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Tree of Heaven :: Korean TV Drama Series Review

"A brand new Korean Wave maker...
a heart-wrenching love story"
                                   - The Korea Herald

For fans of Stairway to Heaven and Winter Sonata, the next must-see Korean television series is Tree of Heaven. Filmed entirely in Japan and directed by the director of Stairway to Heaven, Tree of Heaven is the epitome of a Korean romantic melodrama, complete with beautiful scenery and a top-selling musical soundtrack.

A lonely young man walking barefoot in the snow. That is Hana's (Park Shin-Hye, You're Beautiful, Stairway to Heaven) first memory of her Korean stepbrother Yoon-seo (Lee Wan, Stairway to Heaven) when he shows up at her family's inn. Hana determinedly learns Korean to reach out to Yoon-seo, who closed himself off after his mother's death. Over time, the two develop a bond, but tragedy cuts their love short. Going their separate ways, they meet again two years later in Tokyo, where their impossible love story continues...

 

{ Buy a Copy of "Tree of Heaven" HERE }

Mountainville Nursery

Mountainville Nursery was established in 2003 by Joshua Kim and has expanded greatly.

 산동내 과일, 꽃 나무 + 조경 은 2003년에 시작되었다.

What started out as a hobby and a love of plants blossomed into a family business. 

We appreciate your business. 감사합니다

We started out planting fruit trees on our property. We got requests from other people about the trees, so we started to sell fruit trees. We later on moved on over to landscaping as well as.

When we did, we started to get interested in conifers and dwarf plants as well. Since then, we have started collecting conifers, maples, dwarf plants, and fruit trees that interest the Korean and Asian populations and others that express their interest.

Website: Mountainville Nursery   김동윤
Contact: [email protected]  |  770-867-7537

Up Late & Nothing To Do? :: Korean Drama Reviews

Since I do most of my work at night after the kids are asleep, I started to watch Korean dramas to try to brush up on my Korean and of course be entertained.  I leave it up in the background while I work to improve my listening skills. I grew up with my family watching Korean tv after dinner, so I missed that routine after I got married.  Here are some that I've watched recently.  I'm not going to focus so much on the plot as you can easily find out online (nor do I want to spoil it for you), but I want to give you my opinion on what I thought about them.

1. "The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry" - I started watching this drama when it happened to be on at my parent's house while I was visiting.  I got hooked when I realized that it was dealing with issues that 3 women in their mid-thirties were facing as single women.  As they're attempting to figure out their life goals, they're grappling with the social pressures of being older single women in a society where being married is the accepted norm.  The issues they faced appealed to me as a married woman in my thirties since just because you're married doesn't mean that all your problems are solved.

2. "Boys Over Flowers" - I began watching this drama when I realized that Kim Bum from "The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry" had been in it.  I had no clue that it was such a popular drama in Korea, so I started watching the drama without any expectations.  It was a very entertaining drama with the lavish sets, fashionable clothing, exciting story line, etc.  This drama is a remake of the Japanese Manga, so it has a lot of teen angst.  The F4 are definitely drool-worthy, though at times, I felt like a teenie bopper again. It's a good show to watch if you want to get a glimpse of what the youth of Korea are watching these days.

 

3. "You're Beautiful" - This drama was recommended by Dramafever.com that I was watching "Boys Over Flowers" from, and it is also entertaining on a similar level as "BOF".  Not much brain power is needed to watch this so it was ideal for just spending some time working while listening to it in the background. A nun is recruited to take the place of her twin brother in a boy band, and the adventure involves her attempt to hide her gender to the rest of the band members and the public. Of course, there's a love triangle involved. I liked how they showed the life of a boy band, and what issues they might have to deal with. What you deal with in public may not be what you're dealing with in private.

