Haute Diggity Dog

Is it wrong for me to like my dog’s plush toys more than they do?

The dogs might kinda chew on it for a few minutes, but since they can’t read, they don’t really understand how great this one is.

Dog toys in the shape of vodka bottles. Arfsolut Vodka. I wonder if they have little plush limes to go with the vodka?

I'll drink to that.

Haute Diggity Dog

Shapeways

Shapeways is a web site that allows you to create products from words. Send them your favorite poem or quote and they’ll make objects such as the napkin rings shown, from those words.

Don’t have a favorite poem for your napkin rings? Have fun at your next dinner party. Take a famous movie quote and make it about food. For instance -

You had me at ‘bacon’.
I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little 'hot' dog too.
I'm gonna make him an 'omelet' he can't refuse.

Apologies to the creators of Jerry McGuire, The Wizard of Oz and The Godfather.

Shapeways
AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes

Character

When commercial signs are taken down, they typically gets trashed. (Well, not like that - I meant thrown in the trash.)

But a European company named Character recycles them. They dismantle the words, refurbish the letters and add new LED lights. Then they are sold as design objects for the home.

Go to their website to see letters in all shapes, sizes, fonts and colors.

Add some Character to your house, to match the characters that live in it!

Character

Letterfest

Every year, I call my dad one week before his wedding anniversary to remind him of the special occasion. He never remembers. And I mean never.

If I don’t call, he and his wife forget to celebrate. (Yeah! Can you believe she doesn’t remember either? They’re made for each other.)

Next year, I’m going to buy them something to help them remember. An artist on Etsy carves numbers and letters into natural stone pebbles. Including dates.

It’s like the permanent version of a Post-it note.

Letterfest on Etsy

Smart Turnout

I love the British. They're able to blend stuffy old traditions with beautiful new styles. Plus, they have Daniel Craig.

Smart Turnout is a UK retailer that sells clothing and accessories using school and military colors, both British and American. (Although, I think they just made up the name Ampleforth because it’s fun to say. Also, exactly what British military branch is Household Division?) You'll find items such as sweaters, watch bands, belts, ties and scarves in vibrant hues.

And if you didn’t attend one of the Ivy League schools listed, find the colors that match your alma mater’s. (In my case, I’m Princeton - orange and black for a whole lot less.)

I wonder what school Daniel Craig went to? Do you think he’s an Ampleforth man?

Smart Turnout

Water Bottle

You do your part for the environment, right? You never bought into that Hummer SUV craze (who could afford it anyway?). You always buy organic (especially when there’s a hottie in the same aisle). And everyone knows you conserve water (when was the last time you watered those houseplants?).

Instead of buying beverages in plastic bottles, consider keeping it green.

Buy a glass bottle from Crate and Barrel. They are available in two sizes – the small is the size of a regular water bottle and the large is the size of your Friday night vodka intake. (I'm not judging!)

Crate and Barrel

Art of Shaving

Now that our bathroom renovations are complete, it’s time we started to upgrade some of the products used there. (Look at that pretty chrome razor set.)

The Art of Shaving has made a science of shaving. They offer pre-shave oils, shaving creams, balms and soaps in a variety of scents and an unscented, hypoallergenic line. They also offer tools for a great shave – brushes, razors and stands.

And if you’re near one of their stores, visit their barber spa. The Royal Shave takes 45 minutes! Check out their site for a description of the process.

While the morning shaving ritual probably doesn’t take 45 minutes, the Art of Shaving will at least make it better. (Unless you're so sleepy that you're eyes are still closed. In that case, don't shave. Trust me.)

Art of Shaving

Fog Free Mirror

When we decided to renovate both bathrooms (yeah, at the same time – call me crazy), we worked with a talented design firm who helped us upgrade the look of the bathrooms.

One of our favorite upgrades is this fog free mirror. The backside of the mirror has a thin heating element which keeps the mirror clear. It works much better than those mirrors with a coating that eventually wears off.

Shaving in the shower has started again and now with this mirror, it means that sideburns in our house are finally equal length once more.

Vintage Tub and Bath

Concealed Cabinet

As I mentioned on Monday, we renovated both of our bathrooms. (OK, so when I say we renovated, I mean the contractors did it and we paid for it.)

My favorite items in the bathrooms are the medicine cabinets. Disguised cleverly as photo frames, the cabinets are a standard size medicine cabinet. Put your own photos or artwork in for display. These are great because guests won’t be able to snoop through the cabinet since they can’t find it. (You know it happens!)

I’m thinking about getting some of these for around the house. Maybe one in the living room above the sofa. Think about it – the TV remote control and a bag of Cheetos, all hidden away but still within easy reach. (Don't pretend you weren't already thinking about it!)

Concealed Cabinet

Newgate Clocks

It’s Monday, which means I’m running late to work. I tried to extend the weekend by sleeping in a little. (Was that short blur really two days off of work?)

We recently remodeled our bathrooms (not over the weekend silly - they've been working at it for weeks) and bought all new chrome fixtures for both – including this beauty made by Newgate Clocks. This UK-based company produces vintage inspired clocks.

Unfortunately, Newgate is from the UK, which means my clock still hasn't arrived and I spent way too long in the shower. Yep, still late for work!

Newgate Clocks

National Doughnut Day Is Here

It’s almost like my birthday, but sweeter. It’s a little like a national holiday, but banks are open. It’s a lot like Cinco de Mayo, but north of the border.

It’s National Doughnut Day (you couldn't have forgotten, could you?). Originally started as a fund raiser for the Chicago Salvation Army back in 1938 - now an official holiday which totally deserves time off from work. (At least in my mind)

Krispy Kreme is offering one free doughnut per customer today. While you’re there, check out the Mini Cooper contest and try their new mini doughnuts. Dunkin Donuts is giving away a free doughnut when you purchase a beverage.

I've got to go. I'm headed to my third Krispy Kreme today. (I'll see you there!)

And here's an odd collection of doughnut inspired merchandise - just for fun:

Mollycoddle Soap (Pictured - yeah, the doughnut in the photo really is soap!)
Black Horse doughnut candles
Cafe Press (t-shirts, stickers, mugs and hats with doughnut artwork)
Donut Art (fabric doughnuts)
Eggshells Kitchen Company - doughnut cutter
Allbrands - automatic doughnut maker

Photo Dog Tag

Still haven’t done anything yet for Father’s Day? You are seriously running out of time! But luckily for you, I’ve got one more great suggestion.

Give dad a personalized photo dog tag. These tags are nickel plated and highly reflective. Send a photo and it is then etched into the finish to create a tone-on-tone image. They’ll even put text on the back of the tag – free of charge. The tag comes on a 30” steel ball chain.

Very classic and beautiful. I like them so much, I’m thinking about getting some dog tags for my dogs!

Hip To Bee Square

Write-On Glass

Father's Day is coming up in a couple of weeks. What are you getting the old guy? You could buy him some fishing gear. Or a tie. Or something just as forgettable.

Help his memory. Buy him a write-on glass. He can use the glass as a memo pad, to do list, sketchpad or simply a way to help people identify him when he's had one too many margaritas. (Wait, maybe you need one for yourself...)

Each comes with a pencil that allows you to write on the glass and then erase afterward. They're available as mugs or tumblers. (Yeah, you get more margarita in a tumbler. I better write that down…)

FredFlare