Revisited, at Wikipedia

Tess of the D'Urbervilles, at BBC

Tess of the D'Urbervilles, at Wikipedia

What the Critics Thought of "Tess" (The Guardian)

HABA Girls Marrakech Princess Room Tent

2009-01-26T01:38:00.000-08:00

Oh, this is so gorgeous! I'm a huge fan of Haba toys already. I would have absolutely worshipped this gorgeous pink and orange tent when I was a girl.

My grandmother had a plain brown-and-white cardboard teepee that we could play in down in her basement, and we thought that was pretty awesome at the time. But look how colorful, magical and whimsical this tent is!

Haba also makes this green Blossom Sky Princess tent, which is pretty, but I don't quite like it as much. Maybe because it doesn't have acres of pink netting?

Boys don't have to feel left out - they make a fabulous knight's castle play tent.

Japanese Craft Book: Cakes Made of Felt

2009-01-26T01:07:00.000-08:00

Would I ever sit down and painstakingly craft a miniature, fake felt cake? Um.. maybe? Well, probably not. If I did, would they turn out anywhere remotely near as cute as these? Hell no.

But would I drool over the beautiful felt cake photographs in this craft book? Yes, probably for hours on end.

Here's another Japanese felt cake craft book. Even though it isn't in English, there are enough pictures and diagrams I think someone could figure out how to make these charming fake cakes.

Apparently Japanese people really like to sit around sewing pretty cakes, because here's another craft pattern book.

Star Trek Barbies from the 2009 Movie

2009-01-25T23:39:00.000-08:00

This is the 2009 Barbie made to look like Star Trek's young "Uhura." She's based on the actress Zoe Saldana.

I don't actually think this doll looks much like a young Spock, and looks nothing like Heroes' Zachary Quinto. But it's an attractive looking doll, and if I started collecting pop culture Barbies, I'd definitely want to add him to my collection.

Aah, the trio wouldn't be complete without Kirk, played by Chris Pine.

Related links:

Star Trek Barbies, at Ain't It Cool

TrekMovie.com

Star Trek Movie (Official)

Star Trek 2009, at IMDB

Star Trek Film, at Wikipedia

American Girl's New Chrissa Doll for 2009

2009-01-18T19:07:00.000-08:00

Chrissa is the American Doll "Girl of the Year" for 2009. Her back story is that she and her family have recently moved in with her Nana. Chrissa enrolls in a new school, and overcomes some difficulties with bullying. She's on the swim team, so you can expect cute swim-related accessories. Also, she supposedly helps her Nana raise llamas, so there's a cute plush llama available. Chrissa likes crafts, so American Girl sells an adorable miniature sewing machine as part of Chrissa's set.

Here is Chrissa's new friend from school, Sonali.

Pottery Barn Kids Teasets

2009-01-18T18:18:00.000-08:00

I am sorely tempted to get this plush tea set for my friend's one year old baby girl. Great for mess-free imaginary play, and perfect for her to practice her teaparty skills before she's old enough for a porcelain set.

There's also a cute pink puffy tea set. This particular one is unmonnogrammed (though the picture says Abigail).

If she were two or three years older, I wouldn't be able to resist this Pottery Barn Kids enamel tea set. Pretty in pink!

Japanese Design and Style Books

2009-01-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

I soooo want to check out this Retro Japanese Household Books design book! It's in Japanese, but I'm sure I'd learn a lot from the pictures. The topics include bathroom items, kitchen decor, girl's toys, stationery, handcrafted goods, and retro collectibles.

A must for students of Japanese design: Retro Japanese Prints. Both textiles and papers are shown in full color. There are adorable elephants, girls, cats, bears, and even Bambi.

The Girls Style book features everything a little Japanese girl might have owned in the 1950s-1970s. Toys, bedroom decor, dolls, purses, stationery, and umbrellas.

Battlestar Galactica Season 4!

2009-01-05T15:04:00.001-08:00

I don't know what the holdup was, but I'm very excited that BSG Season 4 DVD comes out tomorrow!

(And yes, I'm a total geek!)

The Duchess DVD

2009-01-05T14:29:00.001-08:00

This movie is sort of a downer, but I think I will buy it. The sets and costumes were fabulous; it's visually interesting and I love Ralph Fiennes. It's a good movie to have at a lake house or winter cabin.

