Designer SwitchplatesMy light switches look so dull now that I've looked at the more than 70 cool switch plate designs from A La Mode. They have everything from silly sarcastic designs to kooky patterns--composed of sock monkeys or sushi--and pretty floral and brocade patterns. For an extra couple bucks you can even get your name or initial on the plate, which is nice for kids (or super possessive adults).
From $10 to $14 each, A La Mode
Apple Blue Pillow CoverThese pillow covers from PataPri are so cute. I love the cheery blue and orange apple pattern. I guess I just like apples in general (except for the Red Delicious, which always seem to be mushy these days). These 16-inch linen pillow covers are hand-silkscreened by Chicago artist Yuko Uemura.
$30.00, Etsy
Circus Cookie CuttersRemember those animal crackers you used to love as a kid? Now you can make your own with this cookie cutter set. You get five animals: giraffe, lion, tiger, seal (which kind of looks like a squid), and elephant. They all come in a fun circus trailer shaped box. Sadly, pink icing is not included. But you can buy the cookie mix.
$19.95, Williams-Sonoma
Rain-Dramatic Tear Drop EarringsThese earrings from Bella-Bijou are so pretty. They're made of blue chalcedony and goldfill wire and hoops. And at three inches long, they're nice and dangly. They're pretty versitile too. You could wear them with jeans and a T-shirt or pair them with a little black dress.
$42.50, Bella-Bijou
Flamenco Shower CurtainSometimes when I'm in the shower, it's like the rest of the world doesn't exist. I think this ruffled cotton shower curtain with its many calming shades of blues and greens would get me one step closer to tuning out the entire universe. At least until the hot water runs out.
$118.00, Anthropologie
Thomas Paul Magazine HolderWow, these are a way prettier way to organize your periodicals than my usual stack- the- magazines- on- any- available- surface method. These magazine holders, which come in four dainty Thomas Paul patterns, make your collection of gossip rags look super chic.
$16.00 each, Velocity Art and Design
Printed Glass Birdie HookI can't quite figure out how you screw these glass bird hooks to the wall, but I really like them. The funky patterns are awesome. These would look great in an entryway. You could use them to hold your jacket or keep track of your keys, which always seem to be wandering off.
$14.00 each, Urban Outfitters
Fossil Weekender Cosmetic BagI like this little makeup bag. It has a fun, retro flower pattern. And it's sort of small--nine inches by four inches. So you can toss in a couple of essentials (lipgloss, some mascara, a little eyeshadow, a compact, and concealer) and fit it into almost any purse.
$16.00, Dillards
Hula Bud VaseThese little 3.5-inch-tall vases, which come in yellow or green, are so cute. Though you can't put long-stemmed roses in them, they'd look very cheery with a handful of daisies. They're a nice compact size for a desk or bathroom sink.
On sale for $22.00, Red Envelope
My Beating Heart PillowThis pillow sounds kind of soothing or kind of disturbing, especially if "The Tell-Tale Heart" freaked you out. The 14-inch heart-shaped pillow has an electronic mechanism inside that mimics a beating heart. It beats at a slow, relaxed rate that's supposed to help you chill out. Maybe I should get one of these for work.
$49.99, Perpetual Kid
Marimekko Unikko Mini Flat Manual UmbrellaI kept buying these $5 umbrellas from vendors on the street, and they kept falling apart after one or two storms. I recently ponied up for one of these Marimekko mini umbrellas, which I really like. It has a fun poppy pattern, and it folds up super tiny--about six inches long. It's so small that I can keep it in my bag all the time. Plus, it comes with a really nice carrying sleeve.
On sale for $24.00, eBags
Nintendo Mushroom Sours Three PackHere are some more Super Mario-inspired goodies: little mushrooms from the game stuffed with sour candies. In the game, the green mushroom gives you an extra life, the red mushroom makes you bigger, and the blue mushroom... wait, there was a blue mushroom? I have no idea what the blue mushroom does, but anyway, there's candy inside. So, all good.
$11.99, Perpetual Kid
Super Mario Singing Glow StarLet everyone know you are untouchable with this awesome toy. It's the invincibility star from Super Mario Brothers, and when you press a button on the back, it plays that sweet, sweet melody as a light inside flashes. When you have it in your hands, you can kick people in the shins, and they can't do anything back! Hopefully they'll buy that explanation.
$17.99, ThinkGeek
Dead Tired Sleep MaskThis satin eye mask is cute and funny with its dead cartoon character eyes. I'm hoping that the fact that it looks a little bit creepy will prevent people from bugging you during your nap (for instance, say, the passenger next you in the airplane who seems to wait until you finally drift off to decide he needs to go to the bathroom).
$12.00, Gama-Go
Trollsta Side TableI like the baroque/mod look of this simple black side table. It's got these funky baroque-style legs that kind of contrast the a more square modern frame. Plus, it has a handy little shelf for storing books, magazines, or a few snacks for munching on while you watch TV.
$79.00, Ikea
