Granville Island

                                            "While there is tea, there is hope" 
                                                                - Sir Arthur Wing Pinero

I was given some Cream Earl Grey tea by my dear friend Pardis and of course couldn't wait to go home and try it! It's no secret I have an ongoing passionate love affair with tea.

Granville Island is based in Vancouver but entices travelers from all over the world for its extensive tea collection. The Granville Tea company is rumored to have up to 150 teas from diverse lands.

I actually drank this tea hot and then decided to experiment by making some ice tea! If anyone has any iced tea making tips they would like to share I would love to hear them. Lord knows I need them!

I used a teaspoon per cup but you can use more or less depending on how strong you like your tea

That lovely space looking glass dome sitting on top of a burner is my tea pot with inclusive strainer! Fancy I know, but not entirely necessary. If you are only just stepping foot into the tea world use a simple tea strainer like this one here. This way you won't gag on loose tea leaves when your having a cuppa! Add milk and sugar if you desire before drinking.
TIP: The longer you keep the tea leaves in there the stronger it will be. I found four minutes the perfect amount of time for brewing. Experiment a little so you can see what works best for you.

Ok so I had the bright idea of adding mochi balls to my iced tea. All they did was sink to the bottom and turn mushy! I recommend you simply crush some ice, pour the tea over with cold water and enjoy!

Tea for Beginners

If you're on the fence about getting a tea set, it may be best to start small. One of the best places to do that is Anthropologie. The essentials of a decent tea set are: cups, saucers, sugar bowl and a milk jug, and they don't have to look like your grandmother's china! Whether you're a trendsetter, corporate man eater, IT girl or tree hugging type, there's a little something for everyone.

Anthropologie has an entire section dedicated to YOU! Each cup is monogrammed so you can feel extra special. This cup is perfect for anyone that serves coffee as much as they do tea, as the cups are deeper than a traditional tea cup.

Not sure where you stand? Off-white is simple and timeless - it will take you through all the seasons and is perfect for all occasions.

This design is still simple but adds a dash of excitement to teatime!

These are some of my favorite tea cups from Anthropologie. Delicate and feminine yet sturdy. Instead of just choosing one color mix and match between the three - it makes for a far more interesting spread when having guests for tea.

For the bold and the beautiful, behold the ultimate floral print tea cups. This set screams "all eyes on me, I know how to serve my tea!"

I would love to hear from you. Which tea set do you take a fancy to? Have a great Teatime Tuesday!

Big Bear Petits Fours

                                                    Big Bear Lake

This week was a first for many things- first time in Big Bear, first time taking a trip completely alone with my kids, first time having a Grey Fog Latte( the little things count too you know). I have to say that it's looking like Big Bear is going to be our home away from home thanks to all of the wonderful people we met from the staff at Pine Knot Guest Ranch to the store owners in the village. I love LA but  Big Bear envelopes you with a sense of peace that you just can't find anywhere but in the heart of such natural beauty.

I would love to hear about any other places in Big Bear that you recommend as a must see for our next visit.

Enjoy the weekend!
xoxoxo
Tasha

Quaint little view from our cabin porch at Pine Knot Guest Ranch

Cowboy Fancy put a big smile on my face, I just know there's a cowgirl hiding behind the Persian-English in me...

                                     Vogue can be found everywhere!

Pizza at Paoli's Country Kitchen, a stone's throw away from our cabin

I would live on this lake if I could! Serenity darling absolute serenity...

Teatime Tuesdays- Tulsi to calm the nerves

"Tea tempers the spirits and harmonies the mind, dispels lassitude and relieves fatigue, awakens thought and prevents drowsiness, lightens or refreshes the body, and clears the perceptive faculties."
                                                                                                     - Confucius

Tulsi sweet rose tea is a balance of Tulsi, Chamomile and rose petals to create a tea that relieves stress and helps protect your immune system. In India Tulsi which is Holy basil is also known as "The Queen of Herbs". I also have a sweet tooth so a little bit of Persian Gaz( pistachio nougat) is the perfect accompaniment to this tea.

Go ahead..take a deep breath, sit back and pour yourself a cup of Tulsi.