Holiday 2007
Origami artist Cindy Ng, who built her business, Finger Magic, on whimsical, three-dimensional forms made out of paper, has now upgraded from paper to fine metals with her new line, Origami Bijou. With deft and delicate fingers, Ng transforms thin sheets of silver into everything from frogs and bunnies to fortune cookies and castles.
By Natalie Bow | December 24, 2007
Holiday 2007
Sleeping beauties will love Essenza's new collection of pretty PJs. The eponymous line from the Fremont boutique was designed by owner Becky Buford and her sister, Wendy Fink. After selling luxury nightwear for years, the sisters knew what women wanted. "We've had so much feedback on sleepwear from our customers, and incorporated that into our designs," says Buford. "We paid particular attention to comfort, fit, length and the weight of fabric."
By Kathy Schultz | December 18, 2007
Holiday 2007
Before you buy another squeaking busy bee or hand-knit puppy vest, consider, for a moment, the other end of the leash. There stands a perfectly generous human, who regularly showers her pup with the best treats and toys money can buy. While she would not begrudge her furry sidekick a thing, the sight of his holiday payload -- plush bed, bakery-fresh cookies, couture luggage -- is apt to make her feel a little left out.
By Lisa Wogan | December 17, 2007
Holiday 2007
An astonishing number of new food-related books kindled my interest this year. I read — and reveled in — a stack that melded entertainment with enlightenment, offering an extra-big helping of history, geography and cookery. Among the highlights were the following giftables that delved into everything from food politics to food snobbery, kabocha squash to kumamotos.
By Nancy Leson | December 12, 2007
Convergence Zone
Some days, it seems that we hear about more cool gift ideas and holiday happenings than we can possibly publish in the 12 days before Christmas. Here are a few of the holiday highlights to come our way this week.
By Monica Fischer | December 11, 2007
Holiday 2007
The most celebratory of all beverages, champagne and sparkling wine shine during the holidays, whether they hail from France, Napa Valley or just across the bridge in Woodinville. We've compiled (and taste-tested) some of the best bubbly available locally, to serve at your next party, give to your favorite hostess or order at your preferred watering hole.
By Natalie Bow | December 7, 2007
Holiday 2007
Got fanatical foodies on your gift list? Here's what to get them.
By Nancy Leson | December 5, 2007
Holiday 2007
Sure, they're overrun with commercialism, but that doesn't mean the winter holidays have to lose their fun. By giving toys to the grown-ups in your life, you can bring back some of that giddy joy you used to feel.
By Cody Ellerd | November 21, 2007
Holiday 2007
The holiday season may be the one time of year when you can force your political agenda on others. Not by commandeering the dinner table with election-year talk or causing a tiff around the tree, but by what you give. This year, think globally, and give eco-friendly gifts that will influence the habits of your family members and friends.
By Britt Olson | November 21, 2007
Holiday 2007
Generosity shouldn't mean giving amply, but giving aptly. Show how thoughtful (not how thrifty) you are by giving a truly distinctive gift, while still staying within your means. These fun goodies were all found in stores around town, and all cost less than $25.
By Britt Olson | November 21, 2007
