I spent the Millennium New Year’s Eve in Palm Springs partying away the night at the Kaufman House. Pink Martini played live on the tennis court. What a party! All these years later, I am still haunted by the Akari paper lanterns smattered and aglow in the desert trees beyond the poolhouse. It was all so magical!

Cut to this past Saturday, I went to hear Clarence Greenwood of Citizen Cope sing an acoustic set at the Bearsville Theatre. I sat in the small balcony transfixed by the paper lanterns lighting both sides of the room (pictured a bit blurry, sorry.) I have always been in awe of the simple clean texture an Akari light sculpture gives off. Like a flame to the moth, I can’t help but be transfixed by a grouping of the lanterns. It’s no surprise that they were the creation of design avatar Isamu Noguchi. Years ago I was moved to tears when I visited the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City for the first time. Being a world class crybaby this outburst is a happy memory. I relish the rare moments where my soul is moved by the breadth of one man’s body of work.

I encourage all who can to get over to Long Island City to experience what a true master of invention the Japanese American artist was. — Allison R.

Happy Halloween fellow homemakers! Here’s a post off themed for the day. Do you believe in haunted houses? Lots of us live in old places that we are happily restoring and modernizing. Without fail, they make sqeaks and creeks in the middle of the night that can send chills down our backs. But have you ever seen in anything in your home, or another, that made you think, “huh, that was very ghost-like!” They say that objects, as well as houses can contain spirits from the previous owners, but luckily nothing we’ve ever bought from a flea market has had that kind of baggage. Don’t have a ghost in your house but are looking for some Halloween chills? Check out the Haunted Places website. There could be an historically possessed place near you worthy of a roadtrip. Above, the Sorrel Weed House in Savannah (no visit to Savannah is complete without a haunted tour). So, before you dress up and troll the neighborhood for tricks and treats, tell us: Have you ever been in a haunted house?

This weekend we went to the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. I was expecting a few booths in a parking lot and what I found was an enormous state fair-like atmosphere, with thousands of people, sheep and more types of yarn than I knew existed. I bought some super chunky, rich yarn called Buff Beauty from Briar Rose Fibers for my friend Henny, but being a non-knitter myself, was rather out-of-my-element. I would love to learn — perhaps on my up coming maternity leave? — Angela M.

I know it’s not the season to be thinking about sea-themed decor, but I wanted to share this one clever idea I spotted during our stay in Tulum, Mexico last week. We were staying at the lovely Ana y Jose resort, a laid back yet well-appointed nook on a long beach of thatched-roofed getaways. Our room featured a great walk-in shower stall that had a sea shell as the shower head. It looked simple enough, like they just drilled in a bunch of holes and stuck it up on the pipe. If you don’t live near a beach where you can comb through the sand for your own, there’s plenty to be found online at sites like this. It’d be great for an outdoor shower at a weekend house, don’t you think? — Angela M.

Ah, doesn’t that oceanfront room look inviting? I hope it is as lovely in person as it is online, because Chad & I are heading that way today! We’re off on our honeymoon, which will be a brief, but hopefully blissful, five nights in Tulum, Mexico. We’ll be back next week, and between now then posting will be a light. But don’t worry, we still have a few treats coming your way thanks to our contributors! I’m sure I’ll have some fun folk art finds or culinary treats to share with you next week. Till then! — Angela M.

Our MacDonald’s post is stirring our wanderlust. Even though we’re stuck at our desks today, we can still soak in some international design thanks to Concierge.com’s Coolest Store gallery. You’ll find the chicest, must uber-designed boutiques in there — from Milan to Toyoko. Our favorite though, is sort of in our backyard. It’s the Comme des Garcon store in Chelsea, whose womb like enterance really puts you in the mood to buy one of Rei Kawabuko’s amazing designs (or at least a lovely scented candle). What’s your favorite store, design-wise?

The Mid-Century Modernist asks, “Why are Europeans so much classier than Americans?” Can’t say I would agree across the board, but also can’t say I’ve ever been in a McDonald’s quite this awesome in any country. You’ll find it on Edgware Rd in London and it features the designs of the amazing Arne Jacobson. It seems to be a trend; his Series 7 and Swan chairs are spreading to more of the food chain’s locations throughout Europe. It does remind me of being in Paris quite a few years ago and insisting that we eat at the (no longer in business, apparently — at least I couldn’t find it online) French version of McDonald’s, Quikburger, where the promotional items weren’t cheap plastic movie tie-ins but drinking glasses made of actual glass and printed with glossy illustrations by Keith Haring. Sigh. - Mary T.

In the opening scene of War of The Roses, Kathleen Turner meets Michael Douglas while strolling through what looks like the largest antique/flea market I’ve ever seen. I’m not 100% positive, but I’ve always thought it to be Brimfield, the tri-annual extravaganza in Massachusetts that’s on now through September 9th. Over 5,000 dealers descend on the tiny town, that balloons from 2,000 to 250,000 over a six day period. Called America’s Yard Sale by some, it is a collector’s paradise. And I’ve haven’t made it there yet… Anyone want to sign up for a spring 2008 road trip with me? Till then, check out more photos in this flickr set by Karen Marlene Larson. — Angela M.

Just returned from a destination wedding in Scotland! We stayed for two nights at Tigerlily, Edinburgh’s year-old designed-to-the-nines boutique hotel. We did our homework: The property won the Scottish Hotel Design Award and made Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List this year. It takes up a Georgian Townhouse in the fashionable financial district, and sees a lot of to-and-fro due to its underground disco Lulu and main-floor lounge. Our suite (we were upgraded) was a mix of classic and couture—high notes included the turquoise floral flock textiles, a remote control rock fireplace facing our four-poster bed, and the giant white sculptural chandeliers. Only downside: You’re sleeping in the thick of a scene, but the walls are thick, too: We didn’t hear a thing. — Megan K.

We have had a hectic week, which cut our surfing time. But we wanted to share with you one new blog from a friend, Berit Thorkelson, that just launched called Trusty Pony. Berit is a travel writer who lives in West Saint Paul, MN and writes about her global journeys for many publications. Her new blog highlights amazingly clever travel-related products, like these assorted wipes by La Fresh. These pocket sized packets are just the ticket to clean you up while on the road, and best of all, no pesky airport security guard will attempt to take them away from you.

Now it’s your turn: Found any new sites we should know about? Perhaps you have launched one of your own! Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming blogwatch.