Anglophilia + Aardvarks = Happiness

We admit it. We are hooked. With the American showing of the series* finale of “Downton Abbey”, we just can’t get enough of all things British. That's why we are so excited to announce that we are now a stockist† of products from Wild & Wolf Ltd. Based in Bath, England (a mere 60 miles or 96 kilometers from Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for Downton Abbey), Wild & Wolf Ltd. is a designer, manufacturer, and wholesaler of nostalgic and creative gifts and home accessories. We love their cute Ridley’s Magic Sets.

and their clever “Manifesto” stainless steel water bottles.

And who doesn’t love the Mr. Men Little Miss line by Roger Hargreaves?

We can’t help but smile when having a cup of tea (of course) in our new Mr. Happy Mug. But we are really thrilled to offer a line of products that feature a collaboration between Wild & Wolf Ltd. and Aardvark On Sea. Aardvark is the creative project of British artist and designer Lesley and Pea of St. Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. The design duo specialises‡  in creating fabulous letterpress prints using a vintage Heidelberg press with original wood and metal type. Happiness… is a modern take on The Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, with the sentiments of the poem distilled to create an inspirational range of products that amuse and inspire.

Happiness... by Aardvark

Shop all our Wild & Wolf Ltd. and other new products now.

* That’s British for "television season"!

† That’s British for "retailer"!
‡ That’s British for "specializes"!

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln

We have a special place in our hearts for the 16th president of the United States. Abraham Lincoln is often remembered as one of the greatest US presidents. ENJOY, AN URBAN GENERAL STORE is located in Lincoln Square on Lincoln Avenue in the Land of Lincoln. So, I guess you could say we're pretty into Lincoln around these parts.

While we admire Mr. Lincoln's political life (Doris Kearn Goodwin's "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" is very good) and, of course, his oratory skills, we would like to celebrate a completely foolish detail of Abe... his Chin Curtain.

A Chin Curtain (also called a Donegal or Lincoln) is a particular style of facial hair that grows along the jaw line and covers the chin completely. Oh how we wish it was called a Lincoln BEFORE Abraham Lincoln wore one, but, sadly, no.

We love everything mustache at Urbangeneralstore.com. So with all due respect to

Brigham Young

C. Everett Koop

and Dr. Zaius

we'd like to re-imagine Abraham Lincoln, using the iPhone/iPad 'Stachetastic app, if he would have committed to FULL facial hair.

And on this day of remembering the pride of Springfield, we'd like to give a final hirstute hip-hip-hooray for our favorite album about our home state, Sufjan Stevens' "Come On Feel The Illinoise".

Illinois by Sufjan Stevens

Make your own Lincoln 'Staches and email them to us at mom at urbangeneralstore.com or post it on our Facebook wall at Facebook.com/enjoyanurbangeneralstore.

Baby, it's (still) cold outside

ARRGH.
Yes, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow (or, wait, didn't see his shadow).
Either way, the thermometer agrees with that East Coast rodent, winter isn't quite ready to pack up for the spring.

Winter 2012 is like a Journey concert with 7 encores... the beginning leaves you a little cold until things get heated up to "Don't Stop Believin'".

So no glove means no love for those cold mitts.

Kids Fleece Mittens from Bear Hands

Steal a look at this Raccoon Stole!

Raccoon Scarf from Green 3

Wrap your frozen piggies in a pair of bacon socks.

Bacon and Eggs Crew Socks from Sock It To Me

Shop all of our cold weather accessories now at urbangeneralstore.com.