Cupcake headphones!

Cupcake headphones for sale on Etsy - at Cupcakes Take the Cake!

And some cupcakes and a cake pop I found at my favorite park, Stuyvesant Square, this weekend:

Pack the Prettiest Lunch with Urban Harmonie's Reusable Lunchbags

For a short while, I actually went to an office instead of working here at my desk at the end of my bed.

Working outside the home has many challenges that don't occur here - there's the commute, people other than your cat to talk to and lunch options.

At home, I eat whenever and make whatever, depending upon my time and mood. When you work in an office, you have limited options. And where I was working, there wasn't much around to choose from, so I packed my lunch.

The problem I had was:

1. I could never find a bag cute enough to carry, so I ended up using ugly plastic bags

2. I could never find one big enough to hold my various containers of carrots, crackers, salads and whatever else I trucked in to hold me over for the day

So you can imagine my immense delight when I happened upon Urban Harmonie!

Made with the environment in mind, these delightful lunch bags and snack bags do not contain PVC, phthalates, BPA, lead or formaldehyde. Creator Vicki Davidson says, "The loops and handles on the lunch bags are made from our scrap fabric, we reuse old buttons  and we use only Kraft boxes and envelopes for shipping which can either be reused or recycled."

 

The fabric used are quality quilting cottons "coated to create a durable, water-resistant, easy to clean surface." The interior of the bags use Pro Care Barrier Fabric.  This makes it waterproof and extremely durable. And to clean your sweet l'il bag, you simply need only wipe it with a cloth and hang it to dry!

And let's talk about these fabrics, because you won't find anything cuter than In The City, Kittens and Fun Times. If you like patterns, you'll swoon for Avocado Damask, Lotus and Retro Wave.

The detail and care of these Canadian-made bags is extraordinary. Aside from the fun fabrics, you then have to think about what size you need. Do you want a strap, loop or both? Do you like it short, tall or bento shaped? There is so much to choose from!

I went with the truly awesome Pop Art Tall Boxed Lunch Bag (pictured above). I am a huge Roy Lichtenstein fan, so this bag makes me very, very happy. It also allows me to pack a whack of food (which let's face it, as a food writer, I'm not subsisting on grapes alone...). There is also an insert included, a little bamboo fibre tray that fits perfectly into the bottom, giving the bag a smidge more stability and strength. I also like that it gives a very flat bottom so that my various eats don't slip and slide while I'm navigating my way through subway crowds, etc. The insert is made without chemicals or fertilizers and does not absorb liquids or fibres. When you're done with it, place it in your compost. It will degrade 45-90 later.

I'll let you in on a little secret. Even though I'm back at home, I still pack my lunch in this cutie. And now I take food with me wherever I happen to go.

Because a bag this cute should not be left at home where no one can see or enjoy it.

Shop the entire Urban Harmonie Collection now.

Discover PriaVanda's Gorgeous Handmade, Handwoven Day Planners on Etsy!

I know what you're thinking.

Here it is February 1st and you haven't done all the things you said you'd do. You made plans in your head, but you didn't follow through with them. It's too late. The moment has passed.

WRONG!

It's never too late. And who says that you have to be all ready and motivated on January 1st, after weeks of either overindulging or feeling guilty for not completing everything that has to be done?

Nuh uh. You can start right now.

And the best place to start is with the prettiest planner on the block by PriaVanda.

Using satin ribbons and a unique technique to basket weave her handcrafted products, New York designer PriaVanda has found the perfect medium to create the structure for her line.

PriaVanda says, "I began weaving ribbons through plain bamboo mats to dress them up and was suddenly inspired to add this touch to everyday items. I was drawn to stationery because I cannot live without my day planner and that was the first product I created. The line grew from there."

The line includes address books, day planners, journals, notebooks and to do list pads.

The best thing is that she makes these necessities of our daily lives so damn gorgeous and usable that you'll want to use them ALL THE TIME and you'll wonder what you were doing using those ugly black vinyl ones from the office supply stores all the years. 

I knew as soon as I saw the Handmade Weekly Day Planner, that I'd found the perfect system - an organizer to help keep my crazy life straight that's enhances my desktop. I mean a planner this stylish has got to be on display at all times. Or kept in your bag, so you can show it off while you're out and about!

I got the Handmade Diagonal Weekly Day Planner (pictured above) with the most stunning pinks and grays. It comes in a range of colours - blues and browns, orange and black, pinks and browns, blues and grays, black and gold or choose your own colours. How's that for personalized?! And it gets better - start with any month that you want.  Who says you have to start Jan 1st like the rest of the world? Begin with the month of your choosing and your year will follow from there.  Finally, a calendar that works on your schedule, not anyone else's. 

