Also, at the end of the post are some really great resources I use for ideas on cooking, organizing, decorating and cleaning impossible things (there, now I made those links irresistible!)
Here's one of my all time favorites. It's always on the top of my list of places to visit when we head into NYC for a weekend. This little place downtown is the quintessential old time tea and coffee shop where there are literally hundreds of loose teas to choose from. You buy tea leaves by the whole/half/quarter pound. They have all different kinds and flavors of black, white, green, and flavored teas. It was rated number one for coffee and number two for tea in Zagat reviews. You can also order online from them. Either way, you don't have to miss out on the perfect flavor for your holiday season.
Here's the link: http://www.mcnultys.com/
Everyone who knows me well, knows I'm a huge fan of pottery. Katie Coston, headquartered in South Carolina has many beautiful pieces, both functional as well as decorative. The colors she glazes with enhance the shapes she forms. I love her mugs- you will find no vessel more perfect to hold your coffee or tea ( or cider or eggnog). Her bowls are also fantastic. Check it out!
Here's the website: http://illyriapottery.com/home/
Etsy is home to some of the coolest handmade goods. Here are a few favorites:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62790994/holiday-sale-lovely-silver-bird-and?ref=cat2_gallery_25
http://www.etsy.com/listing/63411028/plummery-hair-clip?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_search_query=hair&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62250786/bird-headband-swallow-silver?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=hair&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=7&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62250786/bird-headband-swallow-silver?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=hair&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=7&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade
Now for the awesome web resources.....(drumroll) (or scroll...)
This website is indispensable...they so much information on sooooo many topics. I also subscribe to their magazine. It's worth it.
http://www.realsimple.com/
Self explanatory.
http://allrecipes.com/
Ok, so I admit it. Everything I've made of hers is probably the best I've ever eaten. Yeah, it's that good. (prerequisite- must be able to part with 1/2 pound of butter for 1 recipe. I think butter is her magic ingredient)
http://www.marthastewart.com/food
