Queenie's Treasury

Happy weekend, kiddos! It's a gray Saturday here in New York, and I have a day of chores and errands ahead of me. Before reality sets in, though, let's take a look at this week's Treasury.

Up first, these gorgeous posters from Brooklyn Larder, a wonderful specialty foods shop that sits on Flatbush Avenue at the intersection of Park Slope and Prospect Heights. All of the posters are marvelous, but I'm particularly partial to these two, representing salumi and gelato. (Head over to their site to see the others, including beer, cheese and pastries.)

I'm loving these gold, crystal-studded pyramid earrings from Etsy seller Tiny Armour. They're  a little bit tough, a little bit girly, and all around awesome and right up my alley. (They come in rose gold, too, for those looking to embrace that particular trend.)

As a city-dweller, I'm always on the lookout for ways to bring the outdoors in. Right now, as autumn bears down on us, I'm loving this birch sculpture from Urban + Forest. It's simple and neutral, but would add texture and oomph to any space. I'm seeing it as part of a soothing gray, navy and white bedroom, yes?

Queenie's Treasury

Happy Saturday, kids! I've had something of an unusual week, what with my whirlwind trip to Montauk and a very busy couple of days at work. I'm ready to enjoy the weekend, and have already been for a run and visited the Greenmarket. Before I head back out to sun myself and read in Central Park (wearing SPF 30, minimum, of course), let's take a look at this week's Treasury!

First up, the gorgeous, almost unbearably cool Brooklyn abode that's home to Solange Knowles and her family. It seems like a seriously fun place to be - not to mention effortlessly stylish and comfortable. I wouldn't mind an invite, is all I'm saying.

Next, some exciting news courtesy of SF Girl By Bay, who attended a launch party for the new collaboration between The Curiosity Shoppe and The Shops at Target. Everything looks great, but I'm particularly excited about this continental US-shaped serving board. It will most definitely be making an appearance chez Queenie come October 20, when the line becomes available.

Last, but certainly not least, these incredible photographs by artist Alberto Seveso, created by injecting water with two different inks. Don't they make you think of billowing, delicate silk? I cannot get enough of these.

Queenie's Treasury

Happy Sunday, my doves! It's a gorgeous morning here in New York, and I'm headed out to Brooklyn for some quality time in the sun with a very dear friend. Before I go, though, let's take a look at the goodies in this week's treasury, shall we?

First up, the truly lovely, tiny apartment inhabited - until recently - by Katie Armour, one of the two founders of Matchbook Magazine. Katie's 500 square foot space oozes with personality and is filled with treasures. It's a little jewel box of a home. Shortly after her place was photographed for the August issue of Matchbook, Katie moved from San Francisco to New York. I'm sure her new digs (in my neighborhood, no less) will be every bit as lovely.

Next, I have a birthday coming up, and I have my greedy little eyes on this ring from Bauble Bar. I love a monogram, and I love a signet ring, and I simply love this. Trying to decide which finger it should live on. Ring or pinky?

Finally, a ridiculously large house on the Bowery, made possible by a genius real estate buy back when property in the neighborhood could be had for a song. The 72-room building is now a single family home for an artist and his family. Crazy, right?

Queenie's Treasury

Happy Sunday, readers! A you've probably guessed, my Saturday was a busy one (errands, hair, new glasses, a movie), and so our Treasury is a bit late this week. I've been having one of my summertime vacation home fantasies of late, and so this week's treasury is all about places I'd love to live. (Screw visiting; I'm putting down imaginary roots.)

First up, this gorgeous landscape architecture by Perry Guillot is pure seaside perfection. I can see myself pouring gimlets as I look out over this view, or running through the grasses down to the sandy beach to go clamming, my pants rolled up, bucket in hand. Sigh.

Next, this incredible house, designed by architect Tonkin Liu, sits atop an old building in South London. Can you imagine what it's like to live in a space flooded with light and views like this one? Or to have constant access to so much greenery in the middle of one of the largest, most bustling cities on earth? I sure can. And I like it.

