Don’t get caught with unsightly static cling this winter. Not to get all Albert Einstein on you, but here’s a brief but simple background as to why it happens: when two different materials come in contact with one another, an exchange of electrons leaves one item more positively charged and the other more negative. Since unlike charges attract, the two materials stick to one another, known as static cling.

So what can you do? Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Spray your clothes with Static Guard
• Take a metal clothes hanger and run it along the inside of your clothing–it helps “de-charge” the particles
• Rub the inside of your clothing with drier sheets
• Add a fabric softener to your wash either in liquid form (Downy) or drier sheets (Bounce)–or if you want to try a more earth-friendly fabric softener, check out Seventh Generation Natural Fabric Softener
• Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to your laundry wash cycle
• Add 1/4 cup of borax to your laundry wash cycle

What’s your tip for eliminating static cling?

[Katie Holmes, Thumb, tips]

The fingerless glove.  A.k.a. Hobo gloves.  They are apparently all the rage.  They caught my eye because just about everyone I saw was wearing them, and I got the distinct pleasure of the wool/cashmere/skin combo whilst being introduced to some of the natives.  I can’t decide if it’s a no-no like this or if I really like it.  What do you think?

The boring practical person within says:  If it’s cold enough to wear gloves, why leave your finger tips unprotected?  They suffer the most from potential frost bite and compromised blood flow.  A designer using common sense would design phalange covers, and leave the palms to battle unprotected against the elements.

The impractical, impulse-buying, non-tights-wearing-in-30-degree-weather-just-to-look-good-in-my-hot-new-dress person within says:  Totally rad!  Here are some more styles.  

Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, and other fierce designers have also jumped on the bandwagon.  So have a lot of stitch-and-bitch fans.  

What say you, cvillestyle readers?  Yea or nay?  And why? 

It’s an exciting time to be living in, if not a little bit stressful. Buzz phrases like ”financial meltdown” and “big three automakers” and “bailout” abound. But so does ”President-elect Obama.” Thanksgiving is a time to reflect (that is, when you’re not trying to get away from your family).

What are you thankful for this holiday?

[turkey]

Tennis whites, while maybe a thing of the past, will always evoke a certain kind of style, as will grass tennis courts. It’s that country club connotation, as in, “I’m going to the club to frolick with Dabney and Percy.” (Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

But Wood N Racket Farm (get it?) goes against all of that. Three parts athletic club, two parts social, the Farm is a racquet sports club boasting the only grass tennis courts in all of Virginia. And it’s just 30 miles from Charlottesville, toward Richmond. If you’re an avid tennis player and you’ve never had the pleasure to play on grass, here’s your opportunity. But remember to bring your sense of humor (that, or your A-game) because let’s just say the ball doesn’t always bounce the way you’re used to. There’s always the har-tru courts if you get seriously frustrated. Plus, in the winter, when the grass is “dormant,” the courts are turned into a croquet field.

Located on 40 acres that include nature trails and a beautiful lake, the scenery alone is worth the trip. Wood N Racket Farm also has one of only two doubles squash courts in Virginia (the second is our own local Boar’s Head). Are you thinking this is all too athetic for you? How about a game of badminton? Remember 7th grade gym glass? Well, forget it! I played recently at the Farm and couldn’t believe how great a workout it was, but the best part is that anyone can pick it up. So, hang out on the porch, fire up the barbecue, or play a few games of ping pong, but you’re sure to have a good time at the Farm!

There are a variety of membership plans (and “try-it-out” incentives) available that will accommodate your needs. (Already a member at Farmington, Glenmore, ACAC? Plan a fun group outing for your team.) Mostly, owner Tommy Richards just wants to get folks interested in racquet sports again. He’s a great coach with an even better attitude. His one rule? “Leave your ego at the door.” (Think more Chris Evert and less John McEnroe.)

This ain’t your grandaddy’s country club!

 [tennis whites, thumb]

Visions of sugar plums will soon dance in many a head this holiday, so why not help summon that sweet sleep with the gift of a homemade lavender pillow? As everyone will be feeling the economic squeeze this season, not only will this be easier on your wallet, it might also help the recipient to relax! 

