La Galeria de Santa Maria Novella: skin care products from one of the world´s oldest pharmacies

Dominican monks began concocting herbal remedies in Santa Maria Novella (Florence) in the 13th century, in the time of Giotto and Dante. Later they prepared formulas for Catalina de Medici and it appears that the Eau de Cologne originated there, before it was made famous in Germany.

Being one of the world's oldest pharmacies, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella still sells traditional elixirs, along with more contemporary skin-care products, oils and perfumes. In Barcelona you can buy them in the charming concession shop located in the old town.  

Find out more at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/heaven-scent.html

C/ Espaseria, 4-8, El Born neighbourhood, not far from the church Santa Maria del Mar

Metro: Jaume I (yellow line)

http://www.lagaleriadesantamarianovella.com

La Roca Village: outlet shopping

An open air shopping center with 100 outlet boutiques of well known brands in a pleasant village setting, looking like a typical main street of the villages in the area. Better than shopping centers under a roof. Check available brands at their website: Lotusse, Piquadro, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Desigual, Custo, Boss, La Perla, Pepe Jeans and many more.

La Roca Village is a short 30-40 minute drive from Barcelona. Exit the autopista AP7 (A7) at junction 12, signposted "Cardedeu". Then follow signs for the "centre comercial".

For your GPS:
Latitud 41.60933
Longitud 2.34331

Direct Bus service: La  Roca Village Shopping Express
From Barcelona:
Plaça Catalunya, 10 (in front of Banco Español de Crédito) -10:00h, 16:00h and 18:00h

From La Roca Village:
Reception - Tourism Office - 15:00h, 17:00h and 21:00h***
**Except 24 JUNE & 11 September.
***FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY WIL BE AT 20:30H (UNTIL 23 june). TIMETABLE SUBJECT TO CHANGES.

Tickets sold on board and on-line at:
https://www.larocavillage.com/en_GB/plan-your-visit/getting-here/shopping-express

Watchcelona: watches made in Barcelona

Founded in 1991, Watchcelona produces a variety of well designed watches.Some are inspired in classical models, with big numbers and leather straps, rather minimalist. There is also a line of digital watches quite original and models decorated with works by artists such as Joan Miró and Chillida. Well known designers have collaborated with Watchcelona (Miquel Milà, Quim Larrea, Mariscal, América Sánchez...) which has also produced watches for Spanish fashion designers (Amaya Arzuaga, Roberto Verino, Lydia Delgado...).
They are working on a new website but the catalog displaying all models is available online. 

http://www.watchcelona.com/

On sale at Items d´Ho at the Diagonal, by one of the entrances to the shopping center L´Illa. Metro Maria Cristina (Green Line)
La Capel, the shop of the cooperative of the Association of Architects of Catalonia at the C/ Capellans, by the Cathedral. Metro Jaume I, Yellow Line or Liceu, Green Line.   

Antiques shops along Carrer de la Palla and Banys Nous

In the old town, along the streets Palla and Banys Nous, not far from the cathedral, there are several antiques shops selling decorative objects, paintings, ceramics and furniture. There is also a bookshop selling old books and engravings.

Nearest metro: Jaume I (Yellow line) or Liceu (Green Line)

Now there is a Havaianas Store in Barcelona: let´s flip flop...

A few years ago I used to travel to Brazil for work and I discovered Havaianas, a leading brand in rubber flip flops made in Brazil known for their quality and colorful designs. In 2008 they landed in Europe and after being sold in multibrand stores, the first European Havaianas Store opened in Barcelona in March.

Centro Comecial Triangle at the Plaza Catalunya
Entrace Calle Pelayo
Metro Catalunya (Green Line)

Steam cases made of silicone: the key for a healthy diet

http://www.lekue.es/productos/foto_270_400.jpg

I discovered the new designs by Lékué -a Spanish company based in the proximity of Barcelona- some time ago and I found them fun and practical. The steam cases are wonderful to cook healthy but tasteful dishes. It is the modern version of the "papillote" cooking technique which consisted of baking food wrapped in aluminium foil or special cooking paper. It is great for fish and vegetables but you can cook anything in small portions. I reproduce the product description of the mini steam case from their website because it is very accurate. The mini is great for singles, or single servings, but there is a larger size.  

"The mini steam case optimizes steam cooking while intensifying flavours and maintaining nutrients. Because the mini steam case is small, various individual dishes can be prepared at the same time for a complete and balanced meal. The lids include compartments so food can be easily seasoned at the table. Up to 2 steam cases fit in the microwave and up to 6 in the oven. Available in 4 colours. You can use each colour for a specific application: white = fish; red = meats; black = vegetables; pink = desserts".

