Showing posts with label home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

SkyMall strikes again

It's been a while!
I've been traveling for work, and luckily for you that means I have had plenty of time to check out SkyMall for all the latest must-haves.
Remember, the holidays are coming up and there is no better place to purchase items for your loved ones than on a plane when you are bored and half drunk.

Let's see what special items there are for us:

"Get one of these shrub covers and end your struggling with ugly burlap or plastic bags!"
 WHO DOES THIS
Who is this product for?
Who would buy a pillowcase for a bush?
Who would buy one in several sizes?
Who would make sure to buy one that has a leaf print so you know that hey, under there, that's a bush!!
I don't understand this.



Do you miss your Air Jordans?
Do you want to just pump it up sometimes and you don't know how, and also you really don't want to sit up or even leave bed?
Your pillow has arrived.



Let's take it back outside now for a clASSy seat.
This looks like a broken marble column, but NO!!!
It's actually a shitty plastic thing you bought for more than four hundred dollars!
And what's with the butt indentation?
Is that supposed to imply that your "Master" ass has worn the stone down over the years because you have bun of corundum?



Here's a fun trick to play when your house is on fire: you watch the firefighters struggle to turn the valves on your fake goddamn hydrant ornament as your house burns down and you just laugh and laugh.
Also, DOG STATUE NOT INCLUDED.
Why else would this even be remotely appealing?



You know what I hate? Using my hands directly. That is like, so working class.
I would rather hold a tool. A tool to shove sheets under the mattress. I think that instead of just pushing them under there, I would like to try to find a piece of blue plastic and then insert it and make the whole process take longer and be a little more complicated.
And now I can, for under $20. Plus Shipping.



Sometimes I think my couch looks too comfortable and inviting. What I really want on there is a blanket that looks like a teeming mass of rabid squirrels. 
No one else is going to want to snuggle with a roiling, hanta virus laden tree rats, so the couch will be all mine.



Have you ever wondered how you could look more like a sad blueberry with a body made of mashed potatoes?
Have you ever wished for enough space for you to drop a load or 40 in your unitard?
Prayers answered.


Don't worry, Men! Got you covered too.
Pop this bad boy on and I promise she will think you are Adam Levine for the night. Works especially well for non-caucasians.
Who would suspect that the chest hair, the super realistic leather vest, and the amazing ink are all....part of an airbrushed tee shirt?!

But what will you wear that with?? One tee vest tattoo sleeve shirt does not an outfit make.


The best thing about this is that it is pretending to be sweatpants with a toolbelt, as if that is such a hard and onerous look to aspire to.
Jeans can be tight and uncomfortable, so pajama jeans, I get it.
That dumbass shirt above I get; who wants to buy that vest or get those tatts for real?
But this?
I am wearing sweatpants with a fake toolbelt so you don't know I am wearing... sweatpants!
The deceit! The effort! Why?

Let's close with something I actually want:

I'll take the whole room, take beach poster and all.

"Pamper yourself like never before with this functional work of art.

Float away on a cloud like bed into a bliss state with calming color changing light, relaxing music and soothing vibration. This SkyMall exclusive is created by the pod designer of Men in Black III and inventor of the original pod bed. Each pod is handcrafted in the USA from fiberglass into a seamless smooth monolithic piece with a shiny gel-coat surface, the pod's elliptical exterior blocks 90% of outside noise while it's interior two foci amplify sound inside. Using the latest technology and clinical research, the wireless sound system with plenty of bass will gently rock you to sleep with vibration. The LEDs change colors with a touch of a finger wirelessly form an app on your smartphone or tablet. Easily select your color or scene from an endless array of lighting customizations to create your own unique experience.

Features:
  • Inside the pod's elliptical opening is a 76 in. diam.
  • Round soft plush cotton topper on top of a memory foam mattress
  • Finish: Shiny polished gel coat (exterior). Matte gel coat (interior)
  • Color: white (interior & exterior)
  • Round and organic bedding: sheets, duvets and protectors
  • 78 in. Diam. x 34 in. H. (200 lbs.)
  • Handcrafted monolithic fiberglass
  • LED lighting system smartphone/tablet"



Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Sheet set for <$25

I am sure everyone has Bed Bath and Beyond 20% off coupons sitting around in their house or at least in their junk email like me.
Now might be a time to dig one out.