The covers are made from thick, sturdy cardboard, so it won't be all flimsy like those ones you've had in the past. The front is covered in satin ribbons and the back gets covered in paper matching your selection.  The hard wire binding keeps everything neatly together and allows you to not only use the book completely flat, but you can also flip the front cover over and use just one side of the book at a time - great for when you want to use it on the train, in a small cafe, etc.

The monthly pages (one month over two pages) have good size boxes that allow you to plan and schedule ahead. And the weekly pages (one week on two pages) are set up brilliantly - your appointments go in the boxes on the left and your to do list is on the right. With this system, you simply fill in the blanks, so there's no messiness, no trying to scrutinize your notes to see what you wrote is a to do or a place to be. It's all neatly laid out for you. It's genius.

You also get:

- Monthly & weekly motivational quotes

- Notes section

- 2 year reference calendar

- Important holidays

- To do list

- Ribbon bookmark in matching colour

- Integrated folder in matching color

And because the pages are printed on 28lb. acid-free archival paper, you can use fine pens and markers without them bleeding through to the other side, so colour code and highlight your life (I do!).

You can further personalize your Day Planner with the your name. Doesn't that make for a nice gift?

You are going to have to write down your appointments and things to do anyway - why not do it somewhere that makes you happy?

Order your PriaVanda Day Planner now.

Your year starts now!

Illumienate - The Most Stylish Way to Light Up a Room

Sometimes someone just gets it right on.

Danielle Ericsson's creation - Illumienate - takes candle holders that are covered in beautiful papers and images.  She makes them into wedding luminary table numbers, luminaria centerpieces, favors, votive place cards, votive wrap name cards, and lumie menus.

The best part is that she personalizes them, so whether you're doing a bridal shower, reception, baby shower, birthday, christening, or any kind of celebration, she will create a look that is completely customized to you and your event.

She even made me my own candle lumie with the knack logo and background!  And Danielle showed me ones that used photos of Tarzan and Jane, which made for memorable event, I'm sure!! 

I can't think of a better way of making an event really look and feel like your own - just look at all of the possibilities:

- these gorgeous deep Damask Love Lumies are classic and yet have a decidedly modern feel (perfect for a wedding or anniversary, don't you think?)

- the Perfect Centerpiece will make your wedding stand out from the crowd

- why use standard name/place cards when you can use these gorgeous Votive Wraps

You get the dramatic feel of the candle light and the customized look to match your special day. All beautifully - and carefully - wrapped. 

Sigh.

Illumienate's Luminaries are one of most beautiful, best finds I've ever come across and I don't think I'll ever want to have an event without them.

Yep, they are most definitely a must.

Shop now and forever be the envy of your friends, family and colleagues.

Look like a book cover model - buy the magenta corset on the cover of Please, Sir!

Check it out! Corset makers Exquisite Restraint, who made the corset Mischa is wearing in the Christine Kessler photo that graces the cover of my book Please, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission is now selling that corset on Etsy!





From the listing - direct all questions to them, I'm just passing this along!

This corset is appropriate as formal wear with a full skirt, as club-wear to your favorite club, or as part of your BURLESQUE COSTUME !!!
This corset was worn by Mischa in a luscious photo by Christine Kessler on the cover of "Please, Sir," edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel, from Cleis Press.

This is my basic Overbust Corset with a magenta silk dupioni exterior.
~beaded fringe trim in warm orange and purple beads
~organza ruffle across the top
~durable top-stitching plus GOLD METALLIC top-stitching
~The corset is self-bound with hand-made bias binding, not storebought binding.

The silk dupioni is excellent for more hand-stitching, embroidery, beading, or any embellishments you may apply, like blinging it out with Swarzovski crystals for your burlesque costume. The silk is durable enough for home steam, steam ironing, and spot stain removal.

I have been making corsets for 10 years. All of my corsets are made with real corset materials and hardware: All steel boning, a busc at center front, cotton coutil as the interior fabric and proper 2- piece grommets up the back for lacing.

The front is 14 inches long, so it ends in a devilish point in the front, yet it's cut higher over the hips so it blends smoothly with your skirts. This Overbust corset does wonders for your waist and you can treat it as a true foundation garment.

Please see more of my work at www.exquisiterestraint.com

YOU CAN PICK YOUR SIZE from my Size Charts!!!
This item requires 4 WEEKS to complete and ship after payment is received.

I’ve included Women’s Size Chart… please go here for Plus Size Women’s and Mens TG/cd. This corset for this price can be created in Plus Size up to 1X:
Copy and Paste this url:
http://www.exquisiterestraint.com/sizeCharts.html


WRITE TO ME WITH SIZING QUESTIONS.
I recommend you take your measurements. I have great directions here:
http://www.exquisiterestraint.com/measurements.html

I will make your corset when you order and payment is received.

