Cutie Missing

We bring you this local news story in a special weekend Hello There Cutie:

Banana Sam, an adorable 17-year-old squirrel monkey, was discovered M.I.A. Friday morning from his home in the San Francisco Zoo. Sadly, there are clear signs of a break-in, with two holes cut into the monkey enclosure. Banana Sam is one foot tall and weighs just two pounds and, at 17, is a senior citizen that requires a special diet and medication. The super scary part: there's a black market for squirrel monkeys as exotic pets and worse, for their body parts and organs.

An anonymous donor has put up a $5,000 reward for Banana Sam's return. Let's all hope for a speedy and safe return (I've seen Sam at the zoo and he is a major Cutie!). xxxo

New Year Cuties

Looks like these little birdie cuties are snuggling together to keep warm in the New Year ahead. Hmmm, I just noticed that they are all coupled off except that one on the far left, who looks like she had a bit too much birdseed in celebrating. I hope she doesn't have a bad birdseed hangover and watches out for falling icicles. And Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Deer Me, What Cuties!!!

It's time for a heartwarming Cutemaskah story...

Tom Satre of Alaska was out on his 62-foot fishing vessel when four juvenile black-tailed deer began to swim toward his boat. He quickly realized that the deer had become stranded at sea, possibly having been caught in a current and unable to make it back to shore. Tom opened up the back gate of his boat and helped the typically skittish animals onto the boat. When Tom's boat reached the dock, the first buck that had been pulled from the water hopped onto the dock, looked back as if to say 'thank you' and disappeared into the forest. After a bit of prodding and assistance the others followed back to their woodland homes. Hello There Cuties and welcome back to land!!! xxxo

thanks for sharing this heartwarming story reader Damo of SF

Hedgehog Cutie

One must be practical with a new year approaching and perhaps having a night-light goes along with that. And if you're going to have one, have a cutie! This wee hedgehog light is from Land of Nod (here) and would wake all with a smile if up in the middle of the night. Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Sing-A-Ma-Jig Cuties

This holiday season the hottest toy for the preschooler set were Sing-A-Ma-Jigs. This green one, along with his puppy friend, sing "Bingo" in harmony as well as other tunes separately. Their little mouths show their tiny teeth and tongues while singing happy tunes, and are so adorable they get a big Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Happy Boxing Day Cuties!

Today is Boxing Day and as Doug & I love Downton Abbey, we adore it! The name "Boxing Day" comes from the tradition of giving Christmas boxes (gifts) to the poor (especially to household servants) the day after Christmas. Perhaps the original re-gifting? Today is a public holiday in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong and countries in the Commonwealth of Nations... here in the US it's a reason to shop after Christmas sales!!! Happy Boxing Day Cuties! xxxo

Merry Xmas Cuties!!!

Merry Xmas Cuties!!! xxxo

-image brought to us by Doug-

Cutemaskah Decorating

I'm doing final cooking, wrapping and decorating for Xmas eve... how about you cuties??? xxxo

A Charuca Cutemaskah!

Look what we found in our Inbox cuties... a card from our friends at Charuca in Spain! These adorable little friends (don't we all wish we had a reindeer pal?) seem to be deep in holiday spirit, and I'm guessing that one of those holidays is Cutemaskah. Now where can we got a reindeer bonnet like the wee baby has...? Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Cutemaskah Cub Cutie

Look who is peeking out underneath their mama's chin... it's a Cutemaskah Cutie! This day old white lion (a rare subspecies of the African lion) cub is at Belgrade's Zoo in Serbia. As of day two, this little guy and his 3 siblings are, with good reason, the zoo's biggest attraction. Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Cutemaskah at Bergdorf Goodman

We love to give (and yes, receive) here at Hello There Cutie in the tradition of Cutemaskah & it looks like Bergdorf Goodman is embracing the cute this year too! These adorable pups have the run of the store and wow, don't we all wish we coulda been shopping with them that day? And I'm sorry, but you can't but have a moist eye at the end of this video. Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Happy Hanukkah Cuties!

Tonite at sundown marks the first evening of Hanukkah. In celebration we bring you a photo of three year old me and my Mommy with a Hanukkah gift of a Jack in the box. Behind my Mom is a stuffed tiger (he was my fave!) along with a styrofoam hanging decoration she had made then blinged with glitter in the shapes of dreidels, menorahs and other holiday objects.

