"It's more important to make yourself happy than to be like your neighbor." - Michael Graves

I'm devouring the latest "O at Home" issue (Summer 2008), and ran across this quote in a "10 Things I Know for Sure" article featuring architect Michael Graves. The name may not sound familiar to some of you, but I know all you Target-lovers out there will be familiar with his designs when you see them.

Here are some of my favorite designs you can pick up at Target:

As a design-obsessed-Target-lover myself, Michael Graves philosophy has been an inspiration to me in how I fill my home. Specifically, investing in those things I touch and feel everyday. Does ice cream really taste better in a bowl you love holding? I would argue, "yes!" Is is worth going without something until you find the very piece you love? Again, I would argue, "yes," (as I still have yet to purchase adequate matching towels...I just haven't found ones I love enough yet). I know what you're thinking, "Jen, it can get seriously expensive to buy only those things you love." My response, "True, but how much more do you save by buying only what you love in the first place, than constantly replacing what you sorta like over and over." Thankfully for us, Michael Graves has made the "well designed/to cheap ratio" tolerable for even our husbands to bless a splurge.

Glass half full

If any of you have had the pleasure of gushing through the pages of Blueprint Magazine, you'll understand how devastated I was when it was cancelled after only 8 precious issues.  They've since created a blog, Bluelines, and it's great, but just not the same as curling up on the couch with the magazine itself.  Okay, before I digress too far...  In their July/August 2007 issue, they showed the best idea for adding a glow to your tables, and with something many of us already have--wine glasses!  These paper shades fit nicely over wine glasses, and combined with a tea light candle, it lets off a nice glow.  You can buy these lovely shades here.

Or, you can make them!  Download the template from Mirkwood Designs here.  Simply trace, cut and glue (ensure they fit the wine glasses you're using).  

Brides:  your venue or rental company will likely be able to provide extra wine glasses AND tea light candles for little or no money.  If you're making your own, you can customize the shades by tracing onto different colors of vellum, using stamps, or for those of you who have customized invites, ask your designer to bring in elements from your invites (such as monograms) onto the shades. The best part?  You can use them again post-wedding!

A sweet cure to Spring allergies

If you’re like many of us, you get that little tickle in your nose this time of year, and then the aaachhhew…followed by a mad dash for a tissue, and a bright red nose (lovely). Yep, that’s me! And you know, I don’t have allergies severely enough to take medication everyday, which I’m thankful for. However, this leaves me vulnerable to a sudden and random onset of “episodes.” So, my brother told me that a friend of his told him you can cure pollen-related allergies by incorporating local honey into your diet! I’m sure there is some genius scientific explanation about the local bees pollinating and churning out magical honey. Regardless, my brother tried it, and said it works! I’m not a doctor or pharmacist, but I do love a good natural solution that tastes sweet and supports or local economy.

Some good ways to incorporate honey into your diet: eat it straight up, drizzle on bananas (ooh, and add a dash of cinnamon and spoonful of peanut butter…yum!), pour into tea…

We found local honey at Whole Foods, and I’m sure a number of other natural food stores and farmers markets will also have a fresh and local stash. Enjoy!