Tea Graces

2009-12-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

Sylvie singing Christmas carols
Sylvie and I wish you a Blessed Christmas as you celebrate the Birthday of Jesus Christ. May your cup overflow with love, peace, kindness and joy in the New Year

2009-12-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

Oops, I caught Roy enjoying his scone - sorry Roy, I caught you on candid camera
Mike led us in Christmas carols with his guitar, while Ann and Joann accompanied him. The residents of the home loved it and sang along as best they could.

This sweet lady enjoyed her son singing to her during his visit.

2009-12-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

The Royal Ladies Tea Society visited a local nursing home and presented them with a tea. It was such a lovely treat for them and a blessing to us that served them.
These two darling ladies enjoyed the singing.
Ann & Kara made friends with these ladies
Liza set the tables with her fine Christmas china, clotted cream, lemon curd, and fresh baked scones

2009-12-21T20:05:00.000-08:00

Aren't these the cutest centerpieces??? You need graham crackers, pecans, candy corn, striped cookie & Ferrero Rocher chocolate balls for body. These look a little messy, the chocolate didn't melt enough to use as glue

2009-12-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Ian and Bronwen sharing our early Thanksgiving

2009-12-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

Jordyn & Bronwen making Turkey centerpieces

Thanksgiving

2009-12-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

Friends from Australia were here a week before Thanksgiving, so we had a traditional dinner for them. It's not as though they haven't had turkey, it's all the trimmings that really count. They were amazed about all the fuss we go to and it was fun to share it with them.

Doggie Birthday Party

2009-10-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today was a day that I never dreamed that I'd ever a part of~~~a doggie birthday party!!! Saturday mornings I take Sylvie (my Shih Tzu) to obedience training. The trainer and assistant trainer's dogs had birthdays, so why not celebrate??? About 20 of us participated in 3 games and we won a stuffed Hedgehog that grunts, squeeks, and rattles. It is now her favorite best toy and almost as big as the dog. Some of the owners or their dogs wore birthday hats and received trick or treat bags with natural doggie treats. The owners were treated to yummy (not so natural) cup cakes. Sound a little nutszo to you~~~oh well. Missed the photo moment without a camera. Kind of hard to take photos & hold onto a leash.

Sylvie

2009-09-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

Here is Sylvie resting - she does a lot of that. What a sweet dog she has been. I rescued her last December and it's amazing what a darling personality she has and loves everyone.

Cousin reunion

2009-09-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Alec my 16 yr old granddaughter & Dulcie's daughter, me, Jenny, Dulcie my daughter, and her daughter Jordyn. Jenny & Dulcie were about 10 when they last saw eachother. The amazing thing is that we only live about an hour away. They are in Manhattan Beach.

Cousin reunion

2009-09-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Cary is son of Louise. I remember him as a handsome teenager - still handsome and really a nice guy. We had great conversations.

Cousin reunion

2009-09-05T12:39:00.000-07:00

Julie sitting on left, Jean standing in green (we are same age) me, Jenny standing is daughter of Louise sitting and Jordyn holding Sylvie.

Cousin reunion Aut 22, "09

2009-09-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Louise put together a small gathering of cousins - her kids, my kids, and their kids. Amazing what happens in 30 years.

Cousin reunion

2009-09-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

Louise sitting haven't seen in 30 years, never met the young kids before, and Jordyn is meeting them for the first time also. Aug 22, "09

Granddaughters having fun

2009-09-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

My silly granddaughters Alec 16 and Jordyn 13 and of course my Sylvie dog. Believe it or not that is one of my lounging robes and I'm not that big.

Sylvie napping

2009-09-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

My granddaughter posed this dog and took the photo-too cute

Paris in a Cup

2009-09-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Cheryl Turner, owner of Paris in a Cup in Orange, CA with a model in the middle. Cute skirt and great boutique.

Paris in a Cup Tea Salon

2009-09-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Wanda took me to tea for a belated birthday. She is always thinking of others.

Royal Ladies Tea Society

2009-09-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

As you can see the table was set beautifully and our name tags told us where our places were.

Royal Ladies Tea Society

2009-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Lorainne hosted a lovely tea in her home. There were 8 of us that attended. So often our group of 12 can't make it all at once.

