Thanks to Andy Jacobson, whose blog I stumbled upon, for writing about The Condiment Packet Museum. Naturally, I clicked right over to Soy Sauce. But I have to say Ketchup was more graphically pleasing as a collection. gee

TCPM has greeting cards available for purchase. I kind of like the greeting cards.

Below, a selection from my own authentic Japanese sushi grass and soy sauce container collection. Yes you are seeing it correctly. The soy sauce containers are in the shape of koi. I brought them back from the sushi shop around the corner from my host family's apartment in Nagoya no Shin-Sakae desu yo!

I have a guy who does all kinds of amazing laser-cut plexi shapes. I can't tell you my source, because he makes special shapes for me for my Limited Edition Necklaces. Like the three on this page. Let your fingers do the clicking. Perhaps you will find a nice gift or two.

Anyway, my latest acquisition are these laser-cut plexi snowflakes. I love them. I love looking at them. I love plastic. It can be said that I have a penchant for plastic. I have so many ideas for these little shiny shapes. I have already put them to good use as coasters and various table accents. I plan to hang some in the window along with some hanging tealights that I have coming in the mail. When that arrangement is up and ready, I will be sure to show you. I must admit, I am most excited about my snowflakes as coasters. Who else will have laser-cut plexi snowflake coasters made by my secret source? I think I need to get more snowflakes. You can never have too many!

delightful assorted shapes and sizes


I like a layered table. What can I say?

Click To Play

I don't like to brag... much. But I love this video that my husband made. Take a look when you can devote some time. There is audio, so don't click at work!

Go to Brooklyn Kitchen to see more of his work.

I have been saving my issue of Domino that came yesterday in the mail for this morning to read with my cup of coffee and toasty pb. I love Domino.

We are on the same wavelength! They tout Malin+Goetz and Flight 001 in the Gift Guide and Domino Deals too. Every month I open Domino and say, hey I was going to write about that! Well this time, I wrote about it before I read about it.

I also like the silvery gift tags they give you on page 199. I might use them!

I am not suggesting that you purchase holiday gifts at Flight 001 for the cool shopping bag you will receive.

Or maybe I am.

Look at this neat bag! So shiny. How could you pass it up? The black printing on the side reads, "F-001 MAGAZINE SHOPPER FOR TRAVELERS DO NOT DISCARD." And sure enough, it does look like it could hold a lot of magazines.

Flight 001 in the West Village, and now Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, has neat gifts for travel enthusiasts, including a large selection of bags and tags. There are also plenty of goodies for those who don't feel like travelling but just like the look of it. They even sell the Malin+Goetz 1 oz Essential from my previous post and a cute little bag by Orla Kiely. If you aren't planning a shopping trip to New York, Chicago or California any time soon, don't worry, you can pick up a unique special something for your special someone on their website. Sadly you won't get a shiny silver shopping bag though.

Click here for store locations.



Something About Shopping is a regular column for the blog. gee

click the photo to see a larger view of the magazine shopper. flash/no flash
very andy warhol, don't you think?
[photo by me]

a view of the store [photo: flight001.com]

In my travels around Manhattan the other day, I found an bright and cheery oasis of beauty products. The labels on all the bottles were so striking, and the window display most amusing, that I had to step in for a chat and learn more about the line. As it turned out, I was in the national headquarters of Malin+Goetz, on Seventh Avenue (between 20th & 21st). You must stop in, or at least visit their website, because they have some lovely gift ideas for you and yours.

I, for one, would love to receive the Peppermint Hair Shampoo and the Cilantro Hair Conditioner. I have tried them both, and they are very fragrant and delicious. I think mint and citrus are my two favorite scents. A gift I am considering giving this year is called the 1 oz Essential, a selection of 6 of their products all zipped up in a travel case. Perfect for the gym. I would give you the direct link, but their website is done in pop-ups, so I can't. But please go to this page, and click on gifts. and it will be the first in the pop-up. Scroll down to see their selection of scented candles too. My favorite is Mojito.There is that delicious citrus scent again. Stop in! Or check out their products at these locations around the country (click usa.), or around the world (click international.).

