48th Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday, Yogi (Spice) Tea Chintz;

Welcome to

the 48th Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday

Your date book is your creed.

What you believe in, you have time for.

I am so grateful you jotted down our tea time today in your daytimer and found the time to stop by.  Time spent together over a cup of piping hot tea is time well spent.  Winter smashed back into our lives last week for a couple of days, wild and furious and taking us by surprise.  The calendar my say its Spring, but here to the north we are still confronted by the cold.  On the positive side, it is still the perfect weather to assemble the items for a cup of chai tea. If  you have a moment you will enjoy the unique flovour of this chai tea.

Getting Organized

The beginning.....

I place the cream and sugar on the smaller plate stand.

Square glass vase to the right.

As I wait for Spring to bloom

I will have flowers on my tea table

I added a sprinkling of pink and yellow crystal sugar

Lace on the platter is a finishing touch

Which would you prefer? Yellow or pink chintz?

You may have noticed the glass square vase in the first picture.

I wonder what I can use it for?

Thank you for coming back to see the centre piece for the tea table

Thank you to everyone who commented with a suggestion on how to use the square vase

Yellow tulips

I added a feathery yellow butterfly

YOGI (SPICE) TEA /CHAI LATTE

If per chance you are in need of a gift, these ingredients can be placed in a decorative jar and be adorned, as you wish.



For each cup add:
10 ounces water                                                                  1/2 stick cinnamon
2 whole cloves                                                                     1/2 cup milk
4 green cardamon pods,
    cracked open                                                                    2 slices fresh ginger root (replace
4 whole black peppercorns                                                    with  ginger crystalized  for gift giving)
1/4 teaspoon black tea 


Start with 10 ounces of water per cup and make at least 4 cups at once.
Bring water to a boil.
Add cloves, ginger, cardamom, peppercorns and cinnamon.
Cover, turn down the heat and let boil for 60 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add the black tea to steep for 2-3 minutes. Then add milk and return to the heat until milk is almost to a boil. It is best not to boil the milk but bring it right to the brink. Strain and serve with honey to taste.

 

If you have a moment to linger I invite you to stop in to the Silken Purse to see what our darling hostess, Wanda,  has for us to savour.

The more the fun!

We don't want to miss a single teacup or teapot!

*************

As always, we cherish your comments and participation

with our Tuesday meme.

~You will be warmly welcomed if you choose to become a follower!~


Mr Linky will be joining us later in the day....do come back and join the other ladies

Welcome to,

T u e s d a y   T e a t i m e

In Blogland!

These are the links to the other oh-so-delightful tea parties and decor  parties that I attend.

I invite you to drop in. ~ Many thanks to those who faithfully host each week.

~ Hope to see you there!!

( Our own memes are marked with an asterisk * ):

*~The 79th, 'Tuesday Tea For Two'

@ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/

~ Tuesday Teatime with Lady Katherine

@ http://www.ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/

~ Teatime Tuesday with Sandi

@ http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

~ Teacup Tuesday with Martha

@ http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/

~ Teacup Tuesday with Terri

@ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/

~ Tabletop Tuesday with Marti

@ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

~ A Return to Loveliness with Kathy

@ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

*~ The  28th, 'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday', with Wanda Lee and Pam @

http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/

and  http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/

Other favorite places I may visit this week:

Wow Us Wednesday with Kim

@ http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

Royal Wedding Wednesday with Laura

@ http://decortoadore.blogspot.com/

~Tablescape Thursday with Susan

@ http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Teacup Thursday with Miss Spencer

@ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/

Time Travel Thursdays at Brambleberry Cottage

@ http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

~ Foodie Friday with Michael

@ http://www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

~Show and Tell Friday with Cindy

@ http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

Vintage Inspiration Friday with Debra

@ http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/

~Sunday Favorites with Chari

@ http://happytodesign.blogspot.com

YOGI (SPICE) TEA /CHAI LATTE

For each cup add:

10 ounces water                                                    1/2 stick cinnamon

3 whole cloves                                                      1/2 cup milk

4 green cardamon pods, cracked open                     2 slices fresh ginger root

4 whole black peppercorns                                     1/4 teaspoon black tea

Start with 10 ounces of water per cup and make at least 4 cups at once.

Bring water to a boil.  Add cloves, ginger, cardamom, peppercorns and cinnamon.

Cover, turn down the heat and let boil for 60 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add the black tea to steep for 2-3 minutes.  Then add milk and return to the heat until milk is almost to a boil.  It is best not to boil the milk but bring it right to the brink.  Strain and serve with honey to taste.

Enjoy!

~We are most delighted to announce that Wanda  and I are going to have a May teapot swap!

