Allsaints Spitalfields Boston Storefront

When Pottery Barn left its giant spot on Boston's famous Newbury St, it was a tell-tale sign of the "economic conditions" - but now, not a year later (or maybe it has been?) many of Newbury's vacant storefronts are being re-opened - including this prominent space.

The store that took over the space is Allsaints Spitafields and it seems that they've acquired all the remaining vintage sewing machines, ever (except that I know there is one here and one here in Somerville, Ma). The entire extra long storefront is covered in shelving displaying the machines. It's pretty fantastic and draws many-a-onlooker. More photos after the jump.

diy: More modish mirror mount

I'm clueless about decorating walls. I have two crutches - one is vintage printed tablecloths, which I'll post about later; the other is mirrors. I love a big, gaudy pier mirror, but I also like the airiness of frameless, beveled mirrors. You can find them at antique shows, yard sales, and Ikea, but the problem is the mounting hardware - it usually detracts from the mirror's simplicity.

These mirrors from Pottery Barn come backed with a panel that has hooks attached, but I have a hard time paying $99 for what is essentially this mirror. So here's an easy solution!

Non Dairy, Non Banana, Non Strawberry Smoothies

I'm no scientist, but the basic smoothie formula is a lethal poison. How everyone else is immune, I don't know. And I don't know the specifics about what it is about each of these ingredients: dairy, banana, strawberry, and in what combination they are most lethal because I've tried soy substitutes to no avail. But whenever I 'give it another go' and have a smoothie, one that everyone else can enjoy, I die. I've done myself a great disservice by not doing more work in enjoying the smoothies out there don't include these toxins.

diy: Washers (Urban Horse Shoes)

I learned about this game, saw how totally make-able it was and immediately set out to make myself a set.

Brimfield - This Week!

Just a reminder that this week is the first Brimfield Antiques show of the year! The show runs from the 11th until the 16th. I won't be able to make this one but will definitely make one or two of the next two. More information on this (the largest Antique Market in the country) can be found here on a previous post.

recipe: Mint iced tea

It's been in the 80's for the last few days in Atlanta, and we've been running the fans. Requisite for a hot-weather meal in Georgia: a satisfactory pitcher of iced tea.

I prefer mint embellishment to lemon. Mint has the effect of subtly sweetening the mix, calling for less sugar. Of course, if you prefer, feel free to add sugar till it's almost crunchy.

recipe: Pecan sticky buns

My love for Martha Stewart is unequivocal and well-known. Her Baking Handbook is fantastic. The techniques are sound, the basics solid. But Martha, you let me down with the sticky buns. Though the dough and filling were great, the tops and sides were rock-hard, and threatened the fillings of several brunch guests.

Not to worry. Since that fiasco, I fixated on sticky buns. And I have developed the perfect recipe.