- Afternoon Tea, Beads and Coffee/Tea, Jewellery, Ohm Beads, OHM News & Updates, Ohmily, Tea, Uncategorized
OHM Beads Giveaway | #OHMTeaforTwo
Happy April 2nd, 2020! I hope today finds you and your loved ones safe, healthy and doing well.
In today’s blog post, I will be hosting a fun giveaway on behalf of OHM Beads! For the month of April, OHM Beads is having daily giveaways, games, and themes. The official hashtag for the month is #OHMinApril. A new giveaway/game/theme will be happening every day and they will be hosted by either OHM HQ, an OHM Team Member or an OHMbassador. I am so excited to be hosting #OHMTeaforTwo for the April 2nd giveaway!
Today’s theme is #OHMTEAFORTWO and I one lucky winner will have the opportunity to win the OHM Tea Bag BOTM! To find out how…keep on reading!
Photo courtesy of OHM Beads. As all of you know, I am a HUGE tea addict and I have embarrassingly large cupboards of teas (yes, I said cupboards). But not to worry, they are all organized by tea type (green, oolong, black, etc.) as well tea bags and loose leaf teas. It is very safe for me to say that I could probably open up my own tea shop, with the amount of teas I have!
Am I the only one? Do you have a large tea cupboard? Or cupboards?!
One of the reasons I love tea is because of the experiences that goes along with it.
Here are some of my favourite tea experiences:
– the art of making tea is a relaxing experience that provides a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. I love preparing the perfect cup of tea or tea latte. It is a time to stay present, in the moment!
– designing with the OHM Alice in Wonderland collection
– picking out the perfect mug or tea cup is such a fun experience!
– afternoon tea or high tea is honestly the BEST way to catch up with loved ones and create memories to last a life time!
– having a friend over for tea!
– after dinner dessert…usually mean tea! And usually means time with love ones!
– TEA PARTIES!!!!
– going to a local tea shop and smelling and sampling hundreds of amazing teas…one of the best ways to spend an hour, if you ask me!
– grabbing a tea-to-go and going for walk in a winter wonderland or on an autumn day…nothing quite like it!
– bubble tea or iced tea…on a hot summer’s day. Again…nothing quite like it!
– sharing a cup of tea with a guinea pig named, Harlow. THE BEST!
– Unboxing a tea order! OR…the OHM Tea Bag BOTM Bead!!!!
What are some of your favourite tea experiences?
As mentioned, OHM Beads is giving away the OHM Tea Bag BOTM (Bead of the Month)! This is one of my favourite OHM Beads and is an incredible experience to unbox. If you’d like to watch my first impressions and unboxing of this bead, you can watch it HERE or down below:
Fast Forward to around 6:13 to see the tea bag unboxing. The OHM Tea Bag BOTM comes with TEAriffic packaging. When you first open it, you will see that it comes inside an OHM tea tin. From there, you will pull out an OHM tea infuser and inside you will find tea bag. After gently opening the tea bag, you will find your bead!
To enter to win:
- Head over to @fashionstoryteller Instagram profile, find the official #OHMTEAFORTWO photo and tag 1 friend you love to have tea with!
- Share a photo on your instagram profile, sharing a memory/experience that involved tea! Make sure to use the hashtags: #OHMINAPRIL #OHMTEAFORTWO #BEADSANDTEA and tag @fashionstoryteller and @OHMbeads.
- For a bonus entry: leave a comment down below with your instagram name and what your favourite type of tea is.
One qualifying winner will be drawn and will have 24hrs to claim their prize. If the winner fails to claim their prize in 24hrs, a new winner will be drawn.
To qualify to win, the winner must complete actions 1 and 2 correctly. Giveaway ends on April 3rd, 2020 at 11:00 AM PACIFIC.
Winner will be announced on my Instagram stories.
Void Where Prohibited.
Best of luck to all who enter! A special thank you to OHM Beads for this giveaway and for making the month of April sooo fun!
