Spot of Tea

Tea and Comfort

First day of "spring break" for the kids, meaning no school.  So after work today we spent time outside playing then headed inside for tea.  Used the end of my Christmas Tea from Murchies today.  It smells so yummy - oranges, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamon.  Rosy cheeked children, a steaming pot of tea and some cuddle time on the couch.  A lovely start to spring.  It is a bit chilly out still, but it is supposed to get warm, like 70's or so, yet this week.

Started reading a new book, when I have a sliver of time here or there.  "The Secret of Excalibur" is by Andy McDermott.  The first few chapters have been interesting enough to keep me reading it at least.  The kids and I are finishing up "The Wind in the Willows" and then we'll start "Alice in Wonderland".  DD has been reading a bunch of her books to DS while we are relaxing during snack time and as part of bed time.  So fun to watch.  Just love that they will sit next to each other and read.

The things that bring me comfort.  Tea and reading.  I can count on these things to help me relax when life is crazy, or the kids have been out of control, or I'm stressed out, or anytime I need some peace and quiet.  And on that note ... I'm going to make a cup of tea, grab my book and settle in for a little reading before heading to sleep.

Forgotten Treasure

So, I've been on this "simplifying" or "organizing" trip lately.  I've been sorting, purging and basically getting rid of things I don't need, want or have room for.  Most of the stuff is being donated, a bit I'm going to sell but I have come across a few treasures that I just can't let go of.  I found scattered among my scrapping/paper crafting and home decorating magazines various issues of my all time favorite magazine - "Victoria".  I think I have almost every issue from the original version and all of the latest one.   

I spent an hour this afternoon with a pot of tea while rereading and looking through a couple of issues.  It was like sitting and chatting with a dear friend in a comfy, cozy setting.  Love the gorgeous photos, lovely stories and mouth watering recipes.  Even the ads in these magazines are beautiful.  I got super crazy inspired just from the short time browsing through just those few issues.  Can't wait to get busy creating.

DD lost one of her upper front teeth today during her ride home from school on the bus.  She has been going on and on for the last few days about how she needs to lose this tooth.  And now it has finally happened.  She is so excited.  She had to call DH at work to let him know.  And she can't wait to tell her teacher because she'll get a certificate and special treat.

Never Dull

Life is never dull around here what with family, a full-time job, a part-time job, scrappin' and just everyday stuff.  I like to be "busy" but I'm thinking that I might need to slow down a little so I can enjoy more family time and all that everyday type stuff.  I didn't get to go to a surprise birthday party, a wedding, or a baby shower this weekend because of all the other stuff (including working both jobs) that was on schedule.

I'm participating in a little challenge on the 2Peas Pub message board.  There is a group of us that are going to cut way back on our scrappin' budgets.  See THIS post for the full info.  Gonna need lots of support for this since I always want all the new stuff that comes into Memory Lane.  But if I can stick to it that will mean a really nice cushion for the Christmas budget.

It is only ** 5 ** days until the Michigan Crop at The Zone.  I can't wait, it will be my first time to meet some of the 2Peas Pubsters.  I'm making some embellishments for the embellishment swap with a technique I learned at one of Memory Lane's Technique Tuesdays classes.  Can't wait until Saturday.

Time for a Cuppa

Heard some good news today.  One of the ladies I met through an online tea group finally managed to let the group know that she is okay.  She and her family made it through Hurricane Katrina safely, house okay and even though no phone or electric they do have water.  Thank God!!

I am ready to have a cup of tea, in celebration and thanksgiving.  And since it is 'tea time' I am going to take a small break and enjoy my cup of Harney & Sons Tea, either Chocolate or Winter White Earl Grey.

Tea Party

My first "tea party" of the summer has come and gone.  It wasn't what I had originally planned but was a nice party all the same.  I was originally going to have an "Afternoon Among the Flowers" Afternoon Tea party with around 10 guests on my back patio.  The menu would have been a lovely selection of typical afternoon tea fare; yummy tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, delicious miniature sweet confections, a variety of hot teas, iced tea and for the non-tea drinkers lemonade.  The decor would have been fresh flowers on the tables, potted flowers on the patio and my blooming garden around the patio.  Lovely rose covered china and rose embossed utensils would have adorned the white linen covered tables.  A lovely, elegant setting for a delightful afternoon among flowers and friends.

But instead we had a casual, fun, easy-going setting and menu for a housewarming party at my brother's.  We had tea sandwiches, scones, miniature sweets and tea but we also had hotdogs, birthday cake and beer.  There was swimming for the little ones and air conditioned comfort for the older among us.  I think this is why I love tea parties; they can be whatever we want them to be.  A frilly, lacy, more formal get together or a fun, frollicing, playful get together.  Whatever we choose.  Needless to say, fun was had by all.

Some of the teas I served for this party included: Hot Cinnamon Spice from Harney & Sons Fine Tea, China Keemun from Stash Tea, Pu-Erh Tau Cha from Upton Tea Imports and Library Tea from Murchie's Tea & Coffee Ltd.