Pee-Chee Portfolios

I have always been a sucker for a good school office supply - gold paper clips, fancy clipboards.  A few years ago I was talking with some friends and mentioned Pee-Chee folders.  They had no idea what I was talking about.  I couldn't believe it. 

 

These were the folders that, at the time, were the cheapest ones at the store but sturdy - so you mom made you get them.  We were usually allowed one extravagant folder (i.e., Lisa Frank with unicorns and/or pandas and/or rainbows, etc.) but as more and more folders were required we were sent to the Pee Chees.  Once the other colors were introduced it was like a whole new world opened up - now I could color code my folders and always know what color I needed for a class. 

 

Fast forward to present time - I was looking for a bottle opener and came across the online store Schoolhouse Electric Supply & Co.  I was perusing some of the categories and lo and behold they had Pee Chee Pocket Portfolios - I almost fell out of my seat. 



Via

For $7.00 you can get a whole set of five Pee Chee folders!  There are my old friends the football players and the track stars and inside there are still conversion and multiplication charts inside.

Sweet 16

So I have been obsessed with this photo since I saw it some time ago.

Via Shelterness

Why you ask?  The large pink Abraham Lincoln print.  I grew up going to Disneyland and watching Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and even have had the chance to visit Ford's Theater a few years ago.  Anyway I think most people can agree Abe Lincoln was a cool guy and I thought a pink Abraham Lincoln would be a welcome addition to my home.

But then I couldn't find it.  I pride myself on being able to locate items I want to purchase - I will waste spend a whole night searching for some insignificant item that has caught my eye (e.g., unicorn cocktail picks). Sure I found other portraits and even some in pink but none were quite right.  Then the other day I was perusing Pinterest and saw an Abe Lincoln print that I thought I could love just as much: Neapolitan Abe.

Via JustinRichel

 

It was still classic Abe (no zombie references) and pink.  But the added bonus was the ice-cream reference.  I'm sure we can add some other meaning to it as well - he's chocolate, vanilla and strawberry in the middle - but I'm not that deep when it comes to these things - I just know what I like and I liked this.

 

When I found the seller on Etsy I discovered - as though this couldn't get any better - that there was another Abe Lincoln print - again likely imbued with some social commentary - but again I just liked it: Rainbow Abe.

 



Via JustinRichel

 



Unfortunately Neapolitan Abe was not listed and there was only a small Rainbow Abe - I just contacted the seller and he relisted and now they are coming home to live with me!!

I have been limiting my art purchases lately as I have tons of art that isn't even hung up right now so it seems silly to get more but I was able to justify these because I had been looking for something for so long.

Favorite Dog Beds

The day I adopted my dog in 2007 I bought a neutral beige dog bed with a tiny white flower pattern on it at the local big box pet store. Since then we have been through so many dog beds and, through trial and error, I have identified a few important criteria for dog beds. 

 

First, the covers must be able to be washed.  This seems kind of obvious and we've never bought a dog bed that didn't start out that way but when someone was a puppy he kept eating through dog beds and eventually they were so sewed up that the covers could no longer be removed. 

 

Second, the covers need to be replaceable.  This way if the dog eats the cover, you spill paint on it or you change your mind you can get a new cover without forking over the price for a whole new bed.  We had a bed for a number of years and while the insides were still fine the cover was wearing out and the last time I washed it the zipper broke.  Sheesh.  So now we go with companies that sell covers separately.

 

Third, they have to have fun, stylish patterns.  While I tended to go with neutral colors when I first got the dog they were super boring.   But it was either that or have some obnoxious pattern or color that didn't match anything else.  

 

The first company that meets my criteria is Molly Mutt.  They have a number of dog bed duvet options and add a few more every few months.  The fun thing about this company is that you don't buy a bed but a "stuff sack" which you can fill with your old clothes or old dog bed stuffing.  If you use old clothes you can wash the inside of the bed too.  I have an extra cover so when one is in the laundry we can put a fresh one on. 

Via Molly Mutt

The other company I like is Jax and Bones.  There beds are bit pricier but you can order new covers and even customize any of the beds with any of the fabrics on the website.  They have different styles, sizes, fabric options, and patterns which you can get in one of the premade options or have one customized to your liking. 


Via Jax and Bones



Do you have any good sources for stylish dog beds?