My dog Sylvie

2009-09-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

My sweet little Sylvie dog. Don't most dogs sit on patio tables?

2009-09-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Suzanne & Christine having tea @ The Tea Gardens in Santa Clarita. Suzanne was giddy telling us about her upcoming marriage. Being in love is such excitement.

2009-09-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

Check out this Red Hat - fit for a queen

2009-09-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

Having tea @ High Tea Cottage in Woodland Hills with Irvette and Loretta. Wonderful food and wonderful day

Australian Adventure

2009-08-06T22:17:00.001-07:00

I hope you enjoy all of the photos that were posted, it is just a summary of the great time that Jordyn and I had. An experience of a lifetime for her.

Jumping with Steve-end of day

2009-08-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Feeding the elephant - weird feeling

2009-08-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Koala sleeping in tree-Jordyn holding Koala

2009-08-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

Feeding Kangaroos-look at Joey's feet sticking out

2009-08-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

The benches are shaped like surf boards

2009-08-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

Surfers Paradise-a walk across the street from the tall bldg.

2009-08-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

Having tea with dear friend Edna Pearson we stayed with

2009-08-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

Kangaroo in the wild & Joey peeking out

2009-08-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

Three Sisters rock formation

2009-08-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

Jordyn jumping for joy

2009-08-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

Feeding the Pelicans @ South Point

2009-08-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Leigh & Merrylyn Roberts in Bulli where he pastors a church

2009-08-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

2009-08-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoying meat pies @ Manley & shopping @ Billabong

2009-08-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sydney Tower

2009-08-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

A glimpse of the Sydney Tower in skyline

2009-08-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Look at this beautiful tiled floor

2009-08-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

QVB stained glass window & clock

2009-08-06T16:18:00.000-07:00

QVB stained glass, & clock

2009-08-06T16:17:00.000-07:00

Queen Victoria Bldg from Tower view

2009-08-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Inside one performance hall

2009-08-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Our Sydney hosts for a week-lovely

2009-08-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

High Tea @ Sydney Sheraton Hotel

2009-08-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

2009-08-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Visit to Australia, July 2009

2009-08-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

My 13 year old granddaughter Jordyn and I spent two wonderful weeks in Australia.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

2009-08-06T15:54:00.000-07:00

Jordyn & Nan @ the Opera House

2009-08-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

Preview of Asutralia

2009-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Having returned from Australia about 2 weeks ago, I must share some photos of the wonderful time my 13 year old granddaughter and I had. It is a truly beautiful country and you must visit when you can to the land Down Under.

Tea Classes

2009-05-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

Due to cut backs at Community Colleges, I am no longer teaching "Let's Have Tea" at those institutions. Because of this, I have expanded my horizons and developed three Tea Time Tutorials which I am able to offer to a larger audience. These educational videos give much more information and detail than any classroom setting. To my knowledge, Tea Graces is the only company offering instructional DVD's of this nature in the tea world. Please visit www.teagraces.com to order your set of Tea Time Tutorials I, II and III.

World Tea Expo

2009-05-05T22:35:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from three delightful days at the World Tea Expo. Thanks to those of you who came by my booth to say hello, it was the highlight of my weekend to greet you all. Just wanted to let you know that two weeks ago I fell over my sweet doggie while walking her and broke both of my wrists, consequently there will be no blog postings for approximately four more weeks. Thankfully my precious daughter was able to get a family leave of absense from her job to care for me during this time, I am so grateful. For those of you who are mothers, have a blessed Mother's Day. Happy Tea Sipping!!!

Oops Correction

2009-04-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

On the DaySpring post, the scripture verse is incorrect. It should be Galatians 5:13 - that keyboard does that of me often. Tea Hee

DaySpring Review

2009-04-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may not know, DaySpring is the Christian division of Hallmark. They carry delightful cards and gift items. Tea Graces has been asked to review some of their tea products and here are just a couple of my findings.

They have a lovely serving tray with black enamel handles, a glass covered base with the scripture verse Serve One Another Galatians 3:13 - that is the one I use for my website and on other items. The tray is sturdy and you would be happy to own one.

The other item that I also liked was a box of 20 note cards. The box is of heavy cardboard with a lid that lifts with a tiny ribbon. There are two designs each with a different scripture verse. One of the designs has a tea cup and saucer and the other is a soft rose colored paper with floral etchings on it. Both are blank inside so you can write your own message.

