A Celebration of Marmalady's

 

On December 3rd I have chosen to let my marmaladys.com website go. I know, most of you probably don't even realize I have a small online business. Today isn't about selling you anything, but a celebration (though bitter sweet). I bought the name Marmalady's 21 years ago and the website officially went up in March 20 years ago on my 60th birthday. Crazy to say this, when at 60 most people are thinking about winding down. At first my website sold tea and teaware, plus a few ready made tea cozies. I had the tea cozies made in a local factory here in Oregon. My main product was a line of jams and jellies with tea in them and also made at a local jam factory, but my recipes.

That first year I took my products to Las Vegas for the World Tea Expo. It was the first year for the expo too. My jams and jellies ended up mostly selling wholesale to tea shop. At my full steam ahead time I sold to tea shops in 11 states. However, shipping was expensive and wholesale buyers didn't want to pay shipping; so after 9 years I discontinued selling the jams and jellies. I missed them, as they were really good.

When selling at the World Tea Expo people also liked my tea cozies and aprons, but wanted different fabrics than I was selling. I was asked to sell them the pattern, so they could make their own. Now that was a novel idea, since I was already a professional patternmaker. So I packaged up some of my patterns and started selling the patterns on Etsy 15 years ago. Amazingly it has been the sewing patterns that continue to sell.

About 10 years ago I changed my website to one page directing buyers to visit my Etsy page, but I continued to pay for the website all these years. So this week I am letting the website go. Yes, I will still be on Etsy, it does nicely for me. It brings in enough each week to give me tea pocket money and to feed my tea addiction. Smiling!!!

But for today I just wanted to celebrate and share my little business with you. It has been a fun adventure and who knows how much longer I will do Etsy. I love it! Celebrating over 20 years in my little business, 15 years on Etsy, and over 80 years of life. Oh Yes!! Also celebrating 15 years of this little blog called, Delights of the Heart.

 

The pictures above are my Marmalady's logo and the front page of my #1 selling sewing pattern. Even today I am shipping a couple orders.

This was one of my jams.

This is the tent cozy, which I still sell in a sewing pattern on Etsy.

So celebrate along with me and say "hip-hip hooray!!"

Happy weekend, dear friends! 

Marilyn

A Green Teatime

 A Green Teatime is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of Springtime and St. Patrick's Day!

Recently I asked a group of tea lovers what would they make for a March Green Teatime.

There were a lot of fun answers that definitely encouraged me to have a St. Patrick's Day tea theme.

So this week I served teatime with this in mind to my "live-in gardener" and myself in the green house.

There were sausage rolls with Dijon mustard, a stacked sandwich of tuna, black olive, and deviled ham with a green cream cheese frosting, Guinness whole wheat scones with raisins soaked in Guinness, green fruit salad with a peppermint tea syrup, and brownies with a layer of peppermint flavored icing.

I had planned to sip green tea, but then decided to continue my Darjeeling sipping from earlier morning. My "live-in gardener" sipped some Tulsi, which I also enjoyed helping him finish off.

It was fun to search my house for the color green. Of course my green depression glass works. Then a green teapot with my Marmalady's tea cozy made from vintage fabric. Both of the teacups are vintage too. The cup on the far side by the green chair is handleless and comes from the late 1800's. The cup closer in the picture is made in England (Colonial Pottery). I am not sure how old it is, but guessing early 1900's. I need to do more research on it.

Picking a single color to focus teatime was a fun challenge and one I plan on trying again.

Hummm? Wondering what color would be fun to feature the next time?

Anyway, it was just wonderful to be back in the green house for teatime.

I have missed it during the winter months.

Have a great weekend, dear friends!

Monday's Tea Quote

No riches I covet, no fame do I want

Ambition means nothing to me

But I beg of kind heaven one favor to grant

For breakfast, a good pot of tea.

~Lu Yu

Lu Yu was the father of tea technology in the 9th century

Sipping my breakfast tea this morning wrapped in a cozy

from marmaladys.com

This cozy will soon be on my website.

Wearing of the Green Time

In celebrating Springtime and St. Patrick's day

I went to the garden for tea.

The green is beginning to pop all around me

and I am loving the colors it brings.

For tea time there was my favorite Yunnan Gold tea

served with a current scone with a touch of nutmeg,

and shamrock cucumber sandwiches.
The cozy is a Marmalady's cozy made from vintage fabric
found at the antique mall.

Happy Spring Time and St. Patrick's Day,

all in the coming days.

I am stepping away for a few days,

but look for me here again on Monday.

Happy Weekend, dear friends!

linking to Bernideen at http://blog.bernideens.com/

Yellow

 

 

Yellow is my favorite color.
It is the color of happiness and sunshine.
It makes me smile just as a sunflower does.

For the month of August Marmalady's is
having a yellow teapot special,
while supplies last.

For $5., plus shipping priority mail $12.35
you can have a happiness, yellow teapot
for yourself or a friend.
They come in either a 3 cup or 6 cup size.

