It's been a few months since I stopped by TianZhiFang 田之坊. It's a maze of small alley ways with charming boutiques, a blend of Chinese souvenirs, local brands, restaurants, and some crafty products. Had Thai for dinner at one of my favorite spots, Tai Thai. Then I went to another regular stop, Eco Goods. (I think the store name changed at this location.) They used to carry bunch of DIY and shabby chic products. Now selection changed quite a bit to more jewelry, homeware, and even UGG-type boots. Picked up a beautiful tea set consisting of tea pot, tea server, and 4 cups. Love the glossy celadon blue in contrast with sandy body (color & texture). They are hand made, 868CNY for the set. Picked up 2 more larger tea cups with lids, 168CNY each. Fabulous part is the store-wide sale of 60% so I got everything for under 600CNY. 

EcoGoods 生态良品: TianZhiFang, 258 TaiKang Road, No. 11B, Luwan, Shanghai 上海卢湾区泰康路258号田子坊11号B座
(Can be easy to miss. Next to hat boutique, up several steps of stairs.) 

At Paris' Maison et Objet show, Lladró featured their new Metropolis collection, skyscrapers decorated with geometric repeats in matte gray tones. These decorative objects are functional vases, boxes and mirrors.

I would definitely enjoy a few in my home!

Not to be be completed until 2017, this will be the new Transbay Transit Center in SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco. I am happy city projects are putting emphasis on sustainable architecture.

http://transbaycenter.org/

My friend took me to a Hammit sale in Redondo Beach. Saw the awesome deal and bought 2 of these beautiful leather business card holders, on sale for $10 each (originally $45). Love the watercolor paint and soft Italian leather. Hammit bags are made local in Los Angeles.

http://hammitt.com/index.html

Long overdue! Finally put together stuff showing insights into development of the Tinted Mint brand and selected product designs.