Hello readers and blog followers – especially Canadian tea lovers who follow this afternoon tea blog. Her Ladyship (that would be me!) has an urgent message.
The Canadian Parliament is debating changing a critical word in our glorious national anthem – changing “thy sons command” to “Us command”. Here is the capsule change:
OLD: 1980 National Anthem Act: “True patriot love in all thy sons command”
PROPOSED: 2015 Bill C-624 proposed: “True patriot love in all of us command”
Along with other Canadians, I have endorsed the proposed change. Please join us in urging all MPs to vote YES to Bill C-624 when it comes up for 2nd Reading in the House of Commons in the next few weeks.
It’s very easy – just two clicks once you click on this link: Find and email your MP: a prepared message appears and is completed in under two minutes. (I just timed myself sending Carolyn Bennett my message of support).
IT IS SO IMPORTANT MPs from all parties hear from Canadians that there is widespread public support for making a simple change to Oh Canada to include all Canadians, no matter what our gender.
Afternoon tea without a scone and a dollop of Devon Clotted Cream is an aberration. Wouldn’t you agree?
And we know that recently scones have come in assorted shapes and designer flavours – to whit: Bacon and maple syrup scones. Would Queen Victoria – the ‘it’ girl of afternoon tea – be amused? We think not.
Scone recipes are myriad but the classic scone – the Proper English Scone – can only follow one recipe to produce round, tallish scones with an interior that is like a bread-cake with a tender crumb and a toasted crust.
To consider also: the ingredients and the technique which produce this Very Proper English Scone. More on both in a later blog posting.
Our very best wishes for all things good in the New Year to all our wonderful and faithful readers.
Sipping tea is awesome, healthy, cool, soothing, makes you happy and warms you up after rigorous winter sports activities. Her Ladyship (that would be me!) guarantees it. Especially if you live in our corner of the world.
Ah …. never one to cast aspersions on anyone, let alone old wives, Her Ladyship (that would be me!) must take exception and debunk an old wives tale.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
Does anyone remember teapots lined with tannic – that brown coating inside the teapot? And the rule never to wash out the teapot because the tannin liner made good tea?
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
The fact the layer of tannin rendered tea bitter doesn’t seem to have mattered.
This is one old wives’ tales that can be flushed.
If your teapot accumulates a light coating of tannin, fill the teapot with hot water, add up to four teaspoons of baking soda, stir to dissolve and let sit for a couple of hours. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid using soap or detergent on the side of your teapot as much as possible, as any lingering taste could spoil the tea.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas: A. Mirabelli
On Tuesday November 18, in Toronto, every mind will be celebrated!
Our blog today is an invitation to our readers who live in the Greater Toronto Area to attend this celebratory breakfast.
Her Excellency Sharon Johnstonwill discuss the impact mental health has on our society. Her keynote address, titled Pathways to Resiliency, will draw on personal experience, the importance of speaking out and fighting the stigma associated with mental illness.
This celebration of every mind is a breakfast to support the Psychology Foundation of Canada’s programs to help children become confident and productive adults.
Why is Her Ladyship (that would be me!) promoting this event? Because …
In Canada, one out of every five children shows signs of an emotional or behavioural problem. One in four children enter adult life with significant emotional, behavioural, academic or social problems. Bullying from the school yard to the boardroom is an increasingly worrisome occurrence. And after accidents, suicide is the most frequent cause of death among young people in Canada. This is not as it should be.
To reserve your place:
10th Annual Breakfast in support of the Psychology Foundation of Canada
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Arcadian Court, 401 Bay Street
Info
Psychology Foundation of Canada
2 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 800
Toronto ON M4T 2T5
phone: 416.644.4944
info@psychologyfoundation.org
Oh my! What a taste adventure. Here is a not-to-be missed recipe for anyone with a palate craving heat and sweetness in one mouthful. The recipe comes from the new cookbook, Flex APPEAL authored by to of our favourite culinarists – Nettie Cronish and Pat Crocker.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
These cupcakes are very, very good. So good they are officially part of our afternoon tea menus. Her Ladyship (that would be me!) recommends an orange pekoe or a Darjeeling tea paired with these cupcakes.
