Taking the ordinary to the extraordinary one small change at a time.
Hi there. I know, I suck. Mary. Not the lovely Sadie to the left. She is awesome and knows it. She also knows I suck, but she asks you to forgive me. My being wracked with guilt get in the way of my spoiling her. And she will have none of that. Work has been... Continue Reading →
Many years ago in the mid 90's, when I first moved to D.C. I discovered the fabulousness of the Afternoon Tea. I tagged along with a friend to attend a party of someone I did not know, held in the tea room of the Ritz Carlton. Why I was at a stranger's tea party I can't... Continue Reading →
I came across this nifty gadget at a favorite site of mine, uncommongoods.com. The Drop Stop Tea Strainer, $16, a design that is very a la mode. Amazing how one small change can elevate such a simple device. Not less fancy, but more functional. The sleek stainless steel tea straining device has a spoon attached to catch... Continue Reading →
This is why I wish I had more than 550-square feet in my condo and why one day, Sadie and I will have a beautiful home overlooking the beach with enough space for a tea room. It will be just down the hall from our gift wrapping room and junk room. Who needs a junk... Continue Reading →
I understand, it's starting to get hot out there. In DC, we have four seasons. Unfortunately for us, spring and fall are only two weeks long, combined. So while the calendar says May, in the nation's capitol we are heading into summer. And not everyone appreciates the taste of a hot cuppa on a hot summers day. Sorry... Continue Reading →
Making a pot of tea. Sounds so simple. But it is often the simple we stumble over. How we do is just as important as what we do. So before you make your next pot of tea, here are three traditional steps that will elevate your tea drinking experience. And best of all, no purchase necessary. Go from... Continue Reading →
Tea, small word, huge entity. Its beginnings mythical, its historical significance epic and its current incarnations, unending. A lot to fit in a week. But because my Mom reared me on the Orange Pekoe, I am going to have to narrow down my obsession to black tea. I know, I know, it is not as chic... Continue Reading →
There are just some memories, thoughts and moments that make you think - Mom. For some it could be the smell of her cooking. For others it could be her laugh, her smile, her way of knowing what was wrong without having to ask. Then again, that could be said for most Moms. Myself? When I think of Mom, I think of... Continue Reading →
Hi, my name is Mary and I am a total mess. I can create a mountain of clutter in just a few seconds flat. I don't know how I do it. I want to be a minimalist, someone who has a place for everything and everything in its place. I am constantly battling my pig pen... Continue Reading →
