Tea Newsletter ~ December 2009

Hello everyone,

Can you believe it is only two weeks until Advent starts?    For all of you in the Colorado Springs area, I will host a Let’s Do Tea party at my home on Saturday, December 12, 1-3 PM.  If you will be visiting the area, let me know – you are most welcome!  There will be a door prize drawing and extra chances to win for anyone who brings a friend.  If you can’t attend but are running low on your favorite teas, let me know and I can add your order to that party – if you live in Colorado Springs you will get reduced shipping!

Paula Rutherford

Let’s Do Tea

Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org
1 Peter 4:9 “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
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Let’s Do Tea monthly specials:
There’s still time to take advantage of the November Specials!  For November 2009, hostesses will receive 15% merchandise credit toward anything in the catalog, PLUS one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress strainer, or November Hostess Gift ~ Mug with Infuser (any color). Plus: $500 or more in sales and receive an extra 1/2 off item!!!

Customer Specials for NOVEMBER:
1. Old Amsterdam 6 cup Teapot &
Warmer Combo: $12
(Blue: #1100, Yellow: #1101,
Royal Blue: #1102, Red: # 1103
Green: #1104, Plum: #1105
Burgundy: #1106)

2. Stump Teapot $15 (red)

3. Mt. Shasta Set $20 (any color)

For December, hostesses will receive 15% merchandise credit toward anything in the catalog, PLUS one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress strainer, or December’s Hostess Gift: A 6-cup Old Amsterdam Tea Pot AND matching warmer set!

Customer Specials for DECEMBER:
Tea for Two Book $5

Empress Strainer or Snap Infuser $1

Mug with Infuser $15

Crazy Trio $25
(#5000 Chocolate Strawberry, Cinnamon Stick, Winter Dream, Chocolate Almond, and Fountain of Youth)

You can see pictures of most of these items at kitty.letsdotea.org – see my featured items!

Fall Seasonals (available October 1 until December 31):

#3501 Toffee Cream:
Black Tea, Caramel Drops, and Natural Flavors.

#3502 Figgy Pudding:
Black Tea, Fig and Date Bits, and Natural
Flavors.

#3503 Peppermint Bark:
Black Tea, Peppermint, Vanilla Bits, Candy Cane,
and Natural Flavors.

Teas are $10.95 each or $28.95 for the Trio. Trio
includes 1 ea. seasonal tea. Trio #3500

Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)
Drop of Tea Cookies
Here is a special recipe from a special book, Have Your Tea & Eat It Too! by Carrie V. Peterson, a Let’s Do Tea Consultant!

3/4 C. vegetable oil
1 C. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 C. honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. Let’s Do Tea Bourbon Street Vanilla Rooibos Tea, brewed strong and cooled
1 tsp. vanilla
3 2/3 C. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat oil, sugar, and eggs until well blended.  Add honey, vanilla, and water and blend.  Stir in all dry ingredients.

Drop on greased cookie sheet by the teaspoon full or by cookie scoop.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Yield: 2 dozen cookies.
If you try this recipe, let me know!  I will forward your comments to Carrie!

Tea Party ideas
Advent is full of wonderful feasts!  Why not celebrate St. Nicholas Day with Peppermint Bark Black Tea and candy canes for your family?  Or St. Lucy Day with Drop of Tea Cookies and a cup of hot After 7 Rooibos Tea for your neighbors?  Invite them over for dessert and candlelight.  Lovely!
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If you have any questions regarding Let’s Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.

If you aren’t already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me.

If you no longer wish to be on my mailing list, please contact me.

Paula Rutherford

Let’s Do Tea

Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org
1 Peter 4:9 “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”

Tea Newsletter ~ November 2009

Hello, Everyone!

It’s getting cold here in Colorado Springs. Time to have a tea party before the snow comes to stay! For all of you in the Colorado Springs area, I will host a Let’s Do Tea party at my home on Sunday, November 8, 1-3 PM. If you will be visiting the area, let me know – you are most welcome! There will be a door prize drawing and extra chances to win for anyone who brings a friend.

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org

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Let’s Do Tea monthly specials:
There’s still time to take advantage of the October Specials! For October 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or October Hostess Gift ~Beige 6 cup Whole Leaf Teapot~ PLUS: For every $300 in sales the hostess will receive an extra $30 Merchandise Credit!

