Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild

Tea-related education and events, the enjoyment of the beverage and the culture of tea

Apr 3

What a Year It’s Been

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Last year, 2020, started out with great prospects. I had plans to renew posting to this blog, and the wine blog, to have more teas, maybe some educational tea things, etc. For some reason – actually for several known reasons and a few unknown – 2019 had not been a good year for the business. But, 2020 was going gang busters and we had our goal set of surpassing 2019 in a big way. That all came to a screeching halt mid-March, as it did for the whole nation. So, we took this time to regroup and plan. We adjusted, as did just about everyone else. My husband and I work in the health field as well and so our lives only took a temporary slow-down.

It was a time to “catch up” with friends and family on Zoom, catch up on rest, and explore YouTube for ideas. I had just had surgery and my leave of absence was extended as my boss had asked us to do what we could to lower his payroll. My husband used his vacation time. We caught up on needed sleep, became Zoom savvy, and our lives were filled with little projects. Just like many of you. In addition, as I am fairly “techie” I became a Zoom host for several organizations.

We survived, thanks to the offered PPP loan and some grant money, as well as our personal savings. As things loosened a little, we still sided with caution. No food events were scheduled. Still, we managed to beat that horrible 2019 by a little.

This year we were so happy to be able to offer an afternoon tea for Easter. It couldn’t be as fancy as usual as we were not allowed to use centerpieces unless we destroyed them afterward, but we were able to use colorful paper place mats. We didn’t put a lot of notices out as it was a first run and we weren’t sure how much response we would get. We were happy to say that we were booked to the max. People were so eager to be out and about, especially after receiving their vaccines, and were confident that as medical people we took precautions to keep people safe.

I just want to say “thank you” and I am hopeful that this year there will be a return of blogging. I haven’t gone so far as to promise a YouTube video – and won’t – but maybe. Just maybe.

Enjoy looking over past posts. We now carry some Storehouse Teas – organic, non-GMO, loose leaf teas from a woman-owned business in northern Ohio. Unfortunately, our previous vendor became unreliable. Her teas were wonderful and we wish her well, but our last three orders were never filled.

Right now I am enjoying the latest Laura Childs books, as well as Joanne Fluke’s. I recommend them for light reading. May your 2021 be blessed.

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Sep 1

Asian Tea Party

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

The summer is coming to a close, the kids are back in school. And they’re bringing home notes from the teacher, homework and illnesses. Some kind soul shared their cold with my husband who has shared it with me. You are determined that this fall amidst all of this and the sporting events, you will find some time for you and a few guests. Or you want to teach your children about how others drink their tea. (Hint. It’s not Sweet Tea that’s half sugar or iced tea. That’s pretty much American.)
My tea mentor, Dawnya Sasse, posted this several years ago, but it still holds true. If fixing the food puts you in a bind, it’s OK to order from the Chinese restaurant. Our local Kroger is also preparing Sushi. I grew up on Chun King. The Chop Suey was in one can and the Asian Crispy Noodles were in another. My mother was one of the minority of working women back then and if time was short, which it often was, then out came the cans. Or the Rice-A-Roni. And do you remember the tin foil TV dinners? That’s not to say she didn’t cook. That was for the weekend. Or her day off. Or she had other quick meals.
But, back to the Asian Tea party. Decorations can often be found at craft stores on online. If you don’t care for Asian music, perhaps you can enjoy this with an Asian movie such as Mulan (especially if you have the kids), Flower Drum Song, or even some of the James Bond or Sean Connery movies set in Asia.

Bring the mystery of the orient into your living room with a creative tea party that will have your guests begging for more. Possibilities are endless when you host an Asian themed tea party, from presenting an overview of Asian teas to replicating a Japanese tea ceremony.

Your presentation can vary depending on your guests and how formal or informal you would like the party to be. Either way, an Asian tea party is a great way to introduce many exotic Asian teas.

Activities

Depending on the overall feel of the party, choose among a variety of possible activities. Hosting a traditional Japanese tea ceremony can be fun and educational for your guests. If you don’t want to do something quite so formal, you can teach your guests various Asian customs regarding tea, such as traditional preparation methods, types of teas, how to pour and present teas, and Asian tea etiquette.

This approach can be unusual, lively, and memorable. It’s also a great opportunity to use different teapots and cups that are Asian inspired. If you are hosting a Japanese inspired party, you could include origami as one of the activities.

It’s fun, inexpensive, and does not require a lot of space. Like fortune cookies? Why not order a batch for your guests and share your fortunes round the table.