Happy Hanukkah to all and Hello There Cuties to my parents who I wish I could celebrate these holidays with. I love and miss them much. xxxo

A Cutemaskah Scarf

Reader Damien went to New Zealand and brought me back this scarf just in time for Cutemaskah! Between the lambs sweet face, big eyes and yummy (non animal) fuzzy-ness, this scarf gets a big Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

A Bit of Cutemaskah Silliness

A bit of Cutemaskah silliness for all those who remember (or just like!) the 80s tune "The Safety Dance" but with a Santa twist!!! Have a very cute weekend... xxxo

A Kiwi Cutemaskah Cutie

I read about this yesterday and wow, what a Cutemaskah story!

A baby fur-seal went through the cat-door of a New Zealand home and made himself cozy on the couch to snuggle in for the night. The young pup first had to ease past the households dog and cats in the kitchen before making himself at home then proceeded to catch a few cute winks on the couch. The SPCA was called and, after waking him up, took this little guy back to his home in the bay but hopefully after a big "Hello There Cutie" was exclaimed!!! xxxo

Tree of Cutemaskah

Thinking about the Cutemaskah season brought me to a tree of life, a symbol in many cultures including that of Cute! This tree, done by the illustrator Jill McDonald, has happy critters both interacting (love the bunny on the turtles back!) and hanging out on/around the tree. Reminds me of this holiday season of parties and being with our friends old & new. Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Frosty the Cutemaskah Snowman

I was talking to my big brother last pm and he told me how cold it is in LA. Reminded me of a childhood tv show I adored this time of year that made cold seem fun: Frosty the Snowman. In looking it up, I found this Little Golden Book of the story and sorry to say, it looks cuter then the tv show. Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

A Cutemaskah Greeting

Awww check out this vintage card cuties! It's Santa and his snowman friend wishing us all Seasons Greetings which of course translates to Happt Cutemaskah!!! The smile on the snowman seals the deal for me that this was def made for Cutemaskah... I hope Santa has lots for our stockings too! Hello There Cuties! xxxo

Wrap It Up For Cutemaskah

Like the other holidays this time of year, Cutemaskah of course involves presents to the good girls and boys. And if it's wrapped for this holiday, it best be in cute paper!!! This vintage wrapping paper from the 1960s definitely has that covered, with the toys smiling out at us and bright colors. Seems to be calling out "Hello There Cutie" doesn't it??? xxxo

Cutemaskah Boozy Cutie

So yesterday I went out to the mailbox and look what was waiting for me: an adorable sweater to keep my Maker's Mark warm. Perhaps a reminder that MM makes us warm inside during the holidays? Well I immediately put it on Amelie the bunny (who wanted nothing to do with it) then went into the liquor cabinet: no Maker's so it's keeping my scotch warm instead. Hello There Cutie and thx for keeping us both warm this season!!! xxxo

A Cutemaskah Happy Ending!

Back in September we posted about this ginger seal who had been abandoned by the other seals in his colony due to be different. Well here's a Cutemaskah happy ending, brought to us by reader Joanne of Oakland... The seal has been named Nafanya, after a Soviet-era cartoon character, and is now living in a custom home in Russia. "He has a good appetite and always is in a happy mood" says the head of the aquarium Nafanya is living at. Hello There Cutie and a very happy Cutemaskah to our ginger friend!!!! xxxo

Cutemaskah Singing

The video above is from Brooks Brothers and talk about having the Cutemaskah spirit! These little lambs, bundled with scarves, are singing Jingle Bells with their fuzzy best voices. Oddly, I didn't hear a "baaaa" but am sure they were subliminally background chorusing Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

thx for the great idea cousin Heather!

Muppet Movie Cuties

Here at Hello There Cutie, we do not promote anything we don't fully endorse on the cute scale and this is no exception: Saturday I saw the Muppet movie. Totally cutie worthy and full of laughs, tears (my friend & I would watch it with our Dad's so reminded us of them) and wonderfully silly moments. Highly recommend and Hello There Cutie muppets!!! xxxo

A Cutemaskah Fieldtrip!

The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park recently unveiled an all new garden railway display celebrating Playland at the Beach. Playland began as a collection of amusement rides and concessions in the late 19th century and sadly closed in 1972. The Conservatory's tiny tribute to Playland includes Sutro Baths, a replica of the Victorian-era Cliff House and a whole lotta cute. I think this is a Cutemaskah fieldtrip for sure and Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Tis the Cutemaskah Season

It's Cutemaskah again Cuties, are you ready? We sure are, especially with this vintage chalkware candleholder singing a bit of "tis the season to be Cutemaskah... fa-la-la-la-la" to all of us. Ok, even if it's not really singing, kinda nice to imagine, right? Happy Cutemaskah and Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Paper Source Cutie

Sometimes I get a bit sick of all the PC-ness in the world (remember I live in SF!) and smile when I see something that bucks it. When I saw this bottle at Paper Source, a fave store of myself and many friends, I squealed aloud! A wonderful glass bottle with fabulous retro typography and an un-PC (but true) message totally equals Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Tapestry Cuties