Customer Specials for OCTOBER:
Have Your Tea and Eat it Too Cook Book & Trio Set $32.95
Ends October 31st, Choose the trio of your choice!
This INCLUDES the WHITE OUT trio, which normally is $34.95 without the cookbook!!
With over 50 recipes using tea, this is a perfect gift for any cook at heart!

For November, hostesses will receive 15% merchandise credit toward anything in the catalog, PLUS one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress strainer, or November Hostess Gift ~ Mug with Infuser (any color). Plus: $500 or more in sales and receive an extra 1/2 off item!!!

Customer Specials for NOVEMBER:
1. Old Amsterdam 6 cup Teapot &
Warmer Combo: $12
(Blue: #1100, Yellow: #1101,
Royal Blue: #1102, Red: # 1103
Green: #1104, Plum: #1105
Burgundy: #1106)

2. Stump Teapot $15 (red)

3. Mt. Shasta Set $20 (any color)

You can see pictures of most of these items at kitty.letsdotea.org – see my featured items!

Fall Seasonals (available October 1 until December 31):

#3501 Toffee Cream:
Black Tea, Caramel Drops, and Natural Flavors.

#3502 Figgy Pudding:
Black Tea, Fig and Date Bits, and Natural
Flavors.

#3503 Peppermint Bark:
Black Tea, Peppermint, Vanilla Bits, Candy Cane,
and Natural Flavors.

Teas are $10.95 each or $28.95 for the Trio. Trio
includes 1 ea. seasonal tea. Trio #3500

NEW TEAS! I mentioned these in our last newsletter; here they are again!
Black Teas
Banana Blast $10.95 #3019
Cranberry Peach $10.95 #3021
Pumpkin Spice $10.95 #3011

Green Teas
Enchanted Berry $10.95 #3037
Heavenly Mango $10.95 #3038
Raspberry Ginger $12.95 #3042
Roasted Pistachio $10.95 #3043

Rooibos Teas
Eggnog $10.95 #3065
Lemon Souffle $10.95 #3066

White Teas
Fresh Cherries $14.95 #3055

Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)
Beans of the Dead (Fave Dei Morti)
Note: Here is a recipe for Italian “soul” cookies. The theme of beans suggests the idea of burial and rebirth. Sometimes these are called “Ossi dei Morti” or “Bones of the Dead” and shaped like bones instead of beans. Even though the idea of bones and the dead sound morbid, these cookies are delicious! Enjoy them on All Souls’ Day with a cup of your favorite tea. This is a variation of a recipe from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge-Vits

2/3 cup almonds, finely ground
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 Tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces and softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grated rind of 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place very finely ground almonds in a large bowl. Add the sugar, and blend well with a fork. Add the flour and the cinnamon, then the butter, then finally the egg, the vanilla, and the grated lemon rind, mixing well with each addition. With a fork or floured hands, work the mixture to a smooth paste.

Break off large-bean-sized pieces of paste (about 1 inch long), and place them about 2 inches apart on a greased, floured baking sheet. Squash each piece slightly to produce an oval shape like a lima or fava bean.

Bake for 10 – 15 minutes, or until golden.

Yield: about 100 one-inch beans.

Variation: shape dough into bones, 1 or 2 inches long.

Tea Party ideas
How about an open house party around All Souls Day? Serve Beans of the Dead with a variety of teas – how about Cranberry Peach or Pumpkin Spice?
———————————————–
If you have any questions regarding Let’s Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant

If you aren’t already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me.

If you no longer wish to be on my mailing list, please contact me.

Tea Newsletter ~ October 2009

Hello everyone,

October is nearly here!  The year nears its end and the days shorten.  It is a pensive and sometimes melancholic season, but it can also be energizing as we think of the holidays ahead when we will come together with friends and family.  We are re-doing our family schedule and making Fridays Cookie and Craft Days.  We’ll finish our school early and spend Friday either making a batch of cookies to freeze and save for Christmas, or making Christmas cards and gifts.  When our work (and play!) is done, we’ll settle down with a cup of tea and story time!

As promised, I have three new seasonal teas to offer you!  I hope you will enjoy them.

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea,org

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Let’s Do Tea monthly specials:
For October 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or October Hostess Gift ~Beige 6 cup Whole Leaf Teapot~ PLUS: For every $300 in sales the hostess will receive an extra $30 Merchandise Credit!

