Wednesday, February 4, 2009

West to East and Back Again

I have recently returned from my buying trip to New York City. With Valentine's Day approaching fast, I've brought back some new items to tell you about!

Speaking of hearts and New York, you most likely have seen their campaign, "I (heart) NY"? Well I do love going to NYC, so at the end of this blog I will share some of my favorite places to eat and shop.


In the store now (or arriving soon)

A new shipment of soapstone hearts with new colors & designs
Also new olivewood hearts (great hearts to give a guy)

Silverspoon Jewelry - Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made from vintage spoons. When two spoons are put together they form a heart. These are already going fast.

Patrick Meyer Pewter - Heart key chains (these flew out the door last time we had them)

BambooDreams Clothing - New styles and colors, including two skirts!! And their new bamboo "pashmina" scarf. They call it the pashbu!

New shipment of Ergo Soy Candles in our signature Kiwi, along with Pink Grapefruit, Monkey Grass...and the oh so yummy Dark Chocolate scent.

There is more stuff on the way as well...so stop in soon to see what's new!

Now about those spots in NYC I love...

My favorite new find is Le Pain Quotidien on 7th Ave (almost to Central Park). It's a mix of a french-style cafe and coffee house. I had a tasty bowl of soup and crusty bread while seated at the 15' long communal table, which was made from recycled wood from the floors of trains! The coffee is served in small bowls which makes it fun to drink. I noticed on their web site (just add .com to their name) that they have several locations in and around LA.

Grand Central Terminal has several interesting spots to eat. Cipriani Dolci is on the balcony over looking the the main floor of the station, with great views of the amazing painted ceiling. The lower level has The Oyster Bar Restaurant, which is great for lunch and a bowl of clam chowder. Grand Central is a must-see even if you are just passing by.

One of my favorites (and a place I have been to so many times, I'm trying to not go for a while) is Balthazar on Spring Street in SoHo. It is worth the wait to get a table here and the possible celebrity sightings (we won't name names).

The Gramercy Tavern on 20th Street was a customer's suggestion many years ago. Tracy and I had an enjoyable meal here -- great art murals and ambience.

For a shopping adventure we like ABC Carpet and Home on Broadway. Many floors of home goods and treats for all. One of the most impressive aspects of this store is their strong movement towards sustainability.

Lastly, if you have not seen the Broadway stage production of Mama Mia, it is fantastic. One of our friends, Pearce Bunting, plays the Aussie dad. A few trips ago he took us for a back stage tour, including a visit to the actors dressing rooms. It was the highlight of that buying trip!

Have a great Valentine's Day -- You are all Sweethearts to us!

By Marie Kinnaman

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