Shopping Guide, So Hot Right Now

SO HOT RIGHT NOW: GRILLS

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Just because you don’t have much outdoor space doesn’t mean that you can’t get your grill on this summer. These little numbers are cute, compact and affordable.

Weber’s classic Smokey Joe is just $29.99 at Target.

Weber® Smokey Joe Silver Compact Grill

 

This fiery orange grill from Bodum has side clasps for easy portability. $49.95 from Crate & Barrel.

 

Bodum® Fyrkat Grill

 

Also from Bodum, this cone grill will turn your neighbors green with envy. $179.99 from Amazon.

Bodum Fyrkat Cone Charcoal Grill

 

The Aussie grill is great for those with a balcony or small patio. $39.97 at the Home Depot.

Aussie Portable Charcoal Grill

 

The Notebook grill from Fire Sense is collapsible—perfect for lugging to the park. $27.00 at Walmart.

Fire Sense HotSpot Notebook Portable Charcoal Grill

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Store Profiles

STORE PROFILE: Fashion4Home

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Fashion4Home

A few months back, we stumbled upon the site of a furniture company called Fashion4Home (www.fashion4home.com). The promise: designer furniture for up to 50% less through a system of made-to-order pieces shipped directly to the customer. This being right up our alley, we were even more intrigued to learn that the company is based in fun-loving Berlin. We stopped by the Fashion4Home offices on a recent trip across the pond and took a peek at the company’s only showroom—a light-filled space off of Alexanderplatz.

The company’s gracious blogger and media person, Laura Keidel, guided us through the Who, What, When, Where and Why’s of this up-and-coming company. She also let us bounce around on the showroom furniture to ensure that it is, indeed, comfy.

 
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Who: Fashion4Home was started by Marc Appelhoff and Christoph Cordes, who are joined by a team of about 70 sprinkled worldwide. They work with all kinds of designers, including cardboard king Reinhard Dienes.

 

What: An online shop for exclusive designer furniture at lower-than-store prices. The company sells couches, beds, tables, chairs, etc based on designs voted for online. Only popular designs go into production and are then made to order. Some of our favorite pieces are the whimsical Cloud Coffee Table ($299), the mod Moon Armchair ($699), the versatile Copperfield Sofa Bed ($799) and the regal Aldgate Armchair ($699).

 


 

When: Since 2009. The company has achieved a lot in a relatively short time frame, in no small part due to its endeavors to include customers in the decision-making process and forgoing brick-and-mortar growth in favor of direct shipping.

 

Where: Company headquarters are in Berlin, Germany, along with the company’s only showroom.  The company currently ships to Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK and the US. All of the furniture is manufactured in China (apparently, their furniture is manufactured at the same plant as BoConcept’s stuff).

 

Why: It’s affordable furniture that doesn’t look like it’s from IKEA. You will also have a say in the design process by voting for the pieces you’d like to see go into production. If a design you vote “yes” to reaches production, you will receive 10% off said piece if you order it.

Bottom Line: The quality is surprisingly good for the price. Couches, chairs and tables seem well made and the designs are compelling. The interactive website, free fabric samples and no-questions-asked return policy make it a great option for those who don’t mind a 4-12 week shipping time.

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Pets

ETSY FINDS: ONE OF A KIND PET GOODIES!

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Just because you can’t afford the Case Study Daybed doesn’t mean your lovable dog or cat shouldn’t have one. $95 from ModPet.

Modern v-leg pet bed, micro-suede memory foam cushion, $95

 

Another gem from ModPet, this raised feeder is reminiscent of the classic 50’s boomerang tables. A steal at $35.

Raised feeder with double stainless steel bowls and aluminum legs, $35

 

Never misplace your dog’s leash again with this handmade flower power leash holder. Cheap and customizable, from AplombDesigns.

Flower Power - Dog Tail Leash Holder, $13

 

This litter hideaway from modernistcat isn’t what you’d call “frugal”, but cleverly masking a disgusting litter box makes all the difference in your decor. Plus it will last forever. $309 from modernistcat.

LITTER HIDEAWAY - the modern cat litter box cover, $309

 

Could this upcycled vintage suitcase cat bed be any cuter? This cat knows how stylish he looks on it. $59 from AtomicAttic.

Upcycled Green Suitcase Pet Bed, $59

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Constructed of the same sturdy canvas used for marine boat covers, this baby is built to last. The pvc and bold color combination give it a sixties feel. From dianesk9creations, $64.95.

Dog Bed Raised Cot Marine Canvas. 22x30x6 High. 12 Colors Available. Sewing Warranty., $64.95

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Shopping Guide, So Hot Right Now

NEON SIGNS

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Neon signs are part kitsch, part cool and totally ostentatious. As such, they make great wall décor. They may not be cheap (typically $200 and up), but they do double duty in that they are décor and an additional light source. Liven up a kitchen or living space with one of these fun models:

This classic says, “Hey, it’s cocktail time somewhere.” $280.95 from Bellacor.

Neonetics Cocktails and Martini Glass Neon Sign

 

Here’s another cocktail sign, only $49.99

Cocktails Neon Sign

 

Wondering what to do with that blank space next to your bathroom? Problem solved. $185.99 from Walmart.

Neonetics Business Signs Rest Rooms Neon Sign

 

This is awesome on so many levels. It is also borderline offensive and sure to spark interesting conversations.  $225.99 from Walmart.

Neonetics Pig Pool Nice Rack Neon Sign

 

Any mancave worth its salt has a neon sign. $302 from Stacks and Stacks.

Man Cave Neon Sign

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Friday Finds

FRIDAY FINDS

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Happy Friday, $69 or less. Stay cool.

A sophisticated goth candelabra from Anthropologie placed on a vintage dresser makes all the difference.

Springing Sprigs Candelabra, $38

 

Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ with your candles? Choose 3 handmade mason jar candles in your favorite shades from MakingPerfectScents on Etsy, $20.

3 u pick 8 oz. Soy Candles in a Primitive Mason Jar, $20

 

Ditch your stuffed animals and replace with this grown up teddibear lamp.

OFFI My Pet Lamp TerriBear Jr., $69

 

You can’t go wrong with sixties inspired earthenware. Perfect as a centerpiece on a danish modern dining table.

Slip Hot Earthenware Rose Vases , $25-65

 

A tipi for your cat? ‘Nuff said.

The Purr-fect Place in Tipi, $24.99

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Coffee Table Book of the Week

COFFEE TABLE BOOK OF THE WEEK: I LIKE YOU, BY AMY SEDARIS

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Amy Sedaris’s  I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence has been out since 2006, but remains one of the most hilarious guides you’re likely to cross paths with.


I Like You, by Amy Sedaris
I Like You

 

Sedaris is popular for her role as Jerri Blank in Strangers With Candy and is sister to the also-hilarious author David Sedaris, but did you know that she also cooks, crafts and entertains up a storm? From sending invites to making centerpieces to entertaining old people, Sedaris covers all the bases and sprinkles in lots of practical tid-bits, like second uses for pantyhose (bath sachets!). The recipes are equally entertaining (and real) and run the gamut from Telly Savalas Chicken to Lil’ Smoky Cheeseball (great for parties). Every hostess should have a copy and it makes an equally great gift.
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