A Tea Tree Grows in Michigan

Imagine a Camillia sinensis plant growing in Michigan! Light of Day Tea has made it happen - and this company truly works its magic in many other ways to delight tea drinkers everywhere.

On November 22, BTS participated in Light of Day's Tea Tasting at the Dennos Museum in Traverse City. On a beautiful sunny day on the bay, we sampled 16 different teas in rapid succession as Angela Macke, owner and educator extraordinaire, guided us through a variety of blacks, greens, oolongs, whites and tisanes. Many of the ingredients come from LOD's farm, on the outer limits of the Cherry Capital.

As we slurped (yes, slurping's encouraged, it actually improves your tasting sensibilities) our delicious hot liquids, Angela provided narrative on how best to brew each tea and what occasions they might be optimally utilized. Joined by Bob's - self-professed "Matcha-Matcha Man" - entertaining commentary, Angela kept us on track serving tea after delicious tea.

In our last blog entry featuring LOD, we noted that Angela procures Fair Trade tea only. Ingredients from her farm are organic, packaging is made in the USA and labels created locally. With all this combined, you can taste the quality and care that goes into these products. We're feeling the "love" that LOD puts in every container.

At the most recent tea tasting that BTS held for a private home in Birmingham, Creamy Earl Grey was an instant success as it is in my home. But, now I have some new favorites. Coffee Convert is a treat for those of us who sway to the "dark side" now and then, but, now we can leave the bitterness of the java behind. For those who love mint - and I do - the Mitten-time Mint is another delight. And, LOD's Green teas are not laden with that heavy grassy taste - all smooth, mild and ever so satisfying.

With so many to choose from, it will be difficult to decide which teas to put in my Christmas stocking this year. With teas like "Bun in the Oven" and "In the Mood?" you will surely find just the right blend for the tea enthusiasts on your holiday list.

Barb's TEA Shop gives another two "green thumbs" up to Light of Day Organics Tea Company.

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

ps - don't forget, BTS can bring a tea tasting to your home, office, church, library, museum or other fun venues. Email us at Barb@barbsteashop.com or call us at 248-840-4356 and schedule yours today!

Let Russell Hobbs Warm Your Holidays and Your Tea

Hello TEA Friends,

Russell Hobbs became my new best friend last spring when my husband, Chris, bought me the "tea tray" set for my birthday. Chris, who is always on the lookout for a new tea gadget saw this as being my new necessity - and he was so right. (It's wonderful when you are married to your own R & D Department).

Now, in my extensive research (i.e., Wikipedia), I found that Russell Hobbs, was, in fact, comprised of two different people: William Russell and Peter Hobbs. Both natives of England, they combined their talents to bring us the first electric percolator in 1952.

Previously working for the same small appliance company, they launched their own business which subsequently made other innovative products including electric kettles, food processors and microwaves. Reportedly, Russel's unorthodox method of safety testing for any new product was to pour half a pint of boiling gravy on it. (I find this bit of information both alarms me and makes me hungry.)

But, back to our purpose here. The Russell Hobbs kettle/carafe set is a convenient way to brew your loose tea. For those of you who already own an electric tea kettle, you know the speed is a "perk" you enjoy. But, this set also features a tea pot with a removable tea infuser. Just put your tea leaves in the elongated mesh basket, pour your quickly-heated hot water into the carafe and you are ready to brew. After you've steeped the leaves according to taste, remove the infuser and then flip the small button below. This sets of the warming plate below the carafe so your tea stays warm until you're ready to pour the next round.

There are a few minor negatives, however. The tea infuser's plastic handle is a bit flimsy and falls off occasionally. And, unlike a tea cozy, which is more aesthetically pleasing, and offers you warming capabilities wherever you are, with the Russell Hobbs you're confined to the kitchen counter and as far as your plug will reach.

Otherwise, this is a 2009 must have. I see they are going on sale at Macy's this week. Purchase now and you'll be ready to serve tea to your Thanksgiving guests. . . but, I recommend leaving the gravy in the serving dish.

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

Tea Merchandise in time for the Holidays!

Just in time for the holidays, Elmwood Inn teas and books have arrived at Barb's TEA Shop! Start (or complete!) all your shopping with BTS' great selection of fine tea gifts.