There are these Wamsutta 400 thread count sheet sets on sale and you can get a queen set for $29.99 and with a coupon that comes down to $24.
Not bad!

$24 Wamsutta® 400 Thread Count Barrato Hem Sheet Set (queen)

I like the double bar decoration. I think I'd get these in the gray or black. Actually, all of the colors are good and would go well with most colors I can think of.

I'm debating to myself whether I need another sheet set (the answer is probably not) since this looks like such a good deal.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Tree magnets

$10 Forest for your fridge

How cute are these little magnets?
They are made of exotic wood slices and little fake trees.
I think they would make a great hostess gift if someone has you over for a nice dinner party, or just a good any time gift to give me for existing.

You can get the trees in dark or light green, I like the dark better. More realistic and such.
I especially like the ones with layers of different wood. The description says the woods will vary but I hope they put at least one of those cool layered ones in each box of 3.

Friday, March 28, 2014

The new plant I am obsessed with: Aeonium "zwartkop" aka Black Rose

As many of you know, I've become totally into succulents recently.
I've been propagating my own from leaves, and buying them at little plant stores at an alarming rate.
Our dining room table is almost fully covered with plant experiments of mine.

BUT! I am not done. I want another!
When I first saw the aeonium arboreum zwartkop in person, I thought it must be dyed because it was so dark.
Also the stem is so thick and the roots are so tiny and dinky that I still don't understand how it lives.

It has really dark purple, almost black leaves on a thick woody stem. The leaves form rosettes that look like flowers but they aren't! In effect, it looks like it is always blooming weird dark flowers on bare stems. Very goth.
There are yellow flowers that do appear and make the plant look even more bizarre to me.



I can't seem to find one in my local plant stores, though I am sure if I went back to the flower district on 28th st and 6th ave I could find one.
So I took to the internet and it seems like Etsy and Ebay are the places to buy. Unfortunately, there really isn't much selection on Amazon which sucks because I love Amazon and I get to shop free there with my AmEx points.

Here are some listings I have been looking at:

Etsy option that looks more purple than black but it seems healthy. You get a rooted plant.


A blacker, more rose-like version that I really like. It might be my favorite. You get a rooted cutting.

This guy on Etsy has a bunch of plants and can customize your order, it seems. I am tempted by these larger plants with well established roots.


This one is from Ebay and looks like the pot comes with a 3" plant. I am not sure if that means it is a cutting or if it is rooted.


Another Ebay option, and you get a 6" stem cutting from this plant that is not rooted.

Finally, this group from Amazon includes 4 plants in little pots. Cute!


Separately, I also love this weirdo plant:
These look like little birds in a nest opening their mouths, don't they?



Thursday, March 27, 2014

Word to the Wise: Lots of sample sales starting today in NYC!



Messeca
Deal: 70% to 80% off women's fall and spring shoes, including fall and spring flats, sandals, wedges, heels, and boots.
When/Where: Thursday, March 27 through Friday, March 28. Daily 10am—7pm. 78 Fifth Ave between W. 13th and W. 14th Sts, ninth floor (no phone)


Nonoo
Deal: Up to 70% off retail prices for womenswear, with samples starting at $50.
When/Where: Thursday, March 27 through Friday, March 28. Daily 9am—8pm. 611 Broadway between Bleecker and Houston Sts, suite 309 (no phone)


OXO
Deal: Deep discounts on kitchenware, cookware, and cleaning equipment, with prices starting at $1. Bring a shopping bag (one will not be provided).
When/Where: Thursday, March 27 through Friday, March 28. Daily 10am—5pm. 601 W. 26th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves, tenth floor (no phone)


David Yurman
Deal: Up to 70% off retail prices on jewelry. See the Racked.com report from the last sale here for what to expect.
When/Where: Thursday, March 27 through Sunday, March 30. Thurs 3pm—8pm, Fri—Sat 10am—7pm, Sun 11am—5pm. The Altman Building, 135 W. 18th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-741-3400)


Are you excited for any of them?
I might hit the OXO sale.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Word to the Wise: Sample sales in NYC this week


