Local – ShizIBoughtToday

Shaking, it’s cooler than a stir

Posted on October 21, 2012October 21, 2012 by lisaflorence

One of many things I learned as a result of stepping into Boston Shaker, Davis Square. First of all, bitters. Bitters are the joy and the flavor code to grasp for a truly remarkable cocktail experience.

Ginger beer. You either love it, hate it or like really really really really love it! I am that third category, which I hope is why I went way overboard and spent $16 on this highly recommended brand, Blenheim, from South Carolina. I’m sure it costs far less in it’s native land. But, if you’re a yankee and you want some spice, what are you gonna do? Oh. I just answered that. A true yankee would make her own. Sorry Dad.

And here’s the book that revealed to me why we might shake a cocktail vs. why we might stir. Home Bar Basics, By Dave Stolte. Appreciate this guide. It’s concise, informative, useful and rewarding. Dave Stolte, had an outstanding Manhattan last night. At this rate I’m headed for drinking at home on a fairly exclusive basis (unless it’s wine).

Barker and Mills cocktail cherries. Vanilla and bourbon. It’s dessert.

Lady in the shop, along with a familiar customer, made sure I understood to not only enjoy the cherries, but to use every last drop of the juice!

Now I just need to find a fun crowd, happy to sparsely sip. Most of us seem to know the glutinous glug. I’m a glutton. In this exact moment, I vow to explore the sip.

Cheers!

Pedal Pops

Posted on September 24, 2012September 30, 2012 by lisaflorence

Jewelry Organizer from The Davis Flea

Posted on September 1, 2012September 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

Shopping at The Davis Flea, I found this practical beauty from the I Want A Pony booth. Jen Kniff, a Flea founder, was kind enough to snap my pic. This piece, is not only homemade, it’s an upcycle by a local crafts woman! Pretty important Shiz, right?

Nicely coordinates with my “vintage” paneling.

Added some string ties to the rails, just to have more places to hang. More I Want A Pony finds on Etsy.

Sweetest baby gifts at Magpie

Posted on September 1, 2012September 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

I wrapped it like this . . .

A variety of cards. Domo Arigato from Paper Source, Plane and Bike from Magpie. Who’s behind that elephant? Ironically, I forget.

Organizing with Springs

Posted on July 22, 2012July 22, 2012 by lisaflorence

It’s Sunday! A gorgeous-blue-skied non-90-degree Sunday. I went to The Davis Flea again. Ed Quinn, Renewed Home has rapidly become one of my favorite dealers. He picked up all sorts of cool stuff at Brimfield this week. Among the batch, springs! I never knew I needed or wanted springs. Ed knew. These things are great. Hold pens, letters, notes . . . a kitchen utensil as you cook. Get a branch and some clothes pins, make a crazy message center. Or, just leave them sitting around. They’re pretty engaging.

Next stop, brunch at M3.

Brunch at M3

Posted on July 22, 2012July 22, 2012 by lisaflorence

Mimosa (up). Watermelon, cucumber, mint & cheese (below). I’d like to add that the goat cheese was good, but this salad really didn’t need it. The dressing was perfect on it’s own!

I also had a big waffle with butter good enough to drink by the glassful and berries as fresh as ever. Go here. It is delicious and warm, yet minimal. The decor plays with the charm of practicality and a light-filled space on a sunny corner. It showcases a beauty from chalkboard paint on every wall and every table. Some orange accents from chairs and wood tones too.

Entryway shelf & mail caddy

Posted on July 9, 2012September 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

I did it! It’s July and I finally hung the shelf from the gorgeous piece of lumber I bought at Rockler back in October. Getting stuff done.

Then, just yesterday, I found this handy caddy at the Davis Flea. Well sized for the shelf. Perfectly sized for holding the daily mail.

Salt’n’Peppa here . . . Yeah, I dunno. They were cute and on sale at Anthropologie.

The Davis Flea

Posted on June 10, 2012September 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

The Davis Flea. It’s how I got my shopping back!

After weeks of not posting I’m finally moved to shop again. (I guess I’ve just been loving my new job that much, so back off retail therapy). Premier The Davis Flea last Sunday and with a pocket of cash, there I am. This Sunday I return with a camera. Are you near Somerville? Check it out. It’s very cool. It’s well curated so the ratio of cool stuff is quite high. It brings the discovery of the rural fleas to the urban realm. Convenient. Alluring. Brilliant idea! Glad it’s here. Hope it stays.

Yes Lionel. It is you I’m looking for. (Hello to you too Raj).

Oh what a feeling! Yeah, I bought this Shiz.

Sand and Petal, this lady has a beautiful way with the upcycle.

My flea finds . . . Metal shoe-shine box, Stool, Ice bucket

Other event treasures include live music and fresh apple-cider donuts.

The Davis Flea, founded by Greg Ghazil, Jennifer Kniff and Maureen Nuccitelli

Flea finds from last week:

Homemade Cards

Posted on April 19, 2012April 19, 2012 by lisaflorence

About an hour ago I got home from a class: Crafter’s Night Out at the Paper Source in Porter Sq. in a jam-packed two hours we made cards, envelopes and a toggle-tie portfolio to store them all in. The theme: new life for old calendars! Oh time. . .

Also shown is an inspiring book about taking your old mail pieces and spinning them into a whole new level, the art of the upcycle.

Burrr, Hot Coffee!

Posted on April 15, 2012April 15, 2012 by lisaflorence

Shopping spree at Barismo yesterday yields ideal Sunday morn–complete with the sun part and a napping cat!

The Barismo folks have been telling me for a while that those common home grinders are actually bruising my beans. Buying into this strange detail (seemingly based on sensitivities), I imagine the flavors of bruised fruit vs. fresh fruit. Suddenly I’m horrified at my coffee-making process and I find it’s time to buy my own burr grinder. One pot in and I’m 100% thrilled with my choice. No bruised beans, yes, but furthermore more it’s a one button-automated system with convenient storage chamber and 40 degrees of grind control!

