Walter is Ready for Halloween!

I stopped by Target today to see if the dog Halloween costumes were on sale and I was bummed to find out that they weren't. Still, when I came across this auto mechanic costume complete with the name Wally embroidered on it, I simply couldn't pass it up. Here's Walter sporting his new duds. He's such a handsome auto mechanic! 

Thou Shalt Covet :: Bicycling

I'm not a cyclist, but I have a friend across the pond (Hi, Simon) who has increased my appreciation for the sport. Plus, the local news has been promoting the auction of several of Lance Armstrong's bicycles, including one that he used during part of last year's AMGEN Tour of California. Inspired by these two factors, here are a few cycle-related items that are covetable, even for those of us who don't ride for sport.

Rem lamp, Christian Vivanco
Industrial designer Christian Vivanco's philosophy is that "objects exist not only to satisfy necessities, but also to create sparks within the soul of those who observe them, of those who use them and enjoy them." Well, the Rem lamp is a perfect combination of form and function, and it has certainly sparked something in my soul. Plus, it's powder blue and brown, one of my favorite color combos.

Waxed Cotton Cap, Outlier
My friend Simon tipped me off on this item. He thinks $60 is a little spendy for this cap, but I totally think it's worth it. The hats are double lined and made of water resistant waxed cotton fabric, meaning your head is protected from wind and rain. Plus, just look how hot the guy in the photo looks in this hat. In fact, I'll take the guy and the hat!

Amsterdam Classic, Electra
I love, love, love this bike. I actually have last year's edition in red. Oh, and I added a basket, bell and cup holder to mine.

The Truly Talented :: Jen Pearson

Jen Pearson is an Oakland-based designer/artist with incredible skill and imagination. The above piece features 256 reclaimed test tubes, reclaimed wood and reclaimed Holiday lights - and it recently sold. Bummer for you. Still, Pearson's work can be found at Fernseed, a "rehab shop" located in Oakland. The site promises that more versions of the lighting piece will be available as we get closer to the holiday season. So be sure to check back soon. In the mean time, perhaps you should follow Pearson on Twitter.

Thou Shalt Covet :: Wedding

I'm not hitched, nor do I have any plans to do so in the near future, but if I ever do get married you can bet your ass that it'll be one cool wedding. Especially since I plan on incorporating some of these great items/ideas:

Cootie Catcher Origami Wedding Favor, katskrafts
These adorable favors are a throw back to junior high. The best part is that they are personalized with questions about the couple getting hitched.

Custom Couple Silhouette Print, nelladesigns

These 8x10" prints include stock or custom silhouettes, the names of the couple and the wedding date, and are available in the color of your choice. Super cute!

Overlapping Crystal Twist, Jennifer Behr

I would gladly wear almost any of the pieces in Jennifer Behr's bridal collection. Apparently, Natalie Portman sported the smoked color version of this one during an appearance on David Letterman. Ah, I love Swarovski crystals.

Reese dress, Amsale

I am seriously in lust with this dress. Here's how Amsale describes it: "Silk Faille. Faille A-line gown with low sweetheart neckline and crystal beaded inset. Ruched detail at waistline and tulip skirt with sweep train." *Swoon* I'm sure the price tag hurts more than a little!

The Truly Talented :: Willow

I'm not sure how it happened, but I have some amazingly talented friends. Take my good friend Willow, this Brooklyn-based lady performs as part of the soulful, folk duo Bow Ribbons and she can also sew up some one-of-a-kind linen threads (see photos). I'm saving up my hard-earned cash so I can order something for myself.

B-I-N-T-H

Peter Dunham and Linnea Gits are the creative geniuses behind Binth, a Chicago-based screen-printing company, that produces some lovely prints, posters, stationary and products for the home. The latest product added to the Binth catalogue are small, graphic alphabet prints, which were inspired by Mid-Century Danish wood toys. While the folks at Binth suggest you use the letters to spell out your child's name - I, being the childless woman that I am, recommend that you spell out your own name. No point on missing out on good design just because you're sans kids!

Thou Shalt Covet :: Birds

I've been told before that my obsession with birds might be getting a tad out of hand. To those folks I reply, "Nonsense!" And, just to spite them I've decided to dedicate this post to some of the bird-themed Etsy finds that I still covet.

Tropical Feather Earrings, otterbody

These earrings have already sold, but lucky for me their maker is a friend of mine. If you want a pair you better visit her store often because these babies fly (hee hee) off the shelves!

Birds Sitting on a Powerline, DaliDecals
As a renter I appreciate the power of the decal. My landlords have given me permission to paint my walls, so long as I paint them the boring shade of beige that they deem acceptable. Enter the decal, the perfect way to spice up the walls of any apartment!

Peacock Feather Locket & Aqua Blue Quartz Necklace, verabel

A colorful screen print of a peacock feather on a vintage locket - perfection!

The Brood - print, aruppel

I've had a thing for Amy Ruppel's art since I first stumbled upon her online auctions a few years back - purchasing two of her wax paintings for my home. When she did the in-store art for Target, I fell further into love with her work. This signed and numbered print is part of a limited-edition run of just 40 - and I love it.

So Very Happy, dazeychic

This 8x10 print titled "So Very Happy" features a little bird that just, well, makes me very happy. Plus, this version is blue with red type - one of my favorite color combos. It's a win win for me!

Howl-o-ween is for the Dogs

{who dem dogs} by EllenJo

Stumbled upon this adorable Flickr find and thought I should share. My dog, Walter, is still sans costume, but this photo set has certainly inspired me to run out and get him one. Photos of Walter TK.

Keys to Happiness

{Keys} by Dia™

Lately I've been toying with the idea of taking piano lessons. When I was growing up we owned an old piano, which I'm not even sure was in tune. Still, I used to play around with it and I remember how excited I was when I figured out how to play "When the Saints Go Marching In." During junior high I learned the intro to "Come As You Are" by Nirvana - I felt so cool. As the weather gets chillier, I've decided that this will be a good place to channel my energy.