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