Barb's Tea Shop

Barb's TEA Shop's In Out List for 2012: Don't risk falling victim to antediluvian fashions

2012-01-07T11:53:00.009-05:00

It's that time again: the new year when we all get a chance to start anew. Every January, we're given the opportunity to set new goals and purge the negativity. It's also a time to get up-to-date on current trends and avoid falling into the rut of following old fashions.

Barb's TEA Shop, presents our second annual In/Out list of (mostly) tea-related trends. In 2011, we traveled to England (London, Winchester and Chawton, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Massillon, Ohio and all over our home state of Michigan to uncover only the latest in fashions, events and happenings for 2012.

We owe much of our inspiration to Wayne State Honor's College, featured in this week's Detroit Free Press, which has a list of their own. In response to "Lake Superior State College's List of Banished Words" (this year's list included "man cave" and "ginormous"), my alma matter came up with a group of words they would like to reintroduce to our everyday lexicon.

(We've provide links to past articles, primarily from Barb's TEA Shop blog and The Detroit Tea Examiner, but there are a few other sources included.)

Barb's TEA Shop's What's In/What's Out List in the World of Tea for 2012

In ..................................................................................Out

Afternoon tea at Kensington Palace................................Valentine's dinner at White Castle, unless you can handle the supercilious looks you'll get from the one percent.

Downton Abbey, Edwardian serial drama on PBS......The execrable Kardashian family drama on E!

The wedding of Kate Middleton & Prince William...........The divorce of Kim Kardashian & erstwhile husband of 72 days, Chris Humphries

Wide brimmed hats and tiaras.......................................Fascinators, unless you are from Whoville, although we applaud fashionistas' Sisyphean efforts to try and bring them back to favor again this year with the ill-fated assistance of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Jane Austen novels.......................................................Stephenie Meyers and all vampires who dare transmogrify classic lit again.

Jane Austen tea..................................................... ...... sensational assertions of parlous additives to medicine, by one crime writer, which may have caused of Jane Austen's death.

Irish tea, Irish tearooms and Irish shops.......................waiting for St. Patrick's Day to enjoy. Prolong the Emerald Isle frisson you experience on March 17th and partake in Irish delights throughout the year.

Aprons and pearls (Mrs. Cleaver) .........................Animal prints and fake tans (Snooki) Aprons and pearls don't need to be combined, nor do they necessitate truckling to domesticity, they're just classic accessories that beat out ginormous hoop earrings and orange bronzer.

Penultimate on our list is only "in": Jane Pettigrew's tea talks and books.

Tablescapes...................................................................White Castle outside the castle. A dining experience without a proper setting is downright antediluvian. If one's table doesn't have a theme, a centerpiece, fanciful dishes and an assortment of creatively garnished food, you might as well cook your dinner over an open fire and have your guests eat their turkey legs with their hands.

And, with that, we're off! The new year has started and we wish everyone all good wishes in future tea endeavors.

One last affirmation, just to validate what all you tea enthusiasts already know, in The Detroit News In Out List, published December 30, 2011, tea was "in".

Happy New Year to All!

Get ready for Holiday Tablescapes!

2011-11-20T18:11:00.007-05:00

The holidays are here and I'm looking forward to one of my favorite activities of the season - decorating the dining table. To me, the feast isn't the same unless the table is set with colorful linens, amusing napkin rings, fine china and an eye-catching centerpiece, all displayed in a coordinated theme.

This is why I am so excited to be going to Blumz in Ferndale next month for their class, "Setting the Holiday Table . . . with Style!" This more-than-a-floral shop's event will have the professionals demonstrating creative napkin folding and fresh new ways to accessorize your table.

I've always found table settings fascinating. Even back in junior high, in my home economics class (so long ago, it was before boys could join us, so any future Emerils or Wolfgang Pucks were sadly stuck in shop class), I always volunteered to arrange the plates and silverware. I seriously don't remember what grade I received in meal preparation, but I do fondly recall my teacher inspecting a few of our final products and remarking, "I can tell Barbara set the table". At the age of 12, I could think of receiving no higher praise.

A little out there? Maybe. But, the interest in table settings never waned. Over the years, I have accumulated many unique serving pieces and always with the purpose of creating another festive dining tableau. When I first heard Sandra Lee, of the Food Network, describe her latest assembly of dishes, glasses, linens and themed-accessories as a "tablescape", I knew my somewhat unusual fascination had a name. . . and, even better, I was not alone!

That's one of the things that led me to afternoon tea. I love a table filled with polished silver, teapots, lace and candles. I can even forgive a less than spectacularly tasting meal, if the table setting from which we are eating is worthy of a photograph. Fortunately, I married a man who is a gourmet cook and so our friends and family don't have to suffer a poorly cooked meal at the expense of a fancy tablescape.

Today, the fun began. I went out and bought a new tablecloth for Thanksgiving Day dinner. With a gold leaf pattern on an amber-hued silk backdrop, I searched my china cabinet for plates and cups that will serve this festive covering. I'm also reworking a pumpkin centerpiece from last month into a harvest-themed focal point.

But, as you can see from my picture, I've only just started. This year, I need some new inspiration and I know I'll find it at Blumz! You should come, too. Send me an email if you are going and I'll look to see you there.

For more information, see the Blumz website. Here's date and time:

PRE-REGISTRATION Required by 12/11/2011Reserve Tickets In advance: $10.00 DONATION ea OR Bring 3 or more Canned Food Items for a local food bank Pay at the door: $25.00 Date - Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011Time - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Location - Blumz... Ferndale,503 E. Nine Mile Road

The Irish Tea Room in Niagara-on-the-Lake: Warm, inviting and delicious!

2011-10-23T20:36:00.017-04:00

Niagara-on-the-Lake is well known for its Shaw festival and many picturesque vineyards, but for those looking for a great cup of tea and delicious food with an Irish flair, the Irish Tea Room, on the town’s main street, is a must-stop destination.

Last month, my husband and I stayed overnight at NOTL on the way back from our cousin’s wedding. We had had many testimonials from family and friends (including said cousin) that this was a destination worth seeing, especially for those of us who are patrons of the arts and wines. But, through the internet, I also found there was a tea room downtown and from reviews and pictures, I knew that it would fit in nicely between the galleries and the vineyards.

With an early start and a hearty breakfast, we traveled the Lake Ontario shoreline and stopped at a half a dozen wineries. There is a distinctive taste to the Niagara-produced wine that I found I really liked. In fact, it was much like the comfortable fall day we were there - cool and crisp with just the right amount of zing.

But, I digress. . . after the self-directed winery tour, we drove to town and found The Irish Tea Room in the back of the Irish Design store on Queen street, the town's main avenue. The tea room's lace curtains, hardwood floors and shelves stocked with goodies make guests feel immediately at home and comfortable.

We met owner, Pat Henry, who is as warm and charming as her tea room. Originally from Ireland, she came to the America over twenty years ago. A degree in culinary arts and many years of catering experience, her dream of opening up her own tea room came seven years ago with the Irish Tea Room. Everything in the store is made on the premises. Pat told us, with a smile, "I make everything served here but the dishes".

We sampled the tea rooms scones which were amazing - perfect blend of delicious taste and light consistency - not to mention that the portions are extremely generous.We paired it off with a simply wonderful cup of Earl Grey although there's more than tea to choose from. The menu offers a wide range of beverages, including gourmet hot chocolate, specialty coffees and even a selection of the region's fine wines

Aside from scones, the tea room offers a wide variety of tea fare, including Guinness Steak Pie and Irish Whiskey Cake. In addition, the Irish Tea Room sells its own brand of packaged scone mix. We, of course, purchased a few to take back with us to go with our box of Barry teas - and a few Niagara wines we had purchased earlier in the day.

To learn more about this delightful tea room in NOTL,continue reading The Detroit Examiner.com Irish Tea Time in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Cheers to weddings, mini-vacations, and charming Irish tea rooms!

Tea Travels North of the Border: weddings, chocolate, shopping and lots of tea in Canada

2011-10-09T20:25:00.021-04:00

While still sorting out photos and mementos from tea travels in London this past July, we set out on another international tea-filled trip, although this time, not quite so far away. Heading north of the border, my husband, Chris, and I drove from Detroit to Kingston, Ontario two weeks ago for our cousin's wedding. This mini-vacation combined all my favorite things: family, friends, weddings, vineyards, shopping, tea rooms, and, of course, lots and lots of tea.

Saturday morning - the day of the wedding - we went to the Farmer's Market in downtown Kingston. Lucky for us, Cha Cha Tea was in attendance and we were treated to a sample some of their delicious green tea. The good folks from this Kingston tea store prepared matcha tea in the traditional fashion,whipping it into a frothy lime green concoction with a bamboo whisk.

From the open air market, we walked down Brock Street to Cooke's Fine Foods. In business since 1865, this store offers a great selection of gourmet foods, coffees and teas in charming vintage Victorian decor. We were so transfixed on their shelves of tea, we totally ignored another cousin who had, unbeknownst to us, entered Cooke's around the same time we did. After apologies erupted and, as quickly, graciously accepted, we moved next to the candy area. Here we found another tea treasure: Roger's "High Tea" chocolate bar.
Another Canadian treasure, Roger's Chocolate began in the back of Charles "Candy" Rogers' grocery store in 1885 in Victoria, British Columbia. Today, with their own master chocolatier, they continue to create new and tastey chocolate treats. I'm not sure who to credit the High Tea chocolate bar to, but it successfully combines the very sweet taste of chocolate with the bold flavor of black tea. It also proved to be a great emergency snack on the way home as we experienced the familiar traffic slowdowns through Toronto on the Canadian autobahn, the 401.

Our cousin's wedding on Saturday night was what you hope for all weddings: it was beautiful and filled with joy. And, this union joined not only bride and groom, but a blended family of five daughters. The genuine affection of the family was so touching, I found I was, once again, outfitted with an inadequate amount of tissues.
The next day, the newly married couple invited us all to their home for a lunch buffet. Our hostess served us tea in generous-sized mugs, which inspired a "tea-scape", an abbreviated tablescape (top right). The tea was as warm and inviting as our hosts and we are so happy for them - and for the chance to have been a part of this big event.

Fortified with tea and munchies, we started back home, but with a slight detour to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Well known for its Shaw-themed theaters and abundance of wineries, we'd been interested in checking this place out for some time. I can tell you, we weren't disappointed. Our next blog will feature an amazing tea room we found on the main street of NOTL. Keeping with our international theme, we were back across the pond while still at our neighbor-to-the-north. And, still drinking lots and lots of tea!

Jane Austen House in Chawton and tea at Cassandra's Cup

2011-09-05T14:58:00.045-04:00

I am experiencing much felicity this afternoon as I ruminate on my journey to London a little more than a fortnight (times two!) ago. It was a trip designed to experience all that was tea and all that was Jane Austen and, I tell you dear reader, it was all that and more!

Yes, it is so, that in only a few days’ time this past July, equipped with merely a Frommer’s travel guide, a few folded up emails with directions, a daughter with a tremendous ability to navigate uncharted territory and a debit card ready for action, I embarked on visiting the Austen sites that comprise the dreams of any serious Janeite. On the “hit list” was Jane’s home in Chawton, Winchester (to see the cathedral where she is buried and the place of her last residence) and, once back in London, the original Twinings tea store, where Jane, herself, bought tea.

Heating up the kettle for tea in the Austen kitchen

Starting our journey from our hotel in the Marylebone section of London, it was trains, subways and buses to get to Chawton. A one-hour train ride takes you from London to Winchester, but that’s just the first leg. From Winchester to Chawton, you take a thirty minute bus ride to the English countryside. The bus stop where we were dropped off is on a country road bordered by open fields which give little indication that the home of one of the greatest novel writers in history is less than a ten minute walk away. There were no flashing signs or souvenir shops to dot the pathway to our destination, but, somehow that seemed fitting. It doesn’t take much to imagine you are back two hundred years ago, heading back home after long walk to take in a good meal and a hot cup of tea.

Rachel was invited to play the piano forte in the Austen parlor

Where Jane liked to write (top photo). If she had had access to the internet, this is where she would have composed her blog.

And after visiting the Jane Austen House, we did just that: we had lunch at Cassandra's Cup, a bright and cozy tea room across the street. My daughter chose comfort food in the form of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, but I rarely pass up the opportunity to have afternoon tea fare when it's on the menu. I had a tasty salmon sandwich and we both shared a pot of Earl Grey. It felt like we were in the comfortable kitchen of Jane's neighbor.

Ceiling of Cassandra's Cup tea room

Once restored with a fitting meal, we used that energy to pay one more visit to the Jane Austen House to engage in some fine souvenir shopping at the gift shop. It is here where we subscribed to the Jane Austen diet. Ah, yes, dear reader, we shed many pounds in that enticing store. (I ask, can one truly have too many Jane Austen mugs – especially when one commemorates the 200th anniversary of Sense and Sensibility? I think not!)

It was the start of the first of our Austen sites and a very good one, indeed.

London trip starts with afternoon tea at Brown's Hotel

2011-08-07T11:54:00.013-04:00

This afternoon I am sitting down with a cup of the Brown's Hotel's custom blend afternoon tea. The hotel sends each guest off with a small cellophane package, labeled with their signature "B" on the front, filled with enough loose tea for two generous cups to have at home and - in our case - savor the memories of a week in England doing all things tea and Jane Austen.

Last month, my daughter, Rachel, and I crossed the pond for a visit to London. Rachel is attending Regents College for six weeks as part of Michigan State's study abroad program and it seemed a good opportunity to work in a mom/daughter mini-vacation before classes started.

Thanks to some intense pre-planning, suggestions and advice from friends and Rachel's quick grasp of navigating trains, buses and the underground (and, equally important, a good sense of humor), we hit just about everything on my wish list in less than a week's time, including three afternoon teas, two Jane Austen homes, a cathedral, a palace, and, the first Twinings tea shop on the Strand.

First stop was the Brown's Hotel. The dining room, with its dark wood paneled walls and fireplace, along with melodious tunes coming from the grand piano, lets guests know this is the very tradition of afternoon tea.

Starting off with our own silver tea pots with our personal selections (I chose Brown's Afternoon Blend, as noted above), our three-tiered tray of sweets and savories soon followed. The tea sandwiches and scones were delicious and the pastries were almost too beautiful to eat.

As one who enjoys a unbalanced dessert-to-meal ratio (more sweets than savories), the Brown's Hotel did not disappoint. After our three-tiered tray was empty, the dessert cart was wheeled to our table for our choice of cake. These were as rich and satisfying as the hotel itself.

In a previous trip to London, we dined at the Ritz, which also has a classic afternoon tea experience. The gilded decor, the string quartet and the suited waiters gracefully wielding silver serving trays all contribute to the ultimate blending of tea and pageantry. In contrast, however, the Brown Hotel with its earth tones and overstuffed sofas, offers subdued elegance and a comfortable refinement that brings home the feeling that tea may be enjoyed at a leisurely pace in a stately, but relaxed environment.

A great place to start our tea journey in England. More to follow, to be sure.

(See our short video below for feedback on the Brown's Hotel afternoon tea experience.)

Merry Fourth of July with tea from India

2011-07-03T11:56:00.015-04:00

This Fourth of July feels a bit like Christmas: reuniting family and lots of presents. The only things missing are snow and decorations(both of which are fun for December, but need to be put away by March).

My husband, Chris, just returned from a three week business trip - the first week was spent in Spain, the last two in India - and he came back with lots of treasures, including, of course, a variety of tea.

Along with silver earrings, an exquistely hand-embroidered and colorful bedspread, framed tribal art, and hand-carved elephants each with a miniature pachyderm encased within their frames, Chris brought me back a selection of Golden Tips tea. These Indian teas were packaged in an eco-friendly jute box that I couldn't wait to open.

This morning, with some very American bagels and cream cheese that my husband was craving, I opened up the Darjeeling to brew. While in India, Chris had become quite a fan of this tea and so I started with that. It was absolutely delicious, smooth with a confident taste - neither timid nor strong. A great cup of tea for anytime of the day.

I am so looking forward to trying all the others: Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, Dooars, and Sikkim. I'm not well acquainted with the last three, so I am excited to not only sample, but learn more about their back story.

While most of the "souvenirs" were from India, en route from Spain to Pune, Chris made a stop in Switzerland and brought us back a tin of Swiss chocolates: a perfect pairing for Darjeeling tea!

So, although the 80 degrees temperatures tell me different, having chocolate and tea for breakfast makes it seem even more like Christmas than the 4th of July. But that will change shortly once my brother sets up lawn chair badminton and starts cooking hot dogs and cheesburgers on the grill. I'll bring my usual snacks and veggie dip, but this year, I'll supply the most amazing iced tea ever.

Continuing with our international travel, my daughter and I will be leaving for London soon, so I'll have more updates from the country who we won our independence from just a few centuries ago.

In the meantime, wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend - no matter what holiday you are celebrating.

tea tablescape in Pune, India

Jane Pettigrew at Amherst Rose: celebrity tea event complete with swag

2011-06-21T20:42:00.032-04:00

Two weeks ago my daughter, Rachel, and I made the three and a half hour drive from Detroit to Massillon, Ohio for a major tea event at the Amherst Rose. Jane Pettigrew, tea historian, author and former London tea room owner was the guest speaker at the elegant Victorian tea room owned by Mary Jane Corwin and her husband, Carl.

