The Tea Lady Blog

Wacky Hours This Week.

2012-01-24T14:43:00.001-03:30

The store will be closed on Thursday, Jan 26th and Tuesday, January 31st. We will be opening at 11:30 on Friday, January 27th. Regular hours on Saturday, January 28th and Sunday, January 29th. And we are closed on Mondays for January and February, but you already knew that. Whew!

Christmas Teas!

2011-11-19T07:10:00.002-03:30

They have arrived! We have a limited quantity of Christmas teas in stock.

Christmas Blend

Spiced Apple Chai

Candy Cane

Gingerbread

Chestnut

They make a great stocking stuffer for the tea lover.

We are hiring!

2011-10-31T16:20:00.004-02:30

Britannia Teas and Gifts is looking for a new staff person. Do you love your cuppa? Are you friendly and reliable? Are you available to work on weekdays?

We are looking for someone to work 3-5 shifts a week. This would be for the holiday season with reduced hours during the winter months.

Please drop off your resume to the store

Cosy Cats! Keep that pot hot!

2011-09-26T16:27:00.004-02:30

We are now carrying some hand made tea cosies! Perfect for you the tea loving, cat lover in your life. These cosies really keep your tea hot. I had to use a cloth to hold onto the pot!

We only have these four in stock at the moment. Each cosy is unique and you will be the only one to own that pattern.

We will have Newfoundland Tartan cosies coming soon! They are handmade by the same lovely lady who created the Cosy Cats!

Teacher Gift Ideas!

2011-06-04T13:12:00.004-02:30

Today is warm and sunny and people are walking Water Street looking for teacher presents. We have sold teapots and mugs and teas today as presents. I thought I would pass on a few ideas to you.

A big seller for us last year for teacher gifts were the Bella chains and pendants.

We have three different chain styles and this year there are bracelets available. The chains & bracelets are $4.00, $6.00 and $8.00.

Each pendant is two sided and at a cost of $2.50 each your favorite teacher is getting two necklaces for under $12.00. There is a wide selection of pendants available everything from

funky to conservative!

A gift of teas to get in the mood for summer holidays is always nice.
Candy Ginger Peach Rooibos is a true summer treat that is great hot or cold.
Roman Provence Rooibos combines lavender, rose, elderberry and currants to provide the perfect tea to help relieve stress after the crazy school year.
Lady Hannah's Whole Fruit is another great herbal for making iced tea. Last year I made popsicles with it and they were a hit.
For a bit of caffeine try the Baroness Grey it is a nice Earl Grey with the added flavours of lemon and rose.
We can do up a gift pack for you! If you call us in advance and give us a price range we can even it pick out the teas for you and have it ready for you to pick up.

Want to add an little extra to your gift try some of our wonderful cookies and chocolates! I love the chocolate covered blueberries and cranberries from Dufflet.

There are other great gifts in the shop for your favorite teacher. Bring on the summer holidays!

Thoughts on Mother's Day

2011-05-04T16:34:00.003-02:30

Today I told a couple of people that this weekend was Mother's Day and they had no idea. So this is your gentle reminder.

I am very fortunate to have some awesome mothers in my life. There is my great mother-in-law, Barbara Jarvis. There are my good friends-Gillian, Sonya, Nadine and Stephanie each who have their own special mom style and skills. There are Jennifer and Heidi and Michelle whose facebook updates on their kids brightens my day and often makes me laugh out loud. I could fill up pages on the moms in my life who I admire. I hope they all have a wonderful Mother's Day!

I was somewhere today and a girl was having a little rant about how her mom wanted to go out for supper for Mother's Day. The gentleman next to me told her to stop complaining because she was lucky to have a mother. His mom had passed away five years ago. He misses her everyday. My mom passed away sixteen years ago this month. I miss her everyday. She would love the store!

I know not everyone has a great mom to remember on Sunday. If you do have one though just let her know you are glad she is in your life. It doesn't have to be anything more than a hug and an "I love you!" and lucky you will probably get a hug and an "I love you!" back.

