teaspoons & petals

fall tasting: an evening of cheese, tea, honey, bread & linens

Celebrate the start of the autumn season with a guided tasting from local producers featuring tea, cheese, and bread at Cuttalossa, a textile shop in historic Old City, Philadelphia on Sept 28th 6:30 - 830pm.  

🧀
Purchase Tickets Here: http://bit.ly/2xayDbp

Alex Jones of Collective Creamery will offer four artisan cheeses crafted by women cheesemakers at Birchrun Hills Farm and Milkhouse Cheese. that will be featured in the Fall-Winter Collective Creamery cheese subscription. I will steeping and sharing four fall-inspired teas, one to pair with each cheese. Alex Bois, the James Beard Award-nominated baker of Lost Bread Co., will share freshly baked breads, and we'll enjoy herb-infused honeys from Berks County's Furnace Creek Farm. 

We will guide us through the fall tasting, offering stories and details about these handcrafted foods along the way. Guests will be gifted their petite porcelain tea cup at the end of the event. I hope to see you there to welcome the first day of autumn.

tea tasting at baggu in brooklyn

Join me tomorrow (Saturday, January 16th) anytime between 12 & 3pm at BAGGU in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for a free tea tasting to celebrate National Hot Tea Month (hooray!). I'll be sharing sips of my favorite teas, tea tips and giving a closer look at how I pack my favorite tea tools for safe steeped travel (matcha in the park is a must). Grab your nearest and dearest and come visit me for a steep!

With tea, my seasonal journal on cooking with tea, will also be available for purchase ($25). Very few copies are left of this limited edition run of the premiere issue featuring 11 of my original tea infused recipes, stories and photos. Each mini journal is the size of a teacup saucer and will be lovingly wrapped in a vintage handkerchief. The journal is printed in the USA on recycled paper. 

 

Tea Tasting at BAGGU Jan 16th 12-3pm

242 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

fall classes & events

The crisp autumn air is calling me closer to the kettle, so I'm filling my calendar with tea infused events for the fall season. From a steeped pairing class in an arboretum to a wonderland inspired tart and tea tasting at the very top floor of the main library branch, I hope that you'll join me as I lead these steeped gatherings.

 

sunday, november 1st

tea tasting: savoring new flavors at morris arboretum (philadelphia, PA)

Welcome the autumn season with a tea tasting workshop featuring fall flavors. Join Alexis Siemons, local tea consultant and writer of Teaspoons & Petals, a website/blog, for an afternoon tea tasting and pairing workshop. Alexis is certified in the Foundations of Tea (Level 1 & 2) by the Specialty Tea Institute, a division of the Tea Association of the U.S.A. Sip three teas from China, Japan, and Taiwan steeped to reveal the earthy, rich, roasted and subtly sweet flavors of fall, all 
while learning of their origin and proper tea techniques. Each tea will be paired with a sweet or savory small bite to explore ways in which tea can elevate the tasting experience for a modern afternoon tea. Whether you are new to the world of tea or consider yourself a seasoned steeper, come enjoy this tea-infused gathering. This class meets at the Horticulture Center at Bloomfield Farm

get tickets here

 

wednesday, november 11th

japanese green tea & chocolate pairing at Rikumo

 

FYI this event has been postponed until 2016  

 

thursday, november 19th

tea & tarts with alice at the Free Library (philadelphia, PA)

One of the most famous passages of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is Alice’s Mad Tea Party featuring the March Hare, the Dormouse, and the Mad Hatter. Bring the Rosenbach’s “Down the Rabbit Hole” exhibit to life by learning all about tea preparation and appreciation from Alexis Siemons, tea consultant and writer, while enjoying delicious tarts and teas at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Culinary Literacy Center. This program is presented in collaboration with the Rosenbach of the Free Library and the Free Library's Culinary Literacy Center.  

get tickets here

tea pop-up in philadelphia to benefit feed supper

Join me for an Afternoon Tea Pop-Up at Washington Square Park in Philadelphia on Thursday, October 8th from 11:30 to 1:30pm to benefit FEED SUPPER. In exchange for your $10+per person donation (made via this page), you will be served two teas (one hot oolong tea from Tea Ave and one cold matcha tea from Panatea) and will also receive a steeped parting gift. The first twenty people to arrive will receive a set of handmade gourmet Japanese sugars from Chambre De Sucre. RSVP by making a donation & noting how many people will be attending. Can't make the event? All donations are welcomed!