- Afternoon Tea, Ella Adventures, Harlow, Lifestyle, Making Tea at Home, Pawfectella, Pawfectella Everything!, Tea, Tea Reviews, Uncategorized
Paragon Tea Room | My favourite place to get tea, in the city | BUT AKA: how tea makes dreams come true.
Left: WALL-E added an addition smile to my first visit…and every visit afterwards.
Right: We walked into the tea room, which shares space with a local coffee shop. I looked up at the logo…and instantly felt I had found some where special!
On April 10th, 2019…I did not realize I would be stepping into my favourite place for tea. One of my best friends, Tiara had been talking about this new tea salon that opened up beside her gym…and how I just HAD to go.
April 10th, 2019…it was a really hard and emotional day. I was waiting to hear back about Harlow’s (my late guinea pig) test results, going through an extremely “burnt out” period of life, frustrated with health issues and needing to make some big life decisions. Tiara was so sweet and spent that entire day with me. As a doctor, she knew the best medicine for me: she took me to, Paragon Tea Salon for my first cup of tea misto.Tiara and I waited in line and I gazed up at the menu. I wanted to try EVERYTHING!!!
When we got to the front of the line, we were greeted by Michelle, the owner of Paragon. She was a breath of fresh air and so welcoming. I was so impressed that she knew Tiara, by name…and you could just tell she genuinely loves her customers and takes time to get to know them and build a relationship.
She was equally excited that I was about to try, the paragon way for the first time. After some helpful recommendations from, Michelle…I decided to settle on the, High Mountain Roasted Oolong Tea Misto. Although…I was very close to ordering a matcha misto, haha!
When we were in line…I had to take a photo of the menu options! I wanted to be able to look back on it, to show my husband and talk him into coming back with me, haha. 
A smaller version of Paragon’s tea menu.
Michelle started to make our tea mistos and I couldn’t get over how she was making them!!! TEA-like espresso! It was the coolest thing EVER. I actually ended up take a short video of the experience of making a cup of tea misto. It was so fascinating for me! 100ml of strong and delicious tea…Michelle making my first cup from Paragon! My husband’s first cup of Paragon!
After our teas were ready, Tiara and I sat beside the window and chatted the afternoon away, as we sipped our delicious teas. She gave me sound advice.
But how was the tea?!!! THE TEA WAS SOOOO AMAZING! Perfect temperature, perfectly steeped. Perfect frothed almond milk (although…I ended up switching to oat milk afterwards, thanks to Michelle’s advice on my second visit). And to top the drink to perfection: the perfect cup to truly taste the aroma and essence of the tea!
I couldn’t wait to bring, Snowman (my husband) to try these teas!!! And I also couldn’t wait to go back myself.
My first cup of tea from Paragon.
During my conversations with, Tiara…I received a phone call from Harlow’s vet…that she needed to be brought in for more testing. The rest of this story, breaks my heart…as I didn’t know that only a few days later, my little Harlow would be passing away in my arms. Many of you know this story, so I won’t go into details here.Harlow truly loved her tea and loved to #HarlowApprove my tea of the day.
I had hoped to do this blog post, shortly after my first visit, but with Harlow’s passing and that crazy “burnt out” period…I just didn’t have the time or energy.
However, I continued to go to Paragon and fell more and more in-love with the atmosphere, teas and people! I also made sure to bring Snowman (my husband) and he instantly became a huge fan. He often joined my on these visits.My Husband’s First Visit. e
Harlow’s passing was a big wake up call to me, to start taking care of myself and my health more. Whenever I needed to take a break…I went to Paragon. It became the place where I started focusing on new goals and dreams; a place I could escape to and just “be”. I made some of my biggest dreams and goals there, while sipping tea and taking in the peaceful, creative atmosphere. I typed these goals and dreams into my phone, laptop or note paper. And the crazy thing is…every single one has come true, in less than a year. I still cannot believe that! It proves how magical tea can be…when you add it to your dream planning ingredients, haha. Oooh..and put those dreams and goals into action, of course 😉Some of the delicious teas I have tried since my first visit!
