Every girl NEEDS a Craft Room!!!

So, this weekend was very unexpected. My Husband and I had no official plans - however I think it was our most productive weekend since moving in  to the Home last May.

My Papa came over in the early AM to pick up his trailer, that my husband so graciously filled with busted-up concrete (yes, onto the next renovation project). After making my Papa some Creamy Earl Grey in a "to-go" cup, off to the dump/thing they went. Its not a Dump as we had to pay $100 to leave it with them, but its something like that. A Concrete Old Folks Home if you will.

After it was dumped it came back to our house ready to fill with....wood!

While the men in my life were gone I decided to pick up some power tools and get to working myself. A little surprise for when they got back. A surprise like "Hey, look what I can do....I can break SH&T too!" Okay, the real reason I got my hands dirty, I spotted this Vintage Dresser that the old Home Owners used as a prop for their "make-shift" Wine Seller (and by make-shift I mean using a coiled hide-a-bed frame grid, propped up vertically to make many metal squares that fit Wine Bottle ends - yes I'm serious). 

Anyways, I wanted this Dresser as I knew it would be just perfect for all my Crafts and it would look awesome with the Vintage Desk that my husband bought me not too long ago. They would be a match made in heaven.

I grabbed a Drill found some Drill Bits that seemed to fit the screw I could see, and off I went.

By the time the men got home I have taken off all the "wood" bits, removed my new piece of furniture and was about to start on taking down the "hide-a-wine-rack". They arrived in perfect timing - taking the rack down looked as thought it could get dangerous. I stood back and let my husband, the pro handle it.

Upstairs I went to give my new baby a good clean and disinfectant. A good hour passed by and She was as "purdy" as she will ever be.

Into the room she went and out came all the craft supplies.
Organize! Organize! Organize! So much fun, I got it all to fit and now I can't stop thinking about the next Craft idea to tackle.

Jill, from This Life of Mine Blog, is going to be so happy to see I borrowed my Mama's Sewing Machine (Definition of Borrowed: Keeping for a long period of time until its Original Owners requires it back). Looks like our Crafting Project of Vintage Aprons will be sooner rather than later.

As for Craft Ideas, anyone have any suggestions??!!??
Post a comment or drop me an e-mail lahteadah@mail.com


XOXO
Yours Truly

The newest addition to "The Craft Room" full of amazing "Bits and Bobs"

The Gorgeous Desk that my Husband bought me and Chair from my Mama and Papa - goes just perfectly! Oh yeah and the Fabulous Craigslist Chandelier (painted and beautified with hanging Crystals)

Tea Tasting Notes: Tazo Green Ginger

Here are my Tea Tasting Notes on the Tazo Green Ginger I got from the one and only Summer Knowles! Best surprise received in the mail since...... well ever! One of those times in life where you really appreciate the simple things in life.

Thanks for making my week Summer and Andrea and better yet thanks for making my Sunday Morning so Yummy and Fabulous! 

Tea Name: Green Ginger
* received in the mail from the ever so precious Summer and her Mum, Andrea

Tea Type: Green

Tea Tasting Location: My Home, while eating breaky with my husband

Tea Accompaniments: A Drizzle of Honey (just as I was told)

Leave Rating: 4.0

5 being the best - 1 being the worst

Liquor Color: A rich Gold tone with a very soft hint of Sunflower Yellow 

Aroma: At first smell, I caught Ginger (Naturally - Oh I know, what gave it away??!!??) however thereafter sniff two, three, and four gave me some Spice, and smooth Lemony Citrus Aromas. A perfect morning cup to wake the senses!

Taste: At first taste, again the Ginger stood out to me. It had some fabulous undertones of lemon and a sort of earthiness. I didn't catch as much spice in the taste as I did in the smell - however to me this was a good surprise. I don't know how this woulda tasted with an additional KICK of Spice. 

Comments: Re-freshing and Surprisingly Extremely Great Tasting! My first real "step outside the Black Tea box" experience, and it was a pleasant one. Very happy with this Morning "cuppa" and would be more thank willing to re-visit..... shall it be next Sunday?

XOXO
Yours Truly

In goes the Honey....only a Drizzle!

MmmmMmmmMmmm.....Perfect Sunday Morning!

