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Join us at the
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Raffle drawing at 7:00 p.m. Visit the Facebook event page  |
Win a New Bicycle
The Big Day is May 12!
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Mother’s Day is around the corner and we’ve hand-picked great gifts for you to show your appreciation.
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Inspired by Nature
This collection transforms the graceful details of the natural world into wearable art. Curly pod necklace, $164, from Prunier Vecchio Creations.
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Thank you, Mom
On the outside, this pewter box reads “Grazie.” Open it to see the message “Thank you.” Handmade by artisans in northern Italy. From Match, $150.
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Keepsakes with Local Flavor
These recycled silver and bronze rings are hand cast from twigs found in Jersey City’s Hamilton Park. By Cecile Raley Designs, recycled silver, $39; recycled bronze, $29.
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Jewelry just right for Mom
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Mother’s Day is May 12
Are you looking for something special for Mother’s Day? Let us help you find a unique gift. We have an exquisitely curated selection of fragrances and candles. |
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Exquisite Statement Pieces
Local designer Nadia Singhvi works with artisans in Northern India to create her handmade jewelry line. Using gold, silver and silver alloys coupled with semiprecious stones, her necklaces, earrings and bracelets are unique statement pieces. |
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A Heart-Shaped Locket
Our assortment of antique 19th century lockets and jewelry make the perfect keepsake gifts. From $100.
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Vintage Eyewear Trunkshow
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Vintage Eyewear
Trunk Show
Sunday April 28, 12-4 p.m.
This special event will feature hundreds and hundreds of new and unworn old stock vintage glasses and sunglasses from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
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Histoires de Parfums
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We now carry a selection of fragrances from Histoires de Parfums, an olfactive library that tells stories of famous characters, raw materials and mythical years. The collection, created by Gérald Ghislain, is governed by no rules other than inspiration and brings these stories to life in perfumes, a sensitive and sensual medium that can be read on your skin.
The Philosophy Histoires de Parfums’ perfumes perpetuate the French perfumery know-how, which features are luxury, nobility and creativity.
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New Arrivals: Billykirk
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Classic Bags Made in the USA
The spring 2013 collection from Billykirk has arrived. Billykirk makes lasting items that get better with age. We love their collection of small leather goods and bags, most of which are handmade by in-house artisans or by a group of Amish leather crafters in Pennsylvania.
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Introducing Peg & Awl
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Things Both “Olde” and Good
We’re excited to welcome new dry goods from Peg & Awl, a husband and wife team from Philadelphia, PA. Their handmade works are useable, longlasting treasures made from reclaimed wood. Check out their video on creative uses for the handmade chalk tablet.
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Spring Bike Giveaway!
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Win a vintage-inspired bicycle!We’re giving away a Globe Daily 1 bicycle!
Visit us at 230 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City to check out the bicycle and enter. We’ll select the lucky winner in a random drawing
at our spring party on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Click here to save the date on Facebook.
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New Arrivals: Men’s Grooming
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Luxury Range for the Discerning Gentleman
You’ll love this luxury ceramic shave bowl and traditional shave brush from Scottish Fine Soaps, each $55, now at Smith & Chang. The Classic Male Grooming range is a must-have. Perfectly formulated, enriched with Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, while infused with clary sage and lavandin extracts, renowned for their naturally therapeutic properties will rehydrate and soothe skin.
Fragranced with an incredible signature scent that is fresh, woody and spicy, this range has notes of amber, patchouli, and sandalwood for a sophisticated masculine fragrance. Classic Male Grooming will leave skin feeling revitalised, refreshed and smelling magnificent.
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Get Buddy Holly’s Glasses
The eyewear collection at Smith & Chang now includes a new line of crystal and matte crystal frames.
Originally worn by style icons like Buddy Holly, Woody Allen and Johnny Deep, these custom-made retro frames are also available in tortoise and black. All our retro-inspired frames are just $95!
Bring your prescription and add on lenses at just $60 for distance or reading in ultralight polycarbonate with UV coating. Our in-house optician Lester Frankel will ensure your frames fit perfectly.
We also carry unworn vintage frames from the 1950′s to 1980′s as well as brands like Tom Ford and Rayban at significant savings. For every pair of frames we sell, one pair is donated to New Jersey New Eyes For The Needy.