Wedding Cake and a Discount!

2011-04-27T11:34:00.003-02:30

Well, people were asking what we were doing for the Royal Wedding and the first thing I think about when it comes to weddings is cake. Yes, I know, I should be thinking of the happy couple but it's cake that comes to mind.

Then I thought about British weddings and the first thing that came to mind was hats. The British wear the best hats for weddings. Although, some of them are more hair combs with feathers than hats.

So, I called up Picco's Creations, a fantastic cake company and ordered some cake to give out on the big day and invited them to bring some cakes to display in the window. Their cakes are beautiful! You can check them out at their website http://www.piccoscreations.com/ .

I am leaving the hats up to you! Come in on Friday wearing your best wedding hat-toques don't count- and we will give you 15% off your purchase. I am pretty excited about April 29th!

Oh, and the picture is of some of our flour sack tea towels which came back in. We have a big selection of designs and colours. There are seventeen different designs in the singles and eight colour combos in the three packs. These tea towels make a great gift, perhaps for the bride-to be at her wedding shower!

Looking forward to seeing you and your hat on Friday!

Rubber Ducky, you make Tea Time so much fun!

2011-04-05T11:48:00.005-02:30

Yes, we have a tea infuser that is a floating Rubber Ducky! He floats at the top of your cup while your tea steeps.

The new Leaf and Branch infusers are pretty neat. You will have to come in and ask one of us to show you how the Branch infuser works. I like the Leaf infuser best because of it's size perfect for a cup or pot.

We have a new line of aprons in full and waist sizes. The cherry one is available as a kids apron. It would make a great gift for a mom and her aspiring little chef.

These aprons are 100% cotton and machine washable.

Tea cozies also arrived with this shipment.

There is a new line of large colourful $6.00 mugs.

In addition to the bright and beautiful ones in the picture, there are 4 solid colour mugs in Dijon, Twig, Fern and Eclipse, which would be perfect for the man in your life.

There are still some eggcups in stock and we will be doing a new Easter window tomorrow!

Spring Products are Arriving!

2011-03-18T15:48:00.003-02:30

Spring is arriving in the store and in my garden!

I was delighted this morning to see green shoots poking up through the snow and debris in my front garden. I still can't get in the back garden it's still got lots of snow and no sun. My back yard is usually 3 weeks behind the front.

Spring stock in the store has begun to arrive. We just stocked the shelves with our new eggcups, salt and pepper shakers, trivets and glassware. Already, we have sold a number of eggcups and a set of the bird measuring cups.

A big shipment has arrived from Mrs. Bridges including their line of candies. The Fruit Marbles, Blueberries and Raspberries, Rhubarb Custard and Strawberry & Cream are brightly coloured and would make a great Easter present based on looks alone. All of our regular jams, chutneys and mustards are on the shelf. And for the poor man who has been waiting for the horseradish to arrive, it is here!

My favorite new food item are the New York Dehili VIP Nuts. They come in great flavours like Chilli Lemon, Bollywood BBQ and Mumbai Hot and Spicy Mix. There are seven different flavours and the are a great little snack.

We are expecting a new line of aprons for adults and little ones. They should arrive next week along with a new line of mugs and teapots.

Tea cozies will be arriving with the same shipment. Many of the cozies match the aprons.

We are carrying the Elsa's Story Orange and Almond and the Raspberry filled cookies again.

Come in and check out the new stock. And don't forget about the sales corner! More stuff has been added and everything is 20-75% off back there.

The discount will be written on the tag and it is off the regular price that is shown. Now, is your chance to get a Johnson Brothers teapot for 30% off. Looking for ward to seeing you!

Tea Love

2011-02-09T16:05:00.004-03:30

Valentine's Day - a time for true love. I truly love tea and chocolate! In celebration of this special day we will be offering a few specials.

