A Love Letter To Etsy

I continue to be surprised at the wealth of fabulous stuff available on Etsy. From packaging supplies to extremely well-made clothing, and home decor that ranges from whimsical modern tat to classic vintage wares, there is really nothing you can't find on there. I took a break from visiting the site for a few months when finances where low and the pain of looking at so much coolness that couldn't be mine wasn't worth the ooing and aahing that a visit inevitably delivered. For whatever reason (because I am crazy) I've been lurking and shopping on Etsy again the past few weeks.

It all started innocently: I wanted to buy some bow tie collars for a Sante D'or photoshoot and knew Snoop Catty Catt, the maker of Finn's amazing birthday suit was just the gal to buy from. Boy was she. The offer of 25% off for our rescue suddenly had me throwing bows and ties into my cart like a crazy cat lady with a serious penchant for formal wear.

Then I started thinking of some upcoming occasions I have to bake some goodies and needing packaging to make them look extra special (perhaps to *ahem* make up for my limited baking skills). One look at Pretty Tape and suddenly I own tartan tape, Christmas ornament themed tape and a host of other awesome things like checkered multicolored twist ties to keep plastic cello bags looking cheery. I bought more tape from this seller than I did when I was actually in Japan!

The final and most extravagant (I know what you're thinking-buying cats bow ties, let alone cats that aren't even your pets, and fancy twist ties is already extravagant enough, but if you are thinking that, you cuh-learly don't know me) buy was an amazing technicolor dream rug that-wait for it-also features chevron stripes! It's a boucherouite, a type of Moroccan rug that the same people who make the famed Moroccan wedding blankets make from leftover pieces of fabric. Seriously, this thing was a steal-not so much cheaper than other versions that it's clearly a made in China fake, but so immensely gorgeous and affordable to boot! Dying to have it laid out on the floor of an otherwise stark, white room. Gaaaah. I love you Etsy. I love you.

The Only Kind of Cheddar I Love

And it begins: Cheddar decides my lap is the comfiest spot.

Autumn, the calm little calico girl who likes to share the bed when possible.

No Cheddars were harmed in the making of this photograph. Goofball posed like this all on his own under my bicycle!

I get ready to say goodbye to my little foster baby. 


I'm hours away from heading to the airport for my trip to London and Dublin but while my stomach is in knots and I'm worrying about anything I've forgotten or how I can squish another pair of shoes in my too-small suitcase, I'm also missing Cheddar and Autumn, the foster kitties Mark and I somehow ended up with in our too-small apartment for about two months. When we got them, they were tiny. I'm serious-they looked like little kitty aliens with their giant eyes, wobbly legs, and lack of personality and I figured that since I am not particularly crazy about orange and calico cats I'd be fine caring for them and letting them go. Yeah right. That all changed as I got to see their personalities emerge (and the more Cheddar decided we were going to be buddies), and when Saturday morning I took them back to Sante d'Or, the awesome animal rescue where I volunteer, I wanted to bawl (so I did a little bit last night, whatever). These goofy little lovebugs will thankfully be going home together since they are bonded, and who ever gets them better be as balls to the wall awesome as they are! If you live in LA and need a little extra love in your life please consider this wonderful pair.

The Kitten Covers

What is better than good music? Good music and kittens! The Kitten Covers tumblr page takes iconic album covers and re-imagines them with kittens. Best idea ever. Or at least best that I've seen today.

Kitty Wrestling

 To the left side of the ring we have challenger Chloe, who stares down her opponent, heavyweight champ Finn the Fiesty. 

 Finn circles his opponent while Chloe aims and readies a jab. 

The fight is on with a body slam from the fearless lightweight Chloe. 


Take heart: this battle was just a friendly bout and ended in a draw (which basically means that Chloe annoyed Finn with her boundless energy and he just walked away at some point).

Pet Pride Be Darned!

I'm not sure that I really love the idea of dressing up cats and dogs regularly, but every once in a while they just lend themselves so well to wearing a particular costume. I'm not talking about giving your pooch his own walk-in closet or carrying him around in your purse so his Gucci loafers don't get scuffed while you restrict him from exercise, or any of than nonsense; but with Halloween around the corner, there are so many cute outfits that allow you to celebrate with your pet as much as with those fun size Snickers "for the neighborhood kids." So long as you still let them sniff their bums, give them treats, and let them do their exploring thing, is it so wrong to stick a plaid sweater on a Scottie or vampire cape on a cat whose fangs stick out of its mouth? Do they really care? I think not. 

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A Year Ago Today...

