Back, with measuring cups

My blog called me this morning in tears.

"Jackie," the blog said, "How could you? It has been nearly seven weeks! I thought we had really gotten somewhere over the summer. Our relationship had ... blossomed. I though you had grown, changed even. I thought we were in this for the long haul this time. I thought ... "

"Blog," I answered, chastened, "You are correct. I have been negligent in my commitment to you. I understand if you can't take a chance on me again, but I hope you will. 'Cause honey, I'm still free."

My blog graciously consented to give me a second chance. My hope is that you, dear reader, will as well.

Confession time: I have a thing for measuring cups and mixing bowls. It doesn't matter how many I own; I always feel like I could use just one more set, especially if they are thoughtfully designed and splashy like these. Don't you just want to snap them up? Unfortunately, the price is on the astronomical side. What is it with this penchant of mine for overpriced kitchen items? Psychological insight, anyone?

If...

If I ever decide to spend $219.34 on a soup pot, I will buy this one.

London 11/12


Well, the penultimate London tidbit to share with you all is my discovery of this London shop, which may perhaps be my favorite place to shop for clothes on earth! (I'm speaking of the shop on Oxford Street, specifically.) There, I indulged in the tunic pictured above. Here in the Netherlands, I like to shop here for clothes and here for everything else.

Where oh where will I shop when I move back to US in just a few months?!? I must focus on the positive: the US beats Europe hands-down when it comes to affordable second-hand stores. So: I will shop at Goodwill. Yes!

Another nifty euro company...

...from which I purchased an umbrella.

Reisenthel

Retro Amsterdam

I recently purchased a couple of nifty bags designed by this retro Amsterdam company, and this one too. They use mostly vintage fabrics from the 1960's and 70's. Check 'em out. If you're as addicted to bags as I am, these websites should be a treat and a half for you. If you're in the Amsterdam area, be forewarned: the quaint shop on the Haarlemmerstraat that sells both companies' products is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays, even though their website indicates otherwise! If you don't live in the Netherlands, they deliver to your door for fairly reasonable prices.