tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7589067635708455942023-11-16T03:12:02.687-04:00Tea N ChocolateElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-12587342756102360402012-03-07T12:30:00.002-04:002012-03-07T12:39:34.320-04:00Spring is lurking - hopefully?I am at home today but I would rather be out. I'm here because I am expecting a shipment of K-cups and T-discs that include some flavours I can hardly wait to try - Peppermint Mochas or Spiced Apple Cider, anyone?<br />But it is truly a glorious day. So glorious, I actually cleaned the windows and storm door glasses so even more sunshine could pour in. And tomorrow, along with being sunny, it's suppose to go up to 12 C! In March, that's quite remarkable around here. <br />I have work that needs to be done but I confess, I've always been moved by the weather. When it storms, I want to stay inside and snuggle down with a fleece blanket, book and warming drink. When the sun shines, no matter how cold, I want to be out, moving around.<br />But for today, until my order arrives, I will stay here. I received several darjeelings in the mail yesterday so I will try them. For me, spring and darjeeling just go together, like mint with Christmas and peach with summer. I've tried one already and it was quite good. Maybe if I try another, I actually get something done.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-61062898577794199842012-03-06T14:19:00.002-04:002012-03-06T14:29:52.959-04:00A sad dayA year ago today, my mom died. For the past few weeks, the sad feelings came back as strong as when we first lost her. I guess mourning is a never-ending journey. Sometimes you cope and other times, you're glad for the stillness.<br />For some reason, I felt the need to buy tulips in her memory. A local grocery store is selling bunches of 10 for $5.99 so off I went. They had dozens of colours but I felt the need to buy white - after all, that is the appropriate colour, isn't it?<br />But there was a bunch of pale pink ones and as I walked by, a little voice told me to buy those instead. I know she would have preferred their delicacy and now they nestle in three of her favourite vases. I think she would have approved.<br /> I've allowed myself to be easy on myself today - it's just not a day for self-criticism. A good day to drink plum tea and watch the snow sparkle on the landscape.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-25474434714894116232012-02-12T17:08:00.002-04:002012-02-12T17:16:24.107-04:00A changeable dayYesterday at this time, there was snow on the ground and it was close to 0. Over night, the wind howled and buckets of rain dashed against the house - it was was 7 C. When I got up this morning, the ground outside was bare and the sun was shining and the temperature was -2. Plants still left outside over the winter looked none the worse for wear. <br />When I went down town this afternoon, the ground was still clear when I went into a shop. When I came out 15 minutes later, everything was white - the snow had fallen that fast. We went from clear roads to slippery and dangerous driving conditions, all within the span of a half-hour. The snow now is still falling and it's -6. <br />Even for a place that specializes in lively weather, the last 24 hours have been quite eventful. It's one of the reasons so many people I know keep their winter tires on all year - you just never know.<br />I am eating shortbread cookies and drinking coconut black tea this afternoon. It's a good one to stay home.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-40368587529682435862012-02-07T19:39:00.004-04:002012-02-07T23:03:12.199-04:00It's February!!??The best thing about February is that it is a short month. February means snow in this part of the world and true to form, there's plenty on the ground and no warm temperatures in the foreseeable future. A good time of year to bake, cook and drink tea.<br />So far this week, I've made homemade peanut butter chocolate chunk cookies and ginger cake with cream cheese icing. Supper tonight consisted of steak, mushrooms, roasted peppers and onions with old cheddar cheese on fresh baguette rolls - pretty tasty! I've been drinking a peach oolong from Teavana that's absolutely perfect - it smells like a garden and tastes heavenly. Probably the best tea I've had in a long while. <br />All in all, it was a good day until my car demanded an oil change. Yep. On a screen where the speedometer is, a message told me it had to be given an oil change immediately. Huh? I called the dealership and set up an appointment but there's something inherently distasteful about a car telling me when to service it. I know it's suppose to be done every 3,000 to 5,000 km but the car has been driven much less than that, but over a six month time period. Oh yes, and the notification can only be turned off if you take it to the dealership.<br />Now that sounds like built-in money grab to me.<br />I ask the dealership if that annoying feature can be turned off but they said no.<br />Yeah, right.<br />We'll see about that. There are mechanics in my family and I've got enough people ordering me around without the car joining in!