Week In An Instant

Clockwise, Left To Right:

1. I am helping a friend decorate the inside of a shop she is opening in West Asheville. She and her crew have been working hard, and this is the floor sanded down, completely empty, waiting for occupancy so we can begin the fun part--bringing in lots of beautiful products and furniture! I'll share more on the venture soon, I promise!

2. This week hasn't been too interesting, but rather very busy with not a lot of time to cook. Lucky for us, Standard Pizza is just around the corner, and I've always really admired their brown and white striped awning. Have you been there? Where's your favorite pizza place in Asheville?

3. Here are happy Buddha statues again. I loved the photo I took for this week's ten picks so much that I decided to put it on Instagram as well. Still in love with them!

4. I found this dollar bill on the sidewalk and kind of fell in love with whomever decided George needed a shot of color. I like his neon profile much better now!

5. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of this flower. If any of you readers do, please remind me! I was really taken with them, and they are growing outside of the shop I'm helping decorate. I also love the bee that planted itself perfectly in a bloom for the photo.

Pretty uneventful week, I must say. Stopping to enjoy an awning, a friend's labor of love, or to appreciate blooming flowers remind me to enjoy the small pleasantries, however. Do stay tuned though. There's a big secret I've been dying to share with you, and all will be revealed soon!!

T's Ten, Week of 8/26/12

1. I'm really in love with these guys. Made from camphor wood, each Buddha statue seems to radiate positive energy. Every home needs a little of that, right? I love that they're a smaller size...I"m a sucker for anything small. Because they are wood carved, they have a lovely delicacy about them. Dealer #444, Camphor Wood Buddhas, $95 ea.

 2. Why hello there really comfortable leather chair. Seriously, this chair and its matching partner are so comfortable. I've been lounging in them all weekend long. Kidding..but really, so comfortable. I also love the small nail heads throughout, juxtaposed with the larger ones at the base. They would be so awesome in a library. Dealer #150-C, Pair of Red Leather Chairs, $1,600.

 3. I wish this photo would do better justice for this large photograph. It's of a swim team from Hanley High School in Stoke-On-Trent taken June 1930. How amazing, right? I love taking a closer peek at each face and imagining a bit about their lives. I also think this kind of framed photograph adds an eclectic touch of sophistication to any room--wouldn't it be fun in a bachelor's restroom? Dealer #44, Framed Swim Team Photo, $295.

 4. This dental cabinet is AMAZING. Truly! Don't quote me on this but it's likely late 1800s/early 1900s and each drawer contains an enamel white metal tray perfect for your dental supplies...or in my case, my jewelry. I love that such a beautiful example of craftmanship provided functionality as well. It's also harder and harder to find unique medical cabinets like this one. It's definitely a conversation piece! Dealer #133, Dental Cabinet, $1895.

 5. I'm loving this industrial foundry piece as wall art. The dealer has several other options, but this one is my favorite because it reminds me of flowers. I think this would complement our living room's gallery wall really well, or any gallery wall for that matter. I really like adding contrast and different textures to my walls and this one is really working for me. Dealer #02, Foundry Part, $70.

 6. This vintage iron table has a great graphic quality about it and reminds me a bit of Regency-style latticework. But what makes this table particularly unique is that the metal frame is made from WWII scrap metal! This would make a great side table in a family room and I really like that it visually doesn't take up much room since it has a glass top that you can see through. Dealer #FF, Iron Table, $425.

 7. One of the parts I love about working at Oddfellows are the history lessons I receive on a regular basis, whether it means I'm learning more about a particular item or brushing up on some vocabulary. Because my background is in Art History, I very briefly navigated my way through the Decorative Arts. In hindsight, I would have loved to delve deeper into that, but instead, I've continued my education at Oddfellows navigating my way through learning about credenzas, buffets, sideboards, and the like. Until the other day, when Tom asked me to snap a picture of the pub settle. The whaaa? Yep, this is a pub settle. Or in Tarleton's terms, the "big, highback bench thing." I have a way with words. Pub settles are benches primarily found in...pubs! This one is a new favorite for me, mostly because I appreciate learning something new but also beacuse I love the diamond patterned fabric. It would go wonderfully with a dining table, don't you think? Dealer #44, Pub Settle, $425.

