Since 1950, paint by number kits have made creating art a more approachable activity to many. The kits seem to be cropping up more and more in recent years, perhaps due to the exhibit hosted by the Smithsonian. If you are interested in giving it a try or think you know someone who’d enjoy this brush with the past, check out Hobby Masters’s extensive Paint By Numbers collection. My favorite is the one that includes the Eiffel Tower (with seven others), as sold by The Curiosity Shoppe Online for $19.95.
Stylin’ in the Rain… or Sunshine March 30, 2009
I once thought rain coats should be big, shiny, and yellow, but now I know that those are not the elements that keep me dry in the rain. Now I am loving my microfiber rain coat (in sand) from Lands’ End. The coat seems to be worth a few versions so you may also wish to look at the Microfiber Rain Coat with Zip Out Liner (pink or blue, $69.99), Regular Microfiber Raincoat (navy or sand, $79.50), Microfiber Rain Coat (black, $59.99), or Regular SunShower Raincoat (six solid colors or four patterns, $79.50).
What makes this coat a personal favorite?
* It doesn’t look like a raincoat – Can be worn like a trench or overcoat, but I’m prepare in case of scattered showers or a surprise downpour.
* It is machine washable - I’ve gotten it muddy and washed it to look new again, still handles rain like a champ.
* It has a pretty lining – When I bought the coat I didn’t think much of the lining, but a few people have commented on the nice lining.
* It doesn’t wrinkle and is built to last - Even after wearing it in a rainy climate for over seven months and washing it at least once, it doesn’t wrinkle and resists the rain.
Not only does this coat not make you look like Paddington the Bear awaiting the rain when it has not yet arrived, but it resists wrinkles. I have made a habit of rolling the coat up to fit in my big handbag in case of rain and even after that it looks lovely. Did I mention they now have sweet Microfiber Rain Hats ($22.50) in coordinating colors and patterns? The coat itself does not have a hood, but the hat does the trick without taking away from the everyday elegance of the coat’s classic silhouette. They have a similar coat for men in their Regular Stormer Raincoat ($79.50-$89.50).
Lands' End Microfiber Raincoats for Sunshine or Rainy Days
Swoon & Swing March 29, 2009
Sundance Catalog’s Wallis Swing Cardigan ($49.99) has a stylish design with a nod to the fabulous lines of yesteryear. Available in two rich hues, Cedar and Heather Charcoal. I find cardigans such as this shape are lovely to wear instead of a light jacket on days with a slight chill, but with more elegance than some other extra layers may offer. Remember to dry clean it for longer enjoyment.
Wallis Swing Cardigan from Sundance Catalog
Take Away, Again and Again March 28, 2009
A friend swears by her I Am Not a Paper Cup
Not A Paper Cup – Reusable Porcelain Cup with Silicone Lid
Dot Dot Dot March 27, 2009
Cheerful pink dots welcome you out of the bath or shower in Pottery Barn Teen’s LuLu Towels – Washcloth, hand towel, and bath towel available ($6, $12, $19). The circles and dots somehow remind me of an old wicker furniture design, which then, of course, reminds me of relaxing on the porch and that is always a soothing image – as is a relaxing bath.
PB Teen's LuLu Towels
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