LL. Bean and Dunkin' team up for seasonal attire: A cozy sweater for us, a cup cosy for our drinks!

Dunkin'/L.L. Bean first collaboration - starting with sweater cup sleeves.

 

The Autumnal Equinox arrived on September 22 at 8:04 EDT and, about twelve hours earlier, most local Dunkin' stores sold out of their LL.Bean-collaborative sweater cup sleeves. 

Fall is officially here, signaling crisper temps, colorful leaves, chunky knits and hot beverages. Dunkin' and L.L. Bean's latest joint effort celebrates the latter two: a cozy sweater for us, a cup cosy for our drinks.

According to Dunkin's website/press release, the doughnut/coffee shop and the outdoorsy-attire retailer, both with New England roots, joined their iconic brands together this year for a first-ever collaboration. 

"Inspired by the traditions that define fall in the Northeast, from morning coffee [*] runs to favorite seasonal layers, the limited-edition L.L. Bean x Dunkin' collaboration comes to life through limited-edition products, [and] giveaways. . . culminating on National Coffee Day [September 29].

*Barb's Tea Service would like to add "and tea".

Dunkin' rep gives friendly & helpful advice: next promo, get in early! 

This unique partnership kicked off their seasonal promotion yesterday, the first day of fall, with the sweater cup sleeves giveaway. At its conclusion, in one-week, additional products will be available for purchase including a classic L.L. Bean birds-eye sweater in Dunkin' logo colors ($79.99) and a traditional canvass Boat and Tote with a Dunkin' theme ($59.99). 

We were in the faraway regions of northern Michigan on the first day of fall, so, while we were getting an exciting preview of the color changes coming soon, we did miss out on the initial Dunkin'/L.L. Bean kick-off promo. 

We found we were a day late, and several sweaters short. Calls to half a dozen local Dunkin's today revealed inventory was out. One of the nearest Dunkin's to us (where we secured our limited-edition Eagle Cup in July) did not pick up after a few calls, so I took a drive out, just in case there was the odd chance they did have the now highly collectible sweater cup sleeve.

Turning lemons into pumpkin spice lattes. 

Once at the counter, I was told the miniature knits had "sold out" early yesterday morning. Turning lemons into lemonade, - or more specifically, the signature drink of the season - I treated myself to a pumpkin spice latte. 

My friend behind the counter dispensed friendly and helpful advice:  for any promotions in the future, get to Dunkin' early. Lesson learned. Current check on eBay, the Dunkin'/L.L. Bean sweater cup sleeves are already on sale, prices ranging from $25 to $120. (In comparison, my Eagle Cup is fetching between $12 to $50). 

Once again, we're falling in love with fall! Cheers to colorful leaves, sweater weather and a cup of tea (or coffee). 

Mrs. Met inducted into Mascot Hall of Fame and we were there! Can BTS rep be next?

 

Witnessing history: Mrs. Met is the first Hall of Fame female mascot. Also, there's a Mascot Hall of Fame?

September 6th we witnessed history being made. Mrs. Met became the first female mascot to be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Not only were we astonished by Mrs. Met's accomplishment, we were equally surprised that there was, in fact, a Mascot Hall of Fame.

The ceremony took place in Citi Field, home to Mr. and Mrs. Met and, the team they rep, the New York Mets. 

In a few short weeks, we have not only been made aware of this shrine to the assorted mix of anthropomorphic characters that represent a wide range of sports teams and even some businesses, we've been inspired, too. Perhaps, Barb's Tea Service could get on the bandwagon filled with an endearing mix of fuzzy animals and big-headed objects.

The Mascot Hall of Fame:

Good news, bad news - it does exist, but only virtually. There's no Cooperstown, NY or Canton, OH to drive to and see your favorite gopher, tiger, oversized nut or baseball, however, for a short time it was a real building.

It began as an on-line entity in 2014, finding a brick-and-mortar site four years later, in Whiting Indiana before shutting its doors (officially titled is its grand Fur-nale) in 2024. Since then, it has returned to its on-line platform.

The museum was co-founded by Christopher Bruce and David Raymond; the latter was the original Phillie Phanatic.

Mascots were first elected to the hall of fame in 2005, but regular inductions did not begin until 2022. 

To be eligible for the Mascot Hall of Fame, a mascot must have existed for a minimum of ten years. In addition, they must also impact both their sport and community.

BTS podcast, showing Mrs. Met's bobble head. Chris asked, is there really a Mascot Hall of Fame?