See how it works at Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGQhMwusK34

More information about the whole range of products and recipes
http://www.lekue.es/index.php

Servicio Estación
C/Aragón 270 - by Passeig de Gràcia
Metro Passeig de Gràcia, Green Line
Find out other points of sale at the website.
VVRATW3T7793

Candy glam rings by Escribà

Over 20 models of glamorous rings made of candy by Escribà, a family owned pastry in business since 1906 well known for its creativity and chocolates. An original present to surprise your sweetheart, family and friends. New models in preparation in collaboration with well known designers. 

http://www.escriba.es/candyglamrings/index2.html

Available at Escribà, Ramblas 83 (Mero Liceo, Green Line)   

ART: Metropolitan soul

Art is a Spanish brand launched in 1995. Its shoes reflect a young and carefree spirit, innovation and humour. They are perfect for a relaxed look for youngsters and young at heart.

http://www.the-art-company.com/ 
On sale at Tascón, a multi brand shoe shop with several points of sale in Barcelona, one of them at the Terminal 1 of the Airport
http://www.tascon.es/

Barcelona bags by Braccialini

The TUA line for summer 2010 of handbags by Braccialini –a very creative Italian company- is inspired in the Mediterranean. Models are colorful and are named after cities and countries. Under the name Barcelona they offer 5 versions of bags made of striped canvas, embellished with multiple patterned appliqués, flowers, hearts, colorful buttons and finishes in contrasting colors.

Braccialini handbags are available in Barcelona at
Fashion Cheap, C/ Muntaner 226
Due, C/ Sicilia, 226
http://shop.braccialini.com/tua/it/barcellona_tua.html
http://shop.braccialini.com/es/

Pretty Ballerinas: over 150 models to choose from

Pretty Ballerinas started as an online shop selling exclusively these pretty flat shoes which have become popular among celebrities and fashionistas worldwide. They are made in the island of Menorca by a company in business since 1918 and they reflect their expertise and craftsmanship, combined with moderrn design. Pretty Ballerinas produces over 150 models per season, colorful and fun, and there is always a model to match any look. The company has two other brands, Jaime Mascaró and Ursula Mascaró.

http://www.prettyballerinas.com/

Mascaró shop: Bori i Fontestà, 9 (not far from the Diagonal and L´Illa shopping center, no metro in the proximity).
They have recently opened a corner at el Corte Inglés Diagonal (department store). Metro Maria Cristina (Green Line).

2x1 at Custo Barcelona until may 9th

Custo Barcelona announces a promotion 2x1 until May 9th. Until then, if you buy two items, you will pay for the most expensive one only. Promotion available in two shops: Pça del Pi, 2, near the Ramblas, and the outlet situated at La Roca Village (where you will find other outlets of well known brands, Spanish and international) situated half an hour away from Barcelona.

http://www.larocavillage.com/en_GB/cat/women

The best cruet in the world: a good souvenir from Barcelona

Spain is one of the largest producers of olive oil in the world, and it could be considered the backbone of our healthy Mediterranean diet.  Hence it is not surprising that the best ever cruet design is by Rafael Marquina, a catalan architect and sculptor, and it is been in the market since the early 60s.

It combines two characteristics of good lasting designs: beauty and function. In this case no dripping and no mess guaranteed. Your hands, table and table clothes will stay clean, as well as the cruet. It is probably one of the most famous Spanish industrial designs and there are many imitations around.  

The original model is the most beautiful, as it has the best proportions, is made of blown glass and comes in different sizes, smaller ones for the table and larger ones to be used in the kitchen. Expect to pay over 20 € for the smaller sizes.

The cloudy oil in my cruets comes straight from a cooperative from a village in Tarragona, south of Barcelona, and it is pure extra virgin olive oil. A toast of good bread with some extra virgin olive oil is the most delicious snack anytime.  

Cruets are on sale in houseware shops and department stores.

Mango Outlet: the look for less

Mango is urban fashion for women at affordable prices. With over 1200 shops in 91 countries, Mango is an international brand. However, you may not be aware that the headquarters are located not far from Barcelona. The so called Hangar Design Center is one of the largest in Europe. Look for bargains at their outlet located in the city center, not far from the Gran Via.

www.mango.com
c/ Girona 37

Mayol: good quality classical shoes

Mayol sells classical shoes for men of the best brands made in Spain (Yanko,     ). The line for ladies is rather classical too and, in the sumertime, includes some braided leather models which are very comfortable.

Rambla Catalunya, 29 
Metro: Passeig de Gràcia (Green Line)

Avarcas: the traditional shoe from Menorca which has become a summer favorite

The Avarcas sold in our days are an improved version of the traditional footwear used by peasants and fishermen of the island of Menorca. Made of thick leather with rubber soles they are sturdy as well as comfortable and fresh, and have become a summer favorite. You will find them in all sizes –men, ladies and children- and in different colors, sometimes decorated with small designs inspired in nature.

Expect to pay between 30 and 40 Euros for a pair of good quality avarcas. I prefer the Avarcas Pons, shown in the picture, produced by a family owned company from Ciutadella (Menorca) which are sold in many shoe shops. I also like the models sold in a small shop specializing in avarcas across the Cathedral at c/ Capellans, 2.

Before buying other brands check whether the instep and the inner sole are made of real leather, it should be thick without any lining, and be sure the soles are stitched and made of rubber (in the old times they were made of recycled tires and should look like a tire).

http://www.avarcapons.com/