4. "Spring Waltz" - Stunning cinematography, and beautiful classical music is what comes to mind when I think of "Spring Waltz".  The plot is a bit too contrived and hard to swallow, but it's still tugs at your heart strings, and there are moments that you want to cry for the individuals.  I liked the soundtrack so much I have it now to listen to whenever I need some relaxation time. I do have to add, Daniel Henney is beautiful eye candy as well. :)

5. "Coffee Prince" - Wow... what can I say but that I was impressed by Yoon Eun Hye's acting ability. She had me totally convinced that she was a boy.  When Choi Han Kyul starts falling in love with him/her, it's agonizing to see the struggle that he goes through.  Plus my husband was a barista for awhile, so I just can't help but love all the coffee references.  I loved all the characters in this drama.  I highly recommend this one.

6. "Goong" - I had a difficult time believing that a Korean monarchy could exist today, but as the drama progressed, it no longer was an issue.  I was impressed by the main actress' acting ability since I had no idea that she was the same actress as Coffee Prince.  She was so pretty and feminine in this role.  The end dragged a bit, but I really wanted to know what happened to them after it was over.  It's too bad that they could not get a sequel going. I thoroughly love the main queen. She's such an icon in the drama world.

7. "My Lovely SamSoon" - I fell deeply in love ... with desserts!  I think it's very hard watching Korean drama in the middle of the night since so many are focused around food!  I noticed that everyone was eating in these dramas, and it's difficult not to gain weight by simply being so tempted with food.  The main character is very spunky, and I like to see that not every Korean woman has to be stick skinny.  Beauty isn't about weight or figure, but it's what's in one's heart. There's a lot of crude cursing in this drama which matches Sam Soon's character, yet it was a bit hard to hear so often. I was also not thrilled with the ending, but it also fit the theme of the drama.  I couldn't help but compare it to "Brigit Jones' Diary."

8. "Take Care of the Lady" - Yoon Eun Hye is also in this drama, and I was happy to see her in a part that showed how evil she could be.  In the other parts, it was so easy to like her character right away.  In this one, she had to earn people's love from the changes that took place as she fell in love with her butler.  I also love the actor that plays her grandfather.  There are parts that do drag, but I like the general message of the drama which is that everyone is redeemable.

9. "Personal Taste" - The main actor is the same one that played in "Boys Over Flowers" so I was curious if he could also deliver in a drama without all the fancy settings and outfits. I was pretty impressed with his acting ability, and I think Lee Min Ho is a rising star.  He pretends to be a gay man in order so he could move in and find what is so special about this house that Park Kae In's father designed. Once he gets to know the initially rather unfortunate woman, he falls in love. I thought it was a very sweet story, although I was very annoyed by the main woman at the beginning. I felt there was a lot of whining, but once the story progressed, the character grew on me. I think Lee Min Ho's character development really carried the entire show through.

10. "Shining Inheritance" - The main character is the actress that played in Spring Waltz.  I really liked her character in the drama so I thought perhaps I'd love this drama. There are a lot of tear jerking moments, but I feel like there are way too many of the same thing. The story feels so contrived that it was not at all believable. I have still yet to finish this drama. I really hope that I can finish the drama and end up liking it.  I'm halfway through. I really like the character of the man who likes the girl first. He seems like such a wonderful guy, but I can tell they won't be together.

11. "Playful Kiss" or "Mischievous Kiss" - This week is the final week of this drama, so I'm curious how it will all end. This drama stars Kim Hyun Joong (of SS501 and "Boys Over Flowers") and Jung So Min. They are pretty new to the drama world, but I thought Jung So Min played the Oh Ha Ni character very well. She is quite adorable with her quirks and tenacious personality. The first episode was pretty bad, and ratings reflected that, so that's why there are only 16 episodes. However, the drama starts picking up in the 3rd and 4th episodes. It's quite a fun drama to watch that doesn't require much thought, and it isn't such a big tear jerker as Korean dramas can be. This drama is geared toward younger audiences so keep that in mind when you're watching.

If you've been watching Korean dramas, please do comment and recommend some more with your thoughts on what you thought of them. Until next time...

-Michelle S.
Owner of 3treedesign.com | greenthumbfabrics.com | uhboohbahbaby.com 

Sooki Designs Business Cards!!

Sooki Design does it again. This is a collection of a few of her latest Business Card designs. If you need to update your brand or business, drop Sooki an email and receive a free quote for one of her fabulously custom catered designs. Quick turnaround times and excellent service!!