Decorations

Decorations can be simple yet elegant. To set the mood, purchase a variety of paper lanterns to create a warm ambiance. Use a lot of red and black, as these are customary colors and pair them with dragons and hanging wall fans.

Find some small parasols to place on each table, or use the small ones for decoration in your teacups. For added elegance, use specialty porcelain dishes and China as well as designer chopsticks. Look for cards that have “friendship” or other sayings printed using the authentic symbols to use for added ambiance.

Decorate the room and tables with flowers such as orchids and lotuses. Bamboo is an easy, inexpensive, and authentic decoration option.

In addition, if you already have them or are able to borrow or rent them, incorporate small water fountains, bonsai trees, or small rock gardens.

Music

Having a variety of Asian music playing the background is perfect for setting the tone of the party.

Visit the local music store for suggestions. You may want to use some type of compilation, or choose music from a specific region or country, such as Japan, Thailand, or China. If your theme is based on a specific country, choose music accordingly.

Invitation Ideas

You can really get creative with invitations, from purchasing ones that are shaped like a fan to using an origami invitation that guests can unfold to read.

Alternatively, you may be interested in invitations that have an Asian picture or symbol on them.

If you are hosting a formal party, invitations on specialty paper make a beautiful work of art. Your budget will influence the style of invitation you choose to use.

The good news is that there are many options available for all price ranges. Start with a local gift or party shop. There are lots of great companies available online as well.

Foods

The food choices for an Asian tea party are almost unlimited! For starters, offer a variety of sushi, which can be made to suit any taste, including mild, spicy, and vegetarian.

Stir-fry is easy to make for larger groups of people, and you could even prepare the food in a central area so your guests can observe. It’s entertaining and educational!

Asian foods rely heavily on rice and noodles, and there are many recipes to find that incorporate these, from soups to main dishes and deserts. Of course, you’ll still want to offer fortune cookies!

Whichever foods you choose, offer lighter food choices, as those that are too heavy can take away from the tea experience.

Teas

This event would be perfect with a delicate Oolong like Monkey Pick or a mystical Tung Ting. You might also wish to consider “display teas” which actually bloom when steeped in water.

These hand tied extravaganzas are sure to impress your guests. Order from http://www.numi.com.

If you are looking to impress your guests invite them to experience tea and its birthplace. You will have them begging for more.

(C) Dawnya Sasse

Dawnya Sasse is the creator of the ultimate tea business training school allowing students to discover the secrets of the tea industry,”quickly and easily” without ever leaving home.

This article may be distributed freely on your website, as long as this entire article, including links and this resource box are unchanged. Copyright 2006 Dawnya Sasse All Rights Reserved. Tea Events http://www.TeaEvents.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawnya_Sasse

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Apr 27

Company’s Coming – Quick Summer Recipes For Serving Great Tea (Or a warm spring day)

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

It seems like “fast” never quite seems “fast enough” when guests show up on your doorstep.  Summer and friends go hand in hand and when it comes to summer drink recipes, any tea lover will tell you that nothing ever seems to go as quickly as we want or expect. (like the time you tried to make iced tea in a hurry and ended up with a watered down mess.)  Well, let me do my part to help you speed things up with two summer tea recipes that help you serve your guests as fast as possible (especially if you’re strapped for time).

Recipes #1: Smoothies Work Well if Serving 2-4 Guests

Tea smoothies are loved by all ages and combine cool refreshing ingredients with speed.  I suggest keeping a few ingredients in the freezer to make this process even easier.

1 Cup Greek Yogurt (Vanilla or Plain)
1 Cup Iced Tea
1 Cup Frozen Fruit – Your Choice (must be frozen in order for this recipe to work!)

This is a great mix and match basic recipe.  Toss in stevia or honey and sweeten to taste.  Blend to the consistency that says “summer” and serve with a fresh wedge of fruit on the glass.  This recipe serves 2-3 people and takes only moments to prepare.

Recipes #2: Punches Work Well For Group Gatherings

This recipes is critical to your success if you are planning a reunion or bbq gathering.  Grab a big punch bowl or glass beverage dispenser and create this simple cool drink.

Toss in a pitcher of strong iced tea (sweetened works best) and mix with one bottle of citrus based soda.  Add some fresh lemons and limes and a cup or two of orange juice to taste (can be a frozen concentrate.)  This quick and easy punch offers refreshment for a crowd in a hurry.

