Packing it in: New luggage inspires support for a 'heavy packer'

BTS is now equipped with a pretty and efficient carry-on.

 

I love to travel, but I don't like to pack a suitcase. 

As one who overthinks and over plans, I tend to pack for every inevitability. Weather is a factor, of course, but what about the other unknowns? Perhaps everyone at our hotel will be dressed more formally or, conversely, maybe more of a jeans and sneakers crowd. If I bring a few of my favorite dresses, shouldn't I accompany them with the most appropriate sandals, not just literally a one-size-fits all?  And, then, once I've struggled with the final selections, how do I get the pile of "necessities" into one (never big enough) bag? 

Carry-on from Away has a fancy lock and lots of compartments inside

I found it is possible to overcome such obstacles with a lot of help - and, in my case, help comes via a new suitcase, some good reference material and a special and spatially-skilled daughter.

For my birthday this month, my children gifted me with a new, pretty, pastel pink carry-on from Away. It has a fancy lock, lots of compartments and a personalized luggage tag with the initials, BTS. (From now on Barb's Tea Service will travel in style, proudly claiming this luggage from any overhead compartment or airport carousel.)

. . .NY'ers via Facetime

Birthday brunch with family, including 

To make full use of the powers of productive suitcase stuffing, I turned to a New York Time's article my husband, Chris, forwarded me from last December, "How to Maximize Space as You're Packing" (he knows my issues).  The author lists a number of suggestions and guidelines to aid in this often-daunting traveler's task. Packing cubes get top billing and can be found at many retail outlets, including REI and The Container Store. These nifty sacks allow for both organization and compression and the article recommends various types depending on your packing profile from "for most people" to "heavy packers". (I know where I belong).

The NYT article also offers a few rules of thumb such as the "5,4,3.2, 1" method. For a weeklong trip, it goes like this:

5 pairs of socks and five pairs of underwear

4 tops

3 bottoms

2 pairs of shoes

1 hat and accessory

(I'm assuming, "two pairs of shoes" means "only", not per category "dress, casual, fun, comfortable, color, etc.")

Also the "Ratio method of 3 to 1":  Three tops to every bottom you pack.

Need to find the right method to pack tea souvenirs while traveling

Armed with an efficient suitcase, guidelines, and Rachel, who as a "bonus" to the birthday gift has offered her skilled packing services for my next trip, I'm almost looking forward to this heretofore despised chore. The only item I need to do further research on is to how I pack the tea souvenirs I purchase on vacation. More on that to come. . . 

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The suitcase was presented to me at a birthday brunch at Royal Park Hotel with all the "kids", Rob, Rachel, Sean, and via FaceTime, Matt and Jenna. At RPH, I indulged in bananas foster French toast, (which presented another type of "getting stuffed").

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: Where the Sky Begins (a story of reslience, makeshift tearooms and 1940's London)

Where the Sky Begins: a story of tearooms, London and country homes in wartime England

"Where the Sky Begins" is a story that is filled with some of my favorite things -  tearooms, London and country manor homes - but not the highly polished, glamorous-only side.  Woven in the backdrop of World War II England, this is a tale of resilience, acceptance and going beyond some of the arbitrary limits that society tries to impose.  "Where the Sky Begins" by Rhys Bowen, was recommended to me by my cousin, Dianne. She had recently read it and thought with the tearoom element, I'd enjoy it. While serving up tea in unlikely places lured me in, the story of Josie Bank's unexpected and incredible journeys - geographically and personally - kept me interested to the very last page.

A young, cockney girl, Josie, stood out from her family early in both appearance and aspirations. Her exoctic looks -  dark coloring, high cheekbones and "interesting green eyes" - attributed to a past ancestor of gypsy-blood, set her apart at birth from her light-haired, round-faced siblings. She was a clever student that teachers took notice of and recommended her for teacher training.  However, life events intervened and took Josie on another not-so-promising path.

But, Josie was resourceful, hard-working and a quick study which enabled her to take  a few of the rough stones handed to her and polish them into not just one, but two, tearoom gems. The first was in a working class East End neighborhood, the second in a country estate reluctantly housing a wartime London evacuee. 

