Tuesday, November 24, 2009

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

In the spirit of that almost has-been of a talk show hostess whom we all admire and love, I have set out to make a list of my favorite things sans the audience giveaways. Sorry reader(s?), the blog hasn't made it that big yet. Perhaps my suggestions will come in handy when trying to come up with a gift for someone special, or for yours truly...
Tocca Candles ($16-$36)

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Also a favorite of Jessica Simpson. These candles are sure to add a breath of fresh air to your apartment/house/condo/parent's house and maybe a little holiday "spice" too. The large size has a burn time of 60 hours. I recommend the "Havana" and "Grace" scents. Just add mistletoe and you are set. www.tocca.com
Harney & Sons Tea ($6-$12)
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This tea will rock your world. Beware: Lipton, Stash, and even the higher-end Tazo brand of tea bag sold at Starbucks will never taste as good once you have tried Harney & Sons. I am now a tea snob. Twelve dollars for twenty sachets may seem steep, but they do come in a cute little tin that you can reuse! "Hot Cinnamon Spice" is perfectly invigorating on a chilly morning and my absolute favorite flavor. www.harney.com
Tory Burch flats ($295ish)
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I have the best husband ever. He bought me a pair of these babies in black for my birthday and I never want to take them off. I would wear them every day of the week, the only thing stopping me is my fear that I will wear them out too quickly. It's quite a conundrum. They are excellent for fashion forward teachers... until a little one steps on the metal "T" emblem and pain shoots through your toenails... but that's a very very minor detail. www.toryburch.com
Hunter rain boots ($100-$125)
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While we are on the topic of shoes, it's definitely a toss up as to whether I love my Tory's or my Hunter's the most. These boots have the power to transform even the gloomiest of days. They are simple and chic, and do a marvelous job keeping tootsies dry and warm. My kindergartners are confused by the notion of rainboots indoors, but I wear them proudly! www.zappos.com or www.hunter-boot.com.
Alecia's Tomato Chutney ($8)
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Alecia's Tomato Chutney is made by Alecia in Leeds, Alabama. I first tasted its goodness on a pizza at Frank Stitt's Bottega Cafe in Birmingham. Apparently, it is one of Stitt's favorite products too. The flavor is savory, but with a sweetness that comes from raisins and sugar. I have used it on baked chicken, pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and with cheese and crackers. According to a man I met at Williams-Sonoma who also loves this product, the chutney is made in small batches in Alecia's kitchen. You only see it in Birmingham and can't order it online. If you are interested you can give Alecia herself a call at (205)352-4900.
McCarty's Pottery
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Now that I am married and allowed to collect pottery, I have a full-blown obsession with the pieces produced by Lee and Pup McCarty in Marigold, MS. According to their website, the McCarty's started throwing pottery in 1954. "Lee and Pup have come a long way since William Faulkner showed them a clay deposit in a ravine on his property and told them they could have it." I received several pieces as wedding gifts and the soft brown, blue, and green glazes typical of McCarty work perfectly with my decor. My birds and candlesticks make me particularly happy. I hope to collect many more pieces and maybe even make a trip to the McCarty barn and restaurant in Marigold in the near future (Price)!?!?! www.mccartyspottery.com
Juliska
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Thank you Rachel Walton Knowlton for introducing me to Juliska ceramics (pattern: "Berries and Thread.") I am big on pretty colors, so when I chose this for my everyday china I couldn't decide between the blue, green, or brown. Sooo... I got some of each and I couldn't be happier! I have SO much fun mixing and matching my pieces. And the colors of my plates etc. flow effortlessly with my (small) collection of McCarty serving pieces. These guys are sturdy and elegant. I think my next present to myself will definitely be the small blue Juliska pitcher that was featured in this months Lucky magazine! www.juliska.com
Labradoodles
($ "too expensive for me")

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