One of my dreams, popped into my head about 2 months after Harlow’s passing. I was sitting with my husband (at Paragon, of course) and I just had this thought and major gut feeling that I needed a dog. My husband stopped sipping his tea and just looked at me…”really? Are you sure the timing is right? Shouldn’t you just focus on your health, etc?” I explained to him why this was the BEST idea, BEST medicine (besides tea) and BEST dream ever.
In that exact moment, I was convinced and when I want something, I will not give up, (poor husband). I wanted to adopt my very own puppy! I have always been a huge dog lover, since I was a little girl. But I never had the time or lifestyle to be able to take proper care for a puppy. After some big “life decision making”, the timing was perfect…and I just had a feeling that Harlow would approve of this decision. My husband soon (willingly, promise!) agreed and trusted my planner instincts, haha.
Ella came into our life and I’ll never forget bringing her to Paragon for her first visit. It was like that goal/dream had literally come full circle. It was truly incredible and felt like the biggest, “God Wink”.Ella’s first visit to Paragon. Ella being the cutest Paragon model, besides WALL-E, of course!
And just before picking up Ella…another dream came true…and then another one and another one…it was incredible. And they just kept on blossoming, even after adopting Ella.
That’s the thing with dreams and goals…you need to make time to work for them. And having a wonderful place to escape to…and focus on them, plan for them and to achieve them…makes all the difference. I am truly grateful for discovering Paragon, through a very transitional and difficult point, in my life. It gave me that space I needed to focus and I will forever be grateful for that! AND…for the delicious cups of tea!!!
I now live in a new home (one of my goals)…where I have my own office/creative space to continue making my dreams and goals come true. I still love to go to Paragon, but I now have the opportunity to make their delicious teas, at home too!! Such a treat!!!
My personal favourites are: Hojicha powder, Genmaicha powder, Mango Hojicha, Genmaicha (matcha coated) and the High Mountain Oolong (but I still have more to try)!
Paragon also has an online store, if you would like to try some of their teas. They ship or you can pickup in-store, if you live nearby!My first time making Hojicha at home!
They also have a wonderful mini gift shop…and I was able to get a beautiful new matcha bowl, right before Christmas! I love it soo much!
Well, there you have it! Quite a long and personal blog post…that was suppose to be JUST a tea review…that turned into a much more personal story. But I feel right sharing it because that is one thing I get asked all the time:
How do you stay so positive? Well, that’s for another blog post topic, if you’d like to hear it. But as you can tell, through this blog post…that period was extremely challenging, but when life gives you heartache and gloom…you make tea and focus on the true and good things in life. -
Holiday Afternoon Tea | Langdon Hall Country House at Christmas Time
My Grandma and I waiting to be seated for afternoon tea On December 20th, 2019 my Grandma, Husband, Mother and I went to Langdon Hall Country House for a Christmas Afternoon tea together. This was my husband and I’s second time going to Langdon Hall and we really wanted to take my Grandma and Mother, ever since our first visit! It is such a special place and I knew my Grandma had always wanted to go.
When you walk up the steps and through the front entrance, you walk into an elegant atmosphere, surrounded by history and seasonal Christmas florals and greens, picked from the gardens and woodland outside the hall.
After taking our coats, we headed into the waiting area that had a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with old fashioned charm and wrapped presents below it!
Langdon Hall Christmas Tree Soon, they called our name and we were seated at a round table with their afternoon tea menus and beautiful seasonal decor. Afternoon tea is a seasonal, set menu, but if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, it is recommended to call ahead, when you book your reservation. Langdon Hall is fantastic at accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies, and we had called ahead about both my husband and I’s. The server let us know that my meal (and my husbands) were being served as gluten and dairy free and I loved that I didn’t even need to double check!
Langdon Hall Tea Menu The server also explained their tea menu and also asked if we would like any champagne, mimosas, etc! My Grandma and I decided to go for mimosas. I rarely drink (just on special occasions) and this felt like a perfect occasion and a mimosa sounded so good! My Grandma agreed!