Real Simple, December 2006


It's Your Party
...or your neighbor's open house.
Or end-of-year cocktails at the office.
But there will be absolutely
no crying over what to wear.
Real Simple asked readers to describe
the gatherings they'll be attending this
season and found versatile, festive clothing
for everyone [Real Simple, pp. 276-289]


Tie a Black Satin Karate Belt
on a dressy empire waist pleated top
such as the blue one on the right


Or add our Black Satin Karate Belt
to a simple empire waist black dress,
as shown on the right

Check out the Holiday Issue of Real Simple Magazine [December 2006]. I just got mine in the mail yesterday. Our SATIN KARATE BELT in black is featured twice in the fashion spread entitled "It's Your Party." What could be better? The editors at Real Simple understand that a little Karate Belt can go a long way!

Don't forget to use my special offer for the SATIN KARATE BELT + T-SHIRT gift combo! 'Tis the season to use this special offer afterall. Enjoy, and thanks for all your e-mails and kind support!

xoxo,
Elaine

SATIN KARATE BELT
COLORS:
BLACK, BROWN, SILVER, GOLD,
DARK TURQUOISE, NAVY

I snapped some pics at breakfast time for you, my dear readers. I am in the holiday spirit, making little arrangements all around the house. On a red plate, even my peanut butter toast is festive! I will have more arrangments to show you in the coming days, some involving laser-cut plexi snowflakes, that I hope will please your eyes. 'Tis the season to make festive arrangements afterall.

ikebana 'vase' for the wall which i bought in Kyoto
dried arrangement with extra long cinnamon sticks,
lavender, red berries and dried pods


The extra-large upsidedown pinecone
looks like a Christmas tree, don't you think?
The red ceramic pot is for an amaryllis,
which I totally recommend planting soon, by the way,
because you will get a beautiful bloom for
the holidays.
While you're at it, get some paperwhites too!

apt is a furniture store with a single location at 61 Greene Street in SoHo. Loftlike, naturally. Modern, of course. They have some very nice pieces and great textured rugs. Very felt-y. As it so happens, they are right next door to Bo Concept, and sell a similarly appealing convertible sofa/sleeper. In the interest of thorough research and cross-referencing, I present the above pictured "Blast" by Busk+Hertzog, offered by apt.

The differences: apt's example comes in many more colors. I am interested in brown, to go with our ice blue coffee table and the green pillows I made and/or own [pictured below]. Bo Concept's example only comes in three colors, not including brown. But Bo Concept's sofa is a better price. The apt example has an extra convertible feature which would be nice if you positioned your sofa in the middle of the room. But I am still undecided. Perhaps there is a third and fourth example out there somewhere that I can find. I'll be sure to write about it when I do.

my green pillows: made, own, made, own

Happy Cyber Monday everyone! Check out this strange graphic I found. Um, that is a little creepy. Anyway, I will have more gift ideas for one and all throughout The Season. It seems I have been doing a lot of window shopping of late, so I may as well share my finds. 'Tis the season to develop a wishlist afterall.

In the meantime, check out the four posts below. Happy Online Shopping!

Here is a piece I liked a lot! From Danish home furnishings company, Bo Concept, a convertible sofa/sleeper which I think is rather stylish. I am strongly attracted to this company for their modular approach. They have the most dazzling in-store computer application for helping customers visualize the many ways in which their pieces can be used. Naturally that is right up my alley. Here is a bit about the software, called Furnish, and below, a printout I took home about the Zen Sleeper.



While I was browsing in the store, I found a highly polished aluminum candlestick and some ceramic cups and vases that I liked. My favorite is the birch tree vase in the middle. 'Tis the season to browse in a lot of stores for gift ideas, afterall. Bo Concept has many stores too. I have been to three in Manattan already.

ADD A SATIN KARATE BELT
TO YOUR OWN HOLIDAY OUTFIT

hot off the presses:
CHECK OUT OUR FEATURE
IN REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE
{CLICK HERE}
just added 11.27.06

I had to add a post about my own designs for Cyber Monday. One of my gift picks would be the SATIN KARATE BELT. Another would be the BAMBOO T in short or long sleeve. This style, with the three bamboo fronds off to the side is so flattering on so many figures. I think it is also a nice idea to combine the belt with any one of our T-SHIRTS and give variations on this theme to all your best fashion friends. To make this idea more affordable, we are offering this: when you buy one of our T-SHIRTS online, your SATIN KARATE BELT will be $30 [regularly $40].


