i Spy...

Best Summer Ever!

2007-05-21T07:56:00.000-04:00

Fredflare never disappoints with some of the best
nostalgia out there - need one of these this summer!

Snoopy sno-cone machine.

Alternatively, one can go to the 3 or so 7-11's in NYC - yes! 7-11 is no longer just a suburb convenience - to enjoy a frosty Slurpee.

* 84th & York
* 3rd & 82nd
* 42nd between 8 & 9th
* 23rd & Park Ave. S.

Sfogliatelle

2007-05-17T08:20:00.000-04:00

My Italian grandmother introduced me to sfogliatelle, among other Italian sweets. I also loved her braided cookies with rainbow sprinkles on top. With coffee they are the best!

Sfogliatelle, I’ve found, are not something easily picked up at a local bakery and definitely not at the market. Bleeker Street has a couple of Italian pastry shops that sell them, and there is Bruno’s on the Upper Westside in the 70s that periodically has one or two among its cookie/pastry shelf in the window. I’ve had sfogliatelle from Bruno’s many times and they are always fresh and well made.

Down on Mulberry Street in the heart of what’s left of Little Italythere are a couple of pastry shops that will also sell this special treat. I’m not a fan of the famous Ferrara’s on Grand Street for sfogliatelle. I’ve found them to be too dry. However, there is another pastry shop with the same name, La Bella Ferrara, that always has the most delicious sfogliatelle – with powdered sugar on top, please!

The word "sfogliatelle" means "many leaves/layers" and in the U.S. is pronounced ‘shfooyadell’. This time-consuming delicacy originated in Naples and will delight you with its not too sweet filling of orange-flavored ricotta.

Hibiscuss Sandals

2007-05-16T16:10:00.000-04:00

So sweet! At J.Jill

A morning in the Park

2007-05-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

My friend Caroline enjoying the tire swing.

Summer Joy!

2007-05-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

For good or for bad, nothing more ushers in summertime in NYC like a street fair. Beginning in May, 10-15 blocks every Saturday or Sunday throughout NYC is designated for a street fair. The first couple fairs are fun, but by June, I’m about done with them – except for the candy apples!
Interestingly enough, I don’t think I’m the only one so in love with these edible delights. Last year you would see two candy apple venders per fair, at the most, and this year I’ve come across up to 4 per fair. Some are better than others so you need to try them all to determine who really knows how to prepare one. Not only has the demand and hence, the supply gone up, but the price has gone up too - $3 per apple!! Two years ago one could be had for $2. Anyway, it’s a seasonal treat that’s worth the splurge in my opinion.

Martha! Martha!

2007-05-12T12:44:00.000-04:00

Wonderful color palette in Martha's new pink cottage. I particularly like the gray wicker with the powder pink, sigh.

Photos by Pieter Estersohn

Silver Flats

2007-05-11T17:14:00.000-04:00

I'm always on the look-out for a deal and in NYC there are plenty to be had. Check out these Forever21 silver flats - a mere $15 and change! Of course shoes for that price never come in half sizes but I was convinced that this time I could make them work. Wishful thinking got me again... They're a size 9 should anyone be interested.

My Dream Bookcase

2007-05-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

Who in NYC gets to have a bookcase like this?
Try as I may to convince my husband that this project
would add so much to our living room, when all is said and
done I know that there will be no color to see once all the
books are back on the shelves.

Photo by David Meredith

Fun paint-by-number skirt for Spring (that I want!)

2007-05-09T19:24:00.000-04:00

I just love this pattern of paint-by-number for
a simple wrap a-line skirt. With a white top
it would be perfect for the office or the weekend.

Designed by katinkapinka

Sailing in Central Park

2007-05-09T15:23:00.001-04:00

Image by Filipe Fortes