SIMPLE PLEASURES

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

It is the end of March, and spring is here, but it in reality, it could not seem farther away. After a wind-whipped arctic winter, the idea of riding a bike down a country lane to buy freshly cut wildflowers at the Farmers Market seems so far off. Perhaps your wheels need a way to transport a few things to and fro, and this woven basket from Anthropologie is just the kind of brightly striped accent every bike can benefit from. Us city dwellers take simple pleasures like this for granted, so here's to hoping spring truly arrives before May.

TOTAL TRANSPARENCY: LUCITE DESK ACCESSORIES

Clearly, lucite's favor is not on the wane. Beloved for it's sleek clarity and minimalist clean lines that disappear,  the material is becoming more readily available in home decor and accessories.  Having a desk that is devoid of clutter is near impossible, but these lucite pieces will help coral the clutter in style.

 Got piles of stuff all over your desk? You are not alone. Capture the stray papers and piles in this lucite tray by Russel and Hazel at Anthropologie.

Hold files together in a lucite box by Russel and Hazel at Anthropologie  with cut-out handles for easy portability. To easily identify, the contents, it looks like a little color coordinated folder action is needed.

Also from R and H at Anthro, a brass hued stapler encased in a lucite body.

I have this lucite tape dispenser from Anthropologie, and love that it basically disappears on my desk. I know where it is when I need it, but it is attractive to look at rather than being a blight in my sight line.

 Pencil lovers everywhere, i.e., all you architects, rejoice! Standing at attention, sharpened pencils can be within arms reach with Anthropologie's lucite holder.

WHIMSY AND WONDER: LINEA CARTA'S A-Z ALPHABET CANAPE PLATES FOR ANTHROPOLOGIE EXUDE NOSTALGIC APPEAL

Berkeley, CA-based Linea Carte makes charming notecards with loopy calligraphy and images of sweet things like zebras and ocean dwellers painted in watercolor. Dina Piyari, the designer behind the line, recently created an exclusive collection of small canape plates for Anthropologie, complete with the letters of the alphabet paired with everything from animals to sea creatures and varied joyous motifs. The stoneware plates, made from a vintage mold, have a wonderful retro feel, providing their nostalgic appeal. Hang them on the wall of a nursery or use them for tea time, either way, they add a touch of whimsy and wonder.

Photos courtesy of Anthropologie
The plates from A-Z

Each one is cuter than the next, but grouped by animal or theme, they could also be hung as a monogram

The story book quality of the design makes them look like the pages of a book that came to life

The anchor is wonderful-

STYLEBEST: YOU WILL WANT THIS CANOPY BED WITH EASY ISLAND STYLE

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

This canopy bed just might make me give up my custom upholstered headboard. I love its clean Parsons-style lines, perfect scale, and understated cerused driftwood oak finish. Very Tom Scheerer.  

 Just in case I don't get it, if you do, be sure to send me a picture of it in your bedroom so I can see how great it looks.  The Woodland Canopy Bed from Anthropologie channels just the right dose if island style and can work anywhere.

TRULY GIFTED GIFT GUIDE: THE NEW STONE AGE

From geodes to agate,  malachite and minerals, gemstones and natural elements are leading the way in decorative objects.  Capturing the beauty of the natural world, these one of a kind earthly accessories with incredible diversity in shape and color  make you realize how precious, wonderful and varied nature can be. Give the gift of the unique this year.

Photo courtesy of Tozai

Dransfield and Ross for Tozai created Malachite Shadow Boxes with gemstones found all over the globe. Perfect for those needing a gemstone primer.

 Photo courtesy of HSN

Encourage a friend to take their flower arrangements to new heights in interior designer Richard Mishaan for HSN's purple Amethyst Vase.

 Photo courtesy of Tory Burch

Rock out in Pietra Doro Earrings from Tory Burch.  Mixing Lapis and Mother of Pearl they are made with an inlay technique from the 16th Century, Pietra Dura.

 Photo courtesy of Noble House

This Noble House Designs Santos Cuff with stones like agate, jasper and rock crystal has had me smitten for quiet some time. Totally divine. That Sarah Lowery Ng really has a great eye.

 Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Need that special gift to awe and amaze? Ralph Lauren Home's Malachite Bianca Box sheathed in hand-cut malachite is gorgeous.

 Photo courtesy of Eduardo Garza

When only the best will do. Amethyst set in a gold leaf surround sits atop a black lucite box created by artisan Eduardo Garza.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Melissa Joy Manning created this Raw Pyrite Hook for Anthropologie. Adding a bit of chunky stone chic to your walls, why not give them to a friend to hang  their necklaces?

 Photo courtesy of Hillary Thomas Designs

Give a lamp new life with the addition of a cheery finial. Hillary Thomas Designs circular Spiffy in orange Howlite is just the thing.

 Photo courtesy of Kelly Wearstler

For that friend that has it all, Kelly Wearstler's gem encrusted brass Bottle Opener is sure to jazz up their bar.

Photo courtesy of HSN

A little bit new agey, Richard Mishaan for HSN's blue Agate Obelisk can spruce up any tablescape.