Our former, Easter Teapot Swap has been canceled and changed to a May Mini Teapot Swap instead.., Sorry for any confusion!

Here is the new blog button for our May Mini Teapot Swap.., Please help yourself to this new blog button! 

.., You may select from one of the  three following options from which you may wish to choose  for our May Mini Teapot Swap;

Either.., 

#1~ A small teapot or, 

#2 ~ A small, 'Tea For One' teapot with a stacked teacup  or,

  #3 ~ A miniature, teeny tiny teapot along with some pretty *tea things/in other words; the *teatime accoutrement's of your choice; (that's really what we mean when we refer to, 'tea things')..,

***************

***

 ..,All just for the fun, celebration and  the love of teapots!

* PLEASE NOTE: We have chosen to suggest swapping only mini or small teapots so that the selection that you may choose to swap, including the shipping cost of these treasures to be swapped; ( this will keep the cost lower than a larger, full sized teapot).

~ We hope you will join in with the fun of our May, 'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday',  teapot swap!..,

To enter our, MAY MINI TEAPOT SWAP; here are the guidelines:

~ You may begin by sending us an Email with your mailing address 
@ contactus@blueforest.ca after reading the rest if the guidelines that are listed below
and also please remember that you are required to indicate your preference for swap option 1, 2 or 3, with regard to our May Mini Teapot Swap..,

Here are the guidelines: 

1. The May Mini Teapot Swap  consists of sending a small, or mini teapot  along with some delightful tea themed accoutrement's and/ or tea time  treats to your partner, wrapped in an a festive May/ Springlike themed  wrapping paper or a pretty basket..,

2. Once you are assigned your partner you may go ahead and email them to find out their preferences for type, color and style of teapot as outlined with our three options listed above..,

3. Only send mini teapots and items in mint condition..,

4. Please ensure that your mini teapot is the finest quality that you can find; this may cost up to and between $20.00 and $25.00 at most, (less, if you happen to find a fabulous quality find), plus shipping costs.., Kindly remember that we are aiming for the most delightful teapot and gifts to swap with your partner that is possible for you to thoughtfully find, select and send to them!..,


5. You will be receiving your partners name in a couple of weeks from the time  that you inform Wanda Lee and I that you want to partake. You will need to mail your special package so that your partner receives the package by May 24th..,

6. Please remember to pack your precious items well, using bubble pack for your breakable teapots, cushioning the spout with extra padding and care. Try not to make your lovely package of treats too big, so as to keep shipping costs down..,

7. Grab our May Mini Teapot Swap button from the sidebars of our blogs, for your  own blog. ~ Thanks!..,

~ Now, what fun it will be for you and your partner to gleefully and with blithe anticipation receive each others May Mini Teapot Swap, gifties! ~ I bet we can all hardly wait to see what we'll all post about the following week!


Please leave a comment if you are committed to play along with the guidelines as listed above. You may leave your email address or blog address so that we can connect you with  a swap partner just as soon as possible.

*Please also note: Let us know if you would prefer an American or Canadian swap partner; ( if this makes a difference to you and is even possible, depending on those of you in each respective country that may wish to partake), whereas it will be reflected in the cost differential for shipping.  ~ Pam and I are Canadians.

~ We will not be extending this offer of joining this swap to folks outside North America  to partake, due to time constraints and cost.

I do hope that you will reconsider joining us in the fun!

Cheers and hugs from Pam and Wanda Lee; ( Wanda Lee is the other half of our weekly blog tea party meme; Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com

38th, Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday; marmalade

Welcome to....

38th,  Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday

Each small task of everyday life is part
of the total harmony of the universe.

                                                                                                         St. Therese of  Lisieux

A warm wintery welcome to all of  you.  I am pleased to be part of the festivities this week as I am well.  I hope you are well too!

Do  you sometimes dream of  lounging in a luxurious bed, clothed in an etheral gown, eating the best pastries and fruits as you read your favorite books?  I do.  But the reality this week for me, was a mound of rumpled bed linens , wound around a limp flannel-gowned body, nibbling on toast and tea , one hand on the remote.  Quiet time but not enjoyable.  I am now attending to the daily tasks at hand, just enjoying each moment.

While you settle yourself  in a cozy chair I will set off to the kitchen to boil the water for the tea.  Its tea and toast today.  What do you prefer on your toast?  Friends have shared a jar of homemade marmalade.  The oranges are from their orange tree, which grows in their bay window.   I will be inquiring about ingredients and technique and share it with you.

GOOD Morning Sunshine

I may not be awake or do I need those

glasses more than I thought?

Mismatched cream and sugar??? and I didn't

notice until my shoot was done

They look quite cute

An amazing vibrant orange jam

Placed butter and marmalade on a mirror to protect the table.

