Apr
20
Mar
18
yes please – attia
I find myself completely smitten with Australian tabletop line, attia. Not only do I love their sense of design, but the philosophy behind it. The attia range inspires a warm minimalism that celebrates the human rather than the machine. Attia values products that are energized by the makers touch, things with soul – and loves the patina that time and use leave behind.
Their line consists of ceramics in black and white and natural wood pieces. Their focus is on natural finishes – matte rather than gloss – muted tones and shades mix with the natural tonal shifts that wood provides. The rounded, irregular shapes have a primal, organic sensibility that I love.
…and oh yes… there’s the egg cup.
To see more visit them at attia.
Dec
19
Bellocq rocks
As with many things, it was the packaging that drew me in. Happily though, in this case, what lies within is equally enticing. Behind the signature yellow, silver, and black tins is Bellocq, the award-winning tea company and purveyor of evocative artisan blends.
Following the success of their Kings Road, London shop, Bellocq packed up and moved to the states, opening their new tea atelier in Greenpoint, NY. (Brooklyn) The luxury tea company takes their inspiration from British and Parisian tea culture, infusing it with an adventurous and modern spirit. The story of Bellocq is one of passion and discovery. Bellocq’s founders, Heidi Johannsen Stewart, Michael Shannon and Scott Stewart joined creative forces with a desire to collaborate on a shared aesthetic vision that captures their appreciation of traditional artisan work and a love of fine tea.
And fine it is.
They offer black, green, white, oolong, herbal, single estate, pu-erh teas, as well as their award-winning signature blends. Notable among these are No. 45 White Wolf – a blend of white peony, cedar, juniper, and mint, No. 20 Kikuya – named after the first geisha, it is a blend of Japanese sencha and Bulgarian rose petals, No. 42 Little Dickens – a chocolate kissed children’s blend of South African rooibus, mint, and cinnamon, and finally, that which I will be starting with…
No. 22 Noble Savage – a handcrafted blend of Indian and Chinese black teas, juniper berries, Douglas fir tips, and wild blue cornflowers. Embodying the rugged soulfulness of the American Northwest this brew is earthy and reflective, producing an amber-hued liquor with a lingering, mellow finish. Yes please.
Thank you Bellocq for your exquisite work, inside and out.
Dec
05
whimsy & spice & all things nice
For me it started with this cookie. The Hazelnut Whiskey Sandwich cookie. I’m not sure how I happened upon it, but I did, and as we know I like all things whiskey – so I investigated further. These brilliant creations are made by Whimsy & Spice, a confection shop in Brooklyn. Husband and wife team, Mark Sopchak and Jenna Park pair to create their distinctive line of handmade sweets. And distinctive they are – I am intrigued and inspired by their masterful use of flavors and their genius pairings…
Like the Massaman Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie… spectacular. Also notable in their sandwich cookie line are Pink Peppercorn, Earl Grey, and Pumpkin Ginger. But it doesn’t stop there. There are things like…
The Coconut Five Spice White Chocolate Drop cookie, Rose and Black Peppercorn Thumbprints, and Chocolate Gingersnaps. If you like shortbread, they have it. Biscotti, that too. And, oh yes…
They have Brownies and Bars.
But what really intrigued me were the marshmallows – and I’m not even a marshmallow person. Rose Vanilla, amazing (and pink to boot.) But there’s also Cardamon, Maple, Caramel, and Chocolate. Who’da thunk? Well, Whimsy & Spice did. How do they do all this you ask?
That’s how.
So you should give yourself a treat and try them, and if you want to really make someone’s holiday send them a gift box.
Like the Herbs & Spices Gift Box, (ahem.) Bravo Whimsy & Spice, and thank you!
Nov
30
yes please – great granite
How cool is this? I spotted this amazing striped granite bathroom in the November issue of House Beautiful while doing some work. What an extraordinary striated stone. It makes such a statement against an all-white backdrop. Love it.