It will be interesting to read the book and compare it to the movie. Hate movie-based cover art? Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire may be more to your liking then.

Tuscan Candleholders

2009-01-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

The truth is, I don't NEED any more candleholders. But I want, want, want some of these Tuscan style candleholders. I used to think they were a bit too rustic for my personal style. And I have an English Country style home, not French or Tuscan. I think I might use these in the fall though, incorporating them into my autumn decor.

But maybe I prefer this simpler Tuscan leaf candleholder. I'd use more colorful, less distressed candles though. Maybe a vibrant orange, cranberry or a dark green.

I was also looking at these winter tree candleholders but decided they're too messy looking.

I'm really fascinated by this tabletop candleholder. Unfortunately, all my tabletops are already full of lovely things. So unless I break down and get another console table.. I had better stay away from the Buy-It-Now button!

Adorable Japanese Fabric on eBay

2009-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Here's some red-and-white Alice in Wonderland Japanese fabric. Perfect for making clothes for your Petite Blythe or Little Pullip dolls.

The Japanese are definitely obsessed with Bambi. Here's Bambi on a pink background.

This is Cute Faces, with different animal heads on a light blue background.

This sweet Fairy Tale print has Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel, and Red Riding Hood.

I'm not sure what I'd create with it, but this yellow school fabric is my favorite from this store so far. It also comes in blue.

This is so adorable! I can't say I've ever seen Matryoshka dolls on fabric before!

Rare Petite Blythe Dolls on eBay

2009-01-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm currently obsessed with Petite Blythe dolls, and I spend a few happy hours every week browsing through them on eBay. I've never seen this rare Petite Blythe before. She's called "Velvet Minuet." She has a rabbit ear hat, crocheted skirt with pompons, and carries an impossibly tiny purse. Perfect as an Easter gift!

The "Buttercake Afternoon" doll is made to evoke Little Red Riding Hood. She has a little knitted basket, but I'm not sure if the wolf comes with her or not. (They also make a Snow-White themed doll called Wake Up Kiss).

I love the long flowing blue hair on the Butterfly Wings petite Blythe.

I've only seen this mushroom-headed Charlotte Champignon once or twice before, too.

There's also an apple-head doll.

Oh geeze, I was looking for this little witch doll forever right before Halloween. You don't see them on eBay very often. This is Sweet Spell Scarlet.

Madame Alexander's Ball Jointed Doll BJD

2008-11-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

The Madame Alexander doll company jumps on the BJD (ball-jointed doll) craze from Japan by offering this lovely Belle Enchantress. She's a Cissette doll. She has eight points of articulation, and is a limited edition of 350. She's dressed for the theater in a silver, gold and black gown.

Related links:

Madame Alexander.Com

Partini Party Game for Winter Game Nights

2008-11-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

I am tempted to pick up Partini for my next low-key Game Night or Family Night get together. It seems an awful lot like Cranium though (hum a tune, sculpt stuff with clay, etc). We're sick of Cranium, but maybe Partini would introduce enough fun (charades, bouncing balls) to be worth it. It's more about the space it would take up in my game cupboard than the cost of the game.

Voluspa Candles on eBay

2008-11-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

My favorite line of candles used to be Votivo. But lately I've really been enjoying Voluspa. The scents are lovely, and the packaging is gorgeous. You can buy lovely gifts such as the Voluspa Winter Snow tin on eBay.

The Snowflake scent also comes in a lovely boxed candle.

I haven't smelled this yet, but I'm thinking the Crisp Champagne boxed candle might make a perfect gift for a New Year's Eve hostess or for relatives you stay with overnight during the holidays.

I find citrusy scents so refreshing during the holidays. Here's my favorite, the Feuilles D'Orangerie candle.

This elegant Mignonette candle might be perfect as a gift for a grandmother or auntie.

Beaded Coasters for Holiday Entertaining

2008-11-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

I am lusting after these cranberry beaded chargers. I try to set a pretty table, and I think I usually succeed, but these chargers would make my holiday dinner parties even more festive. They might be a little hard to clean off though if they got food stuck in them. They also sell the same chargers in copper beading. That's festive, too, but I prefer the cranberry colored ones.

