World of "M"

RIP WOLFIE -- Namesake of the "What Would Wolfie Do" Charm Bracelet

2008-12-05T21:41:00.003-05:00

Wolfie, famed bloggy doggy, has passed on to his next mission after 17 amazing years guiding humans, dogs and all creatures with his wisdom and passion.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Wolfie's beloved family and I wish it to be known that Wolfie will not be forgotten by this humble blogger.

Long Live Wolfie!!

Bee is eight...Jasper is twelve! Happy Birthday!

2008-12-04T12:19:00.002-05:00

If you like puppies

2008-11-07T13:29:00.000-05:00

Click This. Just Do It.

My Brother's Dog Jasper -- A Great Dane!!

2008-09-26T13:50:00.003-04:00

This is Jasper, my brother's awesome Great Dane. He is an ELEVEN year-old Harlequin Great Dane (hence the white with black spots). I just nabbed this picture from myspace (thank you Swampy) and am loving how cute this big boy looks. A happy dog indeed.

Why I've Been Slacking on the Blog!

2008-09-09T16:03:00.003-04:00

Besides getting engaged, we are buying a house and things have been absolute chaos around here. Good chaos, but chaos nonetheless.

See what I mean by "good chaos"?!

Cute!

2008-09-04T15:38:00.002-04:00

Big Announcement -- I'm Engaged!

2008-08-28T13:09:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday my beloved boyfriend of four years got on one knee and asked me to marry him. Um, yes. Yes yes yes.

Angi Glenn of Tiny Armour fame (an M Design Boutique designer) will design the engagement ring and both of our wedding rings. This is a great honor for both of us because Angi is one of my closest friends and knows me like a sister. I cannot wait to wear what she designs.

Because Mike did not have the ring (he wanted me to have a hand in what the design will be), he drew one using two sharpies. He drew a red heart and blue x's and o's as the band. The engagement ring will reflect these design elements from the drawn-on ring, which pleases me to no end. Mike's adorable drawn-on ring will be part of what Angi creates, and I will always remember the moment he proposed as one of the best moments of my life.

Just look at the joy on his face!

In fact, I don't think my feet touched the ground for several days after! We waited till Sunday to call family and friends, which has carried over day after day. You see, I keep in touch with friends all the way back to elementary school, and I consider myself tremendously lucky to be able to share my joy with them, as they have seen me through my most difficult times as well.

So there you have it! My life is good! My best to each of you as well!

Don't Miss the Summer Clearance Sale Starting Friday!

2008-08-13T13:20:00.005-04:00

The Summer Clearance Sale begins this Friday, August 15th, 2008 and goes through the end of the month. If you order within the first 7 days of the sale, you'll also get
FREE SHIPPING!

We are making room for the Autumn/Winter 08 Collection that will be made available on September 1, 2008. You can see some preview images on the home page of the website!

Here are a few images of some Sale Items set for big discounts beginning Friday!

All Cha Cha and Charm Bracelets Regular Price: $50
Sale Price: $35

All Jennie Wu Hobo and Travel Bags
Regular Price: $45
Sale Price: $35

Belt Straps and Buckles
Straps Regular Price: $20
Sale Price: $15
Buckles Regular Price: $35
Sale Price: $30

There will also be select Aprons, Gloves, T-shirts, Assorted Jewelry and much more available at great discount prices!

Mark your calendars and Happy Shopping!

Muy Fabuloso!

2008-08-07T12:32:00.005-04:00

Collars will be available in M Design Boutique soon.
Until then, Email info@mdesignboutique.com to order.

Model Dog!

2008-07-31T14:57:00.007-04:00

Sawdust just modeled his new Dog Collar for me. This photo-shoot acts as a stand-in until the Professional Photo-shoot (!) is scheduled sometime next week when the beautiful "Chloe" (a lovely blond vixen lab) is available.

I couldn't help but to show off a little bit because Sawdust looks INCREDIBLY handsome....

Below: Action Shot..."Muffin the Horrible" walks by the house...a daily event that irks Sawdust to no end....BAD MUFFIN!! WOOF!

Below: Look how handsome he is, even when he's tired of all the adoring attention.

Below: A good shot of the letter charms on the collar

Below: An "okay" shot of the Skull & Crossbones Cha Cha and Art Charm (A tattoo-style Heart and Bluebird)

Below: Close up Collar and Letter Charms. Note that the collar is reversable. The other side of this one is Black...and the Charms are double sided so you don't have to change them around if you switch sides! Cool!

These are not yet available at M Design Boutique online. If you'd like to order one, please email to info@mdesignboutique.com and I will take your order! Several orders have already been taken and are on the way to the dogs right now!

My favorite dog name so far from the orders: "Weirdo" -- Hooray for Weirdo!

The Customizable Doggy Collars Are On The Way!

2008-07-28T18:42:00.004-04:00

I just got word from the designer that the customizable doggy collars are shipping! I will immediately schedule a photoshoot and get these in M Design Boutique as soon as I can humanly do so! If you're dying to order one THIS VERY MOMENT...email info@mdesignboutique.com and I'll take an order. I can send you images of sizes, colors and all the awesome decoration options (including phone numbers, custom initials, artwork and cha chas!! SO CUTE)...pictured above are the ones you'll be seeing in the photoshoot!

Fashion Show! Summer + Scarves!

2008-07-28T12:32:00.010-04:00

Summertime Scarves from Swirl Yarnthings, Available in M Design Boutique -- Each Scarf is one-of-a-kind. Watch for the new ones in August!

Above: Eden shows off her new Red Mixed Sparkles Knitted Scarf at the LA Roller Derby on a Summer evening.

Below: Golden Hues Mixed Earthy Yarns Knitted Scarf
Above: Red Mixed Sparkles Knitted Scarf
Below: Pink Fuzzy Knitted Narrow Scarf

Above: Red/Rainbow Rock and Roll Boa with Painted Ribbon
Below: Soft Mixed Gray Knitted Scarf with Bows

Which style do you like best?

End Of Summer Clearance Sale -- August 15th - 31st

2008-07-26T14:14:00.004-04:00

M Design Boutique presents the First Annual End Of Summer Clearance Sale!

We need to make room for our new Fall '08 Collection so we're having a sale on our current inventory!

Prices will be marked down on limited edition and discontinued items as well as many of our top-sellers!

This will be your last chance to purchase several of our Belt Buckles, Jewelry, Aprons & Gloves, Handbags and more. We've got new fabrics and designs coming for Fall so we need to clean house!

Mark your calenders and watch this blog for updates!

Watch this blog for special One Day Only "BUY NOW" opportunities on selected inventory.

First up will be the Vintage Lucy Apron in Yellow for 25% off the original $32 price

Sale Price: $24

This offer will be available for one day between July 28th and August 1st (next week) so keep watching!

Pearles of Beauty...

2008-07-25T17:39:00.005-04:00

This is a Pearle Northrop Original -- Medium Pinpoint Dotted Ornament
These will be available in the Fall '08 Line for $50

Once they become available in M Design Boutique, please order early if you plan on having yours in time for the holidays, as they are hot-sellers and they're hand-painted and cannot be produced in a rush. We will announce a holiday deadline for orders

Puppy Pictures from The Owen Family!

2008-07-24T16:15:00.013-04:00

Many of you will remember this post about one of the best dogs I've ever had the pleasure of hanging out with....Bacchus, aka Mr Wonderful/Senor Fabuloso.

Well, before he went to "the playground in the sky" -- Bacchus got a new puppy! Willie! I just got permission from the family to post these awesome pictures!

Note: Susan Owen is the owner/creative mad-woman behind MDB's "Mystic Bliss" Bath & Body line, made in the Rocky Mountains where they reside.

