Summer heat is upon us in our lovely Ottawa, and so is a surprising tropical rain trend and sweltering humidity!!! The hobby gardeners are thankful for the extra water and heat, I mean we have mint, basil, oregano, raspberries, currants, green beans and cucumbers growing like never before!
Stepping in the garden is my favourite way to take a break and unwind throughout the day, it is an invitation to a creative adventure. What is growing in season usually ends up in my cups of tea or as background for photos you see on the Instagram feed. These hot summer days I am drinking iced tea more often, though, as many of you can relate, I am also drinking hot tea while indoors, when the air conditioner is chilling us for prolonged hours. This made me think of how versatile tea can be, and especially how simple methods can change the taste of your favourite brew.
I wanted to share with you a recipe developed by the Camellia Sinensis teahouse to make simple cold brew iced tea. Use your favourite black or green tea, or for caffeine-free options use Rooibos or Hibiscus, try it in the cold brew method, you will rediscover its taste in a whole new light!
In general, iced tea preparations will last up to 5 days in the fridge. Use a 2L pitcher or jug that can fit in the fridge, if you do not already have one at home we recommend this Glass Pitcher which has an integrated filter in the lid.
You will find many teas at the shop and delicious organic iced tea blends, which are also available in pre-measured format prefect for 2L pitchers. For black tea try Lisbon Sunshine, green tea A Summer in Nilgiri or the floral and fruity Holiday in Fiji, and for caffeine-free family gatherings try the Rooibos-based Off Shore in Sao Paolo.
Looking to make a quick cup of iced tea instead of a large pitcher overnight? try infusing a fruity blend in hot water and serve over ice. In the afternoon I reach for the the organic Tease Tea Mother's Helper , I prepare it hot and pour it over ice cubes, it is a green tea and yerba mate blend with papaya and strawberris, it will boost your energy with a bright, refreshing and sweet taste. For the kids I prepare Zeste Eclaire which is rooibos based with grapefruit and light spice taste.
Today is Sunday July 24th, 2022 and yes we are experiencing more heavy rain and humidity. There are beautiful climbing purple clematis on the fence, very large leaves of cucumber and tomato plants, full bushes of red and black currants. If you are reading this now go ahead and try the cold brew recipe, the tea will steep overnight in the fridge and your iced tea will be ready tomorrow to enjoy all week!
Who else has discovered a new activity to enjoy this summer? I sure have and you've probably heard about it... embroidery! I've been loving sitting in the store with a fresh cup of tea and being greeted with excitement of what I am creating!
I give all my thanks to Nova Scotia's Hook, Line, and Tinker company that we've had the privilege of having in our store. They provide embroidery kits which can be found in store or online including all the supplies you will need as well as various patterns such as Bee Kind Dandelion and Chickadee.
Personally, I was looking for a new mindful activity, something to help me de-stress. I hadn't tried anything involving stitching so I was hesitate at first, little did I know it would become my favorite time of day. I started with the Fungus Among Us kit and it was surprisingly easy to set up. As soon as I started stitching, with the help of an included stitch guide, I knew this was exactly what I was looking for.
I've been embroidering for a little while now and I take notice in the effect it has had on me mentally. Mindful activities like embroidery allow our brains and bodies to decompress, becoming present in the moment. It gives me the chance to focus on one thing and relieve any anxieties I experienced through the day. Taking some time for ourselves is so important, no matter what may be going on in our lives, we are all deserving of a moment of peace and quiet.
Once you've gotten comfortable with the different stitches, you can choose to buy your own supplies including any thread colour you could imagine to create unique designs! Also don't forget the power of YouTube which is riddled with tutorials, I enjoyed watching and learning how to stitch different flowers from various creators. Embroidery can be seen on many types of fabrics too. The popularity of stitching on jean jackets for example, has returned in full swing with oodles of people showing off their skill and creativity. That's certainly my next project!
This gorgeous embroidery may look different than the original kit, as I couldn't resist the opportunity to make Ariel with my extra colours!
Will you try embroidering? Have any questions? I can help! Your sure to find me in-store on Thursdays to talk about embroidery or help you start your stitching journey, with a cup of tea of course!
If your interested, my top teas to sip while embroidering are: Camellia Chai, delicious black tea with cardamom which I enjoy in the morning or early afternoon with a splash of milk and a little of sugar. Jasmine Pearls is so floral! It has become an afternoon favourite green tea, and when the late afternoon comes around and I don't want any caffeine, I enjoy the herbal infusions of Cloudberry or Crowberry blends by Inuit Herbal Tea.
Keep your hot water close and let your creativity flow :)
See you around, Maria Defazio
]]>Hello from our first blog entry on this beautiful day of June 2022!!! Sometimes we have more to say about a new small business or ideas and recipes, so we thought it would be more convenient to write up blog posts instead of cluttering our periodic newsletters! It is very suitable that our first blog entry would feature a wonderful small business, tea-themed of course!
I am so pleased to announce the latest line of products we have introduced in our gift shop – Tea Thoughts by blogger and designer Nazanin Yousefnejad. I have been a fan of her work for a while now, following along as Nazanin tries different teas, reflects on many aspects of teaware, and spotlights various businesses and creators in the great tea community. I am very excited to share her unique designs with you all.
Based in New York, the Tea Thoughts brand consists of both a blog and a shop of original tea-themed products that you are sure to love. Tea is a ritual for sharing time with friends, family, and strangers all around the world. Hailing from an Iranian household, Nazanin understands the importance of tea and the way in which the ritual of tea drinking builds connections. The products evolved from the designer's original drawings, photographs, experiences and symbols that hold special meanings in her life.
Here are some featured products that would make wonderful gifts for loved ones, for teachers and school staff, co-workers, simply to treat yourself!
This enamel camper mug is lightweight and perfect to use while relaxing at home, out on a picnic or camping. The mug features a tea leaf and Osmanthus flower design and has a bright yellow rim. We also offer Osmanthus Petals in our herbal infusion section –this delicate fruity flower would pair wonderfully with this beautiful mug.
This pin perfectly captures the beauty of the Gaiwan, adorned with intricate floral detailing. It is a great conversation starter about different ways tea can be brewed and how far back in history the tradition goes. A Gaiwan pin would make a wonderful gift for any tea lover! Also note the outline house vase, what a gorgeous vase for the flowers growing in your gardens this spring.
Bookwroms and planners take note! You won't loose your page with this copper plated bookmark ! It features a gaiwan with moon phases and a white tassel. Tie in your love of reading with your love for tea with this charming bookmark.
This pin perfectly captures the beauty of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the plant where all tea comes from. This gorgeous pin is a subtle way to express your love for tea and is sure to be a great conversation starter.
This greeting card is perfect for all plant lovers, featuring a "TEArarium" design. The card is blank inside, it could be used for any occasion – from celebrating a birthday to writing a thank-you note. Combining plants with tea culture is a sure way to put a smile on someone’s face! Look for the matching TEArarium camper mug available on our website too.
Do we have crafters and creators amongst us? Washi tape is such a versatile product, this washi tape features teacups used as flower vases. You will find other beautiful designs as well, peruse our website for more.
I hope you all enjoy Nazanin’s products as much as I do! Be sure to check out her blog at: https://teathoughts.com/
Thank you for reading our first blog entry :) we hope to see you soon in store.
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