27th
I can’t decide which was more fun this week: making the truffles or corresponding with Eric “Johnny” Battles, chocolatier and founder of Sweeteeth in North Charleston, South Carolina. I was so curious when Johnny offered a series of flavors, none of which I had ever considered pairing with chocolate. As luck would have it, Grace, Amy and I all chose the same three flavors from Johnny’s list, and that’s what we’re bringing to you this week, a trio of truffles: Rosemary and Vanilla Bean, Star Anise and Rose-Peppercorn, and Toasted Coriander Truffles. I thought featuring something easy and unique that could function as a gift would be great. An assortment of truffles is what my husband plans to give his family members … if he doesn’t eat them all first. I plan to do my own experimenting using Johnny’s base recipe. If you make these or experiment with your own flavor combinations, let us know! — Kristina
About Sweeteeth: Sweeteeth was started in 2008 by Eric “Johnny” Battles, a tattooed Alabama boy and self-taught chocolatier. Johnny began experimenting with chocolate while working at EVO Pizza in North Charleston, SC. His bon-bons soon appeared on the dessert menu and quickly became a hit. It wasn’t long before other shops started carrying Johnny’s chocolates, so he decided to dedicate all his efforts to his craft, which is making mouths across the country happy. Johnny’s partner, Christina Vandiver, works on the business and PR side. You can see videos of Johnny making chocolate on Sweeteeth’s website.

*The adorable images above and below are free downloadable cards and desktop wallpaper designed by Eva Juliet at Mon Carnet!


I go through phases with my headphones. Sometimes I happily tune out the sounds of the city in favor of my own personal life soundtrack, and other times I want to listen to the people around me. These days I’m in a major headphones phase and finding myself constantly trying to untangle the wires from my coat buttons or the keys in my pocket. These little earbud holders called Spooled are perfect for the headphone-wearer in your life who prefers minimal buds to chunkier headphones. Each little unit is designed to look like a vintage thread spool and will keep the cords in line and the buds protected (good if, like me, you have a cat that likes to hunt the buds and try to eat them). If you’re looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer, this little $8 device would be perfect. Click here to pick up one online. xo, grace