Au naturelle

Everyone is going green these days. There's nothing like helping the Earth, but there's something a little crass about environmentalism becoming a trend, and just another excuse to shop. Isn't conspicuous consumption part of the problem? But, of course, that never stopped us from caving for something cute and cost-friendly, like this wooden bowl from Crate and Barrel. This is perfect for serving, decorating or for holding your jewelry on your dresser.

Grey gardens

IN BLOOM: Well, not quite. I've spent the better part of the last two months readying my garden for summer, experiencing the highs of a first flower and the lows of torrential downpours turning my basil into a moldy science experiment. I put most of my veggies in pots to have more control over them, and planted flowers in the ground to give some color. But, alas, the cold, rainy weather has left everything struggling to survive. Only the tomatoes are thriving. My favorite addition to this year's garden is the pathway. I took my inspiration from grand estate gardens, imagining they'd be a practical and pretty way to keep me from trodding on all the flowers in bloom. I guess one can always hope for future flowers.

Happily horizontal

WHY CAN'T EVERYDAY BE A LAZY SUNDAY? If everyone could have a little piece of land outside to call their own, that land should also come with a hammock. For as little as $30 if you have the right trees, to $200 if you need a stand, it's like a vacation in your own backyard. Everytime I lie in mine, if I shut my eyes and listen carefully, I think I can hear the ocean.