Tea and Toast?

Morning tea is ritual for me.
There is something quietening about walking into my
sunshiny, quiet kitchen each morning.
Joy comes to my heart as I pick the teapot, cup, tea,
cozy, and trivet for the morning.
Then it is time to choose what will go with my morning tea.
Will it be toast, which is often what I choose.
This morning it was cornbread with maple syrup.
A croissant is pure delight with fresh berry jam.
Maybe there is a scone in my freezer that easily is popped into the oven.
Often I ask you what is in your cup or share what is in mine.
But for today I am wondering what do you enjoy with your morning tea?

On a side note:  Thanks beth for helping me get my header together.  I love it!

Market Flowers

Does your market sell flowers?
Sometimes when I visit the market I just have to take some time to browse the flowers.
I just stand there and take in the beauty.
I smell.
I notice the colors.
Sometimes I am surprised by the combinations the florist puts together of both color and texture.
Sometimes I see a flower I don't know and want to know more about it.
Do you take time to stand in the flowers at the market and savor?

If not, do it the next time you visit the market.
It will definitely make your heart sing.

A Gift of Love

As I am out and about in recent days I see red hearts and gifts for those you love abound.
With this reminder my heart also rejoices in love surrounding me.
In the little things.
The quilt all frayed and worn hanging above my mantle.
Bunnies holding hearts.
Smiles.
Rain drops on roses, oh yes, even that.
The warmth in my hands from a touch or holding a warm cup of tea.
The robins that have returned to dance in my garden.
Joey watching diligently from the window.

What gifts of love are around you today?

Oh yes, one more thing!  Did you think I forgot?
The winner of the give-away announced on Thursday.
Ta Da - is Gail
Congratulations Gail!
You can find my email in my profile to send me your address.

One Word

 

Hello!

PS - Don't forget the give-away mentioned on Thursday's post.  The winner will be announced tomorrow.

Warmed to Your Toes

Do you know chicken soup weather?
Cold and drippy for sure
This is the time for warm soups.
Maybe that is why the books of Chicken Soup have been so well received.
I found this warm bowl of goodness at a local tea shop in Chinatown.
Just recovering from a virus, it just warmed me to my toes.

What warms you to your toes?
Is it a cup of soup?
Of course for me a warm cup of tea.
Maybe someone's smile?

Have a delightful weekend and may you be warmed to your toes!

PS - Don't forget to leave a comment on yesterday's post for the give-away.

Give Away from Marmalady's

 

Marmalady's (my business) would like to give away a book perfect for the season.
The book, Herbal Teas, by Kathleen Brown
includes many recipes for "Health and Vitality".
There are health benefits to such herbs as garlic,
ginger, flax, parsley, oranges, and many more.
As you plan your garden for Spring,
 this would be a good source for assisting in the planning. 

Here is one of the recipes:

Terrific Yummy-Tummy Tea

Great for upset tummies and even stomach flu, this tea
is soothing and tastes wonderful, for kids of all ages!
Give little sips until relief is obtained.

1 part peppermint leaves,1 part spearmint leaves,1/2 part anise or fennel seeds,1/8 part licorice root,1/8 part orange or tangerine slices (organic)

Combine all herbs in a pot, and cover with boiling water.
Stir well, cover, and steep 15 to 20 minutes.   

With flu season right now, this "tea" or actually "tisane"
would be lovely in ridding the upset tummy.  
No reason for the give-away, but just to share.
Just leave a comment on this post and I will announce the winner next Tuesday. 

NW Chocolate Festival

This past weekend I ventured out to the NW Chocolate Festival.
I had not been before and just wanted to see what they had to offer.
Have you been to a chocolate festival?
It was packed with people everywhere.
Chocolate does draw people to come out.
There was a lot that didn't impress me.

Verdun Chocolates in the top left is one I have purchased before.
It did impress me.
They are beautifully packaged and quite good.
Chocolates from Lebanon.

JaCiva's with the pink hair has the best chocolate cakes.

Stash Tea was there with some beautifully blended teas.

What did impress me the most and I found quite delicious
was gluten-free, dairy-free chocolates from The Great Unbaked chocolate company.
Now until this time I didn't know there were gluten-free, dairy-free chocolates.
If you know someone that cannot eat gluten or dairy wouldn't this make
a most decadent, delightful gift?  After all Valentine's is just around the corner.

Here are two websites online that specialize in gluten-free, dairy-free chocolates.

http://www.missionarychocolates.com
http://www.TheGreatUnbaked.com