Here’s what you’ll need (in addition to your sewing machine):

Dried Lavender (the 1 lb. bag shown in this link is more than enough!)

Uncooked Rice (any kind) or Flax Seed (adds texture and weight)

Fabric (silk or silk taffeta works nicely; you can use the same pattern for both sides, or two different ones; local sources: Les Fabriques, Fabrics Unlimited, The Second Yard, Calico Corners)

Instructions:

Cut out two pieces of fabric to the same size (mine was 3 x 9) and sew right sides together one quarter inch from the edge, leaving a 2-3 inch opening on one side. Clip the excess fabric in the corners diagonally to allow for a more crisp edge. Flip the fabric right side out and press. Make a small cone out of paper to funnel in the equal parts lavender and rice (or flax). Sew the opening shut by hand and voila.

 The finished product:

Note: You could make a smaller square pillow for a lingerie drawer sachet!

[source: flickr]

Pomegranate: (n) a several-celled reddish berry that is about the size of an orange with a thick leathery skin and many seeds with pulpy crimson arils of tart flavor [Merriam Webster].

I am embarrassed to admit I had never heard of nor seen a pomegranate before going to college, where my Californian roommate introduced me to the decidedly-juicy (and good for you) fruit. Pomegranates are anti-oxidant rich, which can aid in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. They are high in Vitamin C and potassium, a good source of fiber, and low in calories. I even read they help fight plaque, so eat up!

Not only are pomegranates healthy, but the festive and exotic seeds are perfect for the upcoming holidays. They add color, texture, and flavor, so be in style at your next dinner party and make something memorable, like Pomegranate Guacamole, Dandalion salad with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and roasted delicata squash, or Pan-fried pork chops with pomegranate and fennel salsa. Drop them in your kir royale or drink of choice for added flair. Here are some potent drink recipes using Pama liquor. 

I found this online 3 step method quite helpful, both for eating and gathering seeds for cooking:

1. Cutt off the crown, then cut the pomegranate into sections.

2. Place the sections in a bowl of water, then roll out the arils (juice sacs) with your fingers. Discard everything else.

3. Strain out the water, then eat the succulent arils whole, seeds and all.

Of course there’s POM Wonderful, 100% pomegranate juice, whose ad campaign is rather cute (18 ads total!). Minute-maid also makes a Pomegranate-blueberry juice that is pretty sweet!

But pomegranates aren’t just stylish to eat or drink. It seems that scents abound with the fruit that is a symbol of fertility. So spray on Fresh’s Pomegranate Anise Eau de Parfum (but I can’t confirm that it promises to actually increase your chances, if you know what I mean!). Lather up with Grassroots Pomegranate Super Anti-oxidant Cream to help fight free radicals that make us age (who wants to age?). Scent your home with Archipelago Pomegranate 60-hour soy candle.

Follow up your pomegranate-themed party by writing your thank-you notes on these screen-printed cards featuring a vintage engraving of a pomegranate.

You knew Martha (the one and only) would have a cool use for them: seating cards. What a better way to keep talkative and senile Great-Aunt Gertrude away from [insert innocent bystander here] this Thanksgiving!

For more DIY arts & crafts, my roommate and I decided to make a dried pomegranate seed and grapefruit slice “curtain” between our dorm rooms. After drying out the respective ingredients, we threaded them onto some fishing wire and hung for an aromatic and creative (and let’s face it, cheap) decoration. I’d show a picture, but it might be too incriminating!

If you’re in NYC, head to the delightful gift shop, Pomegranate, at 201 E. 74th Street (off Third Avenue), filled with beautiful finds for the home. I so wish they had a website.

Apparently there’s even something called the pomegranate phone, an “ultimate, all-in-one device.” Be sure to try the interactive tool that demonstrates how the phone even brews coffee. Almost as versatile as Kit from Night Rider, this phone morphs into a harmonica and an electric razor, among other things. Some web-design nerd put a lot of time into this animation that, as far as I can tell, is a tourism site for Nova Scotia?  Don’t miss this one, it’s pretty funny.

What’s your favorite pomegranate product? or recipe including pomegranates? or POM ad? What else would you want the pomegranate phone to do?