Learn Ikebana at Smith & Chang
Celebrate the arrival of spring! Learn ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement with Marie Steinman, the Ikebana Coordinator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Workshop Dates
Tuesday April 16 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SOLD OUT
Tuesday, May 21 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Click here to register.
Tuesday, June 18 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Click here to register.
Register by phone at (201) 420-0557.
Instructor Marie Steinman received her teacher’s Diploma from the Sogetsu School. She is the Ikebana Coordinator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is also on the board of directors of Ikebana International New York. Her work has been exhibited in art galleries and museums throughout the NYC metropolitan area and in Paris.
Meet the Artist: Julie Prunier-Vecchio of Prunier Vecchio Creations
 Pearl earrings by Prunier Vecchio |
On Friday, March 29, 2013 join us from 6 to 8 p.m. for an opening reception with Julie Prunier-Vecchio of Prunier Vecchio Creations, the newest jewelry collection at Smith & Chang General Goods.Enjoy a glass of champagne while you try on fine jewelry inspired by nature. Click hereto RSVP on Facebook.
Prunier Vecchio‘s jewelry designs transform graceful details of the natural world into wearable sculpture. Individually crafted and distinguished by impeccable hand-engraving, each piece takes on a life of its own, while its organic contours complement the form of the woman or man who wears it. Prunier Vecchio Creations also offers custom jewelry design services including rings, earrings, and other items. |
 Jeweler Julie Prunier-Vecchio |
ABOUT JULIE PRUNIER-VECCHIO French-born Julie Prunier-Vecchio specializes in hand-engraved, nature-inspired jewelry executed in traditional, Old-World techniques. She graduated from the Ecole Boulle in Paris, France, where she specialized in hand-engraving, and was the apprentice of renowned jeweler Michael Van. In Geneva, Switzerland, she worked in a prestigious workshop engraving miniature decors and micro sculpture on high-end collectible watches for companies including Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Breguet. Today, Julie lives in the New York City area, where she loves creating unique jewelry inspired by nature. |
Learn what “Cold-Brewing” Really Means
A Cortado from Dames Cofee Espresso Bar
This Saturday, stop in to Smith & Chang at 230 Pavonia Avenue, enjoy a cup of coffee, and finally learn what “cold-brewing” really means.
On Saturday, February 23 from 11am to noon, Smith & Chang will host Jersey City’s own Dames Coffee Espresso Bar. From brewing techniques, to coffee’s history, Dames Coffee will cover it all and give us the knowledge and skills necessary to maneuver the most important meal of our day.
Coffee has become a thing- a full-on institution complete with its own lexicon and rivalries.
And while we do love the convenience of entrusting our morning caffeine rush to a skilled and talented barista, there is something to be said for reading the paper over a home-brewed mug of coffee on Sunday mornings.With recent attention to sourcing local and organic beans, to new and improved methods of brewing, making the perfect cup has become easier and more eco-friendly than ever before- albeit a little confusing.
Dames Coffee owner Borah Chung will be on hand to help us to navigate the how-to’s of coffee making. Featured methods of brewing include the French Press, the Clever, and the Chemex.
How To Create a Romantic Table Setting this Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, make your table feel romantic. Here is Smith & Chang’s guide to setting a table that will delight your sweetheart. Pick up our guide to setting a romantic table in store just in time for Valentine’s Day at 230 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ.
Choose a general theme and color scheme for your table décor.
Doing so will make choosing pieces to display easier, and will make the table’s look cohesive. We chose to do an eclectic and whimsical look, as well as a soft and romantic one.
Few things are more romantic than candlelight.
Play with a mix of candle widths and heights for a more eclectic look, or use taper candles in a pair of candlesticks for a more classic, elegant feel.
Consider using various types of vessels to hold flowers.
Glasses and pitchers work especially well. Often this style of floral arranging is less expensive than creating one large-scale arrangement.
Take note that any element you place on the table isn’t taller than seated guests.
A general rule of thumb is that if you place your elbow on the table, you should be able to see over your fist.
Use your most beautiful Chinaware.
Using a salad, dinner, and dessert plate will add dimension to your table.
Make the place setting seem special by adding an item to the top of your dining plates.