Just email me at marilyntea @ gmail.com

Announcing Marmalady's Tea Hat for Women

 

ANNOUNCING!
A new sewing pattern for tea lovers.
Marmalady's has been selling a girl's 1920's cloche tea hat pattern for quite awhile,
but I have had many requests for a matching hat for mama's.
Finally the fit has been confirmed and the pattern is ready.
It looks particularly cute on women that have hair at least to the bottom of their ears or longer.
There are three sizes in the one pattern, so the right size can be yours.
The hat in the picture was made from vintage decorator fabric.
The flower I found at an accessories shop.
Have fun and sew for yourself or someone special a hat to wear to tea.

You can find the pattern at https://www.etsy.com/shop/marmaladys
Soon it will be at https://www.marmaladys.com

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. 

A Winner!

The embroidery was hanging just outside our door at The Yreka Third Street Inn.
Click on picture to see the details.

A week ago Monday I received an email from a past Marmalady's customer, Traci.
She was telling me about a Bed and Breakfast she was helping a friend with for the summer.
The amazing thing was that we were traveling right through the town of Yreka, California
on our short trip to California.  Yreka is on I-5 and just over the Oregon border near Mt. Shasta.
A room was soon reserved for a stop in Yreka and I had the opportunity to reconnect
with a tea friend from my past.  Now how fun is that?  So how was it a winner?
Well, it was totally delightful and a lovely place to stop.

The Yreka Third Street Inn can be found here online.
It was a Victorian era home surrounded by many other beautiful Victorian houses
and a historic downtown.  The evening was perfect for walking and then sitting in those chairs
in the yard for time of visiting.  Breakfast included delicious fresh fruit, eggs, sausage, muffins and scones.
Definitely worth stopping for a relaxing night, I highly recommend it.

*****************
Now I promised to announce another winner.
The winner of my 1000th post give away is Faye.
Congratulations, Faye!
Please email me your address to confirm where to send this gift.

NEW: Child's Vintage Apron Pattern

 

 

Introducing Marmalady's new Child's Vintage Apron sewing pattern.
The women's vintage apron has been available for 3 years
and there have been quite a few requests for a child's apron to match.
The pattern is taken from a vintage apron I found many years ago.
Finally it is packaged and ready to sell.
There are four sizes included in the pattern,
so you would find something to fit size 4 to 14.
The child's apron is proportionately longer for more coverage.
What I love about this pattern is "no ties", just comfy.
It is so hot off the development table that it isn't even on my website yet.
You can email me directly.
Cost is $10., plus $2 shipping.

This is Lily modeling the smallest size for me.
I thought she did a great job as my model.

NW Tea Festival

In the shadow of this famous landmark, The Space Needle, I attended the NW Tea Festival this
past weekend.   There was a small display of my Tea Party in your Cupboard and my Marmalady's
sewing patterns for tea lovers.
It was a fun event for tea lovers from many regions of the US.
Some came from the east coast and California, plus many from the Pacific Northwest.
There were tea tastings, speakers, book signings, and classes that included many different subjects
from Pairing Chocolate with Tea to a demonstration on Japanese Tea Ceremony.

It is always fun to taste teas from around the world
and there were some real treats here.
There were four tastings that I participated in:
3 Rare Chinese Teas by Silk Road Teas
First Flush Darjeeling Teas
Indian Teas by Chado Teas
Rare and Obscure Teas

The one tea that I tasted in two of the tastings and was attractive to my palate
was a First Flush Darjeeling called Risheehat Colonal Organic Tea.
It had a lovely floral, spring freshness that was quite lovely.
What surprised me about this tea is that I don't usually like Darjeeling teas,
especially first flush (first picking of the spring); so there is always room
to change the mind and learn something new.  There really wasn't any for sale,
as it is rather rare; but I was able to buy what was left of the sample they brought
and enjoyed it this morning with my scones.

World Cup of Tea

World Cup of Tea

 9200 Carothers Pkwy Suite 104

Franklin, TN

Phone - 615-224-9778

This lovely tearoom in Franklin, Tennessee

carries Marmalady's jams and jellies.

They also put them in gift baskets, which is a wonderful idea.

If you are ever in the area of World Cup of Tea stop by and tell them I sent you.

In the meantime, visit them at http://www.worldcupoftea.com/

Harney & Sons

The entrance to Harney & Sons tea shop in Millerton, New York.

The Harney & Sons tasting room.

It has been a few years since I visited the Harney & Sons tea shop in New York,
but I have had the opportunity several times to chat both face to face and on the phone
with the founder, John Harney.  He is a real treasure, who founded Harney & Sons
over 25 years ago.  You might find their teas in Barnes and Noble or your favorite tea shop.
Earlier this summer John called me and ordered Marmalady's Orange Triple Sec Marmalade for the shop.
In the future it should show up on their website, but I didn't see it there today.
John has been a great cheerleader for Marmalady's and I have really appreciated it.

You can visit Harney & Sons at www.harney.com 

or if you are in the area of Millerton, New York stop in and visit their shop.

Tell them the Marmalady sent you.