We now carry Elmwood Inn fine teas (loose and bags). How about the delightful "Christmas in a Cup" tea, warm and inviting with a touch of cinnamon to "spice" up your holidays! Nicely packaged in a red label, why not pair up with Serenity Green tea, to add a bit of traditional color to your table!

We also have a full-line of beautifully photographed books by Bruce and Shelley Richardson (see "Celebri-Teas blog entry). The pages are filled with original and tasty recipes from their years of running their successful tea room at the Inn. The Elmwood Inn book series are autographed by the Richardson's. Buy one or all three. What a special gift that would make.

For those who love to travel, consider one of Bruce Richardson's "Great Tea Rooms" books. We have "The Great Tea Rooms of America" and "The Great Tea Rooms of Britain". We also have the "Tea in the City" series which feature London, Paris and New York. The tea-lover on your list will enjoy charting their next tea excursion with these fun guides.

In addition, BTS is the exclusive carrier in the local area for "Civiltea" - a delightful black tea made specifically by Harney Tea for Tea Etiquette Consultants of the Protocol School of Washington.

BTS also offers tea steepers in fun shapes and sizes and convenient T-sacs for loose tea in-the-pot brewing.

Finally, don't forget we offer another exclusive line of unique, hand-crafted tea cozies in traditional and contemporary designs that will fit small, medium and large teapots.

While our e-store is under new construction, please contact Barb's TEA shop at barb@barbsteashop.com or call us at 248-840-4356 for ordering and pricing. Our mission is to provide you with quality products and great prices!

Ginger's Tea Room: Add a Little "Spice" to Tea Time

Ginger's Cafe and Gourmet Shoppe is full of surprises, not the least is its location. On a busy section of Grand River, in Farmington, a charming yellow-sided Victorian home, framed in brown trim, stands proud, if not somewhat out of place, between a mini strip mall and a construction zone. But, once you climb the steps of the wrap-around porch and enter the main lobby, you can feel the third millennium peeling away.

My daughter and fellow tea-enthusiast, Rachel, and I were seated in the back dining room. Our table, situated next to the french doors, had a wonderful view of the beautifully landscaped yard with a quaint gazebo, center stage. Our waitress, Laura, was immediately at our service with tea suggestions to start us out. We were given the option of hearing the list of teas or having her bring out samples of loose tea to get personally acquainted with. After hearing a few of the offerings, we were quick to ask for the one-on-one introduction.

Laura brought a tray with about a dozen teas in small, palm-sized containers and after inspecting and sniffing, we decided to start with an afternoon tea favorite, earl grey and, then, perhaps, work our way to one of the tempting flavored teas.

After combing through the menu, and without much deliberation, we opted for the afternoon tea. All the tasty treats and sandwiches are made on-site and all were delicious. Presentation is not overlooked and everything was served on Lenox's butterfly meadow china - as dainty and whimsical as the restaurant itself.

We started with the scones and cream and homemade marmalade, the latter of which Rachel found to be her new favorite condiment. We had a variety of small sandwiches and then the meal was topped off with four miniature pastries. We sipped and chatted for an hour plus. Laura was always nearby to answer any questions or provide commentary on the food, the tea and even the restaurant itself.

As we were wrapping up our afternoon tea, Laura offered to give us a tour of the house, including a walk on the grounds. The tearoom has a number of dining areas with interesting views of not only the side yard, but brightly colored and enchanting murals (the back wall features a peacock with emerald green feathers!).

With a parlor and an upstairs, Ginger's Cafe has many different sized-rooms for groups large or small. There is a place to accommodate any need, be it meeting, book club, or red-hat group.

Barb's TEA Shop gives Ginger's an enthusiastic, two gloved thumbs up!

We Have a WINNER!

Thank you to all who responded to our First Ever Barb's TEA Shop Blog Contest. Our winner is Dawn A. from Michigan! Congrats to Dawn!

Our unscientific poll of favorite tea revealed Earl Grey was the overwhelming tea of choice. Interesting. . . just like the Queen of England!

We had so much fun with our contest, we're going to run another very soon. Keep "tuning in" for details.

And, to reward all who sent their name in for this drawing, and didn't win, we're going to keep your name in for the second drawing and you can still enter again! You will increase your odds at winning the next contest.

Dawn, we hope you enjoy your new Elmwood Inn tea book!

And, as you know, all tea drinkers are winners. . . an Earl Grey tea toast to all.

Barb

Barb's TEA Shop Contest - EASY and FUN!