Blog with Love

Today marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It's a nice thought - to raise awareness and funds for research.  But there are lots of people who don't get to just think about breast cancer just for a month every year.  They are living with breast cancer every day.  They are fighting every day. It is a fight.  A fight to survive, to love, to get affordable treatment, and to get through each day with a smile.

Back when I was in college I lived in the dorms.  I met some of my best friends when I was living in the dorms.  And I met Jennie Grimes.  Jennie and I were not close friends in college - we said hello and talked sometimes.  But we lived on the same floor one year and seeing people in their pajamas at 3 a.m. when there's an earthquake  helps you remember a person. I graduated, went to law school, and moved on with my life.  A few years ago I reconnected with Jennie through facebook.  And that's when I found out that Jennie was battling breast cancer.  For some reason this struck a chord in me.  I remember reading her blog and the details of her original diagnosis and just crying in my office.  This was someone my age, someone that I knew, someone who was really nice.  It wasn't fair.

I had to do something - I couldn't just sit around.  So I got involved.  I participated in a walk to raise funds. I got my friends to donate money.  I sponsored others in their attempts to raise funds.  And I started to feel better.  Because I knew I was taking some action - no matter how small it was it was better than doing nothing.  It was better than crying in my office.  That certainly wasn't going to help anyone.  That wasn't going to help Jennie.

And Jennie is the example of taking action.  After many years working with AIDS foundations she now works with the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.  They do great work and a huge percentage of their money goes right to research.

So what can you do?

1) Donate money.  Jennie's goal is to raise $15,000 this month - help her reach that goal. There is no amount too small - every penny helps!!!  So do what you can.

2) Sign up for the Health of Women Study with the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.  The HOW Study is a first-of-its-kind international online study for women and men with and without a history of breast cancer.  It will collect information about your health, your job, your diet, and your family history, among other topics that can help researchers get a better understanding of breast cancer and its potential causes.

Confetti System for West Elm

Given my slight obsession with all things Halloween I was taking a look at West Elm's offerings earlier and found that they already have their Christmas items on their website.  I know, I know - Christmas already???  It is still over 80 degrees here in LA everyday and while I occasionally sneak a Christmas song in before Halloween I can't really think about Christmas decorations until November.  But I'm going to make a slight exception this once.
It appears as though they have collaborated with Confetti System to come up with a mini collection of holiday decorations. The items range in price from $8 -$29 so there is something for everyone's price point.  The collection consists of five items and they are all pretty fun - though I think the paper ornaments are my favorite.  The red and pink one would match the decorations I already have so I might pick up one of those.  I think they would make cute favors at a holiday party.

Confetti System for West Elm Tree Topper $19.00. 

 

Confetti System for West Elm Paper Ornaments $12.00 each

Confetti System for West Elm Garland $19.00

Confetti System for West Elm Glass Ornaments $8.00 each

Confetti System for West Elm Twist Open Trees $19.00 - $29.00

But these twist open trees might be the most fun.  As the name implies they twist open allowing you to stuff with presents, candy or anything else you want to surprise someone with.  It's like a pinata and a center piece all in one.  So what's your favorite?

P.S.  I promise to at least try and not mention Christmas decorations again until November.


 All images via West Elm.
 

Halloween Garlands

I've become quite accustomed to having garlands or bunting up year round as there is a perfect spot in my apartment to hang such things.  I usually change it out a few times a year and definitely for different holidays.  These are a few of my favorite Halloween garlands.  Most are available to purchase or can be made at home with just a few supplies. My favorite might be the creepy doll head one. 

 

Tissue Tassel Garland /Zombie Halloween Fabric Banner / Vintage Doll Head Garland /Pacman Garland / Halloween Ribbon Garland / Halloween Circle Garland

Halloween Care Package

I love Halloween.* I decorate my porch and inside. I'm always finding something else that I think I need for Halloween but I think that we don't have room for any new decorations this year. But I would love to spread the love and send out some Halloween care packages with items like the ones below.

 

Glittered Halloween Boo / Halloween Cupcake Topper Rosettes / Skello Kitty Cookies / Halloween Stripey Straws / Halloween Divine Twine / The Bride of Frankenstein / Halloween Edible Sugar Decorations

*This is likely only the first of many posts about Halloween decorations, goodies and general scariness between now and October 31st!