…And You Get a Candle! And You Get a Candle! And You Get a Candle!

It's LAFCOOOOOOOOOO!!!

First, we all went crazy for salt water taffy. Then Calypso music. Sweater capes. Platform sandals. And now, the once and forever Queen of Daytime has issued a new proclamation to us, her loyal subjects. Yes, after much breathless anticipation, finally, the announcement of another one of her fabulous Favorite Thi-

I’m sorry, what’s that? Oh. Huh. OK, LP has just informed that all those things were just 30 Rock jokes, and not actually any of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Interesting. I have a sweater cape to return this afternoon I guess.

Well, no matter, I have it on very good authority that the newest line to join the E&B family is, in fact, one of Miss Winfrey’s Favorite Things, and we’re honored to welcome them aboard. Back on her 2007 Favorite Things special, O introduced the fantastic House & Home Collection by LAFCO to, naturally, much screaming, fainting, gnashing of teeth and rending of clothes. But here’s the thing. You guys? After a few days working amongst these deluxe, soy-based scented candles here in the office, and luxuriating in their calming, delicate and downright delicious scents, I think all of us here can totally understand the excitement. I mean they literally reek of elegance! And knowing what I know now, I’m not ashamed to say that I wouldn’t be above crane kicking a seatmate or pulling a little weave out to get my mitts on one. Just sayin’. (Not Oprah’s weave, of course. I’m not suicidal!)

Luckily, however, none of us ever has to resort to those sorts of desperate measures again, because now these gorgeous, beautifully scented candles are just one click away!

LAFCO’s House and Home Candle Collection is specifically designed to create an elegant atmosphere and compliment the ambiance and decor of each room in your home. Each candle is 16 oz., burns for approximately 90 hours and comes in a charming 4″ x 4″ hand-blown, art glass jar, which can be reused in so many ways once you’ve finished with the candle. And just to warn you, they’re all so pretty you’ll want to collect and display them all. With 10 truly awesome and unique scents to choose from, from the cozy, comforting Redwood and Cedar “Den” candle to the light, serene Lotus Flower and Cyclamen “Tea House” candle, you’re sure to find the scent that’s perfect for you. And at $54.99? For a huge candle, that lasts forever and smells incredible? Pretty awesome. Oprah knows what’s up, right?

Oprah swears to tell the truth...

Be sure to head on over to the LAFCO page at Ella & Boss and pick one up for your favorite room today!

Until next time! RM, out! -XO

Our Favorite Things: The Letterpress Correspondence System by Forgetful Gentleman

Please send your good vibes towards Kansas. Daddy needs a new pair of shoes!

Ahoy hoy, everyone! Resident male here, and I sincerely hope all of you are having as fantastic a day as I am. I don’t know about you, but today I woke up like a little kid on Christmas morning! Why, you ask? Well, it’s actually not about St. Patrick Day, all you friends who know me a little too well. Or the thought of green beer, or screaming frat boys, or whatever. That’s actually kind of gross to me. (Side note: I think may have officially outgrown St. Paddy’s Day. How did that happen? Isn’t that just terrible?!!! I guess the landslide really does bring you down, man…) And, yes, dear people who read this blog regularly (all two of you), I’m sure it is partially because it’s a beautiful, not-quite-spring day outside. 65 degrees and sunny = one happy resident male! But that’s not it! Want to know what’s got me in such a stellar mood today?

DUH! It’s the first day of the NCAA Tournament! March Madness, baby!!!! (And, no, Intrepid Leader, I’m totally not sitting in my office watching it on the computer. Not even a little! Don’t even think it!)

As you all know, we’re all big sports fans around these parts, and every year, once football season ends, and the Redskins’ season goes up in flames in some new and spectacular fashion, our attention turns to college basketball. As always, Lieutenant Princess is the actual sports fan. She can tell you all about the three-man pick and slam offensive hurry-up defense or whatever. But me? I don’t know any of that; I’m just the insanely competitive one. The only things I care about around this time of year are filling out brackets and taking my friends’ money. I suppose that’s the incentive I need to watch every game (while jumping up and down on my coffeetable and screaming at the television, naturally), but we’re all different.