First alerted of Jane's upcoming visit to the States by Elmwood Inn Tea's newsletter, I sent a note to Bruce Richardson for more details for The Detroit Tea Examiner. He kindly directed me to Mary Jane, who was hosting her own Jane Pettigrew event at her tea room in Ohio - a closer drive for most Michiganders. After a twenty minute phone conversation with Mary Jane two things were certain: I was attending the June 11^th afternoon tea and I felt like I just hung up with a friend I had known for years.

When the day finally arrived, Rachel and I made it to Massillon with time to spare at the sold-out event and were greeted warmly by both Jane and Mary Jane. The beautifully restored and richly decorated Victorian tea room housed lavish tea tables set with china, crystal, tea-cup-picture-name-cards and a tea swag bag worthy of the best red carpet event.

The swag bag contained a tea pot picture frame, a tea towel, Tea A Magazine, measuring spoons (for recipes that require a “pinch” and a “dash”), tea cards and tea samples. What a treat! - and this was before the multi-course afternoon tea and Jane's fascinating presentation on “The Social History of Tea”.

It was an amazing afternoon tea: charming hosts, captivating speaker, excellent savories, sweets and tea and a tea swag bag to hold treasures as well as many great memories.

For more details on the complete menu and some of the highlights of Jane Pettigrew's tea talk, see our recent article in The Detroit Tea Examiner.

Celebrate Iced Tea Month with some twists on the traditional

2011-05-31T17:08:00.015-04:00

Memorial Day cook-outs are nothing new and traditions are great to hold on to, but there's something to be said for a changing of the guards to literally mix things up and that includes some new ideas for iced tea. A change-up to the familiar drink of summer is even more relevant now that it's officially Iced Tea Month according to every tea blogger's calendar and the Food Network's website.

In January of this year, we noted it was "Hot Tea Month", and a real comfort since it was very "iced" outside in Michigan. Now, however, with temperatures over 90 degrees this holiday weekend in metro Detroit, I can tell you, iced tea was a welcome relief. Even better, we didn't have to depend on the old school black tea and white sugar - not with "Summer Cook-out: the Next Generation". This year, we got a twist on the old with the twenty-somethings taking charge.

Awhile back, when my oldest son was still in college and living in an old, but somewhat charming, house near campus, he and his girlfriend (now wife), hosted their first Memorial Day get-together for family and friends. Drawing on the staples of summer holiday parties, they grilled burgers, supplied drinks and brought out the games, but with their fresh new spin, everything seemed a little extraordinary. That little something special continues every summer, right down to this year's refreshing new iced-tea dressed in party red.

Right on the cusp of Iced Tea Month, my daughter-in-law served an unconventional iced tea mix of white and herbal teas from Teavana. Their Youthberry White and Wild Orange Blossom Herbal combine citrus, berry and rose petals to make a deliciously tart and sweet drink on the rocks. We found it didn't need any additional sugar, but for those who like a sweeter drink, Teavana suggests trying rock sugar which, according to the national tea retailer, will "enhance the natural sweetness of the drink. . . and easily dissolve in the hot water".

So, we recommend shaking things up a bit in the iced tea jug and experimenting with different teas and flavors. This year, think outside the black tea box and make some new traditions this summer. Just don't mess with the plentiful table of delicious snacks or bocce ball rules - some things need never change.

The Royal Wedding doesn't have to be over: keep the memories with a close-knit family

2011-05-06T18:18:00.007-04:00

Three weeks ago today, my daughter and I donned silk dresses, sparkling jewelry and fancy high heels to attend a public viewing of the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Wanderer’s Tea House – the only challenge was getting there at 5:00 am. But, get there we did, along with a full-house of other royalphiles and tea enthusiasts, many wearing hats worthy of a Westminster Abbey invitee.

We watched on the big screen as the crowd shouted out when William and Harry’s car pulled out in full view, soon to be followed by the collective gasps at the first glimpse of Kate and her gown as they exited the coach.

Treating ourselves to the Wanderer’s English-inspired brunch, we watched the long walk down the church aisle while sampling Welsh rarebit and strawberry tarts accompanied by lots and lots of pots of English Breakfast tea.

From the red carpet guest spotting to the two kisses on the balcony, the two hours went by quickly. With a weekend filled with recaps, wedding fashion commentaries (who doesn't want a fascinator now?) and British monarchy specials on every cable station, Monday felt like the day after Christmas. After weeks of anticipation and excitement for the Royal Wedding, it was over too fast.

We found, however, it doesn’t have to be completely over thanks to the book, “Knit the Royal Wedding” by Fiona Goble. It gives step-by-step instructions on how to knit the royal family in their wedding attire so that one can commemorate the joyous occasion throughout the year.

My knitting skills are basic, at best, so I gave this book to my master- knitter sister-in-law for her birthday. Last Christmas I gifted her with a knitting project book with the tea cozy page discreetly earmarked. Shortly after, she gave me a beautiful, rose-colored knit tea cozy for my birthday. Self-serving? – perhaps, but I’m hoping to find a little Prince Harry in my stocking next Christmas!

Tea cups and cupcakes: Delightful Easter treats thanks to daughter and Tea Time Magazine

2011-05-02T17:17:00.012-04:00

The recent March/April issue of Tea Time Magazine, had an entire section devoted to hosting "An Elegant Easter". This magazine is always inspirational for tablescape ideas and menu planning, but perhaps even more importantly, Tea Time's recipes are amazing. Even holiday-themed meals are continually fresh and delicious. The fact that they are visually appealing is, literally - in some cases- the icing on the cake.

My daughter, Rachel, a senior at MSU, loves to catch-up on Tea Time Magazine recipes whenever she is home on breaks and she usually treats us to some wonderful creation she's uncovered during her stays. This Easter, she volunteered to make dessert after seeing the strawberry cupcakes on page 36 of our favorite tea and foodie periodical. After a quick trip to the grocery store for a few ingredients we didn't have on hand, Rachel was back at home and unleashing the Kitchen Aide from storage.

The only challenge she faced was a pastry bag with a missing tip, so the fancy swirls were at a minimum. But, the overall look was still lovely and they tasted fantastic.

These will be an encore production for sure and they did, indeed, add to a most elegant Easter with family and friends. I just can't wait for the semester to end and the new Tea Time Magazine to arrive!

Afternoon Tea from Buckingham Palace: Just in time for the Royal Wedding

2011-04-26T16:58:00.022-04:00

The countdown continues with less than two days until the Royal nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. With little time to spare, my package from Buckingham Palace arrived this weekend with the essentials for royal wedding viewing: English Afternoon tea and the official William and Catherine tea towel to commemorate the occasion.

You may be surprised, but these items are not out of touch, even for commoners. To order the tea and other wedding - dare I say it - souvenirs, go the the royal's website and head right to The Royal Collection Shop. It clearly states it is "the only official range to commerate the Royal Wedding". I trust you believe them.

I've got my fancy hat ready and my DVR set for 4:00 am, so that when I am free, I can sit back, have a spot of tea and view the Royal Wedding and procession for the spectator sport that it is.

It will also take me back to our visit to London in 2006 where, among many must-see places, we stopped at both Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Having had some experience in scoping out wedding sites, I think William and Kate have chosen well.

Cheers to some Royal reality TV and some serious tea drinking this weekend!

Barb's TEA Shop teams up with Holiday Catering to offer full Afternoon Tea Service

2011-04-17T13:58:00.005-04:00

We are excited to be teaming up with Holiday Market Catering to bring a full service afternoon tea to your event. We'll not only provide you with high quality loose tea, but now we've added scones, savories and sweets for a complete tea experience.

Afternoon tea prices, for a minimum of 25 guests, start at just under $18.00 (slightly more for 12 - 24 guests) and include two mini scones, three tea sandwiches and two mini desserts per person. In addition, we'll brew and serve your choice of two different loose teas.

And, that's just for starters! You can add fruit plates, quiches, salads and cheese platters. If you need serving platters, tea cups or linens we can help with that, too.

For more information, give us a call at 248-840-4356 or reach us at barb@barbsteashop.com.

St. Patrick's Day tea table: Irish tea, Irish linen and a bit o' green

2011-03-14T23:24:00.014-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Holidays provide inspiration for tea time tablescapes and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. Key ingredients for a March 17th afternoon tea table include Irish linen, green accents and, of course, great Irish tea.

During a recent visit to Kristea's tea gift shop in Berkely, we were motivated to start our own St. Patrick's Day tea table after viewing their seasonal tablescape on display. The retailer's eye for design and attention to detail comes together with emerald-hued plates and glassware accented with a hunter- green plaid tablecloth.

Inside the store, we also spotted some beautiful Irish linen napkins with a shamrock pattern on the border - what an elegant crumb catcher for our McVities' Digestives.

Back at home, we put the kettle on for some hearty Irish tea and set out to furnish our finest Irish afternoon tea table. Using cherished family treasures, I took out my grandmother's light green depression glass tea cups and dishes and set them on a beautiful Irish linen tablecloth from my mother-in-law. With such finery, only the best of tea would be suitable and we had just the one. My good friend, Joni, just back from a trip to Ireland, brought me a tin of Bewley's Dublin tea. After one sip, it went right to the top of my favorites' list.

St. Patrick's Day tea time should be an elegant affair. With fine design and excellent tea, it can be achieved. However, we reserve commenting on what occurs after tea time. What happens on St. Patrick's Day, stays in St. Patrick's Day!

Top O' the Morning/Evening to all!

Barb

Spend Valentine's Day with tea, chocolate, roses and. . . hamburgers?

2011-02-14T16:53:00.009-05:00

It's Valentine's Day and we all have our own idea of how the perfect February 14th should be celebrated. I like spending the day with chocolate, roses and tea (see our blog entry from February 12th on Adagio's Valentine tea which combines all three!). Throw in a candlelight dinner and my ideal has been realized. But I never, in all my romantic daydreams, considered fast-food hamburgers in the scenario, let alone reserving a table at the neighborhood White Castle. But, maybe it's time to break out of the heart-shaped chocolate box and reconsider.

In a story I first ran across this weekend by The Restaurant Examiner, Anya Vinclauv, I thought it must be a one-time, one-locale promotion. Further reading and a visit to the White Castle website, proved, however, that across the county, one could celebrate Valentine's Day at the short-order grill with tableside service and flowers on the table. It's all part of White Castle's "Sweetheart Meal Deal" and, if this sounds at all tempting, you'll have get to your phone quickly. This is a reservation-only affair and, per White Castle's website, "seating is limited".

The White Castle menu includes not only its signature "Sliders", but exotic fast-food fare such as fries with cheese, fish nibblers and chicken rings. In addition, you'll see they also serve chocolate shakes and a hot tea (the latter's menu picture proudly captions "have a sip and meditate on the depths of White Castle Flavor"). Chocolate, tea and a rose on the table - this is starting to sound dangerously familiar.

Should you never want to forget such an evening, White Castle advertises that you can have your picture taken during dinner. Somehow, though, I don't think a photo would be necessary. I have a feeling, this is an experience that would remain in one's memory for a very, very long time.

It may be too late for this year, but I'm keeping options open for 2012. For now, I'll console myself with some Valentine tea, chocolate truffles and a beautiful rose on my dining room table (thanks, Chris and Rob!)

Happy Valentine's Day to all - no matter how you spend it!

Barb

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Chocolate, Tea, and Roses from Adagio

2011-02-12T09:24:00.011-05:00

Valentine's Day is almost here and we're celebrating with all the traditional ingredients of the holiday. At Barb's TEA Shop, we are spending February 14th with tea, chocolate and roses. In fact, we like the combination so much, we turned to Adagio Tea's Valentine tea, which allows us to enjoy all our favorite things in just one cup.

For those of us who have sampled a lot of chocolate tea, it's easy to get disappointed. The aromas can promise delicious things to come, but it doesn't always translate in the brew. Adagio's Valentine tea, however, will not only have you at "hello" when you open its package, it will keep your interest until it has the last word at the end of your cup.

Starting with Ceylon black tea, Adagio's romantic blend, adds rose petals and natural strawberry and chocolate flavors together to bring all the delights of February 14th to your teapot. Roses will fade and chocolates bring calories, but Adagio's Valentine's tea will satisfy all year long.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Barb

Scones for your next Super Bowl Party?

2011-02-06T14:07:00.009-05:00

On the top ten list of the most popular food items consumed on Super Bowl Sunday, even I was surprised that tea made the list. Even more shocking was what made it to the top. According to the NY Daily News, the market research group NDA reports the most popular food eaten on professional football's biggest day of the year are vegetables. Who knew?

Well, certainly not anyone who attends my brother Glenn's annual Super Bowl party. It's a holiday feast starting a few hours before kick-off with a 6-foot sub, salty snacks and delicious dips. The pot-luck menu gets better every year with gourmet cookies, home baked chicken wings and spicy meatballs. At half-time, while we wait for the next potential celebrity wardrobe malfunction we munch down just delivered deep dish pizzas. All this typically gets paired with a diet cola or low cal ale in attempt to counterbalance the super-sized caloric intake for the day.

So how do vegetables, salads and milk make this top ten list? According to NDA, not everyone watches the Super Bowl. It's hard to believe as long-time attendees of my brother's Super Bowl party. How insular can we be to forget that most households in America don't watch it at all? So in all the years we devoted fans have endured times where the commercials were better than the game and indulged on dips with sour cream, double-fudge brownies and pizza with cheese-stuffed crusts, most other folks are sitting down to dinner with vegetables and tea? Incredible.

Based on this recent information, I have informed my brother that I will be bringing a pot of Earl Grey. He's up for the new addition, but says it will remain a BYOV (if you want veggies, you have to bring them yourself). I don't think the pre-Super Bowl trivia games are in threat of being replaced by a viewing of A & E's Pride and Prejudice nor do I think Chris' from-scratch chicken wings will get any competition from scones and crumpets.

Let the best tea/football party begin!

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

January is Hot Tea Month, but still iced in northern Michigan

2011-01-30T14:02:00.009-05:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Although it's the end of January, one still has time to continue celebrating Hot Tea Month. It's a wonderful occasion - no need run to Hallmark, wrap presents or haul out forgotten decorations stored in the basement. It's just one month on the calendar to remind us that hot tea is a special treat and, especially for those of us who reside in the northern climates, it's a welcome relief to some chilly temperatures. It's also a great month to guage the progress of my tea garden.

Last weekend, we were at our up-north cabin, Pemberly, for a marathon cross-country skiing event with the family at Garland Resort. It's officially known as the "Gourmet Glide" and it's a four-mile-plus trek across groomed trails with several fine dining stops in between (all who attended gave it a fleece-lined mittened two thumbs up). My husband and I came up a few days early and practiced skiing on our small compound. We made a routine stop at the tea garden I started last year. As you can see from the picture above, the herbs are literally chilling out.

Inside Pemberly, however, my Camellia sinensis is safe from the unfamiliar seasonal temperatures of its new locale. We keep it in the corner of the kitchen, a cozy spot flanked by a picture window and a glass doorwall. Here, when the sun does come out, it floods light and warmth to such an extent, my tea plant, if it closed its eyes, could easily believe its back in its subtropical home. It seems to be happy, budding on schedule this fall and growing noticeably in length every month.

So, while January is hot tea month, our outdoor herbal tea in northern Michigan gets served with ice. But after the down vests come off and the ski boots are left dripping on the boot rack, the tea kettle goes on, another log gets thrown on the fire and we enjoy hot tea from the inside. We get as toasty as our transplanted Camellia sinensis in the kitchen corner, where it puts its roots down for the winter. It may be the end of Hot Tea Month, but its not the end of hot tea up north, even when when the naturally iced tea is gone from the garden.

Maybe next year, I will send cards for Tea Month.

Happy 2011 to all!

Barb

What's In, What's Out for 2011

2010-12-30T19:55:00.012-05:00

Hello TEA Friends!

After all the shopping, decorating, baking, planning, eating and gifting of the holiday season, it's time to ring in the new year and focus on all that's ahead for the next twelve months. This is a great time to start fresh or renew unfinished projects. It's also the time that I look forward to some of the best reading material of the year: the highly anticipated "In/Out" lists of prescribed trends and fashions for the next 365 days. I cull newspapers, magazines and on-line sources to see if my toile pillows are still in style and if clutter remains an "out" (I'm forever optimistic that it will one day be "in").

This year, Barb's TEA Shop, has traveled to Las Vegas for the World Tea Expo, Louisville for the Jane Austen festival, and both upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan to uncover what's fashionable in tea for 2011. Here's our In/Out List for the new year.

Barb's TEA Shop's What's In/What's Out List in the World of Tea for 2011

IN ................................................................ OUT

Specialty loose teas................................................... Generic grocery store tea bags

Tea carts with room for wine.................................... No tea cart at all

Russell Hobbs tea brewing system ............................Tea made from hot tap water

Tea party attire: vintage jewelery, smart casual.........White gloves, mink stoles

Tea Whiskey ............................................................ An Old Fashion (because it's, well, old fashioned)

Pu-erh tea (old, but not old fashioned) .....................Other than Pu-erh, old tea

Honey spoons .......................................................... Three-year old honey in the bottom of the jar

Chamilia/Pandora bracelets with tea charms ............ Robin's-egg-blue-boxed chunky bracelet with heart

Chinese tea ceremony ......................................... Too ritualized tea (we're here to drink tea, after all)

Tea cozies ............................................................ Cold tea

Kim Wilson's Jane Austen's tea/garden books......... Any "Real Housewives of . . ." TV, even if they drink tea or garden

JASNA ................................................................... LOL, ROFL, BRB

Beautiful tea room in upper peninsula .................... Tea party moose hunting in Alaska

Blueberry tea from Blueberry Capital ......................Cherry flavored coffee from Cherry Capital

Tea Forte tea cocktails ............................................An Old Fashion (see above)

In-home tea tastings ..............................................Purse, cooking and Tupperware parties

Talbott Teas Cocoa cardamom seduction ................Drive-through peppermint mocha lattes (seductive, too, but at 400 calories per cup, they're out - at least until next December)

And finally:

Oprah's Favorite Things & Barb's TEA Shop's Wish List

(room for both of us, always "IN" and always IN good taste!)

