Cape Cod in the Heart of New York

Hello at 1:34 P.M. from the Javits Center in NYC. My editor for Asp1re Magazine sent me here to the New York Gift Fair, where buyers and press and suppliers converge to show and review the latest products. We're on the hunt for stylish items for indoor and outdoor tables [for an upcoming issue].

There are many, many, many booths on several floors. Timeless Royal Copenhagen china, modern glassware, retro aprons, picnic baskets, ice pop makers, colorful cake domes from Guzzini in Italy, gorgeous acrylic flatware from Sabre France, chic Kim Seybert tabletop, Lenox holiday collection [I'm always drawn to its Santas, angels and holly and now I saw a beautiful manger set], jewelry, Jonathan Adler pillows and more. And while lugging my bag of press kits, I saw a very happy thing. A display of Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths!

Somehow, I thought the  company had borrowed the old salt/seaside name, but no, here were the young and healthy son and daughter of founder William Block, here to tell me that Mr. Block [now gone, sadly] invented the product on Cape Cod in the 1990s. The business is still based in Dennis. [Mr. Block's daughter lives in NJ with her family but loves the Cape.]

I first bought a pretty tinful of these cloths years back in Saunders Hardware on Valley Road in Montclair. But now that I met the real Cape Codders behind the brand, I will be buying them again. They carry the scent of vanilla, a nice homey aroma that also says Old Cape Cod.

And, if you're here at the gift fair, go to the 3rd level for a free individually wrapped sample. I personally look forward to polishing my silver earrings later. It's a beauty chore long overdue.

TCOY

1. Walked to Javits from Port. Nice short walk there, though a bit chillier and grayer on way back. 
2. Rereading the perfect classic To Kill a Mockingbird.
3. Nap.
4. Met two friends for coffee and important conversation.