I'm A Little Teapot...

I have already talked a little about how much I love tea and how I had given up coffee for it. I still choose tea over coffee every morning, but now I am also off of (refined) sugar in an effort to simply eat better (and to benefit my waistline).

There is no magic to the way I make my tea. Most of the time I just use the hot tap on the water cooler, but there are many traditions surrounding the ceremony of drinking tea. The teapot is just one part of that tradition.

Being a huge fan of objects and design, it will come as no surprise that I love teapots. It is just one of those objects that has nearly limitless possibilities in design. It is also one of those objects that is sometimes designed with no reference to it's original function. I will give you none of those.

I will give you a few posts that will help to add the magic back into your tea drinking. Enjoy!

I absolutely love this teapot. It is colorful and has that super cool handle. One of my biggest teapot pet peeves (if there is such a thing) is handles that don't really work ergonomically.
Jeu D'esprit Teapot
$58.00
Anthropologie

What a nice teapot. Handmade, this pot comes with two tea cups and a tea strainer.
Fluted Teapot by by Judy Jackson
$69.00
Zanisa

A lovely glass tea set for when you just can't trust what is going on inside those opaque pots and bowls. I think it is lovely.
Glass Teapot with Accessories
$60.00
William-Sonoma

Keep the contents of that pot warm with this sweet knit tea cozy. There are four other styles to choose from, but this one is my favorite.
Tea Cosy
$21.75
The Conran Shop

It may be hard to actually get these guys into your tea cup. Lovely little non-sticky drops that melt away into lovely sweetness in your hot drink. They come in plain honey and honey with lemon. Each is 100% natural honey and pure lemon. Yum!
Honey Drops
$11.99 for 20 drops
Honibe

Super fancy imported individually wrapped sugar cubes.
Wrapped Sugar Cubes from France
$5.00 for a bag of 50
POSH Chicago

Trolling for Inspiration

This post is totally and completely random. I have been looking for inspiration, as I usually do, and I more or less came up with nothing - or - nothing sparked a dive into a narrowly themed post. But that is OK. Change is good.

Here are some things I did find that I wanted to share. Enjoy!

The colors of this Matryoshka wind up are what got me (and she is sure to go quickly). I love how she has her arms sternly crossed while keeping a pleasant smile on her face. Alright...alright....I will get back to doing the laundry...geeze.
Tin Matryoshka Wind-Up
$68.00
Three Potato Four

I love the texture of this. It is an olive branch made out of graphite so you can write with it if you like. I just like its form, function is beside the point. This would be a nice gift to send if you want to ask for a truce with that friend who you stopped talking to because they supported the other candidate.
Graphite Olive Branch
$39.00
Zanisa

I have a well established addiction to all things that can even be loosely thought of as a notebook. These are lovely and they are handmade in Paris.
Notebook Set
$58.00
The Paris Apartment

I love little owls...being symbols of wisdom and all... I think they are perfect pals on any desk. This pick was inspired by my current desktop wallpaper. Look at his poor little worn eye...
Vintage Owl Bottle
$4.00
Surface to Air Media

Taking it to the yard!

Some cool things to help you take advantage of the nice weather and take your food outside to the yard, patio, or pool. Enjoy!

Everybody loves a caddy! This one is very nice and has a very cute pattern. For knives, spoons, and napkins.
Flatware Tote Along
$42.00
The Merry Martini

For your caddy! So that if the fork gets dropped in the yard and then gets stepped on it will disintegrate into the ground instead of lying in wait as some sort of mowing disaster. Just sayin'.
Fork, Knife and Spoon Set
$8.00
Branch

A little bit of elegance to take your buns and condiments out to the picnic table. Some people may give you that look, but it will look awesome and YOU will be happy. Plus it isn't too expensive.
Chocolate Brown Large Melamine Serving Tray
$28.00
Plasticland

I have seen this goblet done with a Corona or a Sal bottles and, to be honest, I was a little "meh" about them. I am not big on beer (or Corona iconography). This goblet, however, I love. I love the color, even the wheat imagery on the side, made of Grolsch bottles.
Grolsch Goblets (2 pack)
£11.99 (about $18.50 US)
Nigel's Eco Store

A pretty Warhol butterfly dish for your sliced tomatoes and onions for burgers, a pile of pickles, or other patio nibbles. For the price, you can buy 23! ...or 2.
Butterfly Appetizer Plate
$1.50
CB2