[pomegranate]

Start at Art Effect (934 W. Armitage) which touts itself as a “modern day general store.” Offering a healthy dose of home goods such as plates, mugs, trays, cutting boards, and candles to accessories and gifts like books, pillows, jewelry, clothes, stationery, and more. You really feel like a kid in a candy store here.

Make your way to 1154 Lill Studio (904 W. Armitage) where you can design your own bag, mixing and matching with 28 different styles (some are even reversible!) and over 150 rotating fabrics. I heard about it through my friend who had just hosted a purse party. (You know, like a tupperware party, only much better.)  When she said to me, “fabric purses” I kept envisioning the likes of Vera Bradley. In case you’re thinking the same, check out this link, these bags are so much more stylish (not that there’s anything wront with VB; I went through a slightly-obsessed phase, myself). My favorite is the Molly or the Drea. As for fabrics, Yellow Stone is funky and would pair nicely with Moroccan Tile. I can personally attest to the quality of the sewing and the overall bag, as I saw my friend pick up 10 different bags!

Head slightly off the beaten path to Design Shoppe (2009 N. Fremont, just off Armitage), a hip boutique featuring new and vintage pieces in home decor, accessories, and gifts. The brown and white striped awning is retro but inviting. Unfortunately, this one was closed when I walked by, but looking in the window, I spotted this three-panel floor screen in white wood & glass with a clover design. I called the shoppe and found out it is $550 and they will ship it to you!

If you fall into the “dog enthusiast” category, don’t miss Dog-a-holics (and yes, if you have a picture of your pooch in your cell or wallet, you qualify!).

…And the award for cutest name goes to… Stinky Pants (844 W. Armitage), a trendy baby clothes shop offering “little clothes, big style.” So spoil the little stinker in your life with some designer duds.

Make a U-turn at Halstead where you’ll find Chicago’s answer to Charlottesville’s Duo: McShane’s Exchange (815 W. Armitage). Their motto: “If you can’t buy your own designer wardrobe, buy someone else’s.” Sounds good to me!

Who wouldn’t want to hang out at Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge (819 W. Armitage), where they’ve actually made “chocolate” a verb, as in, “a place to chocolate and chat.” My favorites are the Milk Chocolate Butter Almond Krisp and the Dark Chocolate Coconut Delight. Sadly, I didn’t find the gym on this block!

Climate Home (857 W. Armitage) is a quirky and whimsical shop of rotating cards and eclectic gifts. You’re sure to get a good laugh here.

If the specialty boutiques aren’t mainstream enough for you, there’s a virtual Sephora between the MAC store, Kiehl’s, Benefit, ColorLab Cosmetics, and Lush that all front to Armitage.

Paper Source (919 W. Armitage), while also mainstream, is still a paper lover’s dream-come-true: handmade papers, letterpressed cards, leather journals, rubber stamps, and crafts galore. I love my coffee mug with their tagline, “Do something creative every day.”

Is all this shopping making you light headed? Grab a bite to eat at HomeMade Pizza Company (850 W. Armitage), an all-natural approach to pizza and even voted Best Pizza in America by Oprah in 2006.

Did you already miss lunch and want dinner? How about ShineMorida (901 W. Armitage), a Chinese Cuisine and Japanese Sushi bar. The space is a study in texture, with oversized parasols hanging from the ceiling and porcupine lamps dangling over the bar, an interesting flat natural wood wall contrasts a white wobbly back wall that looks like bark (hard to explain but worth checking out). The food is adds another layer, making it a cozy neighborhood staple.

If you have a large group or are in the mood for tasting and sharing, Cafe Ba ba reeba (2024 Halstead) is another great option for tapas and paella. The Spanish tile feels authentic, but after a few glasses of wine, you wouldn’t know the difference, anyway! And their bacon-wrapped dates rival those of Mas.