Rethinking the map

Posted on April 10, 2012July 15, 2012 by lisaflorence

Whether it be from browsing Etsy, Fab or my local map store (Ward Maps) I’ve seen some great art pieces based on maps. Above are two of my graphical favorites. Each from a place that holds meaning for me as well as pop appeal.

Blue Velvet Shoes: Are they greener than suede?

Posted on March 29, 2012March 22, 2012 by lisaflorence

These shoes are vegan. Other than being made with no animal products, I have no idea what that means, politically speaking. Were more toxins generated with the man-made materials than would be with leather processing? How will they age? Do they breath? I guess this varies by brand. There are plenty creating vegan footwear. In fact, there is a store full of gorgeous pieces in Cambridge! Sudo Shoes, on Mass Ave, just a few blocks from the Porter Sq T station. This place has such a nice collection of bags, purses, shoes and accessories that I only realized on my third visit there was no leather. I guess that’s a testament to the lac of plastic outgassing too! Anyhow, I picked these out because the color! It is a gorgeous shade of royal blue. They are cute, practical and comfy.

New Clothes

Posted on March 27, 2012March 22, 2012 by lisaflorence

I got a new job! I start next week. When I told my Mom she asked “does this mean you’re gonna get all new clothes?”. Great idea Mom. “Yes.” I said. I went to Helena’s in Arlington (MA). It was a jacket day! Two jersey blazers and a summery summer-dress shrug. These are each examples of what the right cut can do for you. I’ve tried stuff like this before and the result was instant shrunken shoulders, droopy chest and emphasized tummy. Not the case today! Everything feels soft and cozy like sleepwear, yet looks flattering and structured like casual business wear. Three cheers for lunchtime naps in the car!

Look at that stitching! (and note that handy pin). Clothes that close ;)

Spring Birds by Miaow

Posted on March 20, 2012March 23, 2012 by lisaflorence

Lovebirds to celebrate the coming spring! Created by Miaow, Somerville, MA. Find them at local craft fairs or on Etsy. Made from a variety of of traditional suit materials. Each has a unique personality, wings that can pivot (the “hinge” is a button), and can perch comfortably in the palm of your hand. I fell for the undeniable male/female of this couple. Looks just like me and my hubs.

Leather, beads & snaps!

Posted on March 19, 2012March 17, 2012 by lisaflorence

A cuff fit for an office job . . . Soft, not too loose, doesn’t clank on the desk and drive your neighbors crazy! From Nomad. Comfy, cool, pretty. Plus it’s got a braided section. Braids are cool.

Winter Skin

Posted on March 17, 2012March 17, 2012 by lisaflorence

My skin has been dry, like death and neglect. Yet, I’ve been using a Clarasonic since Jan and I moisturize with Argan oil so I knew it was time to change up my cleanser. Weleda is my new go to brand. Great quality stuff! You’d never know by the price what a value it really is. Since yesterday I’ve been trying out the new Gentle Cleansing Milk formula. It feels reassuringly nourishing as well as calming. 20% off at Cambridge Naturals for a limited time.

Dessert Donuts

Posted on March 11, 2012March 11, 2012 by lisaflorence

Beautiful Sunday to brunch with a good friend. Today we headed in the opposite direction of Boston/Cambridge for outstanding brunch cuisine (yes, seriously it is cuisine in a casual rustic space) A Tavola in Winchester. She ordered us these dessert donuts! Sometimes friends just know.

Coffee, I love you.

Posted on March 7, 2012March 8, 2012 by lisaflorence

Another episode of feeling big on small indulgences. I love walking in to Barismo and just asking the barrista for whatever he thinks would taste best. Today’s roast, Reanimator. Recommended in the form of Americano. I had it black to take in all those bright citrus notes.

;

Nomad

Posted on March 6, 2012March 17, 2012 by lisaflorence

One of my longtime favorites. It’s like the original Anthropologie.
Nomad 1741 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA

French Toast Sunday

Posted on March 4, 2012 by lisaflorence

Pear and goat cheese stuffed French toast at the Ball Square Cafe, Somerville, MA.

I fell asleep on the couch last night (again). I was attempting to complete a six-season How I Met Your Mother Netflix marathon. I’ve been working on it for a few months now. I must’ve fallen asleep around 2am, woke up at 7:30. Perfect for a filling breakfast outing! Now, taking a cup of tea and back to bed for a late morning nap. Today my husband and I have been married for six years. We’re going to one of our favorite places later tonight. Until then, I shall fast.

Wine Club

Posted on March 3, 2012March 3, 2012 by lisaflorence

The first Saturday of each month I get to pick up my two bottles of red from Menotomy in Arlington, MA!

Each wine comes with an insightful overview and recipe pairing. Frequently I’m exposed to varietals I’d never previously heard of. This month it’s Lemberger. According to the write up, it’s a cult classic!

Best Coffee

Posted on March 1, 2012March 1, 2012 by lisaflorence

Best coffee. Barismo, roasted in Arlington, MA. Served at Simon’s in Cambridge, MA. If you can get to the roaster in Arlington, do so. You can order a cup prepped using their pour-over method.

Home Sweet Home

Posted on February 24, 2012February 29, 2012 by cristinadanielle

It’s safe to say that I’m slightly obsessed with wall art. I might even have a closet (or two) full of yet-to-hang items…

This is the latest purchase: A custom-made graphic for my sun room, made by one of the lovely owners of the super-adorable shop Bells & Whistles in Belmont, Massachusetts. It’s not framed here, but you can use your imagination! It’s cute, I swear.