The founder of these fabulous brownies has an extensive career history. After years of watching her mother style food to perfection in the kitchen, Mari Tuttle pursued a career in product design and studied at New York's Parsons School of Design. Upon graduation, she went to work for Smart Design and served as a panelist at the Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum's symposium on Japanese food packaging (some of the award-winning products she has created are now part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York). A stint as the Director of Operations for Balthazar Bakery in New York City taught her the art of French pastry, but she returned to product design as the Design Director for Cynthia Rowley’s home line for Target. Whew! Today, Mari creates luxuriously rich, artisanal brownies packaged in signature baton boxes. They are delights to be savored, shared or hoarded. We think she’s found her niche.

Just as Picasso had his blue period, Lori Leavitt is having her chunky period, as evidenced by her latest rings and necklaces. Leavitt is noted for vintage-inspired pieces that have a slightly contemporary bent. The sterling silver Picasso ring features a Jasper set in 10 karat gold. FYI: A Jasper signifies “spotted stone” in French and is believed to bring confidence to those who wear it. Go ahead, take one for a whirl.

And now for something a little different. Plum balls are made from Jinenjo (wild Japanese mountain yam) and Ume Plum, which boasts balancing, strengthening and cleansing properties. Contrary to gumball-like appearances, these are not candies, but sodium-free digestive aids that are easy to pop. They are reportedly ideal for people who are under stress, tire easily, or those who tend to skip meals so you might want to do a little research and see if these will do the trick for you.

Wallpaper*—the go-to publication for all things pertaining to design, fashion and lifestyle—is now peddling selected images (signed by the artists!) from its resplendent archives. Wallpaper* Selects is the magazine’s first foray into contemporary photograph sales. Expect limited edition prints, produced in batches of 10, 20 or 30, by such acclaimed photographers as Jonathan de Villiers, Mauricio Alejo, Jonathan Frantini, Christopher Griffith, Stefan Ruiz, Daniel Stier, Benedict Redgrove and Joël Tettamanti.

We call it The Shoe. The one you turn to for funky, casual occasions. Oakland-based Twenty Two’s Dahlia flats make even the simplest ensemble come to life with Crayola-bright color. Designed to be the go-to shoe on days when you don’t know what to wear, or have the faintest clue what the day will bring, these transition from a casual stroll on a leafy suburban promenade to a romantic dinner under the big city lights.

The clutch is a must-have handbag, especially now that fall dictates a more refined, ladylike look that channels Old Hollywood starlets such as Audrey Hepburn and Veronica Lake. Darby Scott’s Silver Wash Python Mini Evening Clutch boasts smooth cabachon gray moonstone toplock and lilac silk peau de soie lining. Slip this decadent design under one arm and you’re ready to take on the world (just don’t forget to stock it with breath mints).

Most professional writers develop a heightened appreciation for decadent paper goods that will distinguish their letters from the pack. Joy’s signature set of Chrysanthemum Gold letterpress cards, envelopes and golf pencils exude the kind of modern luxury we’ve come to expect. Even the handmade tray is wrapped in ultrasuede and the pencils bear the inscription “are you a Joy?” The answer, we’re sure, is a resounding yes.

Aside from blond bombshell Christie Brinkley (hello Sports Illustrated circa 1980), nothing is as American, or as sweet, as apple pie. For many years, women living in the US have used this dessert as a weapon of mass seduction after dinner (you know what they say about the way to a man’s heart). If you don’t have time to prepare your own, snap up Petsi Pies old fashioned apple, which is lovingly made with granny smith and cortland apples, then spiced and covered with a light flaky pie crust. And then there’s the equally divine apple crumb pie, made with the same delicious mixture but covered with a buttery crumb topping. They are enough to make even a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy go weak in the knees. Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for maximum satisfaction.

Pucker up. Fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit is good for you, brimming with Vitamin C, lycopene, limonoids and naringin. These potent antioxidants are present in 100% Pure’s Fresh Squeezed Pink Grapefruit Juicy Shower Gel, a real treat for the skin. The formula refreshes and purifies, so your body is glowing and invigorated; vitamins C and E offer an extra antioxidant boost. The clean, crisp scent of pink grapefruit essential oil revitalizes and uplifts a dropping spirit in the morning.

It’s the details that matter, and if you ever had a doubt, simply check out the stunning, intricate work of artist Jill Platner. Her Fishtail belt is an instant classic inspired by her life-long of nature. Its concept fuses organic form with decidedly modern design. The result? A luxe piece that you can love for a lifetime. Her jewelry, handmade in NYC, is just as fetching, fashioned from sterling silver and 19 karat gold.

