Rima Suqi

The founder of Biba turned interior designer (she’s done a lot of hotels) began her career as an illustrator (more info on Barbara is here). Graham Brown took some of them and turned them into “color wash printed canvases.” Pictures below, prices range from $90 – $120. Decide for yourself.

From the release: Feminine, stylish, edgy and bold, the Barbara Hulanicki Canvas Collection features signature illustrations across a range of five bright color wash printed canvases, perfect for any fashionista.  Flock and texture print details add to the glamour of these fashion iconography illustrations.

Home made Ginger Syrup made in Brooklyn at  Morris Kitchen. Gorgeous packaging, $10/bottle. Put some in seltzer to make ginger ale, add to hot water for a lovely tea, or use it my way – in Bourbon!

Other ways to use Ginger Syrup are on Morris Kitchen’s helpful recipe page.

A 20-foot-high papier mache Christmas tree by John Galiano/Dior for Claridge’s Hotel, London.

The sketch:

The real thing:

From the release: The tree features sparkling leaves and orchids in silver, white and blue, as well as crystal, giving the impression of the tree being frozen. The tree will be on display in the art deco-designed hotel until January 6, 2010.

A new line of cleaning products by Martha Stewart was announced today. It’s called Martha Stewart Clean.

The line includes everything from hand soap to toilet bowl cleaner and hits Home Depot stores in early 2010. It will also be available on Amazon.

Both on Thursday and Friday, December 10th and 11th.

My favorite linen sheets come from Area (they make plenty of non-linen varieties as well, plus blankets, etc). Their sale is at a new location this year, the Fleurs Bella space at 55 East 11th Street. Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.    They’re asking that you bring your own BAG. I suggest BAGS (plural) because at 75% off you’ll want to stock up.

Second sale:

Lutz & Patmos cashmere, everything is under $150. You read that correctly. It’s a modern day miracle. And it will be a madhouse, so be prepared.  425 W. 13th Street, #401. Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Thought I’d share some items that didn’t make it into the NY Times Gift Guide. Here’s one of them – a set of six plates, each depicting a bridge over the Hudson River, with a description of said bridge on the back. Price: $150. Available at Nest.

From the release:

Playfully decorated to be faithful to Eloise’s indomitable spirit and distinctive color palette of “Eloise pink” and black, the 2,100-square-foot Eloise shop resembles a ‘playhouse,’ an homage to one of the most lovably precocious fictional characters ever. Here Eloise fans young and old may re-enact their favorite vignettes from the “Eloise” books and movies, or, if they’d rawther, shop for a full assortment of adorable Madame Alexander dolls, Eloise books, Eloise-inspired bathrobes and bath towels, and exclusive product lines including the Eloise in Paris doll. The holiday debut will provide shoppers with an assortment of special holiday gift items including an exclusive Eloise ornament, Eloise at Christmas book and holiday-themed dolls.

A miracle has happened. I am in love with McBride Remedies Instant Rescue Balm. Why is this a miracle? I am not somebody that gets excited about beauty products. My editor at Organic Spa one said that if I actually like something, it must be worth looking into (the one exception is exfoliants and body scrubs, a category I am semi-obsessed with).

This balm is absolutely fabulous and perfect to use right now when the weather is finally cold and our skin is drying out. It is creamy but not heavy. It has a light lavender scent, but what’s even better about it, and the line in general, is what it doesn’t have: there are no sulfates, parabens,  harsh chemicals, synthetic color or fragrance. Meaning you can slather it all over your body without worrying about anything other than running out. The sad truth is that I am on the verge of running out, and I will actually pay the $25 to buy another tub. And that is miracle #2.