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-31222746335313305732012-01-27T15:28:00.003-04:002012-01-27T15:41:13.572-04:00Just not productiveMaybe it's the weather or the time of year but I am finding it hard to be productive these days - except when it comes to food. I've been cooking up a storm all week and the fun continued today with 16 blueberry corn muffins and a peach blueberry cobbler. For supper, I'll be making cheeseburger macaroni so we're not talking low-calorie fare here!<br />But it is cozy food and a good thing too - we're expecting stormy weather this evening. Snow, followed by freezing rain and rain - a big general mess. I went out today to pick up some potting soil for my new packets of veggie seeds (I know it's too early to start anything but I'd love to have a few pots of herbs indoors) and some yogurt and was nearly knocked off my feet by the crowds. Umm, storms in January are just par for the course in Nova Scotia. So for 12 or so hours, you might have to stay home - and eight of those hours are overnight! We're not talking emergency here, folks.<br />But then, I can say that knowing I have a full fridge, full freezer, plenty of milk, canned goods and fruit and vegetables in. I probably have a six-month supply of everything in - yes, even tea, chocolate and coffee. Especially tea, chocolate and coffee. It's just the way my family works. My parents lived that way and so do my siblings. We use everything but we always feel a need to have some extra in, just in case. When they talk about family trees, they weren't kidding when it came to mine - we have to be descended from at least a few squirrels!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-72100665969665574992012-01-25T09:20:00.002-04:002012-01-25T09:27:20.326-04:00January BluesAll in all, January hasn't been a bad month but for some reason, I tend to slow down too much. It seems everything is more of an effort (just getting to the car requires a wardrobe change - coats, boots and other assorted winter paraphernalia) so maybe it's all that extra work to get anything done that's making me so tired these days.<br />And when I feel that way, there are few things more soothing than a warm mug of my favourite brew nestled in my hands. I can't imagine getting through this time of year without a cup of coffee in the morning, tea through the rest of the day and the occasional yummy drink (hot chocolate, cappuccino, lattes) in between.<br />It's my therapy in a cup.<br />Of course, the occasional cupcake or chocolate chip cookie has its own medicinal properties ...Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-81983206673093350182012-01-11T20:35:00.002-04:002012-01-11T20:40:46.126-04:00Almost readyI am almost ready to give up the Christmas food. Every year, I buy all the traditional foods and every year, I find us eating all that stuff well into January. This year is no exception except that I cut back - a lot - and there's still a ton of food around. We're eating really well (too well - there's diets in our future) but for some reason, there's always too many goodies at this time of year.<br />It also doesn't help that the shops have been putting on amazing food sales, which means I've been stocking up like a squirrel. Everything's on offer except the Earl Grey Tassimo discs that I have just run out of - grrrr .... not that I really need them but they go so well with triple chocolate candy cane cookies ...Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-6486435416539235532012-01-04T14:15:00.003-04:002012-01-25T09:20:08.503-04:00Yuck!As you can probably tell, by the simple name of this blog, I am a big fan of tea and chocolate.<br />But NOT tea-flavored chocolate.<br />During the holidays, I bought an intriguing bar of dark chocolate that contained green Earl Grey tea. It was pricey - $4 for an 85 gram bar - but I figured I liked chocolate and Earl Grey tea so how could I go wrong? Well, I went very wrong.<br />I knew I was in trouble when I opened the box containing the bar and was hit in the nostrils by an overwhelming scent of Earl Grey - and this was with the foil inner wrapping intact.<br />I still opened the package and ate a block, which turned my stomach. It was disgusting. I threw the rest of the bar into the trash. I'll keep my tea and chocolate quite separate from now on, thank you very much!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-20604626881665818322012-01-04T10:20:00.002-04:002012-01-04T10:24:21.322-04:00No gardening here todayIt's -4 C with high winds and blowing snow - the sort of day you're glad not to have to go out. A good day to do laundry, cleaning and all the work you've been putting off - well, at least in my case!<br />It's also a good day to drink tea. I've been really enjoying a cranberry black tea from Upton lately - it has a nice subtle cranberry flavour that's hard to find and I would recommend it to those who enjoy flavoured teas.<br />Well, it's back to the laundry ...Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-59176371967257275212012-01-03T09:28:00.006-04:002012-01-03T09:39:06.154-04:00Garden fun!Canadian Saver mentioned that it was wild that I was eating greens on New Year's Day and I have to agree. Here's a little update from my garden.