RSVP Here Or Make A Donation

NOTE - since this is a pop-up tea in the park, you will need to bring the following items in order to participate: blanket to sit on, a favorite cup/mug to drink your tea, one bottle cold water for tea, one small thermos with hot water for tea (close to boiling). I will be providing all of the tea and steeping each for you. I will also be leading a guided tea tasting (tea 101, proper steeping technique, pairing advice, etc).

cooking with tea journal & pop-up tea events in philadelphia & new york

Join me for a series of Pop-Up Tea events in Philadelphia and New York from August 14^th through August 19^th to celebrate the launch of my premiere summer issue of with tea, a quarterly journey on cooking with tea. The summer issue of the quarterly journal, with tea, features 11 of my original tea-infused seasonal recipes, photos and stories. The​ 48-page journal is the size of a tea saucer and ​printed on recycled paper in the USA. Each journal comes ​lovingly wrapped in a vintage handkerchie​f and will be available for sale​ at the Pop-Up events for $24 (cash only, please). Note that this is a small batch, limited edition run of only 100 journals to launch the new series. Journals will be available for sale online starting on the evening of August 19^th. And check back soon for a first look at the journal

meet me for tea this fall...

If you reside within or nearby the city of brotherly love, then I hope you'll meet me for tea on November 9th. While I love to share tips, techniques and stories on teaspoons & petals, I must admit that teaching classes brings me so much joy. This fall, I'm teaching a tea infused classes and I do hope that you'll join me. Take a peek at the class description below that ends with a link that will lead to more details and ticket information. Treat yourself to a Sunday afternoon getaway or invite friends for a steeped gathering. Seats are filling up fast, so be sure to RSVP ASAP!

Sunday, November 9th 1pm

Cooking With Tea Class at COOK

Join Alexis Siemons, a tea consultant and writer, when she returns to COOK for an afternoon of cooking with tea. Alexis will be guiding guests at COOK on a tea-riffic journey of recipes, sips and bites including: Genmaicha Green Tea; Puerh Tea paired with Puerh French Onion & Raclette Cheese Tartine; Lapsang Souchong Tea Smoked Apple Cider; Lapsang Souchong Tea Winter Squash Soup; and Masala Chai Tea paired with Masala Chai Tea baked pears, chestnuts and Masala Chai tea Whipped Cream. 

http://bit.ly/1ndtrNN

the new old fashioned {tea workshop}

On a sunny summer sunday, I filled totes and bags with tea tools, infused iced teas, tins of tea and (carefully wrapped) treasured tea pots and tea cups. The air was bright and clear as I made my way to the classroom to teach my tea workshop as part of a series of thoughtfully curated classes with The New Old Fashioned, founded and led by the loveliest ladies-Sharon McMulen and Anna DeMarco-Mills.

Steeped Sips and Bites, the theme of the workshop, featured a few of my favorite infused iced teas (rosemary assam black tea lemonade and lavender,rose,chamomile, sencha green tea with a splash of lime juice), along with fresh brewed pure iced teas, farmers market fruit simple syrups and a range of my homemade and simple tea infused treats: campfire tea ice cream sandwiches, matcha green tea goat cheese crostini, earl grey tea butter melted on popcorn, lapsang souchong butter melted on popcorn and watermelon and basil skewers with assam black tea simple syrup. I shared tea 101 tips, recipes for tea infused treats, iced tea techniques, a DIY tea blending bar, and stories within my steeped world. Rather than ramble, I recommend that you peek at the delightful video that captured the joy in the air on that delightful sunday afternoon (from the talented ladies of LoveMeDo).

