Tis the Season
Where’d you get that?:
MOOMINVALLEY FOUR SEASONS MUG - EBAY
As the temperature cools down, there’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around a mug filled to the brim with piping hot tea. I was all ready for a nice cozy cuppa — the milk and sugar were out, the kettle was on — when I realized I didn’t have anything to drink out of except some water glasses.
I immediately embarked on a quest for the Perfect Mug, and thought I’d hit the jackpot with this one that was printed with characters from Moomin, one of my favorite childhood cartoons, frolicking at the beach. I was about to hit “buy now,” until I realized it was part of a set of four depicting all four seasons, and, well, I might as well get some extras in case I have guests over, right? I ordered the full set from a Japanese seller on eBay, and I’m so glad I did. The mugs are delicate yet sturdy, with exquisitely detailed rendering of the pastoral scenes. Honestly, I haven’t even used them yet, because I’m too busy admiring them on display.
I’m obsessed with:
Does anyone know where those Trolli peach O-rings have gone? I’ve looked for them at gas stations, liquor stores, and my local Ralphs, to no avail. All I’ve managed to find are off-brand knockoffs that don’t taste half as good as the real thing. If you know where those suckers are hiding, please write in!
Thankfully, in the meantime, I have these Japanese gummies from Kasugai to feed my peach candy craving. I always remember to pick some up when I visit the Asian supermarket. They come in a variety of fruit flavors (lychee, mango, strawberry, muscat) but the peach is by far the superior of the bunch. They’re sweet and fresh and juicy, with a soft, pillowy texture that’s heaven to bite into. If someone doesn’t stop me, I could polish off a whole bag in a day.
On my wish list:
PINK FASCINATOR RACES HAT ASCOT TEA PARTY - DORA MARRA
Most of the vendors at the Chelsea Market ID Pop Shop showcased wares that were spare and minimal: thin, dainty silver necklaces; handbags crafted from a single sheet of leather; clothing racks full of neutral basics. And then there was Dora Marra, a headpiece designer and avowed maximalist, who had crammed her corner with explosion of feathers, flowers, stars and spangles.
With over 700 items in her Etsy shop, it’s absolutely impossible for me to pick a favorite. I mean, how could I possibly choose between these butterflies, these dandelions, and these tomatoes — not to mention all the extravagant, over-the-top masquerade masks? But in the end, I think I’d have to go with this little tulle and cherry blossom number, complete with crocheted teacup. Kentucky Derby, here I come!