Email: [email protected]  | Web: SookiDesign.com

Get Your Shopping Done Without Leaving the House!

Written By: Jeanie Chang

reallynatural.com  

That's exactly what I did the other day.  Two of my four kids were sick so they stayed home from school which meant I had to forgo all my plans and errands and workout for the day.  Sometimes it's nice to just relax at home and take care of house chores, but when you're forced to stay home because of sick kids or whatever else that obligated you to stay home, it can be frustrating because you have no choice.  I had a lot of grocery shopping to do, dry cleaning to pick up, new shoes to buy my 3 year old who lost his shoes, etc.

So, I decided to get creative.  Well, it's not really creative especially in this day and age.  I did all my grocery shopping, shoe shopping from home and then some - yep, you guessed it!  I did it all online.  Our local Harris Teeter (a grocery store chain here in NC) has online shopping available.  As long as you place your order before 11 am, you can pick up your groceries the same afternoon.  There's a Harris Teeter on my husband's way home so I just ask him to pick them up and voila! I've completed my grocery shopping for the day.  :)  It's convenient, saves your time/hassle and if they need to substitute anything on your list, they call you.  Great service.  You can pay via credit card or check when you pick up your order.  The only little catch is it costs an extra $4.95 to order groceries online, but today it was worth it!  Took some stress off my shoulders and my family had something to eat for dinner.  LOL.  During the summer, Harris Teeter had a special where the extra charge was just $1.95!  You should definitely check to see if your local grocery store chain offers online shopping.  If they do, take advantage of it when the need arises.  It does come in handy when you really can't get out of the house.

My 3 year old lost one of his shoes (brand new, I might add) when we went to Great Wolf Lodge so I had to buy him another pair.  I'm sure you've heard of Zappos, Piperlime, Endless.  They are great websites for shoes!  They're not necessarily discount websites, but there's FREE shipping and no tax so you save a little money plus the hassle of going to a shoe store with your kids and taking double the amount of time!  Plus, you can receive your shoes the very next day depending on when you order the day before!!!  I am all about saving myself extra hassle and headache when I can. (My son's shoes did arrive the very next day.)

My oldest son's library books were due the same day I was stuck in the house and it took me a few minutes to realize that I didn't have to go to the library to return them.  I could just renew them online and buy myself three more weeks to return them!  Checked that off.

I'm the PTA co-chair of our elementary school's main fundraiser in October and I needed to get a list of all the students' names in each class for the entire school.  I was planning on stopping into the school office and asking the data manager to make a copy for me.  Instead,  I got a little creative since I couldn't leave the house.  I emailed her and asked if she could make a copy for me and send it home with one of my kids.  It was no problem!  The only question she asked was, "which kid?"  My daughter came home later that day and handed me the entire student roster for the school just the way I needed it!  Checked that off!

Despite the fact I didn't leave the house all day (except to get the mail), I had such a productive day!!!  If you're ever in that position where you're stuck at home for any given reason, think creatively.  You'll be surprised at what you can accomplish all from home  - with the help of the internet, of course!

"You're Beautiful" K-Drama Series Review

"Coffee Prince meets Boys before Flowers!"
                                ~ Janet MJ Kim

Starring Jang Gun Suk, Park Shin Hae, Chung Jong Hwa, and Lee Hong Gi, You're Beautiful is a story about a girl (Go Mi Nyuh) who puts up her dream in becoming a nun to help twin brother, Go Mi Nam.

While Go Mi Nam is stuck in the states repairing the side effect from a double-eye lid surgery, Korea’s top entertainment company offers Go Mi Nam a position in the hottest Korean boy band, A.N.JELL. With Go Mi Nam not being in the country, Mi Nam’s agent is in panic to find a solution and comes up with the idea of getting Mi Nam’s twin sister, Mi Nyuh to pretend to be Mi Nam.

The initial contract between the two was for Mi Nyuh to pretend to be Mi Nam for a day to complete the process of signing Mi Nam with the entertainment company. However, as Mi Nam’s return gets delayed, Mi Nam’s agent calls for Mi Nyuh’s help - request being pretend to be Mi Nam, plus live in the same household as the A.N.JELL members.