 8. I absolutely love this carved bookcase. It's nice because it could stand freely on its own, but would work just as well on a wall displaying books and tchotkes. I'm always wanting Ethan to hang shelves (his least favorite activity), but this bookcase would be easy enough! Dealer #03, Carved Bookcase, $165.

 9. Right now I've got my eye on this banner shaped mirror. Isn't it cute? I love the possibility of using a dry erase marker to write messages on it on special occasions like "Dear Ethan, Buy this for Tarleton. Her birthday is coming up!" or something like that. Dealer #722, Banner Mirror, $189.

 

10. This lamp is really lovely. It's a vintage Italian Murano Glass lamp with an alabaster marble base, and it is begging me to take it home with me today. I love that the glass reflects a warm pink and gold color throughout. I think it would be fun in a little girl's room or powder room for sure. Dealer #076, Murano Glass Lamp, $168. 

Week In An Instant

Clockwise, Left to Right:

1. Ethan and I had a rare opportunity happen upon us: brunch on a Sunday! We ended up going to TAP-The Asheville Public near the River Arts District and it hit the spot. It was my second time going, and I'm always taken with their vintage/shabby chic choice of decor.

2. If I were in a band, this would be my debut album cover. My in-laws were in for a quick visit and passed their record collection on to the next generation. We've had a lot of fun digging through their collection this week.

3. On Tuesday we went to the West Asheville Tailgate Market for supper. The "Mountain Masala Supper" was prepared and cooked almost entirely on site by Meherwan Irani, the chef and owner of Chai Pani downtown. Chai Pani is arguably my favorite restaurant in Asheville and whenever friends or family visit, I always make sure to include it in our list of places to visit. Meherwan shopped a few weeks prior to the supper to get an idea of what the menu would be, using all ingredients bought directly in season from the market. The meal was amazing and my favorite dishes were the eggplant fritters and okra bruschetta. Our friend Natalie is the market manager and I have to say, she has done a wonderful job with the market...She has a new venture in the works that I've been helping her with. More on that soon! In the meantime, check out the West Asheville Tailgate Market website here.

4. Last night we tried our hand at cooking a new dish-sweet potato and black bean tacos with red cabbage slaw. I was inspired by a girl I follow on instagram, after she posted a photo of her results. It will definitely be a mainstay in our household now. Super easy and tons of flavor!

5. I found this candy dispenser overturned on its side in an alleyway near our house. I liked the composition of it on its side with the graffiti in the background. Strange occurrence turned into art!

6. After our brunch Sunday, Ethan and I decided to take a mini road trip. We somehow ended up on a country road between Tryon and Saluda and happened upon this awesome motel sign. Wouldn't this be fun in your house?!?

Week In An Instant

Clockwise from top left:

1. This is a shot of the warehouse from this morning. The weather today is fantastic, in terms of being in a large warehouse with no central heat or air. I love sunshine, but I am really appreciating the overcast day so far. Overall, the week has felt a lot like autumn, my favorite season, and I've been spending my afternoons after working in the shop riding my bike around my neighborhood.

2. This is a picture of my dad, taken when he was 32. I keep this photo on a ledge in our kitchen.An odd place, I know, but in the photo he is in my parent's kitchen in their first apartment. On a personal note, my dad lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last October.  My family and friends are doing the Purplestride walk in Charlotte on September 22 (my birthday!) this year in his memory, as we continue to celebrate his life. I have yet to reach my personal fundraising goal, so if you have a minute and would like to donate, check out this link: Tarleton's PurpleStride Fundraising Page. Every little bit helps!

3. This Brutalist-style floral sculpture is amazing. One of our mid-century dealers brought it in last week, and ever since I've been imagining where it should go in our house. I'm thinking near a certain steer skull I've recently acquired?

4. I took this shot of our cats. All three of us were waiting for Ethan to come home. I like how my living room looks with this lighting, but even more I love the teak bowl from Oddfellows on our table. I've been trying to convince the cats that they should curl up in it to no avail.

5. Ahhhhh. Why is this chair so amazing!?!? There are two of them in the shop right now, and while the tomato red color calls out to me, I also love that they swivel and rock. The upholstery is really beautiful, too. Unfortunately the cats would assume that I had bought them two very expensive scratching posts if I brought them home!