Whether you're staying in to celebrate or heading out to party, we wish you a safe and happy New Year's Eve and a fantastic 2011!

Barb

Barb's TEA Shop Wish List

2010-12-10T19:43:00.015-05:00

Hello TEA Friends,

During the year, I keep notes on things I find in my travels via plane, car or the worldwide internet that I think would make great gifts. And, you know that old adage that people give gifts that they would like to receive themselves? Well, my list is comprised of pretty much that - merchandise and excursions that I would be happy to receive.

So, dear friends, I offer the items on my list as suggestions and inspiration for the tea enthusiast on your list (or, if you are in a quandary as to what to put in Barb's TEA Shop's stocking).

Tea and tea related gifts wish list:

Mrs. Crumpet's tea cart from Victorian Trading company. At $399.95, this is on the high end of the list, but again, it is a wish list. This remarkable cart is elegant yet utilitarian with room for not only your tea service, but for a few bottles of wine as well. A must-have for the ultimate tea party.

Another big ticket item on the list is an overnight stay at Paula Deen's Y'ALL Come Inn on Tybee Island in Georgia. Although not a tea-specific item, ever since I received a Paula Deen tea kettle for Christmas last year I have yearned to head down to Savannah and stay a spell. I would bring my teapot down and use it to fix a delicious pot of tea for my favorite Food Network celebrity - even if it was only with her cardboard cutout clone.

Rates for one night's stay near my birthday (April) approximately $500.

In the more moderate range, but unquestionably luxurious, are Talbott Teas - selected as one of Oprah's Favorite Things of 2010. As some readers may already know, Talbott Teas has offered a limited time 15% discount on their gift sets (just use the promo code "COUTURE"). Tea lovers would love any one of these fine sets, but as long as we're wishing, clearly who could not want the aptly named "Ultimate Collection" for only $150. This gift set (see photo, upper left hand corner) includes a variety of both loose and sachet teas, a teapot, two cups, filters, honey sticks and a tray. (Everything that could fit on your Mrs. Crumpets tea cart.)

Our wish list also includes something for the tea geek in the family. We were introduced to the Zojirushi Water Heater at the World Tea Expo this June. Zojirushi is the "Apple" of the tea world and their water heaters are the IPad equivalent. The 4-litre model, on sale at Elmwood Inn Teas, will heat water to the correct temperature for green, white or black tea and keep it warm for hours. Is this essential? Does one need an IPad? I rest my case.

(Speaking of Elmwood Inn, we sampled their blueberry herbal infusion at the Expo and it was delicious. They have packaged it with their Christmas in a Cup custom tea blend for a Christmas Tea for Two.)

Another World Tea Expo find that's both festive and economical comes from Meville Candy Company. Tea and coffee spoons add a variety of flavors including honey, french vanilla and peppermint to your favorite hot beverage. These make great stocking stuffers or hostess gifts (and won't they look fantastic on your Mrs. Crumpets tea cart?).

While in the party spirit, consider Tea Forte's cocktail infusions. We purchased the Collection this year and enjoyed the teaming of tea and spirits. We are ready for reinforcements. (That tea cart is becoming very well stocked, don't you think?)

Of course, there a number of Michigan items on the wish list too. From local tea rooms, here are some of our favorites:

Chazzano Coffee in Ferndale has a fantastic Puerh tea - my latest indulgence. While there, you may also want to pick up the Ethiopia Harrar for your friends on the Dark Side.

Goldfish Tea Room has an outstanding Keemun black tea. A package of this - or any of their Chinese teas - will satisfy tea fans. Also, check out their pear wood tea boats, they're essential for an intimate tea ceremony with friends.

And, if you want to experience an authentic Chinese tea ceremony by a Chinese tea master, treat yourself and a friend to Master Ma at The Wanderer's Tea House in East Lansing. We went earlier this month and were exposed to an exquisite tea and a wealth of information. For the outrageously low price of $10.00 a person, you will want to make the trip more than once.

Continuing north, Light of Days of Traverse City offers delicious organic, free trade teas. We would be delighted to find Creamy Earl Grey, Coffee Convert or Cacao Mint tea under our tree Christmas morning.

Finally, no list would be complete without a nod to our own hand-crafted tea cozies available on Barb's Tea Shop e-store. There are styles and sizes that will match a wide range of tastes and teapots. (We'll keep adding more great tea related products in 2011, so continue to check back regularly!)

Before we put on our nightcaps and settle in for a long winter nap, with visions of tea carts and hot water ready, but not from the tap - our list would not be complete without wishing you the happiest of holidays.

With all the best the season brings, yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

Heartwarming Light of Day Tea featured in USA Weekend

2010-11-25T11:37:00.011-05:00

BTS is happy to report more good news on tea friends in the news. The latest issue of USA Weekend Magazine featured Light of Day teas in their topical "Season's Eatings" article. The Sunday magazine highlighted the Traverse City tea company's "Heartwarming Cinnamon" tea. A favorite here at BTS, you'll get in the holiday spirit instantly by simply opening the lid of this tea tin's container and taking in its hearty sweet and spicy aroma.

A year ago this month, BTS participated in Light of Day's marathon tea tasting at the Dennos Museum in northern Michigan. Here, owner of LOD teas, Angela Macke, a registered nurse and horticulturist, set a record that day for the number of teas brewed and served to delighted guests. We sampled a variety of LOD's black, green and white tea blends as well as delicious gluten-free chocolate mint cupcakes (made, of course, with Cacao Mint tea). It was this event where Angela displayed her homegrown Camellia sinensis plant which became the inspiration for our own tea garden at Pemberly Pines this past summer.

The last time we met up with Angela this year, she was out riding on the tractor of the working tea farm. We took the opportunity to stock up on our favorite Light of Day teas in the newly constructed tea room on the grounds . We're looking forward to our next visit, but in the meantime, we're excited to start the holidays with family, friends and lots of freshly brewed teas.

Wishing all our Tea Friends a "heartwarming" and happy Thanksgiving Day!

Barb

Tea Friend Elizabeth Knight on CBS News

2010-11-22T19:41:00.006-05:00

Hello Tea Friends,

This past weekend, CBS Morning Show, aired a segment on tea, Timeles s Traditions of Tea Time, featuring Elizabeth Knight, tea educator, author, and subject of Barb's TEA Shop very first blog story back in 2007. In June of that year, I went to New York City to take a one-on-one tea tour with the former tea sommelier at the St. Regis Hotel.

As I recounted in that very first blog article, "Celebri-Teas Spring 2007", we spent an intense day of shopping, sipping, and tasting throughout Manhattan: from sampling tea-infused chocolates at a Pierre Marcolini (now Borne Confections) to visiting New York's premier sources for antique and museum-quality reproductions of European tableware. Our tea tour culminated in a relaxing and delightful afternoon tea at Cafe Opaline, a wonderful tea room above the Dahesh museum overlooking Madison Avenue. (My review of the experience can still be viewed on Elizabeth Knight's Tea with Friends Tour page.)

With all the tea we sampled and the tea artifacts we examined, the most important lesson I learned from Elizabeth Knight was echoed in her piece on the CBS Morning Show last Sunday: that tea is about taking a "time out". It's an opportunity for us to slow down, take a break and treat ourselves to the comforts of tea with friends.

Third Annual Jane Austen Festival in Louisville was too good

2010-11-06T16:42:00.000-04:00

The Third Annual Jane Austen festival in Louisville, Kentucky, was too good, but, to borrow from Jane's own words in Mansfield Park, "nobody minds having what is too good for them" and indeed, my daughter Rachel, and I did not mind at all.

Held July 10th and 11th at the Historic Locust Grove, and sponsored by the Jane Austen Society of North American, Greater Louisville Region, it exceeded all our expectations as attendees of last year's festival.

We took part in many of the activities we enjoyed last year including shopping in Meryton, the Regency fashion show and, of course, Afternoon tea. This year, however, we took in a few new presentations. From the sidelines, we caught Ed Maeder's discussion on period hats. (Maeder is the creator of bonnets for the PBS documentary on Dolly Madison.)

And, if that weren't enough to satisfy all hardcore Janeites, the other presenter, Kim Wilson, author of "Tea with Jane Austen" and "In the Garden with Jane Austen" was, by any standard, much, much too good. As a longtime devotee of "Tea with Jane Austen", it was a real treat to be sitting front row center to hear Kim Wilson discuss the importance of tea in Jane's life and literature. Among her many insightful and amusing observations was Ms. Wilson's commentary on a passage from Pride and Prejudice where Mr. Darcy's preference for coffee over tea had nothing to do with the beverage, but who was serving it. At a large party held at Longbourn, when Darcy returns to the parlor after the requisite separation of the sexes after dinner, he chooses to be served the inferior tasting coffee, instead of a more flavorful cup of tea, because Elizabeth Bennett had been assigned the charge of the less desirable hot drink. This sacrifice only proved how unquestionably fond he had to be of her.

We also met up with the superb hostess and organizer, Bonnie Weiss, and many familiar faces from last year's event. At Afternoon tea, we had a great time with new friends: another mother and daughter team from Mississippi. At the Jane Austen Festival, there are no strangers, just friends yet to be introduced.

The only change Rachel requested for next year's festival is that I do not schedule our Afternoon tea at the same time as the "Dressing Mr. Darcy" event, which I have done for the past two years. Yes, I do agree, next year, we will try to work in every event, including being in the audience for the donning of attire on the most popular of Jane Austen's Prince Charmings. Can it get any better than that? Well, we already know it will be too good, and surely, there's no one who will mind that at all.

Wanderer's Teahouse from Guest Blogger Rachel Gulley

2010-11-03T17:36:00.012-04:00

Amid head shops, burritos joints, and chain coffee places, lies the Wanderer's Teahouse in downtown East Lansing. Tucked right in on the edge of America’s eighth largest campus by enrollment, on the prime location of Grand River Ave, literally right across the street from campus, is the new home of an actual Mom and Pop teahouse; one where that Mom and Pop really know their stuff. Michigan State University alumni-run, the husband and wife team of Elizabeth Marazita and Michael Spano have lived in China and both have degrees in Chinese medicine.

All tea served at the Wanderer's is organically grown, and the coffee is all Fair Trade. Spano also mixes his own blends for particular maladies such as allergies or a hangover (perhaps catering to their college-town demographic a bit?). After years of travel, Marazita, a Lansing native, decided along with Spano, to put down roots in a town they knew and where their daughter could have some stability.

The tea house atmosphere is cozy and adventurous. Pictures of famous “wanderers” line the walls, as well as road signs pointing you to different countries with mile calculations, and an international book exchange make one feel as though they could run off to wherever their heart desires… as soon as they finish their tea and sandwich.

Just a couple weeks after opening, the Wanderer's is frequented by studying students and I, myself, have run into MSU professors there. It’s a wonderful place to meet a friend for lunch and catch up over a couple pots of hot tea, or to tune out all distractions and hit the books.

The owners are never too busy to introduce themselves, or help you decide on your tea for the day. (I personally recommend the English breakfast, as it is earthy and not a bit bitter.) Their friendly staff takes care of you and is also knowledgeable on tea, so don’t feel overwhelmed when you see the many, many available choices. You can smell a sample of each and read a description, or just ask away!

So wander into The Wanderer’s today, since as their slogan professes, “...all who wander are not lost.”

Afternoon Tea Talk for your next Bridal Shower. . . or other special event

2010-10-23T12:35:00.009-04:00

If you are planning a bridal shower and looking for a fresh alternative to the lets-get-it-over-with-shower-games, consider a Tea Etiquette Talk* from Barb's TEA Shop. Treat your guests to an informative and entertaining tea talk and avoid those tired wedding-themed brain teasers and quizzes.

Make your bridal shower an elegant afternoon tea affair that needn't exceed your budget. Barb's TEA Shop will create a program based on your needs. We can provide everything from tea consultation to full-service tea brewing and pouring for your guests.

Let Barb's TEA Shop take the guesswork out of which tea to serve and how to prepare. Based on your menu, we can offer a variety of teas, at a range of prices, and brew and serve to your guests on-site. With Barb's TEA Shop, afternoon tea with freshly brewed tea is easier than setting tea bags on the table, but, so much more elegant.

When planning your next shower, contact Barb's TEA Shop and let's talk about what would work best for your special bride, guests and venue. You can select from the full package or any individual component:

Full Package: Tea Etiquette Talk, 2 varieties of loose tea, teapots and teapot warmers, tea preparation and wait staff.

But, don't feel you need to wait for someone to get married. The same afternoon tea package is available for your next group event: book club, girls night out, couples evening or church group.

Contact us today: 248-840-4356
barb@barbsteashop.com
barbsteashop.blogspot.com
barbsteashop.com

*Barb Gulley is a Tea Etiquette Consultant, with training from the Protocol School of Washington. She is an authorized tea etiquette consultant from PSOW.

Tranquil Teas for the Holiday Season at Faith Lutheran in Troy

2010-10-19T21:38:00.012-04:00

The first of four Tranquil Teas for the 2010 – 2011 season was held last Thursday and Barb’s TEA Shop was invited to present its “Afternoon Tea Etiquette” program to a sold-out group of 50 guests. The tea events are hosted by Faith Lutheran Church on selected Thursday afternoons and each has a seasonal theme presentation accompanied by tea and tasty sweets.

Guests will enjoy the detail in décor as a meeting room is converted into a tea room with tablecloths, three-tiered trays, and silver tea pots. October’s event brought the beauty of a Michigan fall day indoors with tablescapes accented in vibrant yellows, oranges and gold. Attendees were served freshly brewed loose tea by friendly hostesses, and, if all the tea is wonderful as the Darjeeling sampled last week, future guests are in for a real treat. Candle lit tables and tea garden displays added to the tea room ambiance, and, like the Drake Hotel in Chicago, you will even remember the lovely accents in the powder room.

We had a wonderful time and met so many great women. Thanks for inviting BTS to be part of the Tranquil Teas at Faith Lutheran.

Upcoming Teas (times for all teas are 1:00 – 3:00 pm)

December 9, 2010 Christmas Reflections Tea
Featuring: Sue Czischke

February 10, 2011 Valentine Tea

April 7, 2011 Daffodil Tea

Featuring: Master Gardner, Suzanne Huening

Teas are $7.00 per ticket in Room 10/11/12 at Faith Lutheran Church, 37 635 Dequindre, Troy, Michigan. Deadline for purchasing tickets is the Sunday before scheduled tea, but please note, tickets are selling quickly. Bring your own teacup or a disposable one will be provided.

For more information contact Kathy Briscoe at kabriscoe@wowway.com.

Barb G. in the center, between Kathy B. and Sue C. along with all the other beautiful women of Faith Lutheran.

How to Make a Mint: Show me the Monet

2010-10-11T19:52:00.001-04:00

Hello Tea Friends,

Now that it is officially Fall in Michigan, it's time to clean up the garden, bring the tea plant indoors and store away summer memories for another year. Our mint and chamomile plants thrived in our newly cultivated tea garden/vineyard up north, as did my prized Camellia sinensis. Another bonus to our improved grounds this summer was the Pemberly Pines pond, which, only in its second year of existence, showed signs of approaching our source of inspiration, Monet's amazing water lily pond in Giverny.

A little over two years ago, my husband and I went to Paris and took a day trip to Monet's home in Giverny. It's here we learned how the artist spent much of his time creating a real life masterpiece of rows upon rows of brightly colored flowers around his estate and manipulating a local water source to benefit his own personal pond. (The latter was made famous by Monet's water lily paintings.) We were also told on our tour that Monet enjoyed not only painting in the landscape of his own design, but taking tea there as well.

So, this summer, we picked homegrown mint, brewed fresh herbal tea, and sat back in Adirondack chairs near the pond to watch our one water lily in bloom sur le jardin de thé, just like our favorite French impressionist artist. C'est magnifique!

Herbal Mint tea (derived from various google searches and our own personal tastes):

6 mint tea leaves per cup

Add boiling water to mint leaves and steep for 3 - 5 minutes

The refreshing lift of fresh mint tea will soon be replaced by warming chai lattes and the pond will soon look more like Monet's La Pie, Effet de Neige than a free flowing pool of water lilies. We're packing it in for the summer, but looking forward to the Fall pallet of vibrant colors from nature's brush; another masterpiece to take in with a hot cup of hearty tea.

Monet's water lily pond, France ******************* Pemberly Pines pond, Michigan

A History of Social Tea Time with Jane Pettigrew

2010-09-04T10:39:00.009-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

I first met Jane Pettigrew, tea historian, writer, and former tea room owner, back in 2004 at the World Tea Expo (then called "Take Me 2 Tea") in Rhode Island (see picture below). She was captivating to watch and listen to: a petite, pretty woman with close-cropped cut blond hair and a charming English accent, her enthusiasm for tea was truly inspirational.

