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Nothing makes me smile faster than seeing work by a woman named Anne Taintor. 
Her unique and funny artwork puts a spin on traditional values and domestic bliss. I'm not sure where she finds all of her pictures and prints, but she basically takes vintage 50's and 60's catalog photos and adds funny labels to them. For example: 
She has turned this simple idea into a vast empire of greeting cards, books, notepads, purses, fridge magnets, aprons and other paraphernalia. You go girl! You can find a small collection of Anne Taintor work at the shop Just Us Girls in Gardner Village, or online at www.annetaintor.com. "She was one frozen entree away from a nervous breakdown." Happy viewing!
One of my all-time favorite books, Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy isn't something you can pick up and read straight through. It's a collection of thoughts and insights for each day of the year (think of Gordon B. Hinckley's Stand A Little Taller).
I first heard of Irish author Sarah Ban Breathnach, when she promoted her self-help book Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self on the Oprah show. Intrigued, I bought myself a copy of Something More and read it in one day (which is another post for another time). However, Simple Abundance is a perfect gift, even for your friends who are self-proclaimed "non-readers". Each month begins with a theme, and ends with creative ideas to pass the time away. The daily thoughts are short and sweet, and I love that she uses lots of interesting quotes.
Ban Breathnach really gears her insights towards women, with a large emphasis on spirituality and homemaking. I keep my copy on the night table, and while I don't get to it all the time, it is a nice way to either start or end the day. (I also keep a stockpile in my gift drawer for girlfriends and family members). So, if you haven't received Simple Abundance from me yet, your copy is forthcoming... Happy reading!
The latest creation from magical muggle author J.K. Rowling is this stunning collectors edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Offered exclusively through Amazon.com, this leather-bound collector's copy is a costly $100, but is seemingly worth the price. With re-creations of Rowling's original hand-written introduction, as well as drawings and extensive notes taken by Professor Albus Dumbledore himself, the book looks to be a rare treat. Along with 5 short stories by the Bard himself, this handsome volume also includes background information on wizarding society and history; from the early muggle "witch hunts" to present-day dark arts and beyond. Beedle the Bard (to be released December 4, 2008) has jumped to the top of my "wish list", and would make a wonderful gift for your imaginative would-be-wizard or collector of rare and unique treasures. Happy reading!
Attention all Lehi residents! The Blue Goose Boutique is currently being hosted at the Legacy Center from Thursday, April 24th through Saturday the 26th. Admission is free, so come early to get first pick before all the best merchandise is gone. Blue Goose has everything from jewelry to purses, vinyl lettering, candles, books, crafts, clothes and home decor; all made or distributed by local vendors. Happy shopping!
Listen up guys! Here is a list of Valentine's treats for your girl, that are sure to bring a smile on her face. It's my foolproof list of favorite Valentine's Day surprises. 
Antique teapot. I realize this is not your standard Valentine's Day gift. However, if you are going for that unique, hard-to-find item this is a great suggestion! Nothing makes a girl feel warm and cozy like a fresh pot of herbal tea or hot chocolate. You can find lovely vintage tea-sets (like the one pictured above) at most local antique shops, or if your special lady likes a more modern look, there are several great sets at Target or Bed, Bath & Beyond that will do quite nicely. If you doubt my opinion, I must refer you to an episode of The Office when Jim buys Pam a teapot and fills it with memories he's written on slips of paper. Any girl could only be so lucky! 
Just released today on DVD, make sure you pick up a copy of Becoming Jane. I don't know a single woman who doesn't love a good Jane Austen story, and this wonderful film is not your typical chick-fare! Becoming Jane is a decent romantic drama that the two of you can curl up together and enjoy. 
No woman can resist the romantic allure of sparkling candlelight. Most candles are cheap and easy to find. Simply purchase some beautiful ribbon to tie them up, and you have an inexpensive gift. Just make sure to remember her favorite scent before purchasing. 
Tired of the same boring roses? Why not try a bouquet of fragrant peonies or vibrant tulips instead? Your lady will feel special that you chose something different this year, and you can feel good about the money you saved on long-stemmed roses.
Chocolates are a girl's best friend. Instead of buying a cheap box of chocolates at the grocery store, why not splurge with a box of "Nuts and Chews" from See's candy? I myself prefer their fruit-filled truffles, but either way your girl will thank you for the extra effort and sinfully delicious treat.
My husband and I were at our friends house the other night, and we were making preparations to put the kiddies to bed. As we were setting up the pack n' play in the nursery, we noticed a very life-like replica of the moon hanging on their child's wall. "What is that?" I asked."That is a Moon In My Room" my girlfriend replied, smiling. "We bought it for Ryan at Costco. Watch this!"She then proceeded to pull out a remote control, and suddenly the moon lit-up and became a beautiful glowing orb. With a simple click of the remote control, she could replicate the moon in all its different phases (full, crescent, etc.). Needless to say, we were very impressed! Moon In My Room would make a great gift for that special geek in your life, or to help illustrate lunar phases to a young science student. Being the daughter of an astronomer myself, I can definitely appreciate this fun, yet educational toy.
My sister Kiersten surprised me the other night with an early Christmas present: "it's a mom thing: Real World Insights for Proudly Imperfect Mothers" by Tina Neidlein. I spent the next 20 minutes flipping through the book and laughing my head off! It's just a series of short blurbs and jewels of wisdom that make you feel better about not being the "perfect" mother. "I still try to buy cute underwear, but not too cute, because what do you think got me into this mess?""Parenting magazines are perfect for those times when you're not feeling inadequate enough on your own.""Relax! Nowhere on your gravestone is it gonna say, 'She gave her kids too much soda'."This book would make a great stocking stuffer or coffee table book for any mom who understands the value of a good chocolate chip cookie or a warm bubble bath. Thanks again, Kiersten!
I found this cupcake book and baking kit at Barnes and Noble the other day. I thought it was a great gift idea, or something fun to do with the kids. The kit includes: a "how to" book, icing nozzles, decorating stencils and shiny cupcake foils. Everything you need to get started baking cupcakes; or use as a great addition to your previous kitchen set!
I thought this was a great idea for a shower gift. My mom found these vintage cookbooks at a local antique shop. They are full of all the basic recipes you need to start your kitchen library, plus how can you resist the cute colors and matching box? Wanna know the best part? Tucked inside the cookbook pages were notes and letters from the original owners. We had fun seeing "I Love You" and "Happy Anniversary" hidden amongst the casseroles and desserts.
Her unique and funny artwork puts a spin on traditional values and domestic bliss. I'm not sure where she finds all of her pictures and prints, but she basically takes vintage 50's and 60's catalog photos and adds funny labels to them. For example: 
She has turned this simple idea into a vast empire of greeting cards, books, notepads, purses, fridge magnets, aprons and other paraphernalia. You go girl! You can find a small collection of Anne Taintor work at the shop Just Us Girls in Gardner Village, or online at www.annetaintor.com. "She was one frozen entree away from a nervous breakdown." Happy viewing!