p.s. I'll be teaching more classes this fall in philadelphia,  so be sure to subscribe to my enewsletter to be the first to know.

the art of pairings class: tea & baked goods

There is an art to pairing tea that connects with the spirit of steeping well beyond the aroma of the brewed tea and the first sip. The steeped tea can elevate the flavor of what's on your plate and even change the flavor of the tea in a deliciously exciting way. You may be surprised by somersaulting taste buds. A rich goat cheese paired with a grassy, astringent sencha green tea brings out the subtly sweeter notes lingering with the sip. And suddenly the fresh, grassiness of the goat cheese seems to be shining brighter than ever. Beyond the dairy delights, I jump at the chance to pair savory and sweet baked goods with tea that can take the shape of a morning welcome, an afternoon spirit lifter or a new take on happy hour.

So in honor of seeking duos that are better together, I hope that you will join me on April 28th for a springtime tea and baked goods pairing class at Metropolitan Bakery's Cafe (right near Rittenhouse Square) from 6:00-7:30pm. $30 tickets include 4 teas perfectly paired with Metropolitan's infamous savory and sweet baked goods with a parting gift. To sign up for the class, please call 1.877.41.BREAD. 

As I continue to welcome spring's arrival, I've selected one tea to chill and three warm brews to feature during the evening class to anchor us even more in this month of blossoms and green awakenings. From herbaceous sencha green tea, toasted genmaicha green tea to an oolong that will sweep your senses into a garden ripe with fragrant blossoms, and then ending with an earl grey that will make you think twice with its green tea base and rhubarb twist, winter doldrums will seem like a forgotten dream as spring simmers. And I'll be sure to share how to perfectly steep each tea and my tea 101 foundations that set up a steep for success.

Pairings were carefully selected during a meeting of the minds and taste buds with Wendy Born and Jessie Harris of Metropolitan. While I don't want to spoil every detail of the pairing surprise, keep in mind that you'll bite into wedges of focaccia, bread baked with edible treasures inside, crumbling bars with jam gems and a parisian pleasure that's light enough to float away in the spring sky. Buttery crumbles will melt into sips of warm tea, and with your eyes closed you might just think that you ordered a latte. But that's just the beginning...

cooking with tea on phl17

The hum of the kettle on the stove, the sizzling splashes in saucepan, and the clinking of a whisk on the sides of a metal bowl are all sounds that make my heart skip a beat. I am at home in any kitchen, especially when I'm infusing new dishes with the steeped or dry tea leaf.  PHL17's Eye Opener morning television show recently featured three of my favorite steeped dishes that highlight a variety of tea techniques. Beyond the traditional (and simply scrumptious) tea infused cookie, you can also whisk tea into a salad dressing, rehydrate dried fruit/vegetables, use it as stock and even steep it right into a butter. You can watch the full video for a peek at my tips and see full recipes noted below. 

green tea 101 class on march 27th

I've gathered my favorite Japanese green teas, tea cups and glass tea pots and carefully packed them in delicate tea towels in preparation for my Japanese Green Tea 101 class tomorrow evening (march 27th) in Philadelphia. In addition to sharing endless sips, proper steeping techniques, and stories behind the leaves, I'll also be serving savory pairings (goat cheese, savory shortbread cookies & a matcha green tea salad). Ticket sales will end at 12pm tomorrow, so skip over the eventbrite page ASAP to reserve your spot and your gift bag. And as special treat to my loyal readers, I'm offering a last-minute ticket discount with code "TeaReader" ($10 off final ticket price). I hope that you'll join me for tea tomorrow evening at 6pm in the City of Brotherly Love.

world tea expo

This past May I made my way from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Sin, but I was only betting one thing, tea. Having the opportunity to join one of my clients at the World Tea Expo, I forutnately found time to sway through the aisles of international tea experiences.