Enjoy the photos!

Below: Madi and Willie

Below: Bacchus and Willie

Below: Willie

Thanks to the Owen Family for sharing!

Early Buzz -- New Designer: Serâser

2008-07-23T13:53:00.003-04:00

At M Design Boutique, we're constantly working to find amazing designers to present to our customers. The Fall Collection '08 is on its way. Here is a preview of one of our latest designers:

Introducing Serâser --

Serâser is a designer and manufacturer of carpets, millwork and tile. Serâser's designs reflect old world influences and modern, playful twists. Bold, rich colors fill the negative spaces to define silhouettes of organic moving forms in pleasing, coherent symmetry. The patterns present as if naturally grown, sometimes with ornate and finely descriptive detail, or hand carved out of rock or wood: there are no harsh edges. All products are hand drawn and hand made to create a personal and unique feel.

M Design Boutique's Fall '08 Collection offers a beautiful new range of home decor elements. The collection includes Serâser rugs, offered in three standard sizes.

More about Serâser's products and process:

All of the materials and processes used to create Serâser's carpets are chosen both because of the high quality, but also because they are respectful and gentle towards the environment.

Vegetable Dyes

Various parts of plants such as leaves, buds, stems, fruit rind, bark, or roots from around the world are collected, dried, and their colors extracted to create vibrant dyes. Vegetable dyes create luminous variation in the wool, creating a more complex and natural surface.

Wool

High quality Tibetan wool collected from the Himalayas is hand carded, and hand spun. The carpets are hand washed without chemicals and then sun dried to produce a soft surface and bring out the natural sheen of the wool.

Knots

All carpets have 100 knots per square inch. These knots are created around dowels on the looms, and then cut to produce the pile. Sections of the patterns that are left uncut have the loops of wool remaining to produce a unique textural and visual variation.

Cut

After being hand knotted, the carpets are trimmed and sheared multiple times to assure that the pile height is level.

Watch for the Fall '08 Collection coming August 15, 2008 to M Design Boutique.

Cold Doggy Peanut Butter Treats!

2008-07-22T13:06:00.002-04:00

I just came across this and had to share with you dog lovin' types out there.

Cool Peanut Butter Cubes For Dogs
The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook

Hot days are in full effect, so keep your pup cool with these yummy peanut butter ice cubes.

Ingredients

3 cups Plain Non-Fat Yogurt
1 cup Unsalted Peanut Butter
1 tbsp. Honey

Directions
Combine all ingredients and whisk thoroughly. Pour mixture into ice cube trays and freeze solid (at least two hours).
Serve to your pup one cube at a time for some seriously enjoyable icy cool treats!

Print recipe with images | without images

Source

For the Dog-Lovers in the Crowd -- Awesomeness Abounds

2008-07-21T12:53:00.002-04:00

Coming to M Design Boutique in August:

These ridiculously cute/tough (depending on the decorations you choose) collars come in 5 color choices, plus sizes to fit little or big dogs. You can adorn them by twisting the charms (letters, numbers, artwork, etc) into the grommets to spell their name or reflect their personality!

There are also "Cha Chas" that slide onto the collars (like the skull and dice above)...

All colors are also available as leashes.

These are accessory-quality leather, reversible, 2-color leashes and collars that you can change with the day of the week, the holiday, the season, or simply your mood! You'll be the envy of the dog park and just watch your buddy strut with knock-out style through your neighborhood.

Good Dog!

Price Info:

Petit Dog Collars: $35
Big Dog Collars: $45
4' Leash: $55
6' Leash: $65
Double-Sided Charms: $3-$7
Charm Sets: $12-$20
Cha Chas: $10-$19

Sawdust is getting the Black and Red matching collar and leash with some skulls and his name. He will be modeling it in future posts with his friend Chloe, a blond lab who will be wearing her new Girly Pink/Hot Pink Collar with her name and some TBA Cha Chas. These two will be the talk of the town.

Feel free to contact me to place orders so that I can be sure to get what you want in stock and alert you when it arrives! Email: info@mdesignboutique.com

Sawdust Summer '08 -- My Favorite Pictures So Far

2008-07-20T21:22:00.013-04:00

This first one was taken out in the woods in Concord, MA on the 4th of July. That's Mike with Sawdust (who is proudly wearing an M Design Boutique Neck Cooler!).

The picture below was also taken on the 4th of July, later that day while we were grilling. Mike took this picture with my new dummy-proof camera. The dummy-proofing is for me, not Mike.

I took this picture (below) of Sawdust to take with me on our trip to Oregon. We had to drop him off at the kennel (sniff sniff) the next morning, and he looked so handsome.

This is July 5th...we went to Maine with Sawdust and had an awesome lunch on the water --and then checked out the beach with Sawdust (a natural swimmer, of course).

Ok...I dare anyone to say this picture is not pure genius.

....and the slouch "solo" style!

This is Sawdust after swimming and hiking for several hours on a VERY hot day.

In the car...heading to the woods! Hooray!

Action shot...in Maine at the beach.

More car ride pictures...

Where's Sawdust-O

There are more, of course. But I am controlling myself, realizing this is my dog. Not everyone will be as in love with him as I am...

Beauty Tip -- Pssst. Spray Shampoo!

2008-07-20T13:36:00.002-04:00

Okay...I promise if you haven't tried this, you're going to want to! Its "spray shampoo" and its sort of an upgrade to the secret baby powder technique for freshening up your hair when there is no time to shower.

Its called "Pssst." and its just $5-6 at almost any drugstore!

I've used it and strangely enough, it works. It also kind of gives your hair a lift and adds some body. I hear that the "stars" are using it this Summer to get a "beach" day kind of look. Who knew?!

Gala Gadget Bag -- Sneak Preview!

2008-07-18T12:21:00.005-04:00

Click this picture to see all the details!

Its here! The Gala Gadget Bag, inspired by Gala Darling (a favorite blogger of M Design Boutique). Gala's input inspired three special features -- The Mirror Pocket, The Condom Pocket and Two Pen Slots!

This bag comes with three interchangeable straps on D-ring swivel hooks so you can add charms! It is large enough for a moleskin journal, as well as a wide-range of gadgets including cameras, MP3 players, phones and more! There are multiple pocket options for gadgets, including one on the outside that perfectly fits my Blackberry, and snaps shut.

The "Gala" Gadget Bag Price: $50. Watch this blog for a coupon code!

This is a collaborative design executed by Jennie Wu, who is also working diligently on the Fall '08 Line of Handbags -- to include more gadget and laptop bags! Go Jennie!

Coming next week: The smaller gadget bag in black with pink lining. It is scaled down in features, size and price and comes in lots of solid colors! Sells for $30.

New Reusable Grocery Bag Designs!

2008-07-17T17:39:00.006-04:00

Coming to M Design Boutique! Back-orders will be available
July 29, 2008 to be shipped in 2-4 weeks.

(As seen in Oprah Magazine, Sunset, Elle, Gourmet and Healthy Living Magazines!)

Gala Darling Gadget Bag

2008-07-17T16:36:00.003-04:00

M Design Boutique is buzzing with excitement about the new items and designers being added in the coming weeks.

The "Gala Gadget Bag", inspired by fab fashion and lifestyle blogger Gala Darling (yes, that is her real name...fancy!) will be made available once Gala herself has her hands on the prototype and is delighted (as we predict) with it!

The details that make it "Gala" include colors, fabrics, the gadgets that will fit into it, the pockets for pens, a mirror and the signature "Gala" condom!! There will also be a strap to make carrying the bag easy while keeping the contents conveniently "on hand"!

We're certainly excited at M Design Boutique to be working with the lovely Gala Darling!

