curtis curtis

Today was the birthday of actor Tony Curtis (b. 1925) and musician Curtis Mayfield (b. 1942).   Tony C. of course starred in classics like Spartacus, Some Like It Hot, Sweet Smell of Success, and The Defiant Ones -- while Curtis M. composed and/or sang the film soundtracks from Super Fly and Claudine, along with creating a wide range of other musical works.

item of the day

Whether you're tuning into the FRIENDS reunion special tomorrow night or you're just happy to stick with the original reruns, we'll be there for you with this spirited Central Perk mug (and you can use it for spirits or coffee/tea, whichever you prefer).    

item of the day

Summer's coming and so is the need to mix up some iced tea or lemonade in this lovely vintage-style blue glass pitcher from Gibson.

vintage spring

 Just some old school pretties for your table:  Small Glass Cake Stand and Vintage S&P Shakers.

happy may day!

 Lilacs in a Window  -- Mary Cassatt (1883)

item of the day

April 7th is National Beer Day!  For some this holiday may be a more frequent occurrence, but whatever the case (or 6 pack), add more fun to your hops and barley libation with this deck of Bicycle Craft Beer Playing Cards.  Each card features an American craft beer brewery, which should make your next game of poker or Concentration quite interesting.  

item of the day

Baseball is back and tomorrow's the opener for the Boston Red Sox, the absolute favorite team of Jimmy Fallon's character in the 2005 rom-com Fever Pitch.  Then he falls in love with Drew Barrymore in the movie and things get complicated...but eventually happier ever after.  Celebrate the return of baseball and springtime with this Fever Pitch DVD, and let's hope the BoSox have a wicked good season.  

item of the day

This little guy can hold a flameless tealight or just look pretty on your table, and while he might not be as clever and quick as the Twitter bird, he also won't get you in trouble for something you tweet and then regret later.  Chirp chirp.

happy st. patty's!

Green is on the scene because it's St. Patrick's Day!  So have some soda bread and tea, Baileys in your coffee, or a pint of Guinness and a plate of corned beef and cabbage...and keep the luck of the Irish going all year long with this cheery little shamrock plate, and/or the melodies of the Chieftans. 

item of the day

March is here and spring is on the way, but it's still a little too cold and dreary in many places.  This Hula Girl thermometer could be the answer, bringing thoughts of warmer weather and beautiful sunsets as those temperatures gradually rise.  And why not fix yourself a Blue Hawaiian Cocktail and/or a poke bowl, just to keep the Big Island vibes going.  Just remember, Hula Girl is really an indoor thermometer and doesn't like (or work well with) the frigid outdoors.  

national tartar sauce day

Well, we missed the real National Tartar Sauce Day on February 19th (it's officially always on the first Friday of Lent), so let's just say this is all about tardy tartar sauce.  Lent is still with us, however, and it's Friday, so here's a recipe from the wonderful and classic 1963 edition of McCall's Cookbook for some fish fun:

Sour Cream Tartar Sauce

1 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, drained

1/2 tsp salt

Dash of hot sauce

1 tsp grated onion

**********************************************

Combine ingredients in a small bowl, refrigerate thoroughly then serve.

national cafe au lait day

Today is National  Café au Lait Day, celebrating the simple yet delicious blend of hot milk and coffee.  Here's a nice recipe from Wikihow to make it at home, and if you're going for true French style, the bigger the mug, the better.  And if you want a bit more French living and eating to enjoy, check out Mastering the Art of French Eating by Ann Mah.

item of the day

February 11th is the curious shared birthday of Jennifer Aniston (b. 1969) and Sarah Palin (b. 1964), and it's also National Foundation Day in Japan, celebrating the founding of the country in 660 BC.  This little vintage plate from Diamond China of Japan is also perfect for Valentine's Day, with its pretty roses and rosebuds and gilded rim.