I love to use red (or cranberry colored) beaded coasters for my holiday party guests to set their drinks on. Here's a set of 12 that ship from Seattle. The price is phenomenal, even after shipping; I paid way more per coaster for the ones I bought at Pottery Barn several years ago.

I love the look of these Christmasy star-shaped coasters, and the red ones might be useful later in the year for Fourth of July, too.

These Novica flower coastersaren't at all Christmas holiday coasters, but I would love to use them for spring and summer cocktail parties.

Green isn't my favorite color, but I have to admit these green beaded coasters would beautifully dress up a Christmas cocktail party.

Cinciallegra and Other Pullip Dolls I Wish I Owned

2008-11-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

Cinciallegra came out in September 2008. What a gorgeous Pullip! I love her blonde hair with her silvery eyes, and her lovely wintry outfit.

I'm still lusting after this Marianne pre-order. She looks just like Marie Antoinette to me. She would look so adorable on top of my dresser (I don't have a boudoir or vanity table, sadly).

Wintry Magical Music: Enya and Loreena McKennitt

2008-11-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

I just bought myself two Christmas presents. I couldn't stand it, I had to have them right away. I don't normally play Christmas music before December first (so I don't getsick of it) but I probably will play and enjoy these right away.

First, I picked up Loreena McKennitt's new Christmas CD, A Midwinter's Dream. It's a bit annoying that five of the songs are off "A Winter Garden," which I already own. I don't like paying money twice for the same songs. The other eight, new, songs on the album were too tempting though.

Next, I treated myself to the new Enya CD, And Winter Came. I've found I don't like listening to Enya in the car (too slow and dreamy for driving) but she's great for background music when I'm doing things around the house, working in my office, or hosting a dinner party.

Madame Alexander Wizard of Oz House Doll Trunk

2008-10-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Perfect for your Madame Alexander Wizard of Oz doll collection, this is a house-shaped doll trunk. Bet you can carefully position your Wicked Witch of the East doll under it, stripey stockinged feet sticking out!

6 Star Wars Halloween Costumes for Little Geeks

2008-10-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Cutest little X-wing pilot ever!

This baby Stormtrooper costume is adorable, but I don't think it would stay white very long on a tiny person like this.

Geeks everywhere rejoice: you can now dress your infant daughter as Princess Leia any time you want. Why wait for Halloween? Good luck trying to get her to keep the headpiece on though.

Baby Yoda on pottytraining: "There is no try. Only doo."

I once saw an adorable baby Darth Vader, but he unfortunately had a binkie in his mouth. I don't think The Dark Lord of the Sith quite feels the need for a pacifier anymore. Oxygen mask, yes.

Here's a Chewbacca costume for babies. But I'm not sure if people might think your child was going as a puppy dog or an Indian buffalo warrior.

Redoute Botanical Prints

2008-10-10T01:58:00.000-07:00

I'm mulling over the possibility of buying some Redoute Botanical Prints, like this White Grapes print. They're pages from a large art book that were removed by hand. I might take them to my favorite framing shop and have them turned into artwork to hang on my walls. I'm just wondering if they'd give my English style home a too-countrified look.

I'm not sure I've ever heard of Gnaphalium, but it certainly is lovely.

I do plant lots of primroses every year, and have pots of them placed on every step in the front of my house in the spring. So perhaps I should pick up this Redoute primrose print.

Related links:

Pierre-Joseph Redoute, at Wikipedia

Madame Alexander's Wuthering Heights Doll

2008-10-10T01:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute Wuthering Heights doll. I wouldn't give it to a child, who probably hasn't read or wouldn't enjoy Wuthering Heights. But I might give it in combo with a DVD or leatherbound book to a friend for Christmas, if I knew this was one of my friend's favorite books or movies.

Re-Ment Rooms - Dollhouse Boxes

2008-10-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

I am really thinking about getting one or two of these Re-Ment roomboxes. You can create a dollhouse for it to showcase your Re-ment Japanese fake food. I just wonder exactly what size dolls would be the right size for these roomboxes. If my Little Pullip dolls are the right scale for these roomboxes, I probably would buy at least two.

6 Cutest Baby Halloween Costumes on eBay

2008-10-10T00:45:00.000-07:00

This caterpillar costume is so precious! I love the colors, and it looks like it would keep Baby warm in case you took them around to the festivities.