Despite the foolishness of the request, Mi Nyuh agrees to the terms because as orphans Mi Nam always believed that the only way to find their mother was to become famous and Mi Nyuh was in no way going to stop that from happening.

You're Beautiful is definitely a drama directed to the youth. But light, cute, and funny for any ages to easily watch. Events start popping as Mi Nyuh adjusts herself to the real world. The challenge being that this time around, she will need to learn how to become a boy and hide that secret from the entertainment company and her fellow A.N.JELL members while living in the same house!

Review By: Janet MJ Kim

Buy your own English Subtitled Version of  You're Beautiful Now!  Click Here.

Interview | Angela Harty of AJZ Delights

Interview Questions by: Kathy Choi Lee  |  Answered by: Angela Harty  |  September, 2010

Angela Harty has been creating fun and very creative scrapbook albums and gifts. Her party items, cards and room accessories are also a big favorite of mine. Her personality surely comes out in her work. She is a true sweetheart!! Her fun & funny interview will have you laughing in your seat. So, come take a break from your busy day and come get to know Angela - the creative mind behind AJZ!

For a Limited time: Use coupon code "10%promo" towards your next AJZDelights.com purchase!

Please share a little bit of your earlier years. 

I was born and raised in San Jose, CA and lived there until junior high school. My parents moved me and my younger brother down south to Torrance for a few years and then to Corona, where they now reside. After college, I wanted to venture out on my own and moved to Huntington Beach.  After meeting my husband and having my son, I moved back to Corona (which I vowed never to do) to be closer to my parents. You can actually see our home from their kitchen window, so I can never say I'm not home when I am. ^-^

How was it growing up as a Korean American girl?

I could sum it up in one scenario: if you stuck me in a room full of Koreans, I would be the most uncomfortable person in there.  Don't get me wrong, I was very comfortable being a Korean, but I grew up in an all Caucasian neighborhood and went to an all Caucasian school, so when I was around other Koreans, I felt like I didn't have anything in common with them.  When we did move to Torrance, it was such a cultural shock for me because I wasn't used to seeing so many different ethnicities.  Even in junior high school, all of my friends were of different races, except Asian.  I didn't really start having any Korean friends until I hit college.

 

What is your favorite childhood memory?   

One of my favorite childhood memories was when I was in 3rd grade, my best friend and I loved Madonna at the time and always used to go out during recess and lunch and sing and dance to her songs.  Our favorite song that we would always dance and sing to was "Open your Heart" and sometimes we would perform in front of the boys we had crushes on.

Angela Harty and her family + Minnie Mouse

Tell us a little bit about being a mommy and having your own children now.

I absolutely love being Ayden's mom.  I remember I was terrified when I found out I was pregnant because that meant that I had to be responsible for someone else's life besides my own.  Of course over time, that eased into excitement and I couldn't wait until he came out.  One of the best advices I was given was to cherish each day that I have with him and I have.  I remember almost everyday that I have spent with him from the day he came home from the hospital up until now.  I do have my moments just like any other mom out there when you just rather be a working mother instead of being a stay at home mom and dealing with the craziness, but its always short lived and I am very blessed that I can be at home with him during the first few years of his life.  I think that when we are children, we don't quite understand the capacity of a mother's love or what it means to be a mom until you are one.   

 

Please share a story of a special event in your life.

One of the biggest events that have happened in my life is when I found out I was pregnant.  Before finding out, I was getting ready for my first trip to Korea for my brother's wedding.  A few days before we were to leave, I had some of the signs that I may have been pregnant, so I took a pregnancy test to see if I was and it came out negative.  The day of my brother's wedding, I woke up feeling nauseous and started throwing up.  Only, I was the only one that was sick.  I thought it must have been the sushi and other foods that my brother's in-laws had cooked for us the night before.  As the day progressed, I was feeling worse, so my mom took me to a pharmacist and he gave me a bunch of pills and some ginseng to make me feel better.  We were in Korea for 10 days and I hated it.  All the 24-hour malls and the malls underground, I would be sweating and be so tired, plus I started to smell everything (and I used to have the worst sense of smell) and didn't want to eat any type of meat (and I love meat).  My mom kept asking me if I was pregnant and I told her I wasn't because the pregnancy test had said so.  I was so miserable that I told myself that I would never visit Korea again. 

