Remember the toys you had back in the good ol’ days?  They were made of simple things like real stained wood, leather, felt, and magnets, much like the artisan toys you’ll find at Mahar Dry Goods.  We are continuously impressed with their children’s room décor, furniture and one-of-a-kind plush toys (see Oscar the Elephant) but we recommend keeping the Soapsicles away from the little ones unless you really want to confuse them.  Even though your two-year-old may not appreciate the art of fine vintage, at least you’ll have the chance to when her toys and clothes are spread across the house.   www.mahardrygoods.com  

Spring has officially arrived, and although it doesn’t feel like it everywhere, ‘tis the season for summer fashion debuts.  In this case, we’re not exactly talking about a couture line, but we are referencing ultimate warm weather comfort in The North Face’s Base Camp flip-flops.  They are impeccably comfortable, seemingly durable and will be perfect for that walk from the beach to the boat or even to take the dog around the block.  They come in men’s, women’s and kid’s sizes and several different colors.  Snag yours before all your friends beat you to it at www.nordstrom.com.

Kids, spouses or guests demanding dinner the second you get home?  Only a handful of ingredients in your fridge?  Never fear, cookthink.com is here.  Jump on their Web site, choose ingredients already in your possession, or whatever you’re craving, and the cookthink geniuses will find a recipe for you in a matter of seconds.  We input asparagus, quinoa, feta and chicken, and were met with instructions to make “Lemon Quinoa with Asparagus and Feta” almost instantly.  Pretty impressive!  If your first try isn’t as successful as ours, you can always ask the site for additional ideas.  Now, as our CEO says, we’ve just got to get them to offer beverage pairings… www.cookthink.com. 

As you may have already realized, the DRY concept and design were partially inspired by wine, similar the roots of our favorite glass wear company - Riedel of Austria.  On a recent trip to San Diego’s award-winning Addison restaurant, we were presented with incredible DRY mixed drinks poured from a breathtakingly beautiful Riedel Decanter.  The wineglass maker’s newest line of decanters, inspired by three different birds, provides the optimal way to oxygenate wine.  Handmade from leaded crystal, each decanter holds one bottle of wine.  Their “Paloma” is pictured above, but you can view all three at www.reidel.com. 

We appreciate the “Bright Common Spikes” exhibit because it seemed so simple at first, yet upon further investigation, we see John Bisbee’s pieces are the creation of a skilled welder and a brilliant mind.  Now being shown at the Portland Museum of Art in Maine, his pieces are made mostly of nails, brads and spikes.  His newest additions to the collection, which are referred to as “one-ton works,” (massive spheres, spiraling shapes and wall coverings) are much larger than his previous ventures. Find more information about Mr. Bisbee and his work at www.portlandmuseum.org.

Don’t be intimidated by the seven phases involved in making a nutritious You Bar – choose a base, a protein, nuts/seeds, fruit/berries, a sweetener, grains, and infusions, and you’ll end up with your ideal snack.  After you create a name or a message for your bar, the folks at You Bar package and ship them your way.  With thousands of possible ingredient combinations, your finished result could be anything from a candy bar equivalent to a healthy meal replacement.  They are great for picky kids and picky parents alike.  Need something high in protein, vegan or low-fat?  No problem!  They also offer gift certificates, which are receivable and redeemable online.  Make your own at www.youbars.com.

We all know that clovers and gold top the seasonal list during March, but combine the two and you’ve got an über appropriate piece for this time of year.  The charm on this necklace, created by Little Yellow Girl, is made from a real four-leaf clover painted with copper, then covered in 24-karat gold.  If you are into sterling silver, there’s an option for you as well.  To get your own tiny piece of wearable luck, visit www.blondela.com.

After hearing Sara Bareilles’ single, “Love Song,” we immediately went to iTunes to purchase her whole album. Much to our enjoyment, we found the entire CD very entertaining.  A native of Eureka, California, Sara boasts a colorful combination of edgy sounds, pop, a bit of female bitterness and a clear voice that should be blasted in your kitchen, your car and your headphones. With her name under Epic Records, she’s on her way to serious stardom. Grab your copy of “Little Voice” now so you can say you found her first. www.sarabmusic.com