Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts

3/30/15

Who Needs Cadbury Anyway?

I never turn down chocolate, but as I've gotten older, quality is something that has become more important to me. That way I can really appreciate the craftmanship that went into my sweet treat. La Maison du Chocolat has the quality thing down pat.


The recently released images of their 2015 Easter collection and my jaw kind of hit the floor when I saw how flawlessly the master chocolatiers where able to create the cutest little traveling ducks--suitcases and all!--all out of different chocolates. Recommended prices in this collection range from $45 for the Aviator Egg (not pictured) to $160 for Easter Flight (the duck on the right in the photo above). They are only available for purchase at the UES location of the store (1018 Madison Avenue).

Here's an awesome video featuring these works of art:



However, if you had something a little cheaper in mind for a hostess or just because gift, they've got you covered as well. I sampled the tube of 7 Maison praliné eggs and loved the variety of different egg fillings, including crunchy, smooth hazelnut, dentelle, and almond slivers ($10).


Receive complimentary shipping on all orders placed through tomorrow 3/31 at La Maison du Chocolat's online boutique.

La Maison Du Chocolat on Urbanspoon 

Note: I received the tube of praliné eggs complimentary from La Maison du Chocolat but all opinions are my own.

2/4/15

My Oh Maille

I'd like to share something I learned this week: mustard is not just mustard. Sounds simple and kind of silly I know, but it's true!

We were invited to check out the newly opened UWS outpost of Maille (rhymes with fry), a Dijon-based mustard brand that has been producing the top-notch condiment since way back in 1747. With stores in Dijon, London and Paris, this is their first foray into the US market. We got a tour around the store with mustard sommelier (what a nifty title!) Pierette, who on top of letting us taste every single mustard they sell in the store, gave us some history on mustard making and some tips on how we can use it outside of the sandwich.


Maille is most famous for its mustard on tap. At any given time, they have 5 different flavors--white whine, chablis, sauternes, wholegrain chardonnay, and a seasonal option (currently it's black truffle and chablis)--available in 3 different sizes. These mustards are sold in reusable stoneware jars that can be refilled at a discount. After trying all of these, my favorite was the sauternes, though it is price prohibitive for me to advocate all of my readers going out and buying a jar unless you want to fork over a Benjamin. At a lightly lower price point, the whole grain chardonnay would make for an excellent steak crust (or for simply dipping cocktail wieners).


Next, we moved over to the pre-packaged jars that sell for $9-$13. Pierette said when Anton Maille, the founder of the company, first started he had upwards of 150 flavors. Now they produce 47 and stock about 20. Favorites out of this batch were the walnut and the honey dijon. I was also intrigued by the basil, which had a surprising kick, and the sundried tomato and espelette chili pepper, which Pierrette said would be great in scrambled eggs. She also talked of salad dressings and risotto, ice cream and cakes, all flavored with these mustards. Before meeting her I would have thought this talk crazy, but after my taste test, I was so intrigued!


The store features a wide variety of gift options including mustard gift packs, vinegars and oils, mustard bowls and tea towels.




And don't forget your mustard spoons! Apparently (who knew?), you're not supposed to put metal spoons in mustard as it changes the flavor. Serving with wood or plastic is best, but wood is so much prettier. Maille sells 3 different sizes of spoon and of course I had to buy one--too cute!


Also on display are some old mustard artifacts, heritage bowls, and a giant mustard tureen that Pierette said must have belonged to a very wealthy family way back when. You can also see old newspaper clippings and a portrait of Anton Maille.



When I got home, I was so inspired by my visit that I decided to try one of the recipes on Maille's website on my farmshare carrots. Delish! (There was also talk of perhaps hosting a mustard party--what fun!).


Looking for something to do with an out-of-town friend, mustard lover or date? Take them to Maille (185 Columbus Avenue)! We easily spent 45 minutes tasting and asking questions and (perhaps) making some purchases. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Pierette said they are also planning a French-food themed event with some local vendors for March. Stay tuned!

12/15/14

Wrap Up Some Awesome: The 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

Listen up awesome peeps. Chanukah starts this week. Christmas is next week. And your friends and family don't want lame gifts. If you're stuck on what to buy the awesome people in your life, I now present to you the 2014 Awesome in New York Gift Guide!


