Seoul Food

I recently came back from a trip to Korea with my family.  Here are a few Instagram'd pictures of the yummy food we had.


My latte to-go at Paris Baguette - Cutest coffee cup ever!

Beef stew with King and Shitake mushrooms

Simple and delicious "panchan" (savory crepes, pancakes and omelette shown here)

Cuttlefish salad with greens (cuttlefish was thinly sliced and greens were placed over it)

Corn porridge and grilled fish (possibly mackerel)

Refreshing green tea ice cream with green tea ice flakes, sweet red beans, and mochi (before and after!)

-Lana

Sightseeing in Korea

Here are a few Instagram'd pictures of Seoul and Busan. I'm still thinking of the sites, the food, the people, and the energy of these cities.

[SEOUL] Changdukkung Palace (the Queen's Palace, a World Heritage Site)

[SEOUL] Insadong District - full of good restaurants, antiques, and inexpensive souvenirs

[SEOUL] Gangnam District - My favorite place to people-watch in Seoul

[BUSAN] Jagalchi Market - Huge fish market where you purchase the seafood on the first floor and can have it brought up to the second floor to be cooked any way you like.  Eating seafood sashimi-style is the most popular since everything is so fresh.

[BUSAN] Haeundae Beach - Empty now, but this is where everyone flocks to in the hot and humid summer months

[BUSAN] Shinsegae - The largest mall in the world according to the 2009 Guinness Book of World Records

[BUSAN] Street vendor selling flowers for Parents' Day

-Lana

Pretty Pastels

I've been seeing some beautiful pastel-colored clothing recently.  Here are a few of my favorites.


Skirt and Top - H&M

Twisted High-Low Dress - Forever 21

Bold Geo Maxi Dress - Forever 21

Drawstring Tee - The Webster for Target

Embellished Ikat Print Shorts - Ann Taylor LOFT

Linen-Blend Skirt w/Belt - Forever 21

Sandals - H&M

-Lana

Pansy Maiden Bags

Recenly I received a Pansy Maiden Diaper Bag Set, and went to the site to get more information on the company.  It is an environmental friendly, vegan bag company that was founded by Laura Collins.  Read her story here.  It speaks to those of us who love DIY, and want to make a difference in the environment.  What shocks me, is her company was born only 3 years ago, and she just announced that she is going to be featured at the Epcot Center (yes, at Disney)!  Read more here.

They have some adorable bag designs - just browse through and see what suits your needs: http://pansymaiden.com/

I absolutely love the pattern of my bag, which I pictured below (which is packed and ready for my little man to make his appearance).  The bag included a changing pad and small pouch (love the owls!) for dirty diapers.  The inside of the bag is lined with wipeable fabric.  Love love love!  Sorry about the last picture - my editing skills are not up to par right now!  =)

Happy Day!
-Katie

Pops of Color

Here are a few things that have caught my eye on Pinterest.  I love these bright colors.


DIY Painted Wooden Necklace (by Laura Parke of A Girl Who Makes) 

Globe-Trotter Suitcase with Wheels at J. Crew

Pantone flowerpots by Serax

Perrette Container by Woonwinkel

-Lana

Colorful Books for Children

I try to read to my kids before bedtime every chance I get.  I'm always on the lookout for books that are visually interesting, have a great storyline (because I will be reading them hundreds of times), and are well-written.  


I've had following books in my Amazon cart for a while now.  They are colorful and have some great design to them.  I can't wait to buy them for my kids.


Pantone Colors 

(images via Design Mom)

Paul Thurby's Alphabet

Around the World with Mouk: A Trail of Adventure by Marc Boutavant

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett

-Lana

Knitted Baby Gifts

I love giving knitted gifts to my friends who are expecting.  I very recently gave a pair of knitted socks to Katie who is expecting. 

It was a simple Two-Needle sock pattern by Debbie Bliss knitted as one piece and sewn down the back.  I can't remember which of her books it is from since I photocopied it years ago from one of her books loaned from the library.  The yarn is by Tess Designer Yarns which I purchased at a Stitches West conference a few years ago.  It is a superwash merino that is soft and has a nice elasticity to it. Since the pattern is for a 6 month-old baby, it knits up fast.  I think it can be done in a day if you knit quickly.

Now that this project is done, it makes me want to knit more regularly!

-Lana