(Pictured Below: Gala's Daily Outfit including the
M Design Boutique Vintage Typewriter Key Bracelet!)

Click the image to go directly to Gala's inspiring blog!

Help Save Dogs at a High Kill Shelter in Georgia!!!

2008-07-16T22:34:00.002-04:00

Save puppies at a "high kill" shelter in Georgia!!

I am re-posting this alarming information about dogs at high risk for euthanasia JULY 17th, 2008 in GEORGIA:

Urgent! Dogs To Die 7/17 In High Kill Shelter In Georgia

from Dogster For The Love of Dog Blog by Horst Hoefinger

If anyone is looking or thinking about adopting a rescue, and you live in the Atlanta area, now is the time to act. These very adorable pups are scheduled to die this Thurs, July 17 at the high-kill Murray County Shelter in Chatsworth, GA (just north of Atlanta and just south of Chattanooga, TN)!

Here’s the listing of some of the dogs at risk.

Please help them live!! We are very adoptable!

070808 010 Cute 5-yr-old great dane mix male is friendly and calm. He does well w/ people and other dogs.

070508 010 SMALL DOG - Adorable 1-yr-old female mix is pretty and sweet. She enjoys being with people and does great with other dogs.

070808 007 Handsome 1 1/2-yr-old pit bull mix boy is nice and friendly. He does nicely with people and other dogs.

070508 003 Cutie 1 1/2-yr-old lab mix girl is super friendly and nice. She does well with people and other dogs.

062308 011 PRETTY PAIR - Adorable pair of brittany bird dog mix siblings (the white/brown dogs on either end) are fun and friendly. As you can see here, they get along great w/ each other and other dogs. They also do well w/ people.

071208 030 Pretty 7-yr-old rottie mix female is very friendly. She enjoys being with people and w/ other dogs.

071208 036 KID TESTED - Beautiful 11-mo-old lab mix female is super sweet. She does well with people of all ages and with other dogs.

010 TINY PUPPY/DOG - Pretty 7-mo-old basset doxie mix is cute and sweet. She is friendly with people and other dogs of all sizes.

070508 021 PUPPIES TO SMALL DOGS - Adorable pair of 5-mo-old friends are great with each other, with people and with other dogs.

070808 006 - Sweetie 5-yr-old Great Dane mix boy is calm and gentle. He does well w/ people and w/ other dogs.

NOTE: The pups must have a rescue lined up ASAP, but can stay at the shelter a couple days longer if needed. Free transport to Atlanta provided.

If you can help in any way, immediately contact Lisa at 770-441-0329 or by email at lisakhester@bellsouth.net

I'm Ba-aaack!

2008-07-16T16:25:00.002-04:00

For those of you that have noticed the reduced number of posts here, I can explain! I was traveling for a week and did not have easy access to the internet, besides keeping up on email via my Blackberry...and even then, I'm not so good at the Blackberry typing!

While on the road, however, there were some developments in M Design Boutique!

First: The Good Girl/Bad Girl Hobo Bags have been updated with new fabrics! Now the outside "skull" fabric has been changed from black with white designs, it is black with red! And the inside fabric is a very similar change. The white with pink flowers is now white with red. So far, everyone who has seen them loves the new look!

Second: The Zodiac Cards for "Virgo" "Leo" and "Cancer" have arrived and they're beautiful! They're sewn with metallic thread and the paper is gorgeous and very interesting. These will be made available by the end of the week. I'm going to get frames for each one and hang them as a group on the hallway wall. They look that good!

Third: Jennie Wu mailed the new Gadget Bag samples today, and I'll be getting them shortly! Once we've tweaked the fabrics, design and sizes to be just right, they will also be made available in M Design Boutique. There will be a special "Gala Gadget Bag" designed with "Gala Darling" in mind, complete with pockets for pens and her signature condom! Google her...read her blog...she's inspiring!

So there you have it...I will keep you posted about the "Fall 08 Collection" as it is developed!

Zodiac Gift Cards!

2008-07-08T15:38:00.003-04:00

Coming Soon to M Design Boutique! Should be available in about a week!

These are standard-sized Greeting Cards, Blank on the inside. They're Hand-Sewn Cards!! They'll be available for $5.50 per card (amazing!)

M Design Boutique -- Jet Setting!

2008-07-07T14:38:00.002-04:00

Wednesday of this week, I (Melissa) will be heading across the country to Portland, Oregon! I'm very excited to visit my friends and family there...and to check in on a store I'm drooling over called "Sock Dreams".

I came across them on some internetty journey or another, clicking around on pictures I like...shiny = good! If you like socks, I urge you to go to this website and indulge yourself in some awesome images of every kind of sock under the sun. From handmade super-comfy stripey socks to wild and sexy tights and leggings...Sock Dreams has my vote.

What a coincidence that one week after discovering them online, I will actually be able to go in to the store and put my hands on the merch!

Somewhere down the road, Sock Dreams will be offering accounts to boutiques like M Design Boutique -- and I'll be able to offer some sock dreams to you myself....but until then, go look for yourself at all the lovely footsie treats they've got to offer!

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T13:27:00.002-04:00

Keep your animals indoors during fireworks, and drive carefully as frightened animals may dart into traffic! Don't burn yourselves, eat some delicious bbq and have a BLAST!

Uzi NYC Coming to M Design Boutique!

2008-07-03T13:11:00.003-04:00

Here's a Sneak Peek!

Uzi NYC has been around since 1993 with roots in Denver , Colorado...transplanted to New York. This team of designers cranks out some very cool stuff!

Welcome to M Design Boutique, Uzi NYC!

Charm Bracelets And Cha Cha Bracelets!

2008-07-01T16:38:00.012-04:00

You asked for it: You got it! M Design Boutique can barely keep these Cha Cha and Charm Bracelets in stock! Here's a sample of what we have for you Charm Bracelet and Cha Cha Bracelet lovers out there....Something for everyone!

Remember that each and every bracelet here can be considered a "Starter Bracelet" -- meaning you can always add your own charms that are meaningful to your life!

Below: Vintage Typewriter Key Charm Bracelet: $50

(Icing Readers will recognize this! Gala Darling adores hers!)

Below: Stone and Wood Beads Charm Bracelet: $50

Below: Blue Lampwork Glass (Including Blue Birds) Cha Cha Bracelet: $50

Below: Rainbow Lampwork Glass Charm Bracelet: $50

Below: Buffalo Nickel Charm Bracelet: $50

Below: Ladybugs, Flowers and Hearts Lampwork Glass Bead Charm Bracelet: $50
Below: Safari Lampwork Glass, Spotted Jasper and Magnetic Hematite Beads Charm Bracelet: $50

Below: Pink Stars and Summer Charms Cha Cha Bracelet: $50

Below: Mixed Chain and Charms Cha-Cha-Charm Bracelet: $50

Below: Ladybugs Lampwork Glass Charm Bracelet: $50

There are many many more to choose from, and I'm always open to suggestions in the Comments section of this blog. Each one of these is made by hand, and the sky is the limit!

Sample Sale Tonight in Cambridge at Christopher's

2008-06-30T12:54:00.004-04:00

M Design Boutique joins the "Block Stars" June line-up this evening upstairs at Christopher's in Cambridge. Come on by and have a cocktail, an appetizer and enjoy some great sample sale prices on a special selection of M Design Boutique's inventory!

Click the image above to enlarge

What to Wear: Fourth of July!

2008-06-25T12:42:00.002-04:00

Americana Apron and Gloves are available NOW in M Design Boutique! Perfect for Fourth of July and Labor Day...and uh...ELECTION YEARS!

Call For Designers

2008-06-23T14:29:00.002-04:00

Do you make something that you think belongs in M Design Boutique?