6. I realize this week's instant picks are slightly pet centric, but look at this! This is my friend Rachel's cat Suki trying to get along with my friend Natalie's pup Talent. They are roommates and still feeling each other out.

T's Ten, Week of 8/12/12

Allow me to indulge you with a little secret: I am a huge nerd. Despite not having been in school for 6 years now, I still get really excited for back to school shopping. Starting at a very young age, I have LOVED anything related to school. When we would shop for crayons, pencils, paper, binders, etc. I would immediately return home so that I could line everything up to show my dad, and then begin writing my name on everything...at least two months before school was scheduled to begin.

 Maybe it's because my mom, now an elementary school principal, used to let me play pretend in her classroom growing up. I loved her notebooks, the chalkboards, report cards, everything. It could be because when playing pretend with my little sister, I really enjoyed  bossing her around our "classroom" (I even once trapped her in a locker at the high school my mom was teaching at when we were little...oops!). And even though I'm not at all going back to school this year, I am still shopping the aisles at Target for a new planner or notebook. So, if you will indulge me for a bit, this week's ten choices are inspired entirely by back to school shopping nostalgia.

1. These stackable English school desks are a big favorite of mine. I love the wooden tops juxtaposed with the metal frames. They are the perfect height for kids, and I think they would make lovely art project tables. They would also make a lovely alternative to an outdoor table, perfect for displaying potted plants. Dealer #44, British School Desks, $125 ea.

2. Although science was not always my favorite subject in school, as an adult I really love when things like test tubes, beakers, and even Periodic Table charts show up in the shop. This test tube set is super cute, and reminds me of high school chemistry with Mr. Turner. These would make a great alternative to a bud vase, or an updated version of a flower frog. Dealer #NYA, Set of Test Tubes, $45.

3. School charts are a weak spot for me. The second thing I ever bought from Oddfellows was a German school chart and I think I'll always hold onto it for nostalgic reasons, but also because they provide an interesting graphic quality to any room. They are an obvious choice for a child's room or playroom, but I really appreciate when they crop up in an unexpected place like the dining room. This set has been on my mind ever since the dealer brought it in. I love the tattered edges of each map, which provides a little bit of sophistication in the rough. Dealer #02, School Maps, $95.

4. This little microscope is so cute. I didn't realize just how cute until I noticed the wooden box it comes with. I think it would make a lovely bookend on a shelf, or displayed along with other unusual knick knacks. Dealer #03, Vintage Microscope, $48.

5. These British school chairs are really sweet. I love that each one is slightly different and the simplicity of the wood frames is quite nice. I may need to snatch one up for our mid-century secretary! Dealer #44, British School Chairs, $45 each, 8 available.

6. You guys know I love items that can keep me organized, and these letter and folder files are perfect for that. You can keep homework folders, notebooks, memos, and the like organized in one place during the school year so that nothing gets misplaced or forgotten. Dealer #123, Industrial Filing Systems, $16-24.

7. This industrial coat rack is one of my favorite things in the shop right now. I love the tomato red color, of course, but I also love it because it reminds me of the coat racks that used to hang above our cubbies in elementary school. It would be so fun hanging in a playroom, or even used in an entryway for a fun pop of color. Dealer #03, Industrial Coat Rack, $225.

 8. Talk about school related. This is a German elementary textbook. It's fun to browse through the pictures, and remind myself of the year I spent in college learning my ABC's and eins, zwei, drei's! Dealer #83, Vintage German Textbook, $12.

 9. These British school bells are so charming, but boy are they loud! You could use them as decorative objects, but wouldn't it be more fun corralling your children inside for homework with them instead? Dealer #03, British School Bells, $85 and $95 ea.

10. An obvious choice, my school related picks wouldn't be the same without some cool lockers thrown in the mix. This one, and its matching pair, are fresh to the shop as of today, and I'm really loving them. I love the amount of clothing I could toss in these guys without Ethan's knowledge. And they would be great in a mudroom, or really anywhere. Dealer #02, Blue Locker Set, $225.

Wish Listed-Book Edition

Do you like making lists? I'm an avid list maker, and I have a special notebook where I jot down books, music, and films to check out, in addition to my regular "to do" list for the week. I also really enjoy crossing off items on my list as I am able to check them out. Although I always have a novel by my bedside, a few years ago I also began collecting design books. Design books are a feast for the eyes, truly. I love the beautiful photography and I really enjoy gathering new ideas and inspiration to apply in my own home or even at the shop. Filling your home with books also creates a sense of warmth, at least for me. When I visit friends and family at their houses, I'm always curious to see what they are reading or have on their shelves, and books are always a topic I can spend hours talking about.

