black or white?

 why choose when you can have both? 

black and white cookies could quite possibly be my all time favorite cookie. 

here's why:

a staple in most delis and bakeries in and around NYC, this delicious dessert features a soft and fluffy cookie base flavored with both vanilla and lemon.  [bakeries traditionally created them from leftover cake batter.]  then comes the topping:  vanilla fondant on one half and chocolate fondant on the other.  the best of both worlds!  black and whites are also usually over-sized, so they are perfect for sharing.  or hogging.  or eating the chocolate half and saving the vanilla half for later.  personally, i like to take a small bite from each side at once to get the mixture of the chocolate and vanilla.  yumm. 

one of the many specialty foods that i miss from the east coast... 

until i came across Salt City Patisserie!

located in salt lake city, utah, this bakery is bringing black and white cookies, as well as other specialty baked items, to the rest of the US, one yummy order at a time.  although their cookies look much smaller than the NYC originals [i could never take a single bite out of a manhattan giant like in the photo!], i am sure they are just as delicious.  they also use all natural ingredients and many are locally sourced and organic when possible. 

below are the beloved black and whites and a few of Salt City Patisserie's other delicious-looking treats.  the rosemary/sea salt crackers are making me crave some wine and cheese!  ::drool:: 

All Natural Black and White Cookies - Baker's Dozen - $20

All Natural Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookie - Baker's Dozen - $16

Organic Rosemary & Sea Salt Crackers - 20-30 cookies - $14

All Natural Chocolate Parisian Macaron's with Organic Strawberry Ganache - 1 Dozen - $24

hidden treasures

as i have stated before, i am a lover of all things miniature.  [alright, alright, i'm a fanatic!]  give me mini terrariums, baby elephants, bite-size cupcakes, or tiny utensils any day!  i also enjoy freakishly large things as well, but we'll keep it small for today.  

these adorable mini oil paintings are created by brooklyn artist Khara Ledonne and are just adding fuel to my obsession.  not only are they teeny-tiny works of art, but they are located INSIDE of adorable spherical brass/copper lockets!

YES, she takes special requests.

YES, the necklace is probably the most unique and perfect gift you could get for any interesting lady.  [hey, at just under $40, how can you go wrong with a customized gift?]

YES, there are even discounts for bulk orders!  think bridesmaids, friends, employees, "just in case" gifts to have on hand - many possibilities!  they come packaged in a small tin, ready to give to that special someone. 

take a looksy at a few samples of Khara's hard work - so inspiring! 

Brooklyn Water Tower, Hand-Painted Locket - $36

Oil, Hand-painted Super Yellow Airplane Locket - $36

a beautiful custom order

fun and unique packaging

closed locket

"mixx"-ing it up

these days, many women are looking for versatile, well made garments that are not too trendy and can last through the seasons.  why have a disposable wardrobe?  layering possibilities, classic colors, tailored designer details, and great fit are my top four requirements for clothing purchases.  of course there are exceptions, but for the main part, i stick to basics that can be made my own through the use of unique accessories. 

lamixx is one of the hottest indie clothing shops around, selling "basics" to the masses.  and by "basics" i do not mean boring and predictable.  i simply mean that their pieces fit into the everyday style of many different types of women and are easy to wear [i heart knits!].  knitwear is so popular because of the stretch and the ability to fit various body types.  with neutral colors, sexy detailing [think off-the-shoulder dresses and low-back tops], and comfortable fabrics, there are plenty of possibilities of "mixx"-ing up things in your closet. 

not only is lamixx full of great style, but the clothing is beyond affordable - most items are priced between $25 - $60!  and to top that, for the month of july, the shop will offer a different Deal of the Week special.  just another way to save, save, save! 

below are a few of my choice picks: one dress, one bottom, two tops.  knitwear made in the golden state with love. smokin' hot. 