Photo credit: Ninja
This first one is a bit of a splurge. Blenders have become the new luxe item to complete your kitchen and I'm here to tell you that not all blenders are created equal. The Nutri Ninja Blender 13-Piece System With Auto-iQ is my new favorite gadget/toy/workhorse, you name it. What I love so much about it is the versatility in that it comes with not only the 72 oz blender pitcher, but also a food processing bowl and 3 sizes of cups (18, 24 and 32 oz) that you can blend your smoothies in and take to go. I can't tell you how handy this is for those crazy mornings when you are running for the subway. Another feature I love about this system is that it's pre-programmed to know exactly how long and at what speed your smoothie/dough/dressing/sauce should be blended.  (Price: $249.99 - which is quite the deal when you compare it to that other coveted blender brand).


Next, we have something for the sweet-tooth in your life. Lindt Chocolates has been one of my favorite chocolatiers since I first had one of their white chocolate truffles left on my hotel pillow when I was a pre-teen. We go WAY back. This year, both of their Manhattan locations (692 5th Avenue and 665 5th Avenue) are selling 4 different Big Apple-themed gifts so that you can share your love of everything chocolate and NYC. The options include: your choice of 75 different Lindor truffles in an elegant paper gift bag, designed with the New York skyline and a snap top ($25), NYC gift box filled with assorted Milk, White and Dark Lindor truffles ($12), customizeable NYC gift box filled with 30 LINDOR truffles in assorted flavors ($22), and the New York Swiss Luxury Selection of elegant European-style pralines ($18).


Photo credit: Sparkly Soul
For the fitness fiend in your life, Sparkly Soul will make the perfect addition to her workout wardrobe. I have been using these no-slip grip headbands for years and recommend them to everyone as they are great for everything from yoga to spin and bootcamp to running. They come in endless fun sparkly colors and two sizes, thick or thin. Today only (12/15), use the code HOLIDAY for free shipping off orders over $25 and to get 15% off your entire order. At that deal, you might as well get one for yourself! (Price: $15-$17)


Photo credit: TheaterMania.com
They say experiences are better than gifts anyhow right? For someone who has everything, but loves the Broadway lights, I'd recommend you pick up a pair of tickets to see Cabaret. Emma Stone recently joined the beautiful cast including the amazing Alan Cumming, Danny Burstein, Linda Emond, and Bill Heck. Boy can that girl sing. In fact, the chemistry of the entire cast is one I witness rarely. Orchestra tickets will have you seated not in traditional theater seats but cabaret tables (with waiter service!), but balcony seats will still provide you with a great view. (Price: $25 with HipTix to $182)


Warning: by now you are probably sick and tired of hearing me rave about ClassPass--the online service that let's you book unlimited premium fitness classes all around the city--but it's just that awesome. Gift a membership to your best friend who's short on time but loves versatility in her workout. Added bonus, you can join together and be on the same team at Swerve and have a post-workout juice date. (Price: $99/month)


Photo credit: World Vision
For the do-gooders on your list, treat them to something while also giving back. Proceeds from all products featured on the World Vision gift catalog will help children and families in need all over the world. Our favorites include the Royal Silk Scarf ($95) woven by villagers in Vietnam and the Silver Vines Cuff ($85) designed by artisans in India. Bonus, some of the money you spend on these gifts is tax deductible. (Price: varies)



Disclaimer: Ninja and Lindt provided me with product samples in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

12/10/14

Join Argo for a ChariTEA event in Flatiron

Nothing beats a warm cup of tea on a cold day and our friends at Argo Tea want to make sure you have your fill! All company-owned cafes will be hosting host special holiday fundraising events benefiting Habitat for Humanity with live music, passed drinks and treats on Wednesday 12/17 from 7 - 9pm. The Flatiron location (949 Broadway) will be hosting a flagship event featuring tea cocktails and exclusive giveaways. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds go to a good cause!


