Indiana Jo's Tea: A Shipshewana Flea Market Find!

 

Indian Jo's Coffee and Tea at the Shipshewana Flea Market

Shipshewana Flea Market opened for the season this month, and The Sistahs (aka, my two awesome cousins, Dianne, and Kathy and your humble blogger), headed south from our western Michigan meet-up point and drove south to Indiana. As always, we were ready for adventure and treasures, and it didn't take long before we found fortune in Booth 401, home to Indiana Jo's Tea.

Their space is a coffee/tea bar-meets-archeological-finds. Bright red tea packages share space with skulls and skeletons, a place where Indiana Jones - presumed inspiration for this Indiana tea and coffee shop - would feel right at home. And, after taking in the aroma of some of Indiana Joe's tea, we did, too.

All tea blends had small glass jars for viewing and sniffing. Although all were enticing, we each picked one that called to us. I chose Raven-wood Peach with my son, Rob, in mind. He's a tea enthusiast and enjoys a fruity blend.

Brewing up Raven-wood Peach, taste to match its aroma.

Once back to our home in Michigan, Rob, joined us for tea. Opening the package, he took in a whiff and declared, "if this tastes as good as it smells, it's going to be amazing". 

And, it was. 

The blend is made up of black tea with peach, apricot, papaya, blackberry and lime leaves and calendula and sunflower pedals. 

Raven-wood Peach strikes a nice balance with black tea, florals, and fruit, but, as the name implies, peach is definitely the star. 

Packaging is convenient, attractive and practical with easy zip closure.

Another great feature of the tea is its packaging. The zip lock seal is on the front and it's convenient, attractive and practical. 

We're looking forward to trying more of Indiana Jo's teas. Though Shipshewana is a fun excursion, it's not short trip for some of us. Fortunately, they have a website for future purchases. I believe our next try will be Temple of Bloom, most fitting for Indiana Jo's. 

Don't sweat the retirement wardrobe: The MET validates the comfy.

Part of The Met's Costume Art Exhibit, the aging body, sophisticated, not declining

When there's more casual than business casual in your closet, you may be retired. Sweat pants and hoodies are not only comfy, but fashion to be acknowledged. Just this month, The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art put the spotlight on senior leisure ware, and we applaud the acknowledgement as we slip into our velcro-strapped sneakers and adjust our elastic waistband pants.

Earlier this month, the much-hyped Met Gala, where fashionistas and celebrities dress to an annual theme and climb the stairs of the grand Manhattan museum in red-carpet style, kicked off the "Costume Art" Exhibit. Unlike many of the elegant or elegantly outlandish attire of the Gala attendees,  "Costume Art" takes a step away from the "classic beauty" standards and looks at high fashion's often-ignored population including the "corpulent" and "the aging".  As reported in the Chicago Tribune/May 3, this is the most "consciously body-positive show the museum has attempted . . .[featuring] a group of new mannequins, based on real people with a wide variety of body types."

They point to the mannequin, in the aging body section, wearing an oversized gray hoodie with large lettering boasting, "I'm Retired. (This is as dressed up as I get)."

Pair your fashion sense with a cup of tea from Harney's The Met collection. 

My daughter-in-law, and lifelong New Yorker, Jenna, attended the current "Costume Art" exhibit and sent the proud hoodie-wearing retiree image to my husband, Chris, and me. After just blogging about another portrait embracing non-classic beauty standards at The Met, Too Real to be Liked? Mary Cassatt's Lady at the Tea Table without Filters, this comfortable and content retiree not only made me smile, but cheer the solidarity in the unconventional.

The aging body display shows "commonality - those things that unite us all. . . [it] seeks to reframe as a mode of sophistication rather than biological decline".

I'm rather fond of that outlook. And, though, I, too, enjoy sporting shapeless sweats whenever I can, I do try to rise to the occasion that requires heels, fascinators and - the biggie - a belt. 

While we're contemplating all this fashion, we recommend a cup of tea from one of Harney's The Met Collection.  One of our favorites is "Taste of British History", it's a take on classic Earl Grey, with black and green teas and bergamot oil. (You can purchase at The Met or Harney and Son's website.)  

The Costume Art Exhibit started May 10 and runs through January 10, 2027. Our next trip to NYC, I plan to visit The Met - what I wear there is TBD.  😉

Guild Chocolates Afternoon Tea: A real treasure in Petrolia, Ontario

Guild Chocolates Afternoon Tea, Chef Jacyln (center) created this delicious and beautiful event.

