Erica takes cues from famed architect Henrietta Mouse when she decorates her place.

1. Cat Ashtray (Morba)

It’s less trashy than just an ashtray hanging about; butts are tastefully hidden behind the smirking kitty’s face.

2. E, E, E, E, E, E

Because E is for Erica. Best story is for the E keychain. Erica gave her mom, Dana, a D keychain, then mom made a gift counterattack with the E keychain. The elegant “E” embossed cutlery was inherited from family friend Ernesto.

3. Lithuanian Dance Dolls

While Erica never fulfilled her mother’s dream of becoming a Lithuanian dancer, she does have a pair of dancing dolls in her room, and that’s what counts.

4. Silver Ring

Erica received this ring 13 years ago from her parents when they returned from Cancun. She liked it better than the Navajo blanket gift, and that’s why it’s on her list.

5. House By Mouse

While Erica loved House by Mouse as a kid – a storybook about Henrietta, the mouse architect – she now appreciates it on many more levels. Like the illustration of an otter smoking a cigarette, and overworked Henrietta’s jaded attitude towards the nouveau riche pig’s “higgledy, piggeldy” mansion. In short, Henrietta’s a genius, and given the chance Erica would definitely hire her to design her place.

6. Izzy’s Hoodie (Yonge and Eg Centre’s PJ’s Pet Store)

Izzy’s resistance to it makes it hilarious.

7. Mysterious Baptism Present

When Erica received this baptism present from her godparents, she was puzzled, what does she do with it? Her picture captures the moment perfectly. Today she thinks it’s funny that her facial expression remains the same when she sees it: puzzlement.

8. Bear Salt and Pepper Shakers (St. Lawrence Market)

These vintage shakers from the 1950s were found at St. Lawrence Market by Erica’s Aunt Bill (not technically an Aunt, since he’s a man and a family friend, but I digress). She’s thinking of starting a shaker collection, and as her friend Ryan says, she already has the “bear necessities”. Tee hee.

9. Sock Monkey Slippers

O.K. in all honesty, Erica hadn’t thought to put these on her list. But when I arrived at her apartment and found her in them I deemed that they must be included. She received them as a present for Christmas this year.