NYC

I went to New York for the first time. It was amazing. There was snow on the ground when we arrived at 6AM on a Friday morning, and the sun glinted off icy roof tops as we rode from the JFK into Manhattan.

I went to the Strand bookstore, which has been on my list to-do since forever. And I asked the guy behind the counter to recommend the best coffee, which led us to Paradis which was tiny and warm and full of amazing baked goods, homemade jam and tiny tables and chairs occupied by happy New Yorkers eating breakfast.

I saw my favorite Brooklyn girl, and we dug around a tiny shop filled with stamps looking for that perfect image... and then I met this boy Keat, who makes stamps and draws zines and I bought his book.

And I saw amazing displays and bought beautiful objects.

I rode on the Subway.

I walked the streets of New York from morning til night and saw many, many things.

I saw beautiful art.

I saw miniature art.

 
I saw cool art.

I ate good food in good company.

and I took many, many pictures. Thanks, New York. I hope to see you again soon.

Aria

Had the chance to pop into one of my favorite shops in SF, Aria. Among all the treasures I found and purchased some tiny vials of mounted micro shells from the 18th century. The owner, Bill travels to France several times a year to search out antique pieces and collections...

The space is truly amazing. From original anatomical posters, to antique miniature globes, Aria has something for the curious and creative.

The shop is open Tues- Sat 11-6 mostly... And if you get a chance there is a great bakery across that street that specializes in biscotti. Happy hunting !!!!

A Lovely Birthday

28 today! My day was full of treats, finds and sunshine... oh and Bergamot Cotton Candy from Miette...
les macarons from Paulette's...
ribbons from the Ribbonerie...

...and other lovely finds!

The afternoon ended with tea at Crown & Crumpet.

A Day in the City

Spent the day in SF with my friend Alicia. We started at her house with a breakfast of crepes sprinkled with sugar and a squeeze of meyer lemon juice made by her husband.... they were amazing!!!!



Headed down to the street to Arch to check out art supplies, then to SCRAP for a treasure hunt...

After a walk down Valencia, and a delicious lunch at Papalote's we stumbled upon this wonderful shop appropriately named Gypsy Honeymoon. I found a few beautiful pieces there including a vintage still life oil for a bargain! The proprietor, Gabrielle Ekedal, is the fourth owner and treasurer hunter Gypsy Honeymoon has had in its 17 years open. Gabrielle is warm and welcoming and has created a beautiful store full of delicate vignettes and rare findings. Its a truly unique collection, reasonably priced and thoughtfully, artfully crafted. I can't wait for a return visit!!!

My painting...

French boudoir dolls named Beatrice, Lallou and Lette sit atop an antique dresser...

Fall Window at Anthro

The new Fall window is up and is all about local travel... 

The map on the window surface is actually of Berkeley!

I layered in details of things I like to do in the Bay Area. Of course, all of these details have some reference to my favorite eateries!

Yarn from Habu Textiles

I came across the yarns of Habu Textiles a few months ago but had not seen such a selection until visiting Knitterly in Petaluma.  The range they offer is incredible!  Habu hand crafts all these amazing fibers, some with paper even. I don't know how to knit, but purchased these in hopes of using them to tie tags, wrap packages and even embellish paper shoes. Will post pics once I create something!

Day Two in Seattle

I am always on the search for les macarons. Our first stop was le panier in Pike Place market. The macarons had good texture and were pretty tasty, but our favorite macarons came later in the day...
These jewel toned macarons we discovered at Honore Artisan Bakery in Ballard. Although these macarons were larger than their Parisian counterparts, they were delicious! Our favorites were the salted caramel with coconut and the lavender with lavender ganache. Their other pastries and confections were equally delicious!

Our most memorable find of the day was Bella Umbrella just next to Honore Bakery in Ballard.
This tiny shop displayed dozens of vintage umbrellas from the ceiling and housed a myriad of unusual and unique styles along their shelves. All the umbrellas were arranged by color which made for the most breathtaking presentation!

Aaron found this 50's double layered umbrella that was black on the outside with a floral scalloped lining.
The owner rents most of these vintage umbrellas out for weddings and other events, but she also makes a signature pagoda umbrella which I had to have. I chose a pink pagaoda canopy with a red wooden handle. I'm so taken with the shape and style of this umbrella! It has me dreaming of flying away like Mary Poppins!
I also loved this pink and black plaid umbrellas from the 50s...
My pink pagaoda umbrella!