At that time, Barb's TEA Shop was only several pages of notes and outlines in a three-ring binder. After meeting and talking with Jane, her knowledge and encouragement sent me home with plans to go from paper to real world in a few short months.

Jane Pettigrew has written 13 books - most of which I own, including my personally autographed copy of " A Social History of Tea" and my well-worn, "Tea in the City, Paris", which was given a real work out when we visited the City of Lights two years ago this month.

This year, I again, along with my daughter and BTS Creative Director, Rachel, met Jane in June at the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. She was just as pretty and engaging as when we first met her in Providence and as she spoke about tea rooms in England, we were reminded what fun it is just to hear her recount stories with her enchanting style and humor.

Any tea time with Jane Pettigrew is always historic and we at BTS are great fans. We're sure you'll find any of Jane's book's, including her most recent "Tea Classified" which was voted best new publication 2009 at the World Tea Expo, tea time well spent.

Jane Pettigrew also conducts Tea Masterclasses every month in London, England. For more information on her classes and a full list of all her books, check out her webpage at janepettigrew.com.

Camellia Sinensis: Tea Garden Takes Off in Michigan

2010-08-21T17:58:00.015-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

This May, we planted a tea garden at our up-north retreat, Pemberly Pines (see photo bottom right). Knowing it would be a challenge to cultivate our own Camellia sinensis in a growing zone several levels north of the tropics, we nonetheless took it on as a total curiosity, if not a learning experience. In its cedar planter, the tiny tea plant sprig thrived in a clearing in the middle of our property, along with several herbs that have already provided us with some delicious tisanes.

According to the American Camellia Society, and About.com coffee/tea the tea plant grows best in zones 7, 8 and 9 and in sandy, well-drained, acidic soil with full sun to partial shade. So we do have a few things against us: we're in zone 4 and slightly below the US average for sunny days in the summer months (remember, we're growing inside in November!). We've got a few positives to encourage us, however, our soil is sandy and acidic and the clearing is in the sunniest part of all of Pemberly In addition, the tea plant can be grown very successfully in planters with seasonal indoor sheltering. I need only look to our friends at Light of Day in Traverse City, who now have an impressive tea plant the size of a small tree after only five years of growing.

In the fall we can expect our plant to flower and in the spring, it will dispense seed pods. In approximately three years, we can begin to harvest our plant for tea leaves and begin making our very own black - or green - tea.

With just another few weeks of August left, we'll be looking to bring the Camellia sinensis in soon. We'll keep you posted on its progress throughout the year.

In the meantime, we're enjoying the teas we've been brewing with the herbs from our garden. Refreshing and delicious, we've found the mint makes a wonderful cup of tea on its own or as an accompaniment to other brews, such as tea mojitos (more to follow on that).

If a tree can grow in Brooklyn, a tea plant has a chance in northern Michigan.

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

Hot Tea Travels Make for a Great Summer

2010-08-08T09:20:00.014-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

This summer, Barb's TEA Shop has been on the road and, along the way, we've tasted mint tea, corn tea, Sense and Sensibili-tea, sweet tea, Keweenaw tea, and mojito tea avec liquer. From Las Vegas to Louisville to Michigan's upper peninsula and all places in between, one constant held true - all the tea we drank may not have been hot, but we were hot wherever we drank it.

Naturally, when visiting Las Vegas in June one expects heat and it's not a stretch to anticipate sultry afternoons in Kentucky in July, but hot, humid days in northern Michigan as we approached August only proved that as interesting and fun as our travels were, we were never going to have a good hair day.

But, that was a small price to pay for some the most enjoyable tea trips we have had. In our journeys we met many entrepreneurs, craftsman, educators and folks passionate about tea. We learned so much and have so many stories to share, I just can't wait for you to get acquainted with them all (not to mention the update on the Pemberly Pines tea garden).

We caught up on the latest with Shelly Richardson and Jane Pettigrew at the World Tea Expo and were introduced to new products such as corn tea and teaspoons made of honey. In Louisville, we met Kim Wilson, author of "Tea with Jane Austen" at the third annual Jane Austen Festival at Locust Grove.

From Kentucky, we headed north again, but this time, went past the Mackinac Bridge to be guests at the only tea room in the Upper Peninsula, The Four Seasons, owned and operated by a delightful mother/daughter team. Driving along the Lake Superior coastline, we made another stop at Enerlei, a unique, northern Michigan gift shop with beautiful tea accessories.

Then, from one Great Lake to another, we took the long way home from Pemberly and visited the town of Lexington on the shores of Lake Huron. Here we met twin brothers who are making their career in pottery. Their one-of-kind teapots with driftwood handles are amazing. (I had to purchase one for Pemberly - and some matching cups, too!).

This resort town is also home to the Lexington General Store which has a great selection of tea, tea cups and a charming old fashioned candy counter and the nearby "Off the Beaten Path" gift store, with a nice selection of fine home accessories, coffees and even some Chai Tea.

So, with the suitcases packed away, at least for a little while, I'll be at my desk - or weekends at Pemberly by the pond with the laptop - with a cup of freshly brewed tea, my hair being held against its will with barrettes, hairspray or hat, and begin posting pictures and stories from this hot but eventful summer.

Yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

American Pickers (& Antiques Diva) Picked Barb's TEA Shop

2010-07-13T20:40:00.006-04:00

Hello TEA Friends!

American Pickers and Antiques Diva picked Barb's TEA Shop to win!

If you are witnessing a thrilling cross-country road hunt for antiques and collectibles at incredible bargains under a bit of dust and dirt, you've landed at History Channel's American Pickers. This series shows the (literally) gritty side of treasure hunting as self-described "modern archaeologists", Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, scour old barns, hoarders' dwellings and neighborhoods on garbage pick-up days for neglected relics that can be turned to profits. It's the "other side" of Antiques Roadshow and the search, the digging, and the haggling are as entertaining and educational as the "find" itself.

Barb's TEA Shop found it was the lucky recipient this week of the DVD of American Pickers First Season. A fan of antique-ing and devoted treasure hunter, BTS was excited to win the American Picker's contest hosted by Antiques Diva. The Antiques Diva blog and website, if you haven't yet visited, is the high end of "picking" and one cannot only live vicariously through AD's European adventures, one can actually purchase some one-of-a-kind treasures from this site. From Paris flea markets to high end shops in Germany, you'll feel like you're with your bff shopping and dining in some of the most interesting places across the ocean. (The recent entry about discount designer dresses in Paris made me much less excited about my prized 30% Kohl's discount sticker).

So, how did we get such a cool prize? Well, on July 4th weekend, I did all the usual holiday fun stuff: went to the annual (always best-ever) family/friends cookout at my brother's, watched the fireworks, played croquet and made a big pot of tea while hitting all my favorite blogspots. The Antiques Diva was sponsoring the American Pickers contest and one only needed to submit a patriotic post. When you combine bargains, antiques, history, the Fourth of July and a free prize - by gosh, it's as American as corn-on-the cob and as diverse as corn-in-the-teacup!

Along with the DVD, BTS also recently picked up a few new treasures of our own at our favorite haunt, The Antiques Depot in Lewiston, Michigan. My husband surprised me with his own "junk-et" there two week's ago with new wrought iron chairs for our wildflower garden, and my mother-in-law and I found some beautiful Limoges tea cups. Granted, we didn't have to dig too far or dust too much, but we follow in the spirit of the American Pickers.

Thanks American Pickers and Antiques Diva for picking us!

Yours in tea and friendship and treasure hunting - be it Paris, Iowa, northern Michigan or your neighborhood Kohl's,

Barb

World Tea Expo 2010 - James Norwood Pratt

2010-06-17T08:44:00.005-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Two week's ago, Barb's TEA Shop attended The World Tea Expo, the international tea trade show held in Las Vegas every June since 2003. Some years have also included an east coast show. The 2004 expo in Rhode Island, then called "Take Me 2 Tea" and re-branded in 2005, was the last trade show we were able to attend, so this was especially exciting.

We met up with many familiar faces in the tea community, The Richardsons of Elmwood Inn Teas, fellow members of the Association of Tea Bloggers, and tea specialist and historian, Jane Pettigrew as well as a number of new acquaintances and introductions to fascinating teas and innovative products. But, certainly, one of the highlights was meeting author and tea guru, James Norwood Pratt, who is often credited with the meteoric rise in popularity of tea in the US back in the early 1980's.

James Norwood Pratt's "The Tea Lover's Treasury" (and subsequently republished as the "New Tea Lover's Treasury" with additional material) is the quintessential reference book for those who embrace tea, not only as a hot beverage, but as a lifestyle as well. I have worn the pages of my own autographed copy from many visits throughout the years.

As serendipitous as many of our tea adventures are, we quite literally bumped into James Norwood Pratt near the escalators of the convention center. Charming and gracious, he invited us to visit him inside the trade show to meet with other authors and tea enthusiasts. It's here we found this year's top pick for our holiday wish list: James Norwood Pratt's Tea Dictionary. Its purpose is to be "an indispensable tool for tea lovers of every description"and has been named 2010’s Best New Publication by World Tea Expo.

Although Las Vegas may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of tea, we found the Tea Expo to be as warm and exhilarating as a walk down "the strip". When you get to meet James Norwood Pratt on the first morning of the tea expo, you have certainly hit the jackpot. Tea-va Las Vegas!

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

Post Script: Upcoming blogs will cover other tea industry specialists, authors and tea products we encountered at the Las Vegas Tea Convention. It was an amazing event, and attendance set another record from previous years.

Tea Travels: The Tea Emporium in Toronto

2010-06-04T18:46:00.013-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

The Tea Emporium in Toronto has long been on my "tea room visit wish list" and, finally, this past April, we made it there. We stopped at the Eglinton location which not only has a tea boutique and a tea lounge, but is home to Canada's only "Tea School".

Like those impassioned shoppers waiting at Best Buy at 5:00 am on "Black Friday", we were at The Tea Emporium's door when it opened on a Sunday afternoon. Once in, I couldn't get to the counter fast enough. Large black tins of tea line the shelves on the back wall and, though somewhat daunting, our enthusiastic salesperson navigated us through the greens, the blacks and the oolongs with detailed information about the teas' locale, history and preparation. He offered suggestions as we sniffed our way through a variety of samples and provided answers to our numerous questions.

For relaxing in the tea lounge, I wanted to try their Lapsang Souchong, and my husband, Chris, order the Brasil Yerba Mate. Chris found the Yerba Mate hearty, flavorful and refreshing and I savored the earthy taste of black tea from China's Fujian province in my cup. The lapsang souchong is like drinking in a campfire - but in a good way. It's a good drink to sip slowly and savor.

Although we had missed the bi-weekly Tea School class (held on Saturdays), we did get to peek in at the classroom. Attending one of their afternoon classes or the tea specialist course is also on my wish list. For the month of June, "Oolong and Pu-erh" and "The Fascinating World of Tea" are scheduled. For more information check out the Tea Emporium's School of Tea.

The Tea Emporium is a joy to visit for any tea enthusiast. We brought back a shopping bag's worth of tea and we plan to cross the border again very soon.

And, now, it seems like we just unpacked from Toronto and we're bringing out the suitcase for this week's out of town excursion: The World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. We'll be there with some of our fellow tea bloggers, too. Let us know if you will be there as well!

In the meantime, here's to all tea adventures whether international, across state borders or on your backyard deck.

Yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

2010-05-30T15:22:00.009-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

We have begun the countdown to the third annual Jane Austen Festival in Louisville Kentucky. Held July 10th and 11th at the Historic Locust Grove estate, this year's events will include our favorites from last year's: afternoon tea, fashion show, Regency Shops and the original outdoor shopping venue, Meryton, although five new vendors have been added. One of the new additions is Kentucky Fine Tea Ware. (We are sure to put a few extra coins in our reticules for this adventure.)

The guest speaker this year is Kim Wilson, author of "Tea with Jane Austen" and "In the Garden with Jane Austen". (The former is the reference guide for those interested in both subjects . . . together!) I have read and reread my copies - I find it works to have a few spread about the house - and am looking forward to learning as much about gardening and Jane as I did about tea and Jane.

In addition, Greg Maedon, the creator of the bonnets for the upcoming PBS documentary on Dolly Madison, will also speak both days and bring those lovely bonnets for display.

For more information, see the Jane Austen Festival page on the website of the Louisville Chapter of the Jane Austen Society, North America. You'll find a list of events and recommendations for local hotels and bed and breakfasts. For more fun, click on the Festival's Media page and run the 30 second video. You'll know for sure why you must attend!

We've included a picture (top) from last year's event of the Regional Coordinator, festival organizer and ultimate hostess, Bonny Wise, with the dashing Mr. Darcy (Brian Cushing). New this year (photo below), is the 19th Century Doctor in residence (Albert Roberts). I do feel as though I shall find an occasion not to be well sometime during our stay.

For a full description of last year's event, see BTS' account from August, 2009, Jane Austen Festival at Locust Grove.

Happy Holiday Weekend and hope to see you in the Regency Period in July!

Yours in TEA and Friendship,

Barb

Happy Memorial Day Weekend from Pemberly Pines Tea Gardens

2010-05-29T20:23:00.006-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

This weekend, at our up north retreat, Pemberly Pines, we set out to "improve" the landscape. With ambitions not quite as high as Mr. Rushworth's planned alterations for Sotherton, and without the expertise or cost of Mr. Repton, my husband and I set about turning some of the back acreage into a rustic tea garden and vineyard.

Inspired by Light of Day teas and some fellow tea bloggers, I, too, am growing a tea plant in the north. Way outside its comfort hardiness zone of 8, we've planted a Camellia sinensis plant in northern Michigan's zone 4. Nestled firmly in its cedar planter home, we'll take care to move our tea plant indoors when the weather turns cool. Although it will take awhile before we get much of a harvest from our own Camellia sinensis, we've also planted a number of herbs including chamomile and spearmint. With that, we can begin enjoying tisanes under the pines immediately.

As of yet, we have no further plans for improvements of the grounds, although a hermitage walk near the pond does sound appealing.

Sotherton, Pemberley, tea and tea gardens. . . this can only mean one thing: we have begun the countdown to the third annual Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. Rachel and I have already made our reservations. This year's featured speaker is Kim Wilson, author of "Tea with Jane Austen" and "In the Garden with Jane Austen". Only three more fortnight's to go! (See next blog story for more exciting details about this year's event in July).

Have a most enjoyable holiday weekend!

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

Traveling Tea Cup: Goldfish Tea featured in Adagio Tea's May issue of Tea Muse

2010-05-08T09:43:00.006-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Adagio Teas, home to teamap (the reference guide for tearooms nationwide), the indispensable IngenuiTEA teapot and, of course, many gourmet teas, featured Goldfish Tea Room in their May issue of Tea Muse, the on-line newsletter. Barb's TEA Shop had the pleasure of penning Tea Muse's first feature story on a Michigan tea room.

Goldfish Tea Room is located in Royal Oak and now features live music on weekends. For more details, click on the Tea Muse link above.

At BTS, Goldfish Tea Room seems to coincide with May. This is where my son, Matt, took me last Mother's Day weekend (see BTS blog story, May 18, 2009). A combination that is sure to become a tradition.

So, this weekend, consider treating your Mom to a relaxing tea time. Wishes of a Happy Mother's Day and a very special tea toast to all those special moms!

Yours in Tea and Friendship,

Barb

p.s. For a last minute Mother's Day Treat, see the latest from the Detroit Tea Examiner, for info on a fun tea, cake and pampering event at Lush Cosmetics. There's still time and no reservations required!

Austen-tacious Tea at Troy Museum & Historic Village

2010-04-29T17:20:00.008-04:00

Hello TEA Friends!

"My idea of good company, Mr. Elliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company."

"You are mistaken," said he gently, "that is not good company, that is the best. . . . " (Anne Elliot and her cousin, Persuasion)

It certainly was the best of company that Barb's TEA Shop met during our presentation of "An Austen-tacious Tea"at the Troy Museum and Historic Village today. The sold-out event wrapped up the 2010 Winter/Spring series of "Teas at Two" which are held on the last Thursday of each month.

As we imagined a shared tea time with Jane using tea from Twinings in a Wedgwood cup, BTS spoke about the Regency Period influences on the author's lifestyle, novels and, of course, our favorite hot beverage. Protocol, dress, politics and marriage were among the topics covered. In addition, pictures were shown of the celebrated Pump Room in Bath and the Palace at Versailles. "There's a connection between Jane Austen and Marie Antoinette?", one might ask. Mais oui, and we have the tea cup to prove it.

This was BTS' second visit to the Troy Museum and we want to thank Anne Nagrant, director of Public Programs, for inviting us back to be part of one of these special afternoon tea events.

Guests bring their own special tea cup and upon arrival, are offered an appealing selection of teas and small desserts to choose from to enjoy during the program.

After the presentation, those in attendance had a lot of great questions, comments and stories to share. A wonderful, "austen-tacious" tea with the best of company, indeed! We hope to see all of you again.

Yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

Thinking about something fun and different for your next gathering, book club or upcoming event? Consider a Jane Austen tea talk, tea etiquette presentation or a tea tasting. Call us at 248-840-4356 or email barb@barbsteashop.com for more information.