Meeting Mrs. Met:

Mrs. Met's husband debuted as a cartoon figure in 1963 and Lady Met (later Mrs. Met) came on the scene in 1965. The two were depicted as a couple, eventually joined by three "little Mets", their children. Date of their marriage is as fuzzy as Phillie Phanatic, but MLB's website reports it was sometime in the mid-1970's.

Although the Met's didn't have a winning season, this year they did achieve notoriety - they became the first pro sports organization with two mascots enshrined in the Mascot Hall of Fame.

Detroit's Mascots:

Though Detroit has no mascots in the Mascot Hall of Fame (yet!), the Lions' mascot does get a shout-out on the website's Mascot Family Trees page.  Most of locals are familiar with Roary, the friendly feline, sporting a Lion's mane and a Detroit Lion's jersey. He replaced Bubbles the Lion in 2011. (Bubbles was performed by four generations of the same family for more than 60 years).  This September, Roary Junior was added to the team.

Matt with Hooper, the Detroit Pistons' mascot. 

We had a personal encounter with another loveable Detroit sports team's mascot - Hooper. Representing the Detroit Pistons, there's plenty of horsing around with this loveable piston pony.  For our sports fanatic son's 30th birthday, we arranged a surprise meeting with Hooper during halftime at the Little Caeser's Arena. 

To see your favorite team play is always (well, mostly always) a good time. Adding a mascot lightens the mood and makes you smile.  A Hall of Fame does seem worthy of their endeavors. . . and maybe something for Barb's Tea Service, too?

Barb's Tea Service Mascots - Which do you prefer?

The attention the Mascot Hall of Fame is bringing to the mascot menagerie had us thinking at BTS - should we join forces? We went to the modern-day drawing board, our Microsoft Copilot, and with few suggestions from us, asked it to create images of a BTS mascot. Here are our top four:

1   Traditional Tea Lady Pink and Pearls Mascot

2 Austen-inspired Tea Lady Mascot

3. Slightly more contemporary Tea Lady Mascot with friends

4.  Traveling Tea Lady Mascot

Tell us which one you favor! Email us at barb@barbsteaservice.com and we'll select one soon! 

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Sense and Sensibility - In Defense of the Senseless

Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility. Accessorize with pink ribbons for the doctor & pearls for clutching. 

The rereading of Sense and Sensibility has rekindled the conversation on which characters are the most likeable:  the emo-to-the core, Marianne or the rock-solid, rational Elinore. Is it better to lay all your whist cards on the table or keep a stoic poker face?

I take no sides, but I do like those that fall in the middle, the affably clueless.

Dare I say, the ones who take themselves less seriously and seem the less miserable are those that find joy where it is lacking, and, in the process, bring much comic relief to the despair and disappointments that consume many in Sense and Sensibility. Say "hello" to Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Parker and, even, Miss Steele.

Jane Austen House in Chawton. Rachel, like Marianne, plays the piano-forte.

Inspired by the upcoming movie "Sense and Sensibility" (to premier in the US in October), and governed by an obliging self-mandate to reread Jane Austen novels periodically, I completed my most recent reacquaintance of Jane Austen's first published novel last month. Each visit to an Austen novel brings something new and this time was no exception. I took a renewed look those who eschew the overwrought and the over cautious.

Like Maren Morris, why don't you just meet me in middle. . .

Mrs. Jennings, is talkative and gossipy, but always well-meaning and even Elinor fell in love with her. Having married off her two daughters - the now Mrs. Middelton and Mrs. Palmer - successfully in terms of their time and class, she looks to others to match up. While Mrs. Middleton is a bit more aloof, Mrs. Palmer, who more like her mother, is always happy and makes the best of the situation. She laughs when there is no obvious amusement to support it and sees her husband's sarcasm as delightful wit. An exchange between Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, while in the company of a party of eight, including Marianne and Elinor , had me literally lol'ing - and there was, indeed, cause for this outburst. 

Mr. Palmer took no notice of her [Mrs. Palmer].

"He cannot bear writing, you know," [Mrs. Palmer] continued. "He says it is quite shocking."

"No, said [Mr. Palmer], I never said anything so irrational. Don't palm all your abuses of language upon me."

"There now, you see how droll he is. This is always the way with him! Sometimes he won't speak to me for half a day together, and then he comes out with something so droll - all about anything in the world."

And, then there is Miss Steele, the older sister of Lucy. While neither Steele sisters have much to recommend them in status and education, Lucy, is pretty and cunning. Anne, who eavesdrops and blunders, is gifted with no self-awareness and the ability to move on without self-recrimination. And, she joyfully partakes in being teased about the romantic attentions of the Doctor, of which there is no real evidence of their existence.  Undaunted, Anne commits to the bit - even wearing pink ribbons, as she knows that to be the Doctor's favorite color. 

