I don't use trash cans, I use a small plastic shopping bag for garbage. I do this because of the heat and humity in Hong Kong I have to throw the garbage out every day otehrwise it makes the whole...

I collect fabric as well and use them in all kinds of projects for myself and as presents. Normally I make sundresses (2 yards) because there's no way I can have too many. I've also hung some bea...

It's not the best covering to use if you have kids either. To my mother's frustration and my joy as a child, I would pick and peel strips of the bamboo off, just because I could.

I travel a lot and I use this packing list for every trip that I take: http://www.onebag.com/checklist.html Some of the items I find aren't neces...

I use these mini pots all the time and have 2 sets, one set is enamled cast iron and the other is ceramic with glass lids. I use them for almost everything that goes into the oven. the ceramic one...

YES! considering I would need to carry all my groceries home, my current flat is within a 10 min walking distance to 3 supermarkets, a wet market, delicatessen and butcher. Then again I live in Hon...

Japan is overpriced in general, and the media wonders why the Japanese aren't shopping their way out of the slump. I bought one very similar in Hong Kong for about US$100. Works really well picki...

Heh Ciaran I agree with you that Oriental style jewelry boxes are really elegant. I am not sure about the metal pieces on the front specifically but why don't you check this lacquer jewelry box fro...

Katie I feel for you as I've had the same problem with the flats here in Hong Kong. I'd embrace the retro and darkness and create a "Shanghai chic" 1930's feel. Go to Shanghai Tang, the China Clu...

I have a white sofa, and love it but I recommend getting one with removable covers for easy cleaning - especially if you plan on sitting on it.

I love lacquerware – it’s such traditional technique, but modern looking at the same time. Real lacquer is very durable and resists damage by water, acid, alkali or abrasion; not bad fo...

I grew up with outdoor and indoor shoes, a very Asian concept. When guests visit, I let them do what they are most comfortable with and if they choose to remove their shoes, there is a basket of s...

Big, extra soft cotton towels and bath robe. Bigger indulgence (and one I miss since moving from the UK) are warmed towels for after a bath/shower.

Both my husband and I are tidy, and currently vacuum and dust almost everyday because our cat is molting. We also have someone to come in once a week to properly clean the bathrooms, kitchen and d...

I found that even though the plants at Ikea look healthy enough, more times then not they were new arrivals, overwatered at the store and once home, smell moldy due to rotting roots and have bugs. ...

My mother puts a branch of fake (but real looking) orchid flowers with the plant while she waits for the real flowers to bloom again. Growing up we practiaclly had a green house of orchids. I foll...

My most hated chore is taking the garbage out every day - it has to be done since the humidity in Hong Kong means that any garbage sitting out for more than a day festers. OK to be fair this is re...

My worst is not so much of a spill but an explosion… when I was at university; I wanted to make banoffee pie for the first time. My boyfriend sent me his mother’s recipe which involve...

About three quarters of the artwork in my flat are original photographs taken by either my husband or my brother-in-law. htt...

If you are interested in other lacquerware, you should check out: http://www.maistyle.asia/lacquer.html