urban outfitters...

While in Boston I stopped into Urban Outfitters to buy more limited run Lego character packs (I'm desperate for the figure skater). I always have fun perusing their novelty wares and accessories.
The buyers at UO are apparently having a "moustache" moment:






Always a fan of bacon gifts and paraphernalia and I know a few other peeps that would like this too...(ahem, #smbfw - you know who you are).




I always find cute bags but the lack of quality deters me from buying.  I just know the faux leather won't wear well...but these are cute none the less!  I quite enjoy the nylon backpack...




The housewares aren't as great as UO's sister store, Anthropologie, but I did find a few must haves...






The leopard turban (an urban turban!) and the infinity scarves were screaming my name...




You can always count on a few UO items emblazoned with "blue" language...

ab fab...

High Fashion +
Sex/Drugs/Rock & Roll +
dry British humor =
Absolutely Fabulous

I don't really feel the need to write much more.  Ab Fab is one of the funniest shows of all time and just happens to be incredibly stylish to boot!  Edina and Patsy are so over the top I can't help but love them dearly.
I know December is a long way away but if anyone is looking for prezzie ideas por moi I'm desperate to own the DVD set Absolutely Fabulous: Absolutely Everything. 

I'll send you a very nice, bottle of Stoli in return, darling...

Father's Day 2011...bacon edition!

We always need cool picks for Dad and NWS loves a good theme gift.  Nothing says "MAN" more than meat (we assume since the cave days) but instead of the standard grilling gifts we're taking it a step further - with some humor (and horror in some cases) to boot.  For Father's Day this year we're assembling a gift basket centered around...BACON!  Our apologies to the vegetarians...



The bacon flavored toothpaste gets our prize for most HORRIFIC invention ever while Vosges Haut Chocolat's Mo's Bacon Bar gets our prize for the BEST chocolate bar we've ever had the privilege to taste!!!  Check out all of Vosges Haut Chocolat's Father's Day gift ideas...all are deeelish...and bacon-y!

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Happy Father's Day to all the men, past and present, straight or gay,

who exemplify what it is to be a great father: supportive, loving and involved.

Friday's Five Favorites...charity websites!

NWS strives to be as philanthropic as possible...but we could always do more and we try to remind ourselves how lucky we are on a daily basis.  The below organizations make giving more interactive and thus a part of your life...

Small Can Be Big - This organization gives donors "a more direct, more personal, more local and more shared way to help those in need."  SCBB is Boston based but we're hoping more like minded charities pop up for communities around the globe.  To know 100% of your donation is directly and immediately impacting a struggling family is so gratifying!

Donors Choose - This site connects donors to classrooms across the country in need of funding for school projects.  We all know our nation's schools are in dire need of more support and money and Donors Choose lets you see how your money will impact and shape the student's learning experience.  You'll receive updates on the progress of said project and other various correspondence from the teacher and classroom.

Drop in the Bucket - We first heard of Drop in the Bucket from a close friend who helped to found this organization.  She traveled to Uganda to help build the first few water wells and to shoot video footage to share the story with others.  What she saw was life changing...the fulfillment of one of the most basic needs for sustaining human life for a region used to going without.  Drop in the Bucket is involved in all aspects of funding and building of the wells and have completed an astounding number of projects thus far...but with much work yet to do!

Kiva - Rather than a donation per se, Kiva asks for loans to help fund entrepreneurs around the globe, what they call microfinance.  The borrowers pay the money back to you once their business has been sustained.  This is giving at its finest as it encourages personal and professional growth and helps individuals provide for themselves long term.  Once the original loan has been returned to you, roll it into a new loan for a new borrower and so on...

VDay - Inspired by the stories shared via the Vagina Monologues, Eve Ensler founded VDay, a "global movement to end violence against women and girls."  The website quotes an alarming UN statistic: "one of every three women on the planet will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime."  Through VDay there are multiple ways to help women and girls across the globe fight against rape, violence and genital mutilation.  Give money, participate in an event or help to organize a local performance of The Vagina Monologues, "the proceeds of which are invested in local anti-violence activities."

mother's day...

Who's better than a mother?  They give life, kiss ouchies, read bedtime stories, nurture and encourage...and they happen to love homemade gifts (or so they say).  Some of our favorite picks for Mum below:


A digital picture frame for their desk or kitchen loaded with all her greatest memories (of you, natch)...


Is she into gardening?  Assemble tools and supplies and package it all in a cheerful pot...


Everyone loves jewelry, especially when the piece has a personal touch...


Or, instead of a physical gift offer to run some errands for her, make her (or take her to) a great brunch, book a massage for her.  Get creative and paint her a lovely picture just like you did in kindergarten or write her a song or poem...Mom's love that shit...

Happy (pre) Mother's Day to all the amazing ladies who helped to mold us into the fabulous women we are!!!