Tea Sommelier

I want to be a certified Tea Sommelier!

clipped from www.twinings.ca It's hard to say exactly when the first tea sommelier appeared on the scene, but several individuals lay claim to a variety of firsts. In the United States - and perhaps worldwide - James Labe is said to be the first person to take on such a post, at New York's W Hotel. Nowadays, Labe is counted as one of the faculty members of the American Tea Masters Association, among other things. Here's a 2000 podcast that features Labe.  As of 2003, when this article on tea sommeliers was published, there was no formal certification course available for someone hoping to take on this designation. That's apparently still the case today. Aspiring tea sommeliers looking to further their education might want to consider the Tea Certification Program offered by The Tea Association of the USA. Also of interest, a Tea Sommelier Academy, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  For additional perspective on what a tea sommelier does, look here and here.

Gaidi was featured in the San Diego Union Tribune yesterday!

Look who was featured in the "South County Spotlight" of the San Diego Union-Tribune yesterday!

I Want One (Diamond-Studded Mercedes)

The car is supposedly fully diamond encrusted and costs $4.8 million.

$60K Ice Cream Sundae!

This is the kind of spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience I'd think up for one of my clients!

clipped from www.yumsugar.com What Exactly Is in a $60,000 Ice Cream Sundae? new Oxbow Public Market in Napa organic scoop shop from Three Twins Ice Cream.

A New Boutique in Silicon Valley

I haven't been to Northern CA since last summer, but this renovated boutique + aromatherapy could lure me.....

clipped from www.luxist.com Domain Hotel, A New Spot for Silicon Valley Business Travelers Joie de Vivre Hospitality 124 rooms and 12 suites on three levels decorated in two themes -- Tranquility and Awakening. sleep number beds, complimentary wired and wireless hi-speed Internet access complimentary nightly wine-down hour featuring local-vineyard California wines at check-in, a choice of either relaxing or energizing choice of sachet or herbally-infused cookie Rates start at $119.

Find more details at Elite Choice.

A lovely service tray for the shoe diva is us all...



I could see this in a bachelor's game room...



I don't know about the Boobie Cabinet though....



These are all hand-made from wood...

Sculptured Furniture by David Delthony

I'm amazed that these pieces are comfortable, but the sculpting looks flawless!

clipped from www.sculpturedfurnitureartandceramics.com "David's organic furniture,  though extremely comfortable, transcends function to become sculptural works of art." - Woodworker West Magazine   "It is rare that a woodworker receives the formal recognition of an art organization."  - Utah Arts Council's Visual Arts Fellowship Award   Contact David about Current work, specific pieces, pricing and alternative woods. See his work at his studio/workshop in Escalante, Utah.

Blankets for Your Walls

I love the idea of creating a warm and fuzzy atmosphere...but what happens in the spring and summer when it's hot? I'd hope this material breathes, otherwise you could only have the warm fuzzies in your mountain cabin!

clipped from www.boutiquedesign.com Say Baa-Baa to the Cold There’s nothing more comforting than wrapping up in cozy covers this time of year. One of the concepts in David Rockwell’s new wallcovering collection for Maya Romanoff is inspired by just that feeling. Blanket, his new wool-blend covering stitched with contrasting thread, will create a cocoon of warmth in the room—both aesthetically and in reality. Not only does it come in 32” and 36” panels of visually appealing shades of grey and brown heathers, but the natural characteristics of wool allow it to absorb sound and insulate (as well as inhibit flames).

101 Simple Appetizers in 20 Minutes or Less

This is a great list to post near the fridge or wherever you keep your grocery list. A lot of these can be been done ahead of time too, which is always a good idea.

clipped from www.nytimes.com Here is a collection of party foods that are as easy to eat as they are to make. Each can be produced in 20 minutes or less. Many can be served at room temperature. And none require a plate. Most of these recipes are beyond minimalist: they never do in two steps what can be done in one, and they need no embellishment. As you scan these recipes for ideas, mostly think this: The ones you find most appealing are the ones your guests will like. Choose a few, spend an hour or two in the kitchen, and you’ll be in great shape.

Grand Opening of Over Da Edge Dinner Club & Lounge, 11/7

That's my nephew, Ray!

 

 

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PICS: Grand Opening of Over Da Edge Dinner Club & Lounge, 11/7

via Sandra Rose by Sandra Rose on 11/9/07

Call him "Sugar Ray" - Ray Hamilton is one of the young urban professionals bringing money and life into a once blighted area north of downtown Atlanta. Earlier this year, Ray bought an abandoned two-story building at the corner of Edgewood and Boulevard, and turned it into a thriving business. He named his new establishment the Over Da Edge Dinner Club & Lounge. With nothing but word of mouth, Ray opened his club to the public on Wednesday night. You would think it had been there on Edgewood all along as patrons filed through the door all night.

Over Da Edge also sports a soul food restaurant on the second floor. The club is intimate and cozy with exposed brick, wood floors, columns and beams throughout the large space. There's a DJ and live bands playing several long sets per night. The music doesn't overpower the space so you can hear your date without having to shout.

The club compliments the area which is one block south of the historic King Center. There are 4 more clubs and lounges set to open on Edgewood in the next few months. Ray, who bought a loft across the street as office space for his finance and accounting offices, says he plans to stay put on Edgewood for at least the next 15 to 20 years. "I was the first one here and now everyone else is discovering Edgewood," said Ray.

 

 

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Perfect Holiday Centerpieces

These would make gorgeous wedding arrangements or gala decor. I see these lined down a long formal dinner table or hung from overhangs at a twilight garden party. So cute!

clipped from charlesandmarie.com The perfect setting for Tord Boontje’s ‘Thinking Of You’ covers. They are fragile little covers in silver satin super thin metal that can be placed over a glass and used as a vase, or you can place a votive candle inside and see it throw amazing shadows, or you can simply use it as a decorative piece the way it is, or cover a candle holder you don’t like anymore – the options are countless. They are about 8 inches high (20 cm) and Now (the rounder one) is 5.5 inches wide (14 cm) whereas Here (the longer narrower one) is 4 inches wide (10 cm). Both come packed flat, so all you need to do is unwrap them and snap them together. Voilá, that’s it. And no need to worry that anything will happen to your fragile containers in the shipping process! Price: $44

First Class Seats at Coach Prices

clipped from www.10news.com Airline Secrets Could Land Flyers In First Class So, how would you like to sit in the front but pay less than someone way in the back? What's the travel trick? While booking a flight, ask the agent about a special type of fare. It's most commonly called a YUPP. But some airlines also use codes like QUPP and Z. The leading airlines all confirmed they offer this kind of fare, describing it as either a coach seat with an automatic upgrade or deeply discounted first class. In addition to sitting in the front of the plane, the YUPP seats offer even more benefits. Experts said they're generally fully refundable seats, and you may get extra frequent flier miles for being in first.