Articles for December 21st, 2005
RE: SUCK UP
Now, I have Hoover envy. That vacuum cleaner is too cool for words. I might even love it more than — gulp — my cherished Dyson. (Which you can read all about here. Hello, shameless self promotion.)
SUCK UP
The new Hoover Z Bagless SUV(sport utility vacuum) is a far cry from their first vacuum, which was produced in 1907 out of a tin can, a fan, a pillow case and a broom, by a janitor in Ohio. The new SUV is called so because it travels any terrain — hardwoods, rugs, stairs — effortlessly and with gusto, like a Ford truck. But it’s cooler and more urbane, so it’s a Porsche Cayenne maybe. It goes for about $499 and is so new you might not see it yet till January in stores. I have fond memories of Hoover vacuums. My grandmother in Arkansas didn’t vacuum the floor but “Hoovered” it. The only vacuum we had when I was growing up was a squatty canister Hoover that was as ugly as it was serviceable. I thought Hoovering was a dark family secret until a few years ago when my mother was diagnosed with heart problems. Her doctor told her to take it easy, and absolutely “No Hoovering.”
THE GIFT OF GREEN
Don’t know what to get your gardening enthusiast this holiday season? Well, if the little digger is anything like me, he’ll have all the tools he needs (or he won’t want someone who doesn’t know an aphid from a white fly picking them out for him), so you’ll have to look elsewhere. How about a membership to the Texas Discovery Gardens? He’ll get ideas a plenty at the free (or reduced-price) events, and he’ll save a little green with the plant sale discounts and reduced workshop fees he’s entitled to. And yes, white flies are the white ones that leave a honeydew-like residue on the plant as they feed. Aphids are usually green or yellow, but some species are brown, black, or even red. They appear in clusters on new plant growth and feed on the plant’s fluids (just as the white flies do). Now go on, impress him at the dinner table tonight with your newfound knowledge.
MADE ‘YA LOOK
Whatever you do, do not look at the time I posted this blog. Pathetic. You looked. Anyway it’s early, and I am trolling the internet for gift ideas, which is also pathetic, and I just came across some glassware emblazoned with the image above at Fishs Eddy. Basically I am wondering who would buy this and Why. In a cosmic sense. Whatever. They also have a new line of every day plates that they’re producing with Pantone, you know, the people who own all of the colors in the universe. Good stuff. Not pathetic. Check it out.
THE G SPOT
Had to take a break from wrapping to tell you this: the most outrageous, ridiculous gift I saw this evening at Neimans was a Gucci ice tray — oh excuse me, 2 trays — for $70. So you can make little ice cubes in a “G”. Bet we’ll see those puppies on the sale table come Dec. 26.
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