Finally, the stunning Hotel Iturregi, set in Spain's Basque Country, courtesy of the blog So Haute. I want to stroll in that garden, take a dip in that pool, and then top off my day with a cocktail on that terrace. (I'd manage to squeeze some quality reading time in, too, no doubt.) Would it be wrong to start an online charity drive to sponsor the trip? Yes? Oh, well.

Queenie's Treasury

Happy Saturday, my doves! This weekend dawned all foggy and drizzly here in New York, but it's turning around to sunshine at the moment. Before I dash outside to get my daily dose of vitamin D, let's take a look at this week's Treasury.

First up, a gorgeous suite of stationery from la Happy, a web and print design company. (They have an Etsy shop, too!) These were created for an engagement party, and I absolutely love the colors (rich coral, bright pink, sharp seafoam) and the gold (glitter is always the answer). The whole thing, including the pop of Laura Ashley floral, is practically perfect in every way.

Next, this bracelet. It's from J. Crew, and I want it. Bad. To the point where I should probably lock up my credit cards until the feeling passes. Or not. What say you?

After spending my Memorial Day afternoon laying out on a shawl I bought off a street vendor, I'm in the market for a beach blanket. This faded, striped number from Roxy just might do the trick. It's colorful, 100% cotton, and it's on sale. What could be better?

Queenie's Treasury

Happy Memorial Day weekend, my doves! Summer has announced itself in New York with an appropriately warm, overly-humid day, and so I'm spending the afternoon inside with an iced coffee. (And a pot of strawberry-rhubarb compote bubbling on the stove.) While I mop the humidity from my brow, let's take a look at this week's Treasury, shall we?

I was thisclose to ending my subsrciption to Bon Appétit a year or so ago. I was riding out the tail end of the subscription Condé Nast had given me to fill up the issues remaining on my Gourmet tab, and I had been consistently underwhelmed. But then, in late 2011, they hired Adam Rapoport and went through their redesign, and I've been much happier with the magazine ever since. The recipes rarely rise to the level of Gourmet's, but the features have gotten much better - and are beautifully photographed. Case in point: this month's piece on interior designer John Derian, featuring his home in Provincetown. My brother and sister-in-law are in P-Town right now, and I hope they're eating as well as Derian's guests.

I've always been more of an individual cocktail maker than a punch preparer, but this bourbon, strawberry and lime punch from the folks at Prime Meats might just push me along the path to transformation. I'm thinking it's definitely going to need to make an appearance at my brother's 30th birthday festivities in Maine this July, when strawberries will be at their peak in northern New England. Yes, indeed. Fellow guests: prepare yourselves.

Now that Greenmarket season is back in full swing here in New York, I thought it was time to remind you all of the truly awesome blog Lucy's Greenmarket Report. Lucy visits the Union Square Greenmarket pretty much every day it's open, then posts a digest of what's available and what's on the way later in the week. If you're wondering if snap peas will be on hand yet, or if rhubarb is completely played out, Lucy's is the blog to check before heading out to shop for that dinner party.

Queenie's Treasury

Happy weekend, my lovelies! It's been a busy week chez Queenie, topped off by this morning's rather chilly visit to the Greenmarket. I snagged asparagus, ramps, garlic scapes, lilacs and peonies, though, so it was well worth the frozen fingers and runny nose. As I warm up with a pot of Stumptown, let's take a look at this week's Treasury.

First up, one of my very favorite blogs. Little Green Notebook is the work of interior designer (and DIY goddess) Jenny Komenda. She has a marvelous eye, effortless style, and the Ikea hacking skills of a master. Everything she touches turns to gold - often literally, with the help of a little gilt spray paint. Her reupholstery projects are among my favorites, and the tufted headboard she made for Jo Goddard is stunning. Jenny, you're my home makeover heroine.

Next up, Rifle Paper Co.'s most excellent spring collection. If the lilacs and peonies at the market haven't gotten you in the mood, their new floral notebooks certainly will. I've become something of a digital note-taker of late (I'm obsessed with the TeuxDeux app, for example), these make me want to return to my analog ways and start jotting ideas down in tiny little journals.