You can see pictures of most of these items at kitty.letsdotea.org – see my featured items!
There is also a Customer Special for October ~ Have Your Tea & Eat It Too Cook Book & any Trio Set $32.95 *Starts September 15 – October 31st*

Fall Seasonals (available October 1 until December 31):

#3501 Toffee Cream:
Black Tea, Caramel Drops, and Natural Flavors.

#3502 Figgy Pudding:
Black Tea, Fig and Date Bits, and Natural
Flavors.

#3503 Peppermint Bark:
Black Tea, Peppermint, Vanilla Bits, Candy Cane,
and Natural Flavors.

Teas are $10.95 each or $28.95 for the Trio. Trio
includes 1 ea. seasonal tea. Trio #3500

Available from Oct 1st – Dec. 31st.

NEW TEAS! I mentioned these in our last newsletter; here they are again!
Black Teas
Banana Blast $10.95 #3019
Cranberry Peach $10.95 #3021 (Can we say “delicious”?)
Pumpkin Spice $10.95 #3011

Green Teas
Enchanted Berry $10.95 #3037 (I have tasted this one – it is fantastic iced)
Heavenly Mango $10.95 #3038
Raspberry Ginger $12.95 #3042
Roasted Pistachio $10.95 #3043

Rooibos Teas
Eggnog $10.95 #3065
Lemon Souffle $10.95 #3066  (This is one of my favorites)

White Teas
Fresh Cherries $14.95 #3055

Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)
Beans of the Dead (Fave Dei Morti)
Note: Here is a recipe for Italian “soul” cookies.  The theme of beans suggests the idea of burial and rebirth.  Sometimes these are called “Ossi dei Morti” or “Bones of the Dead” and shaped like bones instead of beans.  Even though the idea of bones and the dead sound morbid, these cookies are delicious!  Enjoy them on All Souls’ Day with a cup of your favorite tea. (recipe adapted from A Continual Feast by Evelyn Birge Vitz)

2/3 cup almonds, finely ground
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
4 Tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces and softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Grated rind of 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place very finely ground almonds in a large bowl.  Add the sugar, and blend well with a fork.  Add the flour and the cinnamon, then the butter, then finally the egg, the vanilla, and the grated lemon rind, mixing well with each addition.  With a fork or floured hands, work the mixture to a smooth paste.

Break off large-bean-sized pieces of paste (about 1 inch long), and place them about 2 inches apart on a greased, floured baking sheet.  Squash each piece slightly to produce an oval shape like a lima or fava bean.

Bake for 10 – 15 minutes, or until golden.

Yield: about 100 one-inch beans.

Variation: shape dough into bones, 1 or 2 inches long.

Tea Party ideas
How about an open house party around All Souls Day?  Serve Beans of the Dead with a variety of teas – order the new Fall Seasonal Trio!
———————————————–
If you have any questions regarding Let’s Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.
Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant

If you aren’t already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me by responding to this post.

If you no longer wish to be on my mailing list, please contact me.

Tea Newsletter ~ September, 2009

Hello everyone,

September has always brought images of fiery leaves and cooler weather, even while growing up in the California desert, where September’s temperatures still hovered in scorching 100+ degrees.  Even so, the word “September” makes me think of cozy sweaters and sipping a hot drink while watching the first snow flakes flutter out of the clouds.

So to celebrate the cooler temperatures ahead, even if they are not here yet, I have new tea flavors to offer you!

Look for three new seasonal teas in next month’s newsletter!

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea,org

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Tea Trivia
Antioxidants and polyphenols – which protect human cells from damage – are found in the highest levels in white tea.

Let’s Do Tea monthly specials:
For September 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or September Hostess Gift Old Amsterdam TFM (Tea For Me) (Any Color)
You can see pictures of most of these items at kitty.letsdotea.org – see my featured items!
There is also a Customer Special for September ~ Just Dessert Teapot $20, and Just Dessert Cream & Sugar $20 (While Supplies Last).

Summer Seasonals (available until September 30):

#2504 Indian Summer:
Black Tea, Chocolate, Cloves, Cinnamon,
Saffron, Safflowers, Cilantro, Corn Bits, and
Natural Flavors.