Barb's TEA Shop is sponsoring its first ever CONTEST and it's so SIMPLE!! Send an email to barb@barbsteashop.com with your name and your favorite tea. BTS will select one winner at random to receive a new, autographed copy of Bruce Richardson's, "A Year of Teas at the Elmwood Inn", a retail value of $19.95. (Remember we sell the whole Elmwood Inn series here - watch for some super deals coming soon, just in time for the holidays!)

All entries must be emailed before noon EST on October 1, 2009. BTS will identify and notify the winner on the evening of October 1, 2009. (One entry per person, please).

We'll post the winner and tally up the favorite teas, too.

Hurry ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT!!

Julie & Julia & Barb. . .and Joni, Annabelle and Rachel

Contest Details in Bold (at the bottom of the page)

Watching the movie “Julie and Julia” last weekend with my gal pals, I was more than just a spectator in the movie theatre with a torn ticket in my pocket and a box of thin mints on my lap; I was right there with Julie, seeing her as my inspirational guide and friend, cheering her on as she high-fived a co-worker when her blog reached record hits. I clutched the cupholder arms of my seat as a surrogate, reassuring hug to Julie as she sunk to depths of disappointment when a meeting with a reporter was literally rained out. Our connection was real – a fellow writer finding her way in life. As she felt a sisterhood with Julia

Child, I felt the same with Julie.

However, unlike the famed author who never met Julia, I did meet Julie Powell in person back in July of this year. Forget the fact that there were a hundred or so people with us at the bookstore. Julie was talking directly to me, her fellow blogger, as she discussed her adventures with her husband, Eric, and the excitement of meeting actor, Stanley Tucci. Ever engaging, she personally signed my books: one for me and one for my friend, Joni. I cherish what she wrote on the title page of my mini-tome: “To Barb – many successes in the tea business!” (While you ignore the hundred or so people that were around me, please also disregard the fact that Julie was willing to sign the book with any inscription you requested.)

So, seeing the movie on Sunday was a bit of reunion for Julie and me as I introduced her to Joni, an award-winning writer in her own right, (who Julie – with the help of a prewritten post-a-note tagged to her title page - described as an “entertainer extraordinaire”) and our college sophomore daughters: Annabelle and Rachel. It was another sisterhood connection at its finest.

It was a fitting occasion for “all” of us to get together. Rachel and Annabelle were starting their second week of their second year at Michigan State University and Joni and I were going up for a mother/daughter(/ethereal mentor) afternoon.

After sharing two hours of tears and laughter with Julie and Julia, we drove to the nearby Claddagh Pub, an Irish restaurant with outdoor seating, for our late afternoon repast and rehash. Sipping Irish Breakfast tea and supping on soup and salad, we talked about Julie and Julia as though they were right there at our table, extending one of their forks into our shared bread pudding dessert.

Back at home, I'm once again faced with that empty house feeling, now that the kids are all gone and it's just Chris and me and the dogs, but this afternoon it felt a little more occupied. As I sat at my computer and fired up the blogspot, Julie was there with me, urging me on, like Julia did to her when she created the 500th recipe. You can do it, she says to me, and you are not alone!

And, like Julie, I am thrilled with "my readers". I, too, think of them as friends and hope not to disappoint. Even though it's me tapping at the keyboard, I always view a blog as a dialogue. (By the way, you're a very good listener.)

So, in the spirit of thanking not only those that inspire, but those who hear you out, share a comment, send an email, follow a tweet or make a call, Barb's TEA Shop is sponsoring a CONTEST. Send an email to barb@barbsteashop.com with your name and your favorite tea. BTS will select one winner at random to receive a new, autographed copy of Bruce Richardson's, "A Year of Teas at the Elmwood Inn", a retail value of $19.95. (Remember we sell the whole Elmwood Inn series here - watch for some super deals coming soon, just in time for the holidays!)

All entries must be emailed before noon EST on October 1, 2009. BTS will identify and notify the winner on the evening of October 1, 2009. (One entry per person, please).

We'll post the winner and tally up the favorite teas, too.

Note to readers: this copy is already autographed by Bruce Richardson. No additional post-a-notes with this book. : )

And so, to all my fellow tea enthusiasts, an Irish Breakfast tea toast to mentors, autographed books, and good friends. Look forward to hearing from you soon. . .

Barb

Barbara Gulley

Barb's TEA Shop

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