Dare To Be Domestic

The Best of 2009: Lady Gaga to William Sonoma. A Domestic Review.

It’s that Day.  The Monday after a long holiday break.  WOW 2010.  Thinking back it seems like we just got over the whole Y2K phenomena and look at us now.  I love it!  Here is a look back at some of my favorite things of 2009, with a domestic spin of course.

Best House Gadget:  Driinn Mobile Phone Holder.

All I can say is "Why didn't I think of that?"  No more stepping on your phone or forgetting where it's plugged in.  Very cool.  Available at Bed Bath and Beyond or on Driin's website.

 

 

Best Home Store:  This year I really enjoyed a lil' spot in Los Angeles called OK.  If you are ever on Third Street check it out or visit them online.  Great for gifts.

 

Best Inspiration for A Room Makeover:  Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga got really big in 2009.  From her crazy outfits to her super catchy music, Lady Gaga provided me with some big time art inspiration for many of my design projects.  If you have a chance to see her show in the coming year buy a seat, any seat.

 

Above:  Me and friends pose with a super fabulous Drag Queen Lady Gaga lookalike backstage after the concert.

  to this...  

 
 

Best Product at IKEA:  Jall Drying Rack

I bought this item with not much thought other than I need to dry some very expensive garments that needed hand dryint.  It works great, looks cool on my balcony and stores easily.  And for $6.99 you can't beat it.  HELLO!  Designed by Henrik Preutz.

 

Best Cleaning Product:  Bounce Bar

 I never got a chance to blog about this laundry wonder, but it actually works.  It’s the Bounce Dryer Bar.  You simply stick it in your dryer with its easy to apply built-in base, and you won't need to use fabric softener sheets for 2 or 4 months.  That equals big savings!

Learn everything you need to know by visiting the Bounce website.  I must admit, I was scared to try this product at first, but now my clothes have been smelling fresh and lookin' good.

 

 

Above:  Even my roommate could install the Bounce Ball.  LOL!
 

Best High-End Furniture Design:  Environment (spelled with a backwards “e”)

I did a blog about this when I attended the DWELL Design EXPO.  I love their Pacifica Sofa.  My preference is the one upholstered from reclaimed military tent canvas.  HOT.

 

Best App:  Shazam

I got on this a lil’ late, but I’ve discovered some really cool music with this music ID application.

 

 

Best Home Appliance:  The Penguin

I wrote about the Penguin not so long ago, and I still use it daily.  It’s a must have.  Available at William Sonoma (hint if you trade in your old carbon tanks at William Sonoma,  you get a new one for half price - HELLO!)

 

 

Most Useful Website:  Angie’s List

If you are looking for a contractor to do any kind of work in or around your home this site is a great resource.  All contractors are rated, reviewed and critiqued.  Trust me, that eager homeowner holds no comment back.  It’s kinda like a reality show online.

 

So those are my favorite things from 2009.  What can you expect from DTBD this year?  Well, my blog is being re-designed and will be much more interactive with lots of new categories and sections.  I plan to post more – one of my resolutions.  And I will finally get my DTBD store open.  Oh yeah, the book thing is sure to make its debut.  Until my next posting, I Dare You To Be Domestic!

And The Winner Is...

Comment #4

 

Baiyina who loves anything Warm Vanilla Sugar! Congrats Baiyina. Your candle is in the mail. Thanks to everyone who left a comment and a big THANKS to our sponsor Kingsley Drive Candles for this giveaway.

 

Win An Amazing Candle From Kingsley Dr.

 

A candle is more than something to decorate and aromatize your home.  A candle can be a lifestyle.  They evoke feelings, stimulate the senses.  This is why I have a new obsession — Kingsley Dr. Candles.

Los Angeles artisan and founder of Kingsley Dr. Candles, Niloo, gives DTBD readers tips on how to get the longest life out of your candles.  She is also giving one lucky reader one of her largest, most fragrant, soy-blend and hand-poured candles like the one pictured above.

Here are Niloo's tips on getting the most out of your candles:  

1. Buy quality not quantity.  A candle made with premium ingredients will cost a little more, but you will get a richer scent which in turn actually saves you money.
2. Trim your wick.  Always trim your wick down to 1/4 of the size before lighting.  This will allow your candle to burn its maximum life span.
3. Storage.  When you're not using your candle, store it in a cool dark place or simply cover it with the lid provided.
4. Watch burn time.  Never keep candles burning for more than four hour sessions.
5. Keep them clean.  Keep your wax pool free from debris.  This will allow your candle to melt down evenly.

Let DTBD and Niloo know your favorite candle scent by leaving a comment.  One lucky responder will be chosen as the winner in a random drawing.  Contest closes Friday, December 11 and the winner will be announced next Monday, December 14.  Good luck!

Also if you are in the Los Angeles area, Kingsley Dr. is having a Sample Sale and Los Angeles Product Launch just in time for the holidays.  I hope to see you there!

 

For more about Kingsley Dr. visit their Wesbsite.  I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Flip The Way You Fold With A Flip Fold

As I strolled the aisles of The Container Store -- something I love to do -- I noticed an odd plastic contraption on display.  If it weren't for the 80's package design, and the brightly colored Swiss cheese looking object inside, I might have kept on walking.  Little did I know this contraption would change my life.  It would affect my laundry time, my closet organization and ultimately, my sanity.  I'm talking about the Flip Fold.

The Flip Fold is an amazing invention that allows you to perfectly fold all your clothing and linen.  With three simple moves you can fold and stack perfectly square items a mile high -- kinda department store- like!  For less than $20 it will transform your drawers and closet shelves.  It comes in two sizes and a multitude of colors.  See it in action in the video below.  If you can see past the cheesy infomercial you will absolutely love this product.  Talk about making home life easy!