A limoges porcelain Malachite-patterned lidded box houses a fragrant pink champagne-scented candle by L'Objet from Williams-Sonoma

NOTICED: AN OWL INVASION

With cute visages and wise reputation, the owl is the go-to bird of choice these days. From feather festooned ornaments to hand painted dinnerware, their tell-tale silhouette, large eyes and unique feathers are open to a variety of creative interpretations.  These noble, winged creatures gained their image of being scholarly because of their extremely good night vision. They can be cute and fuzzy or wise and serene, and there is a bevy of character in their round little faces. If you give a hoot, there is a feathered friend you will come to adore.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Resting on a single branch, Hedwig the white Snow Owl from Anthropologie gives off a warm vibe.

Photo courtesy of World Market

Need a glitzy mod owl for your yuletide? World Market's Metal Owl ornaments resemble vintage jewelry, pick silver or gold.

West Elm's Black and White Owl Ornament with gazing eyes and a speckled coat.

Sparkly and blue, the Glimmer Glass Owl from Anthro adds a glow to the tree.

With bark and twine and feathers around his eyes, The diminutive Nature Nursery Owl has his peepers trained on you. From Anthro.

If he was alive, I would consider adopting him. Fuzzy wuzzy, The Tussled Feather Owl at Anthro is all personality.

Combining tiny twigs and pieces of bark, Anthro's  Sprig and Spruce Owl sits on alert.

A folksy hand painted clay pitcher in the shape of an owl from Anthropologie.

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Wide eyed and vibrating with wisdom, Urban Outfitter's Owl Cooke Jar is just as good as his vintage counterparts.

Covering the entire surface area of the plate, Owl Dessert Plates from West Elm have hand done artistic flair.

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

Shake up the table with Jonathan Adler's  all white ceramic Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Whenever I see a vintage version of an owl lidded box like this,  I want to scoop it up. This pretty lidded Pottery Barn Owl Cloisonne Box lined in blue enamel has a Japanese influence. 

Keep books organized in wise style with Z Gallerie's split-personality White Owl Bookends in polyresin.

Photo courtesy of Mrs. Strong

An owl sits in the shadow of the moon on Mrs. Strong's note card.

HANGING AROUND: TASSEL TIME

Adding a tassel to everything was de rigueur in the 80's. Today, the tassel has its place, albeit a more subtle one. Rather than hanging them from dresser pulls, doorknobs and lamps, try them in a less conspicuous role. They will never lose their allure as tiebacks, it just depends how luxe the look you are going for.

 Photo courtesy of Geronimo Balloon Troopers

With giant hanging tassels made of ribbon, Geronimo Balloon Troopers gigantic balloons deliver happiness. Seen here, a red balloon flying high in downtown LA.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Anthropologie's Sombrero Sheet Set with a mini multicolor tassel border

Photo courtesy of Leif

Like  a charm bracelet, Lennebelle's Tassel Bracelet in Topograph has a festive tassel swagger

Photo courtesy of World Market

Throw on this cheap and cheerful scarf with coral tassels to ward of the crisp autumn chill from World Market Cost Plus

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

Pom Tassel Mini Bag from Anthropologie.

Photo courtesy of C. Wonder
A jolly orange knotted tassel on C. Wonder's Suede Foldover Tassel Clutch is simple and suave.

 Photo courtesy of Blair Ritchey

Hang a tassel on it. Add this little dash of color with Blair Ritchey's suede or lambskin tassel to a clutch or case as a zingy zipper pull.

LEISURELY PURSUITS

In the Olympic spirit, here are some games to get you outdoors this August.  Entertain outside and play, or just be prepared for your houseguests if they have a competitive streak.

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

A minimalist chic Croquet Set in a streamlined light wooden box from Anthropologie.

 Keep the lawn action going with a delux Bocce Ball and Horseshoe Set by St Pierre. Perfect for sunset cocktail time.

 Photo courtesy of Design Within Reach

A French cousin of Bocce, Petanque originated in the countryside of Provence. The uber modern chrome and teak set from Design Within Reach will impress your design snob guests.

 Photo courtesy of Target

Ok, so maybe the fake glass bottles aren't as chic as Jones Soda's, but a good game of Ring Toss can get any party started. From Target.

 Photo courtesy of Duffy Boats

Get around the water in a 12 -seater electric Duffy Boat, that tops out at 6 miles per hour.  I first laid eyes on these cuties in Newport Beach.

 Photo courtesy of Nauti and Co.

In the sand or on deck, Nauti and Co.'s easily portable roll-up Backgammon Set for those that love a game, even on the go.

Photo courtesy of Laughing Loon

Or, take this handmade in Maine beauty out for a spin. The beautiful wooden Wee Two, from Laughing Loon, is perfect for navigating hard-to-access inaccessible ponds in remote and beautiful places.

Photo courtesy of Surf NYC

If big waves get you out of bed early in the morning in Montauk, the Malwitz Keel Fish Surf Board from Saturday's Surf NYC is a good way to practice your pop-ups and hang ten.