I am actively seeking beautiful and unique home decor items, men's and women's apparel, baby items and pet items to add to the Fall '08 Collection in MDB.

If your product fits the bill, please email me at info@mdesignboutique.com with one photo, a description and wholesale and suggested retail pricing information.

I will respond to every inquiry.

Special attention will go to those of you with handmade, eco-friendly products, and to designers with a conscience. M Design Boutique believes in designers as individuals. Be yourself!

Please send this information to anyone you know that may be interested.

Happy Designing!
Melissa

Summer is Here!

2008-06-21T14:30:00.002-04:00

Happy First Day of Summer to everyone! Although I'm not outside this very minute, I will be soon...and I encourage all of you to go out and enjoy your day! Summer is finally here, and for me that means grilling, exploring my newish hometown, taking the dog swimming in the woods and finally getting some sunshine!

Pictured Below: Summer outfit featuring M Design Boutique Accessories: Cha Cha Bracelet and Ring, Jade and Sterling Necklace. OOOOOOOh! SUMMMMMMERRRR!!

Click the Picture for a larger view!

Friday Feature: Vinyl Wonders

2008-06-20T16:53:00.003-04:00

Today's Entry will just be one Record Cover. You see, this one is so FUGLY I couldn't dream of subjecting the rest of the album covers to it...That's it. Enjoy. Happy Weekend!

R is for "Random" -- Good Boots!

2008-06-20T16:09:00.002-04:00

Good places to get boots...I mean...who doesn't love boots?!

work boots

lots of options

i got my biker boots here

I hope this will be useful for somebody out there!!

"Tree" Candles

2008-06-19T14:28:00.001-04:00

Totally amazing hand-poured "Tree" Candles with real branches sticking out of the bottom as a stand! Available at http://www.mdesignboutique.com -- Wow!

read more | digg story

What is Your Favorite Thing in MDB?

2008-06-18T15:13:00.003-04:00

M Design Boutique would love to know...what is your favorite single item in MDB?

The jewelry? The Bikinis? The Clothing?

Comment on this blog post and I'll run a special price on the top three most popular items.

Thanks for your input!

For those of you with blogs...This Rocks!

2008-06-18T14:53:00.003-04:00

I just found a new little "power tool" on the internet that will help sustain me as a blogging fool! I normally don't write about such wonders (well, on this blog at least)...because I reserve that for my other blog...but I know that several of my regular readers might find this handy.

Its called PayPerPost and it basically helps bloggers find companies/people that want to pay them to write blogs. So, I can search for stuff to write about via the list of "opportunities" and then PayPerPost will make sure I'm compensated via PayPal! Its an awesome discovery for me, or any other writer out there who is trying to figure out how make blogging more than just a hobby!

I'll keep you posted when I write some of these blogs! I'm excited about this...and curious...have any of you used it?

If you've used PayPerPost before, I'd love some advice, tips, tricks, warnings or any other input. It seems to be a very useful tool so far, and I'm excited to keep you informed about how it works for me.

Anyway, for those of you out there who are trying to navigate the mysteries of blogging to achieve the goal of becoming a "professional writer" -- this may just be what you're looking for.

Who knew I'd be so excited about something like this!
blog marketing

Garden Party Apron and Glove Set...Lovely!

2008-06-18T14:45:00.002-04:00

2008-06-18T14:43:00.001-04:00

Perfect Summer Temperature!

2008-06-17T18:41:00.002-04:00

Nothing more than that really...It is 75 degrees, sunny and an absolutely PERFECT Summer day...besides the fact that it is a work day. But alas, that is coming to an end!

Grill! Relax! Take the dog to the woods! Walk somewhere for ice cream!

I'm gonna go with my fella for some dinner at a Pub where the picture windows open up onto the street!

If its like this again tomorrow, we'll grill up some deliciousness and have a fire in the fire pit...Can I get a witness?! This is some SMASHING weather!

Happy Summer Everyone! (well...aaaaaaaalmost Summer)

$10 Discount!!

2008-06-17T12:31:00.005-04:00

Thus far, the beautiful hand-painted ornaments are not yet available in MDB. This is an exclusive offer for blog readers only to get a $10 discount on the Ornament pictured below.

Regular price: $60 (personalization available -- "2008" or a name or both)

Special "Blog Reader" Price if you click the button below: $50

*Note: Due to the nature of hand-painted items, each Ornament will vary slightly. M Design Boutique believes that this contributes to the originality and beauty of the Ornaments.

Ancient Bazaar -- Beautiful Quote!

2008-06-16T17:37:00.003-04:00

"Five thousand years ago, the marketplace was the hub of civilization, a place to which traders returned from remote lands with exotic spices, silks, monkeys, parrots, jewels -- and fabulous stories.

In many ways, the Internet more resembles an ancient bazaar than it fits the business models companies try to impose upon it. Millions have flocked to the Net in an incredibly short time, not because it was user-friendly -- it wasn’t -- but because it seemed to offer some intangible quality long missing in action from modern life. In sharp contrast to the alienation wrought by homogenized broadcast media, sterilized mass "culture," and the enforced anonymity of bureaucratic organizations, the Internet connected people to each other and provided a space in which the human voice would be rapidly rediscovered."

That quote by Christopher Locke --just put into words for me, the very reason why M Design Boutique exists...because I, like many of you, am sick of the SAME things everywhere...I want commerce to have culture. But I won't clutter too much what the quote says...It rings SO TRUE!!

2008-06-16T12:24:00.004-04:00

Introducing "Tree Candles"
Tree Candles were "invented" by Tim Fouch, who taught me, Melissa how to make them. I have decided to bring them to M Design Boutique's Home Decor section and make them available once again, to the world!

Do you like these, but you're not ready to buy them? Click the button and show some love!

Summertime Scarf/Boots!

2008-06-14T12:05:00.003-04:00

In response to a post on Gala Darling's blog here where she talks about wearing pink cowboy boots...I thought I would post this picture from a Sample Sale I did with my Swirl Yarnthings Scarves (available in M Design Boutique). This adorable girl was about 4' 10" tall and was loving my Hot Pink Rock-and-Roll Boa with her Hot Pink Cowboy Boots! I had to take a photo of her for some future use...which is now!

So all you Gala Darling Readers: Here's a real-life example of a girl in Los Angeles (Silverlake) -- Rockin' the Pink Cowboy Boots! And in response to "Toria's" comment: you can be short and look awesome wearing Pink Cowboy Boots!

Happy Weekend!

Friday Feature: Vinyl Wonders

2008-06-13T12:28:00.003-04:00

Its Friday the 13th...Spoooooooooooky...or not. Depends on if you're superstitious... or as a friend down the street here asked in a spooky voice "Are you suspicious?" Well...its the thought that counts. I am suspicious that she's been drinking since lunch...This is the same awesome woman who at our first meeting told me the story of how she drove around doing errands for hours one day and noticed that passers-by were giving her strange looks. When she got to her car she checked the rear-view mirror to find that her big sunglasses had only one lens! Yaaaaaay! This is almost as awesome as another story about another friend in the mountains in Colorado. It was Christmas time and living in Steamboat, Christmas is an insane time of year for the one big box store, Walmart. So she needed to meet up with her friend...let's call him "Richard". They both needed to hit up the Walmart -- so they agreed to meet there. She arrived earlier than he did...so she got a cart and started traversing the crazy traffic in the store. Of course, she kept her eye on the door and was across the store when she saw him enter...she decided to throw caution to the wind and yell his name since she couldn't navigate to him in time..she went to yell "Richard!!" and instead yelled "Walmart" -- to which he did not respond...Aaaah. Its been years since she told me this story and I never tire of imagining a middle-aged woman -- well dressed, pretty...in a crowded Walmart at Christmas time...who suddenly yells out "Walmart" with no explanation. HAAAAAAAAAA!!! I have considered trying this myself...only yell the wrong store...like maybe "Target!" -- see if somebody agrees..."yeah...TARGET!!"