When I came back home and went to work, my co-workers kept telling me that I should go to a Dr. because I might be pregnant.  I kept insisting that I wasn't and after 2 weeks of disagreeing with them, I finally made the appointment.  Sure enough, my Dr. had told me that I was and he was guessing I was 6 weeks.  I made my appointment to get the ultrasound.  That day, my husband and I had received such a shock.  Appeared on the screen was a full picture of a baby that was moving around with all 10 finger and 10 toes.  It even waved at us!  Instead of being maybe 6 weeks pregnant, I was already past my first trimester.  I quickly started to think about the previous 3 months and what I have done.  Celebrating my brother's wedding...in Korea...It was St. Patrick's Day; friend's birthdays...you get the idea.  Exactly 40 weeks later, I had a healthy 9 lb, 2 oz baby boy.  The running joke up till' now was that I was the .0001% that E.P.T. claims can be incorrect.

 

What are some places you love taking your son?

Anyone who knows us will tell you that it's Disneyland.  My husband and I are Disney fanatics and try to go at least once a week.  My son, who is only 2 1/2 already knows where all of his favorite rides are in the park and loves to find them on the map as well.  I just recently took him to this new Korean kids cafe called The Little Prince.  That is probably my newest favorite place to take him, only because there are other people that are watching him for me while I can sit down and have ice coffees with my girlfriends.

 

What are your hopes and desires for your son?

I want my son to be healthy, happy and be successful at whatever path he chooses. 

 

What did you study / major in during your college years - which school?

I graduated from the University of CA, Riverside with a BA in Business and Sociology Administrative Studies with a concentration in Marketing.

 

How did you decide on taking on this new career - AJZ Delights?  

It was actually the support and encouragement from my husband that began this new adventure in my life.  He has always and still is, my personal cheerleader.  When I was in high school and college, I had accumulated so many papers, stickers and stamps that were just sitting in a box; I really didn't know what to do with them.  When I was on maternity leave, I made my first 2 scrapbooking layouts for my mom.  It was going to be a gift to her once Ayden was born.  Instead of doing more of the traditional 12x12 scrapbooks, I started searching online for more of a unique way to put pictures in and that's when I discovered word albums.  When I went back to work, I would buy the already pre-cut ones that were sold in stores and gave them as gifts to my co-workers.  Then one day, people started to ask me to make the albums for them and that they would pay me.  So, I started selling them at work.  During all this, I kept thinking how I could go one step further and have them more personalized and I found a way to have them cut into any words that I wanted with a more thicker and sturdier chipboard than what were sold in stores. 

Photo of AJZ Delights at a Crafts Fair

My husband was so impressed by my creativity that he suggested that I try to sell to the public as well.  He gave me the idea of participating in craft fairs and boutiques.  I remember my very first one in December of 2008.  Ayden had just barely turned one and because my husband didn't want me to go alone, they both came with me to my very first holiday boutique.  It was such a bust because no one showed up.  It was the first time that the organizer coordinated such an event that I remember telling my husband that if this is what boutiques are like, forget about it.  Then I had my 2nd one a week later and it was such a success, that I continued to do them throughout 2009. I was often invited to other shows because it was always something that they haven't seen before.  As any vendor knows, it's really hard to be at those kind of shows due to such long hours and having a husband work on weekends with a baby at home.  I eventually got a website running and now I do all my business online.    

 

What kinds of items do you create and sell?

Personalized chipboard word albums, hanging decor, block letters, cards and other altered gifts. 

 

Where can we find your products?

www.ajzdelights.com and www.ajzdelights.blogspot.com

 

 

What are some of the perks when working in your field?