Chawton kitchen - making tea for Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Palmer & Miss Steele

Though I'm not in favor of denial or delusion, I find the cheerfulness of Mrs. Jennings, Mrs. Palmer and Miss Steele to be the feel-good diversions from the sometimes-exhausting polar emotions of the two elder Dashwood sisters. I think I'd enjoy a cup of tea with the former three, and indulge in a little spilling, too. 

🫖🕮🫖🕮🫖🕮🫖🕮🫖🕮🫖🕮🫖🕮🫖🕮🫖

In 2011, my daughter, Rachel, and I visited the Jane Austen House. At the time, the Chawton residence was celebrating the 200th anniversary of Sense and Sensibility. Rachel, like Marianne, played the pianoforte, and I like Mrs. Dashwood, went in search of a cup of tea. 

For more of our visit to Jane Austen's House, see the link to our blog directly below. 

Jane Austen House in Chawton

Going (almost) to the top of One Vanderbilt: The Summit provides NYC vista views (and mildly sweaty palms)

The Summitt, 91st floor- exhilarating and not even outside!

 I've visited many impressive structures connected to the Vanderbilts including Biltmore, The Breakers and, even across the pond to Blenheim Palace - but none have caused me as much panic and delight as The Summit, located on the eponymous avenue of the Gilded Age new-money clan. 

Though the tallest skyscraper in New York City, completed in 2020, was not built by a Vanderbilt, it sits just across Grand Central Station, originally Grand Central Depot, commissioned in 1869 by the originator of the great family fortune, Cornelius Vanderbilt. And, while your humble, and terrified-of-heights, blogger, has always been content to view the impressive commuter hub from the street level, those in our party had other ideas.

Great views from The Summit at One Vanderbilt

Last week my husband, Chris, and I were in the Big Apple for an extended family celebration, hosted by our favorite NY couple, son, Matt, and daughter-in-law, Jenna.  On our last full day in town, the four of us had planned to dine in Manhattan and take in some touristy activity. Chris, inspired by a sightseeing cruise around the island the previous day which showcased many of the City's skyscrapers, thought a stop to a high-level viewing deck might be fun. So did our favorite NY couple.

Mirrored floors, magnificent reflections everywhere.

 A few Summit Stats:

1. The One Vanderbilt building stands at 1.401 feet.
2. It is the fourth-tallest building in NYC and the tallest skyscraper in Midtown,
3. The main Summit observation deck is at 1, 063 feet.
4. The Ascent glass elevator ascends to 1,210 feet. 

After some discussion and a spike in someone's heartrate, we settled on The Summit - it tops the One Vanderbilt building - and its viewing experience starts on the 91st Floor. From, that level, one can travel two additional floors, each with different art installations, but all have floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking all four corners of New York City. In addition, the floors are mirrored, so you see magnificent reflections everywhere. (And, just a note, slip-on coverings are provided to wrap around your shoes to protect the glass floors, so leave the stilettos at home.)

Panoramic views from every side of The Summit. 

As someone who doesn't, literally, aspire to great heights, I found The Summit to be an enjoyable and spectacular experience - and that's because there were options. And, I opted-out of the outside elevator. 

From the 93rd Floor, one can take an outside elevator, all glass as well, for several levels above and beyond the interior landing spot. I enjoyed a cup of tea, while Chris, Matt and Jenna continued their upward journey.

Matt and Chris on the outside elevator. 

They all loved the outside elevator and came back with some great photos. 

I, on the other hand, was content to live vicariously through their fearless rise to the top. 

All of the Vanderbilt money couldn't persuade me to follow suit. 

Two thumbs - and mildly sweaty palms - up for The Summit. 

Return to the Brooklyn Museum's Visible Storage: Setting the Table Exhibit (more than just knife rests!)

"Setting the Table" display in the Brooklyn Museum's Visible Storage.

Knife rests first brought me to the Brooklyn Museum; their Visible Storage keeps me coming back. 

This month, we discovered the "Setting the Table" exhibit which brings together an eclectic mix of American treasures from different eras that "explore the joy of dining in the United States".  In a come one, come all environment, luxury goods created for the wealthy, such Tiffany butterfly-shaped napkin rings, join kitschy, mass-produced tableware, like Tupperware salt and pepper shakers from the 1960's.  Off to the side, a pretty, 19th century, Union Porcelain cream-and-burgundy vegetable dish awaits its guests, inviting them to pull up a mid-century Eames chair and dig in.