Now, this year, I’m going into the tournament the defending champion of our pool, The Suzanne Sugarbracket. (If you could send your good vibes Kansas’ way, I’d be much obliged!) And after I win again this year, I’d like to do something a little different for my fellow competitors. Something gentlemanly. Something a little classier, perhaps, than that to which my friends and loved ones have become accustomed (e.g. jumping up on a barstool, with the whoo-hooing, and the pointing, and the “IN YOUR FACE!!!”-ing, etc.). I’m thinking maybe… a thank you note!

And wouldn’t you know it? Conveniently, that brings us to this week’s favorite thing. So without any further ado, may I present:

THE LETTERPRESS CORRESPONDENCE SYSTEM by FORGETFUL GENTLEMAN!!!

As I’m sure you discerned from the beginning of this post, clearly, I often forget my manners. And that’s why everything about this is a dream come true for me, and perfect for the scatterbrained caveman in your life. I mean just take a gander at everything it comes with:

• 12 letterpress cards and envelopes (3 “Thank You,” 3 “Happy Birthday,” 2 “Thinking of You,” 2 “Blank Correspondence Cards,” 1 “Congratulations” and 1 “Love You”).



• Access to an online personal event reminder system with customizable email and text message reminders.
• Matching envelopes with postage included for 4 cards.
• Copy of A Forgetful Gentleman’s Guide to Articulate Writing.
• 100% cotton paper from the same 15th century Italian paper mill that produced Napoleon’s wedding invitations and Picasso’s art paper.

But the best part is that, even though sometimes writing thank you notes, and non-Facebook birthday wishes can be a time-consuming pain in the you-know-what, Forgetful Gentleman’s stationery is so elegant, sophisticated, and cool that you end up wanting to use it all the time. Finally, after almost three decades, I’m the cool, masculine adult of my dreams! On paper at least… Plus, if you don’t know what to say, they’ve got a handy book of tips; there’s this awesome little blue planner to keep you organized. They’ll even personalize your stationery, if you ask them nicely. And then give them money. Simply put, Forgetful Gentleman is a one stop shop for all sorts of handsome products that are sure to keep you or your man organized, and, more importantly, looking really, really hot. (Priorities, people!)

For more about Forgetful Gentleman, head over this way. Plus, look for them on Ella & Boss, coming soon!

Until next time! Go Jayhawks!

Our Favorite Things: Valle Tray by Airedelsur

Good afternoon, my lovelies! And welcome back to Ella & Blog! Resident male here once again, and I don’t know about you, but I’m in a surprisingly good mood. I guess it’s hard to be in a bad mood though when the weather outside is this nice. I feel like the for the last few weeks DC’s been nestled all up in winter’s stinky armpit. We’ve been getting all the bitter cold and gray overcast skies, but none of the snow (which, yes, is probably good thing, but if I’m not going to see the sun for three weeks, it would be nice if there were a point. Just saying). It’s enough to turn the most chipper, cock-eyed optimist among us into a regular Bukowski! But it’s all kind of worth it today, because 70 degrees in the middle of February?! My goodness! Now are these the perks of climate change? Or does this have something to do with that groundhog business a few weeks ago? If so, all I have to say is thanks, Phil! I guess I’ll table my groundhog sausage plan for the time being…

Plus, as if that wasn’t enough, my favorite band, Radiohead, was kind enough to release their new album a day early! I highly recommend you head over and grab a copy! What an embarrassment of riches!

Since all this unseasonable warmth and good music has me in such good spirits, I thought today I’d go ahead and share something really special for this week’s favorite thing. So ladies and gentlemen, without any further ado, may I present:

THE VALLE TRAY BY AIREDELSUR!

