One Fine Mesh Mess

My kitchen gadget drawer is a big mess. And here's proof. The canning jar picker upper-thing is entwined with the microplane is connected to the sandwich crimper is mingled with the egg slicer is conjoined with the fine mesh strainer and so on and so on.

Got a drawer like this? Got gadgets galore?

Take this quiz that tests your kitchen gadget knowledge. And here's a great blog that highlights some new and unusual housewares and kitchen contraptions.

Knick Knack St. Paddy Snack

These are real easy shamrock treats to make for St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday. I made this batch today. Sweet and salty, easy and delicious. Not my original idea.....saw them on this blog, complete with "recipe".

There's a Party in my Purse

I love these little matchbooks of celebration candles. Just think, a party can break out anywhere! Stick one in your salami sandwich or in your cubicle mates' morning bagel.

Order from the MoMA store here. $10.00 plus shipping.

from the website:

Packaged like matchsticks, these pocket-sized sets each include ten small candles and are perfect for celebrating impromptu special moments. Set of four packs, each including ten candles. Each candle burns for five minutes.

I wonder if you could cover little matchboxes with origami paper---like here and then stick in a couple of small birthday candles and a few matches and voila...instant portable party?

I've Been Steampunk'd!

I learned a new term today: Steampunk.

Steampunk is "Goth, Punk, Geek, and Maker Culture whipped into a delicious melange with a healthy seasoning of political and environmental activism. It's the intersection of science and romance, it's sustainable rebellion."

I had to look up Maker Culture, too.

This is how my cultural lesson for today went:

1. I read a short article in our local paper on a new high-end model home that opened here in town. It described the lighting in the dining room as an "armillary chandelier". I didn't know what that was so I googled. This is an example of an armillary chandelier.

2. In reading some of the google hits, I kept coming across the term "Steampunk". As in a cultural or subcultural movement that includes recycling and repurposing and just neat stuff. I clicked on this site and then went to The Steampunk Home. Mad scientist meets interior decorator. Dr. Strangelove goes on safari Out of Africa. Frankenstein wears Ralph Lauren. Makes me want to say "lah-bore-a-torie".

3. I then read that Steampunk is now considered lame and over with. So yesterday. A day late and a bunch of cool short. Don't tell that to Pottery Barn!

Fivefingers:10toes

These are weird but fascinating. The next Crocs maybe? Created by the inventor of the Vibram traction sole, these Fivefingers "shoes" replicate walking barefoot but provide traction, protection and even some models keep sand out.

The website lists all the models for running, yoga and other sports and I think I have seen in reviews that they are about $80 a pair (thats $8 per toe according to my supermath skills).

I drive half barefoot most of the time. I have anxiety about scuffing up the back of my right foot shoe when I wear heels so off it comes when I get behind the wheel. Contrary to what several people have tried to scold me with over the years, it's NOT against the law. Scuffed heels and poorly maintained footwear are a crime however.

Rock On

I love my wood floors. We have wood floors in every room except the master bath. They are beautiful and add such warmth and a look to our home that no other flooring could match. They are also a source of anxiety. About scratching and gouging and other wood floor disasters. Everything, and I do mean everything (even the willow laundry baskets) that comes in contact with the floor has felt pads on it's bottom.

Which brings me to my question. How do people that have wood floors have rocking chairs and not end up with scratched floors? If I could figure that out I would so buy this rocking chair. It's on sale at Modern Dose. I would buy it in orange.

After Dark

I love where I live. Especially this time of year when it's a balmy 78 degrees during the day and the evenings are cool and clear. Here's a few photos from the action around town last night. According to the clock in the 4th photo---at 7:56 pm to be exact!