Empty Bowls Part Deux

A while back I mentioned a local restaurant and college Art students hosting an event called "Empty Bowls" http://blvdmarket.blogspot.com/2012/01/empty-bowls.html which was fantastic.

Last weekend the same art students paired up with the local Humane Society for another "Empty Bowls" event for pets.  Can I get an "Awwwwwww..." It was held in conjunction with an art festival. 

Since I hadn't bought a new bowl for Henry yet, it was perfect timing and all the money raised went to care for shelter animals.  Here is the bowl I chose:

A small bowl with the most adorable studded collar surrounding it.  Many of the bowls were custom designed with a pet name stamped into the pottery as well.  So, so sweet.  I also like the way the lip of the bowl is slightly smaller than the base.  Henry likes to gobble his food as fast as possible and then start on Pierre's!  This bowl slows him down a bit and his little snout has to work hard to get each bit.  Yes, I said "snout" as we affectionately refer to him as "piglet".

I personally thought this was a superb fundraiser!  Young folks in the community helping homeless pets and my doggie is eating out of a local piece of art that looks great instead of a metal dish!

If you would like more info on how you can get an "empty bowl" for your pet that is custom or already finished, please call/email  the Lenawee County Humane Society at 517.263.3463
ilovepets@tc3net.com
 

Small Luxuries

With the holidays approaching, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite gifts to give and receive.  I love to buy small luxury items for my daughters that have classic styling and I think they love receiving them (if not, I'm not opposed to re-gifting or hand-me-backs from them!!).  I allow the girls to choose their larger gifts, but the FUN part of gift giving is the surprises!  I would much rather receive a gift that my family member chose on their own than a "list" of gifts I want.  

The other idea is that these gifts be affordable...while I'm not opposed to the "O" list, I refuse to spend $500 on a sweater.  I don't care how great/soft/flattering it is.  "Affordable" means different things to different people.  I will define it this way "I'm not going to be furious if it gets lost, damaged, found in daughter's car trunk next year or covered in cat hair!"   

Here is a list of my favorite affordable, luxury items that I love everyday. 

CASHMERE THROW
I apprciate this throw every time I touch it, take a cat nap or throw it over my shoulders to run to the mailbox.  It was a gift to "myself" for traveling and it's lovely.  $125  (The Hotel Collection, which looks like its no longer available, but I found tons with google)



LEATHER NOTEBOOK FROM ITALY
I carry this in my bag for writing inspirational things, menus, quotes, websites etc.  It has lovely thick, ivory paper inside and a fun little leather tie that wraps around to keep it closed.  $15
(Valentina, I couldn't find my exact copy online, but here's a site I love for beautiful Italian goods; www.eyeitalia.com/) 

TINY PERFUME SAMPLER FROM FRANCE
I can tailor my fragrance to my mood of the day!  Dabbing on pulse points versus a spray makes this collection feel very feminine and old world.  They all smell fabulous!  $20ish
(www.fragonard.com/parfums_grasse/index.cfm?languesite=GB)

ESTATE AND VINTAGE JEWELRY
Lovely filigreed rings, charms, pendants, funky pins and more!  I have a local jeweler that has a revolving selection of estate and vintage pieces that can be had for reasonable prices.  I purchased one daughter a signet ring with beautiful scroll work and engraved with her initials.  Rose gold pieces have a great patina that I love.  With the price of gold so high these pieces have become a bit pricier, but still affordable.  $50 and up 
(Hacker Jewelers  www.hackerjewelers.com)

ART
A few years back, we made a choice to start purchasing artwork that we love and eventually replace all reproduction pieces in our house.  It has been really fun!  I didn't spend a lot of money, yet each piece represents a distinct place, time and person (artist) that brings great memories to the surface.  Gregg Perez is my friend and a local artist that produces beautiful pieces for sale at The Boulevard Market and other galleries in Michigan.  Gregg's artwork can be very reasonably priced and custom framed to fit your decor.
 I have a print from a Parisian artist in my kitchen that (I brought back from our trip that I LOVE) I framed simply.  It brings me joy everyday.  $70 euro+$15 to frame
gregorioperez.wordpress.com 

 By the way, my friend Barb S. had the BEST idea for getting exactly the gift you love!  Apparently, her dog always gives the best gifts!  Happy gift giving!



 

Saugatuck and Soap

One of our family's favorite weekend spots is Saugatuck Michigan. A quick 2.5 hour drive straight west to Lake Michigan puts us in the R & R mood! It's hard not to relax when you are sitting on white, sugar sand beaches facing indigo blue water and 80 degree temperatures! Not to mention, there is no wireless service on the beach, so real life just blurs into blue water and sailboats!

We have always loved the town as well. Cape Cod-ish look on the Kalamazoo River with a bustling marina and very walkable downtown. Lots of live outdoor music, a world-renowned film festival in June, art galleries, shops and restaurants, it's a trendy fun town. The teenagers have a good time as well and we never leave empty handed.

I always buy a bar of Nesti Dante soap from the Tuscan Pot shop. A charming shop, studio and gallery of ceramic artist Rachael Hirt. She creates lovely Italian inspired ceramics and stocks interesting, authentic, imported Italian goods. I stock up on Florentine paper notecards and stationary, leather goods and these Nesti Dante soaps. BIG bars of lather-y, scented goodness that doesn't dry out your skin, give you a rash or leave a soap ring in the tub! The above photo is my favorite scent, but Tuscan Pot has a great selection of scents! Rachael has some new Venetian glass pendants this year and beautiful Italian wrapping papers....I will be back to pick up later this summer! You can see her shop online at www.tuscanpot.com

We also love the neighboring town of Douglas. The Wild Dog Grille is always a winner for food and outdoor seating. I had their Gazpacho and Wild Dog Burger...a burger topped with grape tomato jam (a homemade chunky ketchup) avacado/pesto sauce, french fried onions and gorgonzola all on a medium cooked burger with a grilled bun. Incredible! Outrageously delicious! The best burger I've had in a really long time. Gina's friend, Lewis, concurred. John and Gina got the Tilapia Fish Tacos, Jamie a brick oven pizza. All was wonderful!

In Douglas, I always have to stop at the Steve Rubinkam Gallery and Joys of Life Artful Gifts . He is a very talented impressionist acrylic painter and his work never fails to bring me joy! Joys of Life Artful Gifts always has a little something sweet and interesting to pick up for myself or gifts! Plus the owners are fabulous!

Our favorite place to stay is a little unconventional...room 16 at Captains Quarters Motel on the Blue Star Highway. We LOVE motels! Nothing fancy, but large rooms, lots of pillows, great air conditioners and plenty of hot water! Everything is clean. I enjoy taking my coffee to the backyard in the morning and waking up to the great outdoors. Funky statues, manicured gardens, comfy outdoor seating allows me to read and wake up amongst the little grey squirrels and roses. Not dirt cheap, or for everyone, but we love it! If you go, tell the owner "The cheese people sent us!" (Here's hoping that he likes us too!)