Afternoon Tea at Nicol's Pastry Shop

One of the highlights of July was my afternoon tea meet-up with some local members of my Canadian card and tea exchange group.

Nicol's Pastry Shop is a family-operated business that specializes in European pastries and cake. The shop recently started offering high tea by reservation only.

Our elegant tea table was set with gorgeous Royal Albert china.

Miranda Kerr for Royal Albert Collection

"Friendship" teapot, sugar and creamer

Miranda Kerr for Royal Albert Collection

Top (L-R): "Gratitude" & "Blessings"

Bottom (L-R): "Joy" & "Devotion" 

I enjoyed Sloane's delicious "Heavenly Cream"--a smooth black tea with bergamot and vanilla.

The tier stand served delicious afternoon tea for three.

Top tier: Melt-in-your-mouth scones served with Chantilly lace and jam.

Middle tier: Mini pastries for dessert.

Bottom tier: Finger sandwiches (salmon and cucumber) and quiche.

L-R: Wendy, Gaia, Judith, Margie, Sandra

Of course, the best part of the afternoon tea was the wonderful company of blogging friends!

Thank you, ladies, for great conversations and fun times!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Tea Lemonade

The iced tea season is in full swing and I recently tried out Starbucks Matcha Tea Lemonade.

 Matcha and lemonade seems like a weird combo but it worked for these taste buds!

The green beverage tasted sweet and refreshing. 

Tea lemonade is so easy to make that I experimented with another odd mashup at home: 

Jasmine Creme Brulee Green Tea (by David's Tea) and lemonade.

Result: a sweet, citrusy drink with light jasmine flavour.

Have you tried any bizarre tea drinks lately?

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Summer Fling

I've been pretty good resisting the seasonal teas that have been released this summer. But my love for all things watermelon compelled me to purchase Monarch Tea Co.'s "Summer Fling" oolong tea.

This watermelon-infused oolong tea has a strong fruity scent. 

Ingredients: oolong, papaya, plum, safflower petals, natural organic flavours (watermelon?).

A 3-minute steep produced a very light coloured tea. 

The oolong was light and had a refreshing, watermelon flavour. The packaging says "Best enjoyed over ice" so next time, I'll try it as an iced tea.

"Meadowsheet" by Duchess (circa 1947-1960)

I found this teacup at a church sale a couple of months ago. 

The pretty, colourful flowers screamed "SUMMER!"

Are you drinking any summer teas?

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Aquagirl

I recently refreshed my bathroom's look and couldn't help incorporating some tea-related items in the updated decor.

 

The aqua/turquoise palate was inspired by this cute shower curtain purchased back in 2015.

On the wall: teacup canvas art.

"Antique Rose" by Skye McGhie night light

 I purchased this teacup night light for only $1 at a garage sale.

Top shelf: Radio teapot

Bottom shelf: teacup candle and musical teapot (Made in Japan)

Bath's all folks!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Canada 150 Celebrations Continued

We couldn't let June end at work without having a tea social to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday.

 I didn't have red and white teawares so I brought in my "Serenity" teacups by Shelley. 

Murchie's Canada 150 and David's Tea's Oh Canada! (not pictured) teas were served.

Canada Birthday Cookies  

What's more Canadian than Timbits?

Some of the tea treats brought in by coworkers. 

I got distracted and neglected to photograph the other foods.

I kept cool during the Canada Day long weekend by drinking iced "Tea the North" by David's Tea. Red and white ingredients (white tea, coconut, watermelon, rhubarb) were blended together to create this limited edition tea for Canada 150.

I wasn't in the mood to deal with the crazy crowds on July 1st so I just tea partied in the comfort of my home.

Happy Independence Day to my American friends!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Canada 150

This year, Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday.

White teacup by Aynsley

  Of course, my Canada 150 celebrations involved red and white-themed tea times!

Rosecrest snack set by Federal Glass

Celebrate Canada Birthday Cookies with Red Rose orange pekoe tea from a blogging friend.

Established in 1894 in New Brunswick, Red Rose Tea is considered a Canadian food icon.

Red and gold teacup by Old Royal Bone China

Another blogging friend sent me this delicious "Canada 150 Blend" by Murchie's:

"A mosaic of black, green and oolong teas, blended with a hint of maple to celebrate our nation’s history and diversity." (From: Murchie's)

Some of you may have seen this Canadian Tire commercial already. 

Click on the image to watch the 30-second commercial.

I was proud to see the Valley's charming downtown featured in the commercial.

Happy 150 Canada!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Vessels | Pouring & Storing

A few weeks ago, I attended the Carnegie Gallery's opening reception for Maureen Landry's exhibition titled, "Vessels | Pouring & Storing."

"I have a fascination with teapots and all the facets that make up a teapot – the body and the many shapes it can take, the lid and spout and how they correspond with the body, and the handle that invites you to pick up the teapot." (Maureen Landry)

This black porcelain teapot, sugar and creamer would be perfect for a Gothic tea party.

The Mad Hatter would approve of these whimsical celadon green teapots.

Green and brown teapots with a matte finish.

My favourite: Dancing teapots

Save the last dance for me!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden