If I ever make the choice to wear heels out in public, I love the idea of having a backup shoe just incase, I don't know, I come to my senses and want to wear human footwear? If you're the type of person to ever regret your shoe choice in the middle of your evening out, you definitely should buy a pair of these to keep around.
Melting Toht Candle
Ummm, this is fantastic. And probably the world's best gift for anyone whose favourite movie was Raiders of the Lost Ark.
As it burns, it looks more and more like Gestapo agent Arnold Ernst Toht as his face melts off at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark (the first Indiana Jones movie), when the Nazis open the Ark of the Covenant and suffer the wrath of God. You can get this ($32) Melting Toht Candle from Firebox.
Gloves Hanger
Winter is coming and what comes along with it? Wet gloves. Is there a handier way to get them to dry quicker than hanging them up to dry? Hell no! This is a great idea. I know it seems like I'm constantly telling you to hang things and, well, I am - but it's because some things greatly benefit from hang-age.
I feel like they're so cheap because only suckers would buy them, but man? I'm all over these.
(P.S. The thanksgiving croissants at Momofuku Milk Bar are now available throughout November. EAT ONE OF THESE. I swear you won't regret it.)
Brick Clips
“These handy clips let you quickly attach anything to brick without in any way damaging either the bricks or the mortar bond. Great for tying up vines, holding a trellis in place, or hanging wreaths on a brick wall. Clips securely snap in place by hand and each can hold up to 25 lb — no tools are needed for installation.”
I'm convinced that there are answers to every single one of life's problems, it's just a matter of finding those answers. This clip? Such a genius idea. Already bought two packs. They're $9/per 4-pack, which isn't crazy at all considering it's such a specialty item.
Trader Joe's Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
Sometimes it's okay to indulge in unhealthy, but delicious acts once in awhile. But for the most part, we can all be making better choices when it comes to food.
This Trader Joe's dip blew my face off, it was way more flavourful than I was expecting it to be. It tastes like it should be a terrible-for-you dip but somehow it isn't. And it's definitely better than any grocery store dip I've ever bought before. You have to try it. There's a copycat recipe for it here, but really... just go buy the stuff. (I mean, what the hell is dillweed? Is that dill? Is dillweed different? If it's the same, just call it dill!)
And for my Canadian readers, I know that Trader Joe's isn't in Canada, but if you find yourself in Buffalo at some point, I really think you should check out the Trader Joe's there. I'm not telling you to solely cross a border for this dip (though it IS cross-a-country-kind-of-good), but Trader Joe's has some great stuff in general. I'm sure you'll find a few things you wouldn't at Loblaws.
Later, dillweed.
e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit
If a) you're not picky and b) it's not raining outside - then this is the eyebrow system for you.
Every time I'm in the vicinity of e.l.f. products, I find it extremely hard not to overindulge and buy everything in sight. Their prices are insane and some of the products actually work better than some I've sampled from Sephora.
I'm sorry you have to look at my creepy one eye shots (I'm purposely not making that an image you can open/zoom - in fear of someone walking in on you looking at such an enlarged eye photo and labelling you a serial killer), but you can see the difference that an eyebrow filler makes.
The worst part? If you touch your face a lot, it smudges like mad. I tend not to touch my face, so I haven't really run in to this problem. But also, why would you touch your face a lot? That's gross, stop that.
I started using this kit as the backup (or sometimes in conjunction with) the Anastasia one I like and there's probably no going back for me now. I will continue to sample new eyebrow pencils and systems until I magically find one that isn't over $20 and is somehow all-weather friendly.
Martha Stewart Bedding Collection
This is the autumn/winter bedspread I just bought for my bed from Macy's. I was going to show you a picture of how it looks on my bed, but I'm not sure I'd want you to see my bed since beds are so terribly personal. Instead here's what the gorgeous print looks like up close.
It's a flannel duvet cover that was on sale for $70 that apparently I couldn't live without. And honestly, after having slept in it the past few days, it's one of my favourite things in this house now. It's more comfortable than anything I've ever slept in, it's weird - I feel like it's almost a hotel bed.
I'm not a fan of how duvets feel (and I don't own one), so instead I bought this flannel duvet cover so that I could put my regular old comforter inside. That way I have a beautiful, warm new cover, but with the comfort of my old, I'm-sick-of-its-pattern comforter inside hiding. I swear to God it works just as well as with any duvet. I hate even writing "duvet" - such a stupid word. Almost like it knows it's expensive.
Anyhow, if you don't have a duvet or don't like them, then please try out this idea. Duvet covers can be costly, but if you look hard enough you can find a great one (or even better, a flannel one) for between $60 - $80.
Travel Jewelry Pouch
How have I never seen nor owned this beauty? I feel like it might have been only available to women of a certain class, but now some deviant at Pottery Barn snatched the idea from the higher ups and made it available to us simple folk for the completely (un)reasonable price of $80.
Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful. I'm definitely going to put it on my Christmas list. Look at it! It's gorgeous! And so practical! Can't wait to be a woman of a certain class.
IKEA's New Sit/Stand Desk
A few months ago, Nathan read an article in Time that he kept mentioning to me - it was about how we all need to stand more and sit less. Anyway, it made some valid points. And while I'm sitting as I type this, I do think we might all be able to benefit from products/ideas like this one below.
The Whiskey Wedge
The purpose of this glass? You can keep your whiskey cold without watering it down. When you order one set ($15), it includes an old fashioned whiskey glass and a silicone mold. You put some water in the glass, insert the mold, then freeze. The ice "forms into a wedge and, similar to a glacier, melts slowly due to the reduced amount of surface area."
At first this sounded like a lot of effort to me, but if you have at least one drink a night when you come home from work, if this is waiting for you in a freezer? That's pretty sweet to come home to. Ya know, if you're into that kind of thing. You can buy a set over here.