#2505 Mojito:
Black Tea, Rooibos, Coconut, Pineapple,
Spearmint Lemon Bits, Rum Flavor, and
Natural Flavors.

#2506 Apricot Vanilla:
Apricot, Rosehips, Apple, Rose Petals,
Vanilla, and Natural Flavors.

Teas are $10.95 each or 28.95 for the Trio.

Trio includes one of each seasonal tea.
Trio #2507 Available July 1st – Sept. 30th

NEW TEAS! Just as I promised in our last newsletter, here they are!
Black Teas
Banana Blast $10.95 #3019
Cranberry Peach $10.95 #3021
Pumpkin Spice $10.95 #3011

Green Teas
Enchanted Berry $10.95 #3037
Heavenly Mango $10.95 #3038
Raspberry Ginger $12.95 #3042
Roasted Pistachio $10.95 #3043

Rooibos Teas
Eggnog $10.95 #3065
Lemon Souffle $10.95 #3066

White Teas
Fresh Cherries $14.95 #3055

Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)
Blackberry Wine Cake
Note: September 29 is St. Michael’s Day, or Michaelmas.  There is a legend that says that when St. Michael defeated Satan, he threw him out of heaven and the devil landed in a blackberry bush, which immediately grew sharp thorns.  It is traditional to eat blackberries in St. Michael’s honor on his feast day.  Enjoy!

1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup blackberry wine
4 eggs
1/2 Cup oil
1 pkg (3 oz) berry gelatin of your choice (blackberry, black cherry or black raspberry work well)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour a tube or Bundt cake pan.  Mix all ingredients together on medium speed for 2 minutes.  Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for 45 Thuntil wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  When done, leave cake in the pan until cool.  Remove from pan onto platter. Garnish with fresh blackberries and mint leaves.  Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a cup of blackberry tea!

Tea Party ideas
Host a first-day-of-autumn tea party!  There’s nothing like a hot cup of tea and the company of good friends to warm our hearts as fall nips the air.

———————————————–
If you have any questions regarding Let’s Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.
Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant

If you aren’t already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me by responding to this post.

If you no longer wish to be on my mailing list, please contact me.

Cub Scout Popcorn for Sale!

If you are hankering for some Cub Scout Popcorn, here’s your chance to buy it online from my son! He’s a Wolf Scout this year and is really working hard to pay his own way to Camp next summer. Won’t you help him reach his goal?

Dear Kitty Eleison Reader,

Did you know that you can help send me to Scout camp this year? Just click here and place an order on my behalf. With new stuff like Wasabi Soy Almonds and a Gold Level Military Donation, there’s a lot more than popcorn to choose from.

Plus, you won’t just be helping me. 70% of your purchase will benefit Scouting in my area and help more kids experience all the things that make Scouting great. It’s a situation where everyone wins.

Thanks for your support,

Andrew

If the above link is not available, please copy and paste this full URL into your Internet browser address bar:

http://www.trails-end.com/estore/scouts/email_referral.jsp?id=2771521

Tea Newsletter ~ August 2009

Hello!  Summer seems to be winding down here in Colorado.  We hardly had any warm weather at all this year!  I am not complaining about the rain, though.  This is the greenest summer in recent history around here.  I wonder what this winter is going to be like?

I hope you are all enjoying whatever weather you have in your area.

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org
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Tea Trivia

Green and white teas should only be steeped 2 to 3 minutes to avoid making your tea bitter, but, once you let your tea leaves cool, you can steep them again at least twice!  Just add an extra minute for the second or third steepings.

Let’s Do Tea monthly specials:
For August 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or the Stump Tea Pot.  You can see pictures of most of these items at kitty.letsdotea.org – see my featured items!

MY EXTRA SPECIAL: Book a party now for August or September and receive an Empress tea strainer!

There is also a Customer Special for August: Mt. Shasta or Mt. Rainier tea set for $20!!  See the featured items on my web site more information.

Summer Seasonals (available until September 30):

#2504 Indian Summer:
Black Tea, Chocolate, Cloves, Cinnamon,
Saffron, Safflowers, Cilantro, Corn Bits, and
Natural Flavors.

#2505 Mojito:
Black Tea, Rooibos, Coconut, Pineapple,
Spearmint Lemon Bits, Rum Flavor, and
Natural Flavors.

#2506 Apricot Vanilla:
Apricot, Rosehips, Apple, Rose Petals,
Vanilla, and Natural Flavors.

