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!!!

2018 Round-Up

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Here's a quick run-down of the memorable tea moments in 2018.

January: I celebrated my birthday and National Hot Tea Month.

February: We had a Valentine's Day tea social at the office.

March: Tea in the Valley got a new logo!

April: I visited T by Daniel's new store.

May: I participated in The Enchanting Rose's teacup exchange.

June: I had afternoon tea at The Duchess Tea Room.

July: I enjoyed French tea.

August: We had an outdoor tea social at work.

September: I visited Lola Choco Bar and Sweet House.

October: Citizen Tea opens up shop in Burlington.

November: I attended the 3rd Annual RBG Tea Festival.

December: My tea-themed Christmas tree went up!

Thank you all for all the visits and comments throughout 2018. 

Holiday Treats and Teas

I've really leaned into the holiday flavours this month.

Candy cane-inspired treats!

The cold temperatures didn't deter me from enjoying some eggnog ice cream (right) and gingerbread ice cream (left)...and when the ice cream makes me cold, I drink tea to warm up!

Some of the holiday teas that I've been drinking are Tea at the White House's eggnog black tea (left) and the now defunct Polar Tea Co.'s White Christmas black tea (right).

My Tea Advent Calendar: Days 13-21

My Tea Advent Tea Calendar: Day 22

Wishing you a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season!

Early Tea-Themed Christmas Gifts

"Thou shalt not steal." But this commandment doesn't apply when you're playing Secret Santa (Yankee Swap) at work...

Of course, I had to "steal" this beautiful pair of tea cups from the co-worker who selected this gift.

But my co-worker bore no ill will towards me as my "theft" gave her the opportunity to pick another present that she actually wanted!

Last Friday, another work colleague surprised me with this gorgeous tea set ornament. She had been saving this ornament for 20 years (!) for someone special.

We had bonded over our love of tea and she gave me the tea ornament because she knew how much I would love it. I was so humbled and touch by this generous gesture. I will always treasure this tea ornament.

It's hard to believe that we're more than halfway through Advent now!

Tea Advent Calendar: Days 1-6

Tea Advent Calendar: Days 7-12

Note: My regular posting schedule will shift to Sundays for the next 2 weeks due to the holidays.