Josie knew the "good stuff", including Royal Albert china  (Old Country Roses -above -from 1960's)

The tearooms were a haven not only for Josie's customers, but for herself as well. It was here she could care for the fine china and other fancy serving ware she admired and knew well, though never owned personally. Her first potential employer was surprised when Josie recognized, by name, the Royal Albert china teapots on the shelf. Although her cockney accent signaled she wasn't likely an aristocrat, Josie had spent time studying store windows on the West End and appreciated the beautiful items on display. She knew, as she put it, the "good stuff" and punctuated her point by adding "a cat can look at king, can't they?"

And like the proverbial cat, Josie seemed to have many lives - and all before she's reached middle age.  She'd been a city-dweller, wife, cook, refugee, tearoom operator, villager, girlfriend and, remarkably, an employee of Bletchley Park.

With all the challenges thrown Josie's way, her greatest battle was a literal "fight or flight" moral dilemma involving a somewhat mysterious Canadian pilot.

"Where the Sky Begins" was the book selection for our last Book Club de Deux comprised of with my longtime cher amie, Loretta, and, moi, your humble tea blogger. We both liked the story and the readability, but the ending had us a bit divided.

One of us favors finales that tie up loose endings.

The other prefers stories that don't have to have neatly packaged conclusions. 

So, one of us enjoyed the ending more than the other. 😊

BTS deems "Where the Sky Begins" good stuff and a good read!

For more on author, Rhys Bowen, check out her website at ryhsbowen.com

Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom: Our "Number One" way of celebrating National Tea Day

Barb of BTS with Tonia, owner of Tonia's Victorian Rose tearoom in Rochester, MI

What better way to spend National Tea Day than at a tea-lightful tearoom with a delightful friend - and that's exactly what we did!

Celebrating with delightful friend, Laura Q.

As noted on the website, National Today, National Tea Day is on April 21st. It started just seven years ago in England to encourage more tea drinking. It also coincides with Queen Elizabeth's birthday.

National Today also suggests three ways to celebrate:

1. Host or join an afternoon tea
2. Attend the festival
3. Learn tea etiquette

Working our way from bottom to top, we are great fans of number three: "Learning tea etiquette"! As a certified Tea Etiquette Consultant, I not only provide instructional classes, but wrote a book on the topic as well, Twelve Etiquette Essentials: Formal Dining and Et-tea-quette (still available on Amazon or email us directly to purchase!).

BTS' Twelve Etiquette Essentials, covers formal dining and afternoon tea

Next up on the list, number  two,  Attend the festival", refers to the "Fes -Tea -Val" hosted by the founders of National Tea Day. While it's a great "wish list" item, it's across the pond and takes a bit more pre-planning. 

So, we turned to something that is not only very accessible, but most worthy of the holiday. .. . 

"Join an afternoon tea close to home with a close friend". BTS'  number one choice for celebrating National Tea Day this year. (We added the "close to home with a close friend" 😊😊).

Afternoon tea fare isn't the only choice on the menu - there's also quiches, soups and sandwiches.

My delightful friend, Laura Q. and I chose Tonia's Victorian Rose in Rochester. It's a short distance from both our homes and the environment is always so cozy and welcoming. In addition, the menu has so many delicious options beyond traditional afternoon tea fare. If one in your party prefers quiche and a salad over tea sandwiches and scones - no problem. All can enjoy a repast of their choice together over individual pots of freshly brewed teas.

Tonia's is a great place for National Tea Day and other celebrations.

In full disclosure, Laura and I don't just come to Tonia's for National Tea Day. We frequent the tearoom throughout the year and usually get to squeeze in a visit with owner, Tonia, to catch up on the latest. 

Tonia's, April 21st or . . . 

any time!

Although it isn't necessary to wait until April 21st to have afternoon tea, attend a tea festival or learn tea etiquette, it's a great reason to partake in any or all!

Tonia's Victorian Rose

For more information on hours and events, check out Tonia's Victorian Rose website.