Both of these recipes put some entertainment power in every tea lover’s corner. But don’t forget, there’s a lot more simple ways to use tea this summer, so don’t let this article be the end of your journey. Instead, let it be the beginning of your quest for more knowledge.

By the way, our shop offers a fantastic collection of teas perfect for summer entertaining.  Visit us online at : http://www.Unicornwineguild.com or in person at our shop in Belpre, Ohio.

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Apr 4

Cooking with Tea- Tips and Tricks That Work Like Magic

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Cooking with tea is one of the fastest ways to grab greater health and vitality in a hurry. Here are two simple ways to begin cooking with tea today.

Tea Secret #1: Tea Makes a Great Rub

Tea can serve as a spice for a variety of meats such as chicken. pork, fish or beef. The key is using a simple recipe that is easy to apply. Here’s one I recommend for pork or beef. (think smokey grilled steaks..yum!)

2 Tablespoon Lapsang Souchong or other good black tea
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Black pepper

Grind all the ingredients together and spread over your meat (both sides.) Let your meat rest,covered in the rub, for several hours in the fridge. Your dinner will soak up the terrific smoky taste of the Lapsang leaves and be ready for the BBQ.

Tea Secret #2: Tea Makes Great Marinade

If you love cooking with chicken then green tea will be your best friend. Use this simple recipe to marinate chicken or fish that you plan to bake, pouch or grill.

Brew 5 Tablespoons of your favorite green tea in 6 ounces of 180 degree water (prior to boil.) Steep for 5 minutes. Pour the tea into your marinade dish and mix with 1/2 cup of orange juice, one Tablespoon of olive oil, some fresh chopped rosemary and a bit of salt and pepper. If you love garlic or onions toss in a bit as well.

Add your chicken to the marinade and let the flavors meld together overnight in the fridge. (Be sure to turn the chicken a few times to make sure it is well coated.)

Prepare as desired. YUM!

Once you understand the facts about cooking with tea, you can move forward with confidence – and testing these recipes is a great start for anyone who loves tea and wants to improve their health.

By the way, if you’re interested in cooking with tea and still have questions, why not contact us? We sell great loose leaf tea along with wine and gifts. Visit us online at http://www.UnicornWineGuild.com or come in and see us in person at the Unicorn Wine Guild, Belpre, Ohio.

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Mar 20

Afternoon Tea Party Bridal Shower Theme

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Are you planning a bridal shower but want to make it a bit different than the usual shower? Consider incorporating an afternoon tea theme into your plans. The event doesn’t need to be a serious high tea with straight faces all around. Make it fun for the bride and the guests by going all out and encouraging everyone to get involved.

Make it fun for the bride and the guests by going all out and inspiring everyone to get involved.

If you want your guests to arrive prepared, make sure their invitation states that they are invited for an afternoon tea party. Hint that they bring items to help lighten the mood, such as fancy gloves, hankies or hats that they can use all through the shower. Getting the guests involved before the shower means fewer surprises during the shower and gives them a heads up as to what they can expect. There will always be some guests who won’t feel comfortable participating, so don’t let them get you down.

It’s also a great idea to have some extra costume pieces for guests who don’t have anything at home that they can bring.

The best way to get the atmosphere of an afternoon tea is to serve tea in fancy tea pots. Borrow these from friends and family if you don’t have them yourself. Just be careful with them to make sure they don’t break. You’ll also require fancy tea cups and saucers and entice everyone to drink with their pinkie fingers in the air! Make it light-hearted and turn it into a shower game!

You can also use tea pots as vases and fill them with fresh flowers. These would make excellent centerpieces, set on a napkin or embroidered cloth.

To accompany the tea, serve dainty sandwiches filled with cream cheese and cucumber slices. Scones with homemade preserves and thick cream are also applicable for this theme. Small cookies and squares will introduce some diversity to your party menu.

An afternoon tea bridal shower isn’t complete without, of course, the tea. But don’t feel constrained to only this beverage. You can serve iced tea, coffee, or punch as well, but keep in the spirit by serving all of the drinks in tea cups.

If you have lots of room, set up dainty tables with four or five chairs at each table for the atmosphere of smaller parties going on at the same time. If tea is the main beverage, you can set up one pot per table and let your guests help themselves.

Keep the bride involved in the theme by providing some tea party garments for her. She may appreciate the theme since it will take some of the attention and pressure off of her as the guests get caught up in their tea party. Having a theme also helps to keep the festivities going without those awkward silences that occasionally happen because it gives people who don’t have a lot in common something to talk about.

