Royally yours

Two posts in one day! I guess I'm just spilling over with gifts I love.

And speaking of love, anyone who remembers my love of all things British will understand why I must post about the great designs over at Pintuck (via Print & Pattern). Check out their "Made in England" tea towels, aprons and bags. Perfect gift for your favorite Brit host/hostess!

I also love their "It's a Beautiful Day" print --- great for spring.

lunch-time genius

I had to post about Delight's find of the day---a portable dish set. The set includes a plate, bowl, cup, utensils, that all wrap together in a placemat. Pure genius and conveniency can be yours for $25.08.

Gifting Chocolates: The next generation

Okay, so you're set on gifting chocolates this Valentine's Day? That's okay, because there are some great products out this season that are far from your run-of-the-mill Russell Stover's. Here are a few of my favs from around the web.

Dylan's chocolates are getting a lot of buzz lately, and rightly so. Their colorful labels and simply delicious combinations have skyrocketed them to success! This 18-piece truffle box is packed with flavors such as Milk Rocky Praline, Caramel Mousse, and Passion Fruit Ganache. $42.00

MarieBelle is also taking chocolates to the next level. Her boxed chocolates are literally tiny works of art. Pick up the 25-piece set for $48.00.

Another product she makes that I'm totally wild about is the Pin-up girl chocolate bars. Pick some up and hand them out to your favorite single gal-pals ($15.00).

Finally, I love these little "love bugs" from John and Kira's. They come in a little wooden box and are filled with dark chocolate ganache. Yum! ($34.00 for a box of 12)

Make your own cookbook

Know anyone who's ever wanted their own cookbook? My friend Paola sent me over this link from the New York Times about a new venture from Conde Nast and Kamran Mohsenin - Tastebook.com. Through this site, users can create their very own cookbooks, using up to 100 recipes from Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Epicurious, and other chefs. You can even add your own personal recipes - which is why I really like this concept. The book comes in a hardcover binder (you choose the front image and the title) and allows you to add chapters that are tabbed for easy access.

How much does all this cost? $34.95!

For gift-giving purposes, I suggest gathering up the family's favorite recipes and creating a cookbook using the family name (ie, The Smith Family Recipes) and gifting to all the chefs in your clan. This would also be great for showers, weddings, and office parties.

Thanks for the tip P!

New Orleans Baby!

In case anyone was wondering, the gift giver went to New Orleans on a three-day excursion. If you've never been, or if you haven't been post-Katrina, I highly recommend it. The city is really getting back on it's feet and the people there are all about having a great time. If you're in the area and looking for possible souvenirs/gifts here are some hot spots I found.

The New Orleans School of Cooking and Louisiana General Store in the French Quarter offers daily cooking classes, plus a store where you can get traditional New Orleans seasonings. I picked up some Joe's seasoning for stocking stuffers (also available in their online shop). The staff there is very friendly and willing to help with whatever you are looking for.

I'm not necessarily a sweet person, but it's had to go to New Orleans without passing a praline shop. Many claim to be the "original," and while that is an argument I wouldn't want to touch, I had a chance to sample Aunt Sally's at the French Market, and they are delish! Pick up a box for grandma.

If you head over to Magazine Street, you must hit up Pied Nu. It is a cute little boutique with all sorts of gifts, I especially love their jewelry (warning...they aren't cheap)! You may also want to check out Hazelnut, which has the "exclusive" New Orleans Toile. When I first moved to CT, I turned into a toile freak, and although I have since calmed down, my heart went pitter-patter at the thought of a New Orleans toile accordion file.

So, there you have it! Anyone else have good gift recommendations for the NOLA area?

The Drawer

Okay, own up! Who knows someone with that drawer in their kitchen where all the miscellaneous menus, receipts, phone books, etc live? Simplify their lives with this Take Out Menu Organizer from Spoonsisters. ($29.95 via Apartment Therapy)

Carved for Cutting

These cutting boards available at Elsewares from Olze and Wilkens would make great housewarming gifts. The designs are lasered into the wood following the grain, creating a cool scene. Cutting boards are an essential kitchen item that everyone needs, but can never seem to remember to purchase. Pick one up for $38.00.