Ann Arbor's TeaHaus: Tea tasting, tea books and tea friends

 

TeaHau, tearoom and more, in Ann Arbor, Michigan

TeaHaus continues to grow in offerings and footprint, always bringing something new to the tea table. This year is no exception as they bring the write stuff to the world of tea with a new book, "Tea for Dummies".  Last week, with great tea friend, Barb T., we journeyed to this delightful Ann Arbor venue for a book signing/tea tasting event hosted by co-authors, tearoom owner, Lisa McDonald and researcher/editor, Jill Rheinheimer.

Barb G. with co-authors, Lisa M. (on left) and Jill R. (right)

Over the years, I've stopped in at TeaHaus for a quick sip or a planned event and enjoyed every visit. We were so impressed, we knew we had to include TeaHaus in BTS' Michigan Tea Rooms (Chapter 4), our first book back in 2015.

TeaHaus, Chapter 4

BTS' Michigan Tea Rooms

Since then, much has happened, of course, but TeaHaus, while expanding, still offers the same exceptional tea and customer service. The recent publication of "Tea for Dummies" sparked an enthusiastic text exchange between us "Barbs".  Barb had just received her copy of the book in the mail which prompted a quick search for TeaHaus happenings and a sign up for April 19th's signing/tea tasting event.

Tea-infused chocolates

Tea-infused pretzels

Although Ann Arbor is a bit of a journey for both of us - made even more exciting by several expressways under construction, narrow lanes and an evening downpour - it was worth every orange barrel and raindrop we encountered.

Tea-infused cocktail

Over the course of the class - held in the tearoom's new event space just around the corner from TeaHaus - we sampled several of their teas, all loose leaf and freshly brewed, along with tea-infused treats. The latter included pretzels, butter, and chocolates. The final beverage was a gin cocktail served up with a tea-infused tonic which was incredibly delicious, light and refreshing.

Exceptional loose leaf and freshly brewed teas served up from TeaHaus

While we sipped and noshed, Lisa and Jill, co-hosted a fascinating presentation, filled with tea trivia as well as myth-busting tea facts. (Learning the caffeine content of most teas was mind-blowing!)

Barbs at Tea, with special cross-stitch treasure from Barb T. "It's Always Time for Tea"

A fantastic evening at TeaHaus with an added bonus of a beautifully cross-stitched treasure from Barb T., with the masterfully threaded message: "There's Always Time for Tea".  We whole heartedly agree, and, shall we add, ". . . whether gurus or dummies, neophyte or sage, in tea rooms or kitchens, to learn more, turn the page . . . of Tea for Dummies".

Tea for Dummies by Lisa McDonald and Jill Rehinheimer

For more information on TeaHaus, "Tea for Dummies" and all upcoming events, visit their website at teahaus.com.

Good home, Goodyear: Stan Hywet Tudor Revival historic mansion in Akron, Ohio

Stan Hywet Tudor Revival home of the Seiberling Family

My first dumb question:  "Who is Stan Hywet?" 

My second question, still ill-informed, but making headway: "Who are the Seiberlings and what is their story in U.S. History?"   

Last week, in Akron Ohio, I found the answers to these questions and, yes(!), so much more.- including a common link to the Seiberling's palatial residence and another Tudor-revival mansion so close to my home and my heart, Meadow Brook Hall.

F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling

First, the answer to my initial questions. Stan Hywet is not a person, but the name of the grand family home of F.A. Seiberling,  his wife, Gertrude and their six children.  The name "Stan Hywet" (pronounced Stan HEE-wit) is derived from Old English and loosely translates to "stone quarry", a nod to the large quarry that was on property when the Sieberlings purchased the 1,500 acres of land in Akron.

F. A. Sieberling's wealth came from Goodyear Tire and Rubber, the company he cofounded with his brother, C.W. in 1898.

Stan Hywet was built in 1915 in the Tudor Revival style, which was very popular in America during the 1910's and 1920's. Tudor Revival is based on architecture and furnishings from England between 1485 and 1603. (This was the time of the Tudor reign from King Henry VII to Queen Elizabeth I, and, during this trip to Ohio, keeping with the theme, we also took in the Tudor exhibit at the Cleveland Art Museum.)

