Good morning! I just took a "personali-tea" quiz through Harney & Sons for a contest they are having. It was kind of fun, but the animal choices were odd. It's a quick one so give it a go and then come back and paste your own in the comments below.
You like variety in your life and you enjoy switching up your hobbies, favorite foods and routines often. Though it may be hard for your friends to predict your next move, you also have a calm and therapeutic nature that makes you a pleasure to be around.
Like you, herbal teas like to mix it up. Herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions, are typically a blend of herbs, flowers, spices and dried fruit. This blend of ingredients is then brewed in the same way as your favorite traditional tea, either loose or in tea sachets or bags. By combining quality ingredients, blends can be created that calm, invigorate or treat minor ailments. Colors and flavors range from light and fruity to vibrant and spicy to match your mood. We offer over 40 different kinds of blends, many of which are caffeine-free and just as chill as you are.
(Answer 5 simple questions to discover the tea type that best suits you! 5 lucky quiz-takers will win a $50 Harney & Sons gift card. Contest ends August 7, 2019) CLICK HERE TAKE THE QUIZ
(Note: I am not in any way affiliated with this quiz/contest/prizes. Just sharing it for fun!)
I am hoping I correctly shared the link, but if not it is on the Harney dot com blog :) Until Next Time ~ Hugs and a Cup of Tea, Heather Elizabeth
•*• Like a fantastic miniseries you can’t wait to watch each night •*•
This story is so authentic and heartfelt. I was swept up in the emotion of it all the way through.
Publisher’s Synopsis:Though Magnus MacLeish and Lark MacDougall grew up on the same castle grounds, Magnus is now laird of the great house and the Isle of Kerrera. Lark is but the keeper of his bees and the woman he is hoping will provide a tincture that might help his ailing wife conceive and bear him an heir. But when his wife dies suddenly, Magnus and Lark find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of accusations, expelled from their beloved island, and sold as indentured servants across the Atlantic. Yet even when all hope seems dashed against the rocky coastline of the Virginia colony, it may be that in this New World the two of them could make a new beginning--together.
My thoughts: This story takes you on an amazing journey beginning in 1752, rich in detail, from the beautiful isle of Kerrara including the castle and its garden, the small cottage homes, the caves where a pirating sea captain offloads his cargo, to the grime and misery of Edinburgh, to the awful ship where indentures and prisoners serve during transport, to the young colonies of America and the slave islands of Jamaica. Lark is a simple and sweet young lady full of never-ending kindness. Her heart is linked to Magnus whom she cannot have. At times she considers Rory, the pirate captain, who may be her best chance at a future. Later she is drawn to Trevor who might meet her needs in America when her options seem to be running out. No matter her thoughts, she continually seeks the Lord for wisdom and guidance. This book is so rich in history, faith and love. I truely enjoyed. 5 stars!
Interesting History can be found on Wikipedia re Gylen Castle which recently went through a restoration process thanks to worldwide members of the Clan MacDougall.
SCOTTISH PROVERB: The devil’s boots don’t creak.
FAITH QUOTE: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.
TEA QUOTES/MOMENTS:•*• “None could afford salt – or tea – since the Crown taxed both nigh to death.” •*• “Now, shall we have a dish of tea?” No more was said about the past. Lark felt a burden lift like a slate wiped clean. The lovely porcelain tea set appeared, the cozy room suffused with the fragrance of souchong. Though the housekeeper took her tea lain, she remembered Lark liked otherwise. Silver sugar tongs and a small jug of cream sat on the tea table. Truly, tea was the cup that cheered.” •*•“’Twas four o’clock in the afternoon. Lark watched as Mistress Flowerdew poured steaming water into a silver teapot and let the tea leaves steep for the customary three minutes. “I’m growing quite fond of cups with handles,” Theodosia said. “No more burning one’s hands and spilling tea on one’s skirts. I’ve ordered an entire set of Wedgwood from England and expect it any day now.””
I asked her permission to use her memes which she graciously granted.
DEDICATION: “To my sixth great-grandfather, George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland.”