Adore one sleeve v-neck black shirt, s m - $26

Intermix maxi shift skirt grey s m l - $48

Asymmetrical effortless halter top, grey s m lg - $24

Open shoulder la vie market dress, black s m lg - $36

just breathe

for you romantics out there, this just may be the perfect piece to get your loved one - a statement necklace that seems to say "without you, i cannot breathe."  or maybe it is simply a symbol of life in general, for without our lungs, we humans cannot breathe.  and if we cannot breathe, we cannot exist.  ...or am i thinking too deeply about this?  maybe it's just something to attract attention and make you wonder why one might wear a respiration organ around their neck.

whatever your thoughts [i'm a romantic, so i am going with option number one on this], it is certain that Peggy Skemp's Anatomical Lung Locket is a fine art piece of jewelry to treasure always.  from the intricate detailing of the human lung's bronchi, bronchioles, and lobes to the quality handmade hinges and snaps, all handcrafted in sterling silver, this necklace is sure to turn some heads. 

for other conversation-worthy jewelry featuring beautiful stones, fine metalwork, and the occasional sea creature, please have a look at the rest of the artist's online shop, Heron Adornment.

yet again, Chi-town represent!

A.  MAZE  ING.

Anatomical Lung Locket - $399

outer detail

inner detail

* photography by Rachel Hanel

fun mail

i'm one of those people who still loves to send [and receive!!] snail mail.

maybe it's my obsession with paper products and gift-wrapping supplies, but i believe there is certainly something sentimental about sending a card to a friend or loved one that must physically be opened to reveal a handwritten message.  don't you agree?  so old school!  yet so up-to-date and just plain sweet.  it makes me smile as i imagine the recipient excitedly opening his or her fun mail.  or am i the only one that gets giddy when i get mail?  hmm.  i sure hope not...

my stationery preference is always changing, but i am consistently drawn toward minimalist detailing with clever sayings.  after discovering REDSTAR ink, i may have fallen in love with paper.  again.  [yes, it happens on occasion.  ok, ok - all the time.]  located in near-perfect san diego, california, this simplistic and modern paper goods company encompasses many things that feed my note-worthy obsession:  eco-friendly products, kraft paper, organizational tools, fun prints, and vibrant colors.  the product selection includes calendars, planners, notebooks, photo albums, and tags.  be sure to check out the vibrant Native Summer Collection for a splash of color and geometric delight. 

the featured item is a variety pack of eight different cards with matching envelopes.  with sayings including "you rock", "what's up?", and "i miss you", you'll have every sort of of situation covered. 

* i like to carry blank cards and envelopes with me while traveling so that i can hide a little note to show my thanks when staying at a friend or family member's place. 

simple notes. variety pack. black - $12

trendy candy

if you know me, then you know that i have quite the sweet tooth.  abnormal at times, really.  pretty much anything delish and sugary, i'm all over it.  Vintage Confections' old school hard candies are no exception.  boasting over FIFTY flavors [champagne, tea-berry, pistachio, amaretto, bubblegum, pear...oh my!!!], vibrant colors, and fun designs, who could pass up anything in this shop?  certainly not me! 

Chi-town represent! 

of course i could not choose just one treat to highlight, so here are a few of my favorites including some lovely lollies and birthstone-colored bite-size gems. 

happy salivating! 

Old fashioned hand twisted cotton candy lollipops - 3 pc. - $9

Shirt buttons hard candy lollipops - 12 pc. - $15

Mustache on a stick hard candy lollipops - 6 pc. - $12

April birthstones hard candy gems - Diamond Champagne- 5 oz. - $6

not your gramma's doily

a shop that i have admired for quite some time now has a motto that says "let's get nuts!"  how appropriate since the shop's name is squirrellicious and there are some crazy unique items that are a little nutty!  the Dutch artisan creates everything from fun notebooks, eye masks, quirky lunch bags, and i-phone cases - many with funny little animal embroidery or applique details and colorful fabrics. 

but the items that i am most drawn to are the giant "doily" bathroom rugs.  just like gramma's table doilies - only giant sized.  and colorful.  and awesome.  created from cotton jersey fabric, these rugs will add a perfect amount of charm to your home or apartment.  what fantastic work and adorable logo placement!  want.  need.  LOVE.

doily bath rug bright yellow/lime - $70

detailed view