Last weekend, we once again traveled over the Blue Water Bridge into Canada for some gourmet treats, but this time it was for a full afternoon tea. We were joined by good friends and fellow podcasters, Rik and Carol D., who also share our foodie and tea passions. (Dare we say, "tea nerds"?) 

In April, we visited Guild Chocolates and it was love at first bite ('Guilded Age' of Gourmet Confections, April 22, 2026). We met owner, chocolatier and master chef, Jaclyn Sanders who told us about events she hosts throughout the year, including this month's afternoon tea. We signed up immediately and we are so glad we did. 

Because Jaclyn's shop is small, she hosts the events in a hall just a short drive from downtown. And although it’s a multi‑purpose space, Jaclyn transforms it with thoughtful, charming touches that elevate the entire experience.

Sweets and savories scrumptious works of art.

There are white tablecloths and napkins on every table which are set with an assortment of fine china teacups. A particularly delightful detail: every guest receives their own two‑tiered tray, beautifully arranged with scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts.

Add to this, a harpist who plays during the entire event. Incredible!

Of course, the main feature is the tea and tea fare and everything was as delicious as it was beautiful in presentation. Desserts and savories were miniature works of art, befitting of Chef Jaclyn's degree in Art History. 

With fellow foodies and tea nerds. Harp player behind us.

Included in the savories were a smoked salmon tartlet and a generously portioned coronation chicken sandwich. Among goodies on the top tier, were a tartlet, lemon goat cheese mousse and a mango brownie.

The grand finale on wheels:  assorted chocolate creations on a trolly cart. All of this was accompanied by tea of choice (six in total) in individual teapots. 

We also met other guests and shared tea tales and love of Guild Chocolates (Hello, Tracy!)

No surprise - we can't wait to go back!

For our "live reel" at the tea, check out our video on our YouTube channel! Thanks to Rik D., for bringing his recording equipment.

"Live" at Guild Chocolates Afternoon Tea

Duck Sh*t Tea: We tasted the chocolate, time to taste the tea with the odd (duck) name from Cultivate Taste!

Cultivate Taste's Duck Sh*t Oolong

Last month, we sampled chocolate made from Duck Sh*t tea (Duck Sh*t Tea and Chocolate). Tasting the tea was next and, after a bit of a search, we found some - and not so far from home. Our Duck Sh*t tea comes from Cultivate Taste, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

This is an oolong tea, and per Cultivate Taste's website, the tea comes from tea bushes which are over 80 years old. It is lightly oxidized and the leaves are long and mostly green in color.

In our April blog, we talked about the unusual tea name and its origin stories, one of which focused on the farmer who cultivated this tea. It was so good, he wanted to detract competitors, so he gave it an unpleasant moniker to deter unwelcomed visitors. 

An oolong tea, leaves are partially oxidized.

After brewing up Cultivate Taste's Duck Sh*t tea, we now understand why the farmer was concerned about potential theft. It is delicious!

We found it flowery and pleasantly grassy with hints of fruit - smooth and well-balanced. We brought out the glass teapot and cups as the tea's pretty amber color adds to the whole tea experience.

Excited to find such a great tea in a neighboring mid-west state, we learned not only about the teas offered from the company's website, but some of their backstory as well.

 A little about Cultivate Taste

Cultivate Taste Tea prides itself as a luxury, single-origin loose-leaf tea company dedicated to showcasing tea as an agricultural product of place, much like fine wine or specialty coffee.

Every tea they offer is sourced directly from small, quality-focused producers across Asia. In addition, they do not create blends, add flavorings or sell novelty teas.

Founder Jennifer Nowicki is a Certified Tea Specialist (Specialty Tea Institute, NYC) with over three decades of experience in the gourmet and natural foods industry and nearly thirty years dedicated specifically to tea.

A quick check on their on-line store, Duck Sh*t tea is currently out of stock. We purchased the one ounce pack for $13.50 plus shipping. 

We're looking forward to trying more of Cultivate Taste's teas!

For more information, check out their website at cultivatetaste.com.

Color and taste add to a lovely tea time.

Too real to be liked? Mary Cassatt's Lady at the Tea Table without filters

Lady at the Tea Table, photo taken at my first visit to The Met

 

Today, selfies and group photos can quickly make their subjects prettier, thinner and younger with easy editing. Strategic crops can eliminate pounds and filters can erase wrinkles. But, for those whose portraits have been painted by famous artists who will not adjust the lens, what happens to the "rejects"? In the case of Mary Casssatt's Lady at the Tea Table, the painting was stashed away in the Impressionist's attic for years. 

