Life Lately

 

1. A lovely and inspiring picture-text from a dear friend.
2. Indian take-out. That channa masala was hands-down delicious.
3. Spring pattern mixing. Polka dots and floral always on my mind.
4. Polish groceries. Pierogi and herbal tea, mm.
5. Dear Friend always gifts the best teas.
6. A relaxing and fun-filled visit to the coast (where the guest room appropriately provided some very New England literature).

Tea for thought

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future."  -Thich Nat Hahn

Camera: Nikon FM 10
Film: Kodak Ultramax 400

Big Sky Country

No, I'm not in Montana as my post title suggests. Does it? Maybe not. ''Big sky country'' is an unofficial nickname for Montana and even though I'm currently in New York, I can't help but like the way it sounds. It has, as they say, a nice ring to it. Hmm... I am donning a bison ring and thunder bird moccasins, though, which may lead the unsuspecting to believe I am actually west of the Mississippi River. Hehe. I tend to ramble. Did you notice?

Well, I selected the sunniest spot in the yard to take these photos this afternoon. I didn't have any sunglasses on me, but squinting sufficed for the duration of my running-to-and-from-the-tripod session. It wasn't a real bother as I was just happy to be outside. In (super-wrinkly) shorts! Without a coat! A cardigan + a pair of shorts is one of my very favorite outfit options. It really allows you the best of both worlds. You're not too hot or too cold, but perfectly comfortable. While speaking of favorite things, this yellow cardigan is one of them. I wear it quite often, but it's only appeared on the ol' blog once before. And this shirt. Oh, I've been wearing it about once a week since finding it (and its peter pan collar cuteness) for a whopping total of 49 cents. It's soft and plaid - what's not to love?

Vintage cardigan and shirt: thrifted, Ring: Sea of Bees, Shorts: Target, Moccasins: Minnetonka, Yorkshire Tea tote: gift from Emily

Psst! Did you see that uh-mazing Yorkshire Tea tote in that picture up there? Emily of the blog Ruby Slipper Journeys kindly sent it over to me. It was such a surprise especially since they're not available for purchase outside the UK. Thanks again, Emily! If you haven't had Yorkshire tea you're definitely missing out. It's de-li-cious. I initially fell in love with the blend when a friend of mine brought some home from England and insisted I try it. There was no looking back! The tea itself can actually be found Stateside. I see it often in supermarkets and at discount retailers. One of these days I want to start baking with it. Mm! I've made Earl Grey shortbread before, but I'm thinking that Yorkshire tea shortbread (or cake!) would be even better.

Tea induced daydreams

Love Affair with Irish Breakfast Tea by TranquilEmily

I've been having a love affair today with Irish Breakfast tea. Every so often I single out a particular blend and drink to my heart's content for the day. Or a few days. Heck, sometimes even a week. There's really no telling. As I type this I'm on my third cup for the day (don't worry, it's decaffeinated) and enjoying every moment of it. I know it's not real-deal Irish tea as Twinings is based in England, but the prices in the import aisle of the market are scary. One of these days I'll muster up the courage to drop $7+ dollars on a box of tea shipped straight over from Ireland. Come to think of it, it's not really any worse than buying two boxes of regular priced tea in one shopping trip. Ah, those pesky mind games!

Anyway, so all this tea drinking has me caught up in daydreams of Ireland. I've never been before, though it's most certainly on my list of places to visit one day. Until then, this little collage of Donegal tweed, wool plaid and Ballykissangel will have to suffice. Ballykissangel?! Yep, in high school when my peers were into whoever-knows-what, I would tune in to PBS for the drama-filled tales of an English priest working in a rural Irish village. One subsequent summer I borrowed the entire series from the library, but haven't watched any episodes in probably 5 years or more. Methinks its time to order them again...

Tea Party for One

I've been feeling rather tired and wiped out lately which I attribute to a combination of my work schedule and allergies. I don't exactly know what it is I'm allergic to, but something out there has quite the propensity to render my senses defeated and altogether unhappy. Thankfully, I was able to enjoy a day all to myself this past Tuesday sans work, sniffles and sneezes. Without much else to really do, I decided it would be nice to spend some time outside with a cup of chamomile tea. Shall we call it a tea party for one? (Sorry I look exhausted in these photos. Fact of life.)

