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)