Thursday, March 31, 2016

Day 91: Shanghai Tang coin purse

I am constantly shopping, which means when I travel I shop. There is nothing more perfect that finding something when you are abroad that is not only beautiful, but functional and one of a kind. It's like you can imagine someone asking you where you got that little souvenir, and you have to apologetically say "I got it in _______ (insert any exotic destination)."

On my recent Asian travels I've been introduced to the store Shanghai Tang. A frequent mall find, imagine Banana Republic with an Far East Asian twist. The last time I visited it's store in Hong Kong I got a beautiful red cord bracelet with a jade piece in the center.  My latest acquisition, a baby blue quilted coin purse, also has a jade accent on it's side tassel.  I had been searching for a coin purse that was just big enough to fill all my necessary IDs and credit cards, while also allowing me to put some change in it.  This piece is one that I absolutely adore, and will look forward to using it on a daily basis!




Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Day 89: Give a gift bag


Giving a gift is usually about the gift inside, unless it comes in one of these colorful gift bags.  I was initially drawn the vibrant color when I came across these at the House of Fraser.  At first I thought they were napkins holders!  With their delicate crescent moons on top, and dome structure, these mosque-resembling bags would be great at Eid parties for kids gift bags during Ramadan.  

Monday, March 28, 2016

Day 88: Covetable China

The housewares section in department stores is one of my favorite sections to wander through.  Nothing can update your hospitality skills so efficiently as a few new pieces mixed in with classic pieces, or colors matched in fresh ways.  

I fell in love with the chinoiserie green dinnerware set from the Wedgwood Jasper Conran collection.  These pieces of fine bone china with delicate green and blue flower designs, contrasted with the white napkins and sterling silverware bring a modern element to a luncheon or tea.  Add some white roses, lilies or hydrangeas to the table and you're all set to host!

Wedgwood Jasper Conran collection, available at House of Fraser.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Day 74: Travel Yoga Mat

It's not always easy to make time to exercise when you travel.  Even staying at a hotel with a well equipt gym, you may not have the motivation or be to jet lagged to conform to their operating hours.  On occasion, all I've wanted to do was do a few yoga stretches or some basic strengthening moves, so I've borrowed the yoga mats from the gym.  Some hotels, like the Mandarin Oriental chain, has a yoga mat available in the room!

That's when I decided that I need to have a yoga mat that can travel with me.  There are a few listed on Amazon, but I went with The Khataland YoFoMat one because he had the best reviews.  After four trips with it so far, I am happy with how it's performed.  Even if I'm using it only once I feel like it's a good investment because it keeps me balanced and more in tune with my body when I am traveling. 

The Khataland YoFoMat is easy to fold and comes with it's own carrying case.  Inside the case, you'll find a placard that has a few yoga moves on it if you need suggestions for energizing yoga poses.  There is a line that goes down the middle to aid in folding, but it comes in handy to keep your alignment.

Now whenever I travel, I make sure to pack my toothbrush, and my yoga mat!