snow job

The most attractive attribute I can think of is a person's passion for what they do everyday, whether that passion is their vocation or hobby. Illustrator Robert Sabuda definitely exudes this quality, at least from what I've seen from his recurring Today show appearances (wherein Katie and Matt pelt Sabuda with so many compliments that you almost wish Al "only-cracks-himself-up" Roker was conducting the interview).
It's overly simplistic to call his creations pop-up books, since they are beyond the well-worn variety of our youths. Just ooh and aah for yourself at Sabuda's latest, "Winter's Tale" (The imagination! The artistry! The magic!). And for once, admire a moose other than the one embroidered on the upper pec of your hottie's Abercrombie muscle fit tee.

["Winter's Tale" by Robert Sabuda, about $18 (amazon.com)].

what the Luxe?

OK. This is maybe the weirdest thing I've read all week long. A woman in New Mexico has a restraning order against David Letterman because he allegedly "has been using code words, gestures and "eye expressions" for more than 10 years to convey his desire to marry her and train her as his cohost." You simply can't pay for this kind of crazy.

["Letterman Restrained by Tormented Fan"
from E!Online.]

card shark

On a recent photoshoot, I was joyfully reminded of Charles and Ray Eames' iconic House of Cards. The prop stylist had set out a deck to help create an ambience (a Richard Meier-like skyscraper of open cubes), but it wasn't long before I started masterminding my own designs. Of course, my house boasts a cantilevered car port and intimate lighting schemes aided by strategically placed tea lights. But that's just me .

I'm sure for all you "Keepin' Up with The Jonses" out there, you can buy two sets and piece together a McMansion.

[House of Cards, about $30 (www.momastore.org)].

guilty pleasure of the week

The Pussycat Dolls had me at this summer's cheese anthem, "Don't Cha." But now they're on the airwaves with their latest ballad, "Stickwitu." Now I normally don't approve of any song wherein the title amounts to a grammar drive by, but this sweet confection really, well, stickswitu.
And don't get me started on the lyrics and accompaniment -- they're horrid. But the verse,"seems like everyone is breakin up, and throwin their love away," really does makes me say a little prayer for Nick and Jessica. Meanwhile, the rest of the song makes me pine for a couples only skate at the roller rink. Keep up the fluff PCD!

["Stickwitu" by the Pussycat Dolls, $.99 (www.apple.com/itunes)].

welcome!

welcome to everyday luxe -- the blog about things that make my daily life more enjoyable and hopefully make yours a bit brighter as well. Think of this as an entertainment guide to life. Books, art, music, fashion, style, design, food. All for a nominal price. Sometimes even free.