From reading the first issue of Tea Magazine in flight, exploring New Zealand through a steep of Zealong oolong tea, to watching green tea leaves being ground into matcha powder via a 400 year old stone mill, to chatting with with the beloved James Norwood Pratt, I was swept up in the whirlwind of steeped adventures. Throughout the expo I continued to gravitate towards a particular table in the Taiwanese Oolong section of the show. Max was a tea farmer from Nantou who shared some of the most luscious sips of floral oolong that I've ever tasted. Walking away with a tin of his very best and a business card, I was armed with the ingredients that I needed to continue this semi-oxidized journey. However, I was disheartened to return home and find that his website was no longer in service.

As I savored the green oolong that was layered with perfumed floral notes, I desperately searched to find a match for the tightly rolled leaves lingering in the unnamed tin. I scribbled down what I could about the tea leaf appearance, dry leaf aroma, taste and suggested steeping time printed on the foil bag. I am happy to say that I may have identified this special steep as a Nantou Si Ji Chun Oolong from In Pursuit of Tea. But it will take an email and an order to determine the full truth.

Let me step back to reflect on the magic that existed in that Las Vegas convention center, aligning steeped stars and bringing tea enthusiasts together from around the world to celebrate what we all keep in our cup. I'm anxiously awaiting next year's expo and am hoping that the mysterious Max returns so that I can fill my bag with his spring 2013 si ji chun oolong. Consider it the ultimate carry on.

coffee & tea fest 2012

Even though I've created a world of tea within my tiny kitchen, I like to skip outside of my home and see how others steep. Next weekend (Nov 3rd & 4th), I'm packing my travel tea mug and making the quick trip to Atlantic City for the Coffee & Tea Festival. Open to the public and trade, the two-day event will feature tastings, classes, demos along with rows of exhibitors featuring their caffeinated wares and concoctions. Thinking about bringing your brew to the boardwalk? I'm happy to share a fifty percent discount on tickets with this exclusive promo code: ATB12

Considering that tea is something that I'll always bet on, I couldn't be more excited to celebrate camellia sinensis at this Atlantic City festival. Now if only we could convince the salt water taffy folks to add a "green tea" flavor to the mix...

tea classes

I must admit that my heart has ached a bit from not posting as frequently as I'd like.  But you'll be happy to know that I've been steeping new fall teas and experimenting in my tea laboratory (a.k.a my counter top and stove) as I prepare for upcoming tea classes. I can't wait to share new recipes and tips as we slip into the chillier months spent warming our hands by the kettle and the stove.

Speaking of classes, there are only a few spots left for my class at COOK on October 29th. And if your calendar is bursting at the brim, then you can always join me at my second session at COOK on November 19th. I promise you that your heart will skip a beat once you step into this collaborative kitchen space. It really is my home away from home nestled on a corner right near Rittenhouse Square.

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season and sticking with the class theme, I've decided to launch private tea classes to be held in your very own kitchen. Designed for small groups (about 6 people), each class can be customized for the season, holiday, flavor profile, etc. We'll start with a "tea 101" to give your loose leaf adventure the basic foundation, sip and discuss proper steeping methods for an array of teas, and learn how to cook a tea-infused recipe. In fact, this very class was mentioned in a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer (take a peek). 

Here's to a season of sips and new tea adventures!

teaspoons & petals at COOK collaborative kitchen

I've been known to turn my kitchen into a tea-infused culinary lab. From single estate sips, bountiful infusions, to sweet and savory dishes, I'm forever bringing my teaspoons to the table. t&p readers might know that I have shared a few of my favorite tea tips and dishes via several Steeped in Beauty workshops.

I'm continuing my quest to pass on my passion via upcoming classes at Philadelphia's new collaborative kitchen classroom, COOK. The first class is schedueld for October 29th at 4pm. So if you want to join me on my tea-infused journey, snag a spot (there are 16 seats in the gorgeous kitchen). I've been working on a few new Tea 101 tips, tea treats (smoothies, matcha salad dressing and green tea poached pears) and other steeped recipes that I can't wait to share with you.

In the spirit of embracing a new season of learning, share a question or tip about tea right here in a comment. 

you're invited: iced tea tasting at SA VA

As bits of green are springing to the surface, my mind is wandering to memories of icy tea sips while sitting under sunny rays. Even though I'm clutching a steamy cup while watching April showers bring May flowers, it doesn't hurt to dream of warmer days.

There's no better time than now to start perfecting the art of the chilly tea treat. Join me as I lead an Iced Tea Tasting on April 14th at SA VA, a fabulous boutique in Philadelphia. I'll be sharing tea tips, icing techniques, and serving an array of delicious iced tea steeps (and maybe even a tea cocktail for those who want to keep the hour extra happy).

And while you're shifting into a new season of sips, you can also refresh your spring style since the lovely ladies at SA VA are offering 20% off all regular priced clothing during the event.

Looking forward to talking tea over an icy sip. Hope to see you there!

RSVP to [email protected] by tuesday, april 12th 

Tea Tips & Tasting with Alexis Siemons of teaspoons & petals
Thursday, April 14th 5:30-7:30
SA VA 1700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia

you're invited: steeped in beauty workshop for moms

After sharing my love of tea in two previous classes (fall & winter), I've teamed up again with my friend and colleague, Jolene Hart (natural beauty expert), to offer the third Steeped In Beauty event....

and you're invited....

The Steeped in Beauty workshop series inspires guests with creative ways to bring tea and natural beauty into their everyday lives. On March 19th our workshop will focus on giving moms easy, healthy ideas for feeling relaxed and pampered. Guests will receive expert instruction on tea basics and party tips, learn how to whip up a white chai smoothie, make kid and adult friendly tea granitas, and more.

While sipping tea, they’ll also learn the fundamentals of choosing safe, natural personal care products for themselves and their families. Recipe demonstrations for several easy-to-make natural beauty products (including a special project for mom’s little helpers) are included.

Included in the cost of advance admission are gift bags, which include recipes, natural beauty and tea samples. All guests will be entered to win one of several raffle prizes, including a personal health and beauty coaching session with Jolene, a tea consultation with Alexis, and gift certificates to Tbar tea shop.

Looking forward to seeing some friendly faces as we sip, cook and talk tea.

Here is your ticket...

When: Saturday, March 19th, 2pm-4pm
Where: IndyHall, 20 North 3rd Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Admission: Tickets are available online until March 18 at 8pm for $21, and will be sold at the door for $25 on the day of the event (gift bag not guaranteed if purchased at door).

you're invited to {steeped in beauty: DIY holiday gift workshop}

As the first icy flakes fell from the sky on Thanksgiving, I welcomed the holidays while sipping a cup of orchid oolong and anxiously anticipated what was in store for the joyous season.

Our calendars are bursting at the brim with holiday parties and gift wish lists. So in an effort to keep you calm and your home filled with handmade gifts to share with friends and family, I teamed up with my friend and colleague, Jolene Hart (natural beauty expert), to offer the second Steeped In Beauty event....

and you're invited....

Steeped In Beauty: DIY Holiday Gift Workshop

Sunday, December 5th, 2pm-4pm Philadelphia

Indulge in an afternoon of tea and natural skin care through interactive cooking and crafting demos that highlight DIY gifts to give family and friends this holiday season. Learn how to prepare holiday treats, tea blends and homemade natural beauty products that make ideal holiday gifts. While sipping tea, you'll also learn about the impact of tea and natural beauty on health and wellness.

We'll share gift bags filled with our recipes, natural beauty samples, Rishi's white detox tea/green oolong tea, Mighty Leaf's orchid oolong and Tbar tea shop frequency cards. All guests will be entered to win one of several raffle prizes, including a personal health and beauty coaching session with Jolene, a tea party consultation with Alexis, and gift certificates to Tbar tea shop. Guests can also pre-order Beauty Is Wellness health coaching gift certificates, teaspoons & petals tea party consultation gift certificates, and haiku teaware from teaspoons & petals for holiday giving.

I hope you will join me in learning a bit more about how and why it's so very special to have tea in our lives. Looking forward to seeing some friendly faces as we sip, cook and talk tea.

Here is your ticket...

p.s. why not make a day of it with friends? have brunch in the city, come to Steeped In Beauty, and then stroll down 3rd St and peek into the fabulous boutiques. sounds like a lovely Sunday with friends during the holidays, if I do say so myself.

Many thanks to Stacey for allowing us to use her lovely photograph, and to Lisa Snellings, who hand crafts the lovely Poppet creatures shown in the photo. We recommend that you check out both of their fabulous sites.

steeped in beauty recap & gift bag giveaway

Words can't express the joy I experienced when I shared my love for tea at the very first Steeped In Beauty workshop. Starting with the basics, we explored proper steeping methods for herbal blends, white, green and black tea. Along with sharing tea party tips, I demonstrated my passion for infusing tea into our culinary world with easy-to-make recipes (recipes to follow in a new t&p series, teaspoons at the table). We even took a few moments to talk about the spiritual side of steeping and sipping tea that we often neglect in our fast paced world of multitasking.

I am beyond thrilled to have partnered with Jolene Hart from Beauty Is Wellness. Her knowledge and ability to teach us how nourish the body with tea infused beauty treatments is fabulous. We're happy to say that planning has already begun for a Steeped In Beauty holiday workshop (if you want to be the first to know, leave a comment with your email address and I'll add you to the list).

As the workshop came to a close, we rewarded our incredible guests with raffle prizes, sweet treats and gift bags. In an effort to continue the tea momentum and share a bit of this special day, I am holding a gift bag giveaway for the first Philadelphia resident to reply with their favorite tea related quote (I'm keeping it local because an item is philly related-but don't fret, because I'll be sharing a few more giveaways in the upcoming weeks).

gift bag: tea and natural beauty recipes taught at the event, natural beauty samples, Rishi's white detox tea & green oolong tea, Tbar frequency card, and other goodies are included.

you're invited to tea...

There are so many reasons to celebrate tea in March: the nearby arrival of spring (yay flowering tea!), Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland (will you be having your own mad tea party?), and the 2nd birthday of the teaspoons & petals blog. Hooray!

But before we jump ahead to March, let's stay grounded in February for a second and celebrate Saint Valentine. In honor of the the day of love, February 14th, I wanted to offer you all a special treat: If you order my tea for two set before March 1st (Valentine's day can be every day, you know), then I will happily personalize the interior of the cups for free.

But let's get to the heart of the matter, the events!

If you call the city of brotherly love your home, then please join me at two tea events that I am organizing and hosting:

A Mad Tea Party at the Rosenbach Museum

A Mad Tea Party invites museum-goers to celebrate Lewis Carroll’s Alice books, examine a first edition copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland up-close, sample unique teas from Cha Cha Tea and NecessiTea, learn how to brew the perfect cup, and view several tea sets from the Rosenbach's collection. Scott Chamberlin Hoyt, the director of the documentary The Meaning of Tea and I will be hosting the tea party and sharing a bit about the important role that tea plays in our fast-paced daily lives, our personal journeys with tea, etc. Scott Hoyt will also be screening the trailer of his film and I will be introducing my spring line of haiku teacups that are inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

When: March 3^rd 6pm-8pm

Where: The Rosenbach Museum & Library, 2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103 

Admission: A Mad Tea Party is free with museum admission, registration required. Admission to the Rosenbach is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students and free for children under 5. To register, please contact Mary Duffy, Development Associate, at (215) 732-1600 ext. 123 or [email protected]. For additional information, visit www.rosenbach.org. 

