Two Trick Pony

Looking for tips from one of the stationery industry's best (and cutest) sales reps? Check out this interview with Carina Murray who runs the successful rep agency Crow & Canary. Two Trick Pony is one of the very lucky manufacturers that they represent!

I had to go to IKEA today for some picture frames, and - of course - you can never leave with JUST the things you came for. Wandering through the kids section, my eyes happened upon these tiny glasses in pastel plastic. My mind immediately whirled to the warmer days ahead, lazing away on my back patio, sipping some delicious apertif. These wee and delightful glasses will be perfect for holding amari and cordials of all kinds, and best of all…they’re unbreakable!

My roommate also brought home an old-school Califone record player recently, so I think an outdoor listening/sipping party is in order. First warm day, you know where to find me.

The (nearly empty!) bottle of Cynar is there for scale, and also suggested consumption.

It’s no secret that I like unusual liquors (AND sweets), and this combination of macarons and Vana Tallinn really hit it out of the park in both of those categories.

The macarons are from an amazing shop in Manhattan’s Lower East Side called Bisous, Ciao. The salted caramel (bottom right) was a real standout, along with the sour cherry (top). I’m definitely going to have to go back soon…they offered over a dozen flavors, and my box only held 6!

Vana Tallinn…oh, what can I say about Vana Tallinn? Incredibly strong, and equally delicious, Vana Tallinn packs a dangerous punch. In the States, most of our sweeter liqueurs aren’t terribly potent, but this Estonian baby clocks in at 80 proof. Of course, you’d never know it, since the wallop is draped in flavors of citrus, vanilla, cinnamon and anise. Before you know it, both glasses are empty, the box of macarons are gone, and you’ve got pastel-colored crumbs all around your grinning mouth. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything…

Continuing with last week’s nut themed post, I’d like to bring your attention to National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day! Tomorrow, March 1st is the official day to celebrate this versatile food with a fascinating history. Some of my favorite uses of PB include peanut sauce, good ol’ fashioned PB&J sandwiches, spread on apples or bananas and of course anything with chocolate. What are your favorite ways to enjoy peanut butter?

Check out these Etsy artists who pay tribute to this delicious and nutritious treat!

Felt Play Food Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich with Crackers and Tortilla ChipsJIF Peanut Butter-5x7 inch Print from Original IllustrationPeanut Butter And Jelly Bestfriend NecklacesPB & J Glitter Mitts

Thanks Roo! xo, Wally

While shopping at Whisk in Brooklyn recently, I spotted this adorable nutcracker and couldn’t resist him. Over the holidays, my boyfriend brought home a bag of walnuts from his father’s tree in Sweden, and so a new nutcracker was a must! He very nearly purchased a more basic model, but with a little arm twisting, he too gave in to this squirrel’s charms (and mine). I’ve never had walnuts quite this fresh before, and I must say I highly recommend them. The flavor is remarkable!

Sadly, a new bowl is now also a must, as I dropped this one shortly after the photo shoot. Just call me butter(nut) fingers…

I’m the first one to admit that I’m not the best photographer. Yes, I have my moments, but much like my singing voice…success is pretty hit-or-miss. I’ve always been a fan of photography, particular alternative photographic processes like polaroid transfers, cyanotypes, gelatin prints, etc., but experimenting can be expensive and frustrating, or impossible without the proper equipment.



Enter Hipstamatic. I saw loads of my friends uploading their Hipstamatic pictures to Facebook, and finally got curious enough to purchase it for myself. I don’t love the interface - clunky, slow, and not quite as intuitive as I would like - but being able to switch the lens, flash options, and “film” allows for a lot of customization. Is it a cheating cheaters shortcut to an interesting looking image? You bet! But for someone like me, I’ll take all the help I can get. Now I just need to get Autotune for those karaoke nights…



I’ll probably start using some of my Hipstamatic images for future blog posts. Let me know what you think - love ‘em, hate ‘em, sick of ‘em? Let me know!

xoxo, Carrie

When’s the last time you got homemade granola made by one of your favorite bands? For Mr. Pony and I it was February 3rd at the David Wax Museum’s CD release party for “Everything is Saved”. The band celebrated the release of their new album by pulling out all the stops for this amazing show. VIP ticket holders were treated to a poster, two signed copies of the new CD and yes, a bag of their homemade Winter Tour Granola. The idea was for fans to be able to get “a taste” of what life is like on the road for the band. This simple gesture really shows the heart behind this talented and down-to-earth group of folks.



Here’s some of what the Boston Phoenix had to say about the show:

“The Mexicano-Americana folk band the David Wax Museum’s CD-release party for their new Everything Is Saved at Oberon Thursday night was a triumph in every way: musically, theatrically, even socially and politically — from the fair-trade chocolate and coffee being given away in the lobby to the simulated village street festival the band conjured inside, replete with trapeze aerialist to complete the carnival atmosphere.”

Read more of the review…