Tea, Mistletoe, and Happy Holidays to You!

Earlier this year, I journeyed through France.  During that trip, I remember thinking of all the gorgeous and inspiring things I saw along the way (French macarons!!  Laduree!! Mariage Freres!!!) and how I wanted to find a way to share them with others.  That’s when I decided to start this blog. Globes of mistletoe... MORE >>

Holiday Gifts for Tea-Lovers

Only 7 days left, but there’s still time!  Here are a few of my selections for those who love tea…enjoy! The Tea Towel by Stewart Gardiner Learn where your tea is from and how to brew it right.  Everything you should know about tea printed on one charming tea towel.  You can also find... MORE >>

DIY Japanese Washi Tea Tins

One of my favorite hobbies is origami, the art of Japanese paper-folding.  I used to fold all kinds of pieces including little kimonos for paper figures that I would frame and give as gifts.  They must have had at least some charm because surprisingly, people really seemed to like them and would even showcase... MORE >>

Hwa Sun Ji, LA’s Koreatown Hideaway

As you’re passing through LA’s Koreatown on Wilshire it’s really easy to whiz by Hwa Sun Ji and not even have realized it.  Behind this humble and unassuming storefront is a tea shop that is unique and thoughtful, with a tranquility rarely found in a such a busy city. Upon stepping into the shop one of the first things... MORE >>

Celebrating with Buntings

On my trip to London two years ago I became obsessed with buntings, otherwise known as “banners” in the U.S.  I became envious of all the charming and whimsical bunting designs that aren’t readily available here, and that’s when I started looking at my sewing machine in a different way.  Long ago, I had received a sewing machine as... MORE >>