Something pretty everywhere you look!

Purl Soho
459 Broome St. (between Greene and Mercer St.)

Last week, I headed to one of the most amazing fabric, yarn, crafty shops in the city - Purl Soho - to grab a graduation gift for my sister! It's one of those stores where every color of yarn and every fabric print is absolutely gorgeous! Really - they only have beautiful, fun prints here!

I love these pre-made packets of fabric! They're so fun and such a great gift for friends!

Even the way everything is displayed and arranged is beautiful! If you're in Soho, this is a place you'll definitely want to see - even if you don't have a crafty project in mind! They might just inspire you!

Good to know: The hours are fairly limited. I showed up at 11:15am last week only to realize they don't open until noon. Purl Soho is open Monday through Friday from 12-7pm; Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm.

Mother's Day Ideas - Part 3 (and a Cinco de Mayo one as well!)

 

You'll have to call them to see if they still have this Cinco de Mayo cupcake kit, but isn't it cute! It would be great for a festive dinner with the family or friends. 

New York Cake and Baking Distributor
56 West 22nd Street (between 5th and 6th Ave.) 

 A wall full of fondant supplies! They teach cake decorating classes - including fondant!

From edible glitter to beautiful flowers - New York Cake has hundreds of decorative options for your or your mom's baking needs.

I love these small cookie cutters! Perfect for little hands helping in the kitchen!

If your mom has practically everything, may try looking for a new, unique pan! As you can see, there's dozens and dozens of options!

 Shredded chocolate! Mmm..

Every mom could use a cookie scooper! In every size too! It makes baking so much easier! They come in all different sizes.

Good to know: New York Cake is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-6pm. It is closed on Sundays.

Mother's Day Ideas - Part 2

There's still time to make mom feel special this Mother's Day, but you better get on it! One of my favorite shops to peruse in the city is on Broadway - not too far from Shake Shack!

 

Fishs Eddy

889 Broadway (at 19th Street)

This is my favorite collection: 212 Skyline Dinnerware. The black and white skyline print is so classy and simple that it goes with most dishware. Who couldn't use another set of glasses in the kitchen?!

If your Mom or Grandma is super adorable like mine (love you Grandma Olson!) and loves crossword puzzles, then the Word Up! collection is perfect for them!

Who wouldn't feel special with a gorgeous cake stand to show off an amazing cake!? I wish my Mom lived close because this would be a hit, especially if we gave it to her with a cake on top!

Seriously, there's so many beautiful pieces crammed into this store - you really should just check it out in person when you're here!

 Oh and I heart the Brooklyn collection - especially the serveware in this set is gorgeous!!

 This set is called Tunnel Vision and comes in New York and New Jersey versions.

Sometimes, Moms just like the little things (especially if you were to fill these bowls with something fun - like candies or jewelry:)

And being a New Yorker (do I qualify after four years?!) - I adore the Floorplan Pattern... Hubby, how does this layout sound for our next apartment?! lol... I really do love my place! :)

Good to know: There are so many fun things to find here and some may be smaller gifts but they can work great if you're putting together a basket of fun things for  Mom this year!

Mother's Day Ideas - Part One

There's less than a week until Mother's Day! Have you figured out what you're getting your mom?! Whether you live here or your Mom loves {or would love} to visit New York City, this Mother's Day you could give her a present that would let her taste treats from the city all year long! 

Below are the cookbooks from some of my favorite bakeries/restaurants in the city. You can click on any of the images below to see the book on Amazon.com. All of them qualify for free shipping (if you spent at least $25) except Crumbs. Enjoy!

     

Bubby's Pie Company
The brunch here is one of my top five favorites in the city! And I love grabbing a late night slice of pie there as well! You can't go wrong debating between these two!

    

Magnolia's Bakery
Magnolia's is known for their cupcakes, but I really enjoy their carrot cake and banana pudding!

Junior's
The iconic Times Square restaurant and cheesecake shop! Mmm.. so, so good! I just have a feeling it might take a little more talent than I have in the kitchen to recreate Junior's, but I have a feeling my sister, Brooke, would be able to do it!

Crumbs

Crumbs is my favorite multi-store cupcake shop! This is actually a book/kit for kids, but I've given it to friends before and they still loved it!

Sarabeth's Bakery

Sarabeth's is known for their brunch, but I actually love grabbing dinner there even more! The bread basket is amazing! It might be dangerous for me if I figured how to make their bread at home :)

Clinton Street Bakery
Another amazing brunch favorite in the city! Their pancakes and biscuits are unbelievably delicious!

Momufuku
Exquisite, unique, one of a kind recipes! You'll have to check their website to get an idea of what they have.


Alice's Tea Cup
After watching the royal wedding all weekend, I feel like tea and biscuit time right now too!



Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man
The only reason you could possibly not absolutely love this recipe book is if you don't like chocolate. Otherwise, it's a guaranteed winner!



Amy's Bread
I wonder if they give tips in the book on how to make the bread look so pretty too?! I guess I'd have to buy it to see :)

Good to know: An even better idea than just getting her a book?! Make her a treat from one of the books this weekend and present it to her along with the book on Sunday!

PS - I don't have all of these so if you're looking for a specific recipe from one of the bakeries/restaurants, you'll have to check the index of the book :)