Thank you for sharing your time and talents with all of us.

~ I encourage you to stop by and savour another cup of tea while you enjoy her pretty vignettes.

The more the fun!



*Mr. Linky will arrive soon.

We don't want to miss a single teacup or teapot!

As always we cherish your comments and participation

in our Tuesday meme.

 ~You will be warmly welcomed if you choose to

become a follower!~

Welcome to..,

 Tuesday Tea Time In Blogland!

These are the links to the other oh-so-delightful tea parties and tabletop parties that I attend.

I invite you to drop in. Many thanks to those who faithfully host each week.


                                                                                                 ~ Hope to see you there!!


(Our own memes are marked with an asterisk*):





*~The 66th, 'Tuesday Tea For Two'
@ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/

~ Tuesday Teatime with Lady Katherine
@ http://www.ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/

~ Teatime Tuesday with Sandi
@ http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.com/

~ Teacup Tuesday with Martha
@ http://marthasfavorites.blogspot.com/

~ Teacup Tuesday with Terri
@ http://artfulaffirmations.blogst.com/

~ Tabletop Tuesday with Marti
@ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

*~ The 38th, 'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday', with Wanda Lee and Pam @
http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/
and http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/


Other favorite memes:

~Tablescape Thursday with Susan
@ http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

~ Foodie Friday with Michael
@ http://www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

~Sunday Favorites with Chari
@ http://happytodesign.blogspot.com/


Cheers and hugs from Pam and Wanda Lee; ( Wanda Lee is the other half of our weekly blog tea party meme; 'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday' @ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com

Winds of Change

“Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction”

T hank you for dropping by today.  Its a perfect day to ”nest” and savour the aroma and warmth of a steamy brew with a heart-warming chat .


C old! Artic, bone chilling cold.


W indy! A wind so strong that it ensures its frigid fingers


grasp your very essence.


C old! Windy!  The wind is a fierce force of nature today. I can hear the


roar of each gust, echo in the ravine outside my home.  As I watch the


cardinals perched on the barren branches, dancing hither and yon I


too feel an unsettling in my soul.


E ach day this week has brought its challenges and with that, decisions on


what direction our lives should take.  With an eye to the future, and its


uncertainties, I am trying to look at it, as opportunties, with positive


possiblities.   I suspect, if God wasn’t blowing change into my world, I


wouldn’t even take a glance outside my comfy circumstances any other


way or embrace the idea of change.

I would like to share a recipe for soup that my family enjoys on cold days, like today.
 
 

RIB STICKIN' BEAN & BARLEY SOUP

 

1  TBSP  olive oil

2             large carrots,  sliced

2             stalks celery, sliced

1             large onion, chopped

1 BOX     (900mL)    Campbell's Ready to Use Organic Vegetable Broth

1 CAN     (19 oz/540mL) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

2 CUPS    diced plum tomatoes, fresh or canned with liquid

1/4 CUP   nucooked pearl barley

2 CUPS    firmly packed chopped fresh spinach leaves, washed

Ground pepper, garlic, your favorite herbs to taste

 

1.   Heat oil in large saucepan, over medium-high heat.  Add the carrots, celery and onion, fresh garlic.      Cook and stir until vegies are tender.

2.   Stir in broth, beans, tomatoes and barley.  Heat to a boil.  Reduce heat to low.  Cover and cook for  30 minutes or until the barley is tender.

3.   Stir in spinach and seasonings to taste .  Cook until spinach is tender.

 

I have used Campbell's Chicken Ready to Use Broth and added leftover chicken or turkey, as well.

 

 

W hat better way to serve a piping hot soup than in pretty cafe au lait cups that a friend gifted me with.

 

Photo credit "Cardinal in Snow Storm" by Jayne

Tuesday Tea for Two

Thank you once again to Silken Purse www.plumedpen.blogspot for inviting me to tea. Lovely to be back and I hope you enjoy your time and tea with me.


Twice Baked Apple Crisp With a Cup of Tea


I t was a splendid autumn day. The air was crisp like the apples we were about to pick and the sun that had ripened them felt warm while the strong wind blew heartily. We were protected in the shelter of the rows of trees in the apple orchard. We were together, each with his own basket to fill with our choice of apples.

L ater in the kitchen with mountains of apples, each of us took his or her station and the fun began. The apples were peeled, sliced, and gathered into several bowls waiting for their deployment into either pie crusts or casseroles. The appropriate toppings were set aside. By the time the last core was tossed there were 3 apple pies and 4 apple crisps and some very hungry workers. The rest of the meal was completed as our “just desserts” were baking.

