misosouper, a shopping blog

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.

My mom, a interior designer and antique dealer, has always sworn by Ballard Designs.  Not so much to furnish your whole home–can you imagine a room filled with those godforsaken beskirted tables?–but for accent pieces and furniture that are useful, attractive, and pretty reasonably priced (one of my friends joked that BD was the place to go in Atlanta when you wanted a white couch, which BD sold in 87 different versions).  Then dearly departed Domino Magazine got in on the act, styling some rooms for the BD catalog.  But because I spent a large portion of my early life repudiating anything my mother liked, I never paid attention to poor Ballard Designs.  My loss, because they’re selling some really good stuff.

1.  Porta Luggage Rack–I hate unpacking, but I also hate rifling through a jumbled suitcase on the floor, so this is my perfect solution; 2.  Palm Leaf and Fern Needlepoint Pillows–hand-sewn, for $85; 3.  Marianna Glass Chandelier–Braveheart meets bistro; 4.  Malu Seagrass Square Boxes; 5.  Leather-bound Monogrammed Dictionary–Merriam-Webster in sorbet colors, with your name on it; 6.  Medallion Panel–thick, graphic, cheap; 7.  Horn Mirror–yes, I’m aware of its original provenance, but at this price you can paint it royal blue; 8.  Grovesnor Queen Headboard; 9.  Courbé Storage Ottoman–imagine the possibilities for hide-and-seek; 10.  Burlap Ribbon; 11.  the popular Brady Adjustable Sconce–slide the light and bolt as needed; 12.  Wire Ferris Wheel–just look at it!

This milky glass tray is largely responsible for teaching my daughter her letters; imagine what it could do for you.

My obsession with non-metal right-hand rings is long-standing.  I have several pieces from Alice over at the lovely Carrotbox, but I’m always adding to my collection, given that I have five greedy fingers that need decorating.  Enter Gala Glass’s Murano glass ring collection:  all of the styles are quite metallic-y, which I like; they’re relatively inexpensive, which I love; and they’re all handmade, which I adore, because my ring stands alone as an objet d’art completely different from yours.  Plus, Gala has been blowing glass in its family studio for over 50 years; who are we to argue with tradition?

{And while you’re poking around Gala’s extensive site, don’t miss the wine bottle stoppers, which are great for housewarming events or your exhausted (and by that, I mean drunken) mommy friends.  And in the grand tradition of “one for you, one for me,” one of these geometric bracelets would nicely square off your spring floral prints.}

This week, we’re giving away the Classic ring of your choice; simply leave a comment on this post, describing why your fingers need this ring, in ten words or less.  For extra entries, you can:  post about the giveaway on your own website; subscribe to my feed; and/or tweet a link to this post, using @misosouper in your tweet.  For each of these options, please leave a separate comment on this post with a link for verification.  One winner will be chosen at random.

the fine print:

Comments will be closed and entries will not be accepted after 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, March 1, 2009. The winner will be selected on Monday, March 2, 2009, and notified by e-mail. Results of the giveaway will be announced on Monday, March 2, 2009.  Previous giveaway winners are not eligible to win.  Misosouper, a shopping blog reserves the right to disqualify entries that are incomplete, inaccurate, or considered spam.