Special Offer:
SATIN KARATE BELT + T-SHIRT
Gift Combo
If you would like to get this combo (any t-shirt, any karate belt) for all your friends and cousins and sisters, please send us an e-mail, and we will work out a nice price for you. Or mention "BLOG" in the notes/gift section of our automated shopping cart, and we will contact you before charging your credit card. Even if you buy just one Gift Combo, you will still get the SATIN KARATE BELT in the color of your choice for $30 [regularly $40].


Add one to your wishlist:
elaineperlov.com GIFT CARDS
For your own wishlist, ask for one of our Gift Cards, to be used when you see something you like, at your leisure. Online! Happy Cyber Monday!

TRY ONE OF THESE T-SHIRTS:
BLACK/SILVER BAMBOO T
RED/SILVER DYNASTY T
BROWN GOLD BAMBOO T
WITH A
SATIN KARATE BELT
IN SILVER OR GOLD
VERY FESTIVE

OR A GIFT CARD
FOR YOUR OWN WISHLIST

Cyber Monday is said to be a big big shopping day. Here is another suggestion for your wishlist, in the category of home decor. Jonathan Adler has a great new collection, called Utopia, which includes charming vases and ceramic boxes, both mini and maxi. In fact this cute little girl bud vase matches quite well with two other examples I have from the 50s and 60s, and would make a perfect addition to my collection. Hint hint. Don't worry, I have already shown my husband. Or I could combine this vase in a little arrangment with two lovely Sgrafitto candlesticks of different sizes. I could put one orange gerbera daisy in the vase. Oh the possiblities! I love arrangements.




His store in SoHo has quite a few more lovely gift ideas. I personally suggest a visit. But if you don't live near SoHo, try ordering online. On Cyber Monday! That's tomorrow, in case you don't watch the news and haven't heard. My Jonathan Adler gift picks include the needlepoint eyeglass cases, original silhouette artwork on display in the back of the store (not by Jonathan; I would like just one or two), and scented candles (my favorite scent: Shelter Island).


Something About Shopping is a regular column for the blog. gee

"Esther"

Cyber Monday is coming! I thought perhaps you might need some suggestions for your wishlists. Here is a great one: the Esther convertible clutch by Plunket & Pivet. I think it is such a beautiful design. {Choose canvas with leather accents, as shown above, or all leather; just click CLUTCHES on the site} So lovely and versatile. Have you checked out their website? It is one of my suggested shopping links to the right -->>.

And where are they based? Brooklyn, of course.

Below, some more of my favorites from Plunket & Pivet.

"Raven"


"Jenna"

As I said in the previous post, we got so involved in eating that I forgot to take pictures of the rest of the meal. So my husband and I "re-enacted" one of the courses last night: the pizza! It was tasty all over again. The things I do for this blog.

We had just as much fun gathering up all the ingredients as we did cooking them. To me, New York provides the greatest feast from all cultures everyday. We wanted our Thanksgiving table to reflect that. We hand-carried all of the provisions on the subway, thus getting lots of exercise before eating. Subway lines taken: G, 7, 1, F, E, L. Here was the menu for the rest of our TG feast.

main course

white bean, raosted fennel & tomato
thin crust pizza

zucchini, roasted red pepper, pepperoncini
thin crust pizza

mesclun salad with tomato, cucumber
& chickpeas tossed with
lemon juice, olive oil & shaved pecorino

roasted sweet potato

roasted asparagus in balsamic

pan-seared brussel sprouts & broccoli




dessert

apple pie wontons

cranberry relish

assorted greek cookies
(finikia & kourabiedes)
from omonia cafe, astoria

almond chocolate milk

coffee
black currant tea

It is two days later, and we are still basking in the glory of our TG feast.

