All week, I’ve been obsessing about Anthropologie’s Torridon Rug. I love the warmth of the shag, I love the color pallet. I just love it. And it’s on sale. For $999. Yikes. With a dog (and a budget), there’s no way I can justify paying that for a rug. So, I’ve been desperately searching for days to find a cheaper alternative.

O.co had this hand-tufted wool rug that shares most of the color pallet for $500. Still too expensive and lacking the shag.

JC Penney’s had this rug for $120. A little more muted than I’d like and a little bit cheap looking (also out of stock). Now I’m wondering if I can just buy a white shag rug and do it myself.

I always wondered how they got the centers out of the jalapeno poppers without slicing them down the side. I should have known there was a tool for that. I may have to order this jalapeno roaster set before Memorial Day weekend. These look delicious.

Another cool, modern take on the Cuckoo Clock. I particularly like the unique hanger on this one. Free Time CuCu, $375 at Fab.com.

CB2′s Cage Brass Pendant is really fantastic. It has an industrial vibe, but at the same time, the brass is reminiscent of a traditional chandelier. It’s a steal, too – $149.

These portrait pillows by Emily Forgot at the W Paris Opera Hotel have quite an impact. I can’t help but wonder if a similar effect could be achieved by iron-transferring prints of famous paintings.

Via Poppytalk

Livet Hemma found an inexpensive and charming way to update an Ikea MULIG valet with leather straps and glue (above) or hemp string (below). Each valet costs just $13.

The warm and subtle brass finish on this three tiered pendant let it cross the line from kitschy to elegant. I’m not big on the white cord they used, but that could be disguised with a brass chain. $64 at Urban Outfitters.

Hand sewn Llama Love print from Tastes Orangey (a.k.a. Clare Elsaesser), $25. Elsaesser has been one of my absolute favorite artists on Etsy for years. Her work is amazing and her prints are always reasonably priced. Her husband (Kai of Windy Lane Studio) is no slouch, either.

Best in Show Tea Towel from Anthropologie, $22.

Lovely drawings of flouncy skirts from artist Stephane Dauthuille.

Via the Jealous Curator.