Finally, something I never thought I'd type: look at these adorable sugar cubes! Well, not cubes, really - shapes. Chambre de Sucre will help you have the best tea/champagne cocktail party ever. Just hang one of these angel wings off the edge of each teacup or flute, and your work is done. Or you can go dainty with the tiniest, most perfect cubes you've ever seen. No matter what, you'll never think of sugar as boring ever again. (Photo via The SoHo.)

Queenie's Treasury: Caffeinated Edition

It's a very rainy Saturday here in New York, but I've already been below 14th Street - twice! I visited the Greenmarket (ramps, asparagus AND lilacs on offer - spring is truly here) and stopped in to say hello to Miss Holly and have my bangs trimmed. Now I'm reveling in the aftermath of a delectable asparagus-egg-and-bacon lunch (recipe to come) and pondering all of the Easter-related cooking to come this afternoon. In the meantime, let's take a look at this week's all-coffee Treasury!

First up, a super-helpful guide to New York's coffee scene, courtesy of Eater. Ever wanted to know the difference between Cafe Grumpy and Joe, or what the heck the deal is with Abraco? No longer shall you have any excuse to visit Starbucks.

In further coffee news, Merrill of Food52 has published her definitive guide to homemade iced coffee, just in time for the warm weather that (I'm told) is currently sweeping much of the nation. (Jerks.) As opposed to the oft-advocated cold brew, Merrill suggests a cooled, strong French press coffee and espresso ice cubes. Approved on both counts!

Queenie's Treasury

Happy Monday evening, all! I'm so sorry that this week's Treasury is late. I had quite a whirlwind weekend, between Nick and Louisa arriving in town, making dinner for Jeremy and Miriam on Friday night, and seeing theater on Saturday (Company) and Sunday (Jerusalem). I'm ready and raring to go with the Treasury, though, so let's get to it!

First up, take a look at these mouthwatering doughnuts from LA's Donut Man. Fresh doughnuts stuffed with, fat, juicy, sweet in-season strawberries. My mouth is watering at the thought, let alone the image. Thank goodness Louisa and I already have plans to visit Doughnut Plant this weekend. (Via Serious Eats.)

A couple of weeks back, I spotted this incredible Stockholm apartment on the blog Bodie & Fou. I'm in love with its all-white kitchen, its giant windows, and its wall of bookshelves. I think I'll move in tomorrow.

Finally, courtesy of the always inspirational SwissMiss, an amazing wood mug. I agree with Tina - I'd love to know what it feels like to drink out of this. I think it would be a perfect gift for a tea or coffee enthusiast.

Queenie's Treasury

Happy...er...Monday night, people! It's the end of a long weekend here in the States, and I'm gearing up for a sprint of a week ahead. I'm going to see this play with my little brother, and am meeting not one, not two, but three friends for drinks/merriment. Add to that one of the busiest and most exciting projects I've worked on, well, ever, and you have the ingredients for a nutty time. Before that descends, though, let's talk Treasury!

I think I just might need one of these sparkly bracelets to take with me to Texas in a couple of weeks. I absolutely love the combination of soft thread and metallic rhinestones going on here, and the peach color just seems like it would go with everything, doesn't it?

The Jonathan Adler Design Your Own feature is way too addictive. Today alone I've made about four different monogrammed totes, a few patterned throws, and at least five pillows. I have serious issues. Luckily, I've managed to resist actually buying any of those - thus far.

The Margo Tote from Fabric & Handle is simple, elegant and super functional. The straps adjust to your needs. Want to go with an over-the-shoulder model? Just redo a few snaps, and you're all set. Perfect for trips to and from the farmers' market, or for carrying a laptop to and from the office. (Spotted by the ever-fashionable Ez at Creature Comforts.)

Queenie's Treasury

Happy weekend, my lovelies! It's a bright and balmy Saturday here in New York, and I'm gearing up for some fun times in the city with my family (Mom's in town) and friends (Miya's having some folks over tomorrow). In the meantime, let's take a look at some fun tidbits I found on the interwebz today!

First off, I'm slightly obsessed with the Etsy seller Soraam, who makes some of the most beautiful textiles I've seen, well, ever. I love the intricacy of the patterns - and yet, they still somehow seem very Zen to me. I especially love the Labyrinth pillow and anything with the Big Bow motif. Swoon.