Proof my FAMILY Rocks!

So, you may all think that you have amazing Families, which may be true, however I'm going to have to go out on the limb here, offend some, and make other envious....

I have the most AMAZING Family known to man-kind.

A few weeks back, I have sent a mass e-mail out to all my Family and Friends, enlightening them on my new life's adventure, my blog. I received a letter in the mail yesterday when I got home from work. Which for me is excitement in itself, I love getting mail, I couldn't help but think that it was probably a Wedding Invite or Bridal or Baby Shower Invitation - These are the types of things that I normally get in the mail (Again tooting my horn, my Husband gets and deals with ALL Bills - fabulous right??!!?? I dont lie people, my family is by far the best!). However, I was wrong, I got an absolutely adorable, unexpected card from my littlest fan.

My cousin, Andrea, recently had a baby at the end of last year. Miss Summer Mellieha Knowles - now reaching the ripe age of 8 months she can apparently write letters. I know AMAZING - right!!??!! AGAIN, my family is Brilliant!

She wrote me a letter letting me know that her Mum enjoys my Blog very much and would like to share some of her Mum's Favorite Tea with me! Inside the Card was a little Tea Bag waiting to be steeped!

Now tell me that isn't the cutest thing you have ever seen. I love my Family, and I love receiving random things like this in the mail. Life's little surprises like this, are the best! Leaves you feeling just as good as a Warm Cup of .... you guessed it...Creamy Earl Grey!

Can't help but share this adorable piece of mail I got yesterday!

Thank You Summer, Thank You Andrea! Love You!

I will be sure to blog my tasting notes on Andrea's Favorite Tea (Tazo Green Ginger), Steeped to perfection with a Drizzle of Honey (just like she likes it) this weekend! Watch out for it!


XOXO
Yours Truly

I want a Tea Dress DAMN-IT !?!

So I have come to the conclusion that the reason I do not own a Dress to sip in the same excuse Lindsay Lohan used for not flying home to attend her court hearing....a obvious pile of crap that was made up on the whim, while intoxicated!

I need a Dress DAMN-IT!

So the decision is - do I buy it or do I design and make it myself.... Hmmmmm. My heart says make it, but my lack of patients says support ETSY!! Ha Ha - By the way my patients is quite good friends with my head and knows that I will always SUPPORT a cause!

I have been doing some research and not only have I come up with a brazillion ideas on what I want them to look like (yes that's right - Ive gone from needing one dress to many dresses), but I have also researched a new kind of Credit Card...one that never sends you a bill and lets you charge it up without having to pay it back! The Credit Card I am talking about it called a "Sugar Daddy" - usually aged, extremely unattractive and enjoys to talk in the third person.

So, back to the drawing board I go. LITERALLY!

Looks like I will be designing my own - and please note "do not hold your breath". I do not own a sewing machine so I have to beg, borrow and steal from my Mama Dukes.....one day!

I will update you once I have taken the next step....buying the fabric! I shall leave you with some that I saw that I enjoyed!

XOXO

Yours Truly

Tea Tasting Notes: Scottish Caramel Pu-erh

Today at work I adopted a glass of Tea. Yes, you heard it right, I adopted a poor glass of Tea that had no tummy to call home.

My best, Katy - had a visitor come to work, who had brought her a cup of Chai Tea. However rewind the surprise visit about 5 minutes - and Katy walked to the kitchen to make herself a warm and cozy cup of Scottish Caramel Pu-erh Tea.

So guess who adopted the lonely cup! You guessed it! ME!!??!!

My first Tea Tasting on Lah Tea Dah - an adopted cup of Scottish Caramel Pu-erh.


Tea Name: Scottish Caramel Pu-erh
* purchased from The Angelic Teapot (www.angelicteapot.ca)

Tea Type: Pu-erh

Tea Tasting Location: My Office Desk (I know, very LahTeaDah fancy)

Tea Accompaniments: 2 Scoops Sugar (it came this way to my desk. When adopting you take what you are given and don't complain)

Leave Rating: 4.2
5 being the best - 1 being the worst

Liquor Color: A Creamy Caramel color with a very tiny hint of Auburn

Aroma: At first smell, I picked up Caramel and Coco. After getting over the excitment of this dessert like Tea that I was about to consume I got another sniff of a sweet woodsy aroma.