Please visit their website to see the array of things they have to offer www.dayspring.com Any tea item ordered by May 1st will receive a 20% discount when ordered direct.

Sylvie, April 6th

2009-04-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

Here she is; a happy doggie that has been rescued, licenced, micro chipped and gets walked twice a day. What more could a dog want? You will see more of her as time goes on. Just look at that face.

DaySpring Cards and Gifts - Boutique

2009-04-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I received an e-mail from DaySpring which is the Christian divison of Hallmark. They are interested in me doing product reviews on some of their products. This is quite an honor and I am looking forward to receiving some samples and telling you all about them--keep posted.

On April 18th I will be exhibiting along with many other vendors, at a Spring Boutique in the First Congregational Church @ 6633 Beach Blvd, Buena Park from 11am to 2pm. There will be piano music provided by Ed Sinclair and a vocalist Andrea Emmes. You will be able to enjoy tea with scones, tea sandwiches and dessert, compliments of Whimsical Teas. Hope to see you there.

Aubrey Rose Tearoom

2009-04-06T22:01:00.000-07:00

On March 14th, my granddaughters and I celebrated my birthday. Alec and Jordyn have been taking tea with me since each of them was three years old. They enjoy the experience of each tearoom and trying a variety of tea flavors.

Aubrey Rose Tearoom is in LaMesa, CA and I had the privilege of being photographed with the owners Dave and Lorna Wyatt. A gracious couple and a wonderful large dining area.

Tranquility Tearoom

2009-04-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

On February 23rd, Tea Time Tutorial III was video taped in this lovely tearoom with 12 guests as an audience. Tranquility Tearoom is in Thousand Oaks, CA

The educational DVD should be ready for purchase by the end of April and in time for the World Tea Expo which will be held in Las Vegas,
May 2-4. I will be exhibiting this year my book The Graceful Art of Tea and the three Tea Time Tutorials. If you should be attending the Expo, please come by booth #116 and say hello. I'd love to meet you.

Sylvie in rain coat

2009-04-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Can you tell this dog is not happy with the rain coat--after a few days she got used to it and as you can see she still didn't have a lot of fur. The coat not only kept her dry it kept her warm. What doggie parents do. It's good for a laugh.

Valentines Day "09

2009-04-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Seven ladies of The Royal Ladies Tea Society came to my home for a Valentine's luncheon. My granddaughter Jordyn set the table and helped with the serving. We started with a fruit salad, followed by Cornish Pasties, and finished with a Cranberry mousse. Of course we had tea.

The centerpieces and take home favors are a fun project. Purchase a short candle holder and clear glass tea cups from a thrift shop and glue them together with china glue. Tie a ribbon around the joint, add a tea light and you have a sweet gift. For the day I added a pink camellia flower that was in bloom.

Jordyn was my helper for the day.

Three of my guests enjoying their lunch and fellowship

Alec & Jordyn C'mas "08

2009-04-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

Christmas morning before gift opening - it was a lovely day in Vista, CA

Matthew and Tia C'mas "08

2009-04-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

Matthew attends Redland University and was home for the holidays and I had a chance for a nice visit with him.

Tia is holding my new doggie Sylvie

Christmas in Mammoth Lakes, CA

2009-04-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Two of my grandchildren live in Mammoth Lakes, CA which is a ski resort. It is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy God's creation any time of the year. Matthew was 20 in Sept. and Tia will be 9 in June. Both Taylor's from two of my sons.

Sylvie

2009-04-06T21:07:00.000-07:00

My 2 yr old Shih Tzu

2009-04-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Since my family all live quite a distance from me I was feeling a bit empty, so after 20 years without an animal I rescued this darling little dog. She was so sad looking when I first saw her, skinny and her fur had been shaved since she was so matted. At this post I have had her a little over 3 months and she has gained two much needed pounds and has a lovely coat of fur.

Alec 16th B'day Scrapbook

2009-04-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a long, long time

2009-04-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it has been six months since the last post. Guess I got so engrossed in scrapbooking for my granddaughters 16th birthday in December, time just flew by. Then the holidays and now it is April. I'll try to bring you up to date. The scrapbooks were well received

Northern California Tea Shop Hop

2008-10-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

On October 17th, 18th and 19th I had the pleasure of speaking on Social Tea Graces and Etiquette, and doing book signings at three lovely tearooms. There were 33 guests at Lisa's Tea Treasures in Campbell which is a 5 star tearoom, and Dale Ann the owner is most gracious. The food was delightful, and the decor is Victorian Laura Ashley.

