miracles do exist

I just about cried when I found a water glass, left by a house guest on top of a computer printout, had made a bright pink ink stain on my Saarinen marble top table. I had saved up for the tulip table for a verrrrry long time, and had only recently indulged...telling my husband it would be an 'heirloom piece' we would have for years.

He quickly realized how dire the situation was and jumped on the internet to search out some options. Many of the sites we found offered little hope, until we found some powder solution that I am now deeming 'miracle paste.'

I was concerned anything we used might take the clear coat finish off of the table, or do some additional damage that made the stain look even worse. However, after mixing the powder with water, covering it in plastic wrap, and letting it sit overnight- the paste worked its magic. The next morning I scraped off to discover the stain was completely GONE, with no damage done to the table!

So I must give five stars to Stone Care International Ink Stain Remover, IPP Poultice Powder. They also have formulas designed for food, oil and grease stains. Hallelujah!

guilty!

The latest issue of Cookie (with Amanda Peet on the cover) has a very interesting article in it called 'Party Police.' I am guilty of at least one of the sins it describes, including often putting the tag line 'no gifts' at the bottom of an invitation I've sent out. Sally Schultheiss, the author, makes quite a strong argument against this practice, along with her two other pet-peeves...those who put 'no candy' and those who put 'no siblings' on the invitation. While I don't necessarily agree with her point of view, it will definitely give me pause for thought the next time I consider a 'no-gift' party! It's actually quite an entertaining read.There are also a couple of other good (non-party) articles in the mag, including one on Amanda Peet (who voices strong support of vaccinations), and an article profiling four different women who made different child bearing choices. 

source: PLASTICA

Plastica, a store based in L.A.'s Silverlake neighborhood, houses all sorts of cool and one-of-a-kind items. Plastica is the perfect place to find unique partyware, gifts and practical everyday items that are durable and affordable, as well as design savvy. While many of their items are plastic (the material that inspired their name), they feature items made out of a variety of other materials as well. Lucky for us, we don't have to live in L.A. to enjoy their wares, since they have a great online store as well!

Some favorites pictured above: recycled plastic tub (perfect to keep drinks cold for a party); bento box (great for party leftovers or a picnic); Marimekko serving tray; thermos with a built-in spoon; set of white coffee cups (I'm in love with these, even though I don't drink coffee!); and a washing up bowl- pretty enough to keep out in the open and practical enough to wash your most fragile items in.

happy monday!

I thought this little lady was just the thing to help make Monday a little brighter. Via Flickr's becheery.

on the lookout for...giftwrap (and good customer service)

Yesterday, I continued my hunt for cute, continuous roll wrapping paper with high hopes. I knew I had to forget the Snow & Graham and Jack & Lulu paper that I covet, since the sheets do not come in a larger size I was looking for. 

I found my favorites at Target, Swoozies, and yes...even Hallmark. Hallmark is not usually a favorite of mine, but I was pleasantly surprised with their selection. Too bad the customer service was awful! They reminded me exactly why I crave the personal interaction at a boutique paper shop, or purchase items online.

In my gift wrap basket: red dot and red/pink floral from Target(not available online); blue and red pattern and striped paper from Old Navy (discontinued); green leaf, green lattice, white floral from Hallmark (not available online) and blue and white dot from Swoozies.