Fortunately, Cassatt's longtime friend, Louisine Havemeyer, convinced her to eventually to take it out of hiding and donate it to the Met in 1923. It still resides in my favorite New York museum, and I first saw it up close and personal in 2019, the year my son, Matt, moved to Manhattan.

The Met's teapots crafted in Paul Revere's shop. Subject in photo may benefit from strategic editing. 

Cassatt (1844 - 1926), came from an affluent family in Pennsylvania, but spent much of her adult life in France. She became part of the changing art scene in Paris, and although not an over-night-success, she was invited by Edgar Degas to show her work with the Impressionists. In the Impressionist Exhibit of 1877, she displayed eleven works, some of which were criticized for colors that were too bright and portraits that were too accurate to be flattering to the subjects.

Those opinions were shared by the family of the subject in Lady at the Tea Table (1883-1885).  The "lady" was Mary Dickinson Riddle, first cousin of Cassatt's mother. Riddle's daughter had given Cassatt the blue, white and gold-trimmed tea set in the picture, and the artist painted the portrait in appreciation of the gift.

Riddle's daughter did not like the portrait, thinking Cassatt made her mother's nose too large. So, Cassatt stashed it in her attic for years.

There's a story that Riddle's family came forward to claim the portrait once it was out of hiding and on display at The Met. Cassatt's response - and I paraphrase here - "not a chance".

I'm glad I got the chance to view this lovely portrait and every time I return to The Met, I visit it again, along with the collection of teapots, Gilded Age furniture and silver tea accoutrements (including those from Paul Revere's shop). 

While we may not always like how the camera - or the artist - shows our authentic selves, maybe there's a lesson here to embrace "non-traditional beauty".  The Met website has a short video, "The Nose" produced in 2011 by Masha Turchinsky, then their Creative Producer, now CEO of Hudson River Museum. She takes pride in her prominent facial feature. Spoiler alert:  Lady at the Tea Table gets a mention.

Looking back at some of my photos taken at The Met, circa 2019, looks like I forgot to crop or apply filters, though the only editing I regularly apply is erasing the noise (people I don't know, Exit signs, etc).  Maybe Lady Visiting the Met can stay "as is".   😉

The Met's teapot collection

Another visit , NY couple at FLW home

                           

Sources:  The Met, Wikipedia and Everything Explained Today. Thanks to Pam & Quint for sharing their notes on a recent lecture from The Met on Cassatt and Morisot which included Lady at the Tea Table.

Eight Etiquette Rules for Trash Treasure Hunting: Though free and kicked to the curb, there's still proper protocol

Even trash treasure hunting requires good manners:  BTS provides the top eight!

 

Sorting through curbside trash can bring treasures, but don't forget your manners!

We've been recent recipients of gifts found on the curb:  earlier this year Royal Tara fine china and just this month an Emily Post's Etiquette book, 16th edition. While we weren't the shoppers, we were thrilled with the items as well as their price - or more accurately the lack of. Everything was free.

As we noted in this month's post , Where do you find your treasures. . .?, bargains can be found at the end of driveways after a non-depleting garage sale. That's not uncommon in suburban neighborhoods, but what about big cities? 

Turns out, the same principle applies, though the geography shifts. In New York City, boxes of “take me” items appear not only on curbs but on stoops as well. A familiar sight on many brownstone steps, these boxes offer an assortment of merchandise for the taking. During their daily walks, our favorite NYC couple, Matt and Jenna, often browse their neighborhood’s porch and curbside offerings. On one such jaunt, they found my etiquette tome.

While enjoying these freebies, we wondered: is there a proper protocol for curb shopping? It turns out there is — though Emily Post hasn’t covered it… yet.

Most of the etiquette for trash-treasure hunting — also known as “scrounging,” “curb-alerting,” or “freecycling” — comes from online community forums. The basic rules boil down to respect for property and safety. We sifted through comments like a seasoned scrounger digging through a freshly released stoop box and distilled the best good-manners guidance.

Top eight guidelines for the well-mannered scrounger.

1. Only take items on curb or stoop. Don't walk up to the house. Merch inside is off-limits, so no chance on getting the dining room chandelier.

2. Clean up rule. If you sort through a pile, restack items when you're done rooting. Keep the display as enticing as you found it.

3. Go one better! Be a good citizen and enhance #2., leaving the "store" neater than you found it. If the box has broken apart, even if you didn't break it, try to restore order as much as possible. 