Teas are $10.95 each or 28.95 for the Trio.
Trio includes one of each seasonal tea.
Trio #2507 Available July 1st – Sept. 30th

NEW TEAS!

Stay Tuned for next month’s newsletter!  Lots of new tea flavors!

Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)

Apricot Fool

Note: A fool is an old-fashioned English dessert that combines pureed fruit and whipped cream or custard.  This version is best when made with fresh ripe apricots.  Canned apricots can also be used; drain them and reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup.  Individual bowls filled with apricot fool and decorated with reserved apricot slices and additional whipped cream make a tasty and attractive presentation.

1 lb. fresh apricots

1/3 – 1/2 Cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 Cup heavy cream

Halve and pit the apricots, then slice them thinly.  It is not necessary to peel them. Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the apricot slices.  Place the remaining apricot slices and the brown sugar in a food processor fitted with the metal blade or in a blender.  The amount of sugar you use will depend on how sweet the apricots are.  Process until smooth.

Using chilled beaters and a large chilled bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form.  Gently fold in the apricot mixture and then 1 cup of the reserved slices.

Spoon the apricot-cream mixture into individual bowls.

Garnish with the reserved slices and serve.

Serves 4

recipe adapted from Williams-Sonoma’s Fruit Desserts cookbook.

Tea Party ideas
It’s not too late to have an Iced Tea Party!  There are still plenty of warm days ahead.  Or how about a Back To School tea party?  Jelly Bean Dream fruit & herb tea is a hit with the younger crowd and is very good iced or hot.  Have a special treat after the first day of school: a cup of Cinnamon Delight Rooibos tea (iced or hot) and giant home made chocolate chip cookies!

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If you have any questions regarding Let’s Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant

If you aren’t already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me by responding to this post.

Raising Them Right

Overheard:

Susan: Here, Margaret, you can play with this doll.  Annie, you have to play with the one showing her belly button.

Annie: Mommy!  Susan is making me play with the doll that’s not modest!

What's the Worst That Could Happen?

A few months ago, when my son Peter turned 3, Someone asked me why I hadn’t potty trained him (I potty trained most of his 5 older siblings before they turned 3). I said I wasn’t sure I trusted him alone in the bathroom. Someone tried to allay my fears by asking, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I felt like a wimp to be afraid of a little water spilled on the counter or floor, or maybe even Peter accidentally missing the toilet.

So I took a day and sent the other kids to Mom’s house so I could concentrate on training Peter for the WHOLE DAY if need be. I removed the rugs from the bathroom floor and got some nice, clean new underpants for Peter to wear. For the first hour he listened attentively as I described the heavenly bliss he would excite in friends and relatives, and indeed, experience himself, if he were to keep his pants dry. To every point in my carefully crafted speech he nodded and said, “Yes, Mommy! Can I have a treat now?” Things were going along very smoothly! I mentally congratulated myself thinking I would be done in no time.

At the beginning of the second hour his attention waned. He did not want to sit in the bathroom with me one more minute, even to teach “Baby Emily” (his oldest sister’s potty-training doll borrowed for the occasion) how to keep her pants dry or to get Froot Loops as treats whenever
I discovered Peter’s pants to be dry!!! He kept saying things like “I want to go play with my toys” to which I responded by bringing his farm set complete with barn, horse stable, farmer Jed, 3 or 4 farm hands and about 20 farm animals. He said he wanted to play with “ALL my toys – in the OTHER room.”

For the rest of this hour he threw himself on the floor, kicked, screamed, and had 3 or 4 “accidents” in different parts of the bathroom. I wanted to give up, but I knew that if I stuck to my guns he’d be trained today. Or at least before his 21st birthday. I could have meals brought to us. Maybe Fr. Jeremy would bring the Sacraments to us.

Well, after that hour was up, Peter suddenly discovered that it wasn’t too bad to just sit on the toilet to do his duty. “Wow! A breakthrough! He can do it!” I thought out loud. I gave him more water to encourage him to practice his new-found skill. He expertly kept his pants dry for the rest of the afternoon, even while I accidentally passed out from exhaustion on the couch for an hour.

For the next few days he was pretty good at getting to the toilet in time, even at other people’s houses, and I was really feeling proud. But as the saying goes, “Pride goeth before a fall.”