Warning:  This infomercial is super funny.  Love the sound effects.  LOL!  Oh and I bet you'll never guess why the flip fold has holes in it?  I had no clue.  Watch:

Here are some of my personal pics of my Flip Fold at work.

 

I like to use a little tissue paper when folding delicate items.

 

 

For longer shirts you need to make small adjustments manually.

 

So easy and uniform.  That's the Flip Fold.

I Dare You To Be Domestic!

Teak Wood Is My New Obsession!

It all started when I purchased my new teak'esq pencil holders at IKEA for around $6.00.  Now I can't get enough of this amazing wood—the way it looks and feels.  Below are some items I love and are really clean and simple.  All of these items can be found a really great store in Los Angeles called OK Store.  Teak items come in all different price ranges and have a great mid-century modern feel.  Are you feeling teak?

Waste Basket

Teak Hamper

Teak Magazine Rack

Teak Wine Rack

Teak Coasters

Wood (maybe teak) clock.  Not sure if it's teak but still very cool.

All images and products available at OK Store LA.  Also check out their blog; it covers all things design and architecture.

Arrive To Your Party In Style.

I can’t count the many times I’ve arrived to a party, bottle of wine in hand, wrapped in a nasty, crinkled… sometimes wet and half-torn, brown paper bag. So not sexy. Never again, though. I found this ever so light and stylin’ bag by Built NY. It’s their Polka Dot Totes line available at Sur La Table. It insulates for up to one hour and is made from the same material as wetsuits. Best part, it’s only $15.00. HELLO! Here's a tip: Buy one for your house and one for your trunk. This way you're always prepared.

The Soap That's Good For Your Mouth!

So, I’ve been getting lots of emails regarding cleaning green so here is my first tribute to that topic. I use this product everyday and can’t get enough. It’s called Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap. It can be used to clean almost everything. Look in my shower and it’s all you’ll see. You will loooovvvvveeee this soap! Check out some of its uses:

Body soap
Hand soap
Foot soap
Shampoo
Face wash
Massage oil
Denture cleaner – I know right!
Deodorant
Shaving
Mouthwash
Laundry detergent
Air freshener
All purpose cleaner
Insect repellant
& More.
(see directions on bottle for diluting instructions for all uses)

The soap is: completely biodegradable and vegetable-based, made with certified fair trade and organic oils, has no synthetic foaming agents, thickeners or preservatives, and utilizes 100% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) cylinder bottles and paper labels.

Nothing about this product harms the environment and your shower experience will never be the same. Oh yeah, the label on the bottle will give you hours of interesting reading.

You can buy the product online or at retailer like Trader Joes and Whole Foods. I think I’ll go and take a shower now!

Travel Light and Look Tight!

Last week I got invited to the grand opening of LeSportsac on Melrose Place. A very high-end section of Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, Melrose Place is home to stores like Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen and BCBG Max Azria. But get this, LeSportsac has great prices on quality travel bags and accessories. Who knew?

During the event, the lovely boutique employees let guests try on bags and then took pictures that would be featured on their Website (you can see us stylin’ in the image above LOL!). I got my hands on a shoulder bag that would inspire this entry. The bag is called the Brake Messenger in Ash $108.00, and if you have never felt how lightweight and well-made these bags are, find your nearest retailer and try one out. Plus, most of their bags come in fun prints to keep you stylish while on the road. Most definitely, LeSportsac bags have been added to my Things I like A LOT List! The favorite of most ladies at the event was the line done by Stella McCartney shown below. Which are made from 100% recycled material. HORAY!

So, if you travel with a LeSportsac bag which are super lightweight and multi-functional, then the things you put in it should be also, right? Here are my tips for packing light. Plus airlines are really cracking down on luggage weight these days. Here you go:

• Buy your favorite products in travel size. When you see them in stores stock up. Once at your hotel, snag any extra travel size toiletries you use. I even ask the housekeeper for extra! They always come in handy.

• Pack with a color scheme to avoid bringing too many items you will never wear. This will give you many more options to mix and match and make new looks.

• For short trips, plan outfits that allow you to wear the same jeans or pants more than once. Accessorize them to change it up.

• Roll your clothes as opposed to folding them—gets rid of air pockets in your bag.

• Pack a light sweater to allow for layering as opposed to a heavy jacket that takes up lots of space.

• Pack small items inside of your shoes, like your colognes or belts and accessories.

• Create your own packing list that you store in your suitcase. Every time you have a trip, refer to the list to make sure nothing is ever forgotten. Use this same list when packing to return home.

Happy packing!

(images from http://www.luckystylespotter.com & http://www.lesportsac.com)

R.I.P. Dearly Beloved Laundry Basket

The FYLLEN Laundry Basket from IKEA might just be the best laundry basket solution ever. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, has a top that closes and can collapse to a flat disc. This past weekend I went to buy a new one after exhausting my previous one with 4 years of heavy-duty laundry use and love. I really did love that bag. I named him Larry. Together we’d been through 3 apartment moves, some 500 plus laundry loads and an indie film project (used him to carry props). Going to the laundromat is a fact of life in Los Angeles and my FYLLEN makes my life so much easier. Larry, you will be missed.

Wood You Believe ?

Wood you believe that I clean my floors once a week? Well I do and the product that I cant live without is Murphy's Oil Soap. Its for wood floors. They have a new "Spray and Mop" dispenser that is AAAMMMAAZZIINNGGG. Just squirt it on and wipe away. Try it, you will love the smell, the shine it gives your floors and most importantly how easy it is to use.