Peanut Butter & Co., on Sullivan Street, is one of my absolute favorite spots in the city. I first discovered it in junior high, when my best friend Arielle and I would head down to the Village on Saturdays in search of the perfect costume jewelry from Ziggy’s (which has since closed), loose tea from Aphrodisia, and sparkly eye makeup from Ricky’s, and would inevitably end up at Peanut Butter & Co. eating Elvis sandwiches (served alongside tall glasses of cold milk and carrot sticks).
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Reader Amy wrote to tell me about Denhaus Dog Crate Furniture, which I think are a really cool solution for pets in smaller living spaces. ”Meant for the home where cocktails and canines mix it up” (although I’m not sure I would balance a martini anywhere in Lucy’s vicinity), the dog crates appeal to your pet’s natural desire for his or her own private, cozy space while doubling as stylish end tables. There are three designs available: the BowHaus (pictured above), the ZenHaus, and the TownHaus (the least expensive and most classic option). They also have a nice selection of dog beds with washable covers.
Check out Fancyfastfood.com for a fascinating gallery of “extreme makeovers of actual fast food items.” Above is a “Jack in the Bento” (fancy Jack in the Box).
A beautiful photo of Julia with Westley and Lilly, taken in June, shortly after Westley joined the family. My father rescued him from the West Side Highway (hence “Westley,” although his name was also inspired by The Princess Bride). Dad was riding his motorcycle home when he saw a kitten crouched in the middle of the opposite side of the highway, being run over by car after car after car (he was tiny enough that none of them hit him), and he immediately pulled over and ran into oncoming traffic to rescue the little guy. I took care of Westley for the first couple of weeks, because my parents already had two cats and weren’t sure they could take in another…but my dad just loved him too much to be separated from him. And yeah, Westley’s pretty unbelievably cute (if a little annoying at 3AM, when he turns into a purring monster and decides that he needs to insert himself under your neck).
Some tips for throwing a karaoke-themed party:
1. Construct a “stage” using a few boards and some silver paint. If this isn’t up your alley, just toss down a silver or gold throw rug and spotlight the area with a bright lamp.
2. Arrange small card tables around your “stage” so your guests can sit and enjoy the show.
3. If you have one, a disco ball is a great touch. If you don’t, just hang some white Christmas lights around the performance area for a little sparkle.
