the delicacy of a bejeweled hand

The stars at the market today were the flowers. Lily of the valley, tulips in every hue, lilacs, daffodils, enormous poppies.

On the topic of beautiful things - the Masha Tea writing retreat - Leigh from

The Moon Lists

I are wrapping up our book of journal prompts. Retreat guests will get them first + they’re on summer theme!

Kayla Principato

, who teaches weekly at WSA in Manhattan, will join as the retreat pilates instructor, and London-based acupuncturist Giselle Wasfie will be returning from last year and available for acupuncture sessions. I am so excited to decide the teas of the day for every morning, to lounge poolside, eat incredible food, relax, journal, and so on. There are just a few spots left (ideal for group of 2-3, but feel free to reach out if you’re traveling solo and want to make it work.) July 1-6 in Tuscany. Respond to this email for more info <3

As a business owner, I’m often thinking about brands that I’m inspired by, and the people behind them. Laura Lombardi, Neada Deters from Lesse, Hannah and Margaret from Outline (can’t wait to get a copy of their new catalogue in the mail), Alice Waese. I love the story telling behind jewelry, beauty, and clothing in relation to tea because, with few exceptions, those are the materials that we drink tea in.

In doing research for my forthcoming book, I read a book on British afternoon tea that my sister had gotten me some time ago (a benefit of having a tea company is that people often gift me teaware and accoutrements - and I consider books accoutrements.) In the book, there was a section on how tea and jewelry were previously sold together. And it makes so much sense, if you think about the small actions in making a cup of tea, and the delicacy of a bejeweled hand doing those things.

This reminds me that Mother’s Day is coming up and we can still send tea to your mom (or to you?) in time. The tea tin set is a really sweet gift but the loose teas are so lovely too.

Something I’m excited about in my neighborhood is the expansion of Cibone at 50 Norman, a Japanese store that now carries increible knives, and also glasses that tilt kind of sideways.