Teaberry's Tea Room

Teaberry’s was created in a lovingly restored Victorian home as a refuge from the outside world. Inside you will feel pampered as the atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, cozy and never rushed. Fresh flowers and linens adorn each table and the attentive wait staff will take excellent care of you. They believe it is enriching to add beauty and charm to the little details of our lives and at the same time it helps to slow us down as we appreciate the moment. Teaberry’s serves both a full lunch and afternoon tea all day Tuesday through Sunday during normal business hours. Teaberry's also carry's Marmalady's jams and jellies.             Visit Teaberry's at: 2 Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey 08822                            Phone 908-788-1010       Their website is: http://www.teaberrys.com The August Break

Washington Park Rose Gardens

It's fun when I can share a beautiful rose garden along with a shop that carry's Marmalady's Rose Tea Jelly.
The Rose Garden sit on the western side of Portland with a view of Mt. Hood.
It is definitely a must for anyone visiting Portland, Oregon
I love visiting there about 9AM before the tourist come along.
There is such a beautiful fragrance and quietness.
For more information:  http://www.rosegardenstore.org

The August Break

Heirloom Roses

Heirloom Roses is located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Isn't that pink rose over the arbor gorgeous?  It's called Eden.

Walking through their gardens is like being in Eden.

They have beautiful test gardens where you can walk and smell the roses.

Their gift shop carries Marmalady's jams and jellies.

I lost my husband here as he disappeared among the roses.  Not to worry, he was later found.
For Marmalady's jams you can visit their gift shop at 24062 Riverside Drive Northeast, St Paul, OR.
For amazing roses, visit their website: www.heirloomroses.com

The Amherst Rose and Tea Parlour Gift Shop

This "Painted Lady" is 165 years old and sat empty for 15 years until Mary Jane and Carl came to the rescue.

After a labor of love and much work it is now open by reservation only for tea.

Last Saturday there was a special 10 year anniversary tea party at The Amherst Rose and Tea Parlour Gift Shop at 937 Amherst Road N.E., Massillon, Ohio.  This was a group of friends that celebrate tea online at Yahoo Group, Afternoon Tea Across America.  What was fun about this tea party is that I was able to join the party for a few minutes to say hello on Skype.  Isn't technology amazing?

The other fun thing was they served my Marmalady's jam with the scones.
Mary Jane, the owner of this special shop carries Marmalady's jam in her gift shop.


I also understand the gardens are quite spectacular and Mary Jane takes a little time each day to work in the gardens.  That alone would be worth the visit. I know I would love to sit in the gardens and enjoy my tea.
The Amherst Rose serves "Dessert First "which is a miniature French Vanilla cupcake with Rosewater Frosting piped in the form of a rose served on a little plate along with a sparkling beverage.
Now who hasn't wanted to start with dessert?

Call 330-832-8502 for reservations.
You can also go online to read more about this shop at www.amherstrose.com
  Thanks to Ingrid in Toronto, Canada for letting me use her pictures.

Yummy Scones

This morning as I enjoyed scones with Marmalady's Orange Triple Sec Marmalade and a lovely cup of oolong tea from France, I thought you might like my favorite scone recipe.

Cream Scones

Mix in Food Processor: 
4 cups flour
2/3 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder 
1 tsp. salt
6 oz. unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
Process until butter is petite pea size, set aside. 

In Mixer with paddle:
1 cup cream 
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup dried fruit (optional - I don't usually add) 

Add butter-flour mixture to mixer.  Mix just until it forms a ball.  Pat it with your hands, don't use rolling pin.
Handle dough as little as possible.  Cut into either wedges or biscuit rounds.  Can egg wash top
 (I don't) and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minute, until golden brown. 

Note:  I place the unbaked scones on a cookie sheet and freeze them, then put in freezer bag to keep in freezer until ready to use.  Put them in the oven frozen and bake about 5 minutes longer.  They are great to have ready for that impromptu tea, whether for breakfast or if a friend stops by.

ENJOY!

400th Post Celebration

My 400th blog entry is today and I decided it was
time to celebrate with a Marmalady's give-away.
Marmalady's is my tea business.
You can see the links to the right here at
Delights of the Heart.

I am giving roses today.
Leave a comment before Monday.
I will draw a name on Monday morning for the
gift of a Rose Tea Cozy and a jar of Rose Tea Jelly.

These are exclusive Marmalady's products that
I have developed just for Marmalady's.
I also sell the sewing patterns for the tea cozy
and other patterns for tea lovers.

I can't wait to see who wins the gift of roses.

A Special Post

I am posting an extra time today.
Please visit Se'Lah at the Necessary Room
for a very special Marmalady's give away.
It would be so fun if one of my readers won this.

Marmalady's Tea Serving Mat

Announcing!
Marmalady's has just released a new sewing pattern for quilters that love tea.
It is a Tea Serving Mat.
It is an original design by me.
Fun to place under the teapot and cups for serving.
It can be found on marmaladys.etsy.com right now and in the near future on marmaladys.com