Taste: At first taste, I got Butterscotch. Yummm! After the second, third and fourth sip I felt as though I had cheated on my diet and by the fifth sip I was well over the cheat and putting my newest Bikini on ebay. The woodsy aroma I smelt prior to sipping I seem to get in the aftertaste however its sweetly accompanied by a hint of coco.


Comments: Extremely Fabulous. An easy threat to my present lover, Mr. Creamy Earl Grey. Can't wait for my next slice of this lovely Dessert in a cup.


XOXO
Yours Truly

Okay....now I'm ready!

Is someone trying to tell me something?

I am now whole heartily ready to bear children!
Common, when a "onsie" is made with TEA in mind, it must be a sign!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46652206/organic-cotton-rockin-onesie-teapot-by?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=teapot+teapots&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

All joking aside....

ETSY has to be one of my favorite sites to visit. And by visit I mean go to everyday and buy something at least twice a month. It has to be, by far, home to the most creative people alive. And all under one roof/url.....pure buying bliss! 

www.etsy.com

If you EVER are looking for something for someone or better yet, yourself, I promise you will find it here - custom made or straight from the vintage shop. Very Cool Site with Very Cool Artists!

A MUST see today on your web surfing!


XOXO
Yours Truly

Home smells of Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

...and I have yet to find a smell more sweet!

Thanks to Jillian from "This Life of Mine" Blog I made some of my heavenly Creamy Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies this morning. After her post about a "Make it & Bake it" Long Weekend - I decided I too needed a little TLB (Tender, Loving, Baking) in my life.

Having already eaten three warm cookies (fresh out the oven), I better wait until my husband gets home to devourer anymore. Its in my best interest - this I know!

I shall package some up to take into work tomorrow for my best, Katy and my Mama. I am sure they will appreciate this very much. They deserve some TLB too - I mean common they deal with me on a daily basis, this can't be an easy task.

XOXO
Yours Truly

Sipping a little before I get started! That's my motto for EVERYTHING!

Measuring just perfectly!

I've made this recipe many-o-time but I still don't have it memorized! I guess I cant be both cute and full of brains right??!!??

In goes the Goodness, 1 tablespoon at a time!

Oh how I love my Mixer - let me count thy ways!

Onto wax paper she goes! Sorry plastic wrap doesn't make it into this house hold. I fight with it more than Lady Gaga Fights with her Stylist! What??!!?? You actually think someone agrees with her before she walks out the door?

Work of Art, just wish you could all smell it!

Never my favorite part of Cooking or Baking....Cleaning Up! BOO-URNS!

Where is Mr. Belvedere when you need him?

1 Hour has passed *insert jeopardy music here* and its time to cut 'em up!

While we wait...we eat!

We eat Strawberries that is!

Afternoon Tea - Sex and the City Style - sign me up!

My friend, on Twitter, Mr. Mad Hatter (http://twitter.com/Imamadhatter) showed me what I was missing out on this early AM.

Afternoon Tea.... Sex and the City Style

http://www.afternoontea.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=342&Itemid=16

The Hyatt Regency in London is hosting their Afternoon Tea inspired by Sex and the City with the arrival of the much anticipated second serious in the Movie.

Now tell me - why isn't it mandatory that all Hyatt Regency's do this? Huh? Common Vancouver, pick up the pace - If you ask me, that's a guaranteed full house or MarTEAni drinking women. We have some "die hard" fans here in Vancouver!

Make it happen Hayatt Regency Vancouver...Make it happen!



...Okay, back to bed I go!
The husbands Lunch is packed and he is on his way to work. Its way to early to be up at the moment, tell me, why don't the Sparrows agree with me. Quiet Please!!??!!


XOXO
Yours Truly

Lah Tea Dah - Very own Signature Blend

You heard it right Ladies and Gents!
Lah Tea Dah has its very own Signature Tea Blend at Adagio.

Check out www.adagio.com and search either Tairalyn Ciulla or Lah Tea Dah in Blends and you can order your very own piece of Heaven on Earth.

