By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
I recently created an altar in my home office. It is my private space where I can make the shift from a busy day to one of quietude and reconnect with my inner self.
Some people may think of altars for religious purposes. In fact, the history of a home altar was to bring one’s faith into the home. Think of a Catholic altar with a Crucifix, candles, rosary and prayer book.
To me a home altar is something a bit different.

We know the joke: “You’re unique. just like everybody else“. But joking aside, we still like to think that we are unique. Which is why at The Succulent Wife, we always like to feature lots of indie and artisan businesses. Because when we shop with them at least we know that the stuff we buy is NOT like everybody else’s…
And, that goes for shoes too. Probably, especially for shoes. And so, we love this company… Shoes of Prey.
Shoes of Prey is a site that allows women to custom design their own shoes. Pick from a variety of heel heights and [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Admittedly, I love this time a year. And what is not to love! The outside is looking all anew with trees budding, flowers blooming and the freshness in the air is intoxicating! As I open my doors to bring in the sights, scents and sounds of the outdoors, I look at my home and see that it is tired looking, stuffy and drab.
It is definitely time to refresh, rejuvenate and reorganize the inside of my home. And I want to do it quickly and inexpensively. So, I went looking for versatile and budget-friendly ideas to [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
As we all know, Easter celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection and it is considered to be one of the most important Christian holidays. But what we may not all know (I did not) is that Easter falls on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox (when there is exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness), which was March 21st. Thus, Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. This year, Easter is on Sunday, April 8th. And after 40 days of Lent – the time [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Do you have an artistic passion, a creative idea, a book in you that you have been trying to write?  Think, if you were in a quiet working environment that provided room-for-free on 60 beautiful acres of prairie and pastured land and you had no financial or professional obligations to pursue your passion… Can you imagine how well your creative juices could flow?
There is, in fact, such a place in the middle of Nebraska. Art Farm is a tuition-free safe haven to explore one’s artistic aspirations. Since 1993, it has provided housing and expansive studio [...]

Last year we did a Pet Gift Guide – Because We Love Them and we still do love our pets! But just because you have pets does not mean that your home has to go to the dogs. We have chosen (among other things) some great gift products that your (four legged) loving companion will love and that might also just add a great statement to your home. Plus, some fun games to play with little Fifi or Fluffy. We should really rename this gift guide the Gift Guide for Pet Owners. Enjoy!

 FOR DOGS

 
What Dogs Dream Bed – Designed not [...]

Beatrice Holiday has the cutest bike accessories for the biking fashionista and the biking commuter.
We love the matching seat covers and handlebar bikebags that will have you truly be stylin’ as you will be wheelin’. The unique handlebar bag also converts into a beautiful and functional shoulder bag, to keep all your valuables safe, on and off the bike. All are made with vintage upholstery fabrics that suits the look of a beach cruiser, but would also fit on the handlebar of a Baby Stroller, making this also a great gift for new moms.
Beatrice Holiday also designs a stylish line [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Last week we wrote about some very cool back to school bags for everyone from preschoolers to the college bound teenager. Now it is all about the lunches. It is important to get the right accessories to make lunchpail lunches something to really look forward to when the lunch bell strikes. A new study has reported that if lunches are above 40 degrees for more than two hours, the lunch should be thrown away. It also states that the insulated bags does not guarantee the lunch will still be cold when ready to consume. Let’s [...]

Spring is in the air and I’m in love… With this new line of just-right-quirky outdoor/indoor accessories by Firmly Planted.
The line was launched by Master Gardener Alicia Blas, who actually began her career as a photo stylist and set designer for some high-brow retailers in Chicago and Florida. It’s upon designing a garden set that she found that her true calling was really to design with plants and flowers. And, it’s when the fire department came calling to her home to let her know that her house numbers needed to be displayed that her instincts and flair as a stylist [...]

There was a day when designers, artists and other creatives were limited to the Zazzle and CafePress marketplaces to offer their creations on demand. But today, previously unattainable production processes have now become available for many types of designs. Technology is to thank again for providing multiple online avenues on which the designers can sell a whole new category of goods, such as items made in 2D laser cuts or in 3D manufacturing with materials such as steel, felt, wood, acrylic or fabric.
With on-demand marketplaces such as Shapeways, Ponoko and Spoonflower, designers can design, manufacture and sell some pretty intricate [...]