LYRA MAG.

Valentine's Day is a chocolate occasion...but so is every other day too when it comes to the good stuff . Women owned and handmade...these chocolates are to be shared with anyone on your sweetheart list... MarieBelle Izak Zanou ganache 16 piece assortment - so chic-so yummy. Rich gourmet treats made from single origin,  artisanal beans-featuring the whimsical (and collectible) artwork of fashion illustrator Izak Zenou Maggie Louise Confections -fab chocolate and  even fab-ber packaging (if that's even a word...) SOLID LIPSTICK=SOLID CHOCOLATE Maggie Louise Confections' display at recent NY NOW tradeshow-fun shapes of 'real' objects in bite sized, solid chocolate via GIPHY Easter Time-Maggie Louise Confections has an admirable  plethora of  special occasion options ...

NY NOW PART 4 Unusual or usual materials used unusually-the antithesis of mass merchandise. METALACE -The Art of Lace On Metal...stunning designs include these multi-tasking bowls/baskets/holders as well as wall art and lightening. METALACE -trays HANDMADE Wild Woolies Felt BirdHouse Kit-made of sheep's wool- by a Fair Trade collective based in Nepal...sold on Amazon LA VIE DESIGN  an events/design service run by two sisters-had us obsessing on their keepsake - cake boxes-crafted to a whole other (collectible) level. Themes-sizes vary -and custom work is available too. PERFECT for one's homemade efforts. Keepers all! AXIOM  GLASS -hand blown stunners-are tipsy (or not-stand up right too). Vases, vessels-bowls and cups/tumblers -made in Detroit by one VERY talented guy, Andrew Madvin. WOW.

PART 1 Ilex Studio, Kobo  At the latest NY NOW (formerly NY Gift Show) innovative design tradeshow...SURTEX (artist designs for license), and the NY stationary/paper goods show... a wide variety of items destined for retail stores and consumers-to accent -furnish homes (or wardrobes), and add to one's wellness-quality of life (ie. indie beauty and CBD products-right alongside scented candles/scents and crafty kids' items)-heavily leaned towards hand crafted, creative, uniqueness -truly conjuring up a true sense of place individuals crave. Whether aiming for small boutiques in tourist or home locales, wedding registries, online sites, or even mass market retailers...exhibitors 'get' that now buyers mix and match their possessions and spend coinage on products that will contribute to 'experiences-emotional harmony (not to be to wishy washy here). Attributes like production-sustainability+traceability, limited editions, individually made, Fair Trade, and origi...

Craft cocktails are trendy-and brings out the arty craftiness of bartenders-both amateur and pros. Yet-since we live in a world of there's an app for everything-so  of course there is a gadget for everything too. Going the K-cup world way of sips-the shiny new machine  Drinksworks ™ drinkmaker (by the same company, Keuring) -has a similar drop in pod system-embedded with alcohol +flavors needed-for fav cocktails like Margaritas (Paradise collection), Gin and Tonic (Simply Refreshing Collection + Old Fashioned (Classic collection), wine (Wandering Vine collection), ciders- and even a collab with name brand brewery-for insta-beer too-Becks,  Stella Artois etc. (Brews collection). With a touch of the button ease-mastering making booze goes automatic. Note-the water tank-is chilled to 37F degrees but is automatically adjusted- chilled correctly- depending on the pod recipe chosen-as is the drinks' size. Because there is alcohol involved-the bemusing/confu...

Transparency and a traceable supply chain are big real deals-and in some cases, the law-  for buyers (and purveyors)...in all industries...from baby strollers to wearables, apparel, and especially in the food/drink/pharma businesses-judging by all the FDA recalls we get emailed everyday. (YIKES). Notably-we have seen an uptick in small business- owner-grower images-and their backstory- right on their goods' packaging   (not just Q codes-or on social media)-at the recent Fancy Food Show in NYC... Which makes sense-as a terrific way to stand out on shelves from big consumer packaged food companies. No wonder...the later often now are struggling for Gen Z-Gen X dollars-who are the largest eaters of specialty (really mainstream now) offerings. On The Farm: Betting vegetarians-who vow never to eat anything that has a mother -would be horrified to learn that in this country (at least)...most milked animals have an expiration date on their milking days-and get slaughtered at...