Premium Black Tea, flavored with oil of bergamot (citrus fruit), infused with Vanilla and splashed with Rum

70% Earl Grey Bravo | 20% Vanilla | 10% Rum

*direct link here*
http://www.adagio.com/signature_blend/blend.html?blend=12876&SID=3eec98e3a322b8c136bdabf89d902a88

As mentioned in an earlier post, I discovered that Adagio gave one the opportunity in designing and selling their own personal Tea blends. I waste no time (as those who know me are aware) and created my very first blend.  

I hope you all can get yours and enjoy a cup every night before you call it "a day".
Seriously, tell me a cup of Cozy Black Tea, Soothing Vanilla and Warming Rum doesn't sound like the perfect sip of "goodnight" to you??!!??

XOXO
Yours Truly

New Tea Shop Discovery

Very excited to announce I found a New Tea Shop. Nestled on the strip along White Rock Beach this shop is a must experience for all Tea Lovers. From Aromatic Tea Leaves to Fabulous Teacups to Gorgeous Teapots this store had it all.

As Katy and I walked in, we were greeted by the Owner, Maureen Coroliuc, who cheerfully offered us her newest addition to The Angelic Teapot, Chamomile Lemongrass Herbal Tea (or what I have recently learnt Chamomile Lemongrass Tisane).

Maureen is an absolute Gem. One of those women who has a kind heart, soft face and a real interest in you as a person not just as a customer. I chatted with her between others in the store that required her help and learnt that she had owned 2 Saje Stores (Aromatherapy) which she had just sold to follow her love in life.......Tea. Wow - how inspiring! She sure does seem extremely pleased with her decision, as the store really boasts feminine beauty. 

Through our conversation, I mentioned that I have been impatiently awaiting the Tea Sommelier Course to come to Vancouver. Maureen was quick to react on how she had been waiting herself on the class to open registry. It would be nice to see a familiar face when I one day walk into the class.

After scooting around The Angelic Teapot I found a good 40 or 50 items I could have taken home and all very reasonably priced however the combination of 50 items at a good price doesn't always make my MasterCard or Husband for that matter happy. A Bag of Creamy Earl Grey (Black Tea, Cornflower Petals & Natural Flavours) is what I walked to the till with. Maureen insisted that I also take another Tea as a sample. One that may have caught my eye while I had been walking around the store. I excitedly chose the Scottish Caramel Pu-erh (Pu-erh Tea, Butterscotch pieces and Natural Flavours). Which was also actually what Katy had purchased. I couldn't help but give it a try after Katy waifed it under my nose for a smell - complete caramel heaven. I cannot wait for a glass tonight.

As you will all soon realize, Katy will gravitate towards and try at least once, anything Scottish (*insert joke here*) and therefore it was no surprise to me that she chose this Tea, along with some Shortbread cookies for her evening Tea tonight.

While Maureen was telling us about Steep Time on our Tea's, Katy had mentioned she likes her Tea strong and Maureen had said "If you like your Tea strong, you must try this Organic Assam I just brought in for another customer of mine - its extremely strong". Off she ran to get the large bin of Assam. She scooped us both out samples of the Tea and sent us off.

Attached are photos from The Angelic Teapot Shop, Thank You Maureen for so graciously allowing me to take these photos.


PS: Watch out for tomorrow.... I'm baking some Creamy Earl Grey Shortbread!


XOXO
Yours Truly


The Angelic Teapot | Maureen Coroliuc
14971 Marine Drive
White Rock, British Columbia
604-536-7747 or angelicteapot@telus.net
http://www.angelicteapot.ca/

Success at the "VV Boutique"

Home from the days Hunt and extremely excited!

Two plastic bags from the VV Boutique can only mean three things...
1. Great Success
2. Money in the Bank
3. One happy girl

After arriving home from my day on the hunt for Teacups and Teapots - I rush to the sink with my plum scented dish soap.... cleaning time! After being soaked, disinfected and scrubbed they are now ready for my next Tea Party. Who's coming??!!??

As I am sure you all know cruising down the aisle of Value Village can leave you anything but fulfilled. There is no rhyme or reason to where things are placed and you really have to walk into the store with no time frame in mind. You could hit the jackpot in 1 minute or 4 hours.... patients is a must.