First visit Brooklyn Museum & knife rests, 2022

"Setting the Table" is just one of the many displays in the Brooklyn Museum's Visible Storage - a place I like to think of as an elegant "grandma's attic". It houses over two thousand items in organized and catalogued collections. Opened in 2005, this warehouse spans 5,000 square feet on the museum's 5th floor, filled with an array of objects that would prove too numerous for an unshared spotlight. For those who like things that are rare, fancy, quirky and/or bring a bit of nostalgia, Visible Storage is the place to go.

Chris' fav, Ancient Egyptian Art on 3rd Floor. He's walking like . . . 

My first trip to the Brooklyn Museum was in 2022 (Visit to the Brooklyn Museum to view rare ceramic knife rests). I found a rare pair of ceramic knife rests were in their possession - and, as luck would have it, while visiting our son and daughter-in-law who reside in New York's largest borough, our hotel was a short walk to this New York institution.  My husband, Chris, and I soon learned, there was so much more than knife rests worth seeing here.

Beyond Visible Storage: 4th Floor Period Rooms

I found more to love on the 4th floor, where the "period rooms" reside. I'm particularly fond of the Gilded Age rooms from a Saratoga Springs home complete with an excessively decorated parlor. Chris favors the 3rd floor which features Ancient Egyptian art. And, yes, once inside, he does, indeed, walk like an. . . well, you know the rest.

Last week marked our third visit to the Brooklyn Museum and we plan to make room for all its many rooms every chance we get to NYC. 

For our Barb's Tea Service's short video featuring Brooklyn Museum's  "Setting the Table", click the link directly below: 

Brooklyn Museum 2026: Visible storage return - tables setting with Tupperware, Tiffany & Eames chair

Happy Waffle Day! A BTS and Presidential favorite - and we've got a First Lady's recipe!

National Waffle Day celebrates the waffle and creation of the improved waffle iron. 

Happy National Waffle Day!

At Barb's Tea Service, we're serving up a delicious combo of presidents and waffles to celebrate!

According to National Day Today, this tasty holiday falls on August 24 in honor of Cornelius Swartwout, who improved the waffle iron and received a U.S. patent for his safer, easier‑to‑use design on this day in 1869. Swartwout hailed from Troy, New York — one of our favorite Gilded Age towns — making the celebration feel doubly appropriate.

Chicken and waffles, a savory option.

Waffles have long been a beloved staple in our family, especially for daughter Rachel, who embraces every topping from classic syrup to savory chicken. When she still lived at home, Rachel and I made an annual sojourn to Louisville for the Jane Austen Festival, and each trip required at least one stop at a Waffle House along the way — made all the more “exotic” by their complete absence in Michigan.

The exotic Waffle House, not found in Michigan.

But waffles (and Jane Austen) aren’t the only passions Rachel and I share. We also love visiting presidential homes and libraries, and we’ve toured several together — most recently Warren G. Harding’s home in Marion, Ohio (Harding Home and Library, BTS blog, April, 2024). As it turns out, Harding was not only the 29th President of the United States, he was also a devoted waffle enthusiast.

Mother-Daughter shared interest, include Presidential Homes/Libraries & waffles

During our visit, we learned that Harding preferred not to travel while campaigning. Instead, he adopted the convenient “Front Porch Campaign,” staying home while supporters came to him. As the name suggests, Harding delivered speeches from the front porch of the house he and his wife, Florence, built.

Florence Harding's waffle recipe, a souvenir from the Harding House.

During the Front Porch Campaign, waffles were consistently on the menu. Florence's recipe was published in women's magazines with glowing reviews. 

Today, the Harding Library now hosts an annual waffle breakfast using Florence's original recipe (attendance to this event, another shared goal of mother and daughter.) 

In the gift shop, I picked up a bookmark featuring Florence Harding’s Famous Waffle Recipe. We’re sharing it here in honor of the holiday.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 TBS sugar
• 2 heaping TBS butter
• 1 pint milk
• 1 pint flour
• 2 heaping tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Beat yolks of eggs
2. Add sugar, milk and flour
3. Add melted butter and just before ready to bake, add beaten whites of eggs.
4. Cook in hot waffle iron
5. Don't eat them on a full stomach. Cover well with butter and then pour maple syrup over the plate.
6. Enjoy!

Harding wasn't the only waffle-loving president. President Taft admitted in a letter to his wife that he overindulged in Waffles and Chipped Beef (a special favorite of Harding) while visiting the Harding's home in 1920.

FDR's Little White House modern kitchen includes waffle iron. 

                   

And, just a bit more waffle/presidential trivia. While visiting FDR's Little Whitehouse in Warm Springs, GA, in 2025, the kitchen, though small and unpretentious, was considered "modern", outfitted with an electric stove, toaster and waffle iron.