Welcome to a regular feature of our blog, ‘Afternoon tea with …. people of note’
Today, we’re taking afternoon tea with Judith John, a serial optimist and a passionate patient care advocate. Despite curve balls here and there, Judith is always smiling. Always looking for the best in people. Always finding goodness. And that is why Her Ladyship (that would be me!) is delighted to introduce this amazing lady.
Organizations like the United Way of Toronto and major hospitals like Mount Sinai and the internationally renowned Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) and cultural organizations like Harbourfront and the Art Gallery of Ontario have benefitted from her passion and professionalism. Today, these two traits are in the service of the University Health Network and Sick Kids where Judith consults on patient care – from the patient’s perspective.
As a senior executive in the health care sector and, for the past 14 years, a serious consumer of health care, Judith has seen life from both sides. Diagnosed with a benign, but growing, inoperable brain tumour, Judith embarked on a new journey and plotted the map for looking ‘at life from both sides now’, (with appreciation to Joni Mitchell).
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas: A. Mirabelli
Judith’s favourite tea is English Breakfast with a little milk. Her Ladyship is happy to oblige and soon two cups of tea are poured (digitally!) and our conversation begins.
But first, here’s Judith!
How did you discover you had a brain tumour?
Well, it was a very incidental finding. 14 years ago I was treated for a basal cell cancer and at the end of the treatment my doctor ordered a CT scan to ensure we had eradicated it. We had! But what a shock to discover a tumour in my brain. The tumour was on the pituitary gland; it was benign but it was growing and impacting many sensitive areas. As you saw on the video, I am still on the journey to curb the tumour.
You are very careful to characterize this exercise as a journey.
Yes! It is journey I travel every day, one day at a time. And along the way, I remain very grateful for the excellent health care I continue to receive and for a health system that doesn’t bankrupt you!
What made you become such a passionate advocate for patient care?
I’ve seen health care from both sides – I was a hospital executive at the table working on key metrics to determine successful care and then I put on the blue gown. Those metrics narrow as a patient! The video shares the trigger points and my passion comes from ensuring hospital staff treat the patient as a person, not as a hospital number. I try to help hospitals establish humane pathways to care and recovery because it’s so easy for a patient to get lost in the system.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
Are you pleased with the results of your efforts?
Faculties of Medicine in Ontario are going to use the video in the curriculum and 12 Ontario hospitals have made the video mandatory viewing for residents. So yes, I am gratified with the results but there is more to do. All hospitals wrestle with this issue, and I’m pleased with the active commitment demonstrated by the University Health Network (Toronto General, Toronto Western, Princess Margaret and Toronto Rehab) on the issue of patients as partners.
Patients as partners – this is key on your pathway to care and recovery.
Absolutely! Patients must become partners in their healthcare. They must be prepared to have a dialogue with their healthcare providers. They must ask questions and be prepared to question the answers sometimes. Don’t be passive. Health care providers don’t always come forward – whether because of pressure, time, competing demands, or even to avert burnout – but they all go into healthcare because they want to help people, so you should feel comfortable asking for that help. Patients have the right to be heard, to understand what they’re hearing and the right to be involved in their choices.
You have much to be proud of – are you enjoying your role as a patient advocate?
The only way I can make sense of this disappointing detour in my life is to believe that my experience can help others. Along with many life lessons through all this, I do like being a patient advocate.
Another cup of tea, Judith?
Oh yes please, that would be lovely!
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas: photo Bake and Be Merry
How do define downtime?
Reading, watching a classic movie, petting the dogs, walks, time with family.
What is you favourite moment of the day?
I love mornings! It must be the optimist in me.
What is your go to method to cheer yourself up?
Dogs always cheer me up. And fresh flowers.
What skill would you like to learn?
I would like to become more tech savvy – I’m a notorious techno nerd; and I also want to learn to play the piano.
What never fails to make you laugh?
Laughing itself. I adore a good laugh, especially if it’s the result of sharing joke with my daughters. Also Tina Fey always makes me laugh.
How do you make your life less stressful?
I take a deep breath; take pleasure in the moment; and walk, walk, walk. I am annoyingly grateful for the small stuff!
If you can choose any person from history to teach you any topic you want, who would it be a, and what do s/he teach you?
Eleanor Roosevelt because she based her life on a genuine moral foundation and her lesson to me would be how to set goals based on your value system, and not be distracted.
Wikipedia photo credit
How do you celebrate big moments?
By taking note of the celebration, being with family and friends.
Toronto Symphony or Tegan and Sara?
Toronto Symphony, but truth be told, I prefer Tafelmusik.
Who is your favourite author?
TS Elliot.
What is your favourite work of art?
The Dance by Matisse.
Wikipedia photo credit
How would you love to spend a summer day? On a lake with people I love.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Easy: gelato, as often as possible.
What would you like to have invented? The rolling suitcase. Or the post it note. I guess I should say something lofty like penicillin.
What is most awe-inspiring country you’ve ever visited?
Italy.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To pay attention. And stand by what you stood for.
What is your favourite season?
Spring.
What is your workout philosophy?
All things in moderation and keep moving.
What is your workout routine?
Walking, aquafit, Pilates, yoga.
What is the best surprise you’ve ever had?
My family came north (Judith is from the US) for my birthday – but the bigger surprise was that my daughters planned the surprise.
What is your favourite article of clothing?
A pashmina or a cardigan.
Which contemporary celebrity do you admire?
George Clooney – but, alas, he didn’t wait to meet me before getting married!
What are the principal aspects of your personality?
Optimism for sure, a good sense of humour and perspective, insatiable curiosity and open-mindedness, a passionate, commitment to issues and important causes, and an extrovert’s need for wonderful people in my life.
What you appreciate the most in your friends?
Loyalty, open-mindedness, curiosity and humour. And never, ever, apathy!
What would you consider to be your main fault?
I don’t know how to say no; I care too much about certain things, take them very personally, and am often on a soapbox trying to convince others that what I believe matters, matters!
What is your favourite food?
I’m known as the salad queen! Tomatoes and strawberries at the top of the list.
What are three little know facts about you?
I make the world’s best cheesecake. I was a cheerleader in school and that’s been my profession, too. I am a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society (oldest honour society in the US for academic achievement).
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
What do you bring on a long light to make yourself comfortable?
Enough reading material and a soft pashmina.
When on vacation, do you focus on luxury, adventure or relaxation?
Never luxury! I like to pack a lot into a vacation – I want to see everything, walk through towns and villages, visit museums and stately homes. Not really a lounge on the beach person: I don’t want to miss anything.
What is the most amazing thing you have ever done?
Having two beautiful daughters.
What is your current hobby?
Getting through all this without a whine. Writing.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Keep things in perspective, pay attention to the moments, and don’t be so hard on yourself.
How do you indulge your inner kid?
Very simple – I spend time with non judgmental dogs and make friends with younger people.
Her Ladyship has poured (digitally!) the final cups of tea and she raises her cup in a toast to this very caring, wonderfully courageous and outrageously fun lady.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas: A. Mirabelli
Dowtnon Abbey has spoiled us forever. We are clearly addicted. The clothes, the afternoon teas, the hired help. Need we say more?
We are grateful to mythical Lord and Lady Grantham for sharing their daily lives with us. Tradition! Progress! A bygone gentility!
This gave Her Ladyship (that would be me!) pause for thought. What’s a lady without servants to do? This thought triggered a little research and here is a gem gleaned from the 1932 American Cookery, courtesy of the website Food Timeline.
Herewith:
The hostess will choose a firm, steady table, not more than 28 inches high, for convenience in pouring, and her seat will be high enough to dominate this table. Cups, Saucers, Plates, Spoons, Cream jug, (Oh no! Surely not! Her Ladyship is aghast – cream is too heavy for tea – always milk), Sugar and covered Slop Bowls in such a way that the hostess can conveniently reach them. Saucers and plate may be stacked, the plates with napkins between them. Cups should never be stacked. Spoons may lie in a row, or be fitted ‘spoonwise’ into one another. Samovar or teapot towards front.
The victuals would consist of:
Bread, Sandwiches, and Cake may be placed on the farther side of the table, for guests to help themselves. The Tea Wagon, or Cart, or even a small table, may go at the left of the hostess, for extra china. This is better than overloading the table. The Curate, or three-tiered basket or stand, is often used for bread (on its top shelf), sandwiches (on its middle), cake (on its lower compartment), and in this way it may be informally carried round the room and its contents offered to guests. All this preparation should be completed before the guests arrive. (We should hope so!).
And the Bill of Fare comprised of:
There are sometimes hot, buttered rolls, but the thin-slcied English bread-and-butter is preferred, provided there is a skilled cuttter. Assorted Sandwiches. These may be open or closed, toasted or plain, and the shapes and fillings as novel as possible. Examples are: Pimiento Butter and Brie Cheese, Lemon Butter and Fig Paste, Horse-radish and Tongue, Sifted Nectarines, (Her Ladyship must do additional research – sifted nectarines are a sandwich filling? Hmmm); Chicken Livers and Tomato, Maple Cream and Chopped Nuts. Cakes: The most convenient are cookies or very small cakes, richly frosted and in paper cases. Beverages, etc. Tea alone is served at such a simple and homey affair, and choice of weak or strong, with or without cream, etc., provides sufficient variety. Nuts and bonbons may or may not be provided.
And the protocol for guests dictated:
Guests at such an infomral affair enter unannounced and with their outdoor things on. (Her Ladyship wonders how guests are to dispense of their ‘outdoor things’? A maid perhaps lurks by or were guests meant to take tea with their ‘outdoor things’ on?). If the hostess is seated at the tea table (as she usually is), they will advance at once to be greeted by her, and she will at once inquire their preferences as to sugar, lemon, etc. (the spiced syrup is novel and delicious and goes well with lemon), and fill their cups. Guests help themselves to breads and cakes, and sit while enjoying them. There is no limit to the refilling of cups at tea, and a guest may take her ’empty’ to the source of supplies six or more times. Before each refill the hostess will empty the dregs into the covered slop bowl.
And so it was back in the mists of time. Today hip hostesses call on Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas to prepare and serve a proper English afternoon tea.
At the start of every month, we offer you a short list of pleasant activities to consider, some focused on afternoon tea, some not.
Herewith five suggestions for month of October 2014
October is the month when we come face to face with the changing season: Summer into winter; winter into summer. We begin to seriously alter our routines, our diet, our exercise patterns. To celebrate and embrace the changing season, Her Ladyship (that would be me!) is recommending time off by taking tea in some of the world’s nicest tearooms.
We begin in Hawaii at the Moana Surfrider with a relaxing and refined experience – afternoon tea on the Victorian veranda right on Waikiki. The Moana Surfrider Tea Time Tradition includes sweet pastries, finger sandwiches, traditional scones with Devonshire clotted cream and lemon curd to accompany a selection of fine teas, steeped or served iced cold.
Next, we stop by Shanghai to take tea at Song Fang Maison du Thé. Song Fang (née Florence Samson in Paris) specializes in the finest quality Chinese and French teas for
sale and to savour on the premises. Florence graduated from HEC Paris and Harvard Business School and worked for Dior cosmetics in Russia and China before becoming General Manager of Veuve Clicquot in China. She left the LVMH group to start the Song Fang tea company, as she wanted to share her passion for premium teas and the Chinese culture. She has succeeded admirably.
Our next port of call is Taipei City, where another leader transformed herself into a high priestess of the tea room. Chen Tsai-Hsia, designer and founder of Taiwan fashion house Shiatzy Chen and who only yesterday (September 30) rolled out her spring – summer 2015 collection at the Grand Palais in Paris, spent years of reflection to create Cha Cha Thé with the express goal of championing Chinese esthetics in the art of taking tea. Her five outlets in Taipei and one outside the city proves she has a winning concept.
Next, we stop by the Mother Country before returning to North America, to partake in London’s finest afternoon tea experience. It’s a given that taking afternoon tea is the ultimate way of catching up with friends, or simply chilling out. A century ago, The Goring Hotel, London’s ultimate boutique luxury hotel and venue of the Middleton family sleepover on the eve of Kate’s nuptials, embarked on a journey to master the perfect Afternoon Tea. They did. The result is truly divine, an afternoon tea prepared and presented with unrivalled passion and dedication from each and every Goring staff. The Goring holds the British Tea Guild Council 2013 Top London Afternoon Tea Award and The Award of Excellence.
And finally we cross the Pond to land in Manhattan for tea at one of Her Ladyship’s favourite venues: Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon. And we’ve already taken tea at Mrs Mendle’s in New York. Our peregrinations in search of excellent tearooms did lead us to the Inn at Irving Place in the historic Gramercy Park area, home to Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon.
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon is one of the loveliest Tea Salons we have ever encountered. The ambiance is very proper and you will enjoy a most excellent five-course tea, consisting of classic finger sandwiches, fresh baked scones with clotted cream and jams, and a large selection of fine teas.
This is Lady Mendl in her prime.
We are looking for modern day Lady Mendls – ladies who make it their passion to discover tea rooms all over the world. Her Ladyship (that would be me!) would be delighted to receive comments about taking tea anywhere in the world. Please drop us a note with the name of your tea room, the city it’s located in, its URL and finally your name – although this bit is optional. Please provide the info about your fave tea rooms through Comments. Thank you!
Porcelain teapots came to Europe from China in the 17th Century. We thank the Portuguese and Dutch sea captains for their wisdom.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
China cups followed, in waves. The first teacups were small bowls – they too came from the Orient; handles – the ‘ear’ – were added to the bowls a century later and by the 19th Century when tea became more affordable, the cups became bigger. And because the cups were larger, matching saucers were added to pick up any sloshing tea.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
E. Rouleau
E. Rouleau
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas
Early British teapots were made of silver and were the norm, but what with one thing or another, drinking tea became the national craze in the 19th Century. This national craze for drinking tea coincided with Queen Victoria’s glorious reign. The Queen’s glorious reign and the national appeptite for tea gave rise to a subset of a bourgeoning manufacturing industry in England: The English Potteries, which produced, inter alia, tea sets to satisfy the national craze.
In Her Ladyship’s opinion, (that would me!), only a fine bone china teapot will do, so when you are shopping for your teapot here is what you should look for:
First, we believe the teapot should be beautiful – of structure and design. And as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you are the only one to be the judge.
Secondly, the teapot must be easy to lift and your knuckles should not touch the side of the teapot.
Thirdly, the teapot must have a hole in the lid to allow air to enter the pot the tea is being poured. This will stop the spout from dripping and splashing when tea is poured.
And finally, your teapot should have a protrusion on the lid to keep in place while the pot is being tilted.
Welcome to a regular feature of our blog,
‘Afternoon tea with …. people of note’
Today, we’re taking afternoon tea with Anne Day, founder of Company of Women, a community of like-minded entrepreneurial women who gain support, confidence and connections to grow professionally, personally, and as Anne likes to note, profoundly.
“Our lives are a tapestry with different threads woven into the fabric of who we are, and who we can become. Through Company of Women, we weave wisdom, warmth and wellness into everyday life. We want to inspire women to achieve their full potential and to realize their dreams,” says Anne
Anne Day, Founder of Company of Women
Throughout her career, Anne’s focus has always been on helping women and children. She’s held leadership roles in the non-profit sector, has worked in government on women’s issues and was editor of a national parenting magazine. And then established her own successful consultancy. But working at home is isolating. “I sensed other women likely felt the same way too. So in 2003 I started Company of Women as a way to meet up and connect with other women entrepreneurs,’ says Anne. Company of Women took off and became an influential organization. In 2005 Anne shuttered the consulting business and focused on growing Company of Women.
Today Company of Women has six chapters in Toronto and its environs and over 300 members who attend more than 80 events a year to grow professionally, personally and profoundly. It has also garnered a slew of recognition for enabling women. Success seems almost guaranteed when your mantra is: Be bold, be brave, belong.
Born and raised in Scotland, Anne immigrated to Canada with her husband over 35 years ago. They have two lovely daughters and a puppy named Brodie. Anne has written three books: Courage to Succeed: Inspiring Stories by Enterprising Women, Faces of Opportunity, a book which is a fundraiser for Opportunity International and Day by Day: Tales of Business, Life, and Everything in Between. Both books and the mug are available from the Company of Women website.
Our interview took place on a hot and sultry day in August, so Her Ladyship (that would be me!) offered Anne some Lighthouse Lemonade made by Jill Fisher. Fanning ourselves, and cool glass at hand, we sat down to sip lemonade (digitally) and to chat.
There are so many definitions of ‘passion’; how do you define passion? I feel so lucky – I love what I do; I get to meet amazing women who inspire me with their courage and determination to succeed. That is one way of looking at passion. Passion is also giving back and that’s very important to me. Over the years I have been an active volunteer, serving on boards, both nationally and internationally. Through Company of Women, we support several charities that improve the lives of girls and women. I suppose you could say this is one way I define passion.
Besides guiding Company of Women, what else grabs your time? I write – perhaps this is another of my passions! I am a regular business columnist for Huffington Post and blog for several online publications. I am currently working on co-authoring a fourth book that looks at why women feel they’re not good enough.
Where did your entrepreneurial attitude come from?
At home. My father was laid off at the age of 52 from the company he had work for all his life. He used his severance package to buy a newsagent and at one point had 18 paperboys working for him! What was amazing is that my mother served them a hot breakfast everyday. My father was very big on giving back; growing up we were given a sense of balance – a sort of ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’ philosophy. Also, I love to start things.
Success is like passion – we have many definitions for both; what’s your definition of success? Making a difference! When I introduce two women business owners and they connect, forge ahead, and go further because of their relationship with one another, now isn’t this the definition of success? But I see success also when a woman comes out of her shell, blossoms and flourishes to become a successful person and entrepreneur; when a Company of Women program has positively impacted the women in attendance and they leave changed by the experience – that is also success – big time.
It’s proven that small businesses started and managed by women have greater survival rates then similar enterprises started by men. What’s your take on this? I think the issues facing men and women entrepreneurs are the same, BUT women have a different attitude from the get-go about getting things done. We bring different things to the table and I think makes all the difference in the world.
What surprises you the most? It’s Company of Women. I was running this company as a sideline and never expected it would take off like it did.
What is your go to method to cheer yourself up?
Reminding myself tomorrow is another day.
What skill would you like to learn? Hearty laugh ….
What never fails to make you laugh?
British humour.
You’re a hugely busy lady; how do you make your life less stressful? We just got a puppy and we’ve named him Brodie. I think this may have added to my stress! But I love walking with him and I think this is very relaxing and very de-stressing.
How do you indulge your inner kid?
I love to dance and I dance with Brodie, our new puppy.
What is you favourite work of art? It’s a field of flowers. The painting is in our home and besides being beautiful, it has a story – so perhaps that’s also why it’s my favourite. Some years ago, we were in Paris and we came across this painting in a shop window; we certainly couldn’t afford the painting, but we bought it!
Toronto Symphony or Tegan and Sara?
Tegan and Sara.
How do you celebrate big moments?
Meeting up with my girlfriends.
How do you like to spend a summer day?
Anywhere near water.
If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be?
I read murder mysteries; I wouldn’t want to meet any of them!
Who is your favourite author?
The British writer Peter Robinson, author of the Inspector Banks murder mysteries.
What is your guilty pleasure? A glass of wine.
What is the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever visited? Sorrento.
What is your favourite season? Autumn.
What is your workout philosophy? It needs work!
What is must see TV for you? Downton Abbey.
What is your favourite Canadian city? Quebec City.
Which contemporary celebrity do you admire? Oprah Winfrey.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Somebody feisty.
What is your favourite virtue? Generosity.
What are three aspects of your personality? Strong sense of humour – I think humour has gotten me far; authentic and I would say I’m pretty well grounded.
What you appreciate the most in your friends? A positive attitude
What is your idea of happiness? Being by the sea with family and friends, for sure.
Who is your real life hero?
Oprah Winfrey
What is your favourite food? Curry.
What are three little known facts about you? Aha … I don’t know if I should answer this …. I can’t swim, I can’t ride a bike, and I have a phobia about birds.
What do you bring on a long light to make yourself comfortable? A shawl.
When you take a vacation, do you focus on luxury, adventure or relaxation? Luxurious relaxation!
What is your current pre-occupation? I love to write and I’m co-wrting my fourth book and blogging.
What is the best advice you would give your younger self? Take more risks.
What would you like to be doing10 years from now? Travelling.
What words do you live by?
To thine own self be true and all that we send into the life of others, comes back into our own.
The controversy is alive and well. How to drink tea – with milk, or without?
That depends on how you like your tea.
If you add a little milk to your black tea, the tannins in the tea immediately bind to the milk. This has the effect of ‘toning’ down the taste of tea, making it less astringent on the palate.
Don’t event think of adding milk, or lemon for that matter, to green tea or to oolongs – it’s a sacrilege!
When to add the milk to your cup of tea is also subject of much controversy. If you add milk before pouring the tea, this allows the milk to blend more rapidly with the tea. If you add your milk after pouring your tea, well then, you have perfect control over the amount of milk in you tea, truly customizing the tea to your taste.
If you put milk first, then pour the tea, your habit dates back to the late 17th century. This was about the time the famous trading company, The East India Company, introduced fine porcelain teacups to England. Prior to this time, people drank their hot tea from pewter mugs. So not knowing the terrific heat-proof properties of porcelain, people were afraid to crack the porcelain with the tea, hence they poured milk first.
Credit: A. Mirabelli
A slice of lemon (no milk) with your tea is a Russian tradition and was introduced by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter who dated and married the local emperor.
At the start of every month, we offer you a short list of pleasant activities to consider, some focused on afternoon tea, some not.
Herewith five suggestions for month of September 2014
Ah, September! The month of enterprise and planning.
A bewitching month. The last long weekend of the summer. Now Labour Day is done and dealt with; the white gloves and white shoes are put away; the cottage and the carefree lifestyle are lingering memories and our daily pre-occupations take on a decidedly more serious demeanor. School. College. Fall foliage – admiring and raking. Getting the house ready for winter. Getting the car ready for winter driving conditions. Buying new ski boots. The list can go on. It does.
Is there a better way to make this transition than to pause and make a pot of tea?
We think not!
Steep, sip, enjoy.
So along with your lovely pot of tea, and perhaps a scone or two, here are our suggestions for five eclectic activities to see you through the month of September.
Alex Colville at the Art Gallery of Ontario; Toronto to January 2015 We start with a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario to view more than 100 works by the great Canadian realist painter, Alex Colville. This is the largest exhibition of the late artist’s work and honours his painstakingly precise images which depict high realism and an elusive tension.
We met Alex Colvile when we took tea with Jill Fisher, lemonade purveyor to royalty. Her favourite artwork is Colville’s Horse and Train.
American Cool at the Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institute; Washington DC, to September 7 ‘Cool’ is a supreme compliment. ‘Cool’ evokes people who exude rebellious self-expression, charisma, character with a capital C., edginess, mystery and a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’. This exhibit of cool people at the Smithsonian explores the original American sensibility that became a global obsession. The roots of cool lie in early 1940s jazz and the American Cool exhibit refers to those who contributed an original artistic vision to American culture symbolic of a given historical moment.
‘Influencing Hemingway’ A reading by author Nancy Sindelar, Sepember 24; Oak Park; Chicago Ernest Hemingway changed the style of writing prose in English in the 20th century.
(Wikipedia)
Nobel Prize.
Pulitzer Prize.
A giant of American literature.
Nancy W. Sindelar, author of Influencing Hemingway, will read from her book at the Hemingway Birthplace Home and present new insights into Hemmingway’s influences from birth to high school graduation.
Lively discussion and refreshments guaranteed!
HOPERA, beer and opera, September 17 and 18, Toronto Craft beer and opera! Beerologist Mirella Amato hosts operatic arias, duos and trios. Each song will be accompanied by a sample of local craft beer. Pairings will be presented with details on the musical selection and the beer style as well as why they were chosen. HOPERA promises to be a lovely and intimate affair. Reserve your seat. Her Ladyship (that would be me!) has her tickets.
2014 Fall Flavours Festival, September 5-28; Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island. Canada’s smallest province.
Official Potato capital of Canada.
Unofficial oyster capital of Canada.
Legal birthplace of Canada.
Home of Anne of Green Gables.
And home to The Fall Flavours Festival, a month-long culinary celebration highlighting authentic Island tastes and traditions communities across Prince Edward Island. You can join local hosts and pick potatoes, catch lobsters, harvest oysters or head off to Culinary Boot Camp. Each food experience or event offers an educational component with a local host, as well as a tasting and/or cooking opportunity.
Life has an interesting way of twisting and turning. And introducing you to new friends and new concepts.
I follow an Ottawa-based food blog titled Bake and Be Merry. It’s an eclectic site and every now and again I get an inspiration from visiting this blog – a new chef to follow, a foodie event in the Ottawa valley to visit, an interesting recipe – you get the picture.
A few weeks ago a posting on Bake and Be Merry introduced me to a new concept: A foodie pen pal programme. Her Ladyship (that would be me) was intrigued; she researched the programme and signed up!
Lindsay Livingstone of The Lean Green Bean blog runs the foodie pen pals programme.
Lindsay is a registered dietician living in Columbus, Ohio. Her blog’s main focus is nutrition tips, workouts and healthy living, delivered in an engaging manner. Lindsay says, “I believe that life is all about being balanced, simple and real….and I strive to show how I live this message in my everyday life via my blog and social media posts.”
She delivers.
Her Ladyship was teamed with Katie, of Toronto, and received the following very thoughtful gifts:
Organic cinnamon – this will certainly come in handy with Christmas baking. Pink peppercorns – to be enjoyed in winter salads!
Tiki masala spice – Our fave Indian spice. Wasabi peas – perfect accompaniment for happy hour!
Quinoa cluster – perfect and wholesome snack on a long hike.
Buckwheat Raw Honey – totally awesome on top of Devon Clotted Cream on top of a Classic English scone.
Katie’s homemade pineapple jalepeno jelly – Delish! Her Ladyship has already obtained Katie’s recipe.
The foodie pen pal programme has a $15.00 limit, so thoughtfulness, rather than extravagance, is in order.
Simply Splendid Victorian Afternoon Teas & Events 