SCOTS GLOSSARY:Can be found at the beginning of the book which was useful and interesting.
I downloaded a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publ.
Hallmark Countdown to Christmas Tea by The Republic of Tea: Exclusive to Cost Plus World Market. I had a 15% off coupon AND Saturday, Dec. 15 was apparently International Tea Day (you know that’s every day for me!) so I bought and tried this new “tea”. Turns out there are no tea leaves in it, making it caffeine free. The ingredients are cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, carob, chicory, black pepper, Chinese star anise, cloves, and cassia oil. I found it to be subtle and not as warm as I would hope, but I could detect the black pepper which I do not prefer. I would not buy it again. But it is a nice caff-free option to serve guests.
I love following @WorldDayCalendar on Instagram for fun and interesting days to observe!
My girlfriend in AL sent me this and I thought it too funny and also true!
Until next time, hugs and cup of cozy Christmas tea!!!
There is a brand new, exclusive tea at Cost Plus World Market to enjoy while you watch all of the Hallmark Christmas movies! "A treat to commemorate Hallmark Channel's festive Countdown to Christmas film series, this deliciously spiced tea is made with fine Indian and Ceylon leaves, warm cardamom and cinnamon. Brew a cozy cup and settle in for the annual 10-week lead-up to the most wonderful time of the year. 36-count teabags"
Author, Lori Bates Wright was kind enough to send me a sweet recipe card tucked in with her new book: True Nobility.
Having just finished the book yesterday, I wanted to try making "Flossie's Tea Cakes" which turned out to be more of a buttery shortbread cookie, but none-the-less perfect for teatime. Since it has been raining all morning, tea and biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to chamber music and baking.
I really love a good bit of edgy danger, without grim details and a hero who saves the day. Add in some clever banter & romance with a lovely aristocrat and by George you have something!
True Nobility – The Saberton Legacy Book #1
Lori Bates Wright
•°o•:*:•. Damsel in Distress with Clever Banter.•:*:• o°•
I recently found out about this new book because another author (Roseanna M. White) shared the cover she had designed. I loved it and decided to investigate and ended up offering to join Lori’s street team. I am very glad I did.
England 1860, Midnight
“Moonlight fell through an open casement as a rising shadow crept closer to the bed.”
Now, how’s that for an opening line? It’s one of many that implies danger and intrigue which kept me guessing.
Nicholas Saberton is an American naval captain and runs Haverwood Shipping. He has been summoned to escort the no-nonsense Lord Haverwood and his daughter, Lady Victoria, from England to the colonies. He is a large, formidable man who speaks his mind and is not used to being summoned, particularly without explanation. However, out of respect for family ties, he agrees and is thrown into a whirlwind of peril and secrets, and a feisty female to boot. FUN QUOTE: “Never make the mistake of confusing me with your average man.”
Lady Victoria has been groomed at finishing school and trained by her uptight father to hold her tongue regardless of her opinions. However, Nicholas finds great amusement in provoking her beyond her well-trained manners. They lob jabs at each other continually that are amusing and at times, sweet.
Zachery Saberton captains The Tempest and is the youngest of the three Saberton brothers. He is of a gentler nature, yet still a strong and dependable young man. I enjoyed him as well.
Aunt Charlotte is quite the colorful character who is a kindly middle-aged woman without a mean bone in her body and, along with her lovely and musically talented daughter Aurora, are of the American Haverwoods.
Here is a close up of the recipe, however, I found 12-15 minutes cook time worked best in my oven.
TEA MOMENT: “Tell Flossie to put on a kettle for tea. Edward likes his tea, you know. My, my, my, but look at you. What a beauty.” -Aunt Charlotte
SPECIAL QUOTE: “Simmons, man the prow. It’s just a squall. We’ll ride it out. There’s blue skies up ahead.” I won’t reveal a spoiler here, but this scene was, for me, a tear-jerker.
There were several interesting quotes above each chapter, from scriptures to famous authors. Laugh out loud moments and ones that made me smile were also enjoyed. I liked the way Tori and Nicholas came together and recommend this historical love story. Another bonus was the large font this book is printed in. Much appreciated.
Sierra Vista Books – 2018
"Let morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Psalm 143-8 Ch. 18
The author sent me a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation.
As I mentioned earlier, it's FINALLY been raining here in So Cal. Here are a few pictures I took today.
7:00 a.m. Golden Skies after last night's storms
My navel oranges are starting to ripen & God has watered them for me :)
Pumpkins covered in drops I spotted while out shopping this morning.
Rain drops linger on the wee flowers
Today October 13, 2018 happens to the U.S. Navy's 243rd birthday, so I wanted to wish my daddy many happy returns and once again, thank him for his service.
Thane Jordan is a self-made cowboy who’s had to fend for himself ever since his brother,
Click to enlarge & read back of book description.
Henry, left for England. Years have passed and he has received word from Henry’s solicitor, Weston, that his brother has passed on and named him in his will. He boards a ship to determine why in the world he needs to show up in person instead of simply corresponding by mail to settle the affairs.
Lady Jemma is shocked to discover she is not named in the will and is at the mercy of a strange, American cowboy.
The two are immediately at odds and constant banter between the two is great fun throughout the story. What Jemma does with the trunks is both laughable and genius!
Weston is a delightful older gentleman with a twinkle in his eye that I enjoyed.
There are plenty of tea moments, much to my delight, and since the story moves between England and Oregon in 1890 it was interesting to experience both settings.
Click to enlarge.
TEA MOMENT: Ch. 9 Jemma sipped her tea and gazed at him over her cup, unaware of how appealing he found that particular pose.
Ch. 18 “I do pop on the kettle and make myself a cup of tea most afternoons. There is something about the ritual of heating the water, brewing the tea, and sitting quietly to sip it from one of my mother’s teacups that brings me a measure of comfort and peace.”
Click to enlarge.
Ch. 18 Tully slathered a warm crumpet with butter and jam, taking a big bite before slurping his tea. (Tully is another big ole sweetheart I enjoyed in the story.)
Ch. 21 “Would you like me to make a fresh pot of coffee?” “No. What I’d really like is a cup of your tea and if you tell anyone I requested it, I’ll deny it to my dying day.” (sigh - - a handsome, tea drinking cowboy – he has “bewitched me body and soul”.)
Click to enlarge.
Although I was not expecting it, this story did have a few faith moments. Lady Jemma exclaimed she was a Christian, Thane prays for their meals; even with his ranch hands, and they send up small prayers in crucial moments.
My only complaint with this book is how quickly it jumps from point of view without warning. Most books I read have a little break with a symbol of some sort (¦) to warn you that the point of view is changing to a new character. This one doesn’t even have a space between the paragraphs when it switches. Once I got used to that, I really enjoyed the story. I giggled a lot and the Christmas ending even had me in happy tears.
This is my first time reading this author’s work and truly the title just caught my eye causing me to investigate farther & finally to order it. I even went and purchased crumpets to have with tea and jam, although the author thoughtfully provides a recipe for them in the back.
Shanna Hatfield is a USA Today Bestselling Author. Read all about her at ShannaHatfieldDOTcom.
I purchased this book from Goodwill through Amazon dot com. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own & without compensation.
4 out 5 stars☆☆☆☆
Here is the china pattern. Since I was enjoying Bumbleberry jam on my crumpets, I indulged in Blackberry Sage tea from The Republic of Tea served with milk and honey. Delicious!
Baker City Brides 5 Book Series – “Spunky women, handsome cowboys, and a town known as the
Denver of the Blue Mountains during its days of gold in the 1890s. Take a journey back in time with these sweet and clean historical romances.”
1.Crumpets and Cowpies 2.Thimbles and Thistles 3.Corsets and Cuffs 4.Bobbins and Boots 5.Lightning and Lawmen
I will have to look for these!
Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea with a crumpet or two!
I visited Yosemite several times as a girl and it is a wonder with all of its giant redwoods, sequoias, pine scents, cool breezes, waterfalls, giant rocks, cliffs, trails and wildlife. This book made me want to travel there again. Some of daycare Littles are there now camping and celebrating a fifth birthday! Hooray!!
I figured a thermos of tea was appropriate for the wilderness (smile).
Where the Fire Falls – A Vintage national Parks Novel - by Karen Barnett
1929
Olivia Rutherford is an aspiring Watercolorist and currently portraying herself as a free-spirited flapper among California’s nouveau riche. Clark Johnson is a guide in Yosemite National Park, and on a quest to discover God’s ultimate path for his life. He’s managed to pretty much avoid women for the last three years.
Ch. 1 “I’m not afraid of women. … They’re just a highly unpredictable species. One minute they’re as sweet as honeysuckle; next you find yourself up to your kneecaps in hellfire.”
When the two are thrown together they both begin a journey of self-discovery and share the amazing beauty of the park. However, deception, secrets and danger follow them around creating a rocky path at times.
Tea Moment: Ch. 4 Vanderbilt was a pith helmet short of an African safari. Next thing you knew, he’d be demanding tea from a china cup.
I loved the campfire songs! Red River Valley is a favorite of mine and the old hymns touched my soul.
There is so much beauty captured in this story. Ch. 10 “God saved up the best bits of creation and spent them here.” Ch. 11 The sun’s radiance still played off the summit in the distance, the details in the granite exposed by the long reddish rays blending light and shadow. Ch. 16 God’s presence was in Yosemite… Every blade of grass, every breath of wind, even the light passing over the polished granite and dancing through the waterfalls’ spray seemed touched by His spirit.
Thank you to Karen Barnett for alerting me to the BOGO deal. I took advantage of the pre-order opportunity & am so happy I did. I cannot wait to receive The Road to Paradise. My opinion is my own and given freely.
FREE STUFF – Go to the author’s website to get a free novelette "Christmas in Paradise", 8 free vintage style postcards, digital poster and bonus eBook “Women of the National Parks”. So generous and cool!
John Muir is also mentioned a few times in the book, so I wanted to also share my recently purchased copy of Muir’s The Boyhood of a Naturalist. It is over 100 years old and after reading Where the Fire Falls, I look forward to jumping into this book.
I do hope you will be able to add these to your TBR list, and perhaps enjoy a bit of Yosemite or another National Park.
I hope you have been well. Sunday, April 15, 2018 is Titanic Remembrance Day. One hundred and six years ago, that ship and the lives of so many became etched into history forever. I have a very special story to share and I hope you are blessed by it. The first time I read it, I was deeply moved, and still am each time I read it. But first, allow me to share a special cup of tea with you.
It is the RMS Titanic Blend from Harney & Sons. A wonderful, rich, hearty black tea. I thought it appropriate to brew a pot and sip while I write you.
Here are the ingredients if you are interested.
And now for our story.
Rev. John Harper & daughter Nana
John Harper was born to solid Christian parents on May 29th, 1872. It was on the last Sunday of March 1886, when he was thirteen years old that he confessed The Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior of his life. He never knew what it was to "sow his wild oats." He began to preach about four years later at the ripe old age of 17 years old by going down to the streets of his village and pouring out his soul in earnest entreaty for men to be reconciled to God.
As John Harper's life unfolded, one thing was apparent... he was consumed by the word of God. When asked by various ministers what his doctrine consisted of, he was known to reply "The Word of God!" After five or six years of toiling on street corners preaching the gospel and working in the mill during the day, Harper was taken in by Rev. E. A. Carter of Baptist Pioneer Mission in London, England. This set Harper free to devote his whole time of energy to the work so dear to his heart. Soon, John Harper started his own church in September of 1896. (Now known as the Harper Memorial Church.) This church which John Harper had started with just 25 members, had grown to over 500 members when he left 13 years later. During this time he had gotten married, but was shortly thereafter widowed. However brief the marriage, God did bless John Harper with a beautiful little girl named Nana.
Ironically, John Harper almost drowned several times during his life. When he was two and a half years of age, he almost drowned when he fell into a well but was resuscitated by his mother. At the age of twenty-six, he was swept out to sea by a reverse current and barely survived, and at thirty-two he faced death on a leaking ship in the Mediterranean. Perhaps, God used these experiences to prepare this servant for what he faced next...
It was the night of April 14, 1912. The RMS Titanic sailed swiftly on the bitterly cold ocean waters heading unknowingly into the pages of history. On board this luxurious oceanliner were many rich and famous people. At the time of the ship's launch, it was the world's largest man-made moveable object.
At 11:40 p.m. on that fateful night, an iceberg scraped the ship's starboard side, showering the decks with ice and ripping open six watertight compartments. The sea poured in.
On board the ship that night was John Harper and his much-beloved six-year-old daughter Nana. According to documented reports, as soon as it was apparent that the ship was going to sink, John Harper immediately took his daughter to a lifeboat. It is reasonable to assume that this widowed preacher could have easily gotten on board this boat to safety; however, it never seems to have crossed his mind. He bent down and kissed his precious little girl; looking into her eyes he told her that she would see him again someday. The flares going off in the dark sky above reflected the tears on his face as he turned and headed towards the crowd of desperate humanity on the sinking ocean liner.
As the rear of the huge ship began to lurch upwards, it was reported that Harper was seen making his way up the deck yelling, "Women, children and unsaved into the lifeboats!" It was only minutes later that the Titanic began to rumble deep within. Most people thought it was an explosion; actually, the gargantuan ship was literally breaking in half. At this point, many people jumped off the decks and into the icy, dark waters below. John Harper was one of these people.
That night 1,528 people went into the frigid waters. John Harper was seen swimming frantically to people in the water leading them to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal. Mr. Harper swam up to one young man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Rev. Harper asked him between breaths, "Are you saved?" The young man replied that he was not.
Harper then tried to lead him to Christ only to have the young man who was near shock, reply no. John Harper then took off his life jacket and threw it to the man and said, "Here then, you need this more than I do..." and swam away to other people. A few minutes later Harper swam back to the young man and succeeded in leading him to salvation. Of the 1,528 people that went into the water that night, six were rescued by the lifeboats. One of them was this young man on the debris.
Four years later, at a survivors meeting, this young man stood up and in tears recounted how that after John Harper had led him to Christ. Mr. Harper had tried to swim back to help other people, yet because of the intense cold, had grown too weak to swim. His last words before going under in the frigid waters were, "Believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus and you will be saved." Does Hollywood remember this man? No. Oh well, no matter. This servant of God did what he had to do. While other people were trying to buy their way onto the lifeboats and selfishly trying to save their own lives, John Harper gave up his life so that others could be saved.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends..." John Harper was truly the hero of the Titanic!
Author Unknown. Sources for this article: "The Titanic's Last Hero" by Moody Press 1997," John Climie, George Harper, & Bill Guthrie from "Jesus Our Jubilee Ministries" in Dallas, Oregon I can not recall how I first came across the above story or its writer, but I am so happy to have saved it in my email for several years & to be able to share it with you.
The tiny cross was a recent gift from a friend who traveled to the Holy Land, cup and saucer were a gift from my daddy in 2006. Teeny plate a keepsake from my brother's wedding.
Here is a related video, but the story does seem to differ slightly in some areas.
On a completely different note, April 13th was National Scrabble Day. I had some fun with that with my kitties.
She loves to explore. Here she is up by
the TV on my dresser. I find her randomly hanging
in odd places!
Max IS my Guard Cat and actually growls
if strangers pass by or approach the house.
He promptly attacked the scrabble tiles!
I could not have planned this any better.
As I set up the tiles, a bird made noise
outside the window and her eyes bugged out of her head!
Anyhow, I pray you are blessed today and every day.
Hugs and a cup of tea,
I can not recall where I first saw this lovely quote, but I suspect it was from a dear friend & fellow blogger, Stephanie over at The Enchanting Rose. I thought it poignant for this post.