 

Exclusive screening of the tea documentary, The Meaning Of Tea at Tbar 

Treat yourself to a special screening of the tea documentary, The Meaning Of Tea, a film that travels through India, Japan, Taiwan, Morocco, England, France, Ireland, and even Tea, South Dakota asking a variety of people about their relationship to tea as a beverage, a means of relaxation, and a way of life. Meet the director, Scott Hoyt, and sample complimentary teas from Tbar. Tbar will also have their entire selection of delicious loose tea, specialty beverages and edible goodies for sale. The screening will begin at 7pm and will be followed by an exclusive Q&A session with Scott Hoyt. This is the first time the film will be screened in its entirety in Philadelphia.

When: March 4th 6pm-7pm Meet director, Scott Hoyt, & sample tea 7pm-8:30 Screening of the film followed by Q&A with the director

Where: Tbar 117 South 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 www.tbarteas.com

Admission: free

Although, if you have rested your roots in the island of New York, then please come to:

Asia Society on Thursday, March 17 for a tea tasting, reception, and screening of the acclaimed documentary film The Meaning of Tea with filmmaker Scott Hoyt, author Phil Cousineau, and renowned tea authority James Norwood Pratt.
TEA AND THE WORLD: The Meaning of Tea
Registration: 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Film Screening and Q&A: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Book Signing and Tea Tasting Reception: 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
 http://www.asiasociety.org/events-calendar/meaning-tea

Hope some of you can join me for for these tea-tastic events! If not, then make sure to set aside some time to throw your own tea party to celebrate spring's  arrival (well, it's only a little over a month away)!

join me for an early mother ' s day tea party

Join me for an afternoon tea tasting this Saturday at the Whole Foods on South Street in Philadelphia. I'll be selecting and brewing a variety of fine tea sold at WF (mighty leaf, two leaves and a bud, etc), talking tea and showcasing my haiku teacups. Whole Foods will be celebrating Moms a day early with this tea tasting and other in-store events. Come say hello!

you ' re invited to a spring tea party

I am so very excited to co-host this Spring Tea Party with Heather of Vintage Connection. We will be serving delicate, loose leaf, floral teas from kokomo tea, Cha Cha tea and auraTeas along with scrumptious cupcakes from Open Source Cupcakes. And after you've satisfied your sweet tooth and need for tea, you might come across a spring accessory or dress to freshen your spring wardrobe. I will be showcasing countless haiku teacups and tea sets (new colored cups will be available). I will also be taking custom orders for any upcoming special events (birthdays, bridal showers, mother's day).  So come celebrate the first day of Spring (march 20th) and coincidentally the 1 year anniversary of this very tea blog! hooray!  hope to see you there!

from philly with love: mini craft show

I consider myself to be an etsy enthusiast and sometimes even an etsy evangelist, simply because I absolutely adore any creative community. In an effort to take etsy offline and to the streets of Philadelphia, I organized a mini craft show "From Philly With Love" at Tbar (one of my favorite tea spots in philly). The show will feature the work of 5 local artists/crafters, including my haiku teacups. I have to admit I am a bit anxious to see how the show goes, as this is my first attempt at organizing a craft event (so happy it's mini!). Many thank to Melissa of melissahead designs, for creating these lovely digital flyers that share all of the details: So if you're in Philly on Feb 7th, stop by and say hello! I'll be working on some new haiku while sipping on some of my favorite tea from Tbar (black jasmine cream or maybe some honeydew bubble tea!). And if you're looking for a personalized Valentine's day gift for the tea lover in your life, I'll be taking orders for custom haiku tea cups (they'll be ready for pickup on Thursday, Feb 12th at Tbar from 12-6pm).  If you haven't visited my etsy store, here is a peak at some of the cups I'll be displaying at the show!