A day in TriBeCa

Since we've settled into our new studio in TriBeCa, I've been really enjoying getting to know the neighborhood. After living and working on my beloved Lower East Side for much of the last few years, it's been fun to discover a few new favorite spots across town. Our open studio hours began last week, and I'd love nothing more than for you all to come visit (this Saturday, May 11th from 1-4pm, 71 West Broadway), and perhaps drop in at a few other lovely places while you're in the neighborhood! We'll be keeping the website updated with the latest open studio schedule, so do check in there to see upcoming dates and times.

Here are a few of my favorite spots, so you can make a day of it:

All Good Things
102 Franklin Street

This marvelous indoor market is full to the brim with all of my favorite things, from the gorgeous blooms at Polux Fleuriste, to the exquisite jelly donuts (filled with locally-made jelly on the spot!) at Orwashers. It's the perfect place to pick up picnic provisions, or just stop in for an exquisite cup of coffee at Blue Bottle.

Aire Ancient Baths

88 Franklin Street

Inspired by the bath houses of ancient Rome and Greece and the hammam traditions of Ottoman and Arab cultures, this gorgeous temple to bathing (one of our absolute favorite pleasures!) is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon away from the city. 

Nish Nush

88 Reade Street

Simple, yet impressively delicious middle eastern food.

Birdbath Bakery

200 Church Street

Home of my favorite chocolate chip cookie!

Chambers Street Wines

148 Chambers Street

This wonderful wine shop stocks an incredible selection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines. I love to stop in here on my way home from the studio to pick up something to have with dinner.

Steven Alan Home

158 Franklin Street

So many lovely things for the home.

Marble & Milkweed + Madesmith for Mother's Day!

We're so happy to announce our collaboration with Madesmith this week, just in time for Mother's Day!

Their mission:

"We believe in 'buy less, buy well'. By knowing where our things come from and who makes them, not only do we cherish the things we have, we also become more aware of the environmental impact of our purchases. Through connecting with the makers, we support our local communities and preserve the craftsmanship that becomes part of our everyday culture. "

We've created an exclusive gift set, perfect for Mother's Day gifting, that includes 2 ounces of our Modern Chai. No. 1 + a muslin brewing bag, a 2 ounce glass bottle of organic Rose & Ginger Nourishing Body Oil, and a .5oz tin of our new rose lip tint, all packaged in a reusable burlap drawstring bag.

Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to stay in touch and learn about their community of makers, and to hear about future Marble & Milkweed + Madesmith projects.

Click here for more details and to purchase a gift set!

the orchid show + very good news

It was just perfect to spend the afternoon in the warm, damp gorgeousness of the orchid show at the New York Botanic Gardens this week. 

There were corners of quiet elegance and corridors of riotous exuberance, astonishing specimens both minuscule and voluptuous. As we headed for the door, I felt as if I needed a nap, in the best possible way. Seeing this is going to be my new end-of-winter ritual.

p.s. we found a studio space! more wondrous details to come, and a sneak peek here...

Florida

A trip to the shore was the perfect antidote to the short, yet seemingly endless month of February. We were graciously hosted by the grandparents of my sweetheart, at their home on lovely Sanibel Island. 

The natural wonders of the Ding Darling nature preserve, the fascinating winter estate of Thomas Edison, and the marvelous company proved to be just the thing to get us out of a dull late-winter mood.  

The subtropical foliage was wondrous. Exotic epiphytes grasped onto trees, and the air was soft and warm. Now we're back in our beloved city, awaiting our own warmer days to come...

a few tidbits:

can't wait to go here this Sunday

something new in the shop

looking forward to the arrival of this book

read this before you order your garden seeds this spring

chocolaterie: Theo for Valentine's Day

On our recent trip to the Pacific Northwest, we made the inevitable stop at Theo with friends for a few treats that are hard to find beyond their Seattle factory and shop. We grabbed a few saffron + honey caramels and their (always divine) single malt ganache truffles. And for the road? These charming little bars, part of their limited-edition Valentine's Day collection.

I know the holiday is still a few weeks off, but I couldn't resist taking a bite out of each, and I'm happy to report that I can highly recommend them both. Roses and pink peppercorns (not to mention ginger) number among my very favorite things, and these bars are perfect little vignettes of flavor. If only they'd open a factory on the Lower East Side...

January

January has been a bustling month here in the studio, and beyond. We took a few days to rest, and see friends and family in Washington State (see photos above). We've blended up endless cups of hot chocolate and taken countless warming baths. Hope January has been just as lovely and rejuvenating for you and yours!

A little shop news: our new Nourishing Serum with Rose, and our new Nourishing Body Oil will be in the shops next weekend. If you haven't already signed up for our mailing list, you can do it here, to hear about a few special treats coming up.

And do save the date for our Lunar New Year tea tasting at Masak! We'll feature 5 truly special organic Chinese teas accompanied by snacks and sweets. Saturday, February 16th at 3pm, $30 per person. RSVP by dropping me a note, or by calling 212.260.6740

P.S. We've joined Instagram - follow along here!

A holiday tea blending soirée!

Join us over on the Etsy Blog this week for tips on hosting a holiday tea blending party. I had such a lovely time setting the scene for this festive gathering, and I've put together an eclectic little playlist, too.

Hope you'll find a moment to enjoy a calming cup of tea at this bustling moment in the season!

xo Briar