But I digress...Its Time for Vinyl Wonders!

Friday the 13th -- Scared? You should be...Liz Lyons could be around any corner...Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

Do you think Klaus Nomi's Mom had this in mind? I don't. I think she's pissed about the whole shoulder pad thing. She's like "Um Klaus...1984 called and wants its jacket back" Haaa!

You know...I feel a little bad that I never thought about how Morticians need music too! I'm just sitting here in my happy little life, sipping Mojitos, taking in a polo match here and there...drinking in the finer things...and the Morticians...well...they get jack shit and what do I care? Well...now that the issue has been brought to my attention, maybe I'll be a little more sensitive...and just look! Such a curious bunch!

Newsletter! Sign Up and Get a 20% off Discount Code!

2008-06-12T13:11:00.004-04:00

Do you like these, but you're not ready to buy them? Click the button and show some love!

Subscribe to the M Design Boutique newsletter

Click the link up there and sign up for my newsletter (one or two mailings per month)...and I will email you with a "Secret" Discount Code for 20% off of your entire purchase in M Design Boutique!

The newsletter announces sales, discounts, mark-downs and coupons along with what's new in M Design Boutique.

Be sure to sign up so you can keep track of the promotions!

Red Hearts!

2008-06-11T20:50:00.003-04:00

Available in M Design Boutique!

Regarding the "Flora" Bag Discount!

2008-06-11T12:57:00.001-04:00

For those of you that read this blog from a "Reader" -- you'll need to click into the actual blog page to see the "Pay Now" Button for the $2 Discount on the Yellow "Flora" Bag...

Yellow "Flora" Re-usable Grocery Bag -- Get $2 Off!

2008-06-11T12:32:00.004-04:00

For readers of this blog only, I'm offering the Yellow "Flora" Re-usable Grocery Bag for just $6.50.

That's two dollars off of the regular price $8.50 in M Design Boutique!!

Its HOT!! Bikini Season is NOW!

2008-06-10T17:28:00.005-04:00

Ola Chica Swimwear in M Design Boutique -- Designed to withstand the most severe conditions, these suits have been rigorously tested in the big waves of the North Shore. * Draw string bottoms - never lose your bottoms again! * Top ties at neck and back * Fully lined top and bottom * Created for surfers, swimmers and active women * Hand made in the USA

Pictured Below: The Jolly Rancher Bikini
The Jolly Rancher has bottoms that feature a boy short cut, with the signature "keep yer pants on" design.

Pictured Below: The Maverick Bikini
The Mavericks suit incorporates the standard Ola Chica "keep yer pants on" design with the ultra-sturdy draw string bottoms.

Ola Chica also designs wraps and will reveal a line of Yoga clothing for Fall!

Another of my new Ad Series!

2008-06-09T21:59:00.002-04:00

MDB Ad...I'm making my Ads for other blogs...

2008-06-09T21:07:00.003-04:00

Re-usable Shopping Bags

2008-06-09T15:39:00.002-04:00

In my boutique there are several different designs of these awesome re-usable shopping bags. These are not just good-lookin' -- they're really functional! I bring them everywhere. Its easy because they roll up and have a little strap that keeps them secure...sort of like an umbrella, only about 3-inches long. The fabric is ultra light-weight so they can be stuffed into any purse, glove box or even cargo pockets.

The best part, though, is that unlike other "cute" re-usable bags, these cost just $8.50 in M Design Boutique. They hold about two regular grocery bags worth of stuff...but I noticed that at my local grocery store, they never EVER pack a plastic grocery bag all the way full...and they double bag...but these ones they always fill to the top...I think because they know I'm watching, and they know I care!

Each time I'm in line with these bags, the people behind me ask about them. I love it! I'm not only avoiding the horrors of adding to the plastic bag problem, but I'm raising awareness...even if its one person at a time! Think of how many bags just one family fills for one week's shopping! A cart full of groceries can fill up 20-30 double bags, if not more! Multiply that by 52 weeks/year, etc....Gross!

These bags are also washable and do great as beach bags, day bags for walking around the city...or for picnics, pet "stuff", and to keep handy in the car for whatever else.

I knew I'd like these bags, but I didn't know how much I'd LOVE them. I am considering running a promotion in my boutique where every person who spends $25 or more gets one of these for free for one week. I want people to have these, to see these, to use these and to fall in love with them!

What would make YOU want to buy one? I'm always looking for feedback about my products and prices. The best suggestion about how to market these eco-friendly bags gets a free one! Just comment on this post with your suggestion, and I'll post all of the comments, with the winning suggestion in one week!

Thanks!

Its Evolving!!

2008-06-09T13:55:00.001-04:00

MDB Ad! Original Design by Tammy Ealom

2008-06-08T13:18:00.002-04:00

The first incarnation of this Advertisement was designed by Tammy Ealom of Dressy Bessy fame (they've had multiple appearances on Conan O'Brien!). Ive modified it slightly to keep it up-to-date with what is available in MDB!

A Few More "Pearle"s!

2008-06-06T19:00:00.005-04:00

These will be available in MDB in the next few days (this is a small sample of the many designs):

R is for "Random" -- A Whole New Blog!

2008-06-06T14:41:00.002-04:00

If you've noticed, my blogs have become increasingly "random" as far as topics...because I really like blogging! But alas, this blog's original purpose was to highlight mostly M Design Boutique-related content...so with the exception of a "Friday Feature: Album Covers" and a few other items of a random nature, I'll return to the original format.

The good news is that I've started a new blog for all the rest of the fun stuff I've got to say! Its Here -- and you should subscribe to it for lots of fun stuff such as Thin Handsome Smoker, Horoscopes, Recipes, and some just plain whatever!

You're invited! Have fun!!

2008-06-06T13:38:00.005-04:00

So, here we are, Friday again! Time for some Record Covers that haven't seen the light of day since just about the day after they were purchased. Who knows why we're not all familiar with these gems, but there is no way the fabulous album cover art had anything to do with it...

Jennie! She's fun. She's talented, she's a bitch...she's JENNIE!!

Oh boy...its more chicks with saxaphones...and what could be more alluring? I have to wonder here, is she so inspired by sewing that suit for her man that she keeps the sax handy so she can express her passions? Or perhaps that was her man...and she fought him for the sax? Sort of a "Lord of the Flies" thing?

And while I know we have fun here on Fridays, I would like to take a moment and get very serious. The image below may at first beckon you to laugh....Don't. Mental Illness is a serious issue, and it just isn't right to poke fun. I don't even care if its backlit with Rainbows. GET HELP SHARON!!!

Please feel free to comment on these long-forgotten (by the two people who bought them) album covers....Lets heal together.

Meat and Potato Cupcakes?!!

2008-06-06T12:36:00.010-04:00

So, it shouldn't be news that there is a CUPCAKE CRAZE going on...and although I don't eat sweets much, I want in! I figured that since I have been designing ads for people with cupcake products, and selling some cupcake items in M Design Boutique, its only right that I jump on the Cupcake bandwagon!

For about a week I had the idea of meat cupcakes with potato "frosting"...I actually saw it on another blog. The cupcakes were "meatloaf" and the "frosting" was mashed potatoes. I decided that was an interesting idea, but I needed to put my on spin on it. Uh oh!

