William Sonoma Has Chicken Coops?

The William Sonoma we know and love has apparently gotten a little sister that likes to play in the dirt.  Agrarian is loaded with all sorts of information about beekeeping, cheese making,  gardening, canning and yes, chicken keeping.  Reminds me a bit of Sunset magazine actually but with links to buy things!
I'm loving this new site! Go William Sonoma!
Now if I could just find a way to afford the goodies they sell.

Chicken Coop and Run $1279

Beehive $339

Oh, yes and they have these wonderful plantagrams!

Ikea Debuts Their Prefab House

The best news I've heard all day!

The Swedish furnishings chain has just unveiled its first-ever line of houses. Designed in partnership with Oregon firm Ideabox, the "Activ" (Swedish for—guess!) model is a one-bedroom prefab home aimed at a Pacific Northwest consumer. Translation: it's eco-friendly (fual-flush toilets, Energy Star-rated appliances) and features fiber-cement siding, a metal roof, Ikea flooring, Ikea closet systems, cabinets, beds, and so on. Colors are customizable and the $79,500 house is shipped with everything from cabinets to countertops ready to go; per the architects' description: "Think of it as your own personal euro designer flat... only where you want it!" Or just think of it as a house that was built using only one tool: an S-wrench.

---Curbed.com

Puppy Lovin'

I ran into an itty, bitty Dorkie(get it, Dachshund/Yorkie *snicker*) puppy a few days ago and it was so incredibly adorable I just had to share.  

  

Extra Virginity by Tom Muller

I'm on my soap box today. I just completed a fascinating book about olive oil and all the fraud, globalization, deception, history and crime that has evolved from this little fruit.   Certainly the book is scathing about ‘supermarket’ olive oil, which fills the shelves in a range of fancy labels, bottles and prices.  These oils are often old, rancid and, according to Mueller and the University of Davis, 69% are not extra virgin or even olive oil at all . Even though we may find the taste acceptable, that’s probably because it has gone through so much refinement, deodorizing and false flavouring that it is no longer recognizable.  The book also covers the history and power that this industry has but sadly it lacks any of the regulation that say the wine industry does.  This book really opened my eyes to the underbelly of what is a seriously deceptive world.  

So I did my research to find some excellent oils and I ran across the California Olive Oil Council which is a great place to start to find small producers of real, delicious, buttery, peppery oil.  I ordered from Allure Estates and I can attest that it is the real thing.  

Rainboot Lovin!

Today is a rainy, chilly day out and my first thought this morning was, its going to be a soggy walk to work today-I really wish I owned some rain boots. Shopping here I come! 

Here are my favorites:

Berry Wool Plaid from Chooka

At $85, these hit every mark for me! I just love the plaid and the lace up because not all calf's fit every boot.  So adorable!

Corwin by Hunter

Bring on rain, snow and sleet these are out of my budget at $175 but they are so cute, I think I could wear them everyday.....almost. Piperlime as has them in white.

Adi Designs at Sears

I love the chartreuse and the style is a classic rain boot. At $35.95 these are a steal! 

My Favorite Unique Gifts

Finding a unique gift for all the loved ones and friends in your life can be an exhausting task.  Here are some great gifts from some really great sites.

Wine lovers generally love things that help make their wine better , not just prettier.  I think this decanter is brilliant and to boot its only $58 and made of recycled materials.  Uncommon Goods

Teen and Tweens are for me the absolutely hardest to buy for.  Its so difficult to find whats "cool" and the safest option is a gift card which I find to be boring.  Then I came across a the Smash folios at work.  Awesome! With no shortage of teen angst in the world the Smash folios provide the perfect place to contain it all.  $15.95 at Paper Source

In my experience guys generally don't want or need much and when they do want something they'll buy it.  So if you have a techie in your life check out the Lomography line of cameras. The above picture is of the Lomography Spinner. It takes a 360 degree photo which is pretty darn cool. Not the cheapest at $98.99 but he'll love it.  Pop Deluxe

Of A Kind has these fantastic grab bags that are perfect for someone you may of may not know too well.  It has a good random assortment that most people will love and at $45 it won't break the bank.

A good card wallet is a good gift for a man or woman.  This one from Etsy is simple, elegant and looks like its already been loved. $35 

The Holiday's In Full Swing!

Its getting cold and festive outside my door today.  What better way to get inspired for the holidays than to look at beautiful party tables!

I'm not so sure about the fur wraps on the chairs but I love the concept of a cozy blanket!

Where would a person buy a giant white peacock?  I think in this case any white/silver/green/red themed back splash would work.

I do think that winter is a great time to just use white on a table, but check out the table below. The color screams festive and I absolutely love that silverware cozy! I wonder where I could find those?

Want a whimsical table?