Re-usable Shopping Bags

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!!

MDB Ad! Original Design by Tammy Ealom

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!

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!

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!!

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?!!

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

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

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!

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"!