Make sure that you and your co-hosts are willing to jump head first into the shower theme. The more you are willing to get into it, the more willing your guests will be to follow suit. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and will make everyone else more comfortable to join in. If you’re having funArticle Search, your guests will too.

Christopher Smith
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DecorateFor can give you great ideas on Fresh Flower Arrangements, House Plants and Winter Decoration Ideas. Visit us today.

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Nov 16

Different Tea Traditions Around the World

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Expert Author Rob Hamilton
Is it teatime already? It probably is somewhere! Tea is a very unique drink that is often described as “more of an experience than just a beverage” and that’s probably true. Not many beverages have their own special time of the day to be enjoyed that have left a huge mark on the world or changed history the way that tea has. Tea has been around for hundreds of years and is a part of many time honored traditions around the world. Each place has its own variety of time honored tea traditions including the following.

The Chinese tea ceremony probably the oldest and has always had a significant role in Chinese culture. During the ceremony, the host serves tea to their guests as they sit together, smelling the aroma of the tea first, and then slowly tasting it, taking time to enjoy the soothing flavors. The Chinese, as with many cultures, consider enjoying tea with guests a symbol of goodwill, a way to ask for forgiveness or show appreciation.

In Japan, tea is more of a metaphor for the state of being. It’s a very Zen experience that can be shared in a group but it is more about reflection. The Japanese tea ceremonies are carried out in a place where everything is aesthetically calming and you feel at peace. The tea consumed is smooth and comforting to drink, and the ceremony is designed to elevate the spirit. With a cup of tea in every hand of celebrants, the day becomes more serene.

In Russia, black tea is the most common variety. The Russian tea ceremony is so important that it has many different works of art and books dedicated to the process itself, illustrating it in various forms. The Russian tea ceremony is also very social but it is a much darker and bitter drink than the tea variations favored in other nations.

India has always had a booming tea industry. Tea is enjoyed in many different varieties, and for many different occasions. However, it’s more tied to the economy. Buying and selling tea is a traditional way to make a living in India.

Tea can be purchased and enjoyed anywhere in the world today, and is available is a wide variety of blends as well. Every nation has their own tea traditions and most are based on good will and kindness. All this from a soothing cup of tea.

Gourmet Coffee Systems, Inc. is a one-of-a-kind Tea Portland Company. They offer gourmet coffee systems, service and convenience with the most competitive packages. Check out http://www.gcscoffee.com to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Hamilton

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Aug 31

Downton Abbey

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

It’s Official!  PBS has announced that Season 4 of Downton Abbey will premier in the U.S. on Sunday, January 5, 2014, and will run on Sunday evenings through February 23, 2014.  And, yes, it will premier in Britain in September 2013.  PBS is counting on the hype from the reviews to boost their earnings.  Last year there were several stories about Downton Abbey premier parties.  And this year is sure to have its share.  You’d love to do one yourself, but you just aren’t sure how.  Now is the time to begin preparations.  Yes. Now.  Anticipation is half the fun.  Preparation is most of the work.

Of course, Downton Abbey’s dining room is resplendent with china, silver, crystal and linen. Expensive.  Not necessarily.  Look around.  Did you receive a candelabra for your wedding that you’ve never used?  What’s tucked away in the basement, the attic, the back of the closet?  Shop flea markets, yard sales, antique stores, auctions and second hand stores for the accessories you want to carry off such a party.  Just today I visited a nearby flea market.  There was a silver tea pot, sugar and creamer all for under $25. Maybe borrow from Mom or Grandma or a wonderful aunt.  Don’t forget the costuming.  Dresses, hats, gloves, furs, tiaras, jewelry (costume and otherwise.)  Season 4 is to cover 1922-23, but I would think anything from the Edwardian period would be just in style.

Plan ahead by gathering pieces together and planning your party using what you have.  The menu can vary as you add pieces. Will it be sit down or buffet?  An evening meal or afternoon tea?  Where will it be? 

Perhaps you will not be doing a premier party, but a party to recap the first three seasons and get up to speed for the fourth. A shower for the babies or a funeral tea for the loss of one or more of the characters is another option.   The party may evolve throughout the next couple of months so keep notes.  Or you may gain enough notes to throw more than one party.  After all, you’ll have the needed dining pieces. 