4. Don't return items. This is "take -and keep - as is".  If you later decide you don't want what you "bought", keep in mind, curbside retail has no return policy. Consider setting up your own stoop box shop.

5. Signage. If there's a sign that says "FREE",  you're good to go. If there is no sign, but item or box is on the curb, that's a pretty safe bet it's okay to take. 

6. Don't confuse actual garbage with freescycling. If there are garbage bags wrapped up and, on the curb, assume it's true trash. Don't open the bags and dig through - it's unsanitary and dangerous. (But, really, does one need formal instructions to avoid such behavior?) 

7. Be fast, be quiet. Loitering and shouting are frowned upon unless you just found some fine china or an Emily Post Etiquette book. A modest "yahoo!" is acceptable.

8. Don't add items. Someone's curbside box is not a consignment shop. If you want to donate some of your things, get your own stoop container or give to Goodwill. They'd appreciate the drop off. 

For those who wish to partake in a trash treasure hunting, we wish you luck. No need for to bring a wallet, only your impeccable curbside manners are required.  😀💰

   

Mom's are like tea: Necessary every dang day!

Woman are like tea bags and Moms are like tea!

Elanor Roosevelt once said, "A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water".

Not quite as famous - but perhaps just as profound - is a sentiment from a humble greeting card that also compares special women to tea:  "Mom's are like tea -   necessary every damn day."

Although the original card listed "coffee", my eldest son, Rob, made a swift edit, and replaced the java reference with his mother's favorite hot beverage.

Like tea, chocolate, flowers and family fun - every damn day!

I believe both aphorisms and though Eleanor Roosevelt's quote applies to all woman, I think our pithy greeting card casts a wider net as well.  "Moms" can be our mothers, grandmother, godmothers, or ladies who have come into one's life that also offer support, advice and love.

"Afternoon Tee" time with family earlier this year.

As I noted in a blog story first published in May of 2016, (Happy Mother's Day:  Make it one for the books). I was fortunate to have not only a wonderful mom, but I have the great fortune to be mom to three wonderful children (and, now, mother-in-law to two more!). 

Me & my Mom, ready to go anywhere if scheduled.

As for my own mom, she  and I were very close and enjoyed each other's company, although we differed in so many respects. My mom was a neat freak, with a schedule that was never departed from, even if something fun came along. I keep a clean enough house, but if you want to invite me for tea or shopping, I'll cancel the utensil drawer reorganization in a New York minute.

And though she's been gone for over twenty-five years, I still think of her daily (or, in the lingo of my greeting card, "every damn day" 😊) There are so many times, I wish I could call my mom and say, "you were right!", or, even at my advanced senior-discount-age , I'd desperately ask, "what should I do now?", because she would always know.

Mother's Day Brunch followed by an afternoon of games!

This Mother's Day, I received the "tea card", flowers, an Earl Grey baseball cap and two boxes of chocolate. I was feted with a brunch followed by an afternoon of family game time and Zoom with our favorite New Yorkers.  It was wonderful.

Go ahead - make my Earl Grey extra strong!

I have my own edits to my Mother's Day card:  Moms are like Earl Grey tea, chocolate, flowers, and family time - necessary every damn day.

And, as a card-carrying AARP member and a mom of over forty years, I'm very familiar with "hot water events".  So go ahead - make my Earl Grey extra strong!

Where do you shop for vintage treasures - retail, antique shops, thrift stores. . . the curb? We struck Royal Tara gold for free!

Royal Tara fine china, a beautiful treasure, rescued from the curb.

Treasure seekers know that half the fun is the hunt. Excitement comes in various forms: completing a set, finding a rare piece, and, getting a great deal, no matter the venue. It could be found at a high end retailer close out, an antique shop's 20% discount, green sticker day at the thrift store or on the curb. . . for free.

My collection of Royal Tara fine china had been kicked to the proverbial curb, though, I wasn't the one to initially rescue it. Dear family friend, Megan, had found it after a nearby weekend-long neighborhood garage sale. A pile of boxes sat at the end of one of the participating home's driveway with a big sign on top: ALL FREE. 

Since teacups were involved - 5 total and 4 with matching saucers - Megan had a pretty good feeling I'd be interested. And, no suprise, I was. 

I loved the design:  the white china featuring floral bouquets with broad bands of burgundy, all trimmed with gold. I loved the accompanying luncheon plates and larger cake dish. I especially loved the price.

Royal Tara teacup stamp

Though it was truly love-at-first sight, I knew little of Royal Tara, the makers of my newfound fancy china. The full stamp on each piece includes: Royal Tara, Fine Bone China, Ireland along with a graphic of three gold crowns and a letter-number ID.

While finding the treasure was relatively straightforward, finding its history proved to be a little trickier.

A Google search located Royal Tara quickly and its website and on-line store. But, the items displayed on their site were more of the gift shop type merchandise - pottery with Celtic designs that fill souvenir shops. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but as far as "fine china", inventory was non-existence.

I could find Royal Tara at the usual on-line sellers of vintage items - eBay, Etsy, Replacements - but for their origin story, I had to look a little bit deeper*

Royal Tara originated in Belleek, Ireland in the 1950's.  Founded by George Delaney, who previously worked for Belleek Pottery, Royal Tara quickly gained a reputation for both its beautiful designs and its high-quality. It became popular not only in Ireland, but other countries as well, including Canada and the U.S.

Royal Tara's most recognized patterns, Shamrock

One of the brand's most distinctive and widely recognized patterns is the Royal Tara Shamrock with its green clover design.

After five decades of operations, Royal Tara fine china closed its factory due to market trends and manufacturing costs.  Though Royal Tara still operates a retail gift shop, its fine china production ended in 2003, which makes vintage Royal Tara pieces increasingly collectible today.

My pattern is Lady Hamilton and, from some additional on-line sleuthing, it looks to be one of the earlier productions and the pieces are in mint condition. Current availability is limited from the on-line resale shops, so a non-expert guess places the value at around $100. 

Of course, getting it for free - priceless!

* Sources:  Galway City Museum, Royal Ware China,  EclectiQuas

When the King comes to America, what do you serve? A Costco favorite? If so, there's precedence!

Hot dog lunch for the Royals? Almost 90 years ago, FDR hosts a picnic for the King and Queen.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are visiting the US this week and those who reside in the White House have surely pondered what to serve the English Royals on this historic trip. Could a casual American food item, more at home at a picnic or baseball stadium than a state dinner, be on the short list?

Of course, we're talking hot dogs - and if that's the choice - there's precedence dating back almost 90 years ago.

In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, parents of Queen Elizabeth II, made a trip to America,  the guests of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady, Eleanor. They toured Washington D.C. and were feted at a formal State Dinner, but there was still time in their four-day visit for some casual fun. The latter came as picnic at the Roosevelt home in Hyde Park and, yes, hot dogs were on the menu.

BTS at Hyde Park. . . 

The grounds of Hyde Park, perfect for picnics

As noted in The Smithsonian (June, 2017), the New York Times ran the following headline, post picnic: "King Tries Hot Dog and Asks for More".

NYT's columnist, Felix Belair, postulated that the no frills frankfurter served as plain speaking diplomacy. Though outwardly it may be conveying "On behalf of the United States of America, may we offer you this tubular delight of meat, meat byproducts, curing agents and spices?"  But, what it's translation is buddy-talk for "How ya doing? Wanna beer?"

Though the English monarchs were willing to try this American non-delicacy, the Queen was unsure how to eat it. Served on silver platters, both the King and Queen joined the others eating off paper plates. However, the Queen drew the line at hot dogs as a finger food. She used a fork and knife. 

Coincidentally, the same week of King Charles' visit, Costco announced a change to their classic hot-dog and fountain drink combo. For over 40 years, the warehouse retailer has offered this combo for $1.50.

For those who enjoy discount shopping accompanied by a less than $2.00 repast, do not fret. The only change Costo is making to its "happy deal meal" is offering the option of swapping pop for water. Guests can now have a 16.9 ounce Kirkland brand of bottled water instead of a Coke. 

The Royals have been to countless formal dinners and black-tie affairs when visiting foreign dignitaries, so maybe a little more informal entertainment would be a welcome change. 

We have a Costco membership and would be happy to escort the King and Queen to our local store. We'd even offer to cover the cost of lunch.

Author's notes:  

1.  As our cover photo suggests, hot dogs can rise to an "elevated occasion". This hot dog and wine pairing took place in Dundee, Scotland (October, 2023) at a local restaurant on the eve of my husband and I touring St. Andrews. Hot dogs, pinot grigio and soccer on a big screen TV work well together. 

2. BTS features Eleanor Roosevelt tea talks. A remarkable first lady who provided us with a favorite quote:  A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until she's in hot water. 

Game Time! Prosperitea - an opportunity to own a tea shop and create prestigious blends

 

A perfect game night:  family/friends, cups of tea and filling out the dream of owning a tearoom.

