Bu and the Duck

With New York still on my mind, a nod to perennial favorite Bu and the Duck is in order.  Bu and the Duck has been delighting New Yorkers for years with classic design and fabulous service.  A store that asks you to ring the bell in order to enter; it doesn't get any better than that!  Plus, they've added a shop uptown just in case you're in the neighborhood!   Want to see more?  Check out New York Magazine's slide show.

Happy Cows

 

picture via Our Farm and Dairy in Michigan. Another great dairy coop!

Food Inc was nominated this year for an Oscar and on April 21 it will be aired on PBS. Michael Pollen has changed the way most of my friends and I think about food.

Sometimes it's comforting to remember that the images we see at the local store are still real- it's just that none of those farmers' products are offered in a large grocery chain. But there are great farmers and products throughout the US if we look. Here is one great one on the East Coast! And the pics come from another great one in Michigan. We can keep the dream of America's Heartland alive if we actually purchase from a family farmer.
Hudson Valley Fresh milk is produced in New York's Dutchess County. A nonprofit that seeks to create a better product for consumers while allowing dairy farmers to make a livable wage. Their co-op consists of @@ farmers who pool their milk, process and ship it themselves. Milk makes it from the farm into your home in about 36 hours! While not classified as organic, all the farmer's in the coop are dedicated to sustainable agriculture. Their cows also have natural gestational cycles, which allows them to live longer lives and produce more milk. This is happy, happy news for me! The information that factory dairy farming was in essence fueling the veal industry had me off dairy for quite sometime. (I love cheese it was hard to stay away!)

 

via Our Farm and Dairy

Served at the NYS Governor's Executive Mansion, as well as, New York University, Bard and Vassar Colleges, and Millbrook School and The Dutchess Day School, and the Culinary Institute of America.
They can also be found at a variety of great market's throughout the greater NYC area.
Two are on my list for my next trip:
Forager's Market in Brooklyn
Union Market in Brooklyn
Eli Zabar's is a must stop everytime I'm in New York!
Also available at area Whole Foods.

Start Spreading the News. . .

New Yorker's have had a very snowy Winter but Spring is around the corner!  The Brooklyn Flea(aka etsy street) returns to Fort Greene on Saturdays starting April 3rd and the Dumbo location reopens on Sundays starting the 4th.  Hooray!  Check it out, even if you're a Manhattanite, you won't be disappointed.  Local vendors with everything from artisan cheese, gourmet ice cream, antiques, and more share their wares every weekend.  Shop and snack your afternoon away in bliss.

New York State of Mind

 I should mention at the start that my dream and hope to someday live on the East Coast may teeter on obsession. I sometimes feel like the four year old I saw out in the world yesterday: beside herself (poor darling) crying for chocolate while holding a Crispy Creme. I am in the land of fluffy, sweet, deliciousness and I want a dense, complex confection! It's hard sometimes...
When I find pictures like this, my heart stops the way it does when you see your love.  Until that day comes, I'll dress in my chicest black, turn my white noise maker to rain, listen to Frank and daydream away.

Need a NYC fix too, go to The Central Park Collection. It's a gorgeous collection of photographs of Central Park. Proceeds benefit the Park.

Love at first sight!

Trash or Treasure.

As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. An Israeli artist is living this saying. Working with school age children, Haggit Rich of SafsaPesel creates sculptures for schools in her area of the world.  She collaborates with the children on the design and then she and the children scour the area for materials.  LOVE IT! Via Green Prophet.

This project reminds me of the  Museum of Tolerance's Exhibit "Power of Play". 

Did anyone see it? I wanted to but just didn't get there... I hope they bring it back sometime.

Vintage Clothing for Children

I am in love with Belle Heir.  A streamlined site with fine vintage wear for children. Gorgeous design is timeless.  Here is a sneak peek. . .

eyelet lace dress c. 1890

navy romper c. 1935

grey romper c. 1930

ruffle dress c. 1940

New Editions

 In the market for a little pick me up for your walls?   Look to LA based art group-New Editions.
Founded by an artist, gallery director, and art historian New Editions creates limited edition contemporary art for children and the adults who love them for their dual enjoyment.
All artwork is created for New Editions in Los Angeles. Their beautifully articulated mission statement says it all:

They "believe that art serves as our playmate and our teacher. Art is joyous and challenging, reminding us of the wonders and complexities of the world- just like our children." And they "believe that the two should hang out together from an early age, so that the seeds of creativity and inquiry can flourish in us all.

They have a great blog as well! With wonderful information on art and children!

DIY: Bunny Ears

 Even though the Easter Bunny is still weeks away, I have already found myself donning bunny ears, with the tots.  While I've graduated from my NYC black only wardrobe, the long days of winter make black seem apropos, even in La La Land.  Which is why, I am going to be making these glam ears featured on Monoxious.com.  Perhaps this way, if I forget to take them off for preschool drop-off, I can pass as a punk chic bunny.  Plus, they look simple enough to make for all of our pals, big or little.

Reverie Daydream

Je t'aime Reverie Daydream!  Delightful, artisan created wares await the shopper who makes their way over to this wonderful shop.  If you are in need of a little lift to make it 'til spring, swing on by. We dare you not to smile!

 

 These letterpress cards are on my "to buy" list! I know just who I'm going to give them too!

  

Isn't this just the cutest thing! Perfect baby shower gift!

 

I want these tea towels! They are perfect for spring!  Check out Reverie's Blog as well!

I'm sure most of you know this but in case you don't the new issue of Small Magazine is now available! And it's oh so cute. Filled with beautiful pictures of summer fare- it will get you in the mood for warm weather.  New to me French line Ce Que Je Voeu is so fun! Not so sure the execution is worth $92, but the concept is perfect! PJ's as costumes- love it! Who doesn't want a detachable cape on Super Hero pajamas! Or be a pirate, fairy, or princess! All come with capes, a story printed on the costume and my favorite part- the tag turns into a wand!