The grass really is greener on the other side

I like to shop, mostly because it gives me the opportunity to find new designers and boutiques. While doing my daily hunt for cool stores in Houston, I came across greener grass design and gift, a web-based Houston boutique that has both a clean, crisp look and a great stock of unique and nifty items (both big +'s in this surfer's notebook).
"Rather than support the further standardization of design, we want to seek products which
can have added value, be beautiful, functional and have lasting significance," states the authors in the "About Us" page of the site. The site has stuff for your home, your pet, your kids, and you; the products range from just the plain weird "Cube Clock" to eco-friendly organic cotton "Onsie and Beanie" set.

My favorite pieces on the site are the "Fireplace for the Tabletop" by Carl Mertens and "Eddie's Cat Room" by The Pet Project.

Happy Shopping. Cheers.

Perpetuating the stereotype

Not all Texans are cowboys. But if you are, of if you just want to pretend to be, these belt buckles by Houston artist Max Lang will let you do it in style.

Max Lang Belts and Buckles has been around for quite a while...since the 1970's. Self-taught silversmith Max Lang began by creating silver bridle and saddle components for show-horse owners. Thank goodness horses weren't his only customers; the brand soon grew to include belts, buckles, and even jewelry. Today, the store is online and the Houston-based company sells their products worldwide, thanks to Max's son Chris Lang, who also designs for the company. Read the whole story here.

And if the belt buckles don't match your chaps, then try a key ring, money clip, or cuff links. In this case, it's okay to be part of a stereotype. Go Texan!

Cheers.

Here is my handle, here is my spout

Teapot + spoons = wind chime! These are pretty darn cute, and dare I say it..."whimsical" (I really hate that word, but it applies here). Created by the folks at Whistle & Wine in the Heights area, these chimes are made from recycled teapots and silverware. At a reasonable $25 for a teapot chime with a plant, these might just be the perfect gift for say, Mother's Day? And if teapots aren't your fave, they make chime with wine bottles as well.

If you'd like to see some of them in person, Whistle and Wine will be at Yesterfest in Bastrop, TX this weekend and the American Legion Art & Craft Sale in Spring on May 5th-6th.

Get out your scissors...

Coming in March 2008, this documentary features over 50 different crafters and DIY artists from around the nation. Some of them are members of the Craft Mafia, an organization dedicated to networking and promoting indie artists and entrepreneurs all over the USA. I'm a member of the Houston Craft Mafia myself. Check out a sneak preview from YouTube:

I'm putting this one on my "go see" list. Cheers

Howdy, baby!

I'm not a baby, but if I were, I would wear these. Perfect for any cowboy just getting her spurs, these onesies are for sale by Etsy member "Lone Starlet," The sweet little red number boasts a yodeling cowboy, and the green one, a Texas State Map (complete with H-town, of course).

Fashionable enough for ya, partner? Cheers.