Our oldest pug Barkley recently had a tumor removed from his leg. Thankfully they got it all, and no cancer spread, which was a huge relief.
Know someone who's pup is under the weather? Surprise them with a little gift basket.

It might not be chicken soup, but I never met a dog who'd turn down a squeaky chicken.
Vet visits usually mean trying to coerce a dog to take a pill. This rarely ends well. Unless you slip one into a Pill Pocket. Our dogs will eat around pills in peanut butter, but somehow these do the trick!
Popsicles are always good when you're not feeling well, and the same goes for Fido. Honest Kitchen makes incredible food varieties with wholesome ingredients. Their Ice Pups are the perfect treat.
 
 
This weekend we're driving up to Cedar Point (America's Roller Coast) to spend the day with friends and enjoy a few roller coasters.
If you're planning to celebrate summer at your neighborhood amusement park, don't leave home without these fun-day essentials.

When it comes to a bag, THINK SMALL. A cross-body style is key. Go for a long strap, and it'll fit underneath any shoulder safety harness. I have an old JCrew one, but something like this Coach style would do the trick.
Not that I'm completely OCD when it comes to germs, but there are two places where anti-bac is a must: airplanes and amusement parks. These lavender-scented wipes from Herban Essentials are individually wrapped and perfect post-coaster.
We all know the drill when it comes to sunscreen, but don't forget your lips! Sun Bum lip balm smells ah-mazing, and will keep your pucker protected.
There's no way to recommend this without sounding old, but...pack some Advil. Unless you're twelve, an afternoon of being bounced about (or even just WALKING from one end of the park to the other and back) can bring out the aches in all of us. Just bring Advil. You can wash it down with an elephant ear if you want.
 
 
What? You still haven't decided what to get your dad for Father's Day? That's okay.
The great thing about dads is that they love you more than they love getting presents.
Find a great picture of the two of you and have it framed. We promise--he'll be thrilled.
Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there!
 
 
Shopping for a handy dad? Whether your dad spent his weekends building you a tree house, or puttering around "fixing" things, we've got gift suggestions that will make his Father's Day.
Browse Etsy, eBay or antique stores for some vintage tools. Dads love old things that allow them to say how they don't make things like they used to. Even better if they're not 100% sure what the tool does. Hours of fun.
If your dad's idea of fixing involves fixing steaks, look for some unique grill tools. This set from Plow + Hearth is elegant and useful.
And if your dad prefers to leave the fixing to the professionals, maybe stick with something he can't break. Whipped Bakeshop has the right idea.
 
 
Have a dad who's into sports but can't bear the thought of buying him (another) team jersey? You can't go wrong with one of these winning options.
Etsy has some amazing handmade bike seat bags. Beautifully crafted and pretty darn handy. We're fond of this one from Clintonville Leather.
Transform your dad from someone who THINKS he knows all the rules, to a guy who actually does. This volume will settle all sporting debates once and for all (well, except which team to root for).
Homage has lots of great sports tees with a vintage vibe. This ping pong one is a favorite.
Finally...what dad doesn't want a handmade slingshot? Just make sure he doesn't shoot his eye out.
 
 
As we gear up for Father's Day, we thought we'd highlight a few types of dads. 
Our dads are a little challenging to buy for. Mine would rather watch a science documentary than football, and Allison's dad is most likely to be found spending his weekends at an estate auction. They're not average--and that's why we love them.
So here we go--Gifts For Nerdy Dads.

You really can't go wrong with food. I've never known a dad to turn away imported beers, and interesting nut mixes. (Seriously.)

For dried fruit, you won't believe the selection that Meduri has.
Not only do they taste amazing, but the are gorgeous; everything from stone fruits to berries--even dried mandarin oranges. My dad usually says he'll take one of each.

If you're dad's a little nutty, try an assortment from Krema Nut Company.
Around Christmas time, Krema usually has lines out the door. This time of year, it's a bit more manageable. They've been roasting nuts for over a hundred years, and each small batch has been created under the watchful eye of the same roaster for 25 years. 

Have a dad who's a real carnivore? You won't believe the jerky available at J+J Meats in Cleveland. Once featured on Food Network's Best Thing I Ever Ate, you'll understand why with just one bit. Their jerky? Well...it's like eating a fine steak. 
Finally, go for an assortment of imported lagers. World Market always has a great selection. Our dads are partial to Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.
 
 
WHEW.
After months of planning, writing, shooting, designing and finger crossing, the big day is finally here! Our first issue is available!

Thank you to our amazing contributors who made this issue possible.
Thank you also to Lonny, Matchbook, Rue, House of Fifty, Styled, Gifted and all the other amazing online publications for inspiring us and showing us it's possible.
Enjoy!
 

Cheers!

06/05/2012

1 Comment

 
You'll forgive us for one last Jubilee post. (After all, today IS the big concert.)

In celebration, we are sharing our version of a favorite cocktail from the UK:
a Pimm's No. 1 Cup.  This drink is a great refreshing summer cocktail and is great made in a large pitcher. For the Pimlico version we have swapped the traditional lemonade for San Pellegrino Limonata to give it a bit more sparkle, and we left out the mint to keep it purely fruity. Hope you find a fun way to celebrate today!
The Pimlico Pimm's No. 1 Cup
One part Pimm's No. 1
Three Parts San Pellegrino Limonata
Sliced Cucumber, Orange and Strawberry.
Serve over ice and allow the fruits to steep before serving.
 
 
This week I was surprised to have been hit with bronchitis. It's not been fun, and getting better has been much slower than I have patience for. If my friends had the time, I'd like to think they'd be browsing online for some outstanding get-well gifts. 
Like matzo soup from Grandma:
A sore throat means POPSICLES. The ones from FeverPops look quite tasty:
And who wouldn't appreciate homemade cough drops?? A spoonful of honey, wrapped with love. Bakeaholic Mama has the how-to. 
What do you think? Any get-well goodies you give when a friend is down for the count? 
 
 
60 years is a very long time to be in the same job. 
You don't have to be British to appreciate the significance of the Queen's second-to-one reign. 
So, weather you buy a memento from the occasion,
Or find a colorful fascinator to wear,
Raise a glass this weekend to the woman who's proved that poise and class is timeless.