<br />I had Swiss chard and onion greens in my salad plus I harvested a few onions to have at a later date. I also had some cherry tomatoes left over from the fall harvest so we had them too. I'm not all that fond of Swiss chard but it's a real survivor and it lasts until late in the season. I'm hearing kale is the same way so I'll grow some of that next year as well. <br />Oh, and my cabbages, brussell sprouts and broccoli are still thriving as well - they're just not ready to be harvested yet! I don't think anyone bothered to tell them that it's way past harvest time so I am just waiting to see what happens. Because most of the bugs are dead, the plants look gorgeous - no munched-away bits - so who knows? One thing I am learning from this is to never give up on your garden in this region. Admittedly, we planted early and late - the early stuff did not do well and the late stuff came from some cheap plants they were selling off at the grocery store and wasn't in the best of shape during the warmer seasons. Now that it's chilly, they seem to be quite happy and I do think the lack of insects is helping with that.<br />It's also not hurting the pansies and creeping myrtle, which are also still blooming in the front yard ...Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-24811406503385691542012-01-02T19:00:00.002-04:002012-01-02T19:10:22.339-04:00More Fun!While the stores were jammed on Boxing Day, there was hardly anyone about in the days after - and that's when the real bargains can be found. I headed to Walmart today and pleased to find all the holiday chocolate on for 75 per cent off. Yes, that meant chocolate initials were 30 cents, pound bags of Hershey Kisses were a $1.20 and bags of Lindt chocolates were a buck. If you're not put off by the Christmas wrappings, it's a great time to stock up - chocolate stores great in the freezer. I think I'm pretty much set for the year!<br />Yesterday was interesting as far as meals went - I harvested salad greens and onions from my garden. Yep. I had a fresh-from-the-garden salad on New Year's Day. In Atlantic Canada.<br />Yes, the weather is definitely changing.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-41125819133735979622012-01-01T15:17:00.003-04:002012-01-01T15:22:47.911-04:00Happy New Year!And good riddance to 2011!<br />This is going to be the year that I accomplish a lot and enjoy what I am doing. I will write a lot, play a lot and make a lot of money - and woe to those who try to prevent this from happening, like it did before. This time, I have confidence and determination behind me and I will not take no for an answer because there are always plenty of other options to explore. I am going to get what I need done and I wish everyone else the same kind of determination and success for their year - it's going to be a good one!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-25854243131082475122011-12-27T17:46:00.002-04:002011-12-27T17:56:20.367-04:00Boxing Day Fun ...In this province, the Boxing Day sales are on the 27th so we headed out today to see what we could find. After an all-you-can-eat Tex-Mex buffet bought on gift cards, we went downtown. We had fun using up our gift cards from a local kitchen store (sporks, olive spoons, grapefruit spoons, a new rolling pin and a pizza stone - all the essentials!) and then headed to the mall.<br />Oh my.<br />I never really thought every parking spot in an enormous mall parking lot could be filled but this one was. I wanted to leave then and there but I was persuaded to stay and I eventually found a spot. Inside, it was crazy busy but we still managed to find what we wanted. I got a prepaid smartphone for $59 at a major electronics chain, which surprised me since I just assumed they would be sold out. In fact, nothing was sold out which makes me wonder if people were just out looking instead of buying. I also got lots of half-priced chocolate, nuts and cookies so I am well-stocked for a while. Alas, no tea sales though!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-54265171269573498782011-12-26T00:05:00.002-04:002011-12-26T00:11:55.607-04:00Yikes!Who knew I could eat so much? Two turkey dinners, carrot cake, pumpkin pie, endless chocolates, salsa dip and chips and now a chocolate Chex mix that's just too addictive - yup, there's going to be a diet in my future! Maybe even starting tomorrow.<br />Fortunately tea's got no calories and I got a nice selection of 12 for Christmas from David's tea so some fun ahead trying those. I also got a selection of hot chocolates - Gourmet Village - in such flavours as butter pecan and peanut butter. Unfortunately, they're not calorie-free but hopefully I can show a little more restraint than I did today. <br />Yup - fruit and salad days are definitely coming my way again and not a moment too soon!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-3446753799020302852011-12-24T17:37:00.002-04:002011-12-24T17:44:10.122-04:00Merry Christmas!I wish for loads of food and good tea for everyone!