In addition, Argo will donate a portion of net proceeds from its seasonal signature drink (White FrosTea Chocolate -- rich white chocolate, mint and white tea and steamed milk) to Habitat for Humanity. Other winter specials include: 
  • Snowflake White Tea – heavenly blend of white tea, apple, sweet pink pepper, and seasonal spices
  • Winter Spice – featuring orange flowers, cassia, cocoa shells, orange peel and almonds  

Argo is offering special gift sets for all the tea lovers in your life.

12/16/13

Hold that Pose...With an Insta-Magnet

I'll admit it, I'm an Instagram whore. I can't get enough of the brannan and earlybird filters and I take way too many photos of sunsets/sunrises out of my apartment window, amazing meals, and I have an affinity for chandeliers (follow me and you'll see what I mean!). But I also have a lot of meaningful photos in my collection from various travels and I can't help but feel artistic when I browse through them.


It's because of this I was over the moon to find out about Stickygram. Stickygram connects with your Instagram account to let you print magnets or make iPhone/iPad covers using your carefully calibrated images. The photos we post on Instagram all seem to have special meaning by virtue of being posted there so why wouldn't you want to look at them on your fridge?

I just placed my first order of 3 sheets of 9 magnets each--two of friends and family I'll keep at home and one (above) of images I think are beautiful that I want to display on my metal cabinets at the office. Use my referral link (code: FRIENDS36N) and get $2 off your first order of magnets or $5 off your first case.

These would also make great holiday gifts! Stickygram is offering free premium shipping in time for the holidays if you order 3 sheets of magnets by midnight tonight!

12/9/13

For the Person Who Has Everything...

Calendars always make nice gifts, and with the holiday season in full bloom, have I got a gift idea that will toot your coworker's/brother's/cousin's/funky uncle's horn. Presenting, the 2014 NYC Taxi Driver's Calendar.


These cabbies know how to properly hang an air freshener and are surprisingly easy to hail. A nice percentage of them will also go all the way to Brooklyn. All jokes aside, 100% of the proceeds from the calendar are going to University Settlement, a social services agency. So you're giving a laugh and giving back at the same time.



The calendar is selling for $14.99 (you don't even have to calculate tip!) and is available here.

Awesome Reads

Awesome in New York New York restaurants

Awesome Keywords

art gallery art museum Astoria atlantic city awesome alert Awesome Deal awesome giveaway awesome savings bakeries bar bar crawl BBQ beach beauty beer beer event birthday Book Launch brazilian breakfast Broadway Brooklyn Brooklyn Bridge Brunch Bryant Park carnegie hall celebrity spotting Central Park cheap tickets cheese Chelsea Market Chinatown Chinese Food Choice Eats class cocktails coffee columbus circle concert concert in the park contest cookies cooking creativity crunch cuban dance Deals Delicatessen delivery designer clothing dessert. food dinner Dior discount spa treatments discounted tickets doughnuts Downtown drink specials drinks East Village Ebates Entertainment event exercise Facebook giveaway fashion film fitness Flatiron Flushing Meadows-Corona park Food Food event food truck free Free Champagne free coffee Free Concerts free cupcake free dessert free drinks free food free museum admission free stuff Free Ticket free wine French food fundraising gift Gilt City giveaway gourmet food store Grand Central Greek Greenwich Village Groupon Guggenheim Museum half marathon halloween health healthy living helicopter tour hell's kitchen historic site history holiday shopping hot chocolate Italian food jazz jazz club jewelry lincoln center local food Lombardi Long Island City Lower East Side lunch macaron Madison Square Park Manhattan margaritas MCNY memberships Met mexican food MOMA movie premiere ms walk museum music New Year's Eve New York new york botanic garden New York City Food and Wine Festival New York Magazine New York Times New York Wine Expo Nolita NYC Off-Broadway online shopping open bar out of towners outdoors pancakes party photos pizza public art publications Queens restaurant Restaurant Review Restaurant Week Riesling Crawl rooftop roosevelt running sake save money shopping shopping deals skincare social media Social Media Week Soho spirits summer Super Bowl sushi sweetery tapas taxi TDF Terroir The Jewish Museum Theater thrift store Thrillist Times Square travel Twitter giveaway upper east side video views Village Voice volunteer opportunity website West Village williamsburg win wine wine class wine event Yankee Stadium yelp yoga Ziegfeld Theater