Frederique Morrel is a husband/wife team that makes art out of vintage tapestries. What makes their pieces so unique is how very traditional tapestries are re purposed into familiar forms in unexpected ways. From animals to full size humans to metamorphosed creatures, all have one thing in common: they are cute! Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

thanks for the idea reader Joseph of SF

Super Bunny Colette Cutie

Look what I found at Colette! A plush "Super Rabbit Angel" for just €32. Made by Trousselier, this super bunny (I imagine) fights evil lapin farmers while giving hugs, kisses and of course carrots to French boys and girls. Go Super Bunny... and Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Another I. Magnin Cutie

Day after Thanksgivin, me and my Mom would stand outside at a very early hour waiting for the doors to open at I. Magnin in Sherman Oaks. When the doors parted, there would be a crush of shoppers rushing in to get beautiful clothing at sale prices. I recall many a item bought from there that was a bit too fashion-forward for my Valley schoolmates and looking back, I wish I still had them... Mom had a great eye! xxxo

Happy Thanksgiving Cuties!

A happy Thanksgiving wish to all for a full belly, a warm home and smiles with your loved ones! xxxo

Unplug Cuties!

I recently read an article about how we are all so plugged-in, people have a tough time when not "connected." It's been leading to shorter attention span, memory and less interaction on personal levels. This upcoming long weekend that we'll all be spending with our friends and families, think about unplugging and interacting... bet you'll have some wonderful experiences! xxxo

Muppet Cuties

This weekend a movie is opening up that I am excited to see: The Muppets! Growing up with these characters, I loved watching them while my Daddy tickled my toes and we sang along to the pop songs each week. And look at how adorable they are... totally Hello There Cuties!!! xxxo

Baaaa Cuties

A friend of Hello There Cutie, Damien, is in New Zealand right now. Seeing these wee lambs (sent in by reader Jesse of SF!) reminded us of this fun NZ fact: the population ratio there is 1 human to every 10 sheep (really!). Now if those sheep are all this adorable, we're getting on a plane to say Hello There Cutie to each and every one of them!!! xxxo

Hot Cocoa Cutie

With the weather getting cooler, makes me think about hot cocoa and wow, do I ever wish my neighborhood barista could make one like this! With those sweet little paws, isn't this just begging you to drink it up? I'd be sad to see it go but would rather be warm... and would have the memory of this cutie to keep me warmer!!! Hello There Cutie! xxxo

Kawaii Shoe Cuties

Look what I found on Etsy cuties! Some adorable mary jane shoes with sweet clouds on them. Lovingly made with rosy red cheeks and hand stitched smiles, I just wish they came in my size (these are size 4 U.S./35 Euro). sigh... well Hello There Cutie kicks anyway! xxxo

Daniel is a Cutie

This cutie is Daniel, also known as the Miracle Dog, relaxing at his new home in Nutley, N.J. The beagle mix got his name after surviving an Alabama dog pound gas chamber. Volunteers named the dog "Daniel" after the biblical figure who survived the lion's den. Daniel was adopted by a family that has other dogs he is happily playing with and is proof of real life fairytales. Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Oriole Cutie

Yesterday it was announced the Baltimore Orioles were updating their logo with this version of the cartoon bird that adorned their caps during the franchise's greatest winning period in the 80s. This cutie is hoping to bring them good luck (thus the big smile) but, as a Cubs fan, I just wish him birdseed. And a Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Sit On A Cutie

One of my friends adores cupcakes and when I saw this sweet seat by Daruma Design in London, I totally thought of her! Ok, so this is supposed to be a muffin but it looks like a big fluffy cupcake to me, just waiting for an extra layer of frosting. Mmmmm... cupcake. Ok, time for a snack break and Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Cuteness Alert at Sephora!!!

I was looking at Sephora.com and look who I ran into: some of tokidoki's cuties! Now to explain... Mozzarella leads the Moofia, a gang assembled to extort milk from the lunchboxes of schoolyard bullies. Mozzarella and the Moofia are loving and kind to good kids, and by taking milk from the bad and giving it to the good, they know the good will grow up strong and healthy to protect themselves. Yummy plus cute = Hello There Cutie!!!

