misosouper, a shopping blog

Unadorned, but not unadored:  simple, swooping hoops that will become part of your mama’s daily wardrobe.  Their price is right, too.

Topping the list of my all-time favorite shops is the inimitable UncommonGoods.  For me, shopping at UG is like pushing my cart through Target:  it’s impossible to make it out without dropping $200 and buying gifts for people whom I don’t even like.  Which is why I’m cartwheeling to bring you this week’s amazing giveaway–ZOMG shhh I’m trying to make it to the end of this post without ruining the surprise but holy hell I’m giving away a set of Illusion Wine Glasses–which is completely deserving of all hyperbole.

I have spent 14.3 hours of my life going through the UncommonGoods site, attempting to narrow my favorite items down to a compact list of 12.  In case you want to see the more ginormous list (or want to buy me something), check out the official misosouper registry here.

1.  Glass Cane–am I the only one who thinks Hugh Laurie should use this to whoop some minion ass?; 2.  Apple Bird Feeder–because birds think goldens are delicious too; 3.  Airplane Window–can you imagine the party photos you could take with this thing?; 4.  Half and A Calf Creamer–the literal meets the visual; 5.  3-D Anatomical Animal Puzzles–maybe it’s because I don’t eat horse (as opposed to cow and pig), but the equine seems to be the least disgusting, most fascinating puzzle of the three; 6.  Phillips Head Screw Earrings–say screw you from both earlobes; 7. Custom Record Bowl–turn Ziggy Stardust into a coffee table bowl that will, well, collect dust; 8. Set of 26 Natural History Glasses–brush up on your Akouchis and Jerboas while drinking your morning juice; 9.  Horizon Sand Art–a mesmerizing reminder of beachy days; 10.  Harmony Candle Snuffer–a wedding present for couple whose flame you hope never snuffs out; 11.  Glass Radiometer Spheres–a whirling, twirling antiquated wonder; 12.  Wine Cork Pets–commemorate a lovely bottle with a lovely friend.

But now for the showstopper:  visit the Uncommon Goods website and post a comment here on your favorite product, and you’ll be entered to win a set of four Illusion Wine Glasses.  But please read the fine print!  Multiple entries will not be accepted, and the winner pays all shipping costs.  Good luck!

the fine print:

Comments will be closed and entries will not be accepted after 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, April 19, 2009. The winner will be selected at random on Monday, April 20, 2009, and notified by e-mail. Results of the giveaway will be announced on Monday, April 20, 2009. Misosouper, a shopping blog reserves the right to disqualify entries that are incomplete, inaccurate, or considered spam.  Multiple entries will be deleted.  Winner agrees to pay all shipping costs via PayPal, which will be determined and agreed upon based on zip code and shipping method.  If winner does not respond within 24 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen and notified.

If a woman wears black pearls, then I usually love her style.  Black pearl girls are usually dramatic dressers, who know tradition but willingly subvert it.  Their clothes usually have an air of the Victorian, the Goth; and it follows that they have a scarab or a snake somewhere on their person.  They like heels, but cagey, tottering ones; and jeans, but tight, dark ones.  They’re not afraid to mix metals, wearing gold, silver, and even brass and pewter jangling together as one.  Their hair is ridiculously long, or ridiculously short.

These black pearl studs are a good place to start.  They are dark, but iridescently so, and can appear violet, indigo, or even deep peacock green in the right light.  If diamonds aren’t her thing (and dudes, take note:  fewer women like diamonds than you think), we’d like to help you out:  score a pair of 7-8mm freshwater black pearl earrings from the lovely Museum Way Pearls by leaving a comment on this post, explaining whether you (or your beloved) are a black pearl girl or a white pearl girl, and why.  One lucky winner will be selected at random.

the fine print:

Comments will be closed and entries will not be accepted after 11:59 pm EST on Saturday, January 31, 2009.  The winner will be selected on Sunday, February 2, 2009, and notified by e-mail.  Results of the giveaway will be announced on Monday, February 3, 2009.  Multiple entries will not be accepted, and previous giveaway winners are not eligible.  Misosouper, a shopping blog reserves the right to disqualify entries that are incomplete, inaccurate, or considered spam.

If a thematic mantra unites the gifts in the ‘08 Wishful List, it’s this:  smaller is indeed better.  Not necessarily in scale–as you’ll see, I have a particular affection for objects that are usually small, but have been writ large–but in scope, and certainly in price. Today we begin with gifts chosen for their utility; as all good devolutions go, we’ll end the week in a heap of frivolity.

For my family and friends: you’re probably getting something from this list.  Sorry, and you’re welcome.

Bringing beer to the party?  You could just dump out the swill and fill the cans with flowers instead.  I’m sure someone will be taken by your gesture and share theirs.

As a social smoker (only when I drank, and only one!) who was shoved onto the brutal, bitter NYC sidewalks in the great Bloombergian smokeout of ‘03, I empathize.  Use these to keep your favorite smoker’s hands warm.

Oil is on one side, vinegar is on the other.  Separate spouts guarantee that ne’er the twain will meet, except on your salad.  Bonus points for looking gorgeous on the table.

A spilt bottle of water is the cause of many purse moatings.  Friends don’t let friends be that wet, soggy girl.

This skullcap with built-in headphones is just one step away from the ultimate in wireless, which is having the speakers implanted directly in your brain.  Maybe next Christmas.

As a design object, jiggers are usually ugly; this sleek aluminum cube proves they don’t have to be.

The possibilities are endless for this little bag made out of steel (literally!  the thread is coated with it):  toys, shoes, produce, small dogs…

Ladybuds, which are perfect for keeping your earplugs in while you rock your body at concerts, are not to be confused with ladybugs or ladylumps, neither of which would make good gifts.

This luggage tag makes me laugh.  Give one to your travel partner, and make them laugh too.

Best line ever:  “Your wife is so hot–is she a stay-at-home?”  Perfect for the party planning committee.

Yes, these gloves do have a bit of street urchin about them; but for professorial friends who toil in dank library basements, they may not stave off boredom, but they will prevent frostbite.

For those of us who don’t have a bike, a shoulder-strapped version of the iconic Carrie shopping basket.

They say lazy, I say efficient; hook this spoon’s notched edge onto a pot to preserve your counters from caked-on food.

Actually a great travel gift:  use this device to turn off annoying TVs around the globe, from bars in Kenosha to the airport in Bangor.

Sculptural and affordable, unlike so many other modern clocks on the market.  For a very tall wall.

Tomorrow:  gifts suited for a houseful of your favorite people.