Everyone likes gifts…

Large or small, a gift says I care and I’m thinking of you.

I was given an incredible gift this Fall, out of the blue, for no reason at all.  It wasn’t the gift but the caring and generosity that touched me.

In January I offered a friend a gift that normally would not have been accepted.  But I told her she had to because it’s rare and wonderful to offer and accept a gift for no reason other than you can and want to.

These sweet gifts are from the Papabubble candy store in New York City.  They are beautiful, yummy, customizable, and made right here in New York City.

And maybe the perfect gift to give for no reason at all…

Enjoy!

Leslie

Papabubble - 380A Broome Street, New York, NY 10013  Tel: (212) 966-2599

Happy Holidays!

Hope your holidays are as sweet as these decorations.

Enjoy!

xoxo

Les

I have been thinking about my birthday post last year.

I had a series of photos from Butter Lane, one of my favorite cupcake shops in the city, and a few wishes for the year ahead.

This year – I wasn’t sure to post again about my birthday but I did want to challenge myself with some new cupcake shots but couldn’t find the time.

I didn’t have my Canon but I did get my wish of taking pictures of Coconut Vanilla, Banana Peanut Butter, Maple Pecan and Hazel Nut Chocolate Butter Lane cupcakes thanks to my friends Fran and Helen – Thanks girls!

My friend Maria would say this is a sign for the year ahead and I agree.  I don’t have a list of wishes to share this year but I do want to share a big THANK YOU to everyone I saw today and for the reminder that sometimes the things we want come in the most unexpected packages.

Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes!!!!

xoxo

Les

Most people think I’m organized and on top of everything.  I like order, but I also like leaving things in a disheveled state of natural.

I think my friend Ciara looks great with her tousled hair, a big smile, and a good part of lunch still on her shirt (Mom is probably relieved I cropped that part out).

I took these shots in July and I’m just getting to them.  Did someone say “Organized”?

Enjoy!

Leslie

I was asked several times last week the following questions… “Are you in New York?” and “Have you been to Eataly?”

The answers were repeatedly “Yes” and “Yes”.

If you don’t live in New York or you live under a rock Eataly is Mario Battali and partners’ just opened 50,000 square foot shrine to all things Italian.  The space is a mix of restaurants and food counters surrounded by a gourmet food market.

The selection of Italian imports is amazing and I was grateful to get my first taste of parmesan cut fresh from a wheel.  But other than the mixed organization of market, restaurants and finding the entrance, the experience isn’t Italian.  It’s Ceasars Palace married to Whole Foods…just much better looking.

The fact that I’m not a fan of slow moving crowds or paying $25.00 for a bar of imported Torrone didn’t help.   And with an Abercrombie and Fitch like line out the door I’m pretty sure I won’t be back for a long time.

This place will do great with neighborhood residents and workers needing more lunch and dinner choices as well as visitors who will include it as a must see destination.

But if you can’t get to Italy you don’t need to go to Eataly to enjoy Lavazza coffee, fresh paninis, mozzarella, gelato, Napolitano pizza or Italian chocolate.   There are plenty of other great spots in the city to shop, eat and enjoy all things Italian.

Sorry no pictures of Eataly, but these are a few of my favorite Italian spots from my archives and a few recent shots from my iPhone.

Enjoy!

Leslie