Okay! Here’s my fav find in a long time. I love tea, but really you don’t get new things happening in tea very often.

First there was a ‘trend’ wave of Rooibos, then Macha, and most recently I found some blends of cucumber tea and carrot tea. Um, interesting but not my cup of tea.

The latest I’ve been trying is blooming tea. They’re cool tight balls that burst into elaborate, statuesque flowers. The best I’ve seen are the teas from Teaposy - who’s tea potions are seriously gorgeous. Try the Falling Water or the Medley Mix.

Not only are they beautiful and my friends and I have ooh-ed and aah-ed over them, but Teaposy is really good tea too - all with silver needle; white tea leaves.

Want to look like a ‘gift-giver’ star?! The Teaposy gift collections include both tea and clear glass teapots, cups or mugs designed to that spotlight the blooming (the detailing & packaging are wow). My pick: their insulated mugs are super modern looking,  plus they’re double-walled so not hot to the touch. And my guy likes them because they’re not too girly (and despite the cute, subtle white daisy etched on the bottom).

Following the “It’s Not A Plastic Bag” trend (only one of ‘the’ most buzzed about eco-fashion find) there are more reusable bags than ever. But the problem is that I never remember to take the darn thing with me.

Solution - Flip & Tumble because they make it so easy to always have an extra bag with you. The bag has a roomy shoulder strap and folds into a convenient teeny, tiny ball. 

When I first found these they were low on stock on my fav brown, but now they’re so popular they’re all out of stock! But you can reserve now and they’ll start shipping Dec 13.

Christmas Online-Ordering Advice: Done stress yourself about delivery coming in time. If it does great, if not just print off a picture of it and slap that in a card. Then give the real deal whenever it does arrive.

I don’t know why I’m so ‘all about’ this gift idea. When was the last time I used a hot-water bottle? But maybe if one was this glam’ I would. That’s the best rationale I can come up with for my craving. Oh, and maybe it’s the cashmere.

Restoration Hardware has a sophisticated take on the utilitarian water bottle Cashmere Hot-Water Bottle $49 in chocolate, heather grey, garnet, eucalyptus or camel. Okay, for liking this I’m now being mocked in my own house. But come on! - did you see the cute pocket and the turtle neck.

If you’re feeling DIY crafty - then make your own out of felt cover.

It’s already that time - time to start dropping hints for the Christmas "it." I love getting that thing that you can’t quite justify spending on yourself, and so you covet from afar. Here are my three:

Coach Purse:
Big bags are hot - and are here for the next few seasons. Come spring you might as well add water because they’re only bigger. This Coach Soho Braided Leather Tote (love the braided detail) is a ‘just right’ size that won’t look obnoxious when the trend fades. Or for a little smaller and more classic - Legacy Signature Top Handle Pouch.

Acme Laptop Bag:
It’s pricey compared to other options - but my eye always, always catches the Acme Bags. It’s like the Kate Spade of laptop bags. Their designs are sleek and prints very stylish, but a classic fav is the grey flannel which looks very luxe. The Slim bag is almost a sleeve, holding nothing but your laptop. It’s ultra-minimal design allows you to put your laptop in another bag. Friends highly recommend the extra spend for the Slim Cargo if you need a bit more storage.

 

Prada Sunglasses: Prada’s feel so good on your face and the big shades give you instant glam’ privacy. These are my favorite two - the classier Prada 01HS (aka pricier) in tortoise shell/clear and gold. And while the Prada 09GS are more trendy I have to note the picture doesn’t do justice to them. They’re this bronzy chocolate color and there’s a sleek white keyline on the outter face (very hipster). PRADA SUNGLASSES Model: PR 09GS