Surface to Air 
Deal: Up to 80% off women's and men's clothing and accessories from the winter and summer collections. The women's XX Trench is $190 (from $690), the women's Cropped Only Jacket is $90 (from $270), and the Jivan Wedges in black are $140 (from $460). The men's Edmonton Bomber is $220 (from $760).
When/Where: Tuesday, March 11 through Sunday, March 16. Tues—Sat 10am—7pm, Sun 10am—1pm. 225 Fifth Avenue between 26th and 27th Sts (212-725-5400)
 

$295 Coral fan necklace from Dinosaur Designs

Dinosaur Designs  
Deal: Up to 80% off jewelry and home goods. The sale will include handcrafted resin and sterling silver items.
When/Where: Friday, March 7 through Monday, March 10. Daily 10am—5pm. 211 Elizabeth Street at Prince St (212-680-3523)


Bric's Milano 
Deal: Up to 80% off retail prices on luxury luggage and bags.
When/Where: Monday, March 10 through Saturday, March 16. Mon—Sat 10am—7pm, Sun 10am—4pm. 260 Fifth Ave between 28th and 29th Sts (212-725-5400)



Jack Rogers Sample Sale 
Deal:You will find an assortment of beautiful products from winter to spring in styles that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come. Dresses, sweaters, blouses, handbags, accessories and, of course, shoes!! The Jack Rogers Sample Sale offers a unique mix of hard-to-find vendors who embody classic resort dressing with a colorful twist as well as our iconic footwear.
Apparel – up to 80% off
Accessories (Bags, scarves and hats) – up to 80% off
Footwear (including vintage Navajo styles) – up to 70% off
Where/When: At Jack Rogers Showroom, 155 Fifth Avenue, 6th floor: March 12-14; Wed-Thurs (8:30am-6:30pm), Fri (8:30am-5pm).

$48 Heather Trio
QUINN & Kendra Phillip Trunk Show
Deal:Join us for wine Wednesday. Shop N’ Sip and meet the jewelry designer, Kendra Phillip.
Where/When: Quinn New York, 181 Orchard St, NY, NY; 10002; March 12 (6-8pm).
Canvas
Deal:Get up to 90% off retail on SELECT merchandise at the Canvas. Deals include Furniture Floor Samples, Vintage Furniture, Table Top, Pillows, Throws, Bedding, Discontinued Items.
Where/When: Canvas, 123 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011; (212) 372-7706. March 13-17.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Pyrex Total Solution Snapware set

Another entry into the glass tupperware field is this set of Snapware with lids that snap on.
You can also write on the lids and erase the writing, which is pretty cool.

The only thing I don't like is that they are called "Total Solution" which in my mind is too close to Final Solution and genocide.

If you truly believe these storage containers haven't murdered thousands of innocents, then you can buy them on Amazon:

$44.99 Snapware total solution pyrex 18 piece set

The containers are stackable, as are the lids.
I like that the different shapes have different colors and that you can put them in any of your appliances (freezer, fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher).
  • Ideal for Baking, Serving, Storing, Reheating - Made In USA
  • Pyrex Glasslock Set Includes: 4 Round & 5 Rectangle Containers - 9 Matching Lids
  • BPA FREE - Microwave Safe - Freezer Safe - Dishwasher Safe - Oven Safe
  • 4 Easy To Open & Close Latches - Leakproof Silicone Seal - Airtight Re-writeable Lids
  • Graduated Sizes Store Inside Each Other Including Lids!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Glass terrariums in crystal shapes from Score + Solder

Score + Solder is a cute online shop from Canadian crafter Matthew Cleland.
He creates glass sculptures, lamps, planters, and terrariums (terraria for those latin scholars out there).

I like the terrariums best, but you can check out all his work and see what you like.

In high school, I used to work with stained glass and I can see that these are made well and soldered well. If only I'd stuck with it and could make my own versions of these today! It's hard to devote a space in a NYC apartment to crafts and glass shards.

My picks:
Image of Small Quartz
$140 Small Quartz Terrarium
This really does look like a quartz crystal in shape

Image of Quartz No.2
$340 Quartz #2 Terrarium

This has more room for plants and a wider base

Image of Hanging Crystal Point
$210 Hanging Crystal Point Terrarium
This one has a more regular shape and a little stone suspended from the top to hang out with your plants (get it?)

