Typically the comments are something like this: “My first time here. I really like your site. And let me tell you, you have hit the hammer upon the head. I am no expert, but you really sound like you know what you are talking about. This has been helpful to me. I will be back more soon. Keep on keeping up.”

When you initially read a comment like this, you think, “Wow! That’s so nice! Someone is actually reading my stuff. Obviously, they are not from here because this English doesn’t sound quite right. How exciting to have a following overseas!”

Unfortunately, it turns out that these things are merely computer-generated comments that pick up on SEO words. These seemingly nice comments are actually hiding RSS feeds. So when you post these comments showcasing how fabulous your writing is, you are really adding their RSS feed to your site.  And usually those hidden feeds are coming from places like BUY MICHAEL KORS CHEAP, MONTCLER AT UNBELIEVABLE PRICES, and UGGS LIKE YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN.

I am glad I figured this out before posting one particularly nice comment. It linked to male enhancement products.

But you know what? Some days when I have had a particularly rough go of it or when I am trying to express to a friend that I love him, but he hurt my feelings, and for some strange reason it is now coming out months later (out of context and in a voice I no longer recognize as my own because the pitch has gone up and the words form what seems like a never ending sentence), well, sometimes those computer-generated comments make me feel a little happier and warmer. Like I’m eating a Pop-Tart.

So today, let’s try and be more like Spamments (without the SPAM). Spread some love and try and listen more closely to what those around you are trying to say. Even if they’re not as clear as they mean to be, chances are their RSS feeds offer something more genuine than fake Michael Kors.

I’m also happy to report that I will be seeing Priscilla Queen of the Desert tonight. I can walk to it from my house, and I need some songs and drag to get me out of this funk. Until next week!

I’m also going to say that Seletti agrees.

For their brilliant (no pun intend) Estetico Quotidian line, the Italian company known for its whimsical, high-design furniture and decorative objects has gilded sundry everyday items (i.e., colanders, laundry detergent bottles, pie plates), taking them from merely utilitarian to totally-in-your-face little works of art.

My friend Sam gifted me with a Seletti sardine can a couple of years ago, and I can’t help but smile every time I look at it. It’s a total happy maker. (Bonus: every piece in the Estetico Quotidian line rings in at under $100.)

You can pick up your own piece of smile-inducing gold goodness locally at Nest, We Are 1976, and TenOverSix. Or you can nab one online.

Happy shopping!

Prior to my gig here at D, I worked in corporate America for nearly 14 years. And while there were certainly many perks to my job (i.e. international travel, an office with windows, a pension — old school, I know), sanctioned “shopping” during the work day wasn’t one of them.

But as the market editor for a shelter magazine, I need to know what’s, well, out in the market, so in this job, “shopping” is actually “scouting.” And, yet, earlier this week I found myself at the West Elm desperately searching for hand towels to replace the shoddy ones that currently reside in my guest bathroom (I’m hosting a party for 60 at my house tomorrow, so the hand towel situation required immediate attention) and feeling guilty for shopping in the middle of the day.

But then I thought, hey, I can multi-task here, I can get those pretty Hammam hand towels, thus avoiding massive hostess embarrassment, and do my job. At which point, I went all Sheryl Sandberg on the situation and leaned into my purse to retrieve my iPhone so I could snap photos of all the things I was “scouting” in the “marketplace.”

The end-result? Those seven beauties above. All at the West Elm in Mockingbird Station right this very second. All completely awesome. All likely coming home with me at some point in the near future…

Just doing my job friends. Just doing my job.

The Goods:

• 1. Mottled ceramic pitchers — I have no idea what these are actually called, as they’re not online yet, but I’m seriously digging their whole Commune Design/Adam Silverman feel.
• 2. Ikat Squares pillows — So pretty in person…and the pink feels earthy, not twee.
• 3. Huron outdoor chair - I love the Calatrava-esque vibe of this woven cord stunner.
• 4. Marbleized Cylinder planters — I want to replace every pot on my patio with these beauties. Full stop.
• 5. Copper and wood twine holder — This is another in-store only find, and I want it bad (even though, given the fact that I have never actually used twine for, well, anything, I have no idea what I would do with it).
• 6.Wood and glass vases — Also not online, and maybe not even vases, but awesome nonetheless.
• 7. Paper flowers — So festive. In mass, they would be fantastic for prettying up a wedding shower or graduation party. Oh and the entire lot is 20% off in store.