A better alternative for paper plates (and taking your china outside). Disposable bamboo plates! These plates are great because they can be thrown in the compost heap when everyone is done! And they are not bad to look at either.
All-Occasion Veneerware Bamboo 11" Plates
$10.95 for 8
Greenfeet

One part of me thinks that it would disturb me to watch this guy melt into nothing, the other part really hates to get bug bites in the arch of my foot. That part (the second part) wins out with this one. A bright blue gnome who gleefully sacrifices himself in the name of a mosquito and no-see-ems free dinner in the yard.
Giant Gnome Citronella Candle
$12.50
Plasticland

Huggable Zoo

I have to admit that I am not one of those people who has jumped on the plushies bandwagon. I mean, I see the humor - but not the point - in having a plush poo. Is this something you would play with? Is it something that sparks the imagination, soothes fears and keeps you company on those rainy days. No...or, I sure hope not.

What I find lacking in many of the items produced in this plushies craze is that they lack all of the whimsy and love that can be found in more traditional stuffed animals. They succeed on being cute, and exhibiting some exemplary needle arts talent, but were is the heart?

I realize that many of these things are made for adults (pseudo as they may be - and I put myself in this category), and maybe this is coming from more than 10 years attempting to keep a home organized, but what the heck is meant to be done with plush pieces of bacon? Speaking in terms of the long haul, here.

OK, enough of the plushies rant...

Today I bring you some (more or less) traditional stuffed animals for you to enjoy. Some are meant for play, others not so much, but all could be happily passed down for years to come.

Everyone needs a monkey! I am sure he will go anywhere you would like to go. He gets an A+ at playing school, and doesn't mind being treated as a baby.
Haraldo The Monkey
$105.00
Reform School

A little frazzled, maybe, but this lion is ready for action. It is not for the little ones (you know, the buttons) but I am sure he would be happy enough sitting at the corner of your desk, keeping you company and giving you strength as you plow through your day. You know, for when you have no one else to give that look to.
Pedro the Lion
$46.00
Makool Loves You

This Owl has the sweetest, most expressive eyes. Like he is perched and ready to listen to any old thing you might have to say. With a degree in philosophy, he would be great as the teacher for your monkey friend.
Woodgrain Owl
by Norwegian Wood
$49.00
Supermarket

Lovely, wise and majestic. I am usually not a fan of elephants, but I can't resist this one. Handmade by Jennifer Muskopf and priced so that a tea party (with grape juice - eek) seems impractical. This guy is best suited as a lovely nursery decoration.
Clive and Sunshine Elephant
$150.00
Rose and Radish

Wood is Wonderful

New obsession - wood.

I took a trip to Terrain (Urban Outfitters' new garden range) a couple of weeks ago and was struck by this large wooden planter that was nearly as tall as I am. Well, not literally struck, you would be not reading this if that were the case, but I was taken with its texture and its warmth.

My personal aesthetic often skews towards melamine and porcelain, but I feel myself shifting to the more natural beauty of wood. So today I bring you things made of lovely, warm, wood. Enjoy!

A nice bold wood bangle for your arm. This would look awesome with just about anything, I think.
Accordion Wooden Bangle
$9.99
Urban Outfitters
A beautiful bud vase for you daily wildflower picking. If you are in to that sort of thing.
Mango Wood Vase
$148.00
Anthropologie

I am very close to getting too knick-knack-y in my decorating, but I love this bird. Perched atop books about George Nakashima, precious.
Wood Bird
$48.00
Three Potato Four

This just makes we want to have a nice cup of coffee....in Paris. Classic and warm, this would even feel at home in my Swedish Modern living room.
French Cafe Coat Hook
$52.00
P.O.S.H. Chicago

"It's log, log...it's big, it's heavy, it's wood..." Sorry. A wonderful natural (bark free) log to use as a stool or occasional table. "Everyone wants a log!" or a stump in this case (semantics).
Tree Stump
$225.00
mxyplyzyk

I can't describe how much I love this. Now I am not sure how drinking out of wood would be different than drinking out of china (which always tastes better) but I will give it a try.
Keyaki Wood Tea Cups
$40.00 for a set of 4
Rare Device

Lemonade

When life gives you lemons make lemonade...right? So, when people give you trash why not make some awesome design out of it. Enjoy! I love this board because it is made out of re-purposed trash, naturally, but also because it seems to have much better functionality than a normal thin cork board. I love that you can slide things in between the paper "board" so things stand out giving them some emphasis...I am thinking awesome tickets to an upcoming summer tour - w00t!

