Take time to remember on Memorial Day

(photo from Travelmuse)

Between the Summer Kick Off & all the BBQ’s, take time to remember what Memorial Day is all about: remembering those who have died while serving our country. Honor those living as well, and celebrate the freedom we have because of their service. The American Flag is a symbol of our freedom united together, hang it proudly. Here it is flowing in front of one of my favorite places to visit, and a great inspiration for the shop, Alley’s General Store on Martha’s Vineyard. Enjoy the day!

An Embarrassment of Pandas

A Zeal of Zebras, $17.99

Sure, we’re all familiar with common collective nouns like a pride of lions or a flock of sheep, but an embarrassment of pandas?!?! Woop Studios, the graphic design geniuses behind the Harry Potter movies have released this gorgeous book illustrating animal collective nouns. Adults and kids both will love this book, both for the beautiful illustrations and the interesting facts!

Are you noticing a theme?

Sauced Wine Glass, $16.95

I know it’s the end of the week, but clearly I have wine on the brain. This hilarious glass from Fred & Friends is perfect for anyone who loves to drink, or cook, or both! As Julia Child once said, “I enjoy cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.”

Terrariums!!

Tiny World Terrariums, $19.95

A few weeks back Ann and I went on a “company retreat/terrarium-making workshop”. Terrariums are really hot right now, and we’ve both been dying to make one. We found the perfect opportunity when Greenery NYC paired up with Ann’s friend Chef Joseph of Yummy Eats for a workshop here in Brooklyn. Joseph cooked up a delicious brunch while we created our terrariums. Since we loved the experience so much, we had to get this great new book, Tiny World Terrariums. It walks you through the basics of building a terrarium, from choosing a container to assembly. They also offer tons of inspiration for beautiful and fun designs. I couldn’t resist adding a little glass squirrel to mine for a bit of whimsy.  Check out the pictures of our terrariums, and check out the book to start your own!

Supplies

Ann's terrarium-in-progress

Jess's terrarium-in-progress

Ann's finished terrarium

Jess's finished terrarium

It’s Not Too Late!!!

If you’re like me, and procrastinate thrive under pressure, you’re probably still getting together your Easter Baskets. Good news! We still have lots of great stuff. Just check out these adorable baskets our resident Easter Expert (Annie) put together for a phone order!!

Cute enough for you?

Lunch Box Memories

One of our great regulars brought my attention to a sweet article in today’s New York Times about a Brooklyn artist who packs an original piece of art in her children’s lunch boxes every day. Each of her masterpieces is rendered in waterproof markers on, what else?, a napkin! This is such a beautiful idea, and brings to mind one of our favorite products, the Napkin Sketchpad. What a prefect way to  entertain your kids and create memories!

Napkin Sketchpad, $6.95

Something sweet!

Everyone loves candy, and we have quite a selection of delicious sugary treats at the store! But I must ask,  have you tried BrooklynHardCandy yet? If you haven’t, you most definitely should! Handcrafted in the most amazing borough and packaged with care it comes in a variety of flavors including: wild strawberry, blueberry, green apple, tangerine, concord grape and golden pineapple. These are great for gifts or favors, for kids as well as adults. Check out their website and swing by the store to pick up a locally made sweet treat!

The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm

The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, $39.99

We’re huge fans of the books from publisher Taschen. This newest arrival is so gorgeous. It makes a great gift for new parents, but you’ll want one for yourself as well! Honoring the 200th anniversary of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, this compilation includes vintage illustrations from legendary artists spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. It even includes story introductions and artist biographies making it perfect for children and adults!

Lolly Koon Photography

My dear friend, and very talented photographer Lolly, is heading to Mexico next month to photograph families in the suburb of Ensenda while working with a charity organization which feeds, clothes, and educated impoverished families in the region. To help raise money for the trip she’s currently holding a print sale on Etsy. With the purchase of a print you’ll also receive a photographic newsletter documenting her trip. I can promise you they won’t be pics of her doing shots on the beach, either. Her photography is hauntingly beautiful and I look forward to seeing the work this trip produces. Check out her Etsy page for some great affordable pieces or her personal website for even more work! ~Jess

BOOGIE!

Boogie Monster Dance Kit, $39.95

Is this the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? The author of The Tickle Monster, Josie Bissett (yes, the one from Melrose Place) teamed up with the children’s band Recess Monkey to create this adorable kit. Complete with book, leggings, and music CD, it’s packaged in a reusable gift box with magnetic closure. What more could you want?