We recommend using a ceramic fortune cookie with a handwritten love note placed inside, as well as a vintage postcard with a handwritten dinner menu on the reverse side.
Consider your meal part of the table décor.
Whether it’s through the use of a decanter to hold your wine, or a cake stand to present a dessert, small things like this will aid in creating a romantic feeling.
Recipes We Love: Superbowl Spinach Dip
Martha Stewart's Hot Spinach Dip
If ever there’s a day we throw all eating sensibility to the wind and bury any lingering thoughts of New Year’s resolution diets, it’s Super Bowl Sunday. This year, we’re making
Martha Stewart’s Hot Spinach Dip- a surefire upgrade from the jalapeno poppers and pigs in a blanket you’re used to.
Since the dish can be made through step two up to three days ahead, you’ll have plenty of time Sunday morning to partake in Smith & Chang’s in-store Art of Cake Decorating workshop hosted by chef Frederick Aquino.
Without further adieu, Martha’s Hot Spinach Dip recipe:
Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for baking dish
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds spinach, cleaned, trimmed, and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup milk
6 ounces reduced-fat bar cream cheese
3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
3 dashes hot sauce, such as Tabasco
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
Coarse salt and ground pepper
Baguette slices, breadsticks, or crackers, for serving
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes.
2. Add spinach in two additions, letting the first batch wilt before adding the next; cook until completely wilted, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a colander; drain, pressing to release all excess liquid.
3. In the same pot, warm milk over high heat. Whisk in cream cheese until melted, about 3 minutes. Add spinach, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and 1/4 cup mozzarella; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a lightly oiled 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
4. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve hot with accompaniments, as desired.
Exquisite Desserts: The Art of Cake Decorating
Chef Frederick Aquino
We’re honored to have Frederick Aquino, Executive Pastry Chef of The Standard Hotel lead an exclusive hands-on workshop in the art of cake decorating at Smith & Chang General Goods.
On Sunday, February 3, guests will learn to decorate a cake using the techniques of a master pastry chef. At the end of the workshop, students will take home a cake, plated on a vintage dish and in its own box along with a set of pastry tools. Register by calling (201) 420-0557 or email events@smithchang.com.
Frederick Aquino is also the former Executive Pastry Chef of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Spice Market and 66.
Aquino looks to architecture and design for inspiration and adds a modern twist to classic desserts for his menu, which evolves with the seasons.
Aquino oversees the entire pastry program of The Standard Hotel, including the dessert menu at The Standard Grill.
He never grows tired of watching his desserts put a smile on guests’ faces, and some of his current crowd pleasers include the Passion Fruit Fool, with coconut meringue and tropical fruit, and the Yuzu-lemon Pudding Cake, with caramelized blueberry compote and thyme wafers. Aquino’s signature dessert, The Deal-Closer, a bowl of bittersweet chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and served for the entire table, is ranked as one of the top five desserts in New York City by New York magazine.
Chef Frederick Aquino's Pumpkin Cheesecake
Date & Time: Sunday, February 3, 2013
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Workshop Fee: $75, includes all materials. Space is limited, pre-registration required.
To register, email events@smithchang.com or call (201) 420-0557.
Beth DiCara’s Holiday Ornaments Are Back!
December 5, 2012
The beautiful and whimsical holiday ornaments of Jersey City based artist Beth DiCara are back at Smith & Chang. The collection includes owls, black & white sheep, beehive bells and birds of all colors.
Beth’s adorable and very popular black sheep ornaments were recently featured in a segment on NJ Today. Click here to watch the video.
Beth creates beautiful pottery for Smith & Chang General Goods. She also creates other potttery items like the wall-mounted ‘fish head’ which makes a great holiday gift.
Find Something Sparkling for the Holiday Season
Come find something sparkling for the holiday season at our jewelry trunk show with local jewelry artist Yvonne Raley of Cecile Raley Designs, Thursday, December 6, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Yvonne works with natural high-end gemstones such as natural Colombian emeralds, Spessartite garnet, Ceylon sapphires and Burmese rubies to create delicate, one-of-a kind pieces.
At 6:30 p.m., join us for a Jewelry Making Workshop where you can learn to make your own precious stone pendant in a sterling silver setting. Workshop Fee: $20. Space is limited. To register, email info@smithchang.com.