Pulp Recycled Bulletin Board
$28.50
Delight

I saw this Hommin trash can a while back on one of my favorite blogs but I couldn't for the life of me find where you could buy it - well, here it is! The design is brilliant, and it will help you reuse your plastic bags.
Clothespin Trash Can
$18.00
Mxyplyzyk

Sometimes the best design is the one that already exists. A cool ceramic cup with silicone lid. For your tea, coffee, or whatever.
Not a Paper Cup cup
$22.50
Paper Source

ABCZ

I love all things related to type. I frequently enjoy a cool blog called - interestingly enough - I love typography , and I spend WAY too much at time at work looking for just the right font (I am generally a Garamond girl.)

So today I have collected for you some cool type related gifts. Enjoy!
This post is inspired by a list by revolutionarygirl for ThisNext.

I really dig this print. Simple and beautiful with just the right amount of color. I hope it inspires you to write...and love every minute. [via: poppytalk]
ABC Love Print
$45.00 16x24
Made By Girl

For a quirky yet natural touch to your bedside table or shelf.
Carpenter Wood Letters & Numbers
$8.00 each
Three Potato Four

I have been fighting (unsuccessfully) the urge to do a plate collage in my kitchen or dining room. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but they have been used so often and presented in nearly every iteration imaginable that they are practically cliche. This plate makes me say "who cares if it's cliche?" Not me. [via: poppytalk]
Antique Platter with K Monogram
$75.00
Kelly Wilson Antiques

I have been wanting to post this for a while. I think it is just the joy of the idea that such a small thing can be given the time to be so be made so beautiful. This is a perfect gift for your favorite needle artist.
The Small Object Needle Case
$9.00
Rose and Radish

I think of this as a periodic table of design. When you can't (for the life of you) remember who designed the Wiggle chair (Frank Gehry.)
Design classics alphabet poster
by BlueAntStudio.com
$35.00
Supermarket

At the Helm

Some quick picks of nautical themed jewelry I found in my day's trolling. Enjoy!

Steer your course with this cool helm ring.
Pirate Ring
$120.00
VeraMeat Jewelry

I think this is pretty awesome. I am in need of a nice big belt buckle.
Nautical Anchor Belt Buckle - Navy Blue
$159.00
Alter Designs

A cute trinket to add to your jewelry box.
Set Sail Nautical Helm Necklace
$12.00
Fred Flare

I love this neat charm bracelet made up of nautical niceties.
It even includes a star to help you find your way home.

Nautical Charm Bracelet
$60.00
Erica Weiner Jewelry

A Clutch in the Hand...

Who needs an oversized bag? Many of us think we do. I will admit that I have one and I fill it with things that I forget about the minute I plop them in there. I once found 3 bottles of water, a smushed caramel filled candy bar, and a digital camera (view screen cracked under the weight of it all) at the bottom of my 24" deep bag. Because they can hold so much they can become very heavy and that can cause actual damage to your shoulders. Plus if you are going to a concert, bar, or restaurant big bags can be obnoxious to keep track of.

For all of these reasons, I love the clutch bag. Large enough to hold everything you really need for just about any outing and small enough to keep close.

I have collected for you a selection of clutches to peruse. Enjoy!

I absolutely love this one. Bold and bright, it is perfect for your weekend outings!
Giallo Pouch
$20.00
Urbindimo

I think this is quite elegant with its curves and monochromatic color scheme.
Hau Hauz Tango Koli Bag
$80.00
Huset Shop

The leather detail on this bag is lovely. I like the birds too.

