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kinda genius: universal wrapping paper

Confession time: I’m terrible at wrapping presents. I always have the best intentions. I walk by Paper Source’s windows and think, “Ohhh, that’s what I want to be!” I want to be one of those people with a gift wrapping station complete with a dozen different colors of washi tape and tinsel bows. I want to present my wedding shower gift and have everyone coo over the homemade tissue paper violets perched beside the bow. But, let’s cut the crap, I never am. I don’t have the time, money, or energy to make paper turkeys to decorate Thanksgiving cards. I always end up wrapping birthday presents in leftover Christmas paper. My cringe-worthy, rock bottom moment came when I presented a baby shower gift in a slightly used Halloween trick-or-treat bag.

There is hope for me yet! A light on the end of the horizon has appeared in Wordless Design’s universal wrapping paper. The paper allows you to choose your own celebration by circling the appropriate sentiment. Not only is the paper universally usable (cutting down on having to stock rolls and rolls of specific birthday, mother’s day, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Festivus, etc. paper), but it’s also sharp, clean, and minimalistically appealing. Five sheets of this rad wrapping is about 15€.

tested and approved: carol’s cookies

I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that hoped someone at Carol’s Cookies would read this review and send me a Free Cookies for Life Card (sort of like a Black AmEx, only much, much, much better). I recently had, no exaggeration, the best cookie I’ve ever had in my life.
Let me try to paint you a word picture: first off, Carol’s Cookies are a generous portion. Each one weighs in at, famously, a half pound making each little mountain of a cookie the size of a small calzone. Secondly, they remain ever-so-slightly doughy and soft in the middle (especially after a quick microwave). I believe the true test of a cookie comes far later then it’s first emergence from the oven. The truly fantastic cookie will not turn brittle in crispy in the cool, cruel hours after baking, but stay soft and delicious. Carol’s Cookies are a testament to that comforting, soft-in-the-middle sweet spot that I judge all other cookies by. All-natural and handmade, Carol’s Cookies come in thirteen amazing flavors ranging from the classic chocolate chip to the decadent white chocolate macadamia nut and oatmeal chocolate cherry. Forget flowers and fruit bouquets, if you really want to show someone you love them, send them Carol’s Cookies.
Carol’s Cookies can be ordered online but if you’re lucky enough to be nearby their bakeries, you can often find them at upscale grocery stores (I’m able to feed my cravings at Chicago Whole Foods).

site we’re psyched about: the new sprouthome.com

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Chicago-based Sprout Home has been one of our favorite garden sites and stores for ages. They make gardening seem accessible and possible in even small urban spaces. They recently relaunched their site and we have to say the new and improved sprouthome.com has us counting the days until winter’s thaw hits. Now blogging from their outposts in both Brooklyn and Chicago, they offer fun, informative posts on everything from Venus Fly Traps to tips on how to choose the perfect house plant . If you’re looking for inspiration, click around their garden area for some of the gorgeous projects they have designed. And, if you’re thinking of planting something, check out their collection of mod containers, which will make even the brownest thumb seem mildly chic.

swank toy: moma modern play house

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I secretly enjoy many of Isadora’s toys: The smell of Playdough. The soft comfort of a stuffed bear. The endless possibilities of a pile of wooden blocks. But one of her new toys has got me tinkering nonstop. It’s the MoMa Modern Playhouse, a clever kit that allows mom and kid alike to act out their mid century home dreams. It comes with six colorful cardboard nesting boxes, eight pieces of chic furniture and several rug or floor coverings. There are also some vinyl stickers that look like Eames clocks and lamps, but I had a hard time getting them to cling. No worries! A matching kit with a dress up family keeps our imaginations active. Created by the smart people at Chronicle books, $19. — Angela M.

ready for the new year with a little tangerine tango

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I love it when one of my style constants becomes a trend, like leopard print this season. That’s why I have a great feeling about 2012. One of my favorite colors — reddish orange — has already been declared color of the year by Pantone. They are calling it Tangerine Tango, but lucky for me it looks exactly like the color of the Eames Eiffel chairs we splurged on for our dining room last year. So for the next year our dining room will be THE place to be! Hooray. Imagine the fabulousness when I wear my new Jcrew Minnie pants in Vibrant flame and my Kat von T lipstick in A Go Go red. Yes, friends, I already have all these Tangerine Tango-ish shades at home. I am all set.

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If you are not already a orange worshiper like myself, perhaps now is the time to start. I recommend picking up a Pantone color of the year mug, $25, and starting a new tradition. In just a few years, you’ll have yourself a vibrant set. — Angela

Will you be adding Tangerine Tango to your life? Let me know.