Do you belong to a woman’s club?  Fundraisers are always needed.  If you would throw a shower, donated items could be given to a local agency such as a domestic shelter. Maybe the club would want to partner with the local museum for a program on the fashions of the day, WWI or the Roaring 20’s. If you have the funeral tea, items could be donated to a charity that might have been supported by the deceased, such as the Red Cross. 

A search through those flea markets, used book stores and charity book sales may yield recipe, etiquette and entertainment books from the time, as well.  An internet search will lead you to blogs devoted to the show.  Online bookstores such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble will have DVD’s of the show, CD’s of music and even books about castle where the series is filmed.

The theme is perfect for trivia games, personality games (which character are you, which job would you hold), even murder mysteries.  Can’t wait for January?  How about a Halloween party?  It’s your party.  Have fun.

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Jul 25

Garden Party

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Okay. I’m going to show my age here. When I was little – as in kindergarten little – my family would faithfully watch the Ozzie and Harriet Show. I adored Ricky Nelson. I think he was my first crush. By first or second grade I was proudly wearing my Dr. Kildare shirt, but that’s another story. Years later little Ricky came back into my life with his grown-up name. Rick Nelson. His hit “Garden Party” was on the radio today. I know his lyrics have nothing to do with an afternoon tea garden party, except for the title. But, the ideas began to flow. A garden party. I remember my grandmother loved her rose garden. She had a back porch with trellises covered in ivy. We would sit on the wicker chairs and watch the birds and butterflies in her back yard. These times were often accompanied by iced tea and a cookie. Or Heavenly Hash. A favorite snack for me. Marshmallows, pineapple, maraschino cherries, coconut and whipped cream. Yum. (She usually left out the nuts.) Sometimes she would have a few blooms that had damaged stems. She would snip these off and bring them into the house to float in a bowl of water. Peonies often received this treatment, too, and would make a lovely table decoration for a tea.
While I thought about the garden party, I thought of one of the most famous ones – the annual garden party hosted by Queen Elizabeth II. Pastels, big hats, sun dresses. Finger sandwiches and Petit Fours. I looked at Pinterest and Martha Stewart’s website and found a ton of ideas. But, Mamo’s floating flowers were my favorite. Of course, on a sunny day a big hat is a help, but not the only solution to the sun in your eyes. If you had a garden party and didn’t have a trellised porch or a big shade tree or two then you might consider going a little more beachy in the theme and putting out beach umbrellas. Or you might make canopies out of pretty cloth and poles or even invest in a garden tent. If your party extends to evening, twinkle lights and citronella candles can add ambience to the event.
If it’s been raining as much in your area as in mine, then you might want to move the party indoors. Continue with the floating flowers, or fill bowls or glass cylinders with lemons and limes and add cranberries for a touch of color. Use the lemon and lime colors or even summery pastels and florals for décor, linens and china (or paper items. There are lovely paper plates and napkins these days.) Invitations can match the color scheme and theme. You’d still like it outdoors, but have no yard? Ask a friend or neighbor if you can use theirs (set-up and clean-up is your job, not theirs) or go to a park or public garden. Picnic baskets or hampers come in handy for these outings.
What to serve? Match the theme. It could be a theme as easy as just the two of us, girl’s get-together or fun in the sun. Or more formal such as a bridal or baby shower, a royal garden party, Mad Hatter’s party, Downton Abbey or Victorian, Secret Garden or a fundraiser for a cause in which case there may be a color association.
The food? Chilled soup such as Gazpacho or Vichyssoise, mini quiches or tea sandwiches, Petit Fours or individual fruit tarts. I thought of cup cakes or individual cakes, but on a warm day the icing may not hold so well and ice cream may melt if not properly cared for. Iced tea and lemonade would make wonderful beverages. Use your imagination. A garden party is basically a picnic. Pay attention to how you will keep cold foods cold and how to prevent spoilage of not only the food but the event. A garden party can be a fun dress-up event or even a great casual event. The choice is yours. The main thing is to enjoy.

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May 7

Organize a Book Club Tea

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Summer is on it’s way.  Vacations, longer days, a little more relaxed time.  Now is the time to organize a book club (or revitalize the one you do belong to) – and a tea to go with it.  It might just be for summer reading or you might enjoy each other’s company so much you carry through to the rest of the year.

If your book club is not already established, to make sure you have a solid group at every meeting, try to recruit at least six readers.  Remember the old adage of intimate is never more than eight.  Need help finding those members?  Try co-workers or friends of friends. 