That said, my wish list of design books is getting out of hand in a major way, so I'm going to have to cross some off the list soon. I thought I would share what I'm craving with you. Do you have any of these or are there other books not on my radar worth checking out? Let me know!

I'm sad to report that I don't own a single David Hicks book, and my collection is truly lacking without them. The first six books, to be exact. Not only are they a testament to the importance of David Hicks and his contributions to decor and design, but the graphic design admirer in me also enjoys the covers. When I say feast for the eyes, this is what I mean.

Interiors showcases photographer Martyn Thompson's collection of photographs taken in the homes of famous figures like Calvin Klein and Anna Sui. I was drawn to this book because of the effortless look on the cover and after a recent trip to Anthropologie, where I was able to browse through it briefly, I was really taken with how intimately Thompson has captured the homes featured in this book.

Even if this book was about the chemical bonds formed between atoms, I would probably still buy it. I'm totally drawn to its vibrant color, not to mention its fantastic subject matter. Living In A Modern Way: California Design 1930-1965 accompanies an exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and since I'm probably not visiting L.A. anytime soon, I will gladly grab a copy of this book instead. Although it details aspects of mid-century design that are characteristic to California, it is a great source for anyone who can appreciate examples of beautiful ceramics, furniture, jewelry, architecture, etc. that were created during the MCM boom. Just talking about it reminds me I need to go ahead and place an order!

I've been coveting this book for ages. If there is one aspect of design that 100% makes me weak in the knees, it's textile design and Sonia Delaunay made a huge impact with her art and textiles. Color Moves spans the length of Delaunay's career, from her time in Paris to Amsterdam and back again. Her choice of color and shape provide some of the best examples of what makes a pattern truly great.

 

The title of this book says it all. A Perfectly Kept House Is The Sign Of A Misspent Life by Mary Randolph Carter is a breath of fresh air. The book explores the beauty in an unkempt house, and how life's little imperfections collide into a warm and passionate living space. And let's face it...as much as we would all love to have a maid to keep our homes looking like the pages of a design magazine, that just isn't life. And anyway, it further justifies the stack of laundry piled up on my dining table right now.

Quiet Living: Unique Country Interiors  is a recent addition to my book wish list. This book explores the interiors of several country estates throughout Europe and looks absolutely charming. Although my home right now is more mid-century than country, I have always admired the simplicity of country homes and even the lifestyle that often comes with it. In another life, or maybe when I turn 40, I will have my own homestead with lots of chickens, lambs, and llamas running about. 

Be sure to check out these books, and remember to let me know in the comment section below if I should add others to my list!

Oddfellows At Home

I love when loyal customers are willing to share photos of their homes with us so we can see where the items in the shop end up. That's why I'm particularly excited about this edition. Carol and Connie have been shopping with us for a while now, and I always enjoy catching up with them when they visit Oddfellows. A few months back, I was lucky enough to deliver a piece of furniture to their home in West Asheville, and I was blown away with how they had decorated their home. I knew right away that I wanted to share their home with our readers and proceeded to beg and plead with them to share pictures! What I love so much about their home is how effortless each item and accessory appears, and yet you can tell a lot of love and thought has been put into their choices. It goes to show that if you fill your home with things you love, the rest will fall into place. Take a look at the photos below and let us know your thoughts. A job well done, Carol and Connie!

This is a shot of Carol and Connie's dining room. They paired a reclaimed pine table from Oddfellows with a beautiful chandelier and sophisticated dining chairs for an overall modern finish, despite the rustic element of the pine table. I love mixing styles, and this is a great example of what happens when you do.

This is a close up of the reclaimed table, complete with small antlers. We all know I love and appreciate antlers anywhere, but I really appreciate the simplicity of this set in the middle of their table juxtaposed with the heavier, French style candlelabra.

This gallery wall is across from the dining table and chairs, and helps anchor the room in a nice way and also showcases Carol and Connie's taste for the eclectic. I love that they have added a few architectural elements to the wall as well, which helps add contrast and texture to the wall.

