Scarecrows & Teas

October was a busy month at work, but we still managed to fit in a tea social last week!

We sipped Pumpkin Cheesecake Rooibos by David's Tea from my Fire King and JAJ Pyrex tea cups.

Our sweet treats include peanut butter fudge cookies, pumpkin spice cream cookies, baklava and Timbits (Stephanie, I enjoyed a Timbit for you!).

Does anyone know why Google Photos added that weird symbol in the centre?

We also had crackers with hummus, roasted harvest vegetables and veggie sticks (not pictured).

This past weekend was the Valley's annual "Scarecrow Saturday". 

The displays created by the local businesses were a mixture of whimsy and horror.

Picone Fine Food's cute display encouraged us to "Shop Local".

This gorgeous wool coat from Terraware comes in purple.

But the $900 (!!!) price tag gave my wallet a fright!

I see a bad moon rising.

Scarecrow Gord Downie by Taylor's Tea Room was ahead by a century.

Of course, my favourite display was this adorable tea party by Stawberry Fields.

For today's Halloween potluck at the office, I made assembled these witches' brownies (take that, Pinterest!)

Pumpkin treat of the week: This delicious Pumpkin Spice tea from my teacup swap partner. 

Come back on Wednesday for the big teacup reveal!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Cup Tuesday

  Friends Sharing Tea

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

A Return to the Old Curiosity Tea Shop

Last Saturday, I returned to The Old Curiosity Tea Shop to meet again with Judith from Lavender Cottage and Wendy from September Violets over afternoon tea.

The Victorian afternoon tea and service were just as wonderful as my first visit.

The Royal Bengal Tiger Tea was a smooth black tea with a mild taste of cinnamon and fruits that was perfect for the autumn season. I totally wanted to take this gorgeous Aynsley teacup home with me!

Judith and I wore our finest fascinators. The conversation flowed easily like the tea we enjoyed. The three of us are part of a small group of Canadian bloggers who exchange "happy mail" throughout the year. We hope that the other members can join the next group outing.

Thank you, Judith and Wendy, for the laughs and fun times!

This week's pumpkin treat of the week: Pumpkin spiced cold chocolate. So rich and creamy!

Enjoy the last week of October!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Cup Tuesday

  Friends Sharing Tea

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

"Because of Her"

On October 18th, we celebrate Persons Day in Canada.

This 1-minute video provides a nice overview of the Canadian suffragette movement that lead to the 1929 historic ruling that, "Women. Are. Persons." and allowed women to participate in public office.

The Women are Persons! Monument in Olympic Plaza, Calgary, Alberta (photo taken in 2012)

86 years after this milestone victory for women's rights, Canada had its first cabinet with equal number of men and women. The Famous Five would have raised their teacups to this gender-balanced cabinet!

The Women are Persons! Monument in Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario (photo taken in 2015)

"“Because of Her”, Canada’s democracy is stronger than ever. 

Persons Day reminds us all that women’s voices matter. 

When women step forward and make themselves heard, the changes they create benefit us all."  

(From: Status of Women)

As a tribute to the "pink teas" held by the suffragists, I'm sharing this tea for one set that I purchased at a thrift store years ago. The pretty combination of pink roses and white polka dots is reminiscent of Royal Albert's Cheeky Pink design.

Pumpkin treat of the week: Pumpkin pie frozen yogurt from Yogurty's.

Public Service Announcement: The Celestial Seasonings holiday teas are now available at Bulk Barn and on sale for only $2.99 until October 27th! If you live in Ontario, you can also use this coupon for purchases over $10. It's never too early to buy Christmas teas!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Cup Tuesday

  Friends Sharing Tea

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!

My family is not a fan of pumpkin pie so the only pumpkin pie that I had during the long weekend was this blizzard from Dairy Queen. My favourite part was the crunchy pie crust. YUM!

 I also enjoyed some tasty pumpkin loaf (from Whole Foods) with a cup of jasmine green tea.

This 7-minute video, "An Experiment in Gratitude", by SoulPancake is a nice reminder to express appreciation to our loved one and shows that giving thanks can boost our own happiness!

Thank you for visiting my little corner of Blogland today!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Cup Tuesday

  Friends Sharing Tea

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Don't You Forget About Me

You know you're the crazy tea lady at the office when your colleagues give you tea-related presents.

A few weeks ago, I received this pretty teacup decorated with forget-me-nots as a thank you gift from a woman at work.

The Queen Anne Ridgway backstamp circa 1960s (Pattern No. 7527).

What makes this teacup special is that it came from the gifter's own collection. 

I will treasure it always!

The yummy pumpkin treat of the week: 

Dare Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Creme Cookies enjoyed with a mug of honeybush vanilla herbal tea.

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tea Cup Tuesday

Tea in the Garden 

Tuesday Cuppa Tea