Portraits of Tudors at Cleveland Art Museum:  Henry VIII

Queen Elizabeth I

For design ideas, the Seiberlings traveled to England in 1912 with their architect, deriving much of their inspiration from three manor homes:  Ockwells Manor, Compton Wynyates and Haddon Hall. 

Similarly, Meadow Brook Hall - in our own "backyard" and where BTS has presented many Downton Abbey teas - was built in the 1920's in the Tudor Revival style by Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband, Alfred Wilson. They, too, were inspired by English manor homes they toured on their honeymoon in England.

Meadow Brook Hall, also Tudor Revival, where BTS presents Downton Abbey Teas

According to the book, ̈̈Stan Hywet Hall, The Manor Housë̈, it's estimated that 30-40% of all homes built in the U.S in the early 20th century were in the Tudor Revival style. 

The Music Room at Stan Hyet is 2,700 square feet

Although Meadow Brook Hall has more square footage than Stan Hywet - almost 24,000 more, in fact -  the Seiberling's Akron home would never be considered "modest". It has 64,500 square feet (equivalent of one football field) with its "Music Room" alone consisting of 2,700 square feet.  There are 23 fireplaces, 3 elevators, 18 bedrooms and 23 bathrooms. It also boasts many modern conveniences of the time, including electricity, indoor plumbing, telephones and even a KitchenAid. (Stan Hywet already had me at the 2-plus bathrooms, but a KitchenAid as well??  If we could stream Top Chef, I'd never leave).

Stan Hyet had many modern conveniences for its time, including a KitchenAid. 

While working on the interior of Stan Hywet, Gertrude's original vision was to fill it with Tudor-period antiques. However, her husband wasn't as keen on all that "old stuff".  He said he wasn't going to "sacrifice comfort for the sake of being true to the period". Fortunately, their interior decorator came up with a solution which seemed to please both parties, mixing mostly comfortable furnishings with a few antique pieces such as tables and chests scattered throughout.

The dining room has comfortable furniture to keep Mr. Seiberling happy

Great attention was also given to the grounds which contained four different types of gardens, tennis courts and a birch tree alley path which leads to two "tea house" structures with pond and valley vista views. (I would love to sip a cup of Earl Grey there).  

A cupboard with an old look - the original resides in the Victoria and Albert Musuem in London.

The Seiberling family lived at Stan Hywet for forty years. It became a museum in 1957 and was opened to the public. In a somewhat similar timeline, the Dodge-Wilson family donated Meadow Brook Hall to Oakland University (BTS blogger is a proud alum) in 1957, but the home wasn't open to the public until 1971.

The grounds include four gardens, tennis courts and an alley of birch trees

So, after an afternoon in Akron, I learned that Stan Hywet was a "what" and not a "who", and also about the family that lived there.  In addition, I came away with a better understanding of the Tudor Revival style that influenced not only this home in Ohio, but a special residence close to my home.

Tea houses, at the end of the tree alley, overlook ponds and hills. Perfect place to sip Earl Grey

Stan Hywet:   a good home, a Goodyear and a great place to visit in Akron Ohio.

Tudor art, Historical homes and Butterflies: Celebrating birthdays in Ohio

First stop, the Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, Ohio

Every spring, Pam (great friend/BTS team member) and I plan something big for our shared birthday. Our celebrations in the past have included an elegant trans-Atlantic cruise on the Queen Mary and a jazzy week in New Orleans.  This year we decided to combine a bit of England and a journey south (well, south of Michigan) and spend a few days exploring Tudor art and architecture in -  *dramatic pause* - Ohio!  

Our "suite accommodations" at Cleveland's Glidden House

In keeping with "discovering gems in our own backyard theme" (recent blogs on the treasures of Detroit), we continued this journey of close-to-home finds in Akron and Cleveland. In these cities, we visited the Stan Hywet Hall, the Glidden House, the Cleveland Art Museum and, for a slight diversion, the Botanical Gardens and all their many butterflies.

