Tea

Add Some Charm To Your Fall Kitchen With A Teapot!

Anna Yu on Oct 12, 2009 2:20 PM PDT

Instead of waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning, I like to pour myself a cup of hot tea and enjoy some buttered toast. Maybe I was British in a past life or maybe it's the fact that coffee has the opposite effect on me, but I do love tea. However, even the best tea leaves need to be brought to their full potential with piping hot water. That's why a whistling teakettle full of boiling water poured into a teapot with tea leaves--never tea bags--can be almost as relaxing as a day at a spa. If you still have an old one your mom passed onto you that's full of nicks and dents, it's high time for an upgrade. One of my favorite and affordable options is this classic stainless steel teakettle from World Market, a steal at less than $20. If you're looking to splurge, this teakettle designed by Frank Gehry for Alessi is a design snob's dream. I even found some electric kettles so you don't have to watch over the stove. And of course, these tea kettles can also be used to heat up water for your instant noodle cups. Check out my slideshow for more teakettles that will have you whistling while you work too!

Tags : world market , williams sonoma , unica home , teakettle , tea

Gourmet Gift Baskets For The Foodies In Your Life!

Anna Yu on Nov 21, 2008 10:25 AM PST

Do you have friends who can tell the difference between Alaskan and Scottish smoked salmon? Or family members who always know which 4-star restaurants are the best in town? Give them the best of the best this holiday season with some gourmet food gifts that will tickle their fancy. For the sweet tooth in your life, take a look at this mouthwatering set of truffles and hand-cut chocolates. This appetizer gift set is perfect for friends or family who love to entertain. For more delicious gifts for the foodies in your life, sample my slideshow!

Tags : popcorn , holidays , gourmet gift basket , gourmet , tea

Gucci Pulled Into Spy Scandal, Chanel's Mobile Art ...

Lisanne Silverman on Oct 23, 2008 1:17 PM PDT

Plus stories on the Olsens' book, heels and the economy, and a critic's view of Juicy Couture...

Rhinestones Are a Tween€™s Best Friend -nytimes.com

MK&A at B&N, Live! Next Week! -fashionista.com

Time For Fashion Tea -vogue.co.uk

Gucci Caught Up in Spy Scandal -wwd.com

How to Spend $150,000 at Saks and Neiman Marcus -nymag.com

preen€™s power move -style.com

If Heels Could Kill -thedailybeast.com

Chanel Mobile Art Feted

Tags : chanel , fashion news , gucci , juicy couture , tea

Hive 5: Cute Kitchen Goodies That Work!

Sydel Sakuma on Aug 21, 2008 7:57 PM PDT

A pan is a pan, but why shouldn't it also be a too-cute panda face? Where most people go for function, I know that if I'm going to be looking at something, it should at the very least be cute, really cute. Showing off your charming personality through some unique and unexpected pieces in the home can definitely transform a living space, but for some reason people forget about the kitchen. I don't mean hanging plants or buying a whole new counter top; people forget that kitchenware can be both functional and kitschy. Plasticland makes a pair of oh-so-delightful vintage inspired poodle salt and pepper shakers and Wishing Fish makes a super sweet strawberry tea kettle. So cute that you will dump your solid colored ones to make room for these. Check out my favorite adorable pieces of kitchenware, that, by the way, also get the job done, in my slideshow!

Tags : wishing fish , uncommon goods , tea , strawberry

Hive 5: Coffee Cups That Aren't Your Average Cup Of Joe

Sydel Sakuma on Aug 13, 2008 8:22 AM PDT

Although cups with cheesy sayings are like an epidemic in the office, you can have the mug that brightens everyone's day. These too-cute cups are sure to add some personality to your desk and make terrific gifts if you get tired of seeing the lifeless ones your co-workers use. They are more than just caffeine holders, hand warmers, and paper weights... let's face it, people probably see you more with coffee mugs than with shoes on! So grab one that will make you say 'I do', one that you can use as a color reference, one that has food compartments, or one that just puts a smile on your face. Check them all out at my slideshow!

Tags : thorsten van elten , thermo , tea , taz ah

Style Party: Mixing Fashion and Art at Bass Museum

Monica Milla on Aug 9, 2008 12:20 PM PDT

I recently attended SWANK: A Mad Tea Party @ Bass Museum of Art, and let me tell you, they put on a hell of a party down there, inviting DJ Lauren A. for dancing on the Museum's terrace, mini cupcakes like those Alice was served during the 'tea party' (passed around on cool lit-up white square trays), and tropical cocktails instead of tea. The party was a blast, with eclectic music that kept everyone moving and shouting for a few words. The Bass put together a group of very interesting artists to help us travel down Alice's rabbit hole, including Miami designers Karelle Levy for the Mad costumes, and Cindy Borjas of Rella Jewelry. Installation in the Bass Cafe created by local designers Blanco and Jurgen looked amazing, and made me feel like Alice herself! Robert Wilson's VOOM Portraits were displayed on life size flat panel TV's. The famous characters in the portraits appeared still at first, but then you would see an eye blink, a hand move, or simply a dog breathe heavily...so cool! See my slideshow for party pics!

Tags : voom , tv , tea party , tea