My version is an Italian Sausage and Creamy Risotto "filling" on top of Toasted Polenta brushed with pesto. Then I carmelized onions in the oil left behind by the sausage and mixed that into mashed red potatoes for the frosting. Here is the photo essay:

Step 1: Toasted Slices of Polenta Brushed with Pesto for about 10 Minutes under the Broiler

Step 2: Placed Polenta into lined Cupcake Pans (Use the metal ones, as the paper ones stuck to the bottom of the Polenta)

Step 3: Brown 1/2 lb Spicy Italian (lean) Sausage, Prepare Creamy Risotto (I used a mix from a box), Mix them together and fill Cupcake tins.

Step 4: Caramelize One Onion in un-emptied pan from browning the Sausage, Mash with 4-5 red potatoes. Fill ziploc bag with mixture, cut the corner off the bag and artfully squeeze the potatoes on as frosting! Place under broiler for 15 minutes (or till tops are browned).

Step 5: Remove from oven!

Step 6: Serve with sliced Grape Tomatoes tossed with 1/2 Tbsp. Black Olive Tepenade and a dash of Balsamic Vinegar...Yum!

And the best part of the entire project? They turned out tasting reeeeeeeally good! I had three of them and Mike had four. We have enough to heat up for lunch this weekend. So, you see, my strange project (this time) was a success!

Stay Tuned for Friday's Feature: Record Covers...

Stunning New Hand-Painted Home Decor -- Wood Bowl Pictures

2008-06-05T22:28:00.003-04:00

Along with the Peppermills we'll be adding to M Design Boutique, we're happy to announce that Pearle Northrop paints more than just Peppermills! Here's an example of the additional home decor items we'll offer in MDB in the coming week.

RIP Bo Diddley -- 1928-2008

2008-06-05T12:10:00.006-04:00

I realize that I'm a few days late in writing this tribute, but it is difficult to try and capture the feelings I have about the passing of this legend. I can proudly say that I saw him perform in a very intimate setting years ago...and even had the chance to speak with him afterwards!

Let me back up a little bit though. When I was in 5th or 6th grade I stumbled on my Mom's amazing collection of "forty-fives" from her high-school years...and beyond (?). These were an absolute revelation for me. I listened to The Coasters, The Beatles, Elvis (of course), The Platters, Buddy Holly, and just too many to list. I heard the songs "Poison Ivy", "Woo Hoo", "Run Red, Run", "Money", "Go Honey Go" -- and so many of these songs. It was a history lesson, a doorway into my own imagination, a stepping-off point for my interest in music...and especially rock and roll.

I made mixed-tapes of these records and began diving into my parents' record collection at-large. Led Zeppelin, Ella Fitzgerald, Joan Baez, Willie Nelson to name a few. To me, the Gods of the collection, above all others...the ones that spoke to me and haunt me in that way only music can...were Bo Diddley and Waylon Jennings. I never saw Waylon Jennings perform, which I will always regret. But thanks to my Mom (yet again), I did see Bo Diddley perform.

I still have my mom's record (she'll find this out when she reads this...sorry Mom, I'm taking very good care of it!!) "Have Guitar, Will Travel" with Bo Diddley sitting on his scooter (a Vespa?) holding his infamous "Big B" rectangular guitar (custom by "Gretsch" in the 50s and was reissued in 1999)...and looking so...well...so Bo Diddley! That album broke into my brain like a freight train (not to be cliche)...with songs such as "Diddley Daddy" and "Say Man". Who can forget lyrics like "I was down in the jungle, pickin' wild beans/when something jumped up that I never before seen" or "I was drivin down the boulevard late one night when I spied a guy over on the corner, bummin all alone/now as I passed him by I heard him call out 'hey, by any chance, you goin my way'/I said 'why sho baby, hop on in and gimme a cigarette" -- aaaaah...and then the awesome tale that follows, ending in "Yeah, they gonna put him so far back in jail this time, Hell, they gonna have to pump air into him"...you MUST listen to this album before you die!

So, back to my Mom. Several years ago Bo Diddley did a small tour and one stop on the tour was "The Little Bear" in the mountains in Colorado. This is a small mountain-style dive-ish bar. It was stunning. My Mom got two tickets for us to see this show (she will always regret never seeing Roy Orbison perform, and didn't want to repeat this missed-opporunity...YAY MOM!!!)...anyway, Bo Diddley brought down the house in style. Anyone who saw him live can agree, I'm sure...he owns the audience. His guitars floored me...mudflap girl and all. And afterwards, he sat in a nearby booth signing autographs and quietly thanking people for coming. I approached for an autograph and nerdily said "why sho baby hop on in and give me a cigarette" thinking he would appreciate my generationally mysterious knowledge of this somewhat obscure reference to a song from "Have Guitar, Will Travel". You can guess, right? He looked blankly at me as if I'd spoken to him in Gaelic. Uuuum....ok, well, anyway I have no regrets even if I was a little uncomfortable! I spoke with a true legend...or at least TO him!

When I found out he had passed away the other day, I wasn't shocked (he was up there in years, afterall), but I did feel that sense that someone really important -- to me, to rock and roll, to so many people for so many reasons -- had moved on to another world. It is never easy to put into words what someone means to you. Bo Diddley -- I didn't know him personally, but for some reason musicians seep into our minds like old friends with their songs. Thankfully, I'll always be able to dial up "Diddley Daddy" in my mind, and on the turn-table.

Thanks Bo Diddley!

New Belts Coming to M Design Boutique!

2008-06-04T12:29:00.007-04:00

M Design Boutique happily announces the addition of several new belts and buckles to our collection! The "Rock" and "Lucky" buckles quickly became a top-seller in MDB, so we decided it is time to introduce some new designs.

Pictured Below (Left to Right): Antique Gold or Silver Heart Rectangular Buckle, Antique Gold Large Heart Buckle, and Antique Gold Heart Peace Sign Buckle

Pictured Below (Left to Right): Antique Silver or Gold Butterfly, Antique Silver or Gold Happy Turtle Buckle

Pictured Below: Vintage Strap (Brown, Black, Tan), Whipstitch Strap (Brown, Tan, Slate, Blue)

These will all be available in MDB by the week's end! They're in stock and ready to "ship out"!

Peppermill Picnic

2008-06-03T15:36:00.002-04:00

Eeep: Day 2

2008-06-03T14:01:00.003-04:00

Here's a quick image of the Eee PC I just got and blogged about yesterday. Its a powerful little machine for the money ($344 on Amazon.com) -- and I'm already totally mad about it. Good mad.

So, the image doesn't show that its about the size of a text book or as I mentioned yesterday, a day-planner. Its super light, and last night I nerdily knitted a "sleeve" for it so its protected from the harsh elements of my purse! Cute technology yields cute gadget bags.

In fact, Jennie Wu (MDB's handbag designer) and I have been brainstorming for weeks about the development of a line of gadget bags to be introduced in M Design Boutique by "Back-to-School" time! Think: interchangeable straps, build-ons for laptop bags + ipods, phones, blackberries, and whatever else you've got clumsily tossed into your handbag!

I certainly can't wait to see what "Jennie Wu Revelations" arise from the piles of research we've done! I can only hope these will be as cute as my Eeep!

Beach Simplicity!

2008-06-02T17:28:00.002-04:00

The Re-usable "Grocery" Bags in M Design Boutique hold about two regular grocery bags worth of stuff...and they're a perfect option for a beach bag.

I've been carrying two of them in my regular bag and they come in handy for so many things. They roll up and have a snapping strap (sort of like on an umbrella). They weigh almost nothing and take up very little space.

Before I started carrying these cute bags in my purse....Mike and I ended up annoyed with ourselves on many trips to get groceries when we forgot our other re-usable bags. No more!

And I definitely don't stop at groceries! Clothing, shoes and anything else they put in a bag at a store goes into these. They're cute and strong...like you!

EEEP!