The next 2 restaurants aren’t located in the Armitage area, but are worth checking out:

Sepia’s (123 N. Jefferson) die-cut and letterpressed menus are a nod to the restaurant’s location in a converted print shop dating back to 1890 (and did I mention they are stunning?). Self-described as “stylish without being sleek,” the large hanging chandeliers encased in more modern, round “shades” are perfect evidence of the seamless integration of vintage and contemporary (the website really sets this mood, as well). I sampled the market squash with serrano ham, arugula, and walnut salad along with the roasted cod, spaghetti squash, and wild boar sausage with paprika sauce. The cheese plate was also out of this world! Both the menu and decor reverberate an understated sophistication. And apparently, it’s Michelle Obama’s favorite restaurant in Chicago!

Graham Elliot’s (217 W. Huron) website alone, with it’s upbeat music, made me want to check this one out. It delivers on it’s promise to offer a juxtaposition of four-star cuisine with humor and accessability. I loved the waiters’ whimsical “GE” belts as opposed to a more traditional uniform. What’s the popcorn on their website for, you wonder? Mid-meal, we were brought a bowl of garlic popcorn—once again, an upscale twist on a normally-mundane snack. This “humor” was was also felt in my food selection: spicy buffalo chicken with celeriac slaw, blue cheese, hot sauce, and budweiser froth. Otherwise known as chicken wings in most restaurants, this was a more sophisticated and intriguting presentation of its pub-fare counterpart. The roasted monkfish wellington (like beef wellington only with fish) was like nothing I’ve ever tasted before; it simply melted in my mouth. And to top it off, pumpkin creme brulee served in none other than a miniature pumpkin! This relatively new (opened in June) “hotspot” next-to-guarantees playful and unexpected yet impeccably delicious dishes, all with a presentation that is second to none!

What’s your favorite restaurant or shop in Chicago?

With Thanksgiving around the corner, you might be headed “home” to family (be it yours or someone else’s).  Reward the chef or hostess (who is probably going to slave for hours making the turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, vegetables, pies, etc.) with a personalized carving board from Novel. A single monogram in the middle turns an ordinary and practical gift into a special one.  It takes 5-7 business days, so to be safe, order by November 14^th if you’re getting out of dodge on Wednesday the 26th!

Need other ideas for hostess gifts or don’t want to wait till Black Friday to do your holiday shopping? Here are a few other great items available at Novel:

Don’t let turkey grease or cranberry stains ruin the chef’s outfit. Cook in style in these Kitsch’n Glam aprons for just $34.

Don’t be “that guest” that leaves an unsightly ring on your host’s new wood dining table after setting down your glass and forgetting it. Pre-empt the problem with a package of 36 damask monogrammed coasters made by Occasionally Made.

The Lollia line of hand creams, candles and bubble baths come in fabulous scents with whimsical names like Wish (my personal fave), Inspire, Believe or Breathe. Grab a .33oz size hand cream to keep in your purse for $8 or snag a candle for $28 to freshen your home.

Letter necklaces are worn by all of Hollywood these days, so pick one up for you or a friend. Novel carries these Nashelle charms and necklaces for just $52 for 14k gold-fill or silver.

The Marye-kelley line of frames are fun and can be personalized. From elegant toile or damask backgrounds to playful polka dots or stripes, you’re sure to find a match for that hard-to-buy-for person.

Novel carries plenty of stationery brands, including Boatman Geller (love the skull!)—why not pick yourself up some for thank-you notes while you’re at it, Emily Post would be proud!

Novel is located at 110 Fourth Street NE on the Downtown Mall.

The event, held at Second St. NE’s Rock, Paper, Scissors and Hedge boutiques, read like a who’s who of the local boutique wedding industry.  Karen Walker, Karen Thorsey, Kathryn Goodson, Katie Sale, Sarah Deigl, and Jason and Tammy Keefer shared wedding stories as they sipped champaign, enjoyed Real Food’s almond butter frosted spice wedding cake and admired the refined, and often unconventional, work of their colleagues. 

Most significantly, it brought together a set of individuals who are truly passionate about what they do: “I love working with brides,” anounced Karen Walker, owner and business director of Hedge Fine Blooms, “Charlottesville’s youngest and liveliest custom florist.”  

“I’ve been working with really young brides.  I generally get first brides… This is their first wedding, and hopefully their last. They’re really excited and want really beautiful things.”

