When granny needs to pop a cap in someone’s ass, you can bet she’s not going to use just any old piece. Hells to the no!

She’s gonna use one of Yvonne Lee Schultz’s porcelain pistols. Crafted in the tradition of the James Bond’s Walther PPK and its contemporary sister, the P99, this piece* is designed with a grandma’s sensibilities in mind. Hand-painted in the style of classic tableware motifs, it’s as comfortable in the hand as it is beautiful on the table.

*For those not in the know, these are decorative, not functional. The explosive capabilities of a single round would blow a porcelain pistol to smithereens.

My very tiny fire, that is. The Beard and I are currently looking into having a pellet stove installed in our little house. Until we actually do get our pellet stove, I’m having fun with this mini campfire from Ulterior Votives.

We’re using a real candle in our mini campfire for a itty-bitty dose of ambiance, though you can keep things safe (if not quite warm) by replacing the flame with an LED tea light.

I thought I wanted one of those traditional silver piggy banks for my layette, but it turns out that I actually want one of these:

Oh, Posh Pig piggy bank, I lurve you. These collectible patterned pigs designed by Bud by DesignRoom come in fifteen fun patterns, from surfer pig to space pig to pop pig. Perfect for a nursery, yes?

From the nice people who brought you Aroma Ducks…

…which, as far as I can tell, are just rubber ducks infused with scent.

Here’s wishing you uncommonly good luck for 2009!

If you’re worried about matters of probability, a Knock Knock charm handmade in Peru will let you knock on wood no matter where you are.

Ack! The apex of the holiday season is approaching fast! What would last-minute gift buyers do without Amazon’s 2-day shipping? My guess is show up shame-facedly at holiday gatherings where grab bags and white elephant games constitute the evening’s entertainment. When you know who you’re buying for, it makes sense to spend a little cash on holiday gifts, but when you’re anonymously wrapped package is going in a sack and may just end up in the hands of that guy from accounting who you cannot stand, why pay more than twenty bucks?

Here are six holiday gifts that won’t set you back more than two ten-spots.

As usual, click on the pics for more info. Remember, all is not lost. There is still time to buy holiday gifts for all the people on your list (loved and hated alike) without succumbing to the press of the crowd and the overwhelming atmosphere of the mega-mall.