Our Dufflet Dark Chocolate Cranberry and Blueberry Morsels are 20% off! These indulgences are the perfect sweet for your sweetheart. Made with Belgian chocolate, dried cranberries and dried blueberries. Small and satisfying these yummies are made in Canadas.

In the mood for romance? The aphrodisiac teas of Vanilla, Rosehip and Organic Rosebuds will ensure that you aren't the only one wanting to cuddle. Sweet Belgian Chocolate and Strawberry teas make a nice treat. And don't forget the spicy Hot Cinnamon rooibos. To sweeten your weekend all these teas will be 10% off.

We Are Hiring!

2011-02-02T14:04:00.002-03:30

Britannia Teas and Gifts is looking for part time sales staff. Please drop off your resume at the store!

Sales and Storms

2011-02-02T10:40:00.002-03:30

75% off all remaining Christmas gift items

We are having a sale!

Tax free on gift items! With a few exceptions.

Remaining Christmas teas are just $2.00 for 50g!

and just in case it isn't obvious all remaining Christmas Gift items are 75% off.

I just got back from the Canadian Gifts and Tableware Association Gift show in Toronto. There are some great new products coming in the spring and I placed our Christmas order while at the show. Don't worry we won't be getting any of the Christmas stock until the fall.

I came back early to avoid the various snowstorms in Toronto and here at home. Toronto isn't as much fun when you are trapped in the airport. If I have to be held hostage by the weather I am happy it's going to be in my own home.

I came back with some ideas for expanding the products we carry in the store. If you have any requests please let me know what you would like to see in the store.

Drop in to take advantage of the sales!

Christmas Song and Teas

2010-12-03T10:28:00.002-03:30

Yesterday was the launch of the Christmas season for me. I got to go see The Once at Gower Street United Church. Their voices are just beautiful ! Some of my favorite carols were sung and they did a fantastic job. I had a wonderful time. If you haven't seen them perform you should go tonight. There were a few tickets left.

It's Christmas in the store because some of our Christmas teas have arrived. Chocolate Chai, Winter Spice and Buttered Rum are on the shelves. We have a limited supply, so get them as quick as you can.

Downtown Tax Free Day!

2010-11-17T13:03:00.003-03:30

Tomorrow is Downtown Tax Free Day !

It's the start of the Christmas season for us here at Britannia Teas and Gifts and we are offering 20% off most gift items and 10% off tea and food items. The only things not included are the items that are already on sale.

This is also the beginning of our holiday hours. We will be open on Thursday and Friday nights until 9:00. Starting December 8th we will be open 10:00-9:00 Monday to Friday.

And just a reminder to our customers that on Saturdays parking in the Atlantic Place parking garage and the lot on Harbour Drive is FREE!!!

Today's Sample November 3, 2010

2010-11-03T12:39:00.002-02:30

Jasmine Dragon Tears

Jasmine Dragon Tears are a green tea and are made from the top two leaves and the bud of new season growth (Late March /early April). These delicate leaves are then hand rolled into the small pearls. When you infuse these pearls in your tea cup, you will see the top two leaves and the bud come to life. In fact you will see some small ‘hairy down’ on the bud of the leaves - this denotes superb quality and very careful and delicate handling.
The extraordinary flavour of these Jasmine Dragon Tears is due to the time of plucking, manufacture and the fresh spring jasmine blooms. The new tea season starts in China in late March/early April (dependent on weather patterns) and it is during the first 4 weeks that the best teas are manufactured. After this initial period the quality of the teas and green leaf start to deteriorate rapidly and the teas become quite plain. Dragon Pearls are only made from tea plucked in the first 3 weeks of the new season. Coinciding with the new tea growth, the jasmine bushes are in spring bloom. Only the most fragrant blossoms are used (from bushes that are known to produce the most fragrant flowers). These fresh flowers are layered between the tea and before long the intense and uplifting fragrance of the new jasmine blooms is passed on to the tea. An extraordinary taste experience!

All Fired Up For Our Newest Britannia Tea Blend.