Agnes & Hoss - Green Starlings Clutch
$185.00
2Modern

How awesome would this look with some dark washed denim and robin's egg blue thong sandals? Very, I would say. This one also has a cool wrist loop to help you keep it at your side. (AKA a wristlet.)
Vine Wristlet
$20.00
MAU Studio

Another wristlet, this one sleek enough to take out for a night on the town (I think...I am not one who often goes out on the town...)
Kate Purse
$78.00
HoBo

Four Funky-Fantastic Tees

"In the not too distant future..." I am letting my geek flag fly with this one, I realize, but how cool...Gamera! Even better on the back you have Joel, Crow, and Tom Servo! Wear it for the love of MST3K or for some ironic reason (it doesn't matter to me.) Fans longing for the days of MST3k can check out Joel's new project here.
Gamera MST3K Tee Shirt-Ladies Small
$40.00
E. Binard Designs

My enduring love of gnomes was established in an earlier post. This love was sparked, I am sure, after watching hours of "David the Gnome" on Nickelodeon when I was little. This cute shirt features a Gnome snoozing beneath a mushroom with the caption "To Gnome is to Love Me." The Gnome even looks a bit like good ol' Dave.
Gnome Mushroom Tee
$32.00
CHOCOSHO

I was a proud member of the AI Tiger Marching Band from 1990-1994 (I know....GEEK FLAG!) I wasn't a majorette. I played the clarinet and got to wear a big rigid blue and gold hat with a white plume sticking out of it. It was fun times. This shirt reminds me of marching. I don't think they make one of a 5'6" plume hat wearing clarinet player, so I will have to go with this one.
Good Cheer Tee
$19.95
Beautiful/Decay

This one just makes me giggle. Is that cat a pirate? Taking a cue from the stripes...and the eye patch. We will never know for sure.
Eye-Patch Kitty Tee
$28.00
Punkahontas

P.S. This post proves that you can find absolutely anything on YouTube.

Blossom

In celebration of spring (at last) a few things in honor of the lovely, fleeting cherry blossom. Enjoy!

Lovely lights take the form of a branch of blossoms.
Via Loki22f on ThisNext.
Cherry Blossom Branch With Decorative Flower Lights
£16.00 (about $32.00)
Graham & Green

Pretty porcelain vase with a raised blossom motif.
Porcelain Cherry Blossom Vase
$26.00
Jayson Home & Garden

Beautiful blossom ring. This is my favorite.
Crystal Blossom Ring by Rebecca Berry Jewelry
$38.00
Plasticland

How cool is this? Glasses that leave cherry blossom "rings" on your table cloth. Set of two glasses.

Sakurasaku
$60.00
Charles & Marie

Sweet little cherry blossom earrings.

Pink Sakura Earrings
$4.00
Sakura Kitty Creatives

I love this shirt.

Asian Floral cherry blossom vintage art black V neck
$28.00
Ahpeele

Things for your Stuff

Some quick picks of storage solutions for some of your stuff. Random, I know. Enjoy!

I would put this in my pantry next to my "Cake" box and my jar labeled "Rocks." OK, that was a horrible joke, but I do love the clean lines of this tea box.
Le Bistro tea box
$24.95 AUD
Whiteport

A whimsical burst of color comes with this ornate cast metal money boy. These days every penny you save counts. In which case I suppose a jar will work just as well, but this is pretty. It has a rubber stopper on the bottom and also comes in peony (above) or white.
Money Box
$79.00
Brocade Home

I guess you could stash whatever you like in here, but anger is not good to carry around. Here is my suggestion - write down what is making you angry and put it in this jar, let it go...If it is still bothering you a week later then you may have to address it - otherwise it will likely just make you laugh. One of Jonathan Adler's awesomely petulant designs.
Anger Jar by Jonathan Adler
$75.00
Charles & Marie

I saw one of these boxes on Three Potato Four a few months back and they sold out super fast. Here is series 4 for our enjoyment. I just love their rustic character and the number label. I picked 8 because it is my favorite. Each are one of a kind.
Wooden Box Series 4 - #8
$70.00
Three Potato Four

Tucking Allison In

I have this squirrel obsession lately. I know I have been posting a lot of squirrel themed items. The funny thing is I don't even really like squirrels. I mean I like cute and/or plush squirrels, I suppose, but the real ones creep me out. I would never hurt one, and I like seeing them frolic in my backyard. ("Allison" happens to be a blond squirrel that frequents my yard who recently lost her tail...poor Allison.) But I am the most happy when they keep their distance. I am sure it is mutual.

I have decided to put the whole squirrel "thing" to bed with one last blockbuster squirrel post. I will not guarantee that I will never post anything about a squirrel again, but I will promise to try to skip over these items from now on...at least for a while. Enjoy!