Here's another shot of the wall, featuring the signal box sign they bought from Oddfellows.

This shelving console, imported from India, also came from Oddfellows and rests just below the gallery wall, and helps tie the entire look together nicely for an old world meets French meets rustic vibe. Job well done, I say.

Connie and Carol's most recent purchase was this sweet little writing desk that has been placed in their entryway to catch keys, odds and ends, and even showcases the celery vase they bought from...Oddfellows!

Ladies thank you again for allowing our readers a quick peek into your home. I'll see you at the shop or in the hood!!

Interested in sharing your recent Oddfellows purchase on our blog? Email me at oddfellowsavl@gmail.com with photographs of your decorating skills at work!

Week In An Instant

Clockwise from top left:

1. For our anniversary Monday, Ethan and I spent the day enjoying the spa at the Grove Park Inn. A sweet friend of ours gave us day passes, and we spent a long time relaxing. It actually took a while for my mind to turn off and enjoy the mineral pools, sauna, and waterfall massages, but once I was able to settle in and appreciate my surroundings, I felt truly rejuvenated. I highly recommend visiting the spa, as well as exploring the Grove Park inside and out. It was my first visit and I can't wait to go back...Plus, I have to say, seeing the original hotel grounds up close and personal was really awesome. I love the texture of the building and the roof reminds me of the Spanish Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi!

2. This steer skull from Oddfellows is now calling my dining room wall its new home. Who needs diamonds, chocolates, or flowers on an anniversary?!? Not me. Steer skulls are this girl's best friend.

3. I'm not the most graceful person in the world, but despite my clumsiness I've never had a broken bone. Ethan had not had one either, until this past Wednesday so we didn't really know what we were in for! He jammed it swimming near Warren Wilson College and while I truly, truly love taking care of him...I'm ready for the four weeks of recovery to speed along.

4. I know I posted this chair in this week's T's Ten but they've been on my mind ever since. You really need to see them in all of their glory at the shop. I have a feeling they will go quickly!

5. I don't often talk about what an amazing group of friends I've had the pleasure of knowing since moving to Asheville in 2009, but this girl is one of them. Rachel is amazing for so many reasons I can't begin to describe, but also because I convinced her to wear this vintage jumpsuit for awhile around my house the other day. Incidentally, she looks amazing in it! Also not a coincidence, two of my other great friends are the proud owners of their own vintage jumpsuits, courtesy of my closet (Hi Carol & Erin!).

6. This is Tozer, my first pet ever. I rescued him eight years ago when I was living in Atlanta and attending Oglethorpe University. Ethan calls him my sidekick, and here I've caught him sticking his tongue out...which is one of the best cat tricks ever.

T's Ten, Week of 8/5/12

This week's ten picks are brought to you by the word LOVE! Not only because I love all of the things I'm featuring today, but also because tomorrow is my wedding anniversary. That's right, Ethan and I have made it one year as a married couple (and still going strong after 5 years total). Allow me to indulge you with a photo as evidence:

I thought about including a wedding photo, but let's face it: this photo perfectly captures who we are as a couple. We always have fun together, we're always a little silly, and we love each other a bunch! Plus if not for Ethan's patience and tolerance, I would not be the proud owner of a mounted duck head, a German school chart with the anatomy of a lobster, or a plastic deer that lights up that I've had since high school (yes, the other items came from Oddfellows). So here's to Ethan, for many, many reasons, but above all else because he continues to love me despite my ever-changing plethora of weird housewares.

And now for this week's ten stunners!

 1. These English oak doors are incredible. They date between 1910-20 and have a wonderful Gothic quality about them. But the reason I was first drawn to them was because of their great shape-I love how narrow and tall they are. They are massive, but because of their shape don't feel very overbearing, which I really appreciate. Plus the carved panels are just exquisite. Dealer #44, Pair of Oak Doors, $695.

 2. I'm utterly smitten with this chair and its matching partner. They are wrought iron with a fantastic, aged patina and the fan backs add an element of drama to them, don't you think? I think these would be fun indoors or out and if I had a fancy veranda, these guys would be coming home with me. Even better, they are a great steal, price wise. Dealer #44, Fan Back Wrought Iron Chair, $125 ea (2 available).

