Our first women artists event was this past weekend and it was a big success! We had a great turn out and I had a fantastic day hanging out with these talented ladies. Thank you Frances, Llubav and Sarah! Here are some photos from the day:
Frances’ beautiful Pearl Collection on our table.


Sarah+Llubav. Hot mamas!

Llubav’s felt lovlieness in our window. Sarah’s gorgeous cake & new cookbook (due out in June) are in the background.


Sarah’s divine golden chocolate/espresso cupcakes and earl grey tea cookies. They look perfect on Frances’ plates.


Frances’ pieces can display ring pillows too! Llubav designed the one with the large flower just for us. Call the shop to order.

One of our brides, Libby, admiring some of the Frances Palmer pieces she registered for!

One more shot of the table. You can glimpse one of Frances’ amazing handmade vases.

Joanne with her cousin Mary and a pie plate by Frances, flower pin by Llubav

Me with my mom (who made off with Frances’ pie plate at the end of the event).

We will be hosting more events this spring/summer. Look for a book signing in June!
We just received these whimsical boy shorts sachets filled with french lavender. Handmade by Llubav Choy Duerr from wool felt in jelly bean colors or white iridescent linen. Guaranteed to make her smile!($26)


Felt flower sachets ($26), rose pin ($50)

Thanks to everyone for being patient while we were closed last saturday for my wedding. It was exciting, exhilarating and SO MUCH FUN! Here is my favorite photo so far. More to come….

We recently started a wedding registry here at abitare! And so far we have 2 lovely couples registered with us. Here are Rich & Caroline picking up a gift from us last week! If you are interested in registering with abitare for your wedding, give us a call at 718.797.3555 or email us at info@abitareshop.com.
(Visit Rich & Caroline’s registry here. )

Hand + Cole wedding plans are really moving along. I’m now fully into picking linens, glasses, and flowers. One little touch I’ve decided on for the tables…we just got these handmade stone place card holders in the store. I love the whimsical, organic look. I am going to use them for the place cards and then give them away to each guest. They can also be used as a photo holder!

10 wedding (or engagement) gifts for under $100!

[clockwise from left: burl wood frame $75, glass decanter (made in France) $55, porcelain sea urchin votives $15/each, Stelton vacuum jug $89, John Derian tray $90, porcelain lover vase in red $62, set of 2 champagne flutes (with wooden gift box) $100, stainless steel 'pescher' trivet $82, Jasper Morrison wine glasses $7/each, stainless steel bread basket $87]
So, on my trip to Denmark this summer I got engaged! Matthew & I kept it to ourselves for awhile but have now started the planning in earnest.
We have the date and the place. June 21, 2008. Here:

And our friend Sarah is going to make our cake. Check out her organic creations on her website:
http://www.sarahmagid.com/
I love this one called chocolate love blossom….

Next on the list: invitations…