Keep Calm and Put the Kettle On

The Brits are known for their love of and skill at making a good cuppa tea.  The secret?

 Aside from piping hot water and good tea leaves, is to be sure you have the right teapot to steep it in.  The Brown Betty is the legendary and favored teapot throughout England.

I purchased one myself several years ago, and am a complete convert.  At first, I thought who would buy this dark brown teapot when there so many cute china patterned ones?  

The teapot dates back to 1695 in Stoke-On-Trent in Staffordshire where the local craftsman developed the Brown Betty teapot from the indigenous red clay.  This pottery allows for the perfect heating and steeping of the tea.  In addition, the special shape of the pot prevents drips when you pour.  

The Brown Betty can be purchased in England, or to save yourself the cost of international shipping, is available through a U.S. importer called the English Tea Store.  The Brown Betty comes in 2, 4, 6, and 8 cup sizes ranging in price from $25.99 to $36.99 (U.S. Dollars).  I prefer the 8-cup which is what you would imagine a standard size for a teapot.  They carry the cobalt blue version, but traditionalists prefer the brown glaze.

Be careful of knockoffs--a true brown betty will have a certificate or tag from Staffordshire telling you which ceramicist hand crafted the pot.  The English Tea Store features Cauldon Ceramics which is one of the heritage ceramicists in Staffordshire.  Cauldon Ceramics sells directly and offers many Brown Betty varieties, but, again, the international shipping is more expensive.

Spice It Up:  Make your gift truly special with a British themed tea cosy from Jan Constantine ranging from $27.00-$120.00 (British pounds).  The tea cosy is placed over the teapot after you pour your hot water in with your tea.  This allows the teapot to stay warm, and keep the liquid at the perfect temperature to enjoy while visiting with your friends.

The Union Jack is one the most recognizable British emblems, and is especially fitting for a british teapot and tea cosy.  Jan Constantine is a British designer who specializes in handstitched  pillows, throws, etc.  Her haberdashery designs are so popular she has translated them to china, and other featured accessories.

Add a few tea cups to go with your cute tea cosy!  

While you can order directly from Jan Constantine's website, it may be expensive to ship internationally.  Many of her products can be found on Amazon or through U.S. retailers like The Bees Knees with Tea Cosies for $135.00 (U.S. Dollars). 

Rev Up Those Resolutions!

With the New Year upon us, we all resolve to make new changes and keep our resolutions.  Whether it is torturing yourself at the gym, giving up chocolate, ditching that cheatin' boyfriend, or just focusing on positive thinking, it is tough to stick to your goals after a few weeks.

Mantra Bands has created an elegant and sensible way to keep your resolution ever present on your mind, and on your wrist in a stylish bracelet.  Choose from a list of inspirational words/sayings in either silver, gold, or rose gold.  This is a great New Year's gift or birthday gift for that special friend/mother/sister who is attempting to see their resolution through to fruition, or for a friend going through a divorce, breakup, grief, etc.

Spice It Up:  Any resolution or self-improvement plan is bolstered through exercise.  Pair the Mantra Band bracelets with these fun inspirational socks called Notes To Self.

I like them because they have a variety of sayings which will be covered by your sneaker, but give you a secret affirmation as you wear them.  Of course, if you are headed to yoga class,you'll be the envy of all your classmates when your downward dog pose reveals Brave on the soles of your feet!

Where to buy:  Mantra Bands can be purchased online directly from their website.  They range in price from $25.00-$35.00.  Check out the cool box they are packaged in which enhances the gift and makes me want to buy more than one!

The inspirational socks can be purchased online directly at Notes to Self, or you can check their retail locator for stores near you. Several area Hallmark Stores carry the socks.  Prices range from $9.99-$10.99 paid depending on the style (anklet or crew).  These socks are high quality and are made of a nice feeling fabric.  At this low price, you can bundle a few pairs to make a whimsical gift.

Tea For Two…and Two For Tea

Sometimes you need a “go-to” gift that is not too expensive, yet appeals to everyone from acquaintances to family.  For me, that gift is two tea cups. 

Whether it’s for your mother, your daughter, grandmother, a friend’s birthday, the start of a new job, a get well for a sick friend, a co-worker, or teacher appreciation, this gift works for everyone!

Spice It Up:  A way to personalize the gift, is to buy some special tea to pair with the cups.  Republic of Tea makes wonderful tea with unusual flavors.  If you look at the label there is a sentiment tied to the tea like “Good Fortune” or “The Perfect Tea.”   I paired the Dragon Oolong tea of Good Fortune for a friend’s birthday who was also starting a new job.  A nice wish for new beginnings!

While the cups are plenty, if you want to add to the gift, include a saucer with the cup.  This is always handy for placing the teaspoons or sugar on the side. 

The crowning touch is to add a box of special sugar cubes.  I recommend buying a couple of boxes to keep handy when you need to add them to a set of cups for a gift.

Option:  If your recipient is not a tea drinker, substitute the tea with a pound of nice coffee or hot chocolate mix.  Some tasty brands include Illy, and Starbucks. 

Where to Buy:

Tea Cups:  Tea cups can be purchased almost anywhere, but my favorite place to find unique and colorful cups is Anthropologie.  They always have a selection of festive dishes, and the cups/mugs range from $8.00-$16.00 per cup. 

Tip:  Anthropologie maintains a sale rack of dishes in each of their stores.  Check this out to see what cute mugs are available that have been marked down.  This is a good way to keep the cost down as the sale items are 20-75% off depending on the item.

Alternate store: Check out your local antique mall for inexpensive retro mugs or tea cups.  Look for a variety—they do not need to match.  Prices will range from $1.00-upwards depending on the quality of the porcelain/pottery.

Tea:  Republic of Tea is available in most gourmet grocery stores like Central Market and Whole Foods.  Recommended flavors are the Blackberry Sage, English Breakfast and Dragon Oolong tea.  $8.99-$14.99 per box.  

Celestial Seasonings are available in most grocery stores including Tom Thumb.  Recommended flavors:  Mandarin Orange, Lemon Zinger, Sleepy Time tea. $2.99-$4.99 per box.

Sugar Cubes: Sugar cubes are available on Etsy in a variety of shapes including pink teapots, Bridge/Card game emblems (Spades, Hearts, Clubs, and Diamonds).  $6.00-$25.00 per box.