<br />I confess one of my favourite Christmas Eve traditions is hitting the grocery store late in the afternoon to take advantage of the markdowns - yeah, cheapness is part of my holiday fun! Anyway, today's haul was small but delicious - half price fresh cranberries which will be stored in the freezer for later use, honeydew melon which has already been eaten, fresh trout and haddock for a healthier new year and which have been frozen and a half price rotisserie chicken, which will end up being our turkey, which means savings on cooking costs as well. Gotta love those bargains!<br />Best wishes to all!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-59163976498872898282011-12-08T10:31:00.002-04:002011-12-08T10:46:44.398-04:00New computer!I finally broke down and ordered an iMac on Black Friday. Earlier in the year, I had bought a PC netbook because I thought I could get by with it - but no. For one thing, it's a PC, which means the constant threat of viruses and just the plain annoyances of that system. Secondly, it was just too small and therefore uncomfortable for me. My old eMac was about 7 years or more old and while it still worked, was getting slow and couldn't be updated so I knew I had to do something. Being me, I ordered the expensive exactly-what-I-want-Mac in its most basic forum and on Monday, it arrived. <br />Yeah, Macs are more expensive but it arrives with everything I need (Garageband, iPhoto, TextEdit and a pile of other stuff I haven't even looked at yet) and it works. Easily. It sets up easily and it works logically. The fact it looks great is just a bonus but an important one - who wants to look at something ugly all day? The fact I bought it on Black Friday essentially meant I saved the tax and I also got a reduced price on Microsoft Office since I need that program for freelancing.<br />I love this machine, mostly because I was able to set it up all by myself and it works exactly as I want it to - and who could ask for more?<br />The weather here today is heavy rain and high winds. 13 C, which is pretty amazing for the 8th of December. A perfect day for a spicy tea like Orange Spice or Upton's New England Harvest Blend - which sounds like a fine idea right about now.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-33262624078116238402011-12-05T16:54:00.003-04:002011-12-05T17:09:48.362-04:00It's not hard to doA few years, we pretty much stopped going out to eat for financial and culinary reasons. Financial is pretty much self-explanatory but the culinary simply means we tend to make better stuff than anything we get out - I'm not bragging - it's just that homemade food tends to be tastier. The interesting offshoot of this is that we never get indigestion or food poisoning any more, which in itself, is a disturbing thought.<br />I also allow myself $5 a week for either a snack or an outing with a friend. When you're out Christmas shopping at the mall, a break for fries or a chicken salad wrap at Tim Horton's (big and only a $1.54 here) can be a welcome break.<br />As a result, when events occur and we do get a free meal out, we really enjoy the outing. This weekend saw us attend two such events, one a thank you party for volunteers and the other was a staff party for my part-time job. The volunteer party was held at a hotel and featured an all-you-can eat buffet with very limited selection. The staff party was held at a gourmet restaurant and featured a traditional chicken dinner and orange ginger cake for dessert but it was nicely done. Both were good but I confess at both, my tummy ached afterwards. The interesting thing was the tea. The gourmet restaurant served up lukewarm dishwater while the hotel's was piping hot and quite tasty. I've never been able to figure out how places which make good food can goof up something as simple as tea. All you need is boiling water and decent quality bags - is that so difficult?Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-79793569532614181172011-12-03T16:13:00.004-04:002011-12-05T17:08:45.955-04:00Oddly thriftyIt's after 4 on a cold dark December day and I'm sitting here in front of the computer, with nary a light on in the house. I don't really consider myself a thrifty person but there are some things I really hate spending money on. One's electricity during the day for lights and the other is heating oil.<br />For some odd reason, buying heating oil is to me the same as burning dollar bills. But since my house is heated by an oil-fired furnace, some has to be bought every winter. But that doesn't mean I plan to buy a lot of it - I keep the house warm enough to prevent any pipes from freezing but the rest is done through extra blankets and plenty of warm sweaters and fleeces to get through the worst of it. Luckily, I love wearing cozy clothes so this has never been a hardship.<br />And while I do like electric light, paying for it is not something I enjoy so I deliberately refuse to turn on any light, even at this time of the year, before 4 pm.It helps that I prefer natural light, especially the softer light at the end of the day. As a result, my electric bill is pretty low but I do live in a province where the electric utility seems to come up with new ways to gouge the consumer on an almost monthly basis - my usage keeps falling but the darn bill keeps going up!