2008-06-02T13:10:00.000-04:00

Or, should I say "eee PC" -- which is what just arrived in my mailbox today! I mean, honestly it could have literally fit in my mailbox if not for the packaging.

If you're not familiar with what an eee PC is (or as I'll from here forth refer to as my "eeep") -- think full-power PC, but the size of say, a day planner! It features a full-size keyboard (a little scaled down, but I'm having no trouble typing on it), total mobility, 3 USB ports, 2.5 - 3 hour batter power (depending on use), and a full suite of office applications. This means internet, email, word processing, and more!

At first I held off on buying this model of micro PCs...because its interface is Linux instead of Windows, which intimidated me. But after reading hundreds (really, hundreds) of reviews, I figured out that its called Linux, but it is your typical GUI (graphical user interface) and closely mimics all of the familiar icons, functions, layouts, etc. of Windows or Mac Operating Systems. It took me less than five minutes to be online and writing my first email, and now my first blog from the machine.

A few years back when my cute little Mac laptop stopped performing, I made the leap to PC (I go back and forth depending on budget...Mac is pricey). I love my big laptop -- an HP system that has a beautiful big monitor. But what I didn't bargain for was that my laptop use would totally change. I can move it from place to place, but its heavy, its big, and it even took a lot of trial and error to figure out the best bag for it. I ended up with a rolling carry-on bag..as opposed to being able to slide my little mac right into my (large) handbag.

While my big laptop is awesome for many reasons, it is not awesome for portability. Additionally with a monitor that large...the battery life is weak. Even taking it to the couch in the evening means lugging the cable along and arranging everything so the dog and cat chases don't interfere with the cable situation. Ugh.

So, over the course of about two years I kept going back online looking for inexpensive "second" laptops. I merely wanted a little laptop with internet and word processing. I wanted something easier to take on trips, pull out in the car for quick info, have on my lap on the couch...take to the yard or a coffee shop (I work from home and need some outside-the-house time sometimes). I kept finding that the minimum price for the most basic scaled-down laptop was in the $600 range. Well...why not just wait then, and invest more when I NEED a new laptop? The $600 question. I gave up my hunt over and over.

And then....I read a few blogs raving about the Asus eee PC...and the clouds parted! The prices for these start at around $300 -- and for my money, its everything I need in a computer with a 7" monitor! I can easily see most websites I use daily (already tried all of them)...and I'd never design on this machine...so I don't need to load any memory-eating software (including the Windows OS, which you can get these with)...and now I can fit this into my purse and leave the big bulky laptop with the megapowers at home, where it will probably be more safe and last longer anyway.

This little eeep has a "solid state disk" -- which means it can take all kinds of bumps and bruises with no damage. It handles digital pictures (though I have yet to try this) and is designed for portability!

I'll be sure to post an update if I find any big issues to be warned about for those of you considering an EEEP for yourselves. Apparently these are absolutely perfect for kids (there's a special OS you can turn on for kids that is super-helpful) ad college students for note-taking and portability.

The other amazing thing: I ordered mine Saturday afternoon and had it Monday (today) at my door! I ordered through amazon.com and selected 1-day shipping for just $5 total shipping cost. I expected the delivery for tomorrow, so I really couldn't be more happy with the $5 investment!

For any of you still reading, if you're interested in anything else about my eeep...feel free to comment with questions. I am apparently very excited to talk about it!

Rockstar Style the "M" Way...

2008-06-02T01:27:00.000-04:00

Check out the Cha Cha Bracelet in Action!

Cha Cha Party!

2008-06-01T13:25:00.000-04:00

Hey! Everybody Gotta Wear Clothes!

2008-06-01T12:04:00.000-04:00

Mr. T on Fashion

Watch Video

Garden Party!

2008-05-31T18:57:00.001-04:00

Just Thinkin'....you know....about STUFF

2008-05-31T14:40:00.000-04:00

Thoughts below (left to right): Hello Kitty Bracelet, Cha Cha Ring, Cupcake Kitchen Gloves, Flower Photocuff, Green Flora Bag, Clutch Handbag

Thoughts below (left to right): Typewriter Key Bracelet, Americana Apron and Gloves, Purple Flowers Necklace, Cupcake Earrings, Heart Belt Buckle

Thoughts below (left to right): Fish Bracelet, Vintage My Little Pony Bracelet, Hand-painted Peppermill and Salt Shaker Set, Picnic Series Placemat, Charms Charms Charms!

Its not the temperature...its the TEMPO that's hot!

2008-05-30T13:45:00.000-04:00

Friday Feature: Album Covers!

2008-05-30T12:51:00.000-04:00

Welcome back! Its finally Friday, which is a day where we're all ready to take a long lunch, sneak out of the office a little early, and to wander the internet in search of time-killing fodder. Well, I assure you, this here Friday Album Covers (I gotta work on that title) will absolutely kill some time! It will murder it and drag it deep into the woods to be feasted on by woodland creatures, and eventually found by some unfortunate jogger...but alas...let us move on to some strange and wonderful albums of yesteryear.

Here's a fun bunch! I'm going to guess they're either in a strange and messy love (not triangle...not square...) pentagram? Yes, either a dark and wonderful love pentagram, or they're really as pure and good as they look. Perhaps siblings or cousins? I'm not touching the title of this album. Its just fine on its own. But I would like to know how many of those ties were later used to tie Francine's wrists to something after this photo shoot!

There's nothing like having friends over for a nice dinner party, am I right? Catch up on the news about the kids...the wedding plans, maybe vent about the neighbor's barking dog. And along with the good conversation, the holy trinity of a good dinner party: Good Food, Fine Wine and PSAs lightly playing in the background to sooth the soul

This is SO GOOD. Squirt Noes Its Thing. I'll say! And its thing is apparently semi-soft and ready for senior pictures -- or señor pictures! So...Tijuana style...does that mean its going to offer you free tequila and lure you into a dark restaurant with too many hallways...and then feed you questionable burritos while it sends children to your table to sell you ugly trinkets?! Well...sign me up! I hope I can also come away with a picture of me with a starving painted donkey!

Well, I've enjoyed myself today. I hope you have killed a little bit of your Friday afternoon and you're that much closer to happy hour with your friends Norm, Sam, Diane and Frazier...and the annoying mailman. Maybe I'll see you there...If I'm lucky I'll get a line in tonight's episode!

M Design Boutique

2008-05-29T19:03:00.000-04:00

Peppermill In Action!

2008-05-29T14:35:00.000-04:00

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere Kitty Kitty!

2008-05-29T12:10:00.000-04:00

This wekend in Boston!

What: The Animal Rescue League of Boston kicks off cat adoption awareness month with an open house.

Why: Here, kitty, kitty.

When: Sun., 1-4 p.m.

Where: 10 Chandler St., South End (617-426-9170); 55 Anna’s Pl., at Pine St., Dedham (781-326-0729).

Pictured Below: Cowboy enjoys a snuggle with Cement Cat "Rocky" at my home in Los Angeles, where Rocky still resides. Cowboy was rescued in Los Angeles and now lives here in Boston.

Peppermills. Let the Pictures Speak!

2008-05-29T01:02:00.001-04:00

(But let me just say: these are hand-painted by New England artist Pearle Northrop...who is fast becoming a local household name...one stunning functional piece at a time)

Northrop has painted a limited-edition of these gorgeous Peppermills (pictured above) exclusively for MDB.

M Design Boutique!

2008-05-28T12:46:00.000-04:00

Look for this Ad in Magazines This Summer!

2008-05-27T18:44:00.000-04:00

Become an "M" Designer!

