Lurrrving: Dyson

When my vacuum died last week, I thought, Oh well, another one bites the dust.

At last count, my household has gone through four vacuums in the past five years. The sad part about that is that in the past five years, we've lived in one house with carpeting: the one we live in now, that we moved into in February. So those vacuums died after not being able to handle the amount of dog hair that accumulates on rugs and hardwood floors when you have two golden retriever mixes.

On Friday, I dug out the Phillips-head screwdriver, pried off the vacuum backing, and checked the vacuum's belt, figuring maybe this time it would be an easy fix. It wasn't. There is something wrong with the motor, and for a vacuum we spent about $80 (an estimation), I don't see it being worth a trip to a repair store. It's just going to break again.

For years, I've been dreaming about owning a Dyson, but have never been brave enough to make the investment. I mean, they cost $500 brand new! But then I added up the approximate amount we've spent on vacuums over the past five years, and I realized we'd been spending more money on vacuums than we would if we invested in one that was supposed to last for five years. And I have several friends who have Dysons and swear by them (seriously, people swear by this vaccum), but, still -- $500 for a vacuum?

Yesterday was do-or-die: I hadn't vacuumed in a week, and the house was starting to get hairy. I went to Target, expecting to plunk down another $150 or so on a new vacuum...and found that the Dyson I'd been coveting, the Animal, was on clearance. I emailed my husband, we checked our bank accounts...and decided to go for it.


I was starting to freak out as I reached the check-out counter, thinking about what the grand total of my Target shopping spree would be (of course I also needed to get necessities like dog food and shampoo), when a woman walked by, glanced at my cart, and said over her shoulder, "You will LOVE that vacuum cleaner. Seriously. It is worth every penny. I wish I had two of them."

That was all it took.

I got home yesterday, put my new toy together (can a vacuum be called a toy?), and took it for a test drive on my week's-worth-of-dog-hair carpet...and it was awesome. So far the best part is that you don't have to bend down to turn it on, empty the canister, or even plug in the attachments. And it has an extra-long cord so I don't continually have to plug and unplug. I also suspect it picked up dog hair that my now-deceased vacuum had been missing for months.

The Dyson Animal is the vacuum most recommended for houses with pets--so I'm crossing my fingers that my little furry boys' shedding won't prove too much for it to handle. So far, I'm impressed. Will I still be impressed a year from now? We shall see.

Thread Head

Last night I dreamt that I was hanging out with friends, and all of the sudden I looked down and my shirt was gone. I felt exposed, embarrassed, and a tad slutty. But no one else seemed to mind so I just laughed it off. I've interpreted this dream to mean that my wardrobe needs a new top (stretching here, but have to rationalize yet another purchase).

Enter Threadless. Their online community offers hundreds of options, adding new tees and prints every Monday, so you're unlikely to see anyone else walking around town sporting your selection. My current faves are The Outdoor Mix, $17:


and Parable Paranoia, $26:

Lurrrving: Good Stock

I've been daydreaming about having Kim of Good Stock make books for me for about a year now. I'd like to rummage through the old black and white photos stashed in a dresser in my grandmother's house and make a family book of "entertaining" -- photos from parties. I'd like a book about my grandfather, who I never got to meet. I'd like a book about how my parents met and fell in love. I'd like one dedicated to my friendships.

I think, I'd just like to get started on something that lets me hang on to my past in a concrete way. And Kim's books are a beautiful way to do it.

Each is one-of-a-kind, completely unique, and lovingly handmade by Kim. I think the results are pretty stunning -- these put those self-made books that are all the rage to absolute shame. Yes, they are more expensive, but these are basically heirlooms in print form. And I am dying for one (or ten) of my own.

Working woman's best friend.

Lurrrving this Recycled Leather Dog Caddy. My makeshift desk is organized chaos at best. I love dogs. I love recycled leather. Perfecto, Flor!


$74 at gigglefish.

iPod lurrrve.

Ever since I first discovered AB Sutton, I've wanted to buy something from them. I love their custom wallets and adore their Moleskine notebook covers (how could I not?), but what I really want most is one of their iPod cases.

In particular, I want this one: the iPod classic case ($88).

It's not my birthday, and it's not my anniversary, either...but if you were considering buying me a gift, this is what I would like--a yellow or blue one that would fit my little iPod Classic, please.

Anthro 101

So, I don't mean to brag, but I discovered Anthropologie way before most Folks had even heard of it.

Folks: Wow, I love your outfit!
Me: I know, right?
Folks: Where'd you get it?
Me: Anthropologie.
Folks: Where? I've never heard of that.
Me: It's a store called Anthropologie. They have a super cool catalog [pre-Online Shopping Era].
Folks: Wow, that's so awesome. You are so awesome.

Of course now Anthro is everywhere and everyone can spot their stuff a mile away. But I still lurrrve them. Most lately lurrrving these lounge pants:

Wicker Bloom Pants, $48 at Anthropologie.com.

Gorgeous.

When I was planning my wedding, I lusted after Jennifer Behr's gorgeous bridal hair accessories. (Check out this one--it's my current favorite.) Her stuff is pricey, but so beautiful, it's like jewelry for your hair.

Now that I've celebrated my first wedding anniversary and wedding planning is firmly behind me (and thank heavens for that; I was a horrible bride), I find myself drawn to Jennifer's fantastic hair creations that are worthy of Carrie Bradshaw, but not so kooky that I would feel ridiculous wearing them. On the right occasion, of course.

Take a look:


Celestial Tiara, $425
This one is obviously over-the-top (ha), but isn't it gorgeous? I think it would be so perfect for a formal New Year's Eve party. Or, if you're doing it up with style, maybe for the 4th of July.


Camellia Floating Tiara, $395
This one is more work-appropriate--if you work at Vogue and you're feeling dramatic. But I could see it being so much fun to wear to a wedding, or a backyard party, or even a cocktail party. It would make your little black dress so much more interesting.


Patent orchid on skinny headband, $198
This one I actually would wear to work--with a dress, with a suit, with a really understated outfit...with anything, really. Wouldn't you just want to steal it right off your co-worker's head?