Globe Flower Publishers

  Authentic Challah (≈ 4½ cups flour version) Ingredients ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water, around 105-115 °F (40-46 °C) 1 Tbsp (≈ 3 tsp) instant yeast (or active dry yeast ) ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar 3 Tbsp honey ¼ cup (60 ml) neutral oil (e.g. vegetable or canola) 2 large eggs (room temp) 1 extra egg yolk 2 tsp salt 4½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) For egg wash / topping 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water, beaten Optional: sesame seeds , poppy seeds Instructions Prepare yeast (if needed) If using active dry yeast, dissolve yeast + a pinch of sugar into the warm water. Let sit ~5–10 minutes until foamy. (If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients.) Mix wet ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water (with yeast, if preactivated), oil, honey, 2 eggs, and the extra egg yolk. Combine with dry ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 4½ cups flour + salt (and instant yeast...

  Every now and then, a treasure appears that makes you stop and smile. Recently, I came across a Chinese Famille Rose Lazy Susan serving set —a complete six-piece porcelain arrangement with a central covered dish, measuring about 15 ¼ inches wide . The moment I saw the cobalt blue, rust orange, and gold floral designs , I knew this was something special. These sets were extremely popular in the 1960s through the 1980s , when Chinese export porcelain was sought after for both banquet dining and home entertaining . The bold color palette, often described as Imari-style (with its striking mix of cobalt blue and rust), pairs beautifully with the softer floral influences of Famille Rose porcelain , a decorative tradition dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The Lazy Susan form itself is practical and charming—six wedge-shaped dishes fit neatly around the central bowl, making it ideal for serving appetizers, pickles, sauces, or small treats at family gatherings. Beyond function, though...

I Found Two Mikasa Crystal Bowls at a Thrift Store — And It Made My Day I’ve always loved browsing thrift stores — there’s a certain thrill in not knowing what you might find. But nothing prepared me for the moment I spotted two stunning Mikasa crystal bowls sitting quietly on a lower shelf, almost like they were waiting for me. I couldn’t believe it. These weren’t just any bowls; they were beautifully crafted, sparkling even under the dull store lighting, and in near-perfect condition. Finding both pieces felt like uncovering hidden treasure. I actually let out a little laugh of excitement and might’ve clutched them a bit tighter than necessary on the way to the register. And the best part? I got both for a fraction of what they originally cost. Sunflower Frost   One of the most charming patterns Mikasa released was the Sunflower Frost line. These delicate crystal flower bowls, with their frosted petal design and subtle elegance, were produced between 1997 and 2005 before...