Introducing Bain de Mer Elixirs

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."

~Jacques Cousteau

I was so happy to discover this luxurious new line of bath products for Clever Girl.  There are, in my mind, two things necessary to make a product line work: It needs to perform well, and it must smell divine.  Happily, Bain de Mer delivers on both, and we're thrilled to have added it to our line up here at the store.  "Tranquility in a bottle" is a very apt description for this collection.  

The other thing I really like about the line is that there are scented candles for each fragrance collection.  That's hard to find!  So stop in and "sniff" out your favorite.  The bubble bath/salt set makes a wonderful starting point to "test the waters" as it were.  They also make a very sweet little gift...

Click here for a preview...

Falling Leaves, if you please...

NOVEMBER...

Love this time of year!  The leaves are crunchy, the nights are crisp, and the heat is coming on more and more.  It's time to think about being cozy, and adding extra blankets to the bed.  This is a wonderful time of year for long walks with my dear Gracie May...she enjoys it as much as I do this time of year.  

Here at the store, we have all sorts of snugly scarves, stylish sweaters, mittens, hats and gloves arriving daily. Stop in soon and see!

Happy November!

So, THIS Happened...

Lord Stanley Stops by Clever Girl

One of the more unique traditions of the Stanley Cup is winning teams and eventually every player on the winning team gets to spend a day with the Cup. There are many interesting stories associated with this privilege. In 1906 it was forgotten at a photography studio where it ended up a geranium planter before being retrieved by hockey officials. It has been a movie popcorn bucket, champagne glass, and water bowl for both dogs and horses, the latter being the 1994 Kentucky Derby winner.

We were so privileged and thrilled to have the Stanley Cup at Clever Girl!!!  What an absolutely amazing day it was...  Kathy and Sally (pictured above) are incredible hockey fans, and have son's and husband's whom are equally devoted to the sport. 

Thank you to the Koehler family for letting all of us at Clever Girl and the whole town of Western Springs be a part of the Chicago Blackhawks victory and capturing the cup!!!

FYI:  The Cup is always accompanied by at least one representative of the Hockey Hall of Fame, dubbed the “Keeper of the Cup.” The current Keeper, Philip Pritchard, has held the position since 1991 and even maintains a Twitter account to update followers on where the Cup goes from day to day.

Vive la France!

Today, July 14th, is the day we trade our red, white, and blue for bleu, blanc, et rouge! It's Bastille Day--and it's always fun to inject a bit of French flair into the day.

As I take a quick spin through the store, we have lots of wonderful items from France to share with you.  One of my long-time favorites is the La Vie Parisienne jewelry line.  Lately, there has been an big injection of color into this beautiful jewelry that's designed just outside the city of Paris.  Check out these colors!!!

 We have a collection of trays and dishes, many of which have cheeky French phrases on them.  They're perfect for tossing your keys into, or the loose change from a pocket.  I have one that I tend to keep my rings in next to the kitchen sink.  Très Chic.

Finally, we have a delicious selection of French bar soaps, liquid soaps and hand creams.  Imported directly from the source, in the South of France, these products blend modern science with the age-old wisdom and the tradition of the past to refine soft textured and delicately scented products.  Every time I pass the display, the intoxicating scent instantly transports me to the French countryside.  All of this French luxury and fragrance has traveled across the ocean to us, and comes at a very small price.  (Check out some of the items on our website by clicking HERE)  It's a small indulgence that elevates the everyday to something infinitely more special. 

So cheers to the French as they celebrate their big day.  I haven't finalized the menu for tonight. Champagne is a must, along with some baguettes and grilled poussin.  

Oh, and cake will be served...

To everyone, Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!!!

"L" is for Letter...

Greetings, Clever Girls...I wanted to share this little collection of initial trays with you: I think they are so sweet.  We've already sold through a whole big bunch of these.  Aren't they terrific?

There's just something intrinsically appealing about lettering, or fonts. These, in particular, are taken from old Parisian embroidery patterns.  They're ideal for office trinkets, jewelry, soap, or even for use as a paperweight.  

Here's my initial--"K" as in Katie.  I have it on my desk at home, and it's perfect for paperclips--I even bought black clips just because they look quite stylish in this dish (and they were on sale at Target)

Speaking of lettering and fonts, if you're looking for some indoor entertainment during all of the rain we seem to be having, try the film, The Grand Budapest Hotel for something rather quirky.  The detailed fonts and graphics throughout the movie are wonderful, done by the talented Annie Atkain {click HERE to see some of her work}  And click HERE to see these great dishes on our web site.  Each one comes in a really cute box, too...

Mother's Day Musings

A few quick suggestions as we think of Mother's Day.  All of these make a lovely gift: not only for mothers, but for any dear friend, any time of the year.  I so appreciate receiving a gift that has a bit of the givers heart in it.  They are the things I remember long after a celebration has past, and I'm happy to hold the memory each time I pick up a special book, or a sweet memento.  

Remember, we stand ever-ready to help you select just the right gift, and are happy to wrap them for you...

GIVING BOWLS

Our sweet Giving Bowls are one-of-a-kind and handmade.  Each bears a sentiment or phrase, and comes with a hand-printed muslin bag and story card that explains that a percentage of the profits go to animal rescue.  