Comfy men's t-shirt: H&M, Skirt: Cotton On (gift from Ana)
Locket: from childhood, Sandals: Delia's

At one point while taking these photos there was a small spider crawling on my arm. While I have been known to get mildly frantic when this sort of thing happens, it was surprisingly easy to shoo it off without spilling any tea. Ah, triumph! Emily: 1 Spider: 0

This beautiful skirt was so generously sent to me by my sweet blog-friend Ana B. of On Dressing Up. I couldn't have been more surprised or thrilled to receive such a darling article of clothing. It's as though Ana read my mind as I have been looking, without success, for a skirt like this for quite some time. Thank you again, lovely!

A locket and stripes, part two

Flannel in July? Is it summer or is it autumn? If you were dropped in upstate New York today without ever having been here you might have found yourself scratching your head at the weather. With temperatures parked in the 60s, I could have worn tights if I really wanted to. Ahh, it was perfect. I'll be savoring today and tomorrow to their utmost as high heat and humidity are lurking in the near future. Thumbs down, forecast, thumbs down.

Flannel: Shaun White 4 Target, Shirt and shoes: H&M
Skirt: thrifted, Locket: gift, Sunglasses: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx

You've heard me profess my love of vintage mugs and teacups before, so what am I doing with this modern and rather large beaker, you ask? We have this ridiculously great set of stoneware dishes with loons painted on them and well, seriously, what's not to love? Not only is this mug my personal favorite, but it also matches today's outfit. Unintentional, I promise. What's inside? Yorkshire tea!

Across the pond

One of my dearest friends is moving to England this week. I've been feeling a tinge bittersweet -- I'm extremely happy and excited for her, but will miss her immensely. While she was on one of her recent trips to get things in order and situated she picked up this assortment of goodies for my birthday gift:

♥ Chocolate dipped biscuits, loose leaf Yorkshire tea, and a tea strainer mug ♥

A look inside the mug

Part of me is too delighted to even open up the tea and biscuits. They look so perfect in their neatly wrapped packaging that I find myself admiring, not consuming, them. Strange, I know! I'm sure I'll break into both before long :)

A letter. No postage necessary.

Dear Spring,
Welcome back! I was still asleep when you officially arrived at 7:44 AM, but let's not let that come between us. Your sun-filled afternoon has stirred rays of delightful warmth into my favorite cup of tea, sweetening each sip in ways sugar never could. The brook runs steadily, performing its melodic gurgles. As you see, I'm not putting away my winter boots just yet. I thought we might enjoy several outings in their company as well.

All my love,
Emily

Let's get together and talk about the modern age

An old friend accompanied me yesterday while I was out and about running errands. Rilo Kiley's second full-length album, The Execution of All Things, (released in 2002) has been one of my favorites for the better part of this decade. Every time I listen to it the songs are just as fresh and exciting as when I first listened to them years ago. While I've enjoyed all of Rilo Kiley's releases throughout the years, this remains the one I return to the most with its cheerful melodies and brilliant vocals provided by Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett.

With that said, one of my missions yesterday while I was out was to buy a box of chamomile tea. My supply had been depleted and I had a $1-off coupon for the Celestial Seasonings brand. In addition to having a coupon, this particular brand was on sale at the market - yay! Whilst scanning the shelves for my selection, I came across this box o' tea:

Honey vanilla chamomile?! I was tempted to purchase it and see what my taste buds would think of such a flavor fusion, but instead stuck with my original plan of action. Has anyone ever tried this particular product? Any thoughts on it? I may venture to try it one day as it seems tastefully pleasing.

(Photo sources: Amazon.com, RiloKiley.com, and CelestialSeasonings.com respectively)

A Quiet New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve isn't really a big thing for me. I am not one for dressing up and going out to parties. Although, if the right opportunity were to present itself I am sure I would take advantage of it. When all is said and done, I am a rather low-key kind of person. I spent much of today lounging around and reading and will most likely continue these activities until 2009 is ushered in at the stroke of midnight.

Shirt: Target

Scarf: gift, Forever 21
Pants: Ralph Lauren, via Macy's
Shoes: Target

I think it's time to soothe away 2008's rough edges with a cup of tea.

Happy New Year!

Refreshing

Sipping fragrant tea

steaming from cup and saucer
Releases worries.

Lavender Green Tea

I'm all bundled & layered up and sipping on some lavender green tea I purchased at an Asian market in Albany. The sweet, fragrant taste is really delightful. I am radiantly serene in this moment and not really caring about the work I should be doing for several of my classes. I am not ruffled by anything. With today's temperatures not expected to exceed the 60s, I have found myself wondering why this season makes me so happy. I cannot fully explain the extent of the feelings it rouses inside me. I am cozy and alive and I am satisfied.