Putting on the Tea Time Ritz in Toronto

2010-04-24T13:06:00.011-04:00

Hello TEA Friends!

When you walk into your hotel room and find a tea caddy next to the mini bar, you just know your vacation is going to be good. Such was my experience two weeks ago in Toronto and helping myself to the contents of the tea caddy was just the beginning of a wonderful tea trip across the border.

There were a number of reasons for the trip: my brother, Glenn, had given us theatre ticket vouchers last Christmas which we could use in Toronto; I had my sights set on the Tea Emporium, a must-see on on my "tea room visit wish list"; and it was my birthday. It was my husband, Chris', idea to package them all together so, on the Saturday before my birthday, we packed up and headed across the Blue Water Bridge to Canada. Another four hours east and we were at our destination city.

Our hotel was in Yorkville, a trendy, upscale part of Toronto with a slew of designer stores, quaint pubs and fine restaurants all within walking distance of our marble-tiled lobby. After a quick unpacking, a tour about the room, an inspection of the fancy shampoo and hand lotion bottles and, of course, a relaxing cup of tea, we headed out to Bloor Street for a short jaunt to dinner. Our concierge recommended a charming, romantic Italian restaurant, Vaticano's, and called in our reservation. Like our hotel room, once inside, we knew immediately, this was the right choice.

Tucked in a cozy corner table that took in the picture window views of the street scene, we dined on pasta, salad and just baked bread. But, the biggest treat was the after dinner drinks - my husband chose a brandy, but I could think of nothing else but investigating the blueberry tea listed on the menu. Our waiter explained the hot tea was served with Grand Marnier. Although, he had me at "blueberry tea. . . ", I was pleased to hear more. It was, in fact, delicious - a bit like drinking hot blueberry syrup, but more refined than it sounds.

After that, we continued our high-brow themed evening at the Princess of Wales Theatre to see "Young Frankenstein, the Musical". Absurdly funny, the highlight of the play, as in the movie, is the singing and dancing duet of scientist and monster, both in tuxedos and top hats, and bellowing "Putting on the Ritz!!". It was "Super Duper".

The next day, we headed north from our hotel to visit The Tea Emporium, on Eglinton Avenue, one of four locations for this tea franchise in Toronto. This particular location, however, is home to the Tea School, which is also on my wish list to attend. The Tea Emporium (more in next blog story) has a great variety of teas to choose from and sample and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We spent a good portion of our visit learning about their teas from our young, enthusiastic tea rep as he discussed in detail each tea's story while opening its respective canister. We inspected, sniffed and became acquainted with several of the teas before even taking in a cup.

Loaded with a Tea Emporium bag full of teas for more sampling at home, we headed back to the the car for our trip home. Here, my husband surprised me with a silver chain with a sapphire pendant for my birthday. It was a tea trip blended with luxury accommodations, chic dining, top shelf liqueur, silver jewelry and Mel Brooks. Yes, indeed, that tea caddy was a good sign - this "ritzy" vacation WAS great!

Yours in TEA and Friendship,

Barb

Barb's TEA Shop's In-home Tea Tastings - So Easy, So Fun - You Should Have One, Too!

2010-04-18T16:02:00.004-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Barb's TEA Shop put on another afternoon tea tasting this weekend at a wonderful home in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Our hostess' tablescapes were beautifully set with fine china, silverware, crystal and fresh cut daffodils on top of muted green-on-green patterned linen - refined elegance that would make the Duchess of Bedford proud, to be sure.

Tea tastings are fun and educational. BTS supplies the tea, professional wait staff, all tea brewing essentials and a tea seminar which covers tea basics including: different types of teas, tea brewing tips and tea etiquette 101. All you need to provide is the venue and the scones and savories. BTS offers complimentary menu consultation for any booked party. We can also provide linens, crystal, teapots, tea warmers and tea cups.

Based on your needs, you can select what you want based upon the size and budget of your event. Make it elegant, make it casual - it's up to you!

So, call today for more information on planning an afternoon tea tasting party.

For more information on tea tasting parties, contact BTS at
barb@barbsteashop.com or 248-840-4356.

Tea Time Travels with "Hands On" Businesses in Northern Michigan

2010-04-08T10:26:00.025-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

We're taking some time off this week at Pemberly Pines, our humble northern Michigan retreat. Sitting next to the warming logs of the fireplace, looking out at the picture-window views of the the pond which reflect rows of towering pines trees and a seamless white-grey sky, I'm sipping a cup of Creamy Earl Grey and enjoying the alarming quiet of the woods. The biggest challenges of the day are the uneven internet connection and locating my pink snuggie. Ah, the comforts of northern living.

Yesterday, however, we took a road trip tea adventure from the cabin and headed west to Traverse City to visit our good friends at Light of Day Tea. We finally got to see the "new", green barn and tea room and, even in the midst of painting and rearranging, it is warm and inviting, just like Bob and Angela. Angela Macke, the literally hands-on owner of LOD, was on the tractor when we arrived, taking advantage of the warmer weather (mind you, this was yesterday - today we have snow flurries) to start cultivating the grounds. Bob Webster, our favorite sales manager, was there to greet us and give us updates on the farm's latest happenings.

We stocked up on Coffee Convert, Formosa Oolong, White Cherry Mint, Sencha, and, of course, everyone's favorite, Creamy Earl Grey. You know you are getting fresh ingredients when you can walk the grounds and see the herbs growing right in front of you.

Many upcoming events are planned for the Light of Day farm and tea room and we'll keep you posted.

While there, we also sampled tea-infused chocolate truffles from Grocer's Daughter Chocolate, another northern Michigan-based company. Our box, with its label that proudly proclaims products are "Handmade in Empire, MI", included chocolates made with Light of Day tea blends: Hummingbird, Mitten-Time Mint and Sunday Morning. Scandalously delicious, these chocolate confections are densely packed with flavor and creamy sweetness. Tea and chocolate - does it get any better than this?

Well, it can, if you want to indulge yourself in glassware worthy of such delights! On another serendipitous stop on M72, we paid a first-time visit to the Stained Glass Cabinet Company, just past East Bay in Traverse City.

Another hands-on owner and artisan, Richard Bruening, gave us a personal tour of the store and an educational demonstration of how the glass is cut. Richard apprenticed with Master Engraver, Al Tavernnier, in Fostoria, Ohio, the well-known home of Fostoria Glass. Richard continues the art of stone wheel engraving on Travernnier's grandfather's century-old engraving machine.

The Stained Glass Cabinet Company offers a variety of glass products including lamps, sun-catchers, chandeliers, and drinking glasses. Inventory changes all the time and much of the work is custom ordered. We've already put in an order for this season's Pemberly Pines wildflowers to be incorporated into one of Richard's beautiful sun-catchers. And, of course, we need to come back for some personalized Barb's TEA Shop tea mugs.

Now, back at Pemberly, I need to get my "hands on" another cup of Creamy Earl Grey and manage the rest of my day. On the agenda: locate snuggie, eat chocolate, tea-infused bon-bons, think of designs for my glass tea cups and pick up on page 245 of Mansfield Park. Tea time in the northern woods is much improved with the help of homegrown Michigan products.

Yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

Spring into Tea Time Tablescapes

2010-04-02T14:31:00.010-04:00

Happy Spring TEA Friends,

With record-breaking high temperatures in Michigan and welcomed sunshine, we can take inspiration from those blooming daffodils and forsythia bushes in the yard and invite them to the tea table. And, that's just what Barb's TEA Shop found at its latest tea tasting in a truly beautiful home in Brighton.

The homeowner was hostess to twenty-five guests for afternoon tea last month. Her tablescapes featured flower-accented china with bundles of yellow and white mums gathered into flowerpots and teacups like miniature topiaries for centerpieces. Accented by sage-colored tablecloths and framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the just-budding trees and scenic lake, the tea tables looked as though they had been freshly picked from the greening landscape outside.

They decor quite literally brought a "spring" to Barb's TEA Shop's step as we brewed and served over seven types of tea. The formal afternoon tea tasting included white, sencha, herbal mint and creamy earl grey. Afterwards, guests sampled roibois, oolong and yunan black, primarily sourced from Light of Day teas.

BTS also presented a tea talk which included tea history, tea etiquette and a Tea 101 on the different types of tea.

Thanks to our gracious hostess for inviting us to spend afternoon tea time in her lovely home. And, keep in mind, you can host a tea tasting in your home, too! Barb's TEA Shop has programs and tea tastings to suit all sizes and budgets. E-mail us at barb@barbsteashop.com or call anytime at 248-840-4356.

If you are looking for more inspiration for your tea table, you must visit the Antiques Depot, in Lewiston, Michigan. Just three hours north of Oakland County, you will find teapots and teacups for every taste and pocketbook. For more information, check out The Detroit Tea Examiner's latest article which features this enchanting store.

Of course, with all this talk of Spring and welcoming the green, a tea toast to our own MSU Spartans in tonight's Final Four playoffs. : )

Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Go Green - to all my TEA Friends!

Barb

Tablescape at the Antiques Depot

And the Award for Best Austen Bride Goes to. . .

2010-03-07T13:34:00.013-05:00

Hello TEA Friends,

On the eve of the biggest night in Hollywood, we visited a cream-colored carpet event at Somerset Mall in Troy. Showcasing some of the most beautiful period wedding dresses in their "Hollywood Brides Unveiled" exhibit, the highlight for any Austenphile are the bride dresses from the movies: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Emma. In addition, it may be the closest some of us will ever get to the sleeve of the quintessential Mr. Darcy, Colin Firth.

The exhibit, which runs now through March 21st, displays wedding dresses worn by some of the most famous Hollywood actresses, including Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet, and designed by the top names in movie costuming. The dresses are part of the vast collection of John Bright, the Oscar -winning designer from London.

The dresses are remarkably petite, some almost doll-like, and all are off-white, the reasons for which, according to the collection spokesman, are twofold. First, bleach was not used in the time period most of these films are set and, secondly, in movies, white simply does not film as well.

The Austen fan will not only delight in seeing Frances O'Connor's dress from Mansfield Park and Gwenyth Paltrow's delicate gown from Emma, but will take pleasure in viewing some of the gents' attire as well. Among the male apparel is Alan Rickman's , as Col. Brandon, distinguished uniform and, yes, the aforementioned cut-away coat of Mr. Darcy.

Although for a time, it may seem like one is in a museum, there are perks to taking in such a display in the middle of a mall. After my daughter, Rachel, and I circled the exhibit several times, reading and rereading the costume notes, we, as proper Janeites, were ready for a good cup of tea.* Bidding Elizabeth and Fanny adieu, we took the escalators back to Macy's third floor and enjoyed choosing from an impressive selection of Revolution tea. Although it wasn't loose tea, it was, as in Jane's day, held in a tea caddy and presented to us with as much ceremony as one may expect from a snack counter cafe. An interesting boutique tea, with silk sachets and appealing miniature-boxed packaging, we sampled an orange-chocolate green tea. With a lot of flavors competing in the cup, none was overbearing - a subtle mixture of citrus, cocoa and tea to top off the afternoon's activities.

So, dear TEA friends, join me in a round of applause for tonight's Oscar's, Jane, and tea. With that combination, we're all winners!

Yours in TEA and Friendship,

Barb

*Don't forget Austen/Tea fans, Barb's TEA Shop will be presenting an "Austen-tacious Tea" at the Troy Museum and Historical Village, April 29th!

Chazzano Coffee Roasters to Serve Tea

2010-02-20T15:56:00.023-05:00

Hello TEA Friends,

I confess, I enjoy a good mug of coffee as much as I do a good cup of tea and I admit to visiting the dark (roasted) side frequently. Fortunately for me, Chazzano Coffee now allows me to have my choice of either in the same place.

Owned and passionately operated by Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo, Chazzano Coffee Roasters in Ferndale will soon be adding loose tea to its menu. With the same care Chazzano takes in brewing gourmet coffee, they now turn to three new green tea offerings: matcha, sencha and puerh. Barbs TEA Shop was lucky enough to preview these this weekend.

Frank prepared matcha tea and whisked the characteristically phosphorescent green powder to a frothy concoction. Smooth and mellow, this is the traditional drink of the Japanese tea ceremony.

We also sampled another Japanese green tea, Sencha. This tea had a fine delicate flavor without the heavy grassy taste.

But, my favorite - and what a special treat - was the Puerh. Unlike most teas, Puerh actually improves with age. Pressed into cakes and stored away from light and humidity, these teas are now often categorized by region and year like fine wines.

And, Chazzano's Puerh delivers. It is absolutely delicious. Though in its unprocessed state, it is classified as a green tea, once ready for brewing, it has the color and taste of a hearty, but smooth black tea. Pure tea flavor that gets better with each steep.

My son, Rob, and I enjoyed a laid back weekend afternoon in this comfortable, contemporary coffee house. Barb's TEA shop plans to invite TEA friends to join us at Chazzano's once the teas are ready for serving. Keep checking back for more details. (But we encourage you to go anytime for a satisfying cup of expertly roasted coffee!)

In (Coffee) TEA and friendship,

Barb

Chazzano Coffee Roasters
1737 E. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220

When Life Gives You Lemons. . . Add Them to Your Tea

2010-02-14T10:19:00.015-05:00

Hello TEA Friends!

Sometimes "Plan B" and a good cup of tea can do wonders.

This weekend we had scheduled, as we have for the past nine years, our family ski vacation in northern Michigan. Due to a work emergency for Mr. G., this year’s trip was cancelled at the last minute.

When I called all of this year’s attendees to let them know, all were disappointed, but all understood. It seemed it wasn’t so much the skiing that was going to be missed, but the time together.

On Saturday morning, I talked to my son, Matt, about making an impromptu trip to Michigan State University to see my daughter, Rachel, and take her out lunch. He quickly agreed to the plan and with a speed dial to East Lansing and our GPS in tow, we were on I-96 heading west in less than twenty minutes.

When I spoke to a surprised and excited Rachel, I asked her to think about a few places we could go. My only criterion was that the venue served tea. We ended up in the State Room at the Kellogg Center, right on campus. In my “State of the State Room Address”, I can attest to this restaurant as an excellent choice: bright and uncluttered with a delicious and varied menu. But, the highlight was the tea selection. Our enthusiastic waiter brought out a tea caddy filled with Mighty Leaf selections. New teas to try! Plan B - not so bad.

After several tension-filled minutes, I finally decided on "Leaves of Provence", a black tea which is supposed to invoke thoughts of the South of France with its mix of Provencal herbs, lavender and mint. Although served in tea bags, the sachets were not only beautiful, but large enough to allow for sufficient leaf expansion.

The tea smelled wonderful – and based on that alone, Rachel quickly asked for a cup for herself. We both loved it and I’m ready to order more of this gourmet tea. I checked out the Mighty Leaf website and I am finding it an enjoyable struggle to pick out my next selection.

Although we all couldn’t be together for the traditional family ski trip, we could, at least, gather for a few hours to talk over bowls of butternut squash soup, Caesar salad and, toast with a bit of Provence in a cup.

Family hugs good-bye and Facebook status’ changing from “dislike” to “like”, just keep in mind, when life gives you lemons, make the best of it and just add them to your tea.

Yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

January is National Tea Month - New Calendars, New Beginnings

2010-01-12T21:17:00.009-05:00

Did you know January is National Hot Tea Month? (Amazing what tidbits a new tea calendar can provide.)

Well, dear TEA friends, it is and I was uninformed until I flipped the page this morning. But, this IS January and a time for new calendars, fresh beginnings, inspiration and motivation. And - seriously, do we even have to ask? - what better drink to accompany all this than a good cup of hot tea?

As much as I love the flurry of activity of the holidays, there is something special about the start of the new year. The possibilities are all in front of us and we no longer have the "excuses" of decorating, baking, shopping or shipping to stand in our way. I don't make formal resolutions, but I do have a rather large list of things I hope to do, or at least try, by the end of the year.
So far, things are moving right along. In just the second week of this month, I've already cleaned one large closet (the first floor coat closet that was so jam packed, some jackets didn't even have hangers!), signed up for a knitting class for beginners and booked two tea events. In less than 14 days of the New Year, I've already made entries into my new calendar and am keeping "Hoarders" at bay. I must admit, I'm feeling pretty good about this new year.

Barb's TEA Shop is also getting caught up in expanding its routine in 2010. Look for more contests, more reviews, more links and more interactive fun.

Of course, back on the personal side, there's the obvious New Year's goal of shedding a few of those holiday pounds, but do we need to address everything in January? Because I was gently persuaded to go to The Cupcake Station last week and then, indulge in a deep-fried twinkie dessert this past weekend, I think I'm going to save the weight reduction for February. Right after Valentine's Day.

So, Cheers to the New Year, New Beginnings and National Hot Tea Month.

Yours in TEA and Friendship,

Barb

No Fried Twinkies in February

Happy New Year, Y'all!

2010-01-03T16:08:00.005-05:00

Hey Y'all Dear TEA Friends, Happy New Year!

Starting off the new year with Paula Deen's signature greeting. For those of you familiar with Food Network's delightful southern cook, who possesses as much charm and warmth as the generous portions of butter in her recipes, Paula is an inspiration to her legions of fans of which I count myself as one. Julie Powell had "her Julia" and I have "my Paula".

