Mugshot Monday: The Bright Side

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

Not a lot of sunshine here yesterday, and the weather has been so mild for summer. It’s been so mild that last weekend it felt like football weather – sunny, crisp breeze, and downright chilly in the evening. Even my daughter said, “It feels like, like, October.” It’ll be harsh when the temps go past 80 degrees later today and tomorrow – my kids start complaining. The bright side… I’ve been in drawing-and-doodling mode lately. (Check out some of my drawings at Instagram.) And in my mug is a blend of green and black tea with notes of vanilla and fruit (Mystic Moons and Madagascar Fine Bourbon from TeaLula).

I could have taken a picture outside, clouds and all, but I was preoccupied with preparing for my husband’s parents coming back to town for a week. Nothing refreshes a dormant house like opening up the windows and a good cleaning.

So excited to have our young niece around too… she’ll get lots of attention from her big cous’.

Ollie and Ella

Mugshot Monday: Catching Up

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

June 17: A few nights before we left for vacation. That day was warm and maybe even humid. Everyone had gone to sleep, I was busy tying up loose ends, and I remember wanting to drink something cold. Naturally, I found the closest thing to winter – a picture of my dog-in-law, Graham. In my mug: Bourbon and branch, my late-night drink of choice nowadays.

June 24: Very quiet morning on our vacation. Part I: Leavenworth, WA. My sister-in-law rented a beautiful lodge for all of us to stay in. Twelve of us altogether (missing two others, bummer.) This was also where my pink eye was wreaking havoc. Terrible. So, I exiled myself one day and rested.

Spent a little time thinking about what I might do, if I could spend my day doing anything and money was no object. Easy to do out in the woods and no internet. Once again, my thoughts wandered around: art studio, designing with paper, designing fabric, teaching classes, or maybe owning a kitschy lifestyle-home shop. What about combining bikes, coffee, art…

July 1: Traveled to Woodinville, WA for a day trip with my husband, kids, niece, and nephew. Traded in my mug for a wine glass and relaxed at Chateau Ste. Michelle.

(Columbia Winery is just across the street, but too grown-up/clubhouse-y for the kids. Note to self: visit next time without them.)

July 2: (bonus) Coffee at a favorite spot, Valhalla Coffee Company in Tacoma, WA. It’s like they knew I was coming that morning – the music playlist included Chicago, Air Supply, Bee Gees. Awesome. Of course, that doesn’t mean my husband immersed himself in nostalgia, but that’s okay. He seemed to enjoy me geeking out, and we talked vinyl records and open playlist night with another customer who owns a local bar.

That morning Valhalla offered a Uganda Bukonzo off the regular menu. My husband and I could not get over the unique cherry flavor. It wasn’t too acidic, and not too fruity, either. Fantastic balance. So we brought home a pound.

July 8: Relaxing back at home with a bin full of mail and tea in my favorite little footed mug.

Mugshot Monday: Walls

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

PROMPT from Monday Mugshots Collaboration May 30th: My Walls. Do you have walls that you put up?
SHOOTERS: Shoot your mug in front of a cool textured wall.

I could have gone all deep and philosophical on this topic, but I just wanted to go for face value this time. This wall might not be super textured; it’s one wall of our home which we built on our own. (Well, let me clarify that, we general contracted on our own. My father-in-law and husband did the site management during the summer.) It seems like a long time ago now. Seven years.

My cup of tea sits in front of water-stained limestone, and next to a newly planted lemon balm plant. I’m dreaming of a tea garden where lemon balm, chamomile and lavender can coexist. We have healthy echinacea growing but I always forget that we can use the buds for tea.

This morning I snagged my husband’s Intelligentsia mug for a few sips while I worked on a friend’s subway art piece. (Needed more caffeine since I finished mine so quickly.) And yes, I cut out letters by hand.

I realize I haven’t been very timely or good about sharing tutorials this Spring, and now we’re into Summer vacation – oy! Friends, I’m primarily trying to do more, sit less… so not to worry, I’m still making, baking, creating. Join me at Instagram or at the Facebook page for more of the daily happenings. Thanks and do let me know if you’re keeping up with Monday Mugshots!

Mugshot Monday: Sickness

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

After a fabulous Easter week (including getting back on my bike), I was down for the count today. Camped out on the couch, did absolutely nothing but sniffle, cough, and whine about how achy I am. Yep, not pretty. And the ~~world~~ housework came to a halt. Also not pretty. Life goes on – hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Today’s mugshot is my little concoction for when I’m sick: hot water, lemon slice, ginger, and honey. It’s soothing. If my sinuses are acting up, I’ll steep a cinnamon stick, ginger, and a few whole black pepper. Let that cool a bit and add honey. You better sit with a box of tissue because your nose will start draining like crazy.

Have a great week everyone! (And go, Michigan!)

Mugshot Monday: Good Old Days

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

TeaLula storefront with customer and family pictures over the years (Park Ridge)

We headed to our favorite tea shop for Mugshot Monday. Yesterday morning was a little more festive than usual – TeaLula celebrated its five year anniversary! (What a great milestone for a new business!) Check out the big number five – a picture of Oliver is at the tail end. He fell asleep on that table, in that very window.

Enjoying a new brew

Chinese Bai Mudan white tea

Mingling around with our tea friends, having a spot of tea, scones and fruit made for a lovely morning.

TeaLula with my tea buddy

It’s hard to remember now, lugging Oliver’s infant car seat into the shop. (So sweet how the staff remembers.) Then he learned to sit up at the bar and sip his rooibos… totally content. Now we bring the iPad so I can have a little more time to chat with our friends.

It wasn’t just a teashop for me. It was my refuge once a week, a time to talk with “grown-ups”. (We tease now because we’re not sure how “grown up” our conversations were!) I was settling into my new role as a stay at home mom, and with postpartum depression experience from the first time around, I was hell bent on not going down that path again. TeaLula was my way of doing something for me, even if it was just for an hour or so.

When I first went to the store, I could not get over how quaint and cute everything was. Talk about wanting to buy everything…

Sheila capturing the morning

So, congratulations and thank you, Sheila, for not just creating the loveliest, cutest shop ever, but creating an atmosphere of friendship and hospitality. It’s a haven for anyone. The best part wasn’t learning about all the delicious teas from around the world, it was meeting you and everyone at TeaLula who I can call friends. Here’s to more good old days.

**Update: Links to more TeaLula posts including Oliver falling asleep.

Mugshot Monday: Drink of Choice

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Juliet Tiu

Today’s prompt from “A Year in the Life of an Art Journal” was Drink of Choice.

So, what’s in my mug nowadays? Today was Major Dickason’s from Peet’s. But on any given day, I might have a Sumatra from Starbuck’s or a blend from an independent roaster. I’m a purist. Love my French press. Well, honestly, I’m only making a cup for myself and the hubby. No need to break out the coffee maker.

Last December we took a tour of Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago. And we went home with like four bags of freshly roasted coffee! It was divine – so silky smooth. So now I’m spoiled.

But, I gotta say after the one cup of coffee, I really try to stick with tea if I want something hot to sip. And what better way than to have loose leaf tea from our favorite local tea shop, TeaLula.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

So This is Julie

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