If you’re like me, you have a dozen utensils for serving and none of them do an adequate job serving slippery pasta. Instead of continuing to make due, I’m moving spaghetti night back to the Jurassic era with the Pastasaurus Pasta Server! Just $8 from Perpetual Kid, the Pastasaurus tames every noodle with its prehistoric teeth. Not only is it functional, it’s also adorable (much like these previously featured dinosaur lamps). –Katie D.

Our dog Buster recently passed away after nearly 17 years as the star of our family. My dad named his home brew after him, my mom shared an omelet with him every morning, and I even took him to college with me once for a wild weekend where a piece of pizza literally fell from the sky onto the street right in front of him (which I thought was a pretty good canine equivalent of what college can be like). I know that somewhere in dog heaven, Mr. B is smiling down on us with his neverending bowl of tomato sauce (his favorite food), but it’s still hard to adjust to the new everyday without him here. Our vet wrote a kind note and a family friend has even offered to immortalize the B Boy in a painting like the one shown of her own beloved dog. We greatly appreciated these gestures and are looking for more creative and meaningful ways to remember him. So tell me: how do you say goodbye to a beloved pet? — Sarah C.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the design of these Teabag Mugs from Bailey Doesn’t Bark. Check out the Bailey Doesn’t Bark Blog for a sneak peek at the process of making these unique cups. While $36 seemed like a lot to pay for a mug, once I saw how much work goes into making each one, it didn’t seem like too much. I think a set of two would make a great housewarming gift. — Erica P.

Here’s your chance to impress your friends and mail deliverer. The blog -Love. Obsess. Inspire. has posted free downloadable goodies: mailing labels and note cards from wildly talented Etsy seller Oh Smile. The note cards make excellent gift tags and the mailing labels will turn your letter into an enviably elegant post. — Katie D.

After a few weeks of frustrating indecision, it looks like Jack Frost may in fact be coming to stay for the season soon in New York City. This is great — not only will it quell the loud mood swings my radiator has been having, but it also puts me in the mood for heartier breakfasts. Taken from the kitchen at my summer camp, this recipe always kept me warm for those early morning swimming lessons in the lake. It’s a key component of my freeze-fighting food arsenal. — Sarah C. Click for baked oatmeal! (more…)

Give someone the gift of One Story, and your recipient will receive a new short story in the mail every three weeks for a year. At $21, it’s a steal, especially considering the quality of the writing. (You can view some author information here.) Processing takes 4-6 weeks, so if you want the first story to arrive close to the holidays, it’s not too early to add One Story to your list. I gave it to my youngest sister last year. She loved it so much, when my birthday came up a few months later, I gifted myself! — Sarah L.

If you’ve seen the new movie Amelia, you know that Amelia Earhart was much more than an aviator and an inspiration to millions. In her far-too-brief 39 years, she authored two books, was an associate editor at Cosmopolitan, became a visiting faculty member at Purdue University (where she planned to return after her ’round-the-world flight) and was actively involved in the manufacture and promotion of several products that bore her name. My favorite? Amelia Earhart luggage, which Earhart insisted be up to the demands of air travel. Perhaps that’s one reason you still find great travel cases, trunks, and suitcases on eBay, like a demure set of three or this bright green, ribbon-trimmed assortment. (We found the vintage ad on eBay, too.) Me? I’ve been stubbornly holding out hopes for years that I’ll find one while antiquing. It’s part of the adventure. — Sarah L.

Chana writes:

I have a ton of old CDs that are not being used due to the convienience of mp3 players. I cannot part with them so they just collect dust in those CD books, taking up space. I love music and was thinking it would be interesting to display the ones that have colorful artwork. I have searched the Internet to see if anyone has crafted such a thing, but only come up with CD storage frames. Anyone have any idea how to frame cds in a collage without having to ruin them with glue?

Hmm…Well, Chana, we actually like the storage frames at Billboard CD Frame — is it not having a case that’s the problem, or are you simply looking for a more 2D solution? You could try attaching the case art to a magnetic board like this one, or slipping them into a ribboned bulletin board. You could also try adapting this Curbly DIY on hanging photos using a wire (photo here). But maybe you want a more finished, framed look. Readers, any suggestions?

Photo by Meow

Thanks to Shelterrific reader Kristyn, I’m now the proud owner of this mailbox from Chiasso. You may recall that we were in the market for a modern mailbox, and she suggested the “priority” box. We like the color, we like that it locks, and we very much liked that it was only $58! It’s been holding up great during several weeks of rain (including hail) and now it’s easier for our friends to find our house, too! — Mary T.

We’re always fans of adding a little more art to the art of correspondence, and this handmade stationery and envelopes by Adnagam fit the bill nicely. The artist uses sheets from vintage books, atlases, maps, sheet music, and children’s books to create beautiful envelopes and cards. (We especially like the anatomy coloring book envelopes.) See them all at Adnagamn’s ArtFire shop.