Aww, this Tigger costume looks so cuddly!

I've seen a lot of little pirate costumes in my life, and this one is hands down the most adorable.

Squeal! It's a little baby dragon costume!

This mermaid costume is perfect for a baby who isn't crawling yet. Just sit there and look cute!

Peacocks are my favorite bird, so I am gaga for this baby peacock Halloween costume. Wonder if I can persuade my friends to dress their tiny daughter in this for my Halloween party!

Barbie Medusa for Halloween

2008-10-10T00:03:00.000-07:00

Barbie puts snakes in her hair and goes as Medusa for Halloween.

The Trick or Chic Barbie is kinda cute and playful. I prefer spookier dolls though!

Madame Alexander Hello Kitty Punk Princess Doll

2008-09-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

This Hello Kitty Madame Alexander doll makes me giggle. So cute! Check out her boots and collar! I never thought the Alexander company would make their Hello Kitty licensed item so.. spunky!

Related links:

Madame Alexander Doll Co.

Sanrio

Purple LED Earrings for Parties

2008-09-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

I am really intrigued by these purple LED earrings. I probably wouldn't wear them on Halloween (They won't go with my costume) but they sure would add sparkle at an autumn cocktail party. The auction says the batteries are good for 40 hours - if so, that's pretty amazing!

Haunted Halloween Dollhouses on eBay

2008-09-24T17:08:00.001-07:00

Someone has lovingly handcrafted this haunted cottage, just in time for Halloween. A witch lives here - peep inside to see her cauldron, altar, garden, and attic.

Here's another, larger Halloween dollhouse. I especially like the curio cabinet full of oddities.

Barbie Festivals of the World: Oktoberfest

2008-09-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Barbie celebrates Oktoberfest in an embroidered skirt and beribboned hair.

Related links:

Oktoberfest, at Wikipedia

Cute Korean "Ddung" Dolls on eBay

2008-09-24T16:09:00.000-07:00

I'd never heard of Ddung dolls until today. They're so adorable! Their faces are a bit more simplistic and less pretty than the Little Pullips I adore so much, but the accessories might sway me over. I love this doll, who comes with her own mini room full of red and white accessories. It all folds up into a little neat suitcase.

This is the "Princess Dress Sofa" doll. She comes packaged with Re-ment like tiny dishes, an overstuffed pink couch, a red-and-white clock and telephone, and miniature strawberry cake. The doll also comes in a "Princess Red Sofa" option.

The "Dress room" doll comes with a Barbie-style wardrobe-themed pink carrying case, and a doll of her own.

Prepare to squeal.. here she is as a teddy bear!

Related links:

Ddung.net

Ddungshop.com

Fun and Unusual Candies on eBay

2008-07-23T01:08:00.000-07:00

I really wish I liked the taste of licorice allsorts, because they're so pretty. I love the stripes!

Now these Haribo sour cherry candies are both cute AND tasty. Not too sour, either. They look adorable on top of cupcakes.

I've never tried Frooties, but people keep recommending them to me. I like Blue Raspberry Icees, I wonder if these sort of taste similar.

Violet gum can taste really strange sometimes, so why do I still chew it? Just because the pastel purple wrapper always makes it look so enticing?

I have got to try some of these limited edition caramel Tootsie pops! (I do realize my dentist would have a minor coronary if she were reading my blog today).

This Batman Kitkat wouldn't taste any different, but it has cool packaging.

Pretty Summery Folding Chairs on eBay

2008-07-23T00:49:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of getting one of these colorful folding lounge chairs for my backyard. Or two, so a guest can join me, sitting in the sun and drinking lemonade. (Or better yet, white wine).

They also come in green and white, but I'm leaning towards the orange one.

Too flowery? Here's a plain orange folding lounge chair.

Comic Con Exclusives

2008-07-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

This is the coolest thing ever - a Battlestar Galactica cylon toaster. While it's toasting your bread, it imprints the image of a Cylon's head on it.

I'm not sure what the purpose of a Jumbo Chubby is, but this sure is a cute Darth Vader toy.

Hands down, this is the coolest My Little Pony ever!

There are going to be some paperless offices rapidly going back to using paper when they see this very cool Indiana Jones crate paperweight.

This Jack Sparrow SDCC exclusive figure is soo adorable!