Above, the appetizer course. We got so involved in eating that I forgot to take pictures of the main course and dessert. But I will tell you about it in another post. My husband and I were busy all week shopping, and cooking. We brought in ingredients from all corners of Manhattan and Brooklyn, and a little bit of Astoria. I even made a new tablecloth for the occasion. My parents enjoyed the feast very much. We all did. It was a great TG.

appetizer course

smoked salmon plate
tofu cream cheese, fresh dill
assorted bialy, polish rye squares

zabar's tofu cheeses

mushroom sauerkraut pierogies
in yogurt with carmelized onions

zucchini appetizers

'swooning imam' turkish eggplant
with carmelized onion and grilled halloumi cheese

champagne
pellegrino

Pierre Jeanneret Armchair, 1952-1956 [photo: artnet.com]

Angela Adams Chair, 2006 [photo: angelaadams.com]

I just received a notice of the new Angela Adams website, with a pretty nice in situ photgraph of one of her rugs. (Keep clicking on her name in the upper left to scroll through the different index pages.) She is quite the design powerhouse these days, adding every product for the home in sight, including fabulous custom tiles with Ann Sacks, which I rather like, and wood furniture with Sherwood Hamill too.

The day before my birthday this past year, I saw a wonderful exhibition at the Sonnabend Gallery in Chelsea of Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret. As soon as I saw Angela Adams' furniture offerings, I thought of this show. Her style is very Jeanneret, non? Oui?

invitation to the exhibition

While I am on the topic of pancakes, I came across a picture of this pancake stack building, which I do like. Very much in fact. It is the City Hall building on the Thames in London. The building is by Foster and Partners, completed around 2002. You can visit, which I think I should like to do. Very much so.

Segue-wise, that worked out very nicely.

I was just reading an old post, analog blogger, and remembered a dream I had the night before (the night before writing the post, that is) about a breakfast buffet at the Westin. If ever we stay in a hotel in my dreams, it is always the Westin. Curious.

I think it is because living in Boston for 14 years can make you think about the Westin a lot. Especially if you are a shopping mall enthusiast like myself. (The Westin is connected to the Copley Mall, and we used it as a cut-through on many a cold day, let me tell you.)

Anyway, the dream was this: my husband and I were staying at the Westin in Boston, but it was located along the Ring of Fire fault line in Indonesia. While we were in line to get our breakfast, I saw a volcano erupting just outside, spewing red hot lava that was flowing quite fast in our direction. So naturally I alerted everyone in line, and then proceeded to pile up 10 pancakes on my plate. The strange thing is: I do not like pancakes at all.

Then we rushed off to pack and ran through the Copley Mall to safety.

Bread for dinner!
Not the slices, but the restaurant in NoLita.
This recommendation from Michelle, owner of Dalaga.

Cabana for lunch!
A pan-Latin menu with great salads.
This recommendation from Beth.
I will be meeting her for lunch at Cabana next week.

Dalaga for shopping!
That recommendation comes from me.
I just got the greatest pair of dark blue metallic flats there.
Michelle has a great eye. The clothing selection at her Greenpoint, Brooklyn boutique will get you hooked and keep you shopping week after week. Check out this week's feature about the store in AM New York, page 48!


This idea just came to me for a regular blog feature. I will expand this post later with more recommendations from friends. I have very creative friends who have very good ideas. Enjoy these 3 for now.

Now that is a funny thing to type into a Google search, yet someone did type in "cutest pumas" and came to my blog. I do write a lot about Pumas, and all sneakers for that matter. Because I am obsessed with comfort, but stylish comfort. I think that is what my whole line is about. Well, I must ask you blog readers, wouldn't the "cutest Pumas" be in the eye of the beholder? Or was that person hoping to find the "cutest Pumas" by consensus?

I could never dress by consensus. I do not understand why people require so much validation from others.

Dear "cutest pumas" seeker:

Try searching "pumas" and then choose the ones you think are the cutest. Do not ask your best friend for her opinion. Her opinion reflects her taste. Your opinion should reflect your taste. Should you come back and read this, please comment in the comments section as to your motivations for [what it seems to me to be] seeking the cutest by a consensus of strangers.

Sincerely,
A concerned fashion designer
who wants people to cultivate
their own personal style