Robynn Molino

So, I love supporting small, independent business owners.  Both my parents ran their own businesses, so I appreciate the passion, struggle and unique offerings.  And then....there is jewelry.  Yeah.  It's doubly fun to buy from smaller, indie designers.  I already bought the Bully Necklace, above (ummmm...hi, it was $20).

But bracelets and necklaces made from vintage typewriter strike-plates?  Might be next on the list....

Her entire collection (along with questions about custom orders), are available here.

Maria's Primal Goldmine

If your resolutions were anything like mine, the list looked a bit sad and quirky.  But, one of those things - as always - was a bit more realistic.  Take gluten out of my diet.  So, with my proverbial sword in hand (read: the internets), I began my quest.

Oh, good lord, thank you Maria!  And by 'Maria'... I actually mean Maria.  Maria Emmerich has been a nutritionist and primal/paleo food advocate for years.  Her books, blog and recipes are an absolute delight.

I made this pizza last night (this is her photo, mine looked a bit more brown).  But oh, geebz did it taste amazing.

While her main goal is to cut harmful gluten, corn and chemicals from her clients diets, she also understands people's needs to supplement their old, treasured comfort foods.  

Whether it's a chocolate mousse pie, a sloppy joe (she uses grass-fed beef and has her own recipe for the bun!), or jicama sliced to resemble tortilla chips - she intends to make it taste great, first and foremost.

So, stalk her website, buy the book if you wish, and get to cooking...you'll be better for it, and you might be able to sneak this in front of a loved-one without them noticing the change.

Siiso

All her works are available on her Etsy site, here.

Punctuated

How Come?

How come every time I go to the thrift store, the men's section is spilling over with amazing finds?  Allen Edmond wingtips, Cole Haan loafers, Salvatore Ferragamo double monks (not pictured).  I'm not complaining.  The boy has gotten some pretty good pieces from these trips - he just doesn't wear four varying sizes of shoes.

Again, I love my domestic finds.  I found a full set of espresso cups (white ceramic - perf!).  And then, found the cutest little ceramic grapefruit bowl.  Remember when you were little and everyone and their mom ate half a grapefruit with every meal?  I think that's what this bowl was meant for.  I plan to keep Cuties in it.

From the Desk of...

[Terence Conran]

[Kelly Wearstler]

[Thomas O'Brien]

[Mary McDonald]

Gin Gin Mule

Anyone who truly knows me, knows that my drink of choice is a gin and tonic.  You really can't go wrong when you hand me one of those.  I may fall in love with you.  But, this weekend, the boy managed to research a drink that may now be at the top of my list.

I sipped on some tonic water while he made this, just so I had an open bottle as a fail-safe, if this new beverage-relationship didn't work out.

A Gin-Gin Mule - amazing.  Think about a mojito made with gin, but splashed with a heavy dose of ginger beer.  All my favorites, muddled into one drink.  Okay - three drinks.

Ringing in the New Year

Thrifting paid off - a brand new ceramic grapefruit bowl.

A great drink - no mixing required.