{little worlds}

Currently at the MET in NYC is the exhibit “playing with pictures: the art of victorian photocollage“. Victorian women were very interested in nature and the advent of such scientific studies by names like Darwin, much to the chagrin of Victorian men. However, they were still corseted by social morays and so showed their interest by spending their time creating amazing photo collage albums that combined cut photographs of their families with whimsical illustrations and watercolors of landscapes and household objects. Enjoy!

{no drink is complete without a little umbrella}

Spotted on the streets of SOHO, the window decoration of a purse store caught my eye. What a clever use of paper umbrellas, the pop of color is quite refreshing on these increasingly cold Fall days.

{yummy bites}

Yum!!! These miniature cupcakes by Melissa Bushell, the owner of Baked in New York City, are worth taking a bite. In fact, they are bite-sized, and very good! I tasted the peanut butter cup, cookie dough, and cookies and cream. Boy, they were just right.

{clearly functional}

Happy Veterans Day to all our veterans out there! Did you know that lucite purses got their start in the early 1950’s, when technology after WWII came up with the idea for a higher class of plastic called lucite? Lucite purses gained popularity with their Art Deco designs. If your in NYC, check out Deco Jewels on Thompson Street in SOHO.

{inspired living in SOHO}

This is just one of the many pieces that I fell in love with at Clio in SOHO part of NYC. There were so many wonderful finds that it was hard to pick one to feature. I liked the inspired design of this piece. It is a traditional teapot, with even a traditional vine and floral shape but matched together in such an unconventional way that is, well, inspired. Ohh, I have to tell you about another teaset, called Sterling Tea Set, it is an exact replica in porcelin of the artist's grandmother's silver tea set, however the modern twist is a silver spoon transfer on the white ceramic tea tray.

Visit this well-appointed store at www.clio-home.com or at 92 Thompson St. in SOHO.

{soaps, lotions, and scrubs}

Sabon in NYC promises to make one feel absolutely scrumptious after a soak in their idea of a perfect bath. After a demo at the hand washing station, I was quite convinced. Their products are beautifully crafted and packaged. They are a delight to the senses-both visual and aromatically. Shhh! Now, don't tell my mom, but the Rose scented bath salts will find their way home for the holidays. Hmmm, going to go soak now myself, if you don't mind! Cheers!

Go for a soak yourself at http://sabonnyc.com/

{unique natural history}

In Manhattan's SoHo area is a naturalist's treasure trove, a store by the name Evolution, which features unique natural history collectibles usually seen only in museums. These include butterflies and beetles, fossils, seashells, skulls and skeletons, medical models, and tribal art. Visit them on Spring Street or at http://theevolutionstore.com/