Happy Thanksgiving!

We had Thanksgiving early and this was our Thanksgiving table. We had most of the traditional fixings except we also had kimchi! And yes, we eat with paper plates and wooden chopsticks...is that a Korean thing?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Koreans and Elders

Recently, we celebrated our grandmother's 90th Birthday party. Koreans customarily throw a big birthday party for the 60th birthday party called "hwangab." However, as people tend to live longer, less and less Koreans celebrate "hwangab," and will celebrate the 70th or 80th birthday party. Similar to a first birthday "dol" party, these parties celebrate life and are a big occasion among Koreans.

Here are some cultural tips that we can think of when socializing with the elderly.

Respecting your elders is a big deal among Koreans. When meeting a Korean person, you are expected to bow and greet the older person with respect. If you are sitting down, you are also expected to stand up when greeting them and this also applies when the older person leaves. When dining with an older person, it is respectable to offer the first serving to them and wait until they have taken the first bite before you begin eating. If the older person offers you a drink, you are supposed to politely accept with both hands (left hand on your right arm).

If you know any more, please share!

Winner of the National Adoption Month Giveaway!

Here is the winning photo of Baby Olive on the day she met her mommy! Photo was taken on July 18th 2008.

When we asked her mommy what led their family to adoption, she replied:

"From the moment my husband and I married over 10 years ago, we knew adoption was the way we wanted to build our family. We weren't ready for a long time, but once we decided, we plunged in. As for Korea, we ended up there in a roundabout way. We had originally intended to adopt a child from Viet Nam, but the program closed and we took that as a pretty clear sign that the child who was meant to be with us resided elsewhere. We began preparing an updated homestudy, and in the process, I found our Olive on a waiting child listing. The instant I saw and read about her, I knew she would be our daughter. And I didn't care where she was from! We found out she was from South Korea and were thrilled to research the country to know more about the culture and people. Now, we can't imagine NOT going to Korea - we fell in love with Seoul, the people, the beautiful sights, sounds, and smells, the culture... we hope to go back someday and absorb even more of it."

Olive is now 2 years old and is described as the most perfect child to their family. Here is what else her mommy had to say:

"She is so easy going and laid back. She hardly ever cries or gets angry - very even tempered. She is gentle and kind, and displays a great deal of empathy for others. She adores playing with other kids and is a wonderful "big sister" to our cats. Olive loves animals, being outdoors, and is very active. I couldn't ask for a better daughter!"

We thank Olive's family for sharing their precious photo and adoption story! And thank you to everyone who shared their photos with us. We really enjoyed seeing the photo entries!

Makes a Great Teacher Gift

If you are looking for something unique, besides candy and chocolate, try giving your child's teacher this towel cake! Every year my son gives this to his teacher and they are always so delighted to receive this unique gift. If you're wondering why a towel, towel gifts are very customary in countries like Japan and Korea.

Comes in the packaging as shown.

Koreans are obsessed with height!

Take a look at this clip on ABC News about how Koreans will go to any lengths to become taller. Even wearing magic shoes! Apparently these are the must haves for the men.

School children are going to clinics to help them grow. Very interesting.

(photo from ABC News)

Popularity of Hello Kitty in Asia

This photo says it all. Apparently, Hello Kitty was one of her bridesmaids.

Story and photo credit to Yonghap News Agency.

Hello Kitty Nursery Bedding

How cute these are! Sorry, we don't sell these at our site. Maybe in the future?