Clubs tend to meet once a month for an hour and a half during the school season, but the summer may find you meeting a little more often or for a little longer.  Sometimes the club meeting occurs as a rotation at each members home.  Others meet at a tea room or café.  Both are OK.  You might even want to try a pot luck picnic. 

For each meeting a member should make a dished inspired by that month’s book selection.  Cooking novices should not be intimidated.  A lot of chick lit, memoirs and cozy mysteries have easy recipes.    

But, wait.  The title of the blog post is organize a book club TEA.  If you are just starting the club, then you supply the food and tea for the first meeting.  If it is an established group, each person brings a portion of a menu.

You know I love Laura Childs books so I’ll use hers as an example.  In both her Cackleberry Club series and in her Tea Shop series, menus abound.  Just read.  In the later tea shop books she has ideas for teas in the back of the book.  Cackleberry books require a little more reading to find the menu.  But somewhere in the books there is an afternoon tea of some sort.  Sometimes the book has the recipe.  Other times it will take a little research. Other suggested authors include Leslie Meier, Laurie Gwen Shapiro, Jessica Beck, Brian O’Reilly and Diane Mott Davidson.

Select your book, read it and gather ideas.   Keep it simple.  Don’t intimidate the other members by having a high tea the first time.   Scones or cookies and tea with the accompaniments will be fine. 

A couple of weeks before your meeting, decide when and where to meet and invite the members.  Remind them of the book selected and print out a list of other food-themed titles for the future.  

A day or two before the meeting check your pantry to see you have all you need for the food, make sure you have enough china, cups, napkins, etc.  Shop and prepare any item that can be done ahead.  The day of prepare the food, arrange your furniture for conversation and be sure to allow yourself twice the time you thought it would take. (Mishaps happen.) 

It’s time to gather.  Set aside the first fifteen to twenty minutes for social time  and serving so everyone can focus on the book the remaining hour.  If you’re stumped for things to say when discussing the book, start by exploring the character’s relationships to food.

Before the end of the session establish a rotation of hostesses and the next book to read.  Set parameters for food costs and the formality of the event.  Decide the months you want to meet.  Do you want to skip the December meeting as things are so busy or does a member really want to show off her home and have a holiday tea? 

Also, decide whether you will stick with one genre or whether you will rotate that, too.  Perhaps it’s chick lit, or cozy mysteries or something deeper.  Maybe you want to stick with an era – Downton Abbey/Edwardian, Victorian, 70’s, etc.  If you choose Edwardian you could always dress the part and have a party to watch the season opener together. 

Fix yourself a cup of tea, gather your tablet, find a cozy chair and let your imagination organize the event.  Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started.  Have fun and enjoy.

 

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Mar 5

Laura Childs

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

One of my favorite authors is Laura Childs.  At the end of a busy day some people meditate. Some zone out in front of the TV.  I love to spend some time reading something that does not have to do with technical issues.  A Laura Childs book is a perfect release for me.  In fact, I am currently re-reading her Cackleberry Club series while I await the opportunity to go to a book store and purchase her latest book.  (I miss my local Borders store terribly.  There was nothing like a green tea latte and wandering through the book stacks.  I would imagine that I left with a purchase of a book or magazine almost every time.) 

Ms. Childs has three series of books.  In addition to the Cackleberry Club series, she writes a scrapbook mystery series set in New Orleans and her Tea Shop Series.  She fills the books not only with a murder mystery to solve, but adds wonderful tips on scrapbooking, cooking and tea.  Her tea party ideas are reason enough to buy the books. 

Her Tea Shop series also includes hints and tips about tea, the beverage, as well as tea, the event. And, I see, from her website that she is developing a fourth series that has to do with an inn. I can hardly wait.
As a small business owner myself I find it easy to identify with Suzanne, the owner of the Cackleberry Club, Theodosia Browning, the owner of the Indigo Tea Shop and even with Carmela Bertrand, owner of Memory Mine. Each of these ladies has an assortment of employees, friends and acquaintances that are just wild enough or eccentric enough or just plan fun enough to take the boredom out of their lives. And, of course, they each find at least one body per book. The twists and turns are enough to keep you glued to the books and the recipes are marvelous. In fact, if you pay attention as you read, you will find plenty of menus to go along with the great recipes and tips found in the back of each book. To find some of her recipes check out Carroll Pellegrinelli and her posts. She has several of the recipes by permission and has even had one hers published by Ms. Childs.
Whether enjoying a quiet evening, a day at the beach or just waiting your turn at the doctor’s office, a Laura Childs book will make a good companion.

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