Tie One On Tuesday

Remember when it was totally acceptable to give your neighbor, coworker or boss a bottle of alcohol for Christmas? I remember my parents going to the liquor store and buying a nice bottle of whiskey for our neighbor every year. I wonder why people don't do that anymore. How did we get away from the prestige of home bars to drinking our wine out of jelly glasses? (it's not hip or ironic-it's kind of embarrassing) I say we bring back the pageantry of the home bar with these little goodies.

Remember that neighbor I was just talking about? The one that loved whiskey? Well, for the whiskey lover in your life, why not surprise them with these whiskey stones. The stones are non porous soapstone that you put in the freezer then pop in your glass. The wonderful thing about these stones is that it won't diffuse the whiskey. The last sip across your lips will taste just as sweet as the first.


I swear by the Rabbit corkscrew. It is the best invention in the world of wine. A good one can be a bit expensive but trust me, it is worth it.

When I found these handpainted pilsner and martini glasses, I squealed with delight. They are SOOO cool. I would never drink out of them but how great are they for a conversation piece in your homebar.

These are just a few ideas for your bar loving, whiskey swigging friends and family. Turn up that Dean Martin Christmas album, shake that cocktail and serve up your best holiday cheer. It's time to bring back the holiday happy hour.

Helping Hank

 Normally, Mondays are my movie days with you but this Monday is all about Hank and how you can help him for the next few hours (until midnight tonight).

I am stealing this from my friend Krissi's blog page so you will have the 411 on Hank.

To all my friends who love animals (as well as music and lifting heavy things)...Allyson Seconds was my first trainer at BodyTribe and she rescues animals. In fact, she was late to our first session because she was rescuing a squirrel. Her most recent rescue (that I know of) is Hank, a very sweet black lab whom she has had for about a year. He has come down with Leptospirosis, and has had some vet bills this past week that are tough for Al to handle. Her other dog, Lulu (also a rescue) had two vet incidents this month too, and Al makes her living making music and making people strong, so her financies are limited. There are a couple of ways to help. You can buy something (and support a local artist) from Krissi Sandvik through Monday, or donate directly to Al via PayPal. See both options here: http://krissisandvik.blogspot.com/2011/11/hank-dog-and-sale-update.html

Just think of it, you can get some great art and help a great cause! How cool would you be? People dig kind hearts. It's true. As an added bonus, if you help, I'll give you a hug next time I see you. That should be incentive right there. A hug and helping out. They might make you a saint.

Remember, you have until midnight tonight, so get on it!  

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Happy Thanksgiving to all of my wonderful family and friends. Without you, I would be nothing.  I am so thankful for all aspects of my life, even the rough spots-for without those, would I truly know the meaning of life,the meaning of friendship and the meaning of a smile? I don't think so. Just in this year, I have been through so much, both happiness and sadness, triumph and tragedy and the one thing that has remained constant is love. When it comes to the end of the day, and I count my blessing, I count each of you, for all of you are a blessing in my life, a giggle across my lips and a warmth that surrounds me.

Much love, peace and lots and lots of pie on this holiday. I hope your belly is full of yummy goodness and your heart heavy with the abundance of happiness.

31 More Days!

Oh my GAWWWDDDDD! 31 more days! I can't believe it! Now,  I'm not gonna get into the whole Black Friday thing because really, do you need to get up early to get that glow in the dark chia pet? No you do not! You need to get online and support your indie artist!

One of my favorite saucy stitchy artist is Schnidermania. She is sweet and yet very naughty! What a combo! Her pillows are just stunning.  Guess what? She also just launched a new line of hankies. Did I hear you squeal with delight? I thought so! (there are a few NSFW images, so it might not be a great idea to have your six year old on your lap while cruising around)

I would love to give this one up but you'll have to pry it from my cold dead hand. Can you figure out what it says? Hee hee!

My friend over at Bubble Off Plumb Production Inc. rocks my socks! She makes creepy zombie teeth, voodoo varmints and cute dog collar cozies. I really think I need to get the pups some collar cozies. They are reversible and washable, which is good if you have a drooler. Don't you want your pup to be stylin' and profilin', if you said no,  then what kind of parent are you. Shame on you! I demand that you go and buy a cozie now-your dog demands it.

Don't have a dog, then get a voodoo varmint to ward off what ails ya. Right now, I think I need this.

So, skip those big box stores and support your local and indie artist and shops. It will add lots of goodness to your karma bank. Can you really buy this kind of love at Walmart-I didn't think so.

I'm Thankful For...

To kick off the Thanksgiving week festivities, I decided to list a few movie related items I am thankful for.


I am thankful for Carmen Miranda.

I know what you are thinking, Pam, really? Carmen Miranda? Yep. She is sassy, had great jewelry and could dance her butt off in 5 inch high platform shoes. Plus, she was hysterical!  When Carmen was on Broadway, she insisted that her back up band be Brazilian, to keep her music authentic. In  movies such as A Weekend in Havana, Something for the Boys and The Gangs All Here, she showcased her singing, acting and comedic abilities as well as supporting the US Troops by asking theater patrons to buy war bonds.


I am thankful for the new Muppet Movie

Whoa! Where did that one come from? Yes, I am thankful for a new Muppet movie. I just can't wait to see the gang back together and reconnect with my childhood heroes, Kermit and Ms. Piggy. I'm not 100% sure what this movie is about, but who cares! It's the MUPPETS!

Last, I'm thankful for Sam Elliott.

I really do not need to elaborate here, do I people? Sam Elliott, c'mon....

Yep, just a few things I'm thankful for. I'm sure I could think of a million more , but I have to check on my turkey. The pups have began circling it. 

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Last weekend we took the dogs to the beach. It was Pete's first time, he was a happy dog!

 

Did I mention he was happy? The blue blur...that's Pete, jumping for joy.

To the girls, the beach is old hat, but that doesn't mean they don't love it.

Did I mention Pete loves the beach?

Did I mention that I love OMP?

 

Even after a day on the beach, Lola looks as beautiful as ever. I wonder what her secret is?

Feel Good Friday!

 Courtesy of Neil Van Neirkirk. Please check out his site and other pictures.

Whew! Am I ever glad Friday is here. Seriously guys! I am ready for some relaxation this weekend!

I've been hearing about snow all around my neck of the woods, of course in my area I just see rain. C'mon snow gods! Show me some love! I'm not asking for a blizzard, just one little flake.

Maybe if I ask Iamdesigns' winter queen for some snow she will grant me one little snowflake.

Hmph! That doesn't seem to be working either. Maybe I'll just head over to Martha's website and make my own snowflakes.

I think you know the real reason I want it to snow. How cute would I look in the coat? I may even need to get Lola and Jujube a matching one.

Well, it doesn't look like my wishing for snow is going to work, so I guess I will just have to head up to Mt. Hood and get my fix and by fix I mean, sit at Timberline Lodge, drink some hot chocolate and watch it snow. Have a fab weekend no matter what you do-I hope it includes some form of chocolate, snuggling and cute red coats.

PS-Silencer, the Christmas dog came from lowes.com

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

~GustoNYC