This incredible home sits inside a renovated water tower in a nature preserve in Germany. It has the best views imaginable, and is filled with amazing light. I would love to cook in that kitchen, gazing out over the snowy forest while stirring a pot of coq au vin.

Siw Haveland, the force behind the blog Design Shimmer, has a truly beautiful home. It's Scandinavian to the core, and I am totally in love the mix of whites, textures and blond woods. I especially love the way her exposed closet adds a pop of color to the bedroom - it serves as artwork and storage, all at the same time. (Via Decor8.)

Queenie's Treasury

It's the weekend, kiddos! Here in New York, we're celebrating that fact with unseasonably warm weather, sunny skies and, in my case at least, a trip to the Greenmarket. My friends Miya and Shiv are coming to lunch tomorrow, and I can't wait to share this and a tangy green salad with them. In the meantime, though, let's take a look at this week's Treasury!
I spotted these adorable spoons over at Frau Haselmayer last week, and I'm in lust. I love the mix of colors and textures, the rough, unglazed handles against the shiny, glazed bowls. And the pastels are (very, very) early harbingers of spring. The best Easter eggs ever.

Mia of Solid Frog featured a seriously cool apartment last week. It's a studio apartment, and it belongs to Mia's friend's brother, Henrik. I love the mix of colors, especially that striped dresser and the yellow couch. And all those books! And the MoccaMaster coffeemaker - in orange! Is it wrong to crush on a guy just because his apartment is stupendous?

Finally, one of the most ah-mazing houses I have ever. Seen. Ever. Really. I mean, check this out. The windows. The view. The mix of earthy, glam and sleek in the design and decor. The property. The whole thing is just...amazeballs. There's no less trendy word for it. Want. (Via NYTimes.com.)

Queenie's Treasury

Happy weekend, my lovelies! Many of you are, no doubt, otherwise occupied in Washington, D.C. right now (Rally To Restore Sanity FTW!). For the rest of you poor schlubs who, like me, are stuck at home this weekend, here are some Treasury delights for you!

First up, an incredible house tour from Design*Sponge. Kate Schintzius' house is, to put it mildly, haunting my dreams. I love pretty much everything about it, from the teardrop chandelier to the needlepoint pillows to the dreamily colored rug. I'll take it. It's for sale for a really reasonable amount, furnishings included, right?
Next up, some amazing vintage and estate jewelry. I have a yen for old-fashioned pieces, especially cocktail rings and brooches, so I was delighted when Oh Joy! mentioned Claude Morady's site. It's a veritable treasure trove of perfect specimens. I have my eye on the aquamarine ring. By "have my eye on" I of course mean "dream hopelessly of." Sigh.

Finally, a different kind of treasure trove - slightly less literal, but, perhaps, even more valuable. Saveur's picks for the top 18 bistros in Paris are up on their website (the full list of 23 is available in the November issue, which also has recipes for things like steak with mustard cream sauce, oh yes), and it's making me ache to hop across the pond. Like, right now. Now, now, now.

Queenie's Treasury

Welcome to the weekend, everyone! New York is suitably quiet and thoughtful this morning, but I have a feeling things will perk up this afternoon. Even solemn remembrance can't stop us New Yorkers from enjoying a glorious day like the one forecast for this Saturday. With that in mind, here are some tidbits to usher you into the rest of your weekend.

First up, an incredible office built in a Spanish forest, brought to us by Swissmiss. This place is flat-out amazing. I would work here in a heartbeat. I love how the building is nestled in the ground, almost as if it were burrowing into a pile of leaves. Sigh.

Next, some adorable stationery from the Rifle Paper Co. I love these little custom portrait calling cards and notes, but I'm also quite fond of their floral designs. Really, there's not a bad choice to be made - and if I were the sort of person who wrote her recipes down on cards, I'd already have bought their stunning, heirloom-worthy recipe box.

Last, but most certainly not least, a gorgeous Texas wedding, courtesy of Design*Sponge. How insanely beautiful was this event? And I love the table settings - just kraft paper emblazoned with paint markers. They're simple enough to recreate for my next dinner party, as are the gorgeous take-home bags full of cherries. (Though, given the changing seasons, figs might be more appropriate right now.)

