02:
If you haven’t checked out Cure Thrift Shop in New York City’s East Village, you’re missing out. The Cure, located on 111 E. 12th st. in the heart of the East Village, is a thrift store dedicated to raising money for Diabetes Research.


With two spacious floors dedicated to home decor and fashion, there’s something for everyone here. Check out what we found!
If you can say no to ice cream that’s been scooped with this precious vintage penguin ice cream scoop, you have no soul. $25

Vintage Penguin Ice Cream Scoop, $25
These vintage Beatles style pins punch up a boring t-shirt or duffel bag in no time. $20 set of 4.

Vintage "Beatles" Pins, $20
I have no idea why this amazing large antique Jesus Christ statue is still up for grabs. $125

Large Antique Jesus Christ Statue, $125
This one of a kind antique apple green rocking chair is perfect for stylish naps, $125.

Antique Apple Green Rocking Chair, $125
You usually have to pay a pretty penny for Murano glass, but this imitation piece makes a statement for only $25.

Vintage Handblown Glass Centerpiece, $25
26:
Evolution on Spring Street in Soho is a goldmine for all things natural history. This is eclectic home decor at its finest.

Have a hankering for a human skull? Evolution has a handful to choose from…

Assorted Skulls, pricing varies
I’d buy anything from this adorable raccoon, including a raccoon penis bone.

Raccoon Penis Bone, $8
Deer antlers stuffed in a bowl might make a striking centerpiece. Have this mini-me skeleton greeting guests at the entrance for a mere $89.

Deer Antlers, $19. 33" Human Skeleton, $89
Looking for a gift for your significant other? Nothing says I Love You like a tiny handcarved antler skull.

Antler Skulls, $19
Evolution has numerous displays of natural malachite and other minerals and stones. We especially like the pyramid-shaped malachite pieces in front. Place one on a desktop or coffee table and keep the rest of the space free of clutter to maximize its presence.

Malachite Pyramids, $19-29
Embrace the true New Yorker in you with a mouse. Freeze dried, of course.

Freeze Dried Mice, $69
Genuine ostrich egg with wooden stand for $29. Cheap!

Ostrich Egg w/Wooden Stand, $29
Looking to impress someone? Get them a siamese twins candle.

Siamese twins candle, $29
Painting your bathroom walls in deep red and hanging a framed tarantula in there will guarantee you the most “interesting” bathroom in your apartment building.

Giant Tarantula Display, $59
The Evolution Store
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Location:
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120 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
United States |
19:
KIOSK in Soho proves good things come in small packages. tucked away on bustling Spring Street in Soho, it’s easy to miss. Discovering this store is an adventure, just look for the geometric neon sign peeking out from a dark hallway…

KIOSK Soho
…walk up a graffiti filled staircase and enter through a heavy unmarked door.

KIOSK is a secret museum full of tiny treasures from around the world.

Every household item is handpicked and displayed in a store that feels more like your jet-setting friend’s apartment. Each piece is accompanied by a typed note, sometimes whimsical, sometimes profound, describing its origin.

It’s also a great place to get a gift for the person who has everything. Some of our favorites…
These red lamps can be found all over Hong Kong’s food markets. We like them because they’re cool, cheap and easy to hang.

Red Lampshade, $18
Powder Coated Steel Red Can Opener Gangy from Japan.

Can Opener Gangy, $18
According to Kiosk, these map tacks were developed by Edwin Moore of Moore Push-Pins in PA, a company he started in 1900 with $112.60 in hand.

Map Tacks, $9
In the Catholic shrine of Fátima, Portugal, you can be saved by throwing a wax depiction of your problem into an oven.

Wax Offerings, $18-28
Ideal Notebook from Mexico and Japan Mitsubishi No 460 Pens make for great desk stationery. A nice change from the Moleskine notebooks and even a bit cheaper.

Ideal Notebook and Mitsubishi Pens, $3-9
KIOSK
95 SPRING ST, NY NY 2ND FLOOR
STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 11AM-7PM
16:

Fashion4Home
A few months back, we stumbled upon the site of a furniture company called Fashion4Home (www.fashion4home.com). The promise: designer furniture for up to 50% less through a system of made-to-order pieces shipped directly to the customer. This being right up our alley, we were even more intrigued to learn that the company is based in fun-loving Berlin. We stopped by the Fashion4Home offices on a recent trip across the pond and took a peek at the company’s only showroom—a light-filled space off of Alexanderplatz.

The company’s gracious blogger and media person, Laura Keidel, guided us through the Who, What, When, Where and Why’s of this up-and-coming company. She also let us bounce around on the showroom furniture to ensure that it is, indeed, comfy.
Who: Fashion4Home was started by Marc Appelhoff and Christoph Cordes, who are joined by a team of about 70 sprinkled worldwide. They work with all kinds of designers, including cardboard king Reinhard Dienes.
What: An online shop for exclusive designer furniture at lower-than-store prices. The company sells couches, beds, tables, chairs, etc based on designs voted for online. Only popular designs go into production and are then made to order. Some of our favorite pieces are the whimsical Cloud Coffee Table ($299), the mod Moon Armchair ($699), the versatile Copperfield Sofa Bed ($799) and the regal Aldgate Armchair ($699).

When: Since 2009. The company has achieved a lot in a relatively short time frame, in no small part due to its endeavors to include customers in the decision-making process and forgoing brick-and-mortar growth in favor of direct shipping.
Where: Company headquarters are in Berlin, Germany, along with the company’s only showroom. The company currently ships to Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, the UK and the US. All of the furniture is manufactured in China (apparently, their furniture is manufactured at the same plant as BoConcept’s stuff).

Why: It’s affordable furniture that doesn’t look like it’s from IKEA. You will also have a say in the design process by voting for the pieces you’d like to see go into production. If a design you vote “yes” to reaches production, you will receive 10% off said piece if you order it.

Bottom Line: The quality is surprisingly good for the price. Couches, chairs and tables seem well made and the designs are compelling. The interactive website, free fabric samples and no-questions-asked return policy make it a great option for those who don’t mind a 4-12 week shipping time.
22:
In need of a last-minute present or hostess gift? The MoMA Store is a treasure trove for such occasions. Order online or pop into the shop itself. Some of our favorites:
The map dinghy drain stopper is a fun gift for kids and adults alike. $10.

Map Dinghy Drain Stopper
Any hostess is sure to appreciate these object tea towels. $16.

Object Tea Towels
Toast shaped cork coasters make a playful housewarming gift. $10.

Toast It Coasters
For your always-on-the-road friends, the Check-In passport holder. $22.

Check-In Passport Holder
The grass-like Prato umbrella stand is perfect for those who are serious about their umbrellas—it can hold up to 20! $35.

Prato Umbrella Stand
I’d certainly pack a lunch more often if I had this to carry it in. $40.

OOTS! Lunchbox
Going to a wedding and still have no idea what to give? This stainless steel bread bowl is an all-around solid idea. $70.

Bread Bowl
Create your own colorful wrapping paper (or perhaps a diy striped wall?) with Washi tape. $30.

Patterns and Colors Washi Tape