It's not just her delicious food I embrace, but the way she prepares it is just downright fun to watch. When she takes the finished product out of the oven, fridge, pan or bowl, I can't wait until Paula goes in for the taste and gives us a knowing smile that confirms what we can only visually speculate - - "this is sinfully good stuff!"

Not surprisingly, it was a bit of a Paula Deen Christmas for us this year. I gave my daughter, Rachel, the "Paula Deen Celebrates!" cookbook with some of our favorite recipes . (I'll save you some time, go right to page 73 for Creme de Menthe Brownies. They are fabulous and last Christmas' big hit!) This book is so authentic, you'll perfect your southern drawl just thumbing through the index.

But wait, there's more!. . . my husband, Chris, another of my favorite cooks, treated me to a Paula Deen teakettle. With its "colorful porcelain exterior" and "secure handle and lid", it is sure to be a treasured addition to my tea collection. However, it's what's on the box that says it all - Paula's note to us tea drinkers:

"I have always said that the heart of the home is in the kitchen. No kitchen would be complete without a teakettle. You can spend hours upon hours with a good cup of tea and a cherished friend."

And, so, I share with you, a scene from my own kitchen this morning: fresh baked scones from my dear Mr. Gulley, "the" teakettle, a beautiful "new" teacup, kitchen chair pulled out and the fire blazing from the family room fireplace. So take your shoes off, sit a spell, have a cup of tea and we'll look forward to the many hours we'll spend together with cherished TEA friends, with the kettle on and so much to share in 2010!

Y'all come back now, ya' hear!

Yours in TEA (and a bit of butter),

Barb

P. S. Check out the Paula Deen teakettle and other fun things on her website.

P. S. S. To my family: anything on the Paula Deen website is welcomed.

P. S. S. S. New goal - to stay in the beach house!

We Have a Winner (!) and Best Wishes for a Safe, Wonderful, COZY Holiday!

2009-12-24T10:44:00.004-05:00

Greetings TEA Friends!

We have a winner for our tea cozy contest: Cathy E. of Michigan. She will be receiving the yellow and white tea cozy in the mail!

Thanks to all who submitted entries and keep a watch out as we will be having more contests in 2010!

We, here at Barb's TEA Shop, want to wish everyone a safe, happy, joyous, relaxing and yes, cozy holiday season. Our Christmas present to all our tea friends is a delicious ice cream recipe made with Devonshire cream (see below).

We hosted a delightful afternoon tea in a beautiful home in downtown Birmingham last month. Our amazing hostess, Pam, found a great use for some of the leftover Devonshire cream and shared this recipe with us. A big BTS thank you to Pam for sending this along. Bring in the new year with some tea (or tea toddy's!) and Devonshire (Ice) Cream!

3 egg yolks, 2 cups Devonshire cream

Whisk together the egg yolks. Set aside.
Bring the cream to a boil. Whisk it into the yolks.
Pour into a glass pyrex dish. Put into the freezer to set (minimum 2 hours).

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy, Happy New Year!

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

Enter to Win a One-of-Kind Tea Cozy from Barb's TEA Shop

2009-12-05T17:15:00.013-05:00

Hello TEA Friends!

Just in time for the holidays - Barb's TEA Shop is "raffling" off one of our exclusive, hand-crafted tea cozies and YOU get to pick from one of two of our unique designs.

For more traditional tastes, we have a yellow and white cozy, accented at the top with a coordinating vintage button.

If you prefer a more contemporary look, choose the multi-color, V-design, velour-textured cozy with a black loop tie on top.

AND IT IS SO EASY TO ENTER!! Just e-mail barb@barbsteashop.com with your name, address and tea cozy choice. We will pick the winner on Wednesday, December 16th.

And, for those of you still working on your holiday list, we still have a number of beautiful cozies available. You can get these only at Barb's TEA Shop. Each is hand-crafted and all come with a separate lining that pulls out for easy wash and care.

Cozies are $24.99 with SPECIAL DECEMBER SHIPPING AND HANDLING OF ONLY $2.00.

Email barb@barbsteashop.com or call 248-840-4356 and order yours today!

A Tea Tree Grows in Michigan

2009-12-02T18:44:00.006-05:00

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

2009-11-15T13:20:00.006-05:00

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!

2009-11-08T21:27:00.007-05:00

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

2009-10-17T13:01:00.011-04:00

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!

2009-10-06T17:31:00.003-04:00

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!

2009-09-24T17:12:00.005-04:00

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

2009-09-10T19:43:00.017-04:00

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

248-840-4356
barb@barbsteashop.com
www.barbsteashop.com
http://barbsteashop.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/barbsteashop

Victorian Tea Parlor - An Unruffled Tea Time with all the Ruffles

2009-09-04T18:21:00.021-04:00

Entering the small brick building with the bright yellow door, in downtown Berkley, one is met with an explosion of chintz, lace and bric-a-brac. Every shelf and table surface is filled with an assortment of tea cups, teddy bears, candles and other tea-related curiosities. There’s so much to take in, you’ll use your leisurely afternoon tea time to absorb it all. Such was our entry into the Victorian Tea Room last week.

To say there’s a feminine side to this tea room is a bit of an understatement. But, it shouldn't deter males from partaking in the fun. The food and service is quality and gender-neutral and worth the absence of a big-screen TV or moose head on the wall.

My tea companions were my son, Matt, and daughter, Rachel. Matt and I had been there a few years ago, when, even as a teenager, Matt was willing to cross the line into ruffled curtains and pink tablecloths to take his mother out to tea for Mother’s Day. What struck us back then, as it did last week, was the friendly service and inviting home-brewed tea.

We started our afternoon, after some highly-spirited and good-natured chiding directed at Matt from our hostess, with two pots of tea: black current black tea and tropical green. After waiting for the leaves to steep, we poured the tea into our cups with the help of those charming silver tea strainers that catch the loose tea from the teapot. It’s just another lovely detail that adds to the ultimate afternoon tea experience.

For our lunch entrée, we all decided on the open-faced chicken salad sandwich with melted cheese. As our hostess proclaimed from the onset, “this is not fast food” and so, while waiting for our meal, we sipped our tea and discussed everything from college schedules to health coverage to the cute little stuffed animals that pop out from various glassware around the tearoom. When served, our sandwiches were tasty and light, which saved room for this restaurant’s "home baked" desserts.

Matt and Rachel chose the chocolate raspberry cake while I broke from the pack and ordered the lemon curd tart with Devonshire cream. The chocolate cake was deliciously rich while the lemon curd tart was a burst of citrus-y decadence tempered most appropriately with the silky-smooth cream topping.

It was an afternoon of tea, food, and conversation. Keep in mind, this is not a place of drive through service or economy pricing, but that’s why one comes to visit, to be sure.

BTS gives this a pearl-buttoned, lace-crocheted, white-gloved thumbs up.

Yours in TEA and
friendship,

Barb

Jane Austen Festival at Locust Grove

2009-08-02T17:28:00.004-04:00

It was a fortnight ago that BTS, including Mrs. and Miss Gulley, attended the Jane Austen festival at the historic Locust Grove, in Louisville, Kentucky. We experienced such felicity, it is our hope that our account of the event will meet with our Dear Readers approbation.

On the weekend of July 18 - 19th of this year, Locust Grove held its second annual JA festival, full of all things Jane and Regency period. Bonnie Wise, president of the Louisville chapter of the Jane Austen Society, is the coordinator of the festival and the perfect hostess in manner and dress. Attired with the requisite bonnet and empire-waist gown, she greeted guests with alacrity and charm.

The site of the festivities, was once the home of William and Lucy Clark Croghan and, later to George Clark, Revolutionary war hero, brother-in-law to William Croghan and older brother of William Clark, of the famous "Lewis and Clark". Built in 1790, it approximates the time when our favorite author was spending her days in England (more than likely never conceiving she'd have a fan club more than 200 years later - and across the pond, at that) . Locust Grove's handsome buildings dot the rolling grounds of eastern Louisville and if you check your ipod and your cell phone at the door, you will swear you are back at Netherfield, seeing Mr. Darcy approaching from the manicured path. Do not think we are aggrandizing - it is the truth!

Our first event of the day was a book talk, by another of our favorite authors, Margaret Sullivan, editrix of Austenblog.com and writer of "The Jane Austen Handbook". Loaded with multifarious facts about Jane and the Regency period, enhanced by teasing tidbits ("a lady" did not wear * ahem* panties) and delivered with sassy wit, Ms. Sullivan delighted her audience and gave us much to ruminate upon. Thanks to her "Five Things a Janeite Heroine (or Hero) Needs to Know", under the topic of servants, I now know why it was quite acceptable for Elizabeth Bennett and her aunt and uncle to tour Pemberley without Mr. Darcy being present. It also explains why Mrs. Rushworth, after some study, was almost as knowledgeable as the housekeeper "to shew the house" to her guests. The Handbook is a must have for all JA devotees as well as those curious as to Regency customs. It's a reference guide that is as interesting as it is entertaining.

After the talk, we strolled the grounds before our afternoon tea time. We toured the Croghan home, climbing the narrow stairs to the second floor, to see period fashions displayed throughout. After a turn about the room, we noted a lovely table set for tea in one of the period bedrooms. How civil!

From there, we hit "Meryton" and shopped for bonnets, feather adornments for one's evening attire and the latest in shoe and boot wear. We talked personally with the Shoe Maker, who showed us how some shoes were constructed so they could fit either foot - thus making it possible to have to replace only one, should the other be lost or ruined. Dear Readers, I dare say, you won't find any Jimmy Choo, but, thankfully, you won't see any crocks, either.

Then, back to the "Regency Emporium", the main market place where we bought some Pemberley soap and browsed through dress patterns and specialty books. This was also home to the "main dining room" where we were shown our table for afternoon tea time. We sampled various Harney teas and were treated to a three-tier tray filled with scrumptious sweet and savory favorites. The meal's finale was quite literally the icing on the cake and we had our choice of several to pick from - I had the carrot cake with its creamy white frosting and Miss Gulley the spice, with its golden, caramel topping.
But, those were not the only riches being served. We saved room for the fashion show, which was was a living display of Regency attire for men and women, hosted and created by Betsy Bashore. It was an early 19th Century Project Runway, with the latest styles that would make Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn demand an encore. Squires and Ladies and young misses walked the aisle way to an admiring crowd. (Perhaps, Mrs. Gulley will need to acquire a new gown and reticule for the next JA Festival!)

After a day in merry old Louisville, it was time to locate our Chevy four-wheeled phaeton in the parking lot and drive back home to 2009 on the interstate highway. We recharged our cell phones and Miss Gulley plugged in her ipod with not a single country dance on the shuffle. Bidding adieu to our Jane Austen world for the moment, we had much to cogitate on our way home for it is most certain that we will be back again.

Yours, Dear Readers, in TEA and Friendship,

Barb

Note: Barb's TEA Shop will be presenting "An Austen-tacious Tea and Tea Manners" program at the Blair Public Library, Clawson, Michigan, October 5th. Contact BTS or the Blair Public Library for more details.

And, for those of you who visit the Regency Period on your own from time-to-time, check out BTS past blog, dated March 30, 2008. It's true - you don't have to go far, to go back in JA time!

Light of Day - "Green" Tea in Northern Michigan

2009-07-21T17:35:00.014-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Another adventure in "serendipi-tea" brought us to Light of Day, a true "green" tea business that is dedicated to providing organic products that are high quality, healthy and, I'll readily add, simply delicious.

Two weeks ago, BTS took a trip to Traverse City for the annual Cherry Festival. This area has long been known for its scenic bay views, resort living and, of course, cherries. In recent years, however, entrepreneurs have embraced this region's natural resources and the northwest sector of the lower peninsula has seen the proliferation of wineries and gourmet restaurants. This little city, where years ago we brought our kids every summer for putt-putt, water slides and parasailing, is now attracting the nobility of the haute cuisine, including celebrity chef Mario Batali, who has a summer home just northwest of this cherry capital.

So, we started our adventure at Trattoria Stella, a charming, brick-walled and arched ceiling restaurant whose menu, filled with dishes prepared with ingredients supplied by local farms, will meet any epicurean's expectations. Their daily lunch menu offerings include local cheeses and fruits, salads and tramezzinis (sandwiches) on crunchy homemade bread and, something new to us, "Light of Day" teas. Sampling one of their exciting black teas, we knew we needed to know more about them. Who knew it be in less than an hour?

From Trattoria Stella, we made our way through wine country and stopped at what have become some of our favorites: L.Mawby, Chateau Chantal and Blackstar Farms. At Blackstar, outside their retail store, we were met with quite literally, another sign, that pointed to Light of Day. Was this fate?

I was convinced it had to be at our next and final destination: the Cherry Festival in downtown Traverse City. We had ordered tickets to the first ever "Global Wine Pavilion" at the festival and, while this was supposed to be our reason for being there, we found we were pleasantly sidetracked.

On the way to pick up our tickets at the hospitality tent, we again saw the Light of Day sign inside the Sleeping Bear Gourmet booth! Here we met Bob and he allowed us to sample a variety of Light of Day teas including Honu Chai and Creamy Earl Grey. All of the teas were amazing and, because it was an usually hot day in northern Michigan, he'd alternate serving the teas hot and cold. Tasted great either way.

Bob explained that Light of Day was the creation of Angela Macke who is both a registered nurse and a horticulturist. Her farm practices Biodynamic agriculture and supports Free Trade tea. Everything is quality, right down to the packaging which features polished tin containers (which boast the "Made in USA" stamp) and labels that are designed and printed locally. Imagine drinking a delicious cup of tea and feeling so gosh darned good about it!

So, I'm getting ready to place another order with Light of Day. My newest addiction is Creamy Earl Grey. It really delivers on what it advertises - this is a silky smooth black tea that needs nothing added to it. In my unscientific dining room test market, both my daughter and husband, who ALWAYS add milk to any tea, were happily satisfied drinking this one au natural.

Enjoy the rest of your (Light of) day and this beautiful, summer weekend.

Yours in TEA and Friendship,

Barb

Karma Tea and Tonics Will Get You Instantly

2009-07-12T17:09:00.014-04:00

Hello TEA Friends!

As soon as you walk in the door, Karma Tea and Tonics will get you. . . . from its sleek, contemporary furnishings to its gleaming wall display of loose tea selections, you'll feel like a superstar - and how right you are!

It's a stretch, I know, but as a life-long Beatles fan, I can't help but think of John Lennon whenever I hear "karma" and, although his "Instant Karma" had nothing really to do with tea rooms, it does seem to have some application to this unique establishment: an uncluttered, yet sophisticated interior that any individual or group will feel comfortable at. It's a place, if you will, where we can all shine on. On the particular day of our visit, we saw an eclectic group of visitors from small families, to students, to office professionals, sipping tea while conversing, reading or looking over laptops.

We met the owner, Terri Heard. who has been running Karma Tea and Tonics since 2008. According to Teri, the tea room was the kind of business she was looking for - a gathering place to serve quality teas and host special events like poetry readings and book signings. In fact, Terri's daughter has written three books of poetry which can be found on the gift shop shelf occupying a portion of the tea room's east wall.

The teas, of course, are the focal point and they come in selections of choice, premium and elite; going up the scale of quality and price, accordingly. I sampled Monkey Gold, which is a hearty black tea. I found it smooth and nutty. My only regret was not trying a tonic. These are liquids comprised of fruit and herbs that add flavor and other benefits to your drink. That will give us something to look forward to at our next visit.

In addition, you will want to check out the display of loose teas - as fun to look as it is to sample. Every tea Karma sells is on exhibit in a clear glass container. You can open any one of them up to inspect and inhale the aroma of the tea inside. Aside from trying out a tonic, next visit I'm certain to ask for a pina colada tea. It had me at first sniff.

We were served tea in paper cups, which works well for some occasions, but not all. However, we were told china is available, so if that's your preference, make it known when you order.

So, when in Ferndale, check out Karma Tea and Tonics and - you knew this was coming - "dine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun".

Karma Tea and Tonics, "Bar-style Tea Lounge", located at 309 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale, MI.

Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower (or May Showers Bring June Wedding Flowers)

2009-06-30T20:16:00.019-04:00

Although, May (and April and June) showers did provide us with one beautiful, outdoor setting for a wedding this month, if we had used the Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower as a predictor of things to come, we would have all rested easier the week before the nuptials.

The third week in May we held an Afternoon Tea for my, (now), daughter-in-law, Karyn.

Borrowing off her wedding reception theme of vintage serving pieces, we gathered collections of "heirloom" china plates, bowls and teacups that were longing to be showcased.

Among the china, crystal, teapots and warmers, each place setting had a favor to commemorate the upcoming big event - and it had to be tea, of course. Each guest received a customized blue (the bride's favorite color) and white labeled tea tin, housing white tea bags, with the couples' names and wedding date.

But, perhaps the most important part of the table setting, the tea sandwiches and desserts, arrived right at noon, catered for the event by 2 Unique Catering. Family and friends could sample a variety of "European sandwiches"; vegetarian, salmon and turkey, to name a few. Absolutely delicious and only overshadowed by the grand finale: the dessert tray! Served on glossy black platters and garnished with fresh yellow roses, each plate was filled with miniature pastries and chocolate covered strawberries. There were tiny bumpy-cake confections and flaky-crusted tortes, along with truffles, lemon bars and tiny carrot cake pieces. Each a Lilliputian work of art and each tasting as scrumptious as they looked.

All of this accompanied by assorted black teas and champagne to cap off our "Royal Tea" (remember, an afternoon tea served with champagne or sherry is bestowed the majestic titled, to make any occasion - and especially this one - special). A fitting event for our bride-to-be, who, like our pastries, is as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside.

So, May showers can be lovely - just as long as they stay indoors.

Happy Holiday Weekend to All!

Barb

Mother's Day is Golden

2009-05-18T21:43:00.013-04:00

Hello TEA Friends!

I'm treating myself to an extravagantly leisurely (read: "lazy") afternoon today, sipping an equally luxurious cup of Yunnan Gold, with shorts on, feet up and windows wide open. For the past six months, most of my time has been spent aiding and abetting in wedding plans for my son and now daughter-in-law. Next feature story will be ALL about the nuptials (and, so as not to hold you in suspense, it was beautiful!), but this weekend is devoted to getting caught up with all things that have been set aside for awhile.

It's actually rather fitting that I'm going back a month to Mother's Day. Now that I'm both a mother and a mother-in-law, it seems most appropriate to take a short trip back to the day that honors all moms. In the midst of the wedding preparation flurry, my son, Matt (aka "best man"), phoned me the day before Mother's Day as I was helping my other son, Rob, (aka "groom"), cut brush and trim trees on our property up north (aka, site of the wedding reception and ceremony) to suggest we go out to tea on the following Sunday afternoon.

I suggested the Goldfish Tea Room in Royal Oak. It had been awhile since I last stopped in this tea room (see BTS blog story, March 2, 2008) and I was anxious to go back for a visit. Their tea is wonderful and I knew Matt, and my daughter, Rachel (aka, "bridesmaid" - - and, okay, okay, not more "aka"), who joined us, would find this a pretty hip place to hang out. And, indeed, they did.

We started with a pot of Yunnan gold and a plateful of delicious, assorted pastries. The serving system is as casual and comfortable at the furnishings. The tea room folks prepare your first pot and send you off with a tray and timer. When the minutes for steeping are up, you pull out the mesh basket with leaves and let it rest on a wooden tray, which has long, cut out grooves to allow for draining. After you've enjoyed your first pot, you can go back to the serve-yourself counter, select the appropriate hot water dispenser for your type tea and reuse your tea leaves. We were told we would get at least two or three pots, but I think we squeezed in a fourth as we were in the middle of a heavy discussion of best books-to-film adaptations (A & E's "Pride and Prejudice", anyone?).

Goldfish Tea Room is a great place to sample excellent teas and spend a relaxing hour or two. Again, Barb's TEA Shop gives this tea room two gloved thumbs up! Hope you treat yourself to a little R & R this weekend, too.

Yours in tea and friendship, Barb

London Afternoon Tea in an Unlikely Place

2009-04-19T12:10:00.013-04:00

Afternoon tea at Starbucks?!! Surely, Barb's TEA Shop has not exhausted all tea room visits!

Well, in answer to these questions, it's "yes" and "no", respectively. But, tea snobs, hang in there (rest assured, we draw the line at tea time served at McDonald's drive-through) and please allow me to explain . . .

Last weekend, to celebrate my birthday, my daughter and I were going to have afternoon tea together. Because it was the day before Easter, I thought some tea rooms may be closed or booked. So, late Saturday morning, I called what looks to be a very urban, very hip tea room in Ferndale to see if they were open. Although, I was told they would be closing early (6:00 pm) because of the holiday, they were, indeed, open now. Rachel and I were looking forward to trying out this newer tea room and sharing some quality chat time.

We got ourselves ready and drove down Woodward and turned west on 9 Mile. We found a spot in the public parking lot (remember to bring quarters when patronizing Ferndale) and made our way to the front of Karma Tea and Tonics. Only one problem - the door was locked with a sign taped to it that read, "Will be back at 1:30". It was about twenty after one when we got there, so despite the brief let down, we decided to sit on a sidewalk bench and wait. Meanwhile, the meter was sucking down our quarters while we were doing nothing more than watching for a door to open.

Shortly after 1:30, we looked back at the darkened storefront and, discouraged, decided to hold out no further. There was no indication if we'd be waiting another two minutes or forty, so we cut our losses and jumped back in the car.

Moving north on Woodward, we thought we'd check another tea room on the way back home, but they had a sign posted on their door as well - they were closed for the holiday. No misleading message there, so we were left to consider our few remaining options.

Rachel suggested Starbucks. She had been to one near campus lately and knew they had enhanced their tea and food offerings. We were guaranteed they would be open and what they may lack in tea room ambiance and other delicate accoutrement's, they would make up in surety.

We swung by the familiar Starbucks sign and, seeing cars in the parking lot, and no sign posted on the door, we ventured in. I requested a London Fog Tea Latte made with Tazo tea. To borrow from Starbuck's own description, it's a black tea "with citrusy Italian Bergamot and a hint of lavender. Sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with steamed milk and velvety foam".

I must say, not too bad at all. Accompanied by a Starbucks scone and my college sophomore across the table, I had a very enjoyable afternoon tea. Not exactly London or Ferndale, but convenient and quite tasty. And, you have my word, if Barb's TEA Shop's next tea time visit is to White Castle, I will voluntarily retire my tea etiquette consultant status.

Yours in tea (no matter where!) and friendship,

Barb

Create Your Own "Stimulant Package" at the Office

2009-03-28T14:18:00.012-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

These days, many companies, including the one I work for, are looking at ways to cut costs. One of the more insignificant perks on the chopping block is the familiar and taken-for-granted coffee station. You know, the standard commercial pots and generic prepackaged coffee and tea bags that have been around since we moved to an industrialized nation (and, sadly, often tasted like they had been around that long, too).

Faced with a challenge, many folks are getting creative and resourceful in filling this now unmet need for caffeine. In the office I work in, some of our java brethren launched a "coffee club" last year, just before the official plug-pulling of the company-sponsored supplies. Each week someone was responsible for bringing in a new package of grounds - the only condition: it had to be better than the generic fare that was already there. Few found this difficult to meet.

Borrowing from this great idea, my friend, co-worker and fellow tea enthusiast, Christine D. , suggested we start our own club, but, with (how anti-climatic!) tea. Knowing we'd seen others with the recognizable string-and-paper- tab dangling from their cups, we figured there were at least a few like us who might want to start an exchange.

One office e-mail later, we had almost a dozen members the first day, and one third are gents. Cost of entry is a box of your favorite tea. Of course, being practical and a friend to Facilities, we have to stick to teabags, but we take comfort in knowing over 90 per cent of England's tea drinkers use them daily. If it's good enough for our friends across the pond, it's certainly sufficient for us to take back to our cubes.

We've had a great variety brought in, including herbal, fruity, green and black teas. It's interesting to see the different personalities and what tea they bring: one member brought in Tazo"Passion" and another brought in Tazo "Calm" (I'll let you decide who you want to sit near in the next staff meeting).

We continue to grow in numbers and we're finding with with the variety of tea and enthusiam we bring to the table, we're a pretty good team. As we all know, there's no "I" in team, but there is "tea".

If your office hasn't started a stimulant package yet, we highly recommend it. And, when you do, we'd love to hear about it.

Bringing in the New Year with a Bit of the Bubbly

2009-03-02T17:02:00.011-05:00

Hello TEA Friends!

I know, it isn't exactly the "New Year", but the "bubbly" I'm referring to isn't the effervescent, golden-hued adult beverage, either. No, the drink I rang in the second month of 2009, was the trendy curiosity that I've been anxious to try ever since I heard about it a few year's back - bubble tea!

Bubble tea is an unlikely combination of black tea, fruit juices, milk and "pearls", the little tapioca drops that fall to the bottom of the glass likes rows of miniature cannon balls. It's an interesting, if not necessarily appetizing, look, to be sure.

As you might suspect, this drink is more popular with the "younger set" and by that, I mean college kids. My college sophomore daughter, knowing that I'm always up for a new tea experience, suggested we visit "Bubble Island" in East Lansing a few weeks ago and I couldn't wait to go.

Bubble Island is a growing franchise on college campuses and this particular "tea room" has resided on Grand River, hub of the local campus retail strip, since 2004.

I ordered, I believe, a passion fruit drink, and Rachel having sampled bubble tea before, opted for her drinks "sans" pearls. I think that may be my choice in the future as well. The drink was sweet and tasty, but the gummy bear spheres that slid up my straw when I wasn't paying attention, were chewy, and by my fourth slurp, a bit annoying.

Bubble tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980's and began as a fun treat for the little ones. It made it's way to California where it proliferated like Starbucks, with a bubble tea outlet on every corner. Today, it's found a welcoming home on college campuses and continues to be a popular drink with the same folks who are tutoring us on Facebook.

And in that vein, I sometimes feel for my kids - their culture and fads get invaded by us baby boomers like our entitlement generation has approached so many other things. We invade their music, their movies, their TV shows and, yes, even Facebook, as our territories leaving them little to claim as their own. In this instance, however, I surrender to you this bubble tea. It belongs to those with a "refined sugar palate". I still prefer my tea in a china cup and my pearls around my neck, but, thirty years ago, I would have given this a mood ring-adorned thumbs up!

Yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

New TEA Video from Barb's TEA Shop!

2009-01-29T22:11:00.004-05:00

2009-01-28T21:58:00.007-05:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Happy New Year from Barb's TEA Shop! We are looking forward to another exciting year of tea events with you. To kick off 2009, we created a new BTS video with the talented folks at M-1 Studios of Royal Oak.

So, please put the kettle on, take a tea break with us and enjoy our new video.

We'll look forward to sharing another cup of tea with you real soon!

Barb

Holiday Boun-tea Anything But Routine

2009-01-01T18:26:00.018-05:00

Hello TEA Friends!

I am trying to prolong this unusually sunny winter Saturday afternoon by having a second cup of Marriage Freres Darjeeling Princeton which notes on the label, "finest daytime Darjeeling". Even though the sun is starting to set, I'm going to use all resources available to extend the last weekend of my holiday vacation before the alarm gets reset Sunday night for the routine 5:30 Monday morning wake-up call.

This year, I saved up enough vacation time to take over a week and half off between Christmas and New Year's Day and it was the best mix of holiday hustle and extreme relaxation that I could have ever anticipated. We saw more family, engaged in more sporting activities, watched more movies, ate more home baked goodies and took more naps than should be legally allowed for anyone over four weeks old.

We launched our holiday extravaganza with the now traditional Christmas Tree Tour, where we make a few stops to my aunt's and a few of my brothers' homes (the latter of who join us at our final destination) to enjoy their decorations, some season's goodies and a cup or two of Christmas cheer. Last stop is our home, where we dine on pizza and eggnog before the yuletide treasure bath. Gift exchange culminates in a family board game my son Rob and his fiance, Karyn, created last year. It's a hilarious hybrid of Candy Land and Festivus, where the airing of family goofiness can earn you points. The winner gets first choice from the gift trove of dollar store collectibles, bookstore gift cards and lottery tickets.

The vacation fun continued Christmas Day at Rob and Karyn's. They hosted their first holiday brunch for both families and we had as much fun as we did on Thanksgiving - even without the tournament card playing!

Then we enforced mental shut-down for a few days at Pemberly Pines, with the exception of one side trip to the wineries in Traverse City. Here we met up with Karyn's family and friends to conduct some "research" for the upcoming wedding. After that, we did nothing more than read books, watch DVD's (including the original A & E's Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth!) and nap. Although, we did venture out into cross country skiing with "new" skis Chris obtained through Craig's list. We all took shifts in sharing the two sets of skis and boots and burned off some of the Paula Dean's chocolate mint brownies and walnut chocolate chip cookies we brought up for noshing.

It wasn't lost on me that the history channel was running the story of the seven deadly sins throughout my holiday break. Seems like every time I flipped channels, I'd hit "gluttony" and "sloth" - usually while I was sitting in one of our recliners, feet up, eating one of Paul Deen's brownies. But, I knew my days of indulgences were temporary, and so enjoyed it all knowing the discipline of the usual routine was just around the corner.

So, like Bing, I'm Counting My Blessings: family, togetherness, good friends, tea and non-tea related gifts and the good fortune to return to a schedule that makes an almost two week vacation possible.

Yours in tea and friendship,

Barb

Every (Snow) Cloud has a Silver Lining

2008-12-21T13:15:00.007-05:00

Just in time for the busiest time of the year, a snow storm hit southeastern Michigan hard this weekend. Like many in my area, this was not on "the list" of things to do before December 24th. I still had shopping, wrapping, card writing and decorating on my to-do's and this 10 inch snowfall was an imposing fluffy-white barricade to getting these things completed.

So, Friday morning, in total denial, I pulled on my Cabela snow boots, threw my ski coat over business casual attire and headed into the office. Braving unplowed streets and what appeared to be an abandoned parking lot, I made my way up to our department floor and was met with the silence of the majority, who wisely stayed home. I made myself a cup of tea and shared stories of the treacherous drive in with a few co-workers who were slowly making snowy trails to their cubicles. In a relatively short time, we received word from executive management to go home, as all indications were the storm would not be letting up any time soon.

That's when the "snow day" alarm set off - that joyous memory of no school, no homework and an unapologetic reason to do absolutely nothing. I immediately called my daughter, Rachel (who's home on college break), to put the kettle on to boil and warm up the DVD. It was a cosmic gift being sent our way - a day off, with no guilt!

By the time I got home, the tea was ready and the first episode of Gilmore Girls, Season 7, was ready to run. We were armed and ready - I brought out the full artillary of honey sticks: cinnamon, lemon and cloverleaf. Then Rachel went full throttle and brought out the kitchen aide. The day before, she had found a recipe in one of my tea magazines, for white chocolate chai tea mousse in dark chocolate cups. So, while Lorelai and Christopher were trying to salvage their marriage, we were wrapped up in afghans, sipping tea and eating chocolate. "The list" stayed forgotten, tucked away in the zippered pocket of my mock-designer purse.

Now, mind you, the list was still there the next day, but with the forced recharging of internal batteries, it seemed like a snap to get the remainder of the holiday tasks completed. Well, my husband might argue the mid-afternoon drive to the mall was more like a taxi ride in rush-hour Manhattan than a "snap," but we softened the stress by switching on the 24-hour Christmas music station and, as if on cue, the familiar and soothing sounds of Bing Crosby bellowing"White Christmas" came on.

Certainly, there's no doubt, in Detroit, we don't have to dream it, we're living White Christmas this week. But, to borrow from Irving Berlin, no matter where you are: "May your Holidays be merry and bright and - with the assistance of a full force of salt trucks - may all your Christmases be white."

Happy Holidays!

Barb

Thanksgiving Traditions Start with "Capital Tea"s

2008-12-07T14:03:00.006-05:00

Hello Friends!

If it's any indication how prepared I am for Christmas this year, on this afternoon's tea break I'm still reflecting on Thanksgiving. In the midst of snow, twinkling lights and holly berry wreaths, I decided to pour myself a second cup of Earl Grey (from Angelina's) and share with you some of our new Thanksgiving traditions this year.

"In-laws" took on a new meaning for us this November as we had our first blended holiday gathering between ourselves and our future daughter-in-law, Karyn's family. Of course, we had the standards: turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie. But with our extended family, we had more tea enthusiasts at the table than ever before! So, for dessert, we brought out the variety pack as well as brewed a pot of Earl Grey from Angelina's.

(Just for the record, we picked this fine tea at Angelina's in Paris, upon our good friend, Carol D's recommendation. After sampling, we understood why she asked us if we could bring her back a tin. With that, we find it is true - good friends don't let good friends drink bad tea!)

So, for the first time at our Thanksgiving dinner, we brewed tea for our guests. It added a touch of grace and civility to our holiday repast - that is, until the cards came out. Then, the white gloves came off as we began the ultimate pinochle tournament only to be followed by Extreme Hearts. The latter of which we renamed, "There Will Be Blood. . . But Not on the First Trick!" (For those who don't follow that card game, "blood" refers to the suit of "hearts" - so no worries!)

After midnight, and long after the tea had turned cold and the leftovers were put away for a week's worth of tasty meals, we concluded our Thanksgiving get together with traditions old and new. It was the perfect "meld"-ing of family, turkey, tea and pinochle. Dare I say, it will be hard to "trump"?

But, now, back to this weekend where, while taking ornaments out the crate and dusting off snow globes, I'm also thumbing through Hoyle's as well as Harney's new tea catalog for inspiration for our next blended gathering.

So, friends, enjoy your holiday preparations - but don't forget to treat yourself to a little holiday tea time in between!

TEA and friendship,

Barb

Afternoon Tea at Brook Lodge - Just What the Doctor Ordered

2008-11-23T10:33:00.008-05:00

Last week, at the Brook Lodge, guests found the perfect prescription to clear a chilly, overcast November afternoon in English Tea Time at the Doctor's Cottage. Barb's TEA Shop presented "Tea and Etiquette" in the main dining room of what was the former summer residence of Dr. Upjohn, of Upjohn pharmaceuticals, and now one of the elegant event rooms at the Brook Lodge.

Tea was served using the estate's original Wedgwood china and the table was filled with gourmet treats that continued to be served throughout the event. The curried egg salad and house smoked salmon on peppered rye crisp and the lobster and crab salad on brioche were just two of the many savories included in the afternoon tea. And, although cucumber sandwiches are a mainstay for most English tea times, BTS rates the Brook Lodge's cucumber and boursin cheese finger sandwiches as one the best its ever sampled. With a fresh interpretation - both literally (all offerings were made from scratch on the premises) and figuratively - of the Afternoon tea menu, guests were treated to a meal that was as creative as it was delicious.