FRIENDS LIKE US

Kind of a book...more than a card...Friends Like Us is a wonderfully illustrated sentimental celebration of friendship.  Revel in your similarities, notice your differences, and show her that you appreciate and enjoy all the moments you've shared, and that you thank every last one of your lucky stars for her. That you’re just so glad you’re friends.  That really says it all...

NEST CEDAR LEAF AND LAVENDER CANDLE

New from Nest!  Cedar Leaf & Lavender is the latest introduction from our favorite candle company.  Rosemary, lavender and sage are enhanced with cedar leaves and a touch of eucalyptus.  This is a clean, fresh scent that's already a favorite.  Every time you light one of these candles, the fragrance is a total joy.  Truly a great gift.

KINFOLK TABLE

Kinfolk magazine—launched to great acclaim and instant buzz in 2011—is a quarterly journal about understated, unfussy entertaining.  Now there’s The Kinfolk Table: Recipes, a cookbook from the creators of the magazine. Each of these home cooks—artisans,bloggers, chefs, writers, bakers, crafters—has provided one to three of the recipes they most love to share with others, whether they be simple breakfasts for two, one-pot dinners for six, or a perfectly composed sandwich for a solo picnic.  

Whip up these pancakes for Mother's Day breakfast + present this tasty cookbook to Mom as a gift. Remember, cleaning up the kitchen is part of the deal...

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES
Makes about a dozen 4-inch pancakes.

INGREDIENTS:

1 large egg

1 overripe banana, mashed

1/2 cup almond milk

2 tbsp fresh lemon or orange juice
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted + cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat pastry (or oat) flour
1/2 cup almond meal
1 1/2 tbsp coconut palm sugar (brown sugar will also do)
1 tbsp flax meal
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup bitter or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but not really optional)

DIRECTIONS:
Whisk the egg in a medium bowl until well beaten, then whisk in the mashed banana, almond milk, lemon (or orange) juice, melted butter, and vanilla, and mix until well combined.

Whisk the flour, almond meal, sugar, flax meal, baking powder and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until combined. Allow the batter to sit at room temperature for 8-10 minutes, then stir in the chocolate chips (if using).

Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. Brush the pan with butter and pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto it. You may be able to fit 3-4 cakes on a large pan, but don’t overcrowd it, or you’ll bring down the cooking temperature. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the edges are set and the surface is bubbly. Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another two minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with additional butter and remaining batter.  Serve hot with maple syrup.  

*****

I myself have been blessed with an amazing mother.  She is friend, sounding board, hero and champion always, all days.  

Cheers to our Moms!

A New Favorite...

 

Well hello there, Clever Girls!  Allow me to share our popular "favorite thing" with you all.  As the cold rain beats down outside the store, I find myself drawn to our new Kantha throws.  The colors are so happy and cheerful, I thought you would love to see them.

These artisan-made quilts will brighten any bedroom, and make a perfect summer blanket. They straddle the line between the new boho-chic look, or an almost classic French textile.  Sort of modern, country French.   I love them--just look at theses colors!

"Kantha" refers to the type of stitch used in the craft of embroidery--the kantha stitch gives the quilts their general wavy, textured quality.  It's a technique that has literally been around for centuries. 

Wouldn't this just make your room?  Makes you want to dive right into bed?  Simply by adding this terrific pop of color, the whole aesthetic is changed.  I find them quite energizing...

I'm quite sure your assorted cats and dogs would find this most appealing as well...

And look how pretty a table becomes when this beautiful throw is the foundation.  How wonderful would a Mother's Day brunch be around this?  Mimosas for everyone!  Look at a detailed photo of the hand-stitching that is the signature of a kantha.

Truly, theses are so lovely.  Beautiful, handmade, and rich with history, our throws traveled the globe to find their way here to Clever Girl.Remember, no two are ever the same.  Visit our collection in person, or see them {HERE} on the web site.

Easter Blessings...

A most joyful Easter to you all...

Let's Get Sauced...

Repeat after me--say this slowly three times: Boozy Bacon Sauce, Boozy Bacon Sauce, Boozy Bacon Sauce.  Now.  How do you feel?  Primed with anticipation no doubt.  

Well, it's here at last: the latest and greatest offering from our favorite people over at Stonewall Kitchen.  It's thick, it's rich and it's zesty.  Bits of real bacon, onion and spices get friendly with a dash or two of smooth bourbon in this bottle.  Slather it on beef kabobs, pour it on racks of ribs or serve it on the side as a dip.  Kick up your burgers, highlight a hot dog or sauce your smoothie (not really!).  Here's a yummy plan for pork...

Boozy Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 pound pork tenderloin
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3/4 cup Stonewall Kitchen Boozy Bacon Barbecue Sauce
Salt and pepper
4 Kaiser rolls
Coleslaw, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Trim silver skin and fat from pork tenderloin. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and brown on all sides. Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
Apply Boozy Bacon Barbecue Sauce with a basting brush. Fold foil over pork and pinch top and ends to seal well.
Bake 45-60 minutes until very tender. Pull pork into shreds with two forks. Add additional sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

Clever Girl Quick Tip: If you're short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, shred it up and sauce it up with this.  Quick.  Easy.  Tasty!

Click HERE for all the yummy details.