tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18656404167100017112024-02-20T09:06:31.818-05:00The Bohemian Tea HouseTea...is a religion of the art of life. ~OkakuraMs. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-7553008591038417992012-06-28T15:14:00.000-04:002012-06-28T15:14:50.459-04:00Last Post?Well... my tea business wasn't such a brilliant idea. I really love blending and selling my teas. Unfortunatley, there are some problems I've been trying to deal with... <br />
Expense and storage of inventory: I only have enough money and room to blend and make small batches (which was the intent). The proplem with that is I can only vend at small venues, where I don't make enough money to really make it worth while. <br />
Expense of venues:<br />
The larger venues are expensive. I can't afford some and those that I can afford (local farmers markets) are difficult to get into, as they already have tea vendors. Plus... there's the small batch problem in that I would sell out too fast (which would be good right?) and not be able to restock timely enough to be back out there the next week. In order the have a client following I need to be at a venue on regular basis.<br />
Packaging timing:<br />
Here it is almost July and I still have teas that were packaged in March. Even that you buy at grocery stores can be months old and tea has a long shelf life... