BLACK FOREST

When I was about 7 years old, my brother Wil and I would terrorize my mother. We were bad kids. She sometimes would try and frighten us in hopes that we would behave. She made us some story about the "black forest" and said she was going take us there if we continued to be bad. We didn't believe her and would just fight and scream and not eat. One night my mom had a meltdown because we wouldn't go to bed and she put us in the car and drove a few miles from where we lived...she told us to get out, which we did, and she drove off. Black Forest. It was real. Needless to say about 5 minutes later, she came back and we were crying and promised to be good. Since that night, if were were being bad again, two words would shut us up... When I saw these plates, made me laugh...and also, I have to confirm that the Black Forest does exist.
This Black Forest line was designed by Bodo Sperlein for Dibbern. I like the dinnerplates which cost about $82 on lilleashop.com.

DAVERO

Whether you are a educated foodie or a starving artist or student who cooks at home, these products are worth the splurge. If you have some last minute shopping, this is great gift for that one person or boss, who have everything. This company is special...Davero is family owned business in Sonoma County who imported trees from Tuscany and planted them on their farm. Good stuff. It doesn't hurt that a pack of celebrity chefs have also fallen in love with the oils, and use them in their trendy restaurants... Mario Batali of Babbo, David Silverman of Tao, Loretta Keller of Coco500 and Charlie Palmer of Dry Creek Kitchen. This three pack sells for $72 on www.davero.com.

WOODY

These are Roost designed shelves that have been recycled, and are made of teak or hardwood. They are waxed and what's cool about them is that no two pieces are alike. Comes in small, medium, and large. $36, $54, $96 on www.velocityartanddesign.com.

DOG HOUSE

The designer bow haus has killed two birds with one side table...this is a dog crate and side table in one...
It can be fully dismantled with an allen key (provided) for easy cleaning and transport. It comes in two sizes,
Studio Bow Haus for Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs) Measurements: H 15.5" x Dia 21" and then the larger one, Loft Bow Haus for Large Dogs (up to 50 lbs) Measurements: H 23" x Dia 30" Top. Pad come In Reversible Orange/Charcoal or Green/Mocha. How cool is this!...I think this is such a stylish way to crate your dog.
Price is around $389 for the smaller one, and $499 for the larger one on www.velocityartanddesign.com.

ARNOLD NEWMAN

Arnold Newman. For all you photo geeks out there, or any of you trying to impress sophisticated editorial friends, I have to educate you on one of the American photo legends of our time. He was a real photographer...not a computer wiz that knows how to put two photos together an similate an fake image like most photographers these days. He was a true artist, that caught a moment or made it happen organically. Its sad...it seems like the last few years some of my favorite photographers have passed away...Helmut Newton, Avedon, Herb Ritts and Arnold Newman. He is most famous for his jumping series that was hip in the 50's and 60's, but since then alot of photographers have knocked off his studio style of animated faces and stylish dressed subjects. Check out this book...he is genius.Check it out on on this website,
www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/books/photography/all/facts/01377.htm.

M WARD

I know alot of you may be sick of the indie rock that just won't go way, but I have to tell you about one more guy who is worth the $12. M (short for Matt) Ward, is one of my favorites these days. He grew up in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and his lyrics and his slow and self important music makes me think that just one more won't kill me. He had a fantastic CD that came out in 2005 called, "Transistor Radio," which got rave reviews from ALL thereputable critics, and you can check out his website to see the long list.
Some great songs...You Still Believe in Me, One Life Away and Big Boat. For his new CD "Post War", you can listen to a few of the songs on MySpace.com. He will be touring, and is due to perform in NY on Jan 26, Chicago on Jan 29, LA on Feb 2 and San Francisco on Feb 4th. He is definitely one to watch. www.mwardmusic.com.

BABY ROCKER

I don't have a baby but if I did, he/she would be wearing this. This website for babies and young kids has everything to hip up the little one.
$20 for a onepiece on ktrix.com.

WALK ME

It seems as if everyone I know has a dog. A friend of mine, Lizzie who is the mastermind behind DesignWatcher.com just rescued a dog with a friend while on the freeway, another friend rescued a dog from Ace of Hearts in Beverly Hills. I found this cool Glow in the Dark Dog Leash which comes in handy in the dark so that cars can see you from a distance. Its extends 13 feet and its really cute. This posting if for you guys!
$34.00 on www.hapaculture.com.

IPOD OUTFIT

I really love this ipod case...its sold out,but if you check back in a week, it will probably be available. There are two others, but this one is my favorite. Will not fit a mini or nano. $15.00 on www.plumparty.com.

HIP TUPPERWARE

I found some great storage container sets perfect to keep leftovers, bake cookies and give as a gift and make food storage more visually interesting. Each set come with 3 melamine containers and it a comes in a few other patterns. Great gift...$32.00 on www.plumparty.com.

DOORS

This colorful silicone tube doorstop is a great way to keep the doors open. Bad news...if you have a dog, it probably won't stay a doorstop that long. $12 on www.uncommongoods.com

PUNK BABY

For some reason or other, most of my friend are pregnant. I know the right thing to do is go into their registry at the fancy baby places, but I found a cool gift that I think most moms would love... Check out www.mypunkbaby.com. There are some cool rock tee-shirts made for infants and kids. My favorite...the Ramones, $20 for a one piece tee.
You should also check out www.babywit.com...they have Jimmy Hendrix and Sonic Youth.

SURFS UP

Winter is in full swing and as much as I love getting bundled up in my hats and warm duds, I do miss the sun, sand and surf. If you need to break out of town for a few days, check out www.cabosurfhotel.com. Kevin took me there in August, and in one word...its just RAD. It is a secluded and affordable beachfront boutique resort in Los Cabos, about 20 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. There are only 19 air-conditioned rooms, all ocean front with all the amenities that any high powered person on his or her, could appreciate.

Cabo Surf Hotel is located on Playa Acapulquito, which is a fantastic beach to catch waves. I went and caught the best wave of my life. Nearby, there is a little town that you can go to at night and get some tasty taquerias.
For the yuppies out there, the hotel is across from one of Los Cabos newest golf courses,Querencia, and just past the Palmilla Hotel & Golf Course. The hotel is family owned, and the gentleman that runs the place is Mauricio Balderama. He is this friendly tall,hand some man, that really loves his property and makes himself available to everyone...he even surfs with the guests. This would be a great place for a wedding, or just a quick getaway with your partner to learn to surf, golf, and tan during the day, and then go into Cabo at night. Room rates are reasonable, during a promotion, you can get a room for $225.