Today he went outside to play. I gave each of the kids a plastic observation jar with instructions to catch a bug and find an interesting flower so they could draw them in their nature journals. I paired an older kid with a younger so that I wouldn’t hear “Mommy!!! Maria is in the neighbors’ horse yard pulling the Clydesdale’s tail!!!”

Some kids trickled in with their spiders and ladybugs, wild roses and clover blossoms. I supervised their drawings and was quite pleased with my plan when I realized not everyone was inside. “Where’s Peter?’ I nonchalantly asked. “Oh, I told him it was time to come in and he didn’t want to,” said a child who shall remain unnamed.

I looked out the window and there was Peter, hiding in the play house. After much hollering on my part, he came in reeking!!! I asked him if he had kept his pants dry and he sheepishly admitted that he hadn’t. I sent him into the bathroom to start cleaning himself up while I attended to his youngest brother Thomas’s exploding diaper.

Gentle reader, if you are disturbed easily, please avert your eyes from the rest of this paragraph. I was not prepared for what I found when I walked into that bathroom. Peter had found a bottle of apricot baby oil and emptied it into the sink, which he had first filled with water and “fixed” so that I could not drain it. Then he emptied the poop out of his pants with his hands and smeared it all over the toilet seat. Gentle reader, do not think less of me if I say I hit the roof. I screamed. I moved to pick up Peter to put him in the tub, but then saw that the kids had left their muddy shoes in there to dry from the day before when they discovered – and explored (one might even say settled) mud puddles. I moved to take Peter’s underpants off to put them in the sink and discovered the Exxon-Valdez oil spill experiment I told you about. I moved to rinse the underwear in the toilet and discovered it was clogged with too much toilet paper.

Then the phone rang. My poor husband was calling to pray the Angelus with me as he does every day at noon. He got an earful instead. He suggested we pray and I calmed down a little. He told me where to find a tool to unplug the sink.

After hanging up I wiped Peter and the toilet down and unplugged the sink. I put his underwear in there to wait while I finished serving lunch.

Lunch is over now and the youngest children are taking naps. I have not yet gone to deal with the underwear in the sink, but I am in a better frame of mind. The older children are helping out with other chores. The worst is over, and no one was murdered.

When I started writing this, I thought that the worst thing that could happen did. But in retrospect, it wasn’t so bad. The worst would have been if I didn’t care and left the mess for the kids or my husband to deal with. It would have been BETTER if I had not screamed and panicked, but it would have been WORSE if Social Services had knocked on my door at that moment.

Pray for us sinners!

Tea Newsletter ~ July 2009

Hello, everybody. I hope the beginning of summer finds you all well and happy. I am including an extra special in this month’s newsletter to celebrate the warmer weather! If you know of anyone who might be interested, please send them this link and have them reply to this post.

Thank you,

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org
================================

Tea Trivia
Tea should be stored in airtight containers, away from sunlight and moisture.

Let’s Do Tea monthly specials:
For July 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or the Stripes Tea for Me set (While Supplies Last)!

MY EXTRA SPECIAL: Book a party now for July or August and receive an EXTRA free tin of tea!

There is also a Customer Special for June: Tiffany Rose and Lovers Three Artisan Teas ~Only $5 ea. Email me for more information.

Summer Seasonals (available until September 30):

#2504 Indian Summer:
Black Tea, Chocolate, Cloves, Cinnamon,
Saffron, Safflowers, Cilantro, Corn Bits, and
Natural Flavors.

#2505 Mojito:
Black Tea, Rooibos, Coconut, Pineapple,
Spearmint Lemon Bits, Rum Flavor, and
Natural Flavors.

#2506 Apricot Vanilla:
Apricot, Rosehips, Apple, Rose Petals,
Vanilla, and Natural Flavors.

Teas are $10.95 each or 28.95 for the Trio.
Trio includes one of each seasonal tea.
Trio #2507 Available July 1st – Sept. 30th

Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)

Sunmer Fruits in White Chocolate-Lime Sauce

12 oz. white chocolate, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
2 cups heavy (double) cream
2 tsp. grated lime zest or 1 tsp. lime oil
4 cups (1 lb.) sliced assorted ripe summer fruits such as apricots. nectarines and peaches (1/2 inch slices)
2 cups assorted berries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries and strawberries
curls of lime zest or fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Note: Use only the finest white chocolate and sweet ripe fruits. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Soften it in a microwave oven or in the top pan of a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over (not touching) barely simmering water.