Airedlesur is a company based out of Buenos Aires, a city near and dear to my heart. I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks there a couple of years ago, right as the spring was coming into bloom and folks were just emerging from the long, cold Argentine winter… which I’m not entirely sure is a thing, but just go with me here. To say that BsAs is one of the most beautiful places in the world is the understatement of the century. The architecture alone is enough to make you weak in the knees. It’s like walking through an old European city, but with an exciting, electric South American flair. Airedelsur’s line of accessories, a mixture of sophisticated modernity and traditional accents, are Buenos Aires to a tee. This tray in particular is a stunner. The sleek alpaca silver tray is elegant and urbane, while the brushed horn handles add a nod to Argentina’s centuries-long cattle ranching tradition. The combination produces something totally fashionable, yet timeless that will compliment any space. Well, except for the vegan ones, I guess.

For more on this or anything else Airedelsur, feel free to drop us a line here.

Now get out there, and enjoy this beautiful weekend! Until next time!

Our Favorite Things: The Pink Super Stepper by Tomboy Tools

Greetings and salutations, everyone! Resident male here once again, offering up a friendly, hopefully helpful reminder that, as of today, you officially have T-minus 6 days and counting until you have to deal with your VD.

And by that, I, of course, mean Valentine’s Day.

Do you hear that? I believe it’s the collective groan of a nation, because as we all know, coupled and single alike, V-Day can be one of the most unnecessarily stressful days of the year. There are just so many dumb things to think about, like which cheesy bouquet and Hallmark combo best expresses, “No, this isn’t jewelry, but I still wuv you forever and ever, my wittle Smoochy-kins!”? Or where can I get a last minute dinner reservation that doesn’t involve an Arby’s drive-thru? Or is this the night we actually have to have a conversation about whatever it is that’s going on here? And, my personal favorite: which flavor of Ben and Jerry’s best expresses to the bodega cashier, “Yes, I’m wearing sweatpants. Yes, I’m getting ready for a long, lonely night of ‘House’ reruns. And, yes, I’m LOVING IT!”?

But just ignore me. I’m a crusty, cynical old curmudgeon. Lord knows, when there’s a special little lovemuffin in your life, Valentine’s Day can be pretty alright, and I suppose it’s as good an excuse as any to show all the folks you love how much they mean to you. But come on, people! Let’s do something cool, not corny, for our loved ones this year. No chalky candy hearts! Put that nasty half-melted chocolate in the trash! Leave that complicated, unflattering underwear in the drawer, and, for the love of God, let someone else’s tacky, gaudy kiss begin with Kay! This year, how about picking up something cute, cool and bloody useful for yourself or your favorite ladyfriend, like this week’s Favorite Thing! Ladies and gents, with great relish, may I present:

THE PINK SUPER STEPPER by TOMBOY TOOLS!!!

Our Favorite Things: Napkin Jewels by L’Objet

Happy Friday, everyone! Resident Male here! Indeed, it has been a while since my last post, and I know what you’re probably thinking. “He’s just like all the other Resident Males out there, promising he’ll be around forever, and then running off with the first funny Youtube video or hipster music blog he can find!” Well, yes, it’s true I have been out and about, but with good reason! As we discussed last time, we’ve been looking for the right web developers to make Ella & Boss the sleek, modern, user-friendly site it was always meant to be. Well, after searching the globe (seriously. Those Tibetan monks looked at me like I was crazy!), we’ve finally found the right guys for the job! So three cheers for the good folks at Plush Real Estate Media! We’re looking forward to a long, prosperous relationship, working together to bring all of you out there the latest and greatest products our humble little industry has to offer. Oh, hold on a sec, my 17th century diamond-encrusted shower caddy just arrived from Liechtenstein! I think it’ll really bring the bathroom together…

Anyway, the point is we missed you and even though we might stray for a bit, we’ll always come a-runnin’ back. Let’s stay together for the design!