2010-11-02T15:42:00.001-02:30

Friday, November 5th we launch our newest Britannia tea. Bonfire Blend is a smokey spicy mix sure to keep you toasty warm. We will have a pot brewing all day for you to sample!

I like candy.

2010-10-25T12:24:00.005-02:30

Actually, I love candy! It's a bit of an addiction and at some point I am going to need an intervention. We have our Monty Bojangles line back in stock. The Rhubarb & Custard are a personal favorite.

This holiday season we have been lucky to get the Mrs. Bridges line of boiled sweets. Many of you will know the Mrs. Bridges line as our main supplier for jams and chutneys. The candies are available in seven different flavours. We are almost sold out of the Assorted Humbugs. I know that the Butter Gingers are going to be a personal favorite.

On the chocolate front we have the Bittersweet Maple Cashew Crackle back in stock. That is until those already addicted find out. I am excited by the new Bittersweet Cinnamon and Pecan Crackle. Three of my favorite things in one delicious treat. My biggest challenge will be to not eat it all in one sitting. Yes, I have done this in the past.

Come on down to get a perfect treat for yourself or your sweetie. I have to go now and treat myself. Maybe I'll be better after the holidays.

Close ups

2010-10-19T16:37:00.002-02:30

Check out some of our Christmas products up close at

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/photos.php?id=79800354402

Sneaking In and a New Blend

2010-10-18T15:52:00.005-02:30

Yes, we did it. We snuck a bit of Christmas into the store.

The back corner has become home to a sampling of our Christmas stock. We haven't done the whole store, just a wee bit. I like to decorate the store after the Remembrance Day parade. I have to confess that I don't like having the front window done until the parade has gone pass the shop. I just feel funny about Santa staring out at people and veterans on such a somber occasion.

I do enjoy getting the store prettied up for the holidays and I'll spend most of the afternoon and evening of November 11th doing new displays and the window. Please come in on the 12th and let us know what you think of the window.

But before Christmas takes over the store, we will be introducing a new blend on Bonfire Night(November 5th). I know you will be amazed when I tell you that it's going to be called Bonfire Blend. The launch takes place during the Festival on Fire. You can find out more about the festival at

http://www.mun.ca/ich/folklifefestival/festonfire.php

Storytelling Benefit Concert With A Cup Of Tea

2010-10-05T15:30:00.002-02:30

This Friday, October 8th the St. John's Storytelling Festival and the Folk Arts Society present

THE HURRICANE IGOR STORYTELLING BENEFIT CONCERT

featuring internationally acclaimed storyteller La'Ron Williams

with musical guests Christina Smith and Jean Hewson
recitations by Dave Paddon

and teas from Britannia Teas and Gifts.

the concert begins at 8:00pm at the Gower Street United Church(lower auditorium)
Cost is $10.00 and all proceeds will go to the Canadian Red Cross Hurricane Igor Fund.

for more information please visit
http://www.storytellingstjohns.ca/events.html

Igor Wreaks Havoc on Namesake

2010-09-23T15:33:00.003-02:30

Britannia is located on Random Island in Trinity Bay, NL. My mother grew up there and we visited my grandmother and family often when I was growing up. Tea was a huge part of our visits. I named the store after this community that has so many memories for me, often created over a cup of tea.

This week Hurricane Igor hit our province hard. There was one fatality and it happened in Britannia. The initial news that someone had died out there came to me from a friend. I phoned down and found out that the man was not someone in my family. There is a horrible feeling of relief that you haven't lost someone close, followed by sadness for the family that has. Is there a word that describes feeling joy and grief at the same time?

While my family is okay they are not unaffected. They have gathered in the one house with a wood stove because there is no power. The roads on the island have been ravaged. Tom Hedderson, Newfoundland and Labrador's acting Minister of Emergency said that the level of devastation is unlike any he has ever seen. My Aunt Dos said"It's impossible to describe. It will take months to get things right again."