Place the white chocolate in a food processor fitted with the metal blade or in a blender. Pour the cream into a small saucepan and place over medium heat. When tiny bubbles begin to appear around the edge of the pan, remove from heat and pour the cream over the chocolate. Process until smooth. Add the lime zest or lime oil and process for a few seconds longer. Let cool to room temperature. The sauce should have the consistency of very thick cream.

Arrange the fruit on a rimmed serving plate or in a bowl. Pour the cooled sauce over the fruit and garnish with lime zest curls or fresh mint.
Yield: 6 – 8 servings

Tea Party ideas
How about hosting an “Iced Tea party” for the 4th of July? Many of LDT’s teas are especially good iced. One of my favorites iced is Passion Flare Fruit Tea. The evenings are warmer now, so an outdoor after-dinner tea party would be great! Decorate your porch with tiny white (or red whit & blue) Christmas lights and invite your friends over for a tea party.

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If you have any questions regarding Let’s Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me.

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant

If you aren’t already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me by responding to this post.

Tea Newsletter for June 2009

Hello, everybody. I apologize for not sending out a newsletter for May. I will make it up by including an extra special in this month’s newsletter! If you know of anyone who might be interested, please send them a link to this post.

Thank you,

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant
kitty.letsdotea.org
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Tea Trivia
In 19th century Britain, tea was a valuable commodity and was stored in locked tea caddies for which only the woman of the household held the key.

Let’s Do Tea monthly specials:
For June, 2009, if you host a party, you receive 15% merchandise credit, and one of the following: a free tin of tea (any tea $10.95 and under), a box of any size Tea Sacs, an Empress tea strainer, or the Stripes Tea for Me set!

MY EXTRA SPECIAL: Book a party now for June, July or August and receive an EXTRA free tin of tea when your party order is delivered!

There is also a Customer Special for June: Tiffany Rose and Lovers Three Artisan Teas ~Only $5ea. Email me for more information.

Seasonal Teas (available until June 30):

#2501 Enchanted Berry:
Green Tea, Raspberry Bits, Blueberry Bits,
Rose Petals, Malva Flowers and
Flavourings.

#2502 Easter Bunny:
Black Tea, Rooibos, Caramel, Almond,
Chocolate an Easter Candies.

#2503 Lemon Souffle:
Green Rooibos, Rooibos, Honeybush,
Lemon Bits, Calendula Petals and
Flavourings.

Teas are $10.95 each or 28.95 for the Trio.
Trio includes one tin of each seasonal tea.
Trio #2504 Available April 1st – June 30th

Recipe (you can send me your favorites to be published in future issues!)

Orange-Strawberry Shortcake

2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
2 (11 oz) cans mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 Cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur) or orange juice
2 Cups biscuit mix
2/3 Cups milk
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Cups whipping cream
1/2 Cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 Cup sour cream

Combine first 4 ingredients , stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and chill 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
Combine biscuit mix and next 3 ingredients; stir with a fork just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn out onto a floured surface and kneed 4 or 5 times. Place dough on a lightly greased baking sheet and press into a 7- x 1/4-inch round.
Bake at 425 for 15 minutes or until done. Carefully remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack.
Beat whipping cream at medium speed of an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add powdered sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Add sour cream, and beat until stiff peaks form.
Split biscuit round in half horizontally. Place bottom half on a serving plate.
Drain fruit, reserving 2 Tbsp. liquid. Spoon 2/3 of fruit mixture on bottom round; drizzle with reserved liquid. Spoon half of whipped cream mixture over fruit. Add top biscuit round. Top with remaining fruit and whipped cream.
Yield: 8 servings

Tea Party ideas
Summer is upon us! How about hosting an “Iced Tea party” in your back yard? Many of LDT’s teas are especially good iced.

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If you have any questions regarding Let’s Do Tea, hosting a tea party or a catalog party, ordering teas without having a party, or becoming a consultant, please feel free to contact me by commenting on this post.

Paula Rutherford
Independent Tea Consultant

If you aren’t already, but would like to be on my mailing list, please contact me by commenting on this post and let me know. If you are on it already, but would like to be removed, let me know as well, so I don’t end up annoying anyone accidentally.

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