Image of Large Cube
$130 Large cube planter
The planters have one open side so you can access and water things more easily.
This is a very simple modern design.

Image of Suspended Tetra
$230 Suspended Tetra Planter

This is so much more elegant than the hanging plastic baskets from home depot (which I have one of now).

Monday, September 9, 2013

Roku channels for me for free

I'm getting more used to our Roku, which I've liked a lot so far.
As I feel more comfortable with it, I am branching out into the wide world of "channels."





You can watch netflix, amazon, hbogo, and other things from your Roku box, but there is a whole other universe of private and public channels that have a ton of other content.

So far, I've installed:
-Netflix
-Amazon
-HBOgo
-Pandora
-AllRecipes
-Chow
-Plex
-NowhereTV
-FunnyOrDie
-Vudu
-Crackle

There are tons of others, as well.

Here are some resources for finding channels:
2013 Roku Private Channel Guide (alphabetical listing of tons)
Private channels sorted by rating (lets you click to install as well)
Roku Channels (official guide, you can sort by subject)
Top 30 Roku channels



There are really channels out there for everyone. There are 4 hunting channels, for example. Channels, not just shows.
There are a lot of yoga channels and sci fi and horror movie channels.
There are some cooking channels.
There is even a private channel that only shows baristas in bikinis. Nope, didn't sign up for that one but thanks.

I still haven't set up my SimpleTV because I just ordered a hard drive for it to load to, and because I am not sure how to connect it to the ethernet here without a wired MAC address. Sigh.
 It's getting harder to "just watch tv" these days.

Friday, September 6, 2013

A product help you decorate your ikea furniture

Panyl is a brand that makes decorative sheets of plastic and other stuff that you can stick on your boring Ikea furniture and make it a little more special. 

Maybe people won't even recognize it as the same as their bed stand anymore! 

Of course the best way to customize something is to do it yourself from scratch, but that can take time and have less than professional looking results. So there are products like these to help you make over your white veneer crap.

They have solid colors, polka dots, wood grain, chevrons, and stripes.
 
My picks:

 

$28+ each panel in dark gray for Billy bookcase



$7+ each panel in aqua diagonal stripe for Expedit bookcase





$8+ each panel in ebony woodgrain for Malm dresser


$45+ each panel in brushed aluminum quatrefoil for Billy bookcase


Check out their hack to imitate the West Elm dresser:


vs


Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Replacing my Pyrex bowl

One of my first purchases as a new apartment dweller in Brooklyn was a set of 3 stacking pyrex bowls that I got for $15 at a yard sale.

They are yellow and have green flowers on the outside, and are white inside.
I love these bowls and have grown very attached to them, so when my biggest bowl broke last year (I will not name the husband who broke it or who broke my favorite irreplaceable water glasses too), I was upset.

I bought another that I saw at an antiques but ended up accidentally buying the middle bowl size instead of the largest one.

Now on Etsy and Amazon there are a few people selling what I think is the right one, and I want to jump on it, but just the shipping is more than I paid for the whole set initially!
I guess this is what happens when you get attached; you pay for it.

My pattern is called Shenandoah, in case you are interested, and there are really great full sets on Etsy as well.


Pyrex Shenandoah Nesting Bowl #403
$9 Shenandoah pyrex bowl with chips (+$10 shipping)
This looks like the best option


Pyrex Shenandoah mixing bowl in yellow and green large size
$16 Pyrex bowl 8 3/4" size (+$15 shipping)
I'm a little skeptical that this is the biggest size


$30 pyrex 2 1/4 mixing bowl (+15.50 shipping)
This is the most expensive option and it is from Amazon, but I am reasonably confident it is the right size.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Cute decor items from Target

There are some nice and affordable new home accessories at Target, so I thought I'd point out a few that I like:


$12.48 Nate Berkus hurricane lamp with rope
This would be a great vase or a nice outdoor candle holder.

$29.99 Gazebo lantern with flameless candle
Because it is a fake candle, you don't need to worry about forgetting to blow it out when you go inside.

$22.99 Threshold hexagonal lamp shade
This would look great eometricon a tall thing floor lamp or on a geometric glass table lamp.

$24.99 Threshold mercury glass squat lamp base
This would be a nice choice for that shade above, and would make a good bedside lamp also.


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