Each week we send a newsletter full of great information and tips not found on the Web magazine site; here’s a round up of a few of our past recommendations for must-have products that deserve a second look:
Fishs Eddy’s Quirky Chic: Original Designs on Which to Eat and Drink
From bulldogs to hula girls, fun designs abound at Fishs Eddy in New York city. For the last seventeen years, antique collectors Julie Gaines and Dave Lenovitz have found quirky patterns for fun, quality pieces for the kitchen. It began when the two passed through a small fly fishing town in the Catskills called Fishs Eddy — it left a big impression.
They felt the name had a distinctively American ring to it, and that it was a fitting name for a store that specialized in American dishware gathered from diners and restaurants across the country. Later, Gaines and Lenovitz were inspired to open a second small shop in Manhattan on Hudson Street and Fishs Eddy was born.
Since then, Fishs Eddy has expanded its initial vintage selection to include a variety of new designs of sturdy ware that is American made and double-fired. And there is nothing fishy about the quality of these unique and artsy products; everything is top grade but reasonably priced. Their Industrial China is made to meet commercial standards, a sure sign that they will stand up to plenty of use at home. Plus, all dinnerware is dishwasher safe.
Although the business has grown — they now carry new patterns by Cynthia Rowley, Nicole Miller and other creative designers — Fishs Eddy’s appreciation for the simple beauty and exceptional durability of classic American dishware remains constant. More stores have since opened to meet the growing demand for Fishs Eddy’s vintage and custom wares. Although the tiny Greenwich Village shop is no longer there, two other locations have taken its place: the flagship store on Broadway and 19th Street, and an outlet store in Brooklyn Heights at 122 Montague Street. These stores are a “must visit” if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the Big Apple. If not, you can still make an online stop at www.fishseddy.com.
Light, Crunchy, Cool Cookies
Here at TheSavvyGal.com, we pretty much test, see, touch — and, of course, taste — everything we recommend. This week, Zen Rabbit cookies are a must-try for all the savvy gals. A cross between a butter and a sugar cookie, it is light, tasty and kind of addicting.
They seem a little simple upon first glance. They are thin and plain — but in one bite, you’ll find they’re crunchy and delicious. Made with real butter and real vanilla, ingredients also include unbleached flour, soymilk and egg whites from cage-free chickens.
These are all-natural treats — they don’t contain any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives; there are no partially hydrogenated oils or trans fats. And they’re delicious!
The Zen Rabbit cookies arrive in cute, customizable packaging, which is perfect for gifts for family or business associates. (There are testimonials on the site and one says, “You know you’ve found a great way to say ‘thank you’ when your clients ask if they’ll be receiving Zen Rabbit cookies!”)
Lori Saitz started the Zen Rabbit Baking Company using a family recipe; she named the company after a favorite childhood toy. This cookie company also gives back by donating a portion of all sales to improving the welfare of animals and protecting the environment. Their goal this year for donations? $50,000! (Cookies with a heart!)
Be sure to try these cookies at www.zenrabbitbc.com
Sweet Smelling Lavender
The sweet smell of lavender is just a drawer away with Sommer Designs’ unique Lavender Drawer Liners. Place it sheer side down and your jammies, tees or delicates smell delightful.
They are made with three heaping cups of dried lavender, which is known for relaxation properties, and is a natural repellent of moths. You can shake out the liner and it reactivates the buds; the scent lasts for years!
These beautiful liners are available in 11″ x 18,” a few different fabric patterns and sell for $19. Sommer Designs also offers adorable wine bags, handbags, lingerie bags and super cute aprons, too! So, if you see a fabric on the site that you want a drawer liner from which to be made, email them and they will even try to whip up a special order for you.
Patterns include florals, retro and vintage prints. All products are made from scratch and in a smoke-free studio. For the savvy traveler, the liners work for suitcase travel, too. www.SommerDesigns.com
Florals and Fabric
Velvet … and Silk … and Beauty … Oh My! Silk-painter and fabric designer Gabriele Agustini handpaints silk and velvet to create vivid, beautiful scarves, wraps, ponchos, capes and handkerchiefs.
Counting former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, First Lady of California Maria Shriver, actresses Maureen O’Hara, Debbie Reynolds and Angela Lansbury as fans, Agustini has quite the following. But perhaps the feather in her cap is getting a stamp of endorsement by Mr. Blackwell, fashion critic.
To handpaint the silk she starts with 100 percent pure white silk, and stretches the fabric. Agustini then outlines her design and paints one brush stroke at a time, while ensuring the French silk dyes won’t run together. While patterns may look similar, no two are the same.
Agustini also makes head scarves for girls and women who are undergoing chemotherapy and perhaps losing their hair. A portion of the proceeds from these scarves is donated to children’s cancer research.
Agustini’s scarves/wraps range in size from 14″ x 70,” 41″ x 113,” 55″ x 66,” 55″ x 77″ and more; prices range from $30 to $200 There are also ethnic prints, abstracts, butterflies and many floral patterns from which to choose. www.gabrieleagustini.com