I'm able to do the thing I love the most, while staying home with my son and make a little $ while doing it.  When I used to do craft fairs and boutiques, seeing people's faces when they come to my table would fill me with joy because it's always something they haven't seen before and is very unique.  One of the best and funniest comments I've ever heard from a customer about my books were that they looked like scrapbooks on crack.  I took that as a huge compliment.

 

What is your most favorite item that you sell?

My favorite item that I sell is the custom word albums.  I love how each and every book is different from the ones I've made before, if not better.  I always like to see what types of themes or ideas customers come up with and are also fun for me to see where I can go with it.  I get excited when I get a word book order because I get to sit in the middle of my scrapbooking room and just coordinate papers together and go through all the different embellishments.  A lot of people say my room looks like a mini Michael's because of all the paper that I have.  I also look forward to the shopping, whether it be at the scrapbook store or online. 

 
Photo of Angela's Work Room

 

What is your favorite Korean food? 

I would have to say kalbi and hobak jigae.

 

What was the most delicious thing you've ever eaten? Where was it?

There are 2, both in Aruba on our honeymoon.  One was a Brazilian BBQ restaurant and the other was a steakhouse.  Would definitely go back just for the food.

 

What is your favorite Movie? Color? Restaurant?

I love all movies with John Cusack in it.  Favorite color is pink.  Favorite restaurant would have to be Cheesecake Factory.

 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I'm hoping that I am healthy, happy and with my family.  Doesn't matter where we are as long as we're together. 

 

Thank you so much Angela, for sharing your life with us!!

To see more of Angela’s work and to read updates on her life, please visit:
www.ajzdelights.com and www.ajzdelights.blogspot.com

For a Limited time: Use coupon code "10%promo" towards your next AJZDelights.com purchase!

 

How to Save With Discount Websites

Times are tough these days.  The economy is at its worst in a long time, and as a result, people are tightening their belts, spending less money on unnecessary items.  People are trying really hard to find as many discounts as possible when purchasing items.  I think that's why there is a plethora of discount websites that are popular these days.  I've had to cut costs in many ways, and as a result have been shopping at these discount websites whenever it is possible.  With two growing kids, I'm ever on the lookout for ways to get a good discount, so I've decided to compile some here for you in case you're not familiar with them.

Here are a few things to consider before shopping on these sites:
Some of these sites, you can join instantly if you get an invite from a friend.  If you don't have an invite, you can still join on most of them, but you may be put on a waitlist to be accepted.  Also, a lot of these websites will give you incentive/credit if you invite someone to join and they make a purchase after joining through your link. Those members only sites that usually feature multiple items per day don't carry the merchandise. When the deal is over, they compile the order and send to the manufacturer. Then they ship to the warehouse, and it gets sent out, so you're looking at a LONG delivery time from payment. Some don't charge until they ship out, but most seem to charge right away. So keep that in mind. You're saving money, but you're also letting them have it for almost a month before you get your items.

Baby/Kids Items:
1. Babysteals.com/Kidsteals.com: They feature one company per day with several items for sale for 50% off the retail price.  Their internet doors open 9am Mountain Time.  Once it's gone, it's gone, so you need to get up and be AT your computer if you know what's going to be featured.  Items have been known to sell out in less than 5 minutes, so when it's a popular item, it's a madhouse. "Like" them on Facebook, and sometimes they will give hints as to what's coming the next day. They carry the items in the warehouse before the "steal" happens so items ship out very quickly.  TIP: they use Google checkout, so before you shop, make sure to log on to the checkout a minute before 9am so when you check out, it doesn't sell out while you're trying to log in. They also have surprise steals so it's good to have them on your Facebook feed.

2. www.mamabargains.com: they sell multiple brands per day, but they only feature them as long as they have them in stock.  Once the items sell out, then they move on to the next feature.  Unlike Babysteals, they will have several items sold during the day.  I've noticed that Mamabargains will tend to sell more discontinued and past season merchandise. So if you don't really care that the latest hot color is turquoise and what they're selling is red, then it's great to shop here.  They also have a warehouse so items ship quickly.  TIP: also "like" them on Facebook for updates on what is being sold.

