Authors With Screwed Up Psyches Inspire A Wick[ed] Candle Collection.

So, what does a screwed author smell like?  Memoirs: The Negative Space Collection from Wick[ed] is said to be inspired by provocative authors of the past. From those addicted to alcohol to those addicted to love, each candle was inspired by an author who battled demons and fluctuated between positive and negative life experiences. The candles, in turn, have names that contain two juxtaposing words to illustrate the author's ups and downs.



Images that represent each author are etched on the container that illuminates through its black vessel when lit. Hand poured in Los Angeles and made from 100% vegetable palm wax with a double cotton wick, providing maximum illumination with an environmentally clean flame and unprecedented aromatic scent delivery. Each weighs 9 oz., has a burn time of 60 hrs and contains a “love note” from your secret admirer.



These make great gifts for the dark, troubled, intellectual in your life. Or the alcoholic bookworm.

Raging + Lull
[Inspired by the psyche of Edgar Allan Poe]:


A seductive yet crisp fragrance revenant of zesty blood orange, basil, and saffron blossom, captivated by warm notes of cinnamon bark, clove, and vanilla bean.

Despondent + Hope
[Inspired by the psyche of Anais Nin and Henry Miller]:


A nostalgic and magnetic fragrance reminiscent of fresh figs, sweet violet and citrus, bound by jasmine, rose water, vanilla, and sensuous musk.

Euphoric + Sorrow
[Inspired by the psyche of Ernest Hemingway]:


An addictive and sultry fragrance redolent of creamy Madagascar vanilla bean and aged bourbon, with an explosion of sweet anise.

Lethargic + Warmth
[Inspired by the psyche of Oscar Wilde]:


A melancholy fragrance eliciting hypnotic notes of camphor and bergamot wrapped in a melody of warm oak, vanilla and patchouli, with a hint of cedar.

Pure + Terrible
[Inspired by the psyche of Emily Dickinson]:


A sophisticated garden fragrance reminiscent of green leaves encompassing orange blossoms, while married to fresh gardenia and aromatic notes of spicy amber and wood.

Lovely + Decay
[Inspired by the psyche of Jane Austen]:


An angelic and fresh fragrance redolent of aromatic lavender, lily, and cassis, enveloped by dry herbal notes of white and black tea, laced with a woodsy aroma.

Blissful + Woe
[Inspired by the psyche of Virginia Woolf]:


A timeless fragrance memorialized in vintage gardenia and sandalwood, conjoined with the essence of orange blossom, jasmine, clove, cinnamon and invigorating grapefruit.


$32 each, buy them here

Lovers, Artists and Writers to Keep You Warm. Conversation Candles.

The Archie Grand Conversation Candle collection of Artists, Writers, and Lovers are fragrance free soy blended column candles embellished with the names of great artists, writers and lovers.

Artist's Candle:




Writer's Candle:




Lover's Candle:





Standing 6" tall and 3" in diameter, they have a burn time of 120 hours.

Regularly priced at $30 each at Sweden's Archie Grand, they are on sale for the next 3 days at Fab. If you are not already a member, use this invite link: http://fab.com/y06r4g

Cartier's Surprisingly Hip Launch For Their Latest Watch

While I've always been a fan of Cartier, especially their watches, I wouldn't have described them as a hip company or a cutting edge company or even a company in touch with an audience under 40 years of age.

However, their fabulous, artful and beautifully illustrated launch of their newest watch, the Ballon Bleu has changed my mind.

By creating a microsite that showcases six different comic book writers/illustrators' work as well as seven Ninth Art writers in an unusual visual odyssey they have made me re-examine my previous notion of this luxury jewelry and watch manufacturer.

I can hardly do the entire site justice without reproducing it, so let me just share a few of the illustrations and a few frames of the comics and let you experience the entire thing for yourself.

Click on the images below so you can see them larger and appreciate the art.




Above: six different illustrations, each showcasing the blue cabochon in a different visual interpretation.




Above: 3 different examples of partial comic strips written about the watch

Of course, the watch is stunning. It's most notable feature, the large blue cabochon sapphire winding mechanism incorporated into the bezel and open on both sides. Followed by the unusual slightly rounded shape of the front and back of the face.





Above: The unusually set blue sapphire cabochon winding mechanism on the newest Cartier watch


Above: A detail of the watch face

Like most of Cartier's bracelet watches it's available in 18k yellow, pink or white gold (with or without diamonds) and 18k yellow gold combined with stainless steel (no diamonds).


Above: The unusual shape of the Ballon Bleu

So, in addition to tempting me with yet another stunning horological adornment, Cartier's microsite has captured my eye as well and I wonder if they've produced hard copies of these 'stories'.



Most surprisingly of all, I must declare, Cartier is hip.

See for yourself here.

or buy the watch here.