Tasty alcohol free thank-yous -for the host... Olive oils are as refined and sophisticated-with nuanced flavors like those other palate pleasers -wines/bourbons. via GIPHY From ITALY Redoro (extra virgin olive oil DOP Veneto) captures the amazing flavors from the acclaimed olives from the Garda area... a special spot -renown for its favorable climate+soils.  President of Redoro , Daniele Salvagno pours it on. The Olive Oil production process from hand to machine picked oils-to milling,  malaxation, decanting, filtering, preserving and bottling reminds us of the intense labors required of the winemaking industry. This version of Redoro Olio Extra Vergine Di Oliva Biologico-earns the  Italian Protected  Designation of Origin-just like the finest wines! This version, non-GMO (naturally)-is a delicate oil-with subtle fruity flavors-ideal for every Mediterranean dish with olive oil on the ingredient list. Other versions of olive oil can be more intense-...

Sparkling + white  wines from Loire Valley France, South Africa and Greece-travel the globe, palate wise-without leaving home. via GIPHY BOUVET-Ladubay --crisp lively texture, clean balanced fruit flavors-very elegant 20% Chardonnay/80% Chenin Blanc- priced under $14-  from winery established in 1851-now run by 4th generation family. Domaine de Cézen -Coteaux de Loir-good till the last drop...well balanced Chenin grapes-from clay-calcareous soil-this wine pairs well with grilled fish Rich volcanic soils on the glorious Santorini island plus that fab weather=ideal growing conditions for native island grape...Assyrtiko by the Santo Winery -a co-op...crisp, medium bodied fruit-acid - with citrus, stone, and lemongrass  mouthfuls...vinified in stainless steel....ideal for Mediterranean or Asian cuisines eaten anywhere! Nonalcoholic sips are in demand...fresh apples bouquet-delicious chilled-Martinelli's Organic Sparkling Cider. is flute worthy, Widely availabl...

Snow melting celebrations-outdoor products by L.L.Bean and Thermacell get the game on (and make great house gifts too). A classic nostalgic challenge...these made in the USA, hand forged Tournament Horseshoes  one of many games made easy by L. L. Bean $99 -comes with 2 solid steel stakes in a convenient wooden carving case. via GIPHY Another crowd fav-croquet...and yes -there is skill involved. Maine Coast Croquet Set with Stand $279-delivers-hardwood malets, stakes, and stand...nine wickets +6 color coordinated plastic balls PLUS GAME RULES.   via GIPHY                                          Heather vs Heather                            Patio Shield  ($24.99) comes in multiple colors NEW Radius Zone Mosquito Repellent works at push of a button via GIPHY Backya...

La Tourangelle ARTISAN OILS new Asian Oil Trio via GIPHY A new moon always greets Chinese New Year-and this go round-celebrating the Earth Dog.  Another reason to gather- and celebrate all things Asian---  binge watching  the fun South Korean Olympics=happy occasions.  beautifully packaged-just tie a ribbon on The perfect host gift for enthusiastic home chefs-or an easy way FOR YOU to speed dial the subtle to boldly fiery flavors of the cuisines from that part of the planet are the deliciously fresh, aromatic Asian Inspiration  trio  of 3 infused oils ($16.97) by the premier now California based oil mill -aka masters of,,.La Tourangelle.

SlideBelts, Casio Watches, Opinel, Lander Surviving any outdoor survivor jaunt-anywhere on planet earth with ease -and make great gifts for the aesthete too--being well designed...and tough . via GIPHY source adictiz.com SlideBelts -rachet belt design-is slide adjustable- up to 48" waist...pictured-the rugged Survival Belt $180 On left-ferrocirium fire started rod..right-serious integrated folding knife (heat treated AUS-8 stainless steel) can be opened with one hand packaging gives the 411 SlideBelts..."Adventure More, Carry Less"-handsomely packaged the Survivor Belt-is faux leather -actually made of internal webbing core coated in durable TPU alloy-have buckles that resemble car buckles-of highly durable glass filed nylon...and similarly are potentially life saving-as they are nifty compartments for LED flashlight/firestarter/knife/bottle opener. Note-Survival Belt won't survive TSA scrutiny. Pictured in classic brown...