Saturday, I was at The English Rose in Pleasanton with Lisa who is also a sweet gracious hostess. The thing I enjoyed the most about this celebration was the warm rose scented warm cloths presented before the finger food. The decor is sweet and inviting with intimate seating areas for two or tables can be arranged to seat more. The food was wonderful and the servers courteous and friendly.

Sunday, my friends and I visited The August Tearoom in Livermore for a repeat of the two previous days. It is such fun doing the things you love and I am blessed to be able to share what I have learned with other ladies and gentlemen that have the same passion. We started our meal with a fabulous asparagus soup, the sandwich course, ending with sweets. The guests enjoyed trying on several hats and wearing the one that suited them the best and wore them through-out their tea experience.

Tearooms in No. California

2008-10-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Lisa's Tea Treasures in Campbell

2008-10-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

August Tearoom in Livermore

The English Rose in Pleasanton

Hats off for a Tea Celebration

2008-10-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

A pile of hats to choose from for the tea party given in the club house at Scenic Hills.

30 Water Arobic Ladies

2008-10-16T18:42:00.000-07:00

From May 1st there about 30 ladies that meet on M-W-F for water arobics. To finish our season this year we had a delightful tea party that everyone took part in. This is how we look when we aren't in swim suits. Sally is hiding under her white hat. The pool officially closes Nov 1st, then we start chair exercises. We seniors need to keep fit.

Cucumber Sandwiches on white bread, garnished with black sesame seeds, cream cheese and goat cheese piped on top with a radish curl. Parsley to top it off. Delicious.

Sweet Kitty alway greeting with a smile.

English Trifle was a hit and there wasn't any left.

2008-10-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating Cleo's 13th B'day at church
Grandma Chris, Nan, Miss Susan, Liandara 5,
Cleo 13.

Christina & Cleo

Ooh, pretty hangers

Food Prep DVD Shoot

2008-10-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today we shot a new DVD on Preparing Tea Sandwiches, scones, and other handy hints. Hopefully the DVD will be ready for purchace by mid November.

One man crew

Feeding Kara a sandwich

Finished sandwich plate

Interview for The Signal Newspaper

2008-10-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

While having tea at The Tea Gardens in Newhall on October 1st, I was being interviewed by a local newspaper for a feature article about Tea Graces, and my book The Graceful Art of Tea. The article turned out to be a five column spread. The writer Alex did a great job of complimenting my tea business that I so love. It's all about serving others.

My Fair Lady Tea

2008-10-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

My granddaughters Alec and Jordyn, and I enjoyed the musical My Fair Lady @ Truffles and Lace in Temecula on September 20th. It was fabulous. We had a full afternoon tea while being entertained by professional artists acting and singing all of the popular songs of the musical.

Jordyn had the opportunity to wear her formal dress again. It was such a lovely day.

Look at these whimsical chandliers adorning the newly added garden
room. One with a teapot, cups and saucers.

This chandlier has old fashioned shoes.

2008-10-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Mexican Riviera Cruise

This is Alec and Jordyn dressed up for formal night on the cruise. So much fun being a lady at such a young tender age.

Alec wearing her cow girl hat that she bargained for in Ensenada. It's a whole new world bargaining about prices in a different culture.

Jordyn holding a piggy towel that was left in our room while we were at dinner. The staff are so creative, making different animals each night.

The gala buffet was a sight to behold. We didn't stay to partake, but did enjoy all of the carvings. Such talent.

Mexican Riviera Cruise

2008-10-05T16:26:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

2008-10-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

2008-09-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

On July 5th, I taught tea etiquette & manners to a group of 5 year olds at an elaborate tea party.

July 19th was such a wonderful day. I was the guest speaker at Paris in a Cup in Orange, CA. There were 40 guests for the morning talk and book signing and 40 more guests in the afternoon seating. Everyone was so kind and gracious to me and the tearoom itself is all about Paris. Cheryl, the owner isn't able to fly due to an inner ear problem, so she brought Paris to southern california. Both her tea room and Tea Graces was featured in the August edition of Victorian Homes. That was quite an honor as well as humbling. The Graceful Art of Tea book is among other books available in the gift section of the tearoom.