I t was a great feast. The turkey was proclaimed to be the best of my accomplishments to date,(thanks to Martha’s recipe) potatoes fluffy and buttery and the desserts grand! As we reclined, our appetites satisfied and us feeling satisfied with ourselves, I could smell something burning. When I entered the kitchen what did I find but an unattended apple crisp with a rather charcoal-ly extra crisp topping. Such horror and disappointment!

W ell, I just could not throw out all our hard work!! I popped it all in the fridge and wondered what to do. The next day, I knew what had to be done! Gingerly, I dissected the black topping from the still juicy apples. Then I mixed up a new batch of topping, spread it evenly onto parchment paper and baked it for 10 -12 minutes at 350 F and before it cooled placed it on top of the already baked apples that had come to room temperature.. Then I slowly re-warmed the apple crisp. Twice Baked Apple Crisp!! Yummy the second time around! Just add a cup of tea and some ice cream.

L ife can be a little like that don’t you think? Burnt toppings of our human frailties can be redeemed by God’s grace and change our lives back into something sweet.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

T ip:
My best pastry recipe: A trip to the Mennonite market an hour away from our house and buy their fresh pastry shells, store in the freezer until I want to spoil my loved ones. Perfect pie crust every time!

"Count Your Blessings One By One"

M y dear friend, Silken Purse, has encouraged me to resume my blogging. I love to read her blog. She composes with an artistic flair and passion that you get a glimpse of her beautiful spirit and her designs are truly whimsical and romantic. So I will take inspiration from her creativity and passion and commit some time to writing at least once a week.


T his week I have decided to combine two themes from http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ -"Tuesday Tea for Two" and from http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/ - "Thankful Thursdays". With Thanksgiving only a few days away it only seems appropriate to be thinking about what I am thankful for. Life is full of wonderful things and may I say, small miracles if you look for them. I invite you to join in the fun!

I am thankful for:

1. God’s unending grace in my life
2. Opportunities that challenge me to give my utmost
3. The smell of fragrant tea steeping
4. The warmth my hands feel holding a cup of tea on a cool autumn day
5. Friends that share a cup of tea with me, and warm my heart
6. I am thankful for the many friendships as unique as my teacups and always room for more
7. I am thankful for the many colours of each season that Nature brings
8. I am thankful for my family, with their big hearts and all of their wonderful quirks
9. I am thankful for the good health we are blessed with
10. I am thankful for each new day, so that I may see and experience God’s blessings as I try to walk with Him.

M y creative contribution is my centre piece for the dining room table. My life has been overflowing with projects of late, but I always can find the time to set the table according to the season. My friends are curious, when they come for tea to see what I have come up with next. I love to draw my inspiration from events that happen is my life.

W e were at a wedding a couple of weeks ago and the bridesmaids’ bouquets of autumnal flowers were edged with feathers. Very unique but understated and elegant. I loved the look! So when I arranged my silk flowers in a cream pitcher I added 3 feathers for interest and dimension.

T ake a moment to "count your blessings one by one". You'll feel the richer in spirit for it.

Tuesday Tea for Two

M ay I intoduce my dear friend at http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com. Share a cup of tea and maybe a sweet treat and enjoy her creativity with her artwork in "Romantic Surrealism". Then take a moment to travel to her other blogs. http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com. You will be thrilled to see all of it.

Its More Than Just a "Thank You"

Its More Than Just a Thank You

H ave you been to a friend’s for a cup of tea or perhaps dinner recently? When the evening was done and you said your good byes, did you say, “Thank you” ? Most probably you did, automatically. The words are spoken and accepted in mere moments. How can we express our gratitude with a longer lasting impression?

M ay I suggest an email or a quick phone call the next day. It says more because you have taken the time, our most precious gift, to say thank you, in a sincere way. But a very powerful and tangible way to communicate is through a card; purchased or hand-crafted with a hand-written note. Taking the time to put pen to paper is a fading tradition, but it says so much more. “ I enjoyed our time together”. “You always make me feel welcome”. “I love your cooking”. “Thank you for your interest in me and my family”. “ You are a special friend”.

T he note need not be long. You may want to thank your host for the time shared from a busy schedule or a special food prepared. Highlighting one thing that you appreciated is …….the message. You may be in a c o l o u r f u l mood and chose ink to reflect that, or sophisticated
and use gold or silver ink and it makes the task more f u n. Being a thoughtful guest is just as important as being a thoughtful host.

I f you are so inclined you can add a personalized touch to the envelope, simply by purchasing the collectors' stamps from the post office. They aren’t more expensive, just unique. Maybe, add a doodle or a sticker on the back of the envelope or a wax seal. I have purchased stamps with silver initials at the Dollar Store to add to my envelopes.

R emembering my motto, "K-I-S-S," keep it stylish and simple”. Of course that is your style, which is perfect.