Queenie's Treasury

Happy weekend, everyone! It's a rainy morning here in New York; I had to skip the Greenmarket this morning in favor of some more boring errands - but since I'm leaving for California on Tuesday morning, I wouldn't have been able to buy much in any case. I have it on good authority, however, that strawberries have been sighted!

Now, for those of you who haven't just sprung out of your seats to run down to Union Square, here's this week's Treasury!

First up this week is an apartment I've long admired: the West Village home of interior designer (and former Domino contributor) Rita Konig. Her apartment has a gloriously English feel to it, which makes sense, since Konig is, in fact, an ex-pat from London. I especially love the snug bedroom with its custom headboard and bright sunlight.


Next, we have Next! Next is the name of super-chef Grant Achatz's latest venture, a restaurant in Chicago where guests will pay for their meals ahead of time - kind of like we pay for travel, as the promotional video on the new site suggests. In addition to the restaurant, Achatz's team will also be opening a cocktail bar called Aviary. That sound you just heard? That was food and cocktail lovers the world over clapping their hands in glee.

Last, but not least, we have From Me To You, a fabulous blog by Jamie, a photographer who lives here in New York. She's also an avid cook, and her food photography is splendid. That said, I might be most in lust with the photos she just posted the other day. Yes, I'll take my bourbon with a side of gorgeous man, thankyouverymuch.

Queenie's Treasury

Happy Saturday, my lovelies! It's a bright, crisp day here in New York, and I'm enjoying a weekend of theatre (I saw Present Laughter last night and am headed to Equivocation this afternoon!), cooking and design binging (Trip to Cooper-Hewitt? Check!). Before all that, though, it's time to take a look into the treasury.

First up this week, we have the (relatively new) foodblog Fresh New England. The three posts on El's front page all involve chocolate. And one involves whipped cream - and palmiers. Need I say more?

Next, some exciting news about Target's latest limited edition collaboration with a high-end design house: Liberty of London is coming to Tar-jay! My biggest memories of Liberty are of the dresses my mom would bring back for me from her annual piligrimage to London. When I was little, I thought they were each just another dress for church, but now I know better - those gorgeous, sprigged prints were works of art. Personally, I'm drooling over the teapot and the bike. And the dishes. And the pillows. And...anyhoo. The collection is due out on March 14th. In the meantime, I've settled for a hot-pink desktop background.

Finally, a super-cool flower arranging class: Bodega Flowers 101 from Sarah at Blossom & Branch. I am seriously considering signing up for one of the public classes, though this would also make an excellent wedding shower activity, no? (Via 100 Layer Cake.)

Queenie's Treasury

It's t-minus 13 days to Christmas, folks, and preparations are in full swing chez Queenie. This weekend I'm finishing up my Christmas shopping, writing up a Queenie gift guide and shifting focus to finalizing menus and shopping lists for my pre-Christmas dinner party and Christmas dinner itself.

With that in mind, I thought we'd take a break with some non-Christmasy stuff in today's Treasury. Who's game?

First up, a super-cool, eco-friendly, nifty little find. This felt coffee cozy by Megan Auman (available at her Etsy store) doubles as jewelry. A cuff and cozy in one, all for under $35? Beautify yourself and help save the earth, all at the same time.

Next up, the December issue of Lonny Magazine, which in just two months has taken the shelter mag-starved design blogosphere by storm. Lonny is a monthly online publication chock full of great interior design and fashion ideas, most easily compared to the dear, departed Domino. (Sob.) This month's issue features a few fabulously-styled shop interiors, and talks about how to translate their aesthetics to your living space. Among them is one of my long-time favorites, Kate Spade. Colorful, preppy-modern at its best.

Finally, a giveaway alert! Jauntsetter is launching a Jauntsetter Weddings site, which will feature destination weddings and nuptials-related travel. To celebrate, they're giving away a trip to the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid. To enter, send them an email describing (with photos!) your awesome destination wedding or fabulous honeymoon. Full instructions over here - good luck!