Antik Batik's World!

Years ago I embarked on a journey through Century 21, (most New Yorkers will know this as a great store for discount designer brands) when I made my first discovery of Antik Batik's colorful and culturally influenced clothing. Initially, I filled my arms with as many items as I could in total disbelief of the beautiful designs and quality fabric for the price.  I immediately noticed a swarm of shopping vultures beginning to circle in on me as they were now aware of my good find:).  Today, the most exciting pieces in my closet are from them.   

Antik Batik travels the globe and are clearly influenced by the beauty of diverse cultures.  Their collections however are not for the faint of heart - the women who wear them are bold, bohemian in spirit and adventurous!  Take a look at their images from Cuzco, Peru.  Be forewarned, you'll either want to hop on a plane or at least charge your way through a frantic clothing store!  

Flavor Paper!

One of my favorite people in the world is my dear friend Chris.  Aside from being a great person, Chris has always had an exceptional eye for smart design, art, food and advanced technology.  Our conversations usually sound like this: Chris:  Have you seen the new...? Me:  No, where is it...? So, yesterday it was of no surprise that I should learn from him about what has now been added to my list of favorite places in Brooklyn - Flavor Paper!  

We stopped by their studio and showrooms yesterday and peered through their windows looking for an opportunity to get inside.  Fortunately for us, one of the guys saw us and came out and invited us in.  Although Blake does not own the shop, a guy from Oregon named Ted does, he exudes as much passion and knowledge about their wallpaper as though he did.  He took great pride in their work in a very unpretentious way.  It was incredibly inspiring to see them hand screening wallpaper in an age where you seldom see this type of artistry.  

He showed us each design and gave us a brief background which included designs by Lenny Kravitz and one that John Legend used in his bedroom:).  At which point I made a confession to Blake that I HATE wallpaper! I spent countless hours stripping paper from the walls and doors of my sister's house and it's an arduous task that I would not wish on anyone.  Blake of course laughed and said that the application process has changed somewhat and it is no longer as difficult to remove.  

 Admittedly, after seeing several of their designs I became a convert!  I now yearn for a few of the wallpapers that I saw and envision the many things that I could do with them.  The designs were just that great!  Blake's favorite room was this one - the bathroom.  Which, with its beautiful lily wallpaper and modern light fixtures, was undeniably wonderful.  

My favorites however were these.  Can you see the subtle New York themed motifs throughout the one on the left?  Yes, fire hydrants, parking meters, pigeons and even rats - so very New York!  The one on the right however turned me into a screaming girl - I LOVE it and can see an accent wall in my dream office covered in it!

What makes this even more palatable is that this hand made, custom wallpaper is surprisingly affordable.  Wallpaper has never been so flavorful -  they even have a scratch -n-sniff wallpaper which was bananas!

Eat at Eataly!

There are so many things to love and to celebrate about life!  One such thing for me is food - food glorious food, hear the song? If we're doing it the way that God intended, everyone on the planet would have access to glorious food.    Some of the best moments in our lives involve food - holidays, weddings, and casual gatherings with friends - heck, even ball games:).   Also, food offers so many learning opportunities - the science, history, geography and beautiful cultures that center around food are incredible. God's spectacular gift of the great range of diverse cultures is something to be in awe of - Africa, India, France, Morocco,  Thailand, China, Japan, Spain, Mexico - all with great cuisine!   I have friends who have introduced me to wonderful cultural cuisine - Dee and Daniel's Elbeskivers will not be forgotten & Sofya's Russian market in Brooklyn - the cake - seriously!   But, today we will go to one of my favorite places - Italy!  

Eataly has quickly become one of my go to places in New York that celebrates Italian cuisine!  Renowned Chef Mario Batali along with his partners Oscar Farinetti(creator and founder of Eataly) , Chef Lidia Bastianich and her son Joe have put together an Italian cuisine experience that will not disappoint you.  Some critics have written that it's too large and too noisy - but who likes critics anyway:).  Yes, it is a bit like an Italian outdoor market in the center of Grand Central Station - but, I find that type of environment to be exciting and very New York! It reminds me of the many great outdoor markets that my sister and I visited when she lived in Sicily.  

Eataly is a foodies delight!  It enhances all of your senses, it's a visual feast as well as great tastes, smells and things to touch - and it hits you all at once!  The people and the sounds are very stimulating and it's impossible to not have a great time.  Have a look and enjoy....

Fresh Fish and a fish restaurant...

 Fresh Produce....

 A wine shop and a great assortment of beers....

 Fresh Pasta and bread made on the premises....

Whatever you do, do not leave without cappuccino, dessert and gelato!