After hitting the first store I gained 1 Teacup and Saucer only with a Creamer and Sugar Bowl. Wooot! Feeling successful I decided to try another - off to the next store and BINGO....a Teapot, Teacup and Saucer and two Vintage Vases. Woot! Woot!

I have set them all up in their Christmas Outfits and taken their family photos.

ENJOY!

Tomorrow is another is day - off to a Vintage Store with my best, Katy....I feel another Jackpot around the corner.

XOXO

Yours Truly

Let there be Cookies!

A Fabulous friend of mine, Jillian, asked for ones to post a recipe on her Blog (http://collisionisimminent.com/) as she was going to have a Long Weekend Bake Off called the Long Weekend Make It & Bake It. Not only did I post (as baking is another obsession of mine) I realized that it has been a good few months since I made this recipe. This weekend (at some point between my Teacup/Teapot Hunting, Wife Duties and of course R&R) I will Bake these awesome Cookies.

Watch out for pictures!

Fabulous Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies

* makes 20 to 24 cookies


2 cups | Flour (all purpose)
1 cup | Butter (unsalted and room temperature)
1/4 tsp | Salt
1/2 cup | Powdered Sugar
1 tsp | Vanilla Extract
2 tbsp | Earl Grey (loose tea leaves)
1/2 tsp | Lemon Zest

Note: If you want a “melt in your mouth” cookie (which lets be honest – who doesn't?), replace 1/2 cup of the Flour with Corn Starch and that will do it!

1) In a bowl, whisk the Flour and Salt together and set aside

2) In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the Butter until smooth and add the Sugar, continue to beat for about 2 minutes

3) Beat in the Vanilla Extract, Lemon Zest and Earl Grey Tea Leaves

4) Very slowly, incorporate the Flour mixture into the Butter mixture (do not over mix)

5) Place the dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a log (2 1/2″ in diameter)

6) Twist both ends of the plastic wrap (so it looks like one big candy) and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour *insert jeopardy music here*

7) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

8) Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper

9) Slice the log into 1/3-inch diameter cookies

10) Place on to the baking sheets 2 inches apart from one another

11) Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly brown

12) Let the cookies cool on the the baking sheets for 5 minutes (if you can or if your like me you do it right away anyways) then move them to a cooling rack


XOXO
Yours Truly

Tea Mail - my favorite type of mail!

Thanks to Tea Squared (www.teasquared.blogspot.com) I came across Postcard Tea. Located in London, Owner Tim O'ffay has traveled the world for the last 15 years, imported Tea for the past 11 years and has had "Postcard Teas" open for the last 5 years.

After further reading Tea Squared's Blog I learnt that Tim has a Website and a new baby Blog that he has just begun. So excited to make it through his site I make it to a tab that reads "Tea Mail". Its exactly what you think, Sending Mail to a loved one consisting of Tea. Wow!!??!!

  









So you choose your Tea you would like to send, write the postcard and off it goes in the mail.
BRILLIANT!

I believe everyone needs to send and receive a "Tea Postcard"
Please make sure you check out the website (http://www.postcardteas.com/mail) and also Tim's Blog (http://www.singleestatetea.com/) a must follow!

Postcard Tea Store Front
* one day I hope to be so lucky to pay Tim a visit


XOXO
Yours Truly

IngenuiTEA - where have you been my whole life?

Stumbled across this fabulous website Adagio Teas (http://www.adagio.com/) which has some great gifts for Tea Lovers as well as their own brand of Loose Tea Leaves. Hoping to have the chance to order my first few items from them this weekend I couldn't wait to tell you about this product.

The IngenuiTEA - and for such an affordable price of $19 - seriously??!!?? where have you been my whole life.  Their is a video on their website home page that shows you exactly how it makes magic and after watching it for a third time this morning I am almost convinced that I can already smell my Creamy Earl Grey steeping from right out of the computer screen.

After further looking into the Company (Adagio) I noticed they have a "Points Rewards" program in which when you buy you gain points that can be used as money. Really a very brilliant idea. However what has me really intrigued is the "Design and Sell your own Blend" option. 

 "for those of you who are confident enough to create your own signature blends, we'll give you 10 points for every blend that gets sold"

Oh - bring it on baby!!!

I can already see it now. I'll be making millions selling my signature tea blend called......LahTeaDah.

Watch out for it.

XOXO

Yours Truly