Here's something for the girls at Comic Con: a vinyl geisha figure. She's so cute!

LINKS:

Comic Con Official Site

Comic Con at Wikipedia

Harajuku Lovers Bags on eBay

2008-07-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

I love this Rocket pinup bag. Her space helmet makes me giggle.

This adorable Harajuku Lovers Pinup Girls tote is probably too small for a beach tote, but might be useful for just running around doing errands.

Famous People Figure Toys on eBay

2008-07-03T10:08:00.001-07:00

These 4 inch tall "World Stars" figures toys are perfect for gag gifts or office decor. This one is Hillary Clinton.

This is Ronald Reagan. Oooh look, he's awake.

Feeling patriotic? Here's Betsy Ross, waving her flag.

Amelia Earhart has been found! She's on eBay!

I wouldn't mind having Jackie Kennedy hanging around on my desk while I work.

Red Diamond-Shaped Pendant

2008-07-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

I love resin necklaces. They're lightweight, and colorful. This one has diamond shaped beads. It reminds me of the Czechoslovakian Deco necklaces I like so much.

Juicy Couture Cupcake Charm Bracelet

2008-07-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

I don't care for Juicy Couture, and I think charm bracelets are kinda silly, so why do I like this Juicy Couture cupcake charm so much?! Just because it's pink?

Star Wars USB Flash Drives

2008-07-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to think of an excuse for buying some cool Star Wars USB flash drives. I don't really use flash drives or even store many things on my computer. Shoot. This is the Luke Skywalker USB drive.

I'd probably go for the Princess LEIA USB drive since I wanted to be her so bad when I was 9.

The Chewbacca USB drive cracks me up. His head is so elongated!

Naartjie South African Children's Clothes on eBay

2008-06-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

I went to my first Naartjie store yesterday, at Redmond Town Center. It's a South African children's clothing company.
(Naartjie rhymes with Archie and the word means a South African citrus fruit). My best friend is marrying a man from South Africa, so I'm looking forward to buying them baby gifts from Naartjie. The clothes are cute and remind me of Gymboree a bit. I don't really care for the Naartjie logo when they scrawl it across some of the clothes in funky handwriting, though. This is a cute Naartjie pink floral girl's dress.

These red suede Naartjie boots are adorable. I love the pink flowers they stitched on the side.

They use really interesting fabrics for their clothes, as seen on this Bellabloom infant dress.

Look at the adorable ruffly trim around the legs of this Naartjie summery outfit.

They do sell cute boys' clothes, too, but who wants to look at that when you could be admiring this orange Naartjie sundress?

LINKS:

Naartjie.com

Nina Ricci Perfumes on eBay

2008-06-26T11:36:00.001-07:00

I just love this dainty apple shaped Nina Ricci perfume bottle. I haven't smelled the perfume yet to see if it would suit me, but I'd be sorely tempted to buy it just to have the bottle sitting on my counter.

I do enjoy the fragrance of Nina Ricci's Coloured Doves, as it has notes of Earl Grey and jasmine.

The Les Belles de Ricci Amour is one of my top three favorite fragrances ever. I bought my first bottle at Harrod's during my first trip to London, several years ago. I've hoarded it ever since. It's probably gone bad, I think it's time to pour it out and buy a new one.

I'd love to see what this Nina Ricci cherry parfum smells like. But I don't quite feel adventurous enough to order something from Hong Kong today.

Backyard Boat Play Structure on eBay

2008-06-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine how many neighborhood kids would be begging your children to come over and play, if you had this backyard boat playhouse set up?

Czech Vases on eBay

2008-06-26T10:39:00.001-07:00

Today I'm enjoying browsing through the Czech vases on eBay. This one is from the 1920s.

I love the dual use of color on this Tango glass vase.

Green isn't one of my favorite colors, but I still find this green gilt bohemian vase stunning.

This Czech vase wouldn't go with my home decor, but I sure love the designs on it.

The pattern on this glass Czech vase is so unusual!

LINKS:

Bohemian Glass, at Wikipedia

Judith Leiber Hello Kitty Purse on eBay

2008-06-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Aah. Judith Leiber and Hello Kitty, two of my favorite ladies. This is a Judith Leiber Hello Kitty purse, with lots of pink Swarovski crystals.