Our Favorite Things: Rosewood Wine Caddy by Bey-Berk International

Afternoon, everybody! Resident male here and as Mr. Elvis Costello might say, “Welcome to the working week!” Yes, friends, once again it’s a brand new week, and if you’re here in DC, well, it’s kind of an icky one, weather-wise. But starting the week with a big bucket of yuck isn’t necessarily all bad. Personally, I’m comforted by the fact that I spent last weekend in the sun with friends making more wonderful memories. (Well, the ones I can remember at least…) Silver lining!

But it got me thinking: what makes a great weekend? Well, if you’re anything like me, you enjoy quiet, classy evenings spent before a crackling fire in the salon, snifter of brandy in hand, embroiled in a rousing debate over the issues of the day with good friends. Funny then, how it never seems to turn out that way, right? What with the advent of the ice luge and Jack Daniels and Lady Gaga. Hmmm… Well, I suppose it’s a good thing for me and all of you that this week’s favorite thing is designed to bring that touch of elegance and sophistication back to your next party. Ladies and germs, may we present:

The Rosewood Wine Caddy by Bey-Berk International!

Looking for the perfect gift for the wine connoisseur on your list? Well, look no further then this handsome caddy. Present your favorite wine in style with this beautiful rosewood finished box, which includes a handy five-piece bar set consisting of a corkscrew, thermometer, pouring spout, drip guard and stopper. It’s makes a very handsome gift and is great for so many occasions, like a dinner party or a romantic picnic for two. But the best part? It’s available right now at Ella & Boss! Stop on by and grab yours today!

Cheers! Until next time!

Our Favorite Things: Lamina Bowl by L’Objet

Greetings and salutations, everyone! I know it’s been a while since we last spoke. Please forgive us. However, I assure you our absence has been in the service of you, our loyal readers, whom we love so much! In the past few weeks, we have been off looking for more functional, yet fabulous new products to share with you, we took a field trip to a vacation home in rural Maryland designed by our intrepid leader (and took lots of pictures, naturally), and, most importantly, we’ve been expanding the flagship site to improve your shopping experience. So there’s all that, plus, this past week, Lindsay and I went to our 10 year high school reunion, which was a fun, hilarious hot mess in the best way possible. I mean I can’t speak for Lindsay, but I’ve never felt so old in my life. Strangely enough though, talking to old friends you haven’t seen in years about receding hairlines and expanding guts and marriages and kids and all that was oddly comforting and fun. Of course, the bourbon helped too, so there you go… 🙂 Anyway, look for all those stories and more in the coming days and weeks. And, hopefully, we’ve got a number of former classmates among our readership now, so to you all we say welcome and GO PANTHERS!

Now back to the matter at hand. Unfortunately, we’ve got a dreary, humid, rainy, Amazonian Monday afternoon on our hands here in DC, and I get the feeling that everyone’s feeling a little sluggish. So how about we ease back into our routine with something fun and familiar? It’s been a while since we showcased one of our favorite things, so here is a beautiful piece that goes flying off the shelves every time we get a new shipment!

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present THE LAMINA BOWL BY L’OBJET! Catch the fever!

Seriously, you guys? When I say we can barely keep these on the shelves, I mean it. We’ve had to reorder them twice in the last month alone! And I think the reason everyone responds so strongly to this particular bowl is… well, look at it! IT’S STUNNING! And a shining example of beautiful design and modern luxury. Personally, one of the reason I love it is that it’s a modern twist on a very popular design. Rather than just using the acanthus leaves as an extraneous ornament, they’ve been dipped in 14k gold and beautifully twisted to form a stand upon which a perfectly proportioned silver-plated bowl stands. It’s sophisticated. It’s elegant. It’s pure luxury. And what’s more: I don’t know about you, but I’d expect something like this to cost and arm and a leg and a first born, but it’s spectacularly reasonable. Especially, if you buy it from Ella & Boss. (Hint. Hint. ;)) Plus, it comes in various sizes from a small 6″ bowl, perfect for a console or coffee table, to the large 12″ version, great for serving or centerpieces. But it’s a showstopper in any size! Head on over and grab yours today!

