Bring on the french fries!

What’s that you say? I can abide by my 82nd year of the same resolution to lose weight and still savor my love for all things fried? You betcha!

So says George Forman’s Lean Mean Spin Frying Machine! This unique fryer uses a spinning action to remove up to 55% excess fat that is normally absorbed during frying. And a built-in convection element adds an extra hint of crispiness ala KFC’s extra crispy recipe. Apparently, the thing works kinda like your washing machine with it’s very own spin cycle on low or high. Kinda weird to think of spinning your food around in a centrifuge before eating it, but whatever – I’ll take it!

I know Christmas just ended, but Santa, if you’re listening, can you put this on my list for next year?

Christmas wishlist #5

Duuuuuuuude – why haven’t I heard about this before now? The Portable Photo Studio from ThinkGeek is pure genius. Sure, I know, I can create my own, homemade photo studio setup without having to spend a bunch of money. I even have several tutorials and recommendations from others on the best way to do so. But let’s be clear about one thing – I’m lazy and I like it when a problem can be solved without any effort on my behalf. That and I never have a place to store all the individual items required to make a studio on my own. Now I can have it all in one piece which means NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED! Woo-freaking-Hoo!

Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza – whatever – I’m gettin’ one!

Legwarmers…for your arms

My new winter coat (which I have yet to wear due to the freakishly hot weather in So Cal) is sitting in my closet just itching to be worn. However, the coat has 3/4 sleeves which has caused me unneeded stress over how I will keep my arms warm. I have gloves, but they only come up to the wrist. What about my poor little forearms?

Since I dont’ want to be forced to always wear long sleeves with my coat, I decided to investigate the armwarmers I’ve been seeing around the net lately. Much to my surprise, there are a multitude of options, all equally affordable! Now I just have to decide which ones to buy. Hmmmm…

Shown clockwise from top left:
Red Fingerless Mittens from Fred Flare: $24
Cashmere 2-in-1 Gloves from Delight.com: $59.50
Acrylic Fingerless Gloves from Sock Dreams: $13
Toggle Armwarmer from Urban Outfitters: $24
Cable Knit Armwarmers from Urban Outfitters: $18
Stripe Armwarmers at Target: $10
Multi-Stripe Armwarmers from Gap: $19.50
Tubeway Armies on Etsy: $26
Pointelle Arm Warmers from Forever21: $9.80

Christmas wishlist #4

The numbers rug from West Elm is my newest object of desire. A special thanks goes out to my cat, Princess Pee & Poo, for ruining EVERY area rug I’ve ever purchased and causing me to waste countless dollars on a hundred and one ways to remove cat urine.

So…this is not merely a want but also a need since the latest to go out with the trash was the 8 x 10 under the dining room table. And since my house is nearly ALL hardwood floors, area rugs are necessary. But here’s the pickle. I buy a rug, she ruins it. I buy another one, she ruins IT. Getting the vicious cycle we’re in?

Anyone want a cat?

Christmas wishlist #3

MUST. HAVE. Talk about coveting something?!@#! Holy S, I want this bag – and how!

The Ruby Red Giallo Tote from DrikaB on Delight.com is a handmade tote (I know – can you believe it?) and it is absolutely fabulous. From the gorgeous shade of red to the sweet bird detail, this bag will definitely get you noticed. Inside the bag are 2 huge inner pockets to store everything you need, from a laptop to a cell phone. The vintage-inspired fabric is stain and weather resistant and features a magnetic snap closure. Big enough as a weekend tote and stylish enough to be your everyday purse. Now that’s my kinda bag!

Side note… DrikaB is a Brazilian designer who grew up studying architecture and design. Her designs are inspired by unexpected color and texture and her primary goal is to keep making things that are practical and fun. I’m pretty sure she’s already done that! Check out more of DrikaB at Etsy.

Christmas wishlist #1 + 2

We don’t typically celebrate Christmas in my family. At least not in the religious and obligatory gift-giving sort of way. We do try to get together and most certainly over indulge in food and drink, but that’s about it. Little ones have to get gifts of course (damn them), but us older folk are too poor these days to do all that. But a girl can dream, nonetheless. So if I were doing the whole gift-giving thing this year, this is what would be on my list.

#1. Evolve Wireless Sound System for iPod (the ONE thing we overlooked when creating our backyard oasis)

#2. Capped Fingerless Gloves (kinda hokey, I know, but I’m always torn between gloves and mittens. Now I can have both!