<br />I'm not thrifty when it comes to my weaknesses, tea and chocolate. I know of people who actually re-use their tea leaves - that's not going to work for me - but I'm also willing to try anything so it's led me to some pretty good lower-cost alternatives. Sometimes taking a chance on a new product or a sample given out at a shop can lead to great new taste adventures. So it's all about spending what you have on what matters to you.<br />And yes, heat and lights are important but I'd rather splurge on other things.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-38802103367961790722011-12-01T11:08:00.003-04:002011-12-01T11:46:39.467-04:00Another Christmas seasonI've always liked this time of year although there have certainly been some unhappy times during the years. I enjoy decorating, the foods and yes, even gift giving. I am disturbed by the recent uncharitable trend that seems to be appearing with people doing their darnedess to get out of giving presents.<br />Oh sure, if times are tough, certainly. No one should ever expect those who are having financial problems to go into debt so others can have presents or treats. What I am talking about is a general lack of wanting to give, to help others. You see it all over blogland - people complaining about the pressures of finding the right present for people "who don't need anything."<br />Says who? Everyone needs something - maybe you just need to put a little effort into finding out what it is. But don't limit yourself to tangible things, like the latest gadget.<br />My favorite gifts have run the gamut from an expensive musical instrument to a book to an inherited plate. The musical instrument has led to thousands of hours of enjoyment and a career as a professional player. The book is one I still reread on an annual basis. And the plate cost nothing - it was simply passed on from my mother to me but it's a pretty one and it still makes me marvel whenever I look at it.<br />Unfortunately, many people seem to equate gift-giving with buying stuff or expensive presents. There's much more to it than that. To me, it simply means putting a little extra effort into a relationship, something to make it more special. Sometimes it does mean buying an engagement ring or something expensive but most of the time, it can simply mean making a special meal or dessert for that person - their favorite cookies, for example - or even a promise they'll have complete control over the remote on certain days (not everyday - we don't want to be ridiculous here). Gifts don't have to cost anything but they do have to be specific to the person - otherwise, there's no point to the whole exercise. The plate from my mother cost her nothing but it was a good choice for me because she knew I loved fine bone china and beautiful things. <br />Some of the nicest (and cheapest) gifts revolve around food. We all have to eat and most of us have favorites but it's always nice to try something different that could end up being a favorite. Here are some food-related gifts that I have given over the years.<br />1. Tea - surprise! But seriously, there are thousands of teas out there to try - and very few cost much.<br />2. Coffee - this can range from a Tim gift card for those who need their daily fix to a single cup coffee maker or a container of K-cups. A pound of coffee beans is also a nice gift.<br />3. Mugs, teapots, implements - all the essentials for making your favorite brew. A good teapot may cost less than $50 but could last a person for a lifetime.<br />4. Chocolates - not necessarily a box of the usual but a box customized to their tastes - for example, a box of chocolate covered apricots or strawberries for the fruit lover. Or even a collection of favorite bars.<br />5. Food baskets customized to that person's tastes.<br />6. Gift certificates or cards to favorite lunch spots so a person can indulge on that cold, miserable February day when you really need a treat.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-78967503438005054352011-11-30T12:57:00.003-04:002011-11-30T13:05:29.589-04:00In a jam!The local grocery store has been having some odd sales this week. They have been selling containers of brand name hummus for 99 cents, as well as containers of fresh ricotta cheese for 99 cents. We usually make our own hummus but for 99 cents, I'm willing to give it a try - this stuff's almost as good as homemade. One ricotta has been made into an Italian cheesecake, which will be dessert tonight and other two have been earmarked for lasagna. <br />But the best buy of all have been containers of raspberries for 99 cents. Last week, the same size container was $4.99. One container has been consumed and the other five have just been turned into homemade raspberry jam - six bottles and a bit leftover for bread at lunch. With sugar, it averages to about $1 per 250 ml bottle - pretty good price, I think. I might even top tonight's cheesecake with a little drizzle of raspberries - yum!<br />Gotta love sales!