July 23rd was a meeting of the Royal Ladies Tea Society at the Tea Gardens in Santa Clarita, CA. This tearoom has been open just over a year and is doing very well. Not your typical phoo-phoo decor, but more european. The menu has a nice variety of food choices as well as a huge selection of teas. Elda, the owner does a nice job of displaying the gift area and The Graceful Art of Tea book adorns some of the shelves.

I have the privilege of teaching at some of the local community colleges in the Los Angeles area and on July 26th there was a 3 hour class presented at Glendale Comm. College. I meet some of the neatest women at these events and they are usually very enthuastic about the world of tea.

Tea is a huge industry, world wide. Each year there is a World Tea Expo displaying everything related to tea in Las Vegas, NV. Because of its growth, many sections of the country have their own tea associations. The first meeting of Western Tea Business Association was held at The Gilded Rose Manor in Northridge, CA on July 28th. This will be a group of tea business's coming together for encouraging one another, serving one another, and networking. It is quite a long and arduous project to get a non-profit association going.

On August 23rd, I left with my friend, my two granddaughters ages 12 and 15 for a five day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. It was a wonderful relaxing time and the girls really enjoyed their time. In Ensenada we shopped and bargained for a lower price on several items. Sometimes it worked and other times the vendor was firm on his price. When we arrived in Cabo San Lucas the girls and Susan went snorkling and took underwater pictures. While they were gone I went on the hunt for a particular semiprecious white stone. After much searching, I finally came upon what I went after, it is absoultly beautiful, mounted in sterling silver with an unusual shape . The shop owner called it a White Onyx and it makes a lovely necklace. Yes, I did bargain and was pleased with the price I wound up with, and have special memories of the trip.

September 21st I taught a 3 hour private tea class in Redlands, CA. It was held in a corner of Aladdin's Tearoom with 11 guests present. The ladies were so interested in the ceremony of tea and all that it entails.

A local newspaper, The Signal, called me Tuesday and wants to do a special feature on Tea Graces next Wednesday, October 1st. We will be meeting at The Tea Gardens for the interview and there will be a photographer from the paper as well. I am very excited about all of the publicity my little tea business is stirring up.

The second video will soon be available. We are shooting on October 7th on how to prepare tea sandwiches and ending with a real live tea party. It is something to look forward to in the near future. You can be sure you will be notified when it is available for purchase.

October 17th, 18th, and 19th I will be doing talks and book signings at three tearooms in central California. Lisa's Tea Treasures in Campbell, The English Rose in Pleasanton, and The August Tearoom in Livermoore. Visit my website http://www.teagraces.com/ for location and times.

2008-09-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends:

I am new at this blogging thing and hope to become an expert before too long.

Starting in the middle of the year, I'll begin with a calendar of events starting June 5, 2008. At noon the Royal Ladies Tea Society had a tea luncheon at the Masters College. This is such a lovely grouyp of ladies. In the evening after dinner a Red Hat group had me speak on Social Tea Graces and Etiquette.

On June 19th, my granddaughters and I had tea at my favorite tea room, in Temecula, CA called Truffles and Lace. Everything about this tearoom is above and beyond ones imagination. First, the ambiance is lovely with cut glass windows covered with lace valances and tin ceilings. The wait staff is gracious beyond measure and the food portions are generous as well as tasteful to the palate. This tearoom is a two hour drive from my home, but I visit it as often as possible

Sugar Cubes

2008-09-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a short blub on how to easily decorate your sugar cubes for a nice presentation.

Children's Tea Party

2008-08-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

On August 7th I did a tea party for a six year old girl and four of her little friends. Below are some photos that I took of the event.

For this centerpiece we used a scrunched up tablecloth over a white underlay plus a 14" mirror ardorned with miniature shoes, purses, pearls, artificial rose petals and doll figurines.

The party girls decorated their own hats with silk flowers, and ribbons.

The pink liquid in the teacup is called fairy tea. The ingredients of this tea is kept a mystery to the little girls. For the adults it is nothing but Nestles Strawberry Quick mixed with milk.