And with that, I shall bid you a fond adieu! Thanks for reading! It’s so nice to be back. Oh, and don’t forget Mother’s Day is this weekend! If you’re still in the market for a last-minute gift, be sure to check out our post about Mother’s Day gifts from the Ella & Boss collection. We’ve got a bunch of things she’s sure to love, and we’ll get it there on time for you!

Until next time!

5 Fabulous Gifts for Mother’s Day!

"Psst! Time to start thinking about Mother's Day!"

Good morrow, everyone! Resident Male here once again! Now if you’re anything like me, you love your mother very, very much. (Very controversial, I know…) But if you’re anything like me, you’re also terrible at remembering dates and holidays, so Mother’s Day can get a little… dicey. I don’t know about you, but for me, every year it’s the same thing. For the month beforehand, every day I’m like, “Mother’s Day’s coming up! Must remember to get something cool!” And then all of a sudden it’s the Wednesday before the big day, and I’m tripping over myself trying to get the last ratty bouquet of flowers in DC on a UPS truck, while paying an arm and a leg for the privilege. Plus? What are you supposed to get for Mother’s Day? I mean, really? Flowers? Chocolates? Doesn’t that all seem so passe? But going off the beaten path can get you in trouble as well. My favorite Mother’s Day memory happened when I was a little kid. I knew my Mom liked Hitchcock movies, so I ran right out (not knowing what I was buying, mind you) and ever so earnestly bought her her very own DVD copy of Psycho, which… Yeah… Don’t do that. It’s a wonder I didn’t get disowned. (I’M SO SORRY, MOM! STILL!)

I promise I’ve gotten a little better since then, but to help you avoid making the same ridiculous mistake, and to make sure you get that Mother’s Day gift in the mail on time, here are five gift ideas (at different price points, not to worry), all from the Ella & Boss Collection that are sure to make your Mom’s day. Here we go!

Our Favorite Things: The Grape Leaf Dish by America Retold

Afternoon, folks! Once again, it’s that time of the week when we reveal our latest Favorite Thing. But this week, I thought perhaps I’d let our latest satisfied customer do the honors. Here’s what she had to say on our Facebook page this morning:

I LOVE ELLA & BOSS!!!!!!!!!! WHAT A GREAT IDEA AND MY CANDY DISH IS BEAUTIFUL!!!

Awwww, shucks! We’re blushing over here! Thanks for the love, Kathy! We aim to please. And wouldn’t you know it? The dish she’s referring to just happens to be this week’s Favorite Thing! Ladies and germs, may I present to you:

The Grape Leaf Dish by America Retold!

At just $40, this charming little dish is an affordable way to score some major points with anyone you want to impress. Do you need the perfect hostess gift? How about an engagement gift? Got a shower coming up? Or how about Mother’s Day? It’s a couple months away, sure, but it has a nasty way of sneaking up on you, right? And the Grape Leaf Dish is a great gift for nearly every occasion! Why not plan ahead? So do your Mom (or anyone else) a solid and head on over to Ella & Boss today and pick one up! She’ll be so proud!

The Perfect Gift 101: Presentation is Everything

The resident male strikes again! Here’s the first of a brand new video series from Ella&Boss all about finding and giving the perfect gift. In this first installment, we show you how to design and build a personalized tray of wonderful gifts that will surely impress anyone on your list! Check it out!

By the way, if you’re curious as to how much everything on that final tray will cost you, here’s an idea (not including the wine):

Star Home Tray – $199.00
Clé Noir Candle – $75.00
Star Home Wine Holder – $55.00
Elegant Entertaining – $45.00
Tradewinds Decanter – $69.00

Not too shabby, right? For more information on any these products you can head on over to the mothership. And if you’re interested in a one-of-a-kind creation made by us, feel free to email us anytime at info@ellaandboss.com!