Subtract 2 inches from your UNDERBUST
4 inches from your WAIST
2 inches from your UPPER HIP (not full butt)
Tell me your BRA SIZE and HEIGHT


Use these new numbers to pick your size AND write to me so I can advise and help you pick the best size. Corsets are meant to fit close to the body, and like bras and jeans, sometimes you just don’t fit into the cookie cutter sizing. I will advise you honestly and not sell you a corset that doesn’t fit. I can discuss a custom fitting a different price and we’ll use the Request Custom Work setting here on Etsy.

Plus Sizes will require double boning, more fabric and a different price quote. Your humble corsetmaker is a size 1X and understands the vagaries of shopping for plus size clothing... please write to me with your plus size questions.

CHOOSE your SIZE… please tell me your measurements when your order. Send a message ahead of time if you have questions
Your corset will be completed and shipped in 4 weeks after payment is received.

Please measure carefully.
Write to me with any sizing questions you have.
No refunds, no exchanges.

I can quote SHIPPING to countries other than those I listed below.
Just write and ask.
I'm available to answer any questions about this item.

Discover the Awesomeness of Robot Luv and Pass It On!

There are some people that are just able to capture a feeling onto paper or clothing.

Carrie Masters of Robot Luv has created a line of clothes, patches, totes, lamps and other fun stuff that are whimsical, fun and downright awe-inspiring (You can also shop her collection at her Etsy storefront where you can also shop additional items such as cards, puzzles and knitted accessories).

Robot Luv lamps bring a bit of fun into the study or living room.  And her totes make me smile - how can errands be dull when you've got a cute bag like these?!

Gosh, she's got a great style, doesn't she? It's no wonder I want to cover myself head to toe in Robot Luv gear!

It's easy to shop for the music lover on your list here - How About A Little Moog Music Tee and I Heart Indie Music Tee makes a fun and original gift. And I adore the Airstream Camper Tee. How fun is that?! The tees are "vintage soft" which means they are 100% cotton and feel like you've worn it in already. Ooh, they are amazing!

And to keep you stylin', you\re going to want these incredible patches. I got the Boston Terrier Side View Patch (pictured above) to put on my winter coat, which will make my coat the cutest coat E-V-E-R! You can select from a whole whack of 'em - one for everyone on your list! Isn't that a great gift?!

And to go with all those gifts, you should pick up some greeting cards while you're at it too. It doesn't get much better than these.

It's not too late to get the most amazing holiday gifts  - Shop Robot Luv now!

Need a Great Gift This Holiday Season? Shop Button Ups by Chelsea & Kerry for Beautiful Home and Office Decor!

I am not a fancy girl by any means, but I do like everything to be pretty.

From my wardrobe to my office, I like everything to be a little nugget of special: scarves shouldn't be plain in design or colour, stick it notes have to be in a pleasing shade or shape, my calendar can't be solely utilitarian (read: ugly) and my laptop is always covered in a striking image.

So when I saw Button Ups by Chelsea and Kerry, I knew I'd found design mavens that got that your work/home/live space needs to be as pretty as your jewelry, shoes, etc.!

This Canadian duo specialize in handmade bulletin boards "created with refurbished antique frames and decorated cork." They also create amazing Antique Button Push Pins (that come on teeny little bulletin board cutouts, pictured above - no need to wrap them!) and Antique Button Magnet Sets.

The pictures on the site just don't do these buttons and boards justice - they are so beautiful. Like little gems. And you can finally get rid of those hideous plastic things you've been using to hold up your postcards, photos, notes and other important documents on your wall.

And here's the thing - everything is made by hand and yet, look at how affordable everything is!  And it doesn't stop there: If you don't see what you are looking for, they also do custom orders and "will work with you to create a design perfect for your space."

There is such a range of colours and designs - it's such a joy to have each one be different than the rest. Don't you crave that kind of decor? Where everything is so special, so hand-selected?  

I love having these antique mementos facing me as I write. I wonder where they come from, who wore them and when - it's a little bit of history right there with you. What an incredible gift that is. I have a host of people on my gift list that I think will really treasure these beauties as much as I do (I can't stop looking at them - can you say that about your current board/pins?).

Chances are, you and your friends are going to be seriously talking new year's resolutions in a week or two. Why not put them up on the loveliest boards with the most dashing pins and magnets?!

Shop Button Ups by Chelsea & Kerry and have the most beautiful, exceptional holiday and new year every year!

Etsy Love

I bet you don't know this, but I feature a lot of Etsy sellers here on the knack. I am proud to showcase the handmade wares of these designers and shopkeepers. I swoon for their items and know that you do too. 

I just realized that I don't have an Etsy category. That's going to change. In the next week, I'll be going through all of my posts, making sure that those with Etsy shops get an Etsy label.

It's a little thing, but a nice thing I think.

Many thanks, warmest wishes and big hugs,

Stephanie