May 25, 2015

Fabulous spring garden 2015

This year mother nature showers us with a fabulous spring.  The new leaves are extra vibrantly green, the flower petals extra plump and alluring  Here is sharing of my garden beauties about their 2015 memorable spring show.  Enjoy!



















March 31, 2015

Welcoming spring with flower arrangments

There are few snowdrops emerging in my front porch area to signify the beginning of flower season in spring.  Then I saw crocus in a cluster group sprouting out like school children at recess for fresh air.  I can't bear to pick some out away from their buddies for my indoor display. So, how should I proceed with my flower arrangements to welcome the spring?  My friend pointed out that there are many beautiful branches of dogwood and plum tree full of buds in my yard.  Also the perennial heavenly bamboo's red berries are just heaven sent to lighten up the barren winter white.  Here are few photos to share with the readers about my recent "home decor refreshment".










February 21, 2015

Celebrating Chinese New Year

If someone asks me how would I like to celebrate Chinese new year in a fun way, my choice would be to invite a few friends to enjoy a hot pot meal or make dumplings, spring rolls together.  Traditional foods from childhood memory and share together with friends create new memorable moments.  Here are the pictures I took recently to welcome the lunar new year of ram.  Enjoy!


Eight Treasures Hot Pot Soup as a center piece
 
Fruits and nuts portray wishes of long life
Shanghainese wontons arranged by a young in house artist
 

This bowl of wonton soup covers all essentials for a yummy Chinese dish: appearance, aroma and flavor!




Spices used in tea egg braising liquid in addition to black tea



 
tea eggs soon to be revealed for the unique marbled look


marbling on the tea egg and on the shells 

home fried shrimp chips--look and taste good



Happy Year of lunar year of Ram (4713)!
(drawn by my friend Yiling)