Fireside Cider Green Tea

Another winter day. Another potential snowfall warning.

These snow days have got me sipping lots of tea.

The Mad Hatter Tea Co.'s Fireside Cider:  green sencha, apple, cinnamon, popcorn.

A light, pleasant tea that's perfect for a frigid February day.

What teas help you get through the winter?

A Heartfelt Tea Time

It's Valentine week!

 These colourful teawares fill my heart with joy.

T by Daniel's Love Note black tea is always a hit with family and friends who love the delicious strawberry and peach flavour.

An early Valentine card from my mom. 

Love the pretty red and white transferwares!

Happy Valentine's Day!

How are you celebrating Valentine's Day?

Belated Birthday Tea-Themed Gifts

When your birthday is in January and you live in Canada, there's a high probability that your birthday celebrations will get rescheduled because of inclement weather. This year, we got hit by a snowstorm that dumped 40 cm (15 inches) of snow...so I ended up celebrating my birthday in February which had more co-operative weather!

Pretty tea-themed cards #1 & #2

Pretty tea-themed cards #3 & #4

My family and friends showered me with more teas.

Teas from Trader Joe's.

Love the yellow rose on this beauty.

For tea on the go: A pretty travel mug with a tea infuser.

Cute gift #1: A miniature book with a book-shaped infuser.

Cute gift #2: Tea party books for my inner child

Cute gift #3: A teapot house for my future fairy garden.

I don't know if these candles actually contain tea leaves, but the bear holding a mug of tea is pretty cute.

You can never have enough tea-themed towels!

Tea-infused lotion and mints.

Thanks to my generous and thoughtful family and friends, I won't need to buy new teas for a looooooooong time!

A S'mores Tea Party

Last week, we had our first office tea social of the year: a s'mores tea to combat the winter doldrums.

I brought the S'mores black tea by Citizen Tea, while my colleagues brought the electric s'mores maker and ingredients.

"Roasting" the first marshmallow.

Some of us got creative with our s'mores.

My co-workers surprised me with the perfect (belated) birthday card and a cupcake. 

How do you make your s'mores?

More Christmas tea-themed gifts

In addition to teas and teacups, I received the following unique tea-themed gifts for Christmas.

My inner science nerd is loving this cool wooden coaster.

Tea time accoutrements

A magazine with recipes and gorgeous tea time photos.

Cute artwork

Tea-infused bath and body products

Now I can wear a teapot around my neck!

 Be my guest!

And a gift card for more teas!

But I'll need to use up some of my existing stash before purchasing new teas!

National Hot Tea Month

As many of you know, January is Hot Tea Month. I'm well equipped to celebrate my love of tea, thanks to my family and friends' tea-lightful Christmas gifts!

My tea haul has everything: herbal teas, green teas, and black teas in loose leaf and teabags.

The teas will certainly taste even more delicious in this stunning Royal Albert teacup!

The inaugural drink on National Hot Tea Day (Jan 12): Home for the Holidays Black Tea by For Tea's Sake.

I also received this pretty yellow rose teacup--perfect for springtime!

A fun flamingo tumbler for drinking tea on the go (or at the office).

Now it's time to announce the winner of my 4-year blogiversary!

And the WINNER selected by Random.org is...(DRUM ROLL):

Congratulations to BABE O'MARA!!!

Babe, please e-mail me your mailing address (click on my profile for my e-mail) and I will ship your prizes you.

Thank you everyone for celebrating my blogiversary with me!

Celebrating the first teas of 2019 & my 4th year blogiversary!

Happy New Year! Hope 2019 has been treating you right.

My first cup of tea in 2019 was decaff English Breakfast.

Last Saturday, I enjoyed my first tea party at my place. We sipped Monarch Tea Co.'s Mistletoe Chai from my Shelley teacups.

Yesterday, Tea in the Valley turned 4. I can't believe that my little blog is now a junior kindergartner! I'm beyond grateful for all your visits and comments--your incredible support and interest in this little blog is what keeps it going: Celebrate Life...Dream Big...Laugh Often...Live Well...

So I'm celebrating my blogiversary with a giveaway!

The giveaway winner will receive:

1) A brand new clear glass mug so you can see the pretty colours of your tea! It also comes with a metal infuser and lid.

2) Some tea samples and other surprise items

Eligibility: 

Due to high postage costs, the giveaway is only open to residents of Canada and U.S. (sorry!)

How to enter: 

Drop an "Enter Me" comment and a way for me to contact you below (if I don't already have your e-mail address).

Entry Deadline: 

5:00 pm EST on Sunday, January 13, 2019

The winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced on: 

Monday, January 14, 2019

If the winner doesn't contact me within 48 hours, a new name will be drawn.

Good luck everyone!!!