Salon Teas makes a slightly sweet, caffeine-free tea with chamomile flowers and lavender buds to promote a restful night (we suspect you deserve it). The scent is strong and fresh with plenty of body. You see, chamomile was used by the Egyptians for its power to cure a variety of ailments, to induce sleep and to aid digestion. Sip it before you slip into a hot bath and get the winks you crave.

A basic but stunning piece for showcasing your Louboutins—or perhaps objets d’art or office supplies. Available in walnut, white ash or vg fir, these shelves by 659 Design can be mounted to hollow sheet rock walls or wood framing (which means you can use it almost anywhere). Shelves are made from coated aluminum or near-transparent acrylic and you can order a sample of each material to see which goes best with your existing décor.

Almost too pretty to burn, this Indian Jasmine petal -topped candle prettifies your bathroom or bedroom and sets a most romantic mood, encouraging hot bubble baths or lengthy love-making. The scent, of course, is fitting for summer: slow, wet, velvety and generous. Burns 45 to 50 hours.

Coco Luxe sounds like the name of a fledgling Hollywood burlesque star, but it’s actually a company that turns out sublime slow-roasted nuts that are delicately seasoned with palate-pleasing spices, rolled in choco and dusted with cocoa powder. On our epicurean radar? Block Party Almonds, which are essentially slow-roasted cinnamon-candied almonds that have been rolled in dark chocolate and dusted with the aforementioned cocoa powder. They certainly put us in the mood for a block party so that we may share them with our neighbors (we’ve been feeling mighty generous lately).

In terms of rice pudding, we tend to favor the ultra creamy and exotic. That’s why we like Rice Cream Puddings. They’re mixed with natural fruits, nuts and spices from around the world. Flavors run the gamut from dulce de leche, chocolate or cheese to pineapple, mango, strawberry, raspberry and coconut. Coming soon? Brandy-plum, tiramisu, blueberry-star anise, peach-passion fruit, tangerine-orange, pumpkin, and spices such as ginger, mint and clove. Stay tuned.

Devilishly adorable, She’s So Creative turns out clever greeting cards in original pen-and-ink drawings by San Francisco Bay Area artist and graphic designer Stephanie Orma (the term “so” actually stands for her initials). Orma is a wordsmith with a cheeky sense of humor, as you’ll see when you browse her collection, which spans just-for-fun note cards and holiday cards, as well wildly popular new puppy greetings. Awwww.

Some of our favorite trends right now are those that rekindle a bygone era. Victor Osbourne chapeaus (created by Victor Osborne and Zachary Barnett) take their inspiration from traditional headwear and the decidedly streetwise vibe that pervades New York City. The result? A uniquely vintage-cool sensibility. Visit the duo’s open storefront in Brooklyn for fierce fedoras to set you apart from the crowds.

Drakkar and Eternity aren’t exactly fragrances you want to proudly display on your bathroom counter. Instead, reach for French architect Jean Nouvel’s bottle for L’Homme Yves Saint Laurent. The silhouette calls to mind, among other things, a laboratory test tube, which is fitting for a men’s fragrance that connotes pure physical chemistry with hints of bergamot, ginger and vetiver. A YSL monogram floats inside, putting the brand at the heart of the fragrance.

Brace your bank book. Mobiado has rolled out the ultimate gilded pleasure, The Professional 105 GCB cell phone featuring 24-karat gold plating and sapphire crystals. But what good is frippery without functionality? This super model comes with a two megapixel camera, video camera and music player that supports AAC, eAAC+ and MP3 audio formats.

Band logos are plenty powerful. The mere glimpse of the tongue-and-lips trademark recalls many Rolling Stones concerts of our youth (those were the days). This design book captures 1,000 of the coolest, most influential rock, hip hop, metal, pop, reggae, and country music graphics spanning the 1960s to today. Bonus features include interviews with artists and presenting the extra large graphics over extended gatefolds. It makes a great gift for your music-loving peers.

Technorati Tags: books, Charles & Marie, design, music, Tragically Hip

Our friends at Insound have launched a sleek new website offering some new items that are great for summer. We’re digging this totally retro monster portable iPod Boombox. Go old school by sliding your iPod, iPod Nano or iPod Mini into the so-called cassette deck. It will take you back to the good old days of Thriller and Digital Underground.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, gadget hip, ipod, Tragically Hip