Many of us who are passionate about tea have, at one time or another, dreamed of having our own tearoom - a cozy retreat for community regulars and an inviting respite for out-of-town visitors - filled with charm and quality tea. While the idea of that shop remains a wistful fantasy for most, there's still a way to act out those dreams and, in the process, enjoy the possibility of knocking out the competition (i.e.. family and friends) in the process.

Queue up Prosperitea:  a game that gives you the opportunity to own a tea shop and blend your own teas. Profits are important, but prestige is the ultimate goal.

Though competition is fierce, you still rely on your game-playing network for favors. In an environment less cutthroat than Risk or Monopoly (not that there's anything wrong with that), in the tea world, kind assistance is rewarded with points. 

Rob, sorting tea cards, was introduced to Prosperitea, by good friends.

Properitea is relatively new in the game world. Created by Mentha Designs, it debuted in 2022. A few years later, my son, Rob, after being introduced to it by good friends and fellow gamers, gifted it to me for Christmas.

Though the compact game, in its attractive gold trim packaging, sat proudly on display in my bookcase, it took a while before we put it into practice. Featured in our blog earlier this month on the trend of upscale home game rooms (The New Boardroom), we decided it was time to make Prosperitea more than just a pretty face. 

First player is designated with a teapot. Tea cards share fun facts.

Last week, for family game night, we all set up our prospective tea shops and began to source and blend. It took a few go-arounds to get familiar with the instructions, but once we synched (at our relative speeds), it was a lot of fun. Son-in-law, Sean, won, of course, because he zeroes in on strategy, while others in our party (perhaps, your humble blogger), were distracted by all the pretty tea cards and their accompanying tea tidbits. For example, one Ceylon card shares: "Tea produced in Sri Lanka carries a 'Lion Logo' on its packages. This logo is strictly controlled".

You won't learn such facts on Boardwalk or Park Place.

Accompanied by a favorite cup of tea and family and friends, no matter how the game plays out, we're all winners - although, really, who doesn't want to have the most prestigious tearoom????

Attractive on display, Prosperitea is more than just a pretty face. 

BTS, two white gloved thumb's up to Prosperitea. 

Just in time: Pocket watches are back in style!

Assorted pocket watches from our family's collection, mounted and ready to display. . . almost.

This month, pocket watches aren’t just hanging in our front hallway — they’re making headlines. At BTS we follow trends, but, in this case, did we actually foresee the resurgence of this vintage accessory?

Dare I say, time will tell?

This week a pocket watch with combined Gilded Age/Titanic provenance made headlines. As noted in several news outlets, including the Chicago-Sun Times, a Tiffany gold pocket watch worn by John Jacob Astor IV on board the Titanic sold at auction yesterday for $800,000.

Of course, its owner and brand contributed to the price tag, but the timing dovetails neatly with another spotlight on pocket watches: last month’s release of the long‑awaited Peaky Blinders spinoff.

According to Elite Traveler’s April 10, 2026 article, “The Pocket Watch Comeback You Didn’t See Coming,” interest has surged in the period style associated with Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy). Shelby’s signature look — close‑cropped sides with a shaggy top, a sharp three‑piece suit, and, front and center, an elegant pocket watch with its chain looped through his vest — has clearly struck a chord.

Rob hanging now trendy pocket watches in our front hall.

Google reported a 100 percent increase in searches for Shelby's watch. But, does that translate to the pocket watch being the must-have accessory for 2026? One industry specialist suggests the trend is more ripple than tidal wave.

Nicholas Bowman‑Scargill, managing director of Fears Watch Company, told the magazine that while pocket watches may never be fully “mainstream” again, there is a “gentle, but notable interest” in them. She attributes the appeal to a growing appreciation for objects that feel “more considered, more mechanical, more real.”

For years, we've been accumulating collections from parents and grandparents and, among them, a small assortment of pocket watches. Last year, I gathered up five of the time pieces from long tucked away tins and boxes filled with vintage medals, buttons, odd coins and costume jewelry. I dusted off my newly found treasures and hung them in decorative shadow boxes. I set them aside, until I found the perfect place to display them - which, sadly, was mostly in the upstairs hall closet.

Six pocket watches on full display - one vintage piece still going strong.

That is until last month, when my husband, Chris, was doing more decluttering in the basement. He found a pocket watch that I believe belonged to my dad's dad - and here's the ticker kicker, it was still working!

Now with my collection of six, I ordered new shadowboxes, vowing to show these watches off. With the aid of my son, Rob, we hung them in front hallway, right next to our mounted pendulum clock. 

