Nonpareil

I LOVE the concept behind Further Soap. Apparently, glycerin is a by-product of the biofuel distillation process. Who knew?! Well, the couple behind Further soaps, that’s who…

Further soaps and candles are made from the leftover grease from Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton’s restaurant Mozza in L.A.. Unbelievable! {I had a life-altering food-experience there involving a marrow bone…but I’ll save the details for another time}. The signature fragrance is from the essential oils of Bergamot, Olive, and exotic grasses. Lovely!

As a little aside, and as some of you may know, my husband is partnered with Mario Batali…so I’m a bit of a fan! Um…truth be told, I’m a huge, crazed fan…My hubby makes the ovens that have Mario’s name. See them here {shameless self-promotion}.

Hope your weekend is fabuloso!

I have some talented gals who advertise with me…and I wanted to give a few of them a little extra recognition…And, if anyone out there is interested in taking out an ad, click the little “contact me” button at the top to drop me a line…my rates are super-reasonable!

First, is the fabulous map jewelry from Sherry Truitt. I’m in love with the bracelet, and think it would be great to have one custom made with a favorite vacation spot, or hometown! And, Sherry is just as sweet as she can be!

Next, is the fabulously talented Rachel Culp and her shop Deep Blue C. Rachel is also a Southern California girl living in the Midwest…and has been sewing her funky clothes for over 20 years. Her list of rock star customers is extensive, too…I just love her jackets for kids…so sweet!!

Last, but not least are the shops Uncorked, and Polarity {owned by the same clever and creative momma}. The fantastic necklaces are made with repurposed and sustainably harvested cork as well as recycled steel. The packaging is fantastic too…I love her test-tubes!! She also has a really sweet blog called Olive Bites.

California based Anthony Hansen‘s artwork is made mostly from found automotive sheet metal. His various hearts are incredible. I also love his description about his work:

“Creating hearts out of found/reclaimed elements constantly reminds me of the humanity that we all share, and how closely all of our different lives and journeys are connected”

Anthony has no online store, but he posts his show schedule, and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see his work in person.

*edit* you can find his work at Fiona Bleu Gallery in Morro Bay, California…

It’s that “gifts for dads & grads” time of year, and I tend to ignore indie finds for guys. And, what makes these glasses only for the boys? Not a thing! Anyhow, These repurposed bottles are from local Chicagoan, Windy City Glassblower. I learned about them from the wonderful blog Down and Out Chic a little while ago. Many bottles-turned-glasses out there have been just cut and sanded, but Nicholas Paul uses a mighty amount of heat and fire to form his bottles. Scary-cool! I love the buddha glasses!

ps. He posts a link to Chicago Hot Glass on his site…and I really really want to take a beginning glassblowing class…

I love these pillows from North Carolina based, SOWN. I love the interesting pieces cut out and paired with other fabric. It gives them such a modern feel…but they still look cozy enough to curl up with! Really quite fabulous.