Wooden Art Nouveau Home Bar on eBay

2008-06-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Oh how I'd love to invite people over and serve them drinks from this art Nouveau styled wooden bar. It has Tiffany glass windows, a carved gargoyle, and a door you can shut. Marvelous.

Louis Vuitton Limousine on eBay

2008-06-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Scroll down past the seller's obnoxious all-caps, multicolored description. Then you can see the pictures of this lavish Louis Vuitton Hummer limousine. I wouldn't particularly care to ride in it, but I'm enjoying looking at the lavish interior.

Chanel and Balenciaga Paper Dolls on eBay

2008-06-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

I can't afford to wear Chanel, Balenciaga or Dior, but I can play with these French fashion designer paper dolls any time I want! So there.

Pampered Pets on eBay

2008-06-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a kick out of this fancy cat condo. So fancy, with interesting details. My cats would love the hidey holes, especially at naptime.

For the finicky pet who demands mid-century modern decor, here's a retro modern pet lounge, in apple green.

Have an Arts & Crafts style bungalow or Mission style house? This Mission style wooden pet bed will fit right in with your decor!

Or perhaps you'd prefer a Victorian mahogany pet bed. It's upholstered in microsuede, so it's soft for Fifi to lounge on.

I didn't know they made pet jogging strollers. This one costs almost as much as a fancy pram!

Of course, if I'm going to even consider buying a pet stroller, it's going to be a pink one.

This is a lovely pink airline pet carrier. The seller also carries them in teal, orange, lime green, and light blue.

Lladro's Lovely Lakshmi

2008-06-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised Lladro made this Lakshmi statue, but I'm not surprised it's so beautifully done.

LINKS:

Lladro.com

Lladro Lakshmi.com

Lakshmi, at Wikipedia

Custom Iron Man Action Figures on eBay

2008-06-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

I probably won't be buying any $100 action figures any time soon, but I have to admit this custom Robert Downey Iron Man action figure is very cool. Amazing sculpting!

At the same store, here's a custom sculpted Rod Serling, creator of the Twilight Zone.

Saitek Colorful Mouse on eBay

2008-06-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Why do I have a boring old grey mouse on my desk when I could have this hot pink Saitek optical mouse instead?

Here it is in a nice summery orange.

You can customize this Saitek photo mouse by cutting a photograph around the template they provide you. Then you can have your family members or friends staring up at you while you work.

Ooh, I've never seen a burgundy mouse before.

Samsonite Black Label Luggage on eBay

2008-06-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

I never would have thought of Samsonite as stylish. Dependable, yes. Sturdy, yes. But their Samsonite Black Label luggage is downright chic. This is the black and white Fashionaire suitcase.

Their beauty case comes in pink with red trim!

LINKS:

Samsonite Black Label.com

Marshmallow MOR Soap

2008-06-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

Marshmallow soap? I knew I didn't really care to eat marshmallows, but didn't think I detested them until I thought of what marshmallow soap would smell like. Shiver. This cherry blossom soap, on the other hand, sounds heavenly.

Simply Vera Wang on eBay

2008-06-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

I haven't been down to Kohl's yet to check out the Simply Vera Vera Wang collection. From what I've seen on eBay, I really like the pretty dresses. This is a red cocktail dress with just a little bit of jewels on the front. Perfect for those first crisp fall nights when you go out to dinner or drinks.

Hello Kitty Swarovski Converse Shoes on eBay

2008-06-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Even though I'm nearly forty, these Hello Kitty hightops are really tempting me. You're never too old for pink, sparkly Hello Kitty shoes!

Marie Antoinette Dolls on eBay

2008-06-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

This lovely Marie Antoinette Barbie is from the 2003 Women of Royalty series. Her gown is blue with golden tassels.

This is another Marie Antoinette Barbie, still in her box.

This is the 10" Madame Alexander Marie Antoinette. Great attention to detail on her adorable hairstyle!

The Madame Alexander Doll Company also made a 21" Marie Antoinette. I like that they dress their Maries in pink, since most companies seem to put her in a blue dress.

A doll artist made this OOAK Marie Antoinette Barbie. Check out the intricate fan she's holding.

This is a bit weird - it's a OOAK porcelain Marie Antoinette head in a basket. Whatever you do, don't scroll down the description to see the severed neck stump!