3. www.greenbabybargains.com: they are like Babysteals in that they feature one brand per day, but they focus on eco-friendly items for babies/kids/mom.  They don't seem to have as many selections as BS or MM, and they bring back items that they didn't sell out before. Items do ship out quickly.

4. www.theminisocial.com: it's a members only site, so you need to request membership or join through a friend's link in order to shop there. The mini social is a private members only on-line boutique, featuring up to 60% off designer clothing and accessories for mom, baby and child.  Unlike the sites above, these members only sites can take a very long time to ship.  So please be aware of that when you order.  I ordered some Crocs for my nephew at a great price and free shipping code, but they didn't ship for 3-4 weeks after I purchased.

5. www.btrendie.com: they seem to be on hiatus right now.  Let's see if they come back.

6. www.minibargainz.com: I've never shopped there but their feedback seem to be pretty good.

7. www.totsy.com: also another members only site.  I haven't shopped there yet.  Shipping seems to be average around a month or more.

Other Discount Sites (these sites focus more on items for adults but they do have kids & home items):
1. www.gilt.com

2. www.hautelook.com

3. www.ideeli.com

4. www.billiondollarbabes.com

5. www.gomattagirls.com

6. www.jasmere.com

7. www.ruelala.com

8. www.editorscloset.com

9. www.onekingslane.com

10. www.scrapbooksteals.com

11. www.beyondtherack.com

12. www.beautystory.com

13. www.seenon.com

Written by: Michelle S.
Owner of: www.3treedesign.com | www.greenthumbfabrics.com

Jamie Dresselhaus | Illustrator :: Artist

Illustration by Jamie Dresselhaus

Jamie Dresselhaus was born in Incheon Korea on February 8, 1980. She was adopted at the age of two and brought up with a industrial engineer for a father. His creativity and innovation allowed Jamie to physically create and express the little play worlds in which she so often inhabited. With her access to materials and equipment she would make miniature worlds for her toys. Most often her toys were Barbies but just as often they would be plastic or glass figurines of small animals; mice, rabbits, cats and dogs. 

Photo of the artist Jamie Dresselhaus.

Heavily influenced by the stories and illustrations of Beatrix Potter, Jamie has found great comfort and joy in the creation of fun and brightly colored characters. Mostly mice and rabbits, she is working towards finding representation to bring stories and environments to her creations.

Illustrations are hand drawn and then imported and digitally mastered in Adobe Illustrator. Paintings are done in acrylic.

Jamie lives in Portland, Oregon where she teaches and studies yoga. Paints, draws, and photographs. She is inspired by her friends, family and pets as well as nature. In the cooler winter months she enjoys making and eating soup, knitting and cross stitching in addition to her illustrating and painting. Her goal in life is to bring lightness and smiles to others through her artwork and crafts. -- www.jamiedresselhaus.com 

Jeon Ju Bi Bim Bap

I was thinking of a K Drama today when cleaning out my kitchen. A lady and her daughter cleaned out their fridge of banchan's (side dishes) and tossed a heaping spoonful of steamed rice into a bowl. Then came the GoChuJang and sesame oil. The sound of the mixing alone makes you want to leap through the TV set. Yum! Then I see this photo of South Korea's city JeonJu and marvel at how beautiful a bowl of bi bim bap can be as well as delicious. If offered both versions - the quick way and this gorgeous version, I'd have 2 empty bowls in minutes.

"Around Jeonju: While you're down in Jeonju, makesure you get a taste of bibimbab, or mixed rice and vegetables with gochujang (red pepper paste). The dish that even Michael Jackson fell in love with is native to the city, hence Jeonju bibimbab.There's a steamy version that comes in dolsot, or stone pot. You canget a tasting at one of the restaurants listed in the JIFF Web site.Another local favorite is kongnamul gukbap, or bean sprout soup with rice. Also worth visiting during your stay is the Jeonju Hanok Village,a well-preserved medieval Korean town. You can stay at one of the traditional hanok-style inns, a list of which is also available at www.jiff.or.kr. You can also visit Jeonju city's Web site www.jeonju.go.kr (Korean and English) for more tourism information."

Quoted text and Photo via www.KoreaTimes.co.kr