3. This industrial lamp is a new favorite of mine, so much so that I decided it belonged on our front counter! I love the fact that the lamp is adjustable and can swivel around, and the tiny cut out holes allow for a nice twinkling effect, which reminds me of cutting the tops of mason jars to collect lightening bugs. Anything that reminds me of summertime as a kid is going to tempt me! Dealer #AE1, Industrial Light, $195.

 

4. I may have featured this previously, and if so I don't regret it. It's so good that it deserves to be posted over and over again. I can't tell you enough how wonderful pub signs, and signage in general, is for any room. I think they add a wonderful element of graphic design and provide an eclectic touch without overwhelming a space. I particularly love this one because it's summertime, it's hot, and we're all dreaming of being back at the beach. Do you remember the big anchor I posted a few weeks back? Well, if that guy isn't quite for you, then certainly this anchor will be! Dealer #44, Pub Sign, $195.

 5. Another dark, secret side of me some of you might not be aware of is my love of vintage clothing and accessories. Dark, because I keep a stash of vintage clothing in the back of my closet and secret, mostly so that Ethan won't see all of my hidden treasures and make me give them away. So you can rest assured knowing these vintage skirts pull at my heartstrings. They range in price, size, and age but I love them all. Anything that's being produced these days fashion-wise doesn't compare for me. Dealer #83, Rack of Vintage Skirts, $15-35.

 

6. Every time I walk past this lot of old tools, they tug at my heart a little bit. One of my earliest memories is spending time in my dad's workshop with him, and I was always fascinated with his assortment of woodworking tools and other odds and ends. Although my dad lost his battle with cancer in October, he is still very present in my life and pops up at unexpected times. I love that with these tools, he shows up at work. If I think long and hard about it, my love of design and furniture really comes from him, and all of those afternoons we spent in his workshop. Dealer #03, Old Tools, Ranging in price from $14-30.

 

7. This pitch pine wardrobe is amazing, don't you think? I love everything about it. I love its height, the faux bamboo details, even the finials at the very top. I also love that it can hide away coats and accessories in a very sophisticated way! Dealer #44, Pitch Pine Wardrobe, $ 695.

8. Sigh. Big, big sigh. I am absolutely in love with this wood slab end table. I'm a big fan of bringing the outdoors inside, and this table does the trick in a sleek, modern way without turning your space into a lumberjack's haven (not that that's exactly a bad thing!). Words can't describe the rest of how I feel about this table, other than I NEED it in my life. Dealer #123, Wood Slab End Table, $225.

 9. Do you know what would look lovely paired with the wood slab end table? This chair!. There are actually four of them total, and the dealer tells me that they date to the 1940s and feature a wooden telescope frame with new canvas seating. I'm telling you, they are beautiful in person and actually quite cozy. I would use them in our dining room or in an enclosed porch with a cowhide rug, flanked by a wood slab table I know of... Dealer #FF, Director's Chairs, $125 ea (Four Available).

10. Last but not least, this show stopping glass and lucite base coffee table is amazing. Lucite is really popular with our customers, and this table really captures the eye. I love that despite its large square size, it doesn't feel like it takes up a lot of room because of its translucence. The cascading lucite base is mesmerizing...I really can't take my eyes off it! Dealer #133, Lucite and Glass Table, $795.

And now, a word from our sponsors:

Week In An Instant

This week's photographs, clockwise from left to right:

1. This shot was taken at the WNC Farmer's Market on Brevard Road. My mom was in town visiting from Virginia, and she loves to check out the market while she's here. I loved seeing all of the beautiful fruits and vegetables. We were able to grab a week's worth of produce for under $20!

2. One of our dealers at the shop brought in this cool Polaroid camera in the shop earlier in the week. I just love how this turned out, when I put the camera on a kilim rug also available at the shop.

3. This shot was taken near the cow pasture at Warren Wilson College. I have been spending a lot of afternoons at the swimming holes near campus with Ethan. It's a great way to cool off and spend some time surrounded by our beautiful mountains.

4. By far the hit of the week, this cocktail special at WALK (West Asheville Lounge & Kitchen) actually has a fresh, homemade berry popsicle in it. So refreshing after a hot day in the warehouse!

5. I picked up some new cactus plants this week to keep our owl company. I got this concrete owl from Oddfellows (duh!) and it remains one of my favorite items ever.