(Winter 2008) - 1. If keeping a journal is among your favorite activities, this unique and stylish product is sure to stimulate your thoughts and expand your horizons. Made by renowned textile designer, John Robshaw, the subtly textured cover of the Madura Journal, bears an intricate floral design and features 112 lined pages of beautifully crafted paper. Perfect for all your reflections and impressions.
www.johnrobshaw.com, 
Available at Barnes & Noble book stores

2. One of the most highly anticipated electronic devices since the iPhone, the Blackberry Storm features a unique touch screen with cutting-edge multimedia capabilities. Features wireless email, a camera phone, built-in GPS, media player, video recording, organizing—and oh, did we forget---it’s a phone too? You will fall in love with it at first touch.
www.blackberry.com, Research in Motion / Blackberry

3. What’s better than pulling up to Trader Joe’s in Hybrid Prius? Peddling up on an Electra bike. The ultimate in laid back style, these cruisers are practical, well-built and stylish. Like the women’s 24” “Daisy”. Features an aluminum frame, 3 speed coaster gears and a ding dong bell. How cool is that? electrabike.com.
Available at REI Austin 512-343-5550

4. This unique book by Hamis Bowles, offers detailed behind the scenes views of thirty-six spectacular houses and gardens—whose owners come from the worlds of fashion, music, art, and society—draws not only on stories that have appeared in the pages of Vogue and Vogue Living over the past two decades but also on images that have never before been published.  
www.amazon.com

5. The Miriam Haskell beaded floral necklace features rich semiprecious stones and pearls embellish the brooch-like charms on an attention-grabbing neckline. Hook-and-ring closure. Approx. chain length: 17”. Approx. front drop: 5”. Smoky quartz/turquoise/chrysocolla/amazonite/keishi pearls. miriamhaskell.com.
Available at Nordstrom in Austin at 512-691-3500 or
San Antonio at 210-332-1900

6. The Diner stool is reminiscent of one you’d find in an old-style American diner. Made of heavy-gauge tubular steel, it has an air-cushioned foam seat that rotates 360º. The commercial-quality vinyl seat cover is hand upholstered and wipes clean easily. Plastic foot guards protect floors. 24” high, with a 15” diam. seat.
www.williams-sonoma.com,  
Available at Williams- Sonoma stores

7. A five o’clock martini never felt so right. Having the sleekness of a martini glass and the comfortable weightiness of an Old-Fashioned glass, “U” feels good to kick back with and reflect on the events of the day. Machine made of lead-free glass. Dishwasher safe. www.wineenthusiast.com