The Constantine bedding from Isabella Collections by Kathy Fielder.

Local high-end bedding designer Kathy Fielder is opening up her I.B.C. Design Studio at 2000 Greenville Avenue for a trunk show and sale next Thursday, May 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Her luxurious Isabella Collection (you can shop it at Horchow) will be the star of the show. Bedding, draperies, decorative pillows, and fabrics will be available, as well as one-of-a-kind samples at discounted prices. This is a rare opportunity to pick up discounted pieces!

She has also invited some other locals to be a part of the fun. Glam Girl is selling jewels at affordable prices. Georgia Stuart, medical skincare specialist, is offering mini glycolic freshening peels and deep tissue hydration treatments for $40. Are you an antiques enthusiast? Rue Seven Seventy just got back from Paris and will bring their recently hand-picked selection of 18th and 19th century antiques. On the food front: Nora will be serving up their signature Afghan dishes. If you’re planning on attending, RSVP here: info@isabellacollection.com.

1.  Honeycomb

The home furnishings industry is right in line with the newest designs from Alexander McQueen. Honeycomb patterns were very prevalent. Hexagons, pentagons, and other geocentric patterns were incorporated into everything from bookcases to chests.

2.  Malachite

This year is truly the year of emerald. Pantone’s color of the year was very evident in fabrics and fabulous malachite accents. This magical mineral was spotted everywhere in items like accent tables and nesting boxes.

3.    Monaco Blue

Emerald was not the only bold hue to gain popularity. There’s a new shade of blue that is headed more toward a deep Monaco sea color. The emergence of this hue is exciting because it walks the line of feminine and masculine and has potential for both casual and formal use. It can be zipped up with other brights for a bold look or combined with a cool gray for a more soothing effect.

 4.  Gold

Say goodbye to “modern” polished nickel. Gold was the word at High Point. A true 20K color was the dominating look. Hammered, brushed, and polished golds were popular, but a warmer gold prevailed.

5.  The “It” Fabric

Every High Point Market, there is an “it” fabric—a fabric so irresistible that it is contagious. This time, it is Mary McDonald’s ode to chinoiserie, Chinois Palais in lettuce. This large-scale linen print features exotic birds among a flowering tree of peonies and cherry blossoms. Derived from an antique Chinese painted silk mural panel, the soft color palette is the perfect choice for refined elegance.

By Hilary Walker

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If you’re like me, you might think you’re doing a good thing in the kitchen when you purchase a box of fresh herbs over the dried, ground, and bottled versions in the spice section of the grocery. But consider this… For every expensive box of fresh herbs that you purchase, you could have nurtured a live plant and avoided another herb purchase all together! At least that’s what I finally put together.

So, here’s my next tip for feathering your first nest… resurrect your green thumb and invest in a few small containers to create a beautiful and useful fresh herb kitchen garden. It’s so incredibly very easy. I picked up my pots at a local thrift store (figures) and chose some hardy and popular (see: useful) species such as rosemary, sage, and cilantro. I repotted them carefully and placed them next to a sunny window. Not only does my kitchen now smell amazing, but it looks pretty darn good too!

Next up, actually cooking with them… In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m feeling very “Martha Stewart” right about now.
 

(Ed. note: You can keep up with Hilary on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.)

She’s decorated the space with the coolest paper flowers to create a garden wonderland. We’re seeing paper flowers pop up in stores (Joslyn spotted some at West Elm) and it’s a fun alternative to the real thing. We all know I can’t keep real plants alive. Maybe I should give the paper version a try.

Check out the party tomorrow from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and peruse her selection of stationary, art prints, and wine tags. The wine tags make the best hostess gifts.

What are you waiting for?

(And for an added dose of inspiration behold that color-laden playroom to the right designed by Dan Nelson for Pat and Charles McEvoy’s Park Cities home.)

Why am I asking? Well, I came across these glasses on sale at West Elm. They will match my new ombre hair color and I think they’d look good with a fun drink in them. Okay, reader. Ready, set, go.