2008-05-27T15:54:00.000-04:00

M Design Boutique regularly seeks out new designers to add to the boutique. If you think your work belongs in M Design Boutique, contact info@mdesignboutique.com and send a blurb about you, your designs and a little bit of personal philosophy, if you so desire. Please also include ONE that is ONE SINGLE image of your work. I do not want my email box filled up with a zillion images!

Keep in mind that I'm looking for designers providing high-quality work. I prefer eco-friendly, unique "I've never seen it before" items, or incredibly innovative new versions of things.

Special consideration will be given to those of you who re-use, recover and recycle materials.

Please be familiar with what is already in M Design Boutique, and provide something different, even if it is a different version of what is in the boutique today.

Keep in mind that starting with a limited supply of consignment inventory helps me to add you more quickly, and I am willing to make a down-payment for said inventory and make payments as the inventory sells.

If you do not wish to sell on consignment, you will still be considered. It may, however, take more time for MDB to add your inventory.

Please provide all important details, but don't overload me with a ton of "noise" to shuffle through.

M Design Boutique designers understand their own product and marketing. Due to the nature of the outstanding quality of MDB products, professional photos will be required. Please provide website addresses and any other pertinent links.

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you!
xo.M

Chinese-Inspiration -- Mahjong Cha Cha Bracelet

2008-05-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

Typewriter Keys -- Back for More!

2008-05-26T01:21:00.000-04:00

Check out the Typewriter Key Charm Bracelet in M Design Boutique for just $50.

Who here remembers typewriters?!! I feel a little sorry for anyone out there who never typed a letter or a paper using something that doesn't plug into the wall. I still have a typewriter. Its rarely used because I can't find ribbons for it, but I'll always love it. If only I could blog this entry with my typewriter....

ROCK!

2008-05-25T13:18:00.000-04:00

Far Out!

2008-05-24T13:53:00.000-04:00

Click on the image to see it REEEEAL BIG!

Summertime Style -- Alter Ego and MDB Accessories At "Large"

2008-05-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

Summer Style in M Design Boutique!

2008-05-23T15:48:00.000-04:00

Here's an example of how to incorporate accessories from M Design Boutique's NEW SUMMER COLLECTION into a cute Summer outfit!

The Cha Cha Bracelet, Cha Cha Ring and Jade Pendant are all available now in MDB!

Friday Feature: Album Covers!

2008-05-23T13:59:00.000-04:00

Due to the response from last week's Album Cover post, I've decided to make it a weekly feature here on this blog. It has nothing to do with M Design Boutique...(or does it?) ...but I must give you what you ask for:

Stars of the Bars...Did they really even need to put that in writing? I mean its clear to me that any three men in matching sky blue bell-bottom pants, embellished with pink panels, and topped with matching vests and bright yellow um, Blouses...are the Stars of the Bar. But then, maybe this just acts as a reminder to those of us who have trouble recognizing Stars. Right on BUFFALO. Keep it real.

I think this just about sums up a typical Friday night for most smokers. Bub Thomas (Mr. Entertainment) sits back, lights up his tobacco pipe (its tobacco, RIGHT?!)...and lets the tales roll off the tongue...till he's literally blue in the face. And if there's one thing I learned in college, its "Listen carefully to anyone smoking from a pipe, especially if they refer to themselves as Mr. Entertainment" All hail the school of Liberal Arts!

Oh, and I don't have enough words to get into that cloud of blue naked ladies. I'll let Bub tell you all about them...pull up a chair, and listen along to Smoker Stories. I'll go get you guys some munchies.

Its almost tempting to just let this one speak for itself...because if I accidentally say the wrong thing...I could end up pissing this guy off. Clearly I don't want to risk such a mis-step with a guy who 's such a manly logger that he's decided to venture into the obscure world of LOG MUSIC. I mean, we have to hand it to him for penning such gems as "Unemployment Compensation" and the harrowing tale of "Used Log Truck" -- so I guess instead of being a smart-ass I'll just set and learn from this Logger here....and just maybe I'll get invited to the "Loggers Annual Party".

Feel free to continue the discussions posed here-in in the comments section!

The Sweetest!

2008-05-23T13:30:00.001-04:00

Tiny Armour's "Sweetly Rotten" joins the MDB Jewelry Collection for Summer '08! Cupcake Dog Tags, Earrings and Necklaces along with some other sugary sweetness just for you!

Its 4:10 am and I just finished uploading the Summer Collection!

2008-05-23T04:10:00.000-04:00

I'm going to bed. When I wake up, I will surely be happy that I'm DONE with this upload!

Tomorrow in M Design Boutique!

2008-05-22T15:19:00.001-04:00

Organic Reusable Grocery Bags...

2008-05-22T14:02:00.001-04:00

M Design Boutique is proud to announce the addition of Organic Reusable Grocery Bags!

The organic bag is manufactured using viscose from bamboo, linen and a fine grade hemp. The bags come with their own little pouch for easy storage in a glove compartment or handbag.

The bags are printed with vegetable based inks and are all packaged a recycled cardboard box that has been printed with organic soy-based waterless inks. A great gift idea for just $25!

And for only $8.50, check out the new black and white designs we're adding this week!

And don't forget the original three "Flora" designs that M Design Boutique began offering in March '08 -- $8.50.

PLASTIC BAG FACTS - USA

Approx. 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year.
Approx. 100 billion of the 380 billion are plastic shopping bags.
An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags.
Only 1 to 2% of plastic bags in the USA end up getting recycled.
Plastic bags create pollution and kill wildlife in the USA every day of the year.

PLASTIC BAG FACTS - WORLDWIDE

It is estimated that 500 billion plastic bags are used and discarded worldwide every year.
1 million plastic bags are used and discarded worldwide every minute of the day.
Single use plastic bags made of HDPE remain in the environment for up to approx. 1,000 years.
Over 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles worldwide are killed by plastic rubbish every year.

The Hobo Bags!

2008-05-21T23:16:00.000-04:00

As promised, these and all of the recently-featured jewelry, handbags and, well lets just say TONS AND TONS of new stuff will be added to the boutique by the end of the week...Just in time to treat yourself for the Memorial Day Weekend Summertime Kick-off! Start the weekend with some "ME" time!

Watch this blog for the "BIG UPLOAD" announcement this Friday!

Thanks to Mike for Showing me this...Unreal!

2008-05-21T17:09:00.001-04:00

MUTO a wall-painted animation by BLU from blu on Vimeo.

Why I love Tom Waits -- Told in A Single Quote:

2008-05-21T16:44:00.000-04:00

"We are buried beneath the weight of information, which is being confused with knowledge"

-- Tom Waits

M Design Boutique -- We will ROCK you.

2008-05-21T15:52:00.000-04:00

Here's to Ears!

2008-05-21T13:07:00.000-04:00

Coming this week to M Design Boutique! Earrings, Earrings, Earrings, I say!

Below: High Heel Earrings in Pink, Silver and Gold!

Below: Multi-chain Dangles

Below: "O" Chain Dangles

Below: Big Double Chain Dangles

Cha Cha!

2008-05-20T21:39:00.000-04:00

New for Summer! The Cha Cha Ring and Cha Cha Charm Bracelet!

Shown Below: Rainbow Lampwork Glass Ring and Charm Bracelet.

Eye Candy!

2008-05-20T14:32:00.000-04:00

Summer Collection 08 -- M Design Boutique Originals!

Below: Reclaimed Vintage Patina Metal Kitty Necklace -- Bohemian Chic!
Below: Reclaimed Metal Flowers and Starfish + Charms Necklace -- Perfect with a sundress!

Below: Jade Bead Pendant on Double Chain with Flower Clasp

Below: Lampwork Glass and Stone Pendant on Double Chain with Flower Clasp

All new jewelry! Available in M Design Boutique as the week progresses!