Shamrock Cutie

Yes, it's a football helmet today on Hello There Cutie and looking at it, don't you see why? Notre Dame is wearing these this week for the Shamrock Series game and wow, it's enough to make me a football fan! I wonder if they'll also be wearing any cute leprechaun outfits too? OMG, that would be soooo Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Advent Cutie

It's coming up on advent calendar time of year. Although I didn't grow up with them, I always appreciate a reason to have a chocolate a day! I saw this calendar with it's multi-treat and super adorable graphics and it made me wish I could have my own countdown with treats. Perhaps to the new year instead? Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Blingin Cutie

I read about this and wow... it had to be brought to you! This is the Diamond Bathtub, which is covered in 44,928 imported pink crystals (and one real diamond). The 19th century-style claw foot bathtub is currently on sale for $39,000 and, as you can see, isn't quite big enough for a grown up to dip into. But have no worries cuties: it's perfect size for either Amelie the bunny or a few bottles of bubbly! After all, it is now holiday shopping season, right? xxxo

Rickshaw Cutie

Here in San Francisco, alot of people ride bikes instead of driving cars to destinations. Being born and bred in LA, I'm not a huge fan of peddling instead of sitting in my vehicle, listening to music while in a warm, dry environment. Now perhaps if I had this super cute rickshaw bike from Anthropologie (and someone to peddle me, of course!) I might be more likely to be out of my VW. That is, on a hot, sunny day of course! Hello There Cuties xxxo

Sleepy Monday Cutie

Between "falling back" and it being a Monday, I sure am groggy. Sleepy from Snow White seems to have the right idea: a nap with his cutie friends! Looking over, Amelie the bunny is already napping so I shall have to whisper a Hello There Cuties to you today. xxxo

Fall Back Cuties

This weekend is my fave nap-enabled date... Daylight Savings Time ends! As a result, we "fall back" and get an extra hours sleep. Extra sleep = happy me. So please don't forget to "fall back" on Sunday and have a wonderful weekend too! xxxo

Party Cuties

Am going to a party tonight at a fancy home dec store in SF and decided to check out their website. Now I don't have a dog (obviously Amelie wouldn't allow it!) but check out these cuties in their special bed. Awwww... it's enough for me to reconsider! Hello There Cuties (times 3) xxxo

Slippers Are Cute

With winter just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about those basics we need anew! In looking at my slippers, it's def time for a refresh but I ponder: back to Restoration Hardware for a pair or do I go cutie? These guys I found on eBay and wow, who wouldn't smile if you looked down at these guys? Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

More Flying Bunny Cuties

Remember when we posted about those Olympian flying bunnies in Germany? Well in Switzerland on Sunday, this cutie (Lada Sipova-Krecova of Czech Republic) won the first European rabbit hopping championships. Rabbit hopping is a growing trend among rabbit owners in Central Europe to which Amelie and I both agree... as long as the bunnies are happy in this hoppy, they get a big Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

thanks for the story Damien!!!

Happy Halloween Cuties!

Happy Halloween cuties... I hope you get lots treats, tricks are good ones and your outfit as adorable as our friend Hello Kitty's! (I hope she's not going to use that key to enter the haunted house) xxxo

I. Magnin Cutie

I just discovered the work of classic SF photographer Fred Lyon. Back in the 50's and 60's, he captured slices of SF (and Parisian) life as it was back then, with an eye for the beauty of the everyday. This scene caught my fashionista eye as it is in front of the old I. Magnin store (now Louis Vuitton) in Union Square, where a flower stand still stands today. This woman, so chic in a Grace Kelly way, seems to be wishing for a gardenia to grace her jacket... I hope she gets one! Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Nibble Nibble Cutie!

With the holidays just around the corner, it's time to begin stretching our limits for all those yummy once a year treats. This little guy looks to have his mouth ever so slightly full... perhaps he too is readying for the season? Perhaps bringing some kernels home for the kids? Or is that corn just so good he can't stop? Well, either way, Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

thanks to reader Joseph from SF for the adorable photo!

Lance is a Cutie

I am a bit under the weather (injury) and cranky today so needed a smile... and what better then a rollicking theme song? Lancelot Link was a fave of my big brothers and I, and just rehearing this after so many years brought a huge smile to my little monkey-ish face. But I'll leave it for you to dance along for me, ok Cuties? xxxo

Bear-y Cutie

I'm still in a pumpkin mood, and who wouldn't be after seeing this one? A sweet bear made of pumpkins n gourds with his honey pot! With his sweet face and knitted scarf, this little guy would be a treat to see on Halloween pm. I wonder if honey candies are given out at the house he's guarding? Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo

Anouk's a Cutie

This was a weekend of adventures Cuties... One of my fave experiences was driving down the coast with my friend Anouk (seen above) and her parents to a pumpkin farm in Half Moon Bay. The farm we went to still has many on the vine, and Anouk and I ran thru the fields finding the perfect ones. Next up? Carving and pumpkin seeds! Hello There Cutie!!! xxxo