Fixing the power lines is dependent on road repairs, which will have to be done a section at a time. I doubt this will be accomplished in a couple of days as stated on the radio this morning. Hopefully, it will not take months for the basics to be returned to the island. In the meantime, I just heard that helicopters are being sent to Random Island but I haven't heard what they are being sent to accomplish.

My thoughts and concerns are with my family and all the residents of Britannia, Random Island and the province who have been affected by Igor.

End of Summer Fun!

2010-08-20T16:56:00.003-02:30

It's hard to believe that we are just a few weeks from the end of Summer. Today felt more like Fall, which happens to be my favorite season. But I keep thinking it's still July.

We had a great time at the Newman Wine Vaults and the Crossing Borders show with Laura Kamis Wrang. We only had one seat left in the house and the tea was a hit.

It's been a busy couple of weeks and the pile of paperwork on my desk doesn't seem to be getting any lower. Our Christmas stock is starting to arrive but I am not ready to put it out yet. Forgive me, but I want to at least get past Labour Day before seeing Santa.

A shipment of Kids Tea Sets arrived and the newest additions are a Scottie Dog set and Sock Monkey Set. Last year our Christmas order arrived in January, so if you see a set you want, I would suggest not waiting to pick it up. I was pretty disappointed when they didn't arrive in December. A lot of customers were disappointed too.

Our fantastic Britto line has expanded. We now have luggage tags, address books, photo albums and wallets. There is, also, a new style of mug. Our travel mugs are on reorder. They just fly out of the store.

The thing I am most excited about is our newest blend ,which hit the shelves today! Jessie has fallen in love with it, but is cursing me for creating another blend that she has to have in her tea cupboard. Her favorite is the Commissariat House Blend. It's going to have to make some space for Cuper's Cove Crisp is a blend of strawberry, rhubarb and cream. And, here I go tooting my own horn, it's yummy!! This tea was created in honour of the Cupids 400 celebrations and it almost took 400 years to create. I was having a tough time getting the right combination, but I am pretty happy with the final blend. You will have to let me know what you think. It will be available for sale at the Cupids Legacy Centre this weekend.

I am off to enjoy the weekend. Yes, I gave myself the weekend off! It is supposed to be more Fall and less Summer. It would be great to have one day of each. How about a summery Saturday and a fallish Sunday?

LATE NIGHTS AND TEA TALES

2010-07-12T15:15:00.003-02:30

Thursday Nights

Well, I asked and you responded with a resounding yes to opening one night a week. Starting in July the store will be open on Thursdays until 9:00pm. If you come to the shop on the evening of Juy 15th, between 5:00 and 9:00 and tell us you read the blog we will give you 15% off your regular priced items.

Tea Tales

The last weekend of July brings storytellers from around the world to St. John's. Britannia Teas and Gifts is teaming up with Laura Kamis Wrang from Denmark to bring you an evening of tea tales. Laura will guide you through her experiences with tea and the store will be providing the tea. Seating is limited and tickets are available in advance at the store. The cost is $12.00 plus hst. For information on all the public events visit the link below.

http://www.storytellingstjohns.ca/events/summer2010/wrang.html

Radio Noon

2010-06-23T13:10:00.002-02:30

I'll be on Radio Noon Cross Talk tomorrow at 12:30. Call in with your tea questions and stories, there will be prizes for two lucky callers. Don't forget that you can listen online at

www.cbc.ca/radionoonnl

Hope to hear from you!

Mother's Day

2010-05-05T10:42:00.002-02:30

Mother's Day is this Sunday. I thought it was the following weekend. Oops! I think it is because the first weekend of May fell on the 1st and 2nd.

We have a beautiful selection of products for your Mother's Day presents. Some of the most popular items this week have been jams and chutneys, flour sack tea towels, mugs, journals, garden accents and of course, tea.

For me being in the store is the best way to spend Mother's Day. My Nana inspired me and I know my Mom would have loved everything in the store.

Happy Mother's Day!