Eyewear Trunk Show
Join us for o
ur Eyewear Trunk Show at Smith & Chang General Goods this Sunday, November 11 from 12p.m. to 4 p.m.
Spruce up your look this fall while you save up to 60% on vintage-inspired reproductions and brands including Tom Ford, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli, Jai Kudo, and more. This special event will feature hundreds of sunglasses and prescription eyewear.
While you shop, you’ll be helping Hurricane Sandy victims get back on their feet: Smith & Chang General Goods will donate $10 of the sale of each pair of eyeglasses to Gov. Chris Christie’s Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund to help New Jersey communities rebuild. RSVP to claudia@smithchang.com.
Smith & Chang General Goods at UNIQUE NYC
Come visit Smith & Chang General Goods at UNIQUE NYC, the largest modern, curated Made-in-America shopping event on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Center 548, 548 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011 (between 10th and 11th Avenues). We’ll be at booth 300 on the third floor.
Skip the mall this holiday season and come spend the weekend with us discovering great made-in-the-USA design – plus enjoy delicious local food, free cocktails and chic DIY projects, a free photo booth and more!
When: Saturday, November 17 & Sunday November 18, 2012, 11am – 6pm both days
Where: Center 548 (548 West 22nd Street) in the Art Gallery District in Chelsea
Cost: $10 at the door or buy online (which guarantees you’ll get our free cotton tote bag)!
Kids 12 and under are free. 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to the local non-profit organization World-Up.
Admission includes:
• An exclusive UNIQUE NYC cotton tote bag
• Unlimited re-entry for both days
• Free drinks & open bar from our friends at The Naked Grape Wine, Hendrick’s Gin, IZZE, O.N.E. Coconut Water, Honest Tea and more!
• Free DIY workshops + crafts all weekend long with I SPY DIY
• Free photo booth portraits and a print at the Oh Snap Studios Photo Booth
• Curated cafe, so you can enjoy lunch, snacks or a sweet treat
• UNIQUE mini-magazine with the Vendor Directory + Map plus cool articles, DIY how-to projects, and more!
Terrarium Class By Amy Donaldson
Please, join us for Terrarium Class by Amy Donaldson
Friday, June 22nd, from 6 to 8PM.
Please, RSVP by Wednesday, June 20th to Caroline at 201-420-0557 or caroline@smithchang.com.
$25 per person includes all supplies for the terrarium you create during the class.
Win a $1000 Shopping Spree!
Season’s Greetings
December 27, 2011
Handmade Brushes From Germany
December 8, 2011
“Located in the former Home for the Blind in Berlin, the workshop which produces these brushes employs fifteen blind artisans using traditional craft techniques that the Institute for the Blind has developed over the last 120+ years.”
Introducing Beth DiCara’s Holiday Ornaments
November 30, 2011
Introducing Beth DiCara’s Holiday Ornaments
Beth DiCara has been creating beautiful pottery for Smith & Chang General Goods and her hanging ‘fish head’ has been a favorite of ours. Now, her kiln in Jersey City has been literally on fire turning out a collection of beautiful and whimsical Holiday Ornaments. The collection includes owls, black & white sheep, beehive and birds of all colors.
Maintaining a Raised Bed Garden
November 7, 2011
Raised Beds
Happily, raised bed gardens require very little maintenance. Each spring or fall, it’s a good idea to top dress with fresh compost and manure, or, if your bed only holds plants for part of the year, go ahead and dig the compost or manure into the top several inches of soil. As with any garden, mulching the top of the soil will help retain moisture and keep weeds down. Moisture retention is important, because raised beds tend to drain faster than conventional beds.
P.S. – Other thoughts & considerations
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Tall plants shade short plants – plant the tall and climbing vegetables like corn and cucumbers at the North end of your garden and in individual beds.
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For part shaded area – plant veggies that can tolerate less light and prefer cooler temperatures in the shady areas like lettuce and spinach.
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Rotate crops each year – plants in related families shouldn’t be planted in the same location – pests and nutrient needs are often common to the family and pests may remain for the 2nd year, while soil is sapped of nutrients.
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Consider ‘companion planting’ – planting herbs or other specific veggies alongside your vegetables to help repel insect and animal pests.