They do bring me joy and a sense of connection every time I walk by.  (and, may I add, an admiration for the craftmanship - it's true, they don't make things like they used to).

Did I know when we finally got these antique gems out in the open that they'd be trending? 

Perhaps a bit of serendipity. But, undeniably, the time for the pocket watch has come.

Time Out: Tea time wellness package is self -care wrapped up in a bow, complete with hugs, friendship and maybe a little DOOL

Wellness Tea package, a self-care toolkit, comes with tea, mug, candle, slippers, and good friend hugs.

Candles as roses and slippers so snuggly

Copper tea kettles and lots of warm huggies,

Colorful packages tied up strings,

These are a few of my favorite things. . . 

To borrow from Rodgers and Hammerstein, there's a lot of simple pleasures that bring us joy. Put them in a big bag, wrapped with a bow and you have a very special present. But, that's not all - add the focus of wellness and self-care, and you have been gifted a bit of indulgence as well. Sip tea in a big cup, light a scented candle, put on cozy slippers, lay back in the recliner and queue up the latest episode of Days of Our Lives.

With the exception of those last two, that’s exactly what I received last week from my very good friend, Laura — who, for clarity and tradition, has always been referred to by her full title: my very good friend, Laura.

On our way to our mid-way refresh cup.

Born the same year, married the same number of years, raising millennial children, and navigating careers that zig‑zagged through the same industries and cities, it’s surprising we didn’t meet until 2009. But when we finally did — at a once‑Fortune 500 company — we bonded instantly over The Banana Splits (the ’60s TV show), Foreigner, and musicals.

Now that we're both retired, we've turned hour lunches into half-day events. Our most favored restaurants bring us new coffee/tea cups when we've hit the two-hour mark.

Having the time for marathon catch‑ups is a gift, but even then, with all the activities that fill retirement (that oft‑repeated motto — “I’m busier now than when I was working” — turns out to be true), intentional “time‑outs” can slip to the back burner. So when your very good friend gives you all the tools to take a break, there's no excuse to let that self-care slide.

Self care box has everything but the recliner and TV remote. 

The Wellness Tea Care Package comes from Modern Elegance. The box contains a 13 oz earthtone mug, comfy cloud socks, a flower-shaped sea salt and nectar wax candle (handmade with love!) and, the piece de resistance - Wellness Blend tea, a mix of black and green tea with turmeric, ginger, and cornflower petals. It's deliciously relaxing.

And, just like in the office, I respect my good friend Laura's direction. This afternoon, I put the copper kettle on, steeped my tea, put on my cozy slippers, lighted my candle, threw back the recliner to "rest position" and caught up with DOOL. 

Taking time out from time to time is important and so is having a very good friend. 😊💗

 

Duck Sh*t Tea (and Chocolate): It's real and it's spectacular!

Tasty tea (and chocolate) with unsavory name.

If you were trying to entice customers to drink a specialty tea, cultivated from lush plants and rich terrain that strongly delivered in both taste and smell, you would most likely favor descriptors that evoke beautiful imagery, fragrant aromas and delightful flavors. 

Duck doo-doo does not rank high for such alluring advertising.

However, if you are trying to dissuade people from seeking your tea out - say, ruthless competitors or big business takeovers - labeling it foul fowl feces would be a good start.

That is the legend of Duck Sh*t tea.

A confession:  in all my years in the tea business, I had never heard of this tea of type.  Though my memory is often tested, I am certain I would not have forgotten a tea with this misleading moniker. And, misleading is key here, as I have come to discover more about this odd duck tea.

My Story:

Last week, as part of my ongoing birthday celebration, my daughter, Rachel and son-in-law, Sean, gifted me with a collection of chocolate and tea and chocolate tea. Truly, they know what I love (including them). But, of course, the Duck Sh*t Tea Chocolate label immediately got my attention.  

Daughter, Rachel, had Duck Sh*t tea when living in China a few years ago.

While they purchased this at a gourmet food emporium in Salt Lake City during a recent trip, Rachel, was already familiar with this Chinese tea and explained the name, is, indeed, real. She actually drank Duck Sh*t tea when she lived in China a few years ago. She also shared what she knew of the tea's lore: a tea farmer cultivated such an extraordinary tea that, to guard against unwanted attention, he gave it a name to offend and repel.