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-61997416135131863332011-11-26T16:00:00.004-04:002011-11-26T16:06:40.806-04:00The big meltThe snow is quickly disappearing around these parts thanks to some fairly warm (for this time of year) temperatures. Just the day to be drinking Upton's Baker Street blend which combines a small amount of Lapsang Souchong with black tea, giving it a mild, smoky flavor. The perfect late fall cup since it reminds you of wood fires and frosty days. Someone once asked me about Lapsang Souchong and how it tasted and I described it as bacon in a cup - you either love it or hate it. Needless to say, that puts off a lot of people but a small amount of smokiness can be quite pleasant and I would recommend this tea. Of course, it tends to go rather well with a freshly made croissant that's been heated with some extra old cheddar melting on top ...Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-33161994606206993982011-11-24T16:23:00.002-04:002011-11-24T16:30:05.086-04:00Snowed In!And 40 cm later, guess where I spent much of the day? In the driveway, shovelling for just over three hours. It's either that or spend a fortune getting it done. If I'm home, it's not so bad - I can take my time and do it at my own pace. I do hate it though when I'm working and it still has to be done - and yes, I will hire someone if necessary!<br />Drinking Upton's China Jasmine right now which is one of the few jasmines I enjoy since it's pretty mild and you can still taste the green tea. Just put in an order for my farmers market tea stall - the holidays are coming up and hopefully, everyone will be buying some tea - makes a nice gift, I think.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-55978882908688484802011-11-23T14:06:00.002-04:002011-11-23T14:11:55.130-04:00Tire-dWell, I bit the bullet on Tuesday. I got up at 6 am, had breakfast and at 7, I waited for the tire store's doors to open at 8.<br />I was first in line and am now the proud owner of four new winter tires.<br />And undercoating. Even with a misquote, my tires were still $150 cheaper than getting an appointment - and that paid for the undercoating.<br />I am ready!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-57280773584492660732011-11-23T13:49:00.002-04:002011-11-23T14:05:38.062-04:00Hot Chocolate WeatherSome seriously nasty winter weather is expected this afternoon and the first flakes of winter have begun falling in this neck of the woods. It's a perfect day for hot chocolate and this year, there's some new ones to try.<br />The most obvious are those peppermint hot chocolates from McDonald's. This is seriously bad news for those of us who are trying half-heartedly to keep the weight off. Hot chocolate, mint flavor, whipped cream and candy cane bits - what's not to love? It doesn't help that they've given away free coupons either - I could seriously drink one or two of these each day. There's also a peppermint mocha but for some reason, it's the peppermint hot chocolate for me - seriously good stuff.<br />The Bulk Barn has also started carrying some holiday hot chocolates - plain, mint and candy cane which is a minty white chocolate. I've tried the first two and they're both good, the peppermint especially. Besides the fantastic flavour, it's one of those few hot chocolates that dissolves well and doesn't leave you with a mouthful of floury lumps. I've also bought the candy cane white chocolate and haven't gotten around to trying it yet. I'm not as big a white hot chocolate fan but it does smell wonderful.<br />The Bulk Barn has also been selling apple cider and it's pretty good as well.<br />Have you ever tried chocolate mint tea? If you get a chance, you should. These tend to be black teas with chocolate and mint leaves added in. Metropolitan Tea does a wonderful one if you prefer loose and Stash does a great bagged one (I think it's an oolong) that's also worth trying. And for those who can't take the caffeine, Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane is available again - it's a decaf green tea that's flavored with a peppermint creme flavor.Also very good.<br />There's nothing like something hot, chocolately and/or minty on a chilly, damp wintery day!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758906763570845594.post-77203073114449284532011-11-21T15:02:00.002-04:002011-11-21T15:12:38.179-04:00Tires, Where art thou?It's been a while since I purchased new winter tires - about four years - but I had no idea how much they went up in price. The only place that is affordable doesn't take appointments and when I showed up this morning at 9 am, they said to leave my car and they might get to it by 3 pm.<br />Er, no.<br />So I went to other places and got pretty much the same story - wait all day or make an appointment and pay almost double. The first place I mentioned is charging $435 - the place with appointments want $749. One guy told me when he shows up to work at 8 am, there's a crowd in the parking lot waiting - in lawn chairs. Are we talking winter tires here or tickets to a pop concert?<br />So what's a thrifty tea-drinker to do? I guess tomorrow morning, I'll be rolling out of bed at 6 am, having a bowl of oatmeal, dressing warmly and filling a thermal mug full of chocolate mint tea or maybe apple cidre to take my place in line at 7 am.<br />The things I'll do to save a pile of money!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16775852005918042404noreply@blogger.com2