I adopted Finn, a kitty who's made me both laugh and cry, caused lots of health-related stress, and provided much daily joy. I can't imagine my life without Finn or Chloe. No, they're not friends who I can confide in or have a deep relationship with, but they are the little four-legged loves of my life anyway. To celebrate Mark cooked them up some filet mignon, which they didn't seem to enjoy as much as their gravy covered everyday stuff. Oh well. It's just like a party for a one-year old-it's all for the parents anyway.

Speaking of which, Finn in his finest suit to celebrate the occasion. He may not look too excited about it, but I know he's happy living with us, despite our constant shenanigans. 

Black Cat Bakery and Cafe

So by now it's pretty clear I'm a cat person on my way to being a crazy cat lady. I won't lie, despite the intoxicating images of muffins, individual pies, and creamy lattes that dominate the Facebook page for the Black Cat Bakery and Cafe, I actually went there because of the name. I don't often drive out west of La Brea unless you are offering me money, a shoe sale, or my daily dose of cutesy. Thankfully for all of you who aren't nerds, though, I'm happy to report that this place isn't covered in pink, kitties, and doilies; but is actually a beautiful, bright, airy little spot to grab a tasty lunch or breakfast. It's got a slightly rustic/modern vibe with the chalkboard menu, artisanal breads on display, and milk glass lighting contrasting perfectly with the stark black and white paint job.The environment is welcoming, with staff that is playful and helpful, and a set up that is perfect for those looking for a little more privacy too. Despite the fact that there weren't cats hanging from the rafters, or anywhere really, other than printed on their logo, this cafe is worth a return trip (only partially because the man behind the counter offered me a window seat, suggesting that having cute girls in the window draws more customers-I'm not all that cute, dear readers, but who doesn't like a compliment with their coffee?)

The menu ranges from your classical breakfast dishes of pancakes and omelettes done a little bit more sophisticated (think ingredients like shitake mushrooms, asparagus, and farro) to salads and sandwiches that are filling without being heavy. Intrigued by the mention of pickled shallots I ordered the crabcake salad, which was made quick work of thanks to that contrast of the acidic shallots to the buttery crab. In fact, I ate it before I thought to take a picture. Oops, bad blogger! I also grabbed a gluten-free pumpkin spice muffin, pretending that because it was gluten-free it was somehow healthier, though the addition of raisins and pecans does make it more muffin than cake-in-disguise. From the bits I've nibbled so far I can say that it is moist, imbued with tons of spice flavor, and definitely not going to last until tomorrow.

The three little two-seat nooks at the front of the cafe are great for privacy and people watching. 

I loved these milk glass light fixtures. 

Board by the restroom where you can rep your own black cats. 

Muffin soon to contribute to my muffin top. 

Deep Thoughts

Haha! Tiny Confessions sells prints that hilariously read our pets' minds.

Via Modern Cat

Kitty Comfort

Until I have a baby, my two cats are my babies. I know this freaks some people out, but if you are one of those peeps, sorry. They's my babies and that's just how it is. My boyfriend feels the same, so until he ditches me, I suppose I don't feel the crazy cat lady shame I'm supposed to (or we're both just too crazy to ever feel it-whatevs).

But just because I love them, doesn't mean I'm willing to live in an ugly cardboard and carpet toy covered apartment. It's small enough in here, there's just no way I'm filling it full of crap too. So I've found some fun, attractive alternatives to keep my pets entertained and comfy (though let's be honest, they usually just want to lay on us or in the seats we'd like to be sitting on).

Atomic Attic on Etsy sells lots of great re-purposed vintage goods, including pet beds using old suitcases. You can't really tell in the photo but ours has a removable rack on the bottom for added height.

They've started making them out of old tv sets too, which are genius for kitties that like to hide and hibernate.

We also got them a bed of sorts for the living room, since they're clingly and want to be in whatever room we're in. I have a teepee obsession, so how could I not buy this Loyal Luxe version with matching mini "bearskin" rug? Only Chloe will use this, but if our pets were the hiding kind, I'd label this a winner.
Our cats don't have this feeder, mostly because if we didn't use a fountain style bf would never remember to give the kids fresh water daily, but I love this These Creatures design!

Finally, toys. I am lucky enough to live within walking distance of an amazing pet store, Tailwaggers, that sells unique toys and has great employees who aren't shy about sharing which toys are winners. They sell these adorable little knit animals (llamas, bunnies holding carrots, monkeys holding bananas) stuffed with catnip that last forever. I just picked up this Go Cat mouse that keeps my munchkins endlessly entertained and while not exactly a design marvel, it is small enough to store easily.