“Hedge is a boutique style flower shop which focuses on not five weddings, but one [at a time]… we have a more personal touch with an unusual style,” described Karen Thorsey, creative director of Hedge. ”We use fruits, flowers and ribbon from France, flowers, not fillers.”

This desire to individualize their work to each bride’s personal vision was a theme among the venders: “We try to offer something a little different from the mainstream,” said Katie Sale of the downtown paper boutique Rock, Paper, Scissors. ”We work with smaller companies, and love handmade things”- such as the products of Pica Press, “the affordable, laid back, but sophisticated” graphic design company of Southern Californian origin.

Kathryn Thorsey echoed this perspective: “We try to get the person’s personality [in the work], make their dream come true.” 

Coupling this fairy tale experience is a serious challenge, expressed fine art wedding photographer Jason Keefer. “Wedding photography is sort of taboo among photographers,” stated Jason. Because you are essentially charged with documenting someone’s special day- “capturing the most human and beautiful qualities of those moments”– there is a deep fear of disappointment.  

“If you can get over that fear of failure, the experience is so rewarding.” Case in point: the lovely images of this post, all taken by Jason and (his wife and business partner) Tammy Keefer.

The event was “an opportunity for local venders to get the word out, get to know each other, and get to know their [colleagues'] aesthetics,” voiced Katie Sale.  After all, Charlottesville’s wedding industry depends on referrals and word of mouth.  By meeting and greeting, the venders hoped to achieve “the ultimate goal:” “make our customers happy.”

Interested in learning more about the styles and services of the professionals mentioned above? Feel free to visit their websites, all of which are embedded within this story, or simply stop by the stores. Hedge is located at 416 West Main St., in addition to its Second St. NE location alongside Rock, Paper, Scissors, and Real Food can be reached at (540) 672-4862.  As stated before, the photography is the result of Jason Keefer, a local artist who combines documentary style and fine art technique to create, as described on his website, “a luxurious couture wedding album line.”

I’m all stocked up for the 31st–Hydrogen peroxide, activated charcoal, stomach tubes, IV fluids…..the list goes on.  While I’m handing out miniature KitKats, Snickers, and toothbrushes (I kid, I kid!) to costumed tykes this Halloween,  I’ll be eyeing my pager awaiting the certain emergency call:  My dog just inhaled a bag of [insert preferred form of chocolate here]!  

Why is chocolate so bad for dogs (and kitties)?  Mostly because they cannot comprehend the word “moderation,” so when an opportunity arises to eat an entire batch of brownies or a bar of baking chocolate, many dogs go for the gold (so do I, actually….).  Chocolate contains caffeine and a substance called theobromine, both of which are toxic to our household pets.  Think seizures, arrhythmias, hypertension, and even death!  Different types of chocolate contain different levels of these substances.  The worst offender is baking chocolate which contains 7 x the amount of theobromine than milk chocolate.  Semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate contain lesser amounts, respectively.  

Be extra-careful this season.  For whatever reason, dogs gain super-human abilities this time of year and all of a sudden can open pantry doors, get on countertops, and use their non-opposable thumbs to open candy wrappers (or in the case of “Jasper” last week, who decided he didn’t have time to open the wrappers, he just ate the entire bag of Hershey’s Kisses, along with the foil).  So keep your bowl of candy absolutely out of the way of your critter.  

If you’re the sharing type and want your pup to enjoy some treats this Halloween, try this pet-friendly recipe using Carob chips, a chocolate-y substitute for the real thing.  

Some other tips for Halloween to keep your pets safe this Halloween:

• Don’t leave your dog or cat out in the yard on the 31st.  There are a bunch of crazies out there looking to sacrifice something, and I don’t want it to be your cat or dog. 
• Lit pumpkins + wagging dog tail = house fire.  Keep the lit jack-o-lanterns outside and your pets inside. 
• If you’re bound and determined to dress your pup like a bumble bee or pumpkin, have your pet try the costume on before the 31st to see how they handle it.  Avoid donning a costume if your dog is going to have a meltdown. 
• Keep your pets in a quiet room far away from the front door.  I’d dart out the front door if I saw a goblin and a ghost yelling at me for candy, too.