Butterflies at Cleveland's Botanical Gardens

Tudor exhibit at Cleveland Art Museum

We enjoyed suite accommodations at the Glidden House and sweet desserts at L'Albatross - an amazing French restaurant a  short walk from our hotel and a stone's throw from Cleveland's Gilded Age "Millionaire's Row".

Desserts and charcuterie at L'Albatross

The Glidden House was built in 1910, the home of Francis K. Glidden and his wife Mary. Francis K. was the eldest son of Francis H. Glidden, founder of the Glidden Paint Company. Today, the home-turned-hotel is in the heart of Cleveland's Cultural District and the Case-Western college campus. 

Edward Glidden, Francis K.'s cousin, designed the Glidden House in the French Gothic Eclectic style of architecture, inspired by the Richard Morris Hunt mansions of the late 19th century.  (Hunt was the renowned Gilded Age architect who designed the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina as well as many of the Newport, Rhode Island "cottages").

The Glidden Suites are named after family members

Headboards feature family monograms

The home remained in the Glidden family until 1953 when it was sold to the University (known at the time as "Western Reserve University").  Almost a quarter of a century later it was purchased by a group of investors who turned the historic home into a Bed and Breakfast Inn, offering guests a variety of choices from modern hotel rooms to charming suites which bear the names of Glidden family members.

The Glidden House, perfect hub for birthday vacay

Fast forward to April, 2023, and it became the perfect hub for a few days of birthday celebration.

Stay tuned for future blog stories on Tudor art and Tudor-inspired architecture in our border state, Ohio. 

Polished Holiday Tablescapes: Creative napkins and shining silver

Polished tablescape features fancy china, shiny silver and creatively folded napkins,

This weekend, we're adding polish to our tablescape with fancy china, shiny silver and, for a touch of charm and whimsy, creatively folded napkins in shapes of roses and bunnies.

Whether you're celebrating Easter, Passover or just welcoming Spring this weekend, a festive tablescape is an added delight for your guests -  whether you're hosting a houseful of family or an intimate afternoon tea with friends. 

Napkins can be folded in many shapes, including roses.

We combined a bit of "spring cleaning" with our dining tableau planning, bringing out the silver and giving it a good polish that even Downton Abbey's head butler, Carson, would give a gloved thumb's up to. We spiffed up the silver tea set as well as the antique egg cups.  (My husband, Chris, purchased the latter for my mother-in-law over forty years ago when he and his buddy cycled through England one summer - so the cups hold not only marble eggs, but many great feels, too.)

Spring cleaning had us polishing our silver, including these antique egg cups

But, this year, the napkins are doing double duty:  well-mannered clean-up service as well as decorative delightfulness.  We searched the internet for napkin folding guides to create tablescape flora and fauna and found our muses in linen rabbits and roses. 

There are a few varieties in design and recommend material (cloth vs paper), but, overall, the folds are similar. The outcomes, however, can vary, and in our case, do require a bit of practice.

If you do a "google search", you'll find plenty of great sources for step-by-step instructions of napkin creations. But, for a quick-and-basic guide to bunnies and roses - and to show what's in store for this mission possible, should you decide to take it - we provide the following photos.

Napkin bunny:

1. Fold over napkin

2. Fold again

3. Fold over in "shawl" shape

3. Bring bottom corners up

5. Bend back top of "kite"

4. Fold in "kite" shape

6. Almost done! Tuck in and tie up

Napkin rose:

1. Fold over in triangle shape

2. Roll up, leave space at top

3. Roll "roll", leave small tail

4. Tuck tail in

5. Pull out ends to create petals

6. Turn over and fluff petals

You may have noticed, we used our favorite pastel yellow napkins, embroidered with sunflowers (made for Rachel's bridal shower by Honeywood Embroidery).  Guests get an added decorative bonus once they unravel their bunny or rose. 

Whether you're filling your baskets with chocolate bunnies or fresh flowers this weekend, bring some polish to your tablescapes with some shining serving pieces and double-duty decorative napkins.

Happy Festive Weekend to All from Barb's Tea Service!