Duck Sh*t Tea's Story: 

Digging a bit deeper, according to UK's TeaTrade, there are two theories of the branding origins of Duck Sh*t tea. The first involves a tea farmer, Wei Chunse, who lived in a mountain village in the province of Guangdong (southeast China). He introduced a tea bush from a higher altitude village to the unique yellow-soil of his own farm. It produced such an aromatic tea, superior to those in the area, that at the risk of theft - played out by the cutting of branches and grafting - a name was given to get the competitive hounds off the alluring scent.

Another suspect in the Duck Sh*t label is the soil itself.  Rich in minerals, the dirt has a distinct yellow loam and an overall yellowish-brown hue, which, to the locals, resembles excrement of the grain-fed poultry in the region. 

It is suggested that the truth of the Duck Sh*t name may be a combination of both theories. Our clever tea farmer may have drawn inspiration from a common reference to protect his unique tea creation.

Would Duck Sh*t Tea by Any Other Name, Smell as Sweet? 

When the Duck Sh*t hit the fan, fans demanded it not change. In 2014, a Chinese Tea Farmers Association tried to "gentrify" the tea and package it with a more attractive label, "Silver Flower Fragrance". Customers rejected the change, preferring its "earthy original", signaling a trend in the high-end tea market which places value on authenticity and provenance.

List of ingredients on candy bar, notably absent, duck doo doo

Waiting for the tea, but chocolate is just fine

Currently, I'm making my way through my Duck Sh*t tea chocolate bar from FOSSA Chocolate. It's delicious - definitely malty and earthy with hints of floral. It's not sugary sweet, either, which gives it staying power on my serving platter.

In the meantime, I'm sourcing some Duck Sh*t tea. I like that its true to its authentic self and ditched the Silver Flower for a name we'll all remember. Duck Sh*t tea happens and I can't wait to sample more.

'Guilded Age' of Gourmet Confections: Ontario's Guild Chocolates is a treasure across the border!

Jaclyn Sanders (right) with BTS' Barb Gulley

In 1866, oil was discovered in Petrolia, setting off a series of boom periods for the small Ontario town. Nearly 150 years later, gold struck again in the form of hand-crafted, high-quality chocolate and its home is Guild Chocolates.  

Last weekend, we embarked on a remarkably short international trip to meet with the owner and award-wining chocolatier, Jaclyn Sanders. 

Though Guild Chocolates has been in business for over a decade, my husband, Chris, and I just recently learned about it. An upcoming tea event, hosted by the folks behind Guild Chocolates, showed up on our social media feed.  Afternoon tea and chocolate? No surprise, we're their demographic.

Guild Chocolates award-winning sweets, miniature works of art.

The shop is only open on Saturdays, so Chris and I carved out a weekend to cross the Blue Water Bridge, traveling the easy distance from Sarnia to nearby Petrolia, to meet up with the chocolate artist behind Guild Chocolates.

Jaclyn is as sweet and inviting as her chocolate and within a few short minutes, I felt like I was talking with an old friend. Her resume is impressive - studied Art History at Cambridge, lived in NYC for eleven years honing culinary skills -  yet she's equally down-to-earth and engaging and her passion for her craft is evident in all her chocolate creations on display.

Guild Chocolates is open only on Saturdays, but hosts special events throughout the year. 

The variety of confections include solid bars and truffles in various forms from frogs to bubbles. Many of Jaclyn's chocolates have won top awards in both international and national competitions. In fact, there's a six-piece sampler of some of the medaled chocolates (which we bought and loved!), including FruitTea, made with matcha, kukicha, peanut praline and raspberry.

That's not where the tea connection ends, however. Guild Chocolates also sells several loose tea blends and other tea-infused sweets. One of our favorites in the latter category is their Earl Grey chocolate, which received Gold in the Canadian Chocolate competition, 2023.

Earl Grey chocolates, recipient of Canadian Chocolate competition, 2023.

In addition, Guild Chocolate hosts special tea and chocolate events throughout the year with historical themes (Churchill, Titanic, Dickens, Frank Lloyd Wright), tastings and Afternoon Tea (which is coming up in May!).

Inspired by Victorian writer, artist and central figure of the British Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris, Guild Chocolates not only offers extremely tasty treats, but individual works of art in every bite-sized sweet.

Guild Chocolates in Petrolia, Ontario - a town that continues to strike gold!

Guild Chocolates is a delicious get-away. For those in the Detroit Metro area, a relatively short (1 - 2 hour) drive. We'll be crossing the bridge again in May, for more chocolate and afternoon tea.

For more information on Guild Chocolates, their hours, location and upcoming events, visit their website at guildchocolates.com.