Author Archive
« Previous Entries Next Entries »So sweet, it has a cult following
In 1917, a guy was selling a confection of sugar and egg whites he created in his Somerville kitchen. He was bought out by H. Allen Durkee and Fred L. Mower, both graduates of Swampscott High and veterans of the United States Infantry in World War I. They started the giant Durkee-Mower company that is […]
Author: Kat Powers | May 7, 2008This will help me express how I truly feel
The Albertine Press in Somerville is doing something special.
What began as a custom design and print studio has grown to include a full collection of greeting cards, note cards, and coasters available at stationery stores and gift boutiques across the country.
And you can now get their letter-pressed designs online.
World Notes, blue - six letterpress printed […]
Author: Kat Powers | May 6, 2008Add one teaspon dragonfly, one tablespoon practicality
Shaded under trees, Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington displays a whole mill-full of museum quality Shaker furniture, both beautiful in form and precise in its use.
But what really caught my eye were these Pewter Dragonfly Measuring Spoons.
Know two things about me: I’m a sucker for dragonflies — I have a whole jewelry box full of […]
Author: Kat Powers | May 5, 2008What I reel-y want for Mother’s Day
If you’re buying for the kind of mom who thinks and act of love is helping her lug barrels full of three-quarter stone up the driveway, you might be looking around for a garden tool for next Sunday’s big day.
Think about the Task Force 16-inch cut reel mower at Lowe’s. It has five blades — […]
Author: Kat Powers | May 4, 2008Year of the cuddly
I know it’s the Year of the Rat, but my friend was born in the Year of the Rooster.
So I’m getting her this “Loud Rooster” set, part of the Republic Zodiac collection at Aisle 9.
They have big bags and little bags and lunch bags and pencil cases, but I thought the wallet ($5.90) and keychain […]
Author: Kat Powers | May 2, 2008Inspired by real kids with Asian flair
My friends with the perfect Asian-inspired decor have found they just aren’t sure how to mix the Japanese pottery and Chinese paintings with their latest addition, a baby. And now that the dear child is walking and talking and breaking things, my friends were just stymied.
(Rolling my eyes just a little) I hopped over to […]
Author: Kat Powers | May 1, 2008Keep chutney on hand, just in case
We got the call about 15 minutes before everyone was coming over. One of my soon-to-be-guests thought it was nice to give me warning that my husband had invited over the whole crew — and by the way, they were hungry.
Luckily I had crackers on hand, some cheddar, some grapes and….. in the back of […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 30, 2008Because a tie can be an introduction in itself
My husband will pretty much wear any tie that isn’t boring old stripes. But whenever he knows he’s going to meet new people, he’ll usually pick a tie from Lebow’s.
Ties with patterns of money, rock bands, fish, computers, elephants … we’re always going to luck out and find something he’ll wear at Lebow’s.
Lebow’s is a […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 29, 2008Even cows do Jumping Jacks
When I saw these at the Blue Cloud Gallery, my local gift store in Somerville, Massachusetts, I had no idea these toys were California dreamers.
Blue Cloud’s Jumping Jacks started life in Ventura, California in Terrie and Richard Floyd’s workshop.
I’m used to seeing figures like Santas or jesters made into Jumping Jacks — pull the […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 28, 2008If one chocolate bar isn’t enough
We all have that one person in our lives. She’s the chocoholic with the candy bar in her desk at work, chocolate chunks in the freezer and an emergency pack of kisses in her purse.
Now there’s a gift just for her.
The giant Taza Gift Box, only $28.50, includes three of its fabulous types of three-ounce […]
Author: Kat Powers | April 23, 2008