Electric stove, waffle iron far left, next to breadbox.

However you like your waffle, know with confidence, that not only is it a scrumptious snack anytime of day, but if you're a fan, you're in some very impressive company.  (My favorite waffle holds ice cream).😊

My favorite kind of waffle holds ice cream. 

The good news:  Happy National Waffle Day can be celebrated anytime! Enjoy!

Harry and Meghan return to England: In London for Royal Wedding Week, we still have the HRH tea and biscuits - both title and cookies have crumbled!

Harry & Meghan back to UK - 6 years after Megxit, 8 years after Royal Nuptials (souvenirs BTS collected in London, wedding week!)

Last week, it was announced that Harry and Meghan were returning to England - six years after a headline-grabbing move to North America and eight years since their equally publicized wedding in St. George's Chapel. Although we were not invited to the Royal Wedding, May of 2018, we were in London a week before, caught in the excitement of the upcoming nuptials of the English prince and an American actress and scooping up souvenirs of the occasion. Little did we know then that some of those commemoratives would boast a title to be taken away in just a few short years.

That's the way the cookie - or as the Brit's would say, "biscuit"- crumbles. 

As the Duke and Duchess come full circle, we highlight chapters of their titled, and eventually untitled, story.

Wedding week, London, 2018, Meghan becomes an HRH (and we were nearby!)

Saturday, May 19th, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.  The wedding not only garnered hundreds of millions of viewers globally, it also bestowed the title of "Her Royal Highness" to Meghan to match up with her husband's "His Royal Highness", which he received at birth.

Chris at St. George's Chapel, 2023, where Harry & Meghan were married.

My husband, Chris, and I were in London a week before the wedding, meeting up with great friends, Pam and Quint, a few days before heading to Southampton to embark on our transatlantic cruise home via the Queen Mary.

Met Harry's uncle, Lord Spencer, in 2014.

Though I had met the groom's uncle, Lord Charles Spencer, four years earlier, I had not close enough connections to receive an invite to the wedding, but I wasn't to be idle on that day.  I had a date back home to appear on Fox News and talk about the Royal nuptials (and a BTS afternoon tea at The Townsend). For that, I needed a new fascinator as well as some commemoratives to show off. I found all at Harrod's (as well as a few other London retailers).

More Wedding Day, BTS presents at Townsend

Wedding Day! at Fox 2 News

                  

I quickly amassed a carry-on's worth of wedding treasures including two elegant cups, a box of shortbread cookies and, of course, a pretty tea tin filled with tea. To date, the marriage has held on, but some of the labeling on the tea and cookie packages have not.

Megxit

In January of 2020, Meghan and Harry announced that they were going to "step back as 'senior' members" of the British royal family, split their time between the United Kingdom and North America, become financially independent, and only represent the monarchy on a reduced basis.

Tea and cookie tins carry the HRH titles, though Harry and Meghan no longer do. 

The announcement of their decision led to a meeting of the royal family on January 13, dubbed the "Sandringham Summit" and described as "unprecedented".

Queen Elizabeth II still in charge, issued a rare personal statement and was praised by many for her rapid handling of the matter

Less than a week after the summit, an agreement was announced whereby the couple, while still valued members, would "no longer be working members of Britain's royal family" and would not use their "Royal Highness" styles.

Only the cookie and tea tins still hold the title!

Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to England, With-out Love, Without Titles

Harry and Meghan began their tales-for-sales after leaving the UK, with Harry's autobiography "Spare" (see BTS' Tuesday Tea and Tomes, May, 2023)  and their eponymous Netflix six-episode documentary. But without the Royal dish, media interest waned.

Prince Harry's sort of tell-all, "Spare", 2023

Last year, after the seismic ratings dip of Meghan's lifestyle series, "With Love, Meghan", Netflix began loosening ties with the Duke and Duchess for future programming as well as pulling support for Meghan's "As Ever" merchandise which includes candles, honey and herbal teas. It's speculated that the reduction in Netflix revenue as well as the costs of living in tony Montecito, California combined with Harry's mounting legal fees, may have been factors in their decision to move back to England - despite all their previous public statements as to why the Duke and Duchess could not find it a welcoming or nurturing place for them to reside.

Happily As Ever After?

What's next for the Sussex family? News outlets have daily updates: home in Cotswolds, Meghan returns to acting, more time with King Charles. . . 

Although the story, sans HRH titles, may have even more twists and turns than we currently know, we'll continue to keep up with this page-turning saga. 

As we like to say at Barb's Tea Service, "please stay tuned" (and we'll refresh the tea and biscuits, too!).