Tay Teas

by Ami Kealoha

Made from premium teas and hand-blended with organic herbs and botanicals in upstate New York, Tay Teas are some of most aromatic infusions with the most complex flavor profiles that we've tasted. We sampled Persian Rose, Better Than Sex and Marry Me Again—all unusual, delicious tasting and perfectly balanced.

After several cups, my personal favorite is the delicate floral notes of Persian Rose, which also happens to be Tay teamaker Nini's signature blend. In addition to rose petals and buds, the mix includes ceylon bergamot and green caradmom, lending spice and citrus.

Marry Me Again also pairs a black tea with flowers, but here Nini goes for lavender, violet and cornflower. The blend makes for a cup of tea with a kick (from the lavender), but it's rounded out by the other flavors.

Using Rooibos as a base, Better Than Sex is the mellowest of the three with dark chocolate and peppermint. It's the perfect bedtime treat—we think Nini should consider changing the name to "Better Than Ambien."

Packaged in 4 oz. airtight tins, these are go-to gifts for any tea fan. Check the Tay Tea site for retail locations or buy online starting at $14 per tin.

Chronicles of Never Sunglasses

by CH Contributor

by Max Berlinger

Former Ksubi designer Gareth Moody has his hands full these days. Not only is he hard at work on his ready-to-wear line Chronicles of Never, he's also about to debut his newest pet project: sunglasses. The term "shades" takes on a whole new meaning with Moody's creations, featuring huge frames and pitch-black tinted lenses that seem to reference Jackie O, Rachel Zoe, Bob Dylan and the Brat Pack all at once. That may sound like a car crash of over-the-topness, but as you can see, they're surprisingly subtle and the perfect way to silently convey, "Don't talk to me, I'm busy." Or of course, our personal favorite, "Don't talk to me, I'm hungover and on my way to get greasy food." Either way, these are some serious shades for the brighter days ahead.

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Margaret Cusack: Fabric Illustrations

by Karen Day

When asked to describe her work, illustrator Margaret Cusack (mother of the creative powerhouse and recent CH subject Kate Cusack) best explains it as, "Realism created with stitchery and fabric." Margaret's amazing ability to intricately weave detailed images onto fabric has garnered her an incredible repertoire of stitched works commissioned by various organizations.

Beginning with a portrait of her husband in 1972, Margaret has since done everything from a completely stitched front cover of Time Magazine to a United States postage stamp.

Margaret's approach to illustration has been recognized for its ingenuity by Pratt Institute, from whom she received the Alumni Achievement Award in addition to her exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution, a perfect fit for art, with its Americana feeling and methodical machine applique technique.

Matthew Smith

by Lost At E Minor

Vivid technicolor dreamscapes emerge from Brooklyn-based illustrator Matthew Smith's clever imagination. Always expect the unexpected in his bright, unique and colorful world, which he builds with detailed line work and bold powerful marker strokes. Yes, we said marker strokes, which is his medium of choice. This allows him to finish his lush pieces with whimsical speed and passion, leaving behind him a stack of imaginative work. His fresh approach and voice are both inspiring and well-appreciated in a world where everyone is trying to be like everyone else.