I have been finding all kinds of treasures in our house as I am preparing for our move to North Carolina.  A dumpster was delivered today so we can toss any items that are not usable that have collected over the years we have been here.   A huge table of giveaway items is up in the garage and folks are welcome to come pick through it before it gets hauled off to Salvation Army.  Our neighborhood is abuzz, I am sure, with talk of what is going on especially after pick ups, vans and yes—even a semi truck pulled up to our house to take unwanted items away.

But one of the best things is discovering teapots that I had stashed away and forgotten about.  Case in point- this beautiful silver one complete with cream and sugar pieces that came from Chris’s parents’ house.

Isn’t it beautiful?  Chris’s dad had it all wrapped up in silver cloth so there is not a spot of tarnish on it anywhere even though it has been stored this way for at least 4 years. There is a matching coffee pot with the set as well and I love that this is a piece of history from Chris’s family that I can have and cherish forever.

The lids feature a cute little knob that adds to the beauty of the pieces and I think it just makes a statement, don ‘t you?
So I have decided to take time out from the sorting and throwing out, the organizing and getting rid of to have a cup of tea.  It will calm the soul and soothe my frazzled nerves a bit when I need to remember my mantra “don’t stress”.

Enjoy your day today and help yourself to cup of tea as well.

Tea Tips

Suggested ration is one teaspoon of leaves per cup of water. Some light teas like oolong, white and greens may taste better with twice that ration.

Use boiling water (212 degrees F) when preparing black, dark oolong, light oolong and white teas.

Do not steep your tea longer than recommended or it will taste bitter.

      Black: 5 minutes

      Dark Oolong and White: 7 minutes

      Light Oolong and Green:  3 minutes