Best Phone Call and Best Friends

I just got a call from Jessie who is visiting her in-laws in Arkansas, "I sent you an email with photos of Asian soup spoons in a variety of colors. How many and what colors?"

My response?

"Um, I think I will take one basket. Yes, one basket of various colored Asian soup spoons." I mean, honestly, I want them all! Any other normal person would have said, "Well, I have a set of white porcelain ones; a set of green melamine ones; and a set of stainless steel one. I think I'm good in the Asian soup spoon department."

But, reader, you know I'm not normal! So, I said, "I'll take ten of the orange, make that a even dozen. And also a dozen of the black melamine ones. Thank you and please send an invoice!"

Heaven. What a little bright spot in a dreary, snowy day?!

Of course you want the name of the store: Culinary District in Hot Springs, AR.

A Butter Dish for Captain Ahab

Last week in Wichita, I finally had the opportunity to stop by my friend Emily’s fabulous store, Frank & Margaret. Her lovely space is filled with some of the best things you could want for your table or home, plus those unique gifts everyone is looking for this time of year. If you’re in Wichita, I suggest you make a trip, because I know you’ll find something you love.

As part of her eclectic inventory, Emily has a wonderful selection of whimsical offerings from Jonathan Adler, ceramicist and provocateur. Adler has a fun style which he offers up on TV, in his stores and his fantastic book, My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living. I love his designs, especially to give as gifts…but hadn’t seen the new, mod butter dish in the shape of whale. It was like we were meant to be together. And when I saw the matching pitcher on his web site (Do I need another pitcher? Who cares!), I knew we were all three meant to be together. Of course, the butter dish couldn’t be used for everyday. And I don’t really serve bread at meals that often, but it doesn’t matter because it will look great in my china cabinet. Or yours, ne serait-il pas?