There were so many delicious tea options on the menu. I had quite a few I was debating between. I settled on the, Blood Orange Oolong. Oolong tea is one of my favourites and I was intrigued by the hibiscus and citrus peel notes.
A look at the Langdon Hall Tea Selection The server took our tea orders and brought our mimosas. As we were waiting for our tea and treats, we laughed and chatted away and enjoyed the understated music and outdoor views through the large windows.
My Grandma also admired her tea cup and inquired about the little infuser inside her cup! I let her know it catches the fallen tea leaves from the tea pot! I hardly ever see this method being used and I absolutely love it!!!!!
Langdon Hall Teacup and Saucer Our pots of tea arrived and they looked so charming! Every one enjoyed their tea selections! My mother actually got the same tea, as me! My Grandmother ordered a delicious ginger blend and my Husband got a peach tea.
Such a beautiful table setting! And can you spot the blueberry jam, butter and clotted cream? 
My Grandmother enjoying the atmosphere and beautiful view outside! After all our first pours of tea were nearly finished, our delicious sandwiches, scones and treats arrived! Langdon Hall recommends eating their scones first, as they are fresh from the oven!
Gingerbread and traditional scones. Mine were both gluten and dairy free!
Such a treat.The sandwiches and treats were so delicious! Below is a photo of my husband’s selection of goodies.
Overall, we had such a wonderful time together and Langdon Hall exceeded all our expectations for a lovely Christmas treat together. After leaving Langdon Hall, we drove to see some beautiful Christmas lights…such a lovely way to end the day!
Which one would you try first? -
A Christmas Tradition: DAVIDsTEA | 24DaysofTea | Why this calendar is so special to me.
DAVIDsTEA #24daysoftea is back!!! Back in 2012, my fiancé (now husband) and I started a new Christmas tradition with DAVIDsTEA #24daysoftea. Every evening, we would enjoy a tea of day, along with our baby guinea pig, Harlow (she liked to take little licks from our fingertips). We looked forward to discover what tea awaited us: black, green, oolong, herbal…what would it be?
Photo of the DAVIDsTEA Advent Calendar back in 2012 
The calendars have come along way! A tea advent calendar was the most perfect invention for me! And I was instantly obsessed and just knew I had to get my family and friends involved in the fun too.
In 2012, I had just moved across the country in July…and I knew this would be a special way to still feel close to them, at such a special time of the year. It soon became my tradition to stock up on calendars (as soon as the store opened) to make sure my family and friends could all get one! DAVIDsTEA would sell out DAY OF…if not, MORNING OF! Luckily, last year…they seemed to finally have better stock!
A photo of DAVIDsTEA 2013 #24daysoftea Advent Calendar…and all the calendars I bought for family and friends. I would line up to the store, first thing in the morning! 
Baby Georgina investigating!!! Each year and onwards, it became a time to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays…and became a time of day we treasured. It warmed out hearts and souls…and we loved that our loved ones, though far away, were sharing in this wonderful experience with us.
2015 Advent Calendar #24daysoftea 
In 2015, Glitter and Gold was one of the #24daysoftea…and it was our featured wedding day tea!!! So crazy cool! The #24daysoftea calendar also became a heartwarming tradition with a very special guinea pig; my beloved Harlow. Harlow passed away this year…and it will be the first year I do not get my tea taster/tea assistant to help #HarlowApprove the tea of the day. It’ll be different, but I know she will be there in spirit, in her own way. Here are some of my favourite photos of Harlow during the #24daysoftea countdown!
#HarlowApproved #24daysoftea DAVIDsTEA 
I’m not sure about this one, Mom! #24daysoftea 
I like the smells of this one, Mom! #24daysoftea 
What day are we on now, Mom? 
We miss you, Harlow! I also enjoy the Christmas countdown with…ALL OF YOU!!! On my Instagram, it has become my tradition to also share the tea of the day with you all…through fun photos of the day!!! I love hearing your thoughts on the teas and seeing your photos too!
Pandora Santa And now…for some truly exciting news to share with all of you:
I am now part of DAVIDsTEA Affiliates Program. It honestly feels like a dream come true because besides jewellery, #tea (and especially, #Davidstea) is my biggest obsession. What this means, is if you order through my affiliate links (featured in my blog posts, on my Linktree, instagram stories and youtube channel), I’ll receive a small commission, much like a sales associate would, at a retail store. It’s pretty cool and I’m so thankful. ?? I would not have these amazing opportunities without each and every one of you…so a HUGE HUGE THANK YOU!!! ?☕️ And an additional thank you to any one who wants to shop with these links. That’s super kind and generous of you! ??? .
If you would like to shop the #24daysoftea Advent Calendar, here are my affiliate links:
Shop DAVIDsTEA USA.
Shop DAVIDsTEA Canada.
I’m looking forward to counting down to Christmas with all of you!!!! -
Davidstea | 28 Day Cleanse Calendar
With February here, I have started my new tea calendar from Davidstea: The 28 Day Cleanse. I have been a huge fan of their advent calendar since 2012, so when I found out they had a special “Dry February” themed one, I just had to get it! Plus, it is all my favourite kinds of teas: greens, herbals, whites, oolongs and even some rooibos!!!
Let the Davidstea countdown begin!!! With five days into the calendar, I can already tell you: I LOVE IT!!! It is so lovely coming home after work, to a delicious tea of the day. It’s a fun surprise to look forward to and warms the soul!
What will the the of the day be? So far, all the teas I have opened are ones I keep constantly buy or have tried recently. The Choco Chaga Detox was a newer tea I was introduced to, a few weeks ago. My local Davidstea told me I would love it…and especially iced! I’m not usually an iced the person (in the winter), but…WOW. I’ve gotten it a few times already! SO delicious and worth the colder cup in hand during the winter season. Now, the calendar was the first time I had the opportunity to enjoyed it hot…and as a latte. It was such a delicious treat…but so healthy!!! And I can’t honestly tell you if I like iced or hot better, both were equally yummy. I totally recommend this tea, if you haven’t tried it already. And I have better stock up on it!!!
Choco Chaga Detox is yummy hot or iced! Today’s tea was Goji Green. Such a fruity tea and makes you think of the summer time!!! And yesterday was Buddha’s Blend which always makes me think of the candy, Fuzzy Peaches because of the hint of peach in it!
Goji Green about to be enjoyed. Happy Lunar New Year, btw! I’ve also enjoyed my classic favourites, Organic Detox and the Skinny too. To my friends, these taste like “healthy, earthy teas”, but to me…they taste so good for the soul with delicious notes of ginger.
Well, that’s it for now. I will continue to keep you posted on my calendar openings. AND..if you’d like to see daily calendar openings (and cute guinea pig helpers), you can watch my Instagram stories here. I post the teas daily and will often include an instagram photo too!
Have a lovely evening!
Emily xx
Tea in a Mickey Themed Mug is always a good idea! 
Reaching for a cup of tea! 
Harlow is the best tea helper! She always makes sure they smell good! -
Tea with Tiara ?☕?
What could be better, mid-week then spending an entire day with your close friend? Especially, when she lives in another province!
My friend Tiara and I had a lovely girl’s day, this past Wednesday. We had “at home” facials and enjoyed some healthy treats before heading out for some afternoon tea at a local favourite. ? We ended up chatting the whole day away… Everything from our faith to fashion to health and fitness. Pray
Here are some pictures from our afternoon tea:
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How To Make A Tea Latte
There is nothing quite as cozy and delicious as a frothy tea latte! And I am one who loves to indulge in a tea latte nearly every morning! To be honest, I use to only drink green tea, but when my husband surprised me with the Breville Milk Cafe frother, my morning teas got fancier!
In this video, I show you how to create your own tasty tea latte at home! I hope you enjoy it.
xx Emily