Look for more exciting upcoming events, including the Holiday Sunday Supper, December 14th, at The Brook Lodge.

Pat Glass, Jo English & Kay Preston enjoy tea at the Brook Lodge

And, while the temperatures here continue to delight few but the salt trucks and ski resorts, I, too, will write and fill out my own Rx for an unending pot of warm and soothing Elmwood Inn's Apple Spice Black tea - with the apple to keep the doctor away, but certainly not the doctor's cottage!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Tea and Friendship,

Barb

Brook Lodge Afternoon Tea, Thursday, November 20

2008-11-13T19:58:00.008-05:00

Greetings TEA Friends!

This Thursday afternoon, the Brook Lodge is hosting a delightful tea in the "Doctor's Cottage", the elegant, one-time home of Dr. Upjohn, of famed Upjohn pharmaceuticals. This lovely convention center is now part of Michigan State University and is located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.

Last Sunday, my daughter, Rachel and I were guests of Head Chef, John Merucci and the Brook Lodge team. The beer-infused buffet-style meal was served in the dining room - a stately building that blends the old architecture with the new - with spectacular views of the estate's rolling hills and the old mill pond.

On this typical Michigan November day, which of course means it's anything but predictable, we experienced sunshine, a bit of sleet and, dare I say, a hint of snow? But, sitting next to the wall of scenic window views, we were warmed by the ambiance and outstanding gourmet dinner . . . and a cup of tea, of course! We dined on steak, pork, duck, crab croquettes, and duchess potatoes (to name just a few of the offerings), all prepared with a variety of ales as a main ingredient. Even the dessert contained beer (!) and the fresh fruit parfait with the creamy custard-like sauce left Rachel and I scraping our glasses to get the very last bite!

This beautiful venue was selected as a 2008 pick for "The Knot Best of Weddings", a national bride's resource magazine. One tour around the grounds and you'll know why - even on a seasonally challenged November day, the Brook Lodge charmed us with its period buildings, winding paths, and tree-filled landscape.

The tea will feature a Barb's TEA Shop presentation and full afternoon tea menu, served on the original home's wedgwood china. The fireplaces will be glowing as you sit down to a spectacular meal inside the cottage. For more details, click on the link below. Hope to see you there!

http://www.brooklodgemsu.com/

A Market That Still Yields High Interest - Tea Shopping at R. Hirts General Store

2008-11-02T10:37:00.008-05:00

Hello Tea Friends!

With the stock market in free fall and change, for better or worse, right around the election booth corner, it's nice to know there are still a few things that are as reliable and comforting as a warm cup of tea on chilly fall day. The "market" of which I refer to is Eastern Market, located in an almost "time-stood-still" portion of Detroit and I headed there this weekend in search of tea.

Now, many of my tea trips are taken from my personal list of legendary sites I must get to, some are serendipitous and, others, like Eastern Market, come from recommendations of those who have attended Barb's TEA Shop Seminars. This summer, I met Peg D., and upon her approbation of R. Hirt General Store's tea selection, I knew I'd be down there as soon as a free weekend opened up.

And this weekend was the one! Yesterday, my husband, Chris, and I ventured down to be part of this bustling shopping populous that forsakes the warehouse stores and strip malls - at least for a Saturday morning - and conducts business like our families did generations back. Here, you get to meet first-hand the farmers who made the pies and jams and harvested the squash and strawberries displayed in the open air market. But, for tea lovers, it's yet another glorious trip back in time, as you enter R. Hirt's door and step down on the well-worn wood floor to get your first glance at a number of amply-stocked shelves of tea about mid-way down the store.

There are loose teas and bag teas from a variety of brand names including Harney, Republic of Tea and Twinings. Prices are good and there is a lot to choose from. I picked up a few tins of Twinings Darjeeling, a couple of organic teas from an English importer I've never heard of - but anxious to try - and for my college freshman daughter who seems to have been the victim of every virus/flu bug on campus, I purchased "get wellness" an "herb tea for immunity". (I can't vouch for it's authenticity, but even if it's a placebo in a tea bag, it may still have recuperative powers in knowing that it's sent from Mom).

The general store's display is downright fun and visually engaging. There are many more teas I wanted to bring home, but, considering the "other market" we're dealing with, I tried to be somewhat fiscally responsible. Next trip, though, I want to take some selections from the tins on the shelf marked "NEW" and some from the shelf of familiar Harney black containers. From the latter, Peg recommends Peaches and Ginger - - and doesn't sound delicious?

We are so appreciative of the Eastern Market suggestion! Chris and I were only sorry we hadn't, in all our years in Southeastern Michigan, been there before. Fresh produce, cinnamon rolls, gourmet cheeses, candy and tea (!) - there is something to suit, quite literally, every one's taste.

So, dear TEA friends, whether it be Darjeeling, organic, or ginger and peach, I highly recommend preparing yourself a cup of tea and use your extra hour this weekend to treat yourself to some good old fashioned rest and relaxation. (You may want to save the "get wellness" for next month's 401k statement!)

Yours in TEA and friendship,

Barb

Barb's TEA Shop - In the News!

2008-10-12T17:43:00.002-04:00

Barb's TEA Shop is featured in this week's Mirror. Read about one young lady's quest to learn more about tea parties at our recent TEA Seminar at Berkley Library.

The Royal Oak Mirror

TEA Tour in Paris (or Remembrance of Tea Things and Re-Past)

2008-09-27T10:43:00.029-04:00

Bonjour Les Amies du Thé!

After an incredible week-long visit to the City of Lights, I am trying to recreate a bit of France this morning sur ma maision with a cup of French Breakfast tea from the premier Paris tea room, Mariage Freres. Although, I think it's a pretty good cup of tea, I have to admit, I haven't quite mastered the artistry of the tea someliers a la francais.

Mariage Freres was one of the several venues we visited on our "Tea Tour De France" just two weeks ago. Like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and The Louvre, there were the "must-see" tea rooms on my list: the Paris Ritz, Mariage Freres and Angelina's. But, in between, we left room for many lesser-known sites that made the tea adventure - - well, exactly that - - an adventure!

With my well-worn "Tea in the City - Paris" guide (by co-authors Jane Pettigrew and Bruce Richardson) in tow, we earmarked locations , or arrondissements, for our premiere choices. After that, we were open to whatever crossed our path.

When we first arrived at our hotel (a striking six- story building with window views of the Eiffel Tower and onetime residence of famed author, Marcel Proust) , it was shortly after noon, Paris time. We had taken an evening flight from Detroit, so by the time we dropped off our luggage and took a saunter down the Champs Elysees, we had been up for well-over 24 hours. Since we had afternoon tea reservations at the Ritz in a few hours, we didn't want to fall prey to the temptation of a nap. We figured a little air, a brisk walk and a light snack might be just the answer.

The Arc du Triumph/Champs Elysees was a two minute walk from our hotel, so once we were awed by the sight of that magnificent structure and the legendary boulevard that stems from its perimeter, we exited down one of the neighboring narrow streets to give ourselves a rest and repast. We found a little corner brasserie (combination restaurant/cafe/bar), "Sir Winstons" which, like most restaurants in Paris, posted its menu outside to assist potential customers in their selection. Sir Winstons had a full page selection of all their teas on display and I couldn't wait to sit in one of those authentic cafe tables and sip some warm brew. When we were seated, I asked our waitress for a tea recommendation. Without hesitation, she said in heavily French-accented English, "Detox!" I was puzzled for a moment - had the jet lag hit me more severely than I had thought? But, then, I glanced back down at the tea list before me, and there it was, about half-way down the page, "Detox". It was listed as a green tea and the waitress was quick to say it was her favorite. Seemed like a good choice since we were going full-leaded at the Ritz in only a few hours. So, Detox it was. As we sat back and watched the endless stream of cars and people and the gendarmes who did their best to control the refined chaos, I sipped my delicious green tea and spent a wonderful afternoon in "rehab"!

In subsequent days, we went to Anrondissement 4 for Mariage Freres and Anrondissement 1, at the Rue du Rivoli, for Angelina's (full review of the "Top Three" in next blog installment), but also visited other Salons de Thé along the way. In Paris, "Salons De The" is posted on many cafes, brasseries and other eating establishments. Like so many phrases, when expressed in French, it gives the air of being, perhaps, much more than it really is. A Salon de Thé just means tea is served - it doesn't necessarily mean it's of high quality. We did, however, find a few salons/patisseries - dangerously within walking distance of our hotel - that served a wonderful cup of tea with melt-in-your mouth works of art. Oh, to have a buttery madeleine with my French Breakfast today would be tres merveilleux!

Journeying out of Paris, we took a drive to Giverny, Monet's residence and home of the famous gardens and water lily pond. It was here, we learned, that the renowned impressionist, not only painted, buy enjoyed a cup of tea in the beautiful countryside estate he cultivated. We sat in one of the many pastel-infused jardins (near the equally lovely gift shop, I might add) and imagined tea time in this rich landscape.

Then, from one extreme to another, we headed to Versailles, which is, in every sense of the word, "rich landscape". This is the great palace that was built by Louis the XIV to get the nobility out of Paris and, ultimately, under his immediate control. To say this is excessive would be modest - it gives excess something to strive for. We viewed the luxurious gardens and ponds as well as the endless stream of interior rooms, including the bedchambers of Louis the XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette respectively. There was not an inch of wall or floor or furnishings that wasn't flocked, gilded or gleaming. How extravagant would it be to have afternoon tea in these surroundings?

While I confess I don't know many details concerning the tea-drinking habits of Marie Antoinette, I do have an "authentic replica" (I know that sounds contrary, but keep the faith) of a tea cup with the pattern she commissioned for her china. (I bought this at an exclusive china shop in New York last year - see original blog story, June, 2007). In any event, I was able to purchase a bag of Marie Antoinette loose tea in the Versailles gift shop. This was among the rather large selection of Marie Antoinette souvenirs that apparently many of us have a need for. I haven't yet thought of an occasion appropriate for this tea, but I'll keep you posted.

During our out-of-Paris excursion, we met up with a couple of lovely ladies from England at a quaint country-side inn, Moulin Fourges, just outside of Giverny. They had the most excellent thoughts to share on tea and they were gracious and compelling lunch companions. A special "bonjour" to Susan and Sophie and a tea toast to the continuing debate on "milk-in-first or milk-in-last"!

Once back in the city, we continued our tea and art travels to, no surprise, The Louvre. After the requisite stops at the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, passing through the grandeur of Napoleon the III's apartments, admiring the French masterpieces and, to satisfy my brother Ed's curiosity, a trek to the basement where the original palace fortress still stands, we stopped at the Louvre Cafe for a cup of Earl Grey and - what else? - a Napoleon. Nothing satiates a patron of the arts like a smooth cup of black tea and a flaky, French pastry. Culture can be absolutely delicious!

After visiting all these legendary landmarks and upscale shops and restaurants, we needed to come down a bit and transition to our life back home. Our last stop before the airport was to McCafe, but this was not the McDonalds of Kansas, Toto. Oh, no, this was McCafe Magnifique! With its marble floors and columns and sparkling glass counter filled with a variety of colorful pastries, this is surely where the Versaille folks would have come for their grande macs avec frommage et les pommes frites. It only made it harder to leave this place where even the "manger vite" is a beautiful thing.

So, away from our Parisian hotel, I am inspired by its former resident, Proust, to reflect on all things past and - pardon moi - all things tea and repast from our trip. (Based up on his volumes of work, I take some comfort that, in his day, if Proust had blogged, it would have been lengthy as well!) As I view yet again the many digital photos of all the sites we visited and peruse all the newly acquired teas from Mariage Freres, Angelina's, Hediards, and, oh, yes, that rather odd one from Versaille, there's no doubt I will enjoy the memories of my Paris trip for many years to come.

Dans le thé et l'amitié,

Barb

Poste Scripte - Stay tuned for "Premiere Salons de Thé Review" in upcoming blog!

Traverse Bay TEA - Absolutely Grand!

2008-09-09T20:12:00.004-04:00

Hello TEA Friends,

Barb's TEA Shop had the great pleasure of presenting "Tea History and Etiquette" at The Grand Traverse Bay resort in August for the CAR partner's program. We also sampled four different types of teas. A wonderful group and a beautiful venue. We can't think of a better place to be in August, enjoying a view of the bay and drinking cherry tea (really! -but more of that in a future blog).

Our thanks to all our special guests at this TEA event!

A Cup of Emp-TEA Nest Syndrome

2008-09-06T11:31:00.008-04:00

Hello TEA Friends!

This morning I am sampling the last of my Harrod's Earl Grey. It's the end of my cherished loose tea supply from our London trip two years ago and I'm savoring every moment with those last few choice tea leaves before moving on to new, uncharted alternatives.

If this seems like a poorly contrived metaphor for my current "empty nest" syndrome, I will confess wholeheartedly, it is. Two weeks ago, we drove our youngest, and only daughter, Rachel, to her college dorm and her new life away from home. There was so much excitement and preparation leading to that incredible day, it gave my always-fully-charged emotional being something to be diverted by. There were the stream of graduation parties where the college-bound celebrated their independence at the pool or badminton net, while we parents stared at the poster collages and scrapbooks of our children's milestones. Here, we looked at the pictures of kindergarten graduation and literally turned the page to senior prom, shaking our collective heads in disbelief and wondered aloud, "where had the time gone?", thinking it such revelation rather than a tired, old cliche.

Then, there was the overnight college orientation that ran so smoothly, both moms and daughters left less anxious than when they arrived. With a feel for the campus - class schedule in hand - and a few new friends, it all seemed okay.

And, finally, there were the trips to Target and IKEA for domestic dorm furnishings and accessories, along with the texting coordination of who was bringing what appliance to share. Items were checked off the list in an orderly fashion and we were confident we were ready for the big day.

The hour long trip to campus went quickly and we were all eager to see what dorm Rachel had been assigned. She and her roommate were designated their second choice, the oldest dorm at the school. When Rachel unlocked the door for the first time, we were in awe of what was to become her home away from home. This dormitory is every image you conjure up when you think about college, from the ivy colored brick to the large bay windows with crank out handles. These were the buildings that were erected before the cookie-cutter efficiency of the later years. What these room lacked in "loft ready" furniture and suite bathrooms, they made up for in charm and uniqueness - much like their inhabitants, Rachel and Annabelle. With their Rory Gilmore sensibilities of unconventionality and the love of old movies, arcane trivia and tomes of all a varieties, this place was a perfect match.

So, after a send off lunch and hugs and good-byes that seemed too short and insufficient, my husband and I and our son, Matt (who had volunteered to come to help move things as well see his little sister off) headed back to the parking lot where we had violated the 20-minute time allowance. In retrospect, I think the time was set for physically moving things, the "good-bye time" was open to interpretation.

The ride home, and the week that followed, was tough. I kept hearing that song my husband I would listen to occasionally on Sunday Morning Over Easy on the radio. With my apologies to the artist, its refrain goes something like this: ". . . after the kids are gone, all I'm left with is two dogs as dumb as mud and you. . ."

Well, we have two dogs and, though I don't question their canine intelligence, they don't fill up the room with giggles or ask if I would like to watch Season Four of the Gilmore Girls for the tenth time or share a cup of herbal tea for no reason at all. I come home from work and feel lost without the happy chaos. Last year, at this time, my oldest son had moved back temporarily to save money while in his senior year of college. Son number two, was home almost every other weekend for dinner or laundry and Rachel, of course, was just starting her last year of high school. Our house was running at 100 mph and we were back in the old routine of meal planning and car parking logistics. It was the most comfortable of zones.

But, now, the house is quiet and it's going to take some time to transition, for sure. We're comforted by the fact that Rachel has an expanding network of friends, is enthusiastic about her course schedule and is already participating in student political meetings. She can get to classes now without a map and is in walking distance to fulfilling about any conceivable need. She's adjusting beautifully - now its our turn.

So, with today's tea, I'm adding a bit of honey to sooth an irritated throat - I think its seasonal allergies, but maybe it will also help with that persistent lump that doesn't seem to go away.

I'll fire up the tea kettle again and then join my husband on the deck and just do - well, heck, absolutely nothing! You know, there may just be a lot to look forward to with no one here but my husband. . . and two dogs as dumb as mud!

Enjoying an off-campus tea toddy and latte at Cappuccino Cafe with College Student Rachel - All good after two weeks of college life (for both Mom and daughter!)

More Unique Tea Cozies from Barb's TEA Shop

2008-08-03T11:11:00.003-04:00

Hello TEA Friends!

We're excited here at BTS to introduce three brand new tea cozies! Our inventory is depleting, but we're adding different designs all the time. Our three new offerings (pictured at right) are delightfully unique: a V-shaped, multi-stripe in a velvety-like texture; a yellow and cream leaf motif, and a geometric landscape pattern. (Note: these will fit your medium sized teapots).

Remember, these are "one-of-a kinds" that you won't find at any department or super stores. Give your favorite tea enthusiast a gift that's both beautiful and practical with these charming cozies. Or better yet, treat yourself to something special at your tea table.

Prices for these are $25.00 plus shipping and handling.

Contact Barb's TEA Shop at barb@barbsteashop.com or 248-840-4356 to place your order today!