Fleet of student desks gets ready for back-to-school

Looking for a back-to-school study spot?

Here are some possibilties to consider:

Will the lively color and clean lines of this barn-red student desk free up some mental energy for studies?
47.25" wide x 23.75" deep x 29.5" tall. Asking $125.


Here's a more traditional study area: a handsome wooden desk. Can be made even spiffier with this midcentury teak chair.

50"x18"x30" tall. $65 without the chair, $95 with it.
   

Here is a narrow and long desk, with lots of space to spread out. (As you see, also handy for sewing!)
78" wide x 17" deep and 28" tall. $85.
(How do you like those stubby little midcentury legs!)


Lots of genius has been revealed studying at kitchen tables. We have an older model IKEA pine table, with that natural distressed look from about a decade student labor.
48" x 30" and 28.5" tall. $65.

Speaking of kitchen tables, if you and your student prefer that environment, consider our well-rounded selection (pun intended) of breakfast and dining tables, from $85 to $299:
   
   
  

Wait, how did that loveseat get in there? Maybe because it's a cozy place to study for those who prefer to lean back and put their feet up while reading.


OH, I almost forgot! We have a big L-shaped desk ready to be reassembled in its new home. How is your spacial reasoning? Can you picture these desk parts put together into a very cool work space? Makes a large, basic work surface in convenient angle, 73.25" x 73.25". Asking $49.

Soaps from Afghanistan help troubled land

Not shiny stones, but beautiful, glistening soaps handmade by Arghand

I've been wanting to tell you about the line of handmade soaps from Afghanistan that we carry, and today seems like the perfect time to do it.

The story behind these products is full of courage, excitement, danger and joy. In the midst of war-torn Afghanistan, a co-operative of farmers is attempting to create a livelihood and a legacy by breaking free from the opium trade. I found out about these products by stumbling upon an article written by Arghand's founder, Sarah Chayes. Read this and get a glimpse of why I want to support these farmers:

http://bostonreview.net/BR32.2/chayes.php

Arghand's slogan is "Reclaiming Afghanistan with Blossoms, not Bullets". Please pray for them! They tell their own tale best, so visit www.arghand.org for the full picture.

Arghand's products are made from botanical ingredients local to the Kandahar region of Afghanistan. Each soap has its signature fragrance, but none of them is overpowering. I'm including Arghand's own descriptions in quotes, with my own notes, if any, following:


~Amandine (back ordered): "(with palm and coconut oils, apricot kernel oils, sweet almond, cold pressed wild almond and almond extract). The oil of the tiny wild almonds, which grow in the highlands above Kandahar, gives this soap its character. A flat white oval, lightly colored with a swirl of wild almond butter."  
$7.50 per 4 oz bar


~Anisette: "(with palm and coconut oils, cold pressed sweet almond, anise seed and pomegranate seed oils, steeped licorice root). Licorice and alkanet roots, both wild vegetable dyes gathered locally, give this soap its distinctive coloring. Round and flat, yellow and lapis lazuli." Has a light, uplifting licorice-y scent. Very attractive!
$7.50 per 4 oz bar


~Desert Fields: "(with palm and coconut oils, cold pressed wild pistachio, pomegranate and castor oils, steeped Artemisia persica leaves and walnut hulls). Irregular, tawny-brown. Perhaps Arghand's best cleanser." A scent reminiscent of eucalyptus.  
$7.50 per 4 oz bar


~Elixir of Artemis: "(with palm and coconut oils, cold pressed wild almond, hemp, pomegranate seed and castor oils, and Artemisia cina essential oil). The heady aroma of this autumn-flowering herb gives this soap a festive note. A touch of ground turmeric root adds a joyous yellow hue. Flat, irregular, golden." 
$7.50 per 4 oz bar


~Kandahar Rose: "(with palm and coconut oils, cold pressed sweet almond and pomegranate seed oils, and essential oil of Rosa damascena). So ancient is the tradition of distilling the essence of the Rosa damascena in Kandahar,that the very word for rose is "flower-water flower." Egg-shaped, white with a swirl of pink." A very subtle fragrance, but with that intoxicating pull of the rose.
$7.50 per 4 oz bar


~Mountain Herb: "(with palm and coconut oils, cold pressed hemp, black cumin, pomegranate seed and castor oils, and essential oil of wild mint). This soap is pyramid shaped and pale green." Yes, cumin in soap! Try it!
$7.50 per 4 oz bar


~Pomegranate: "(with palm and coconut oils, cold pressed sweet almond and pomegranate oils, pomegranate concentrate). This soap, fragrance-free and rich in pomegranate seed oil, is especially suited to sensitive skin. Round, deep red."
$7.50 per 4 oz bar


~Pebbles sampler: "All pebble sets contain an assortment of five different sets." Great for gifting. $12.00 per 8 oz. sampler.

The Living Room is starting with just Arghand's line of soaps. We hope to expand into their various lotions and balms, as well. Sarah Chayes' description of their new skin creams sounds beyond delightful!

NOTE: Prices shown are current as of posting this entry. Subject to change without notice.

The Annual Kenmore Art Show is underway!

August 20-29, 2010, from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm daily.
Musical events each evening 7 pm - 8 pm
Hosted by Northlake Lutheran, 6620 NE 185TH St., Kenmore, Washington, 98028.


The Arts of Kenmore (A-OK) is in the middle of their annual art exhibit, hosted by Northlake Lutheran Church in Kenmore. Come and enjoy inspired works of art in scupture, textiles, photography, drawings, paintings, as well as music.

Each year, the show is better than the last. Is that even possible? Yep, with great leadership, wonderful volunteers, discerning judges, and talented exhibitors. City and community support weigh in, too.

It's free and open to the public (that's where you come in).

This year, A-OK is offering a People's Choice Award, so please come and vote for your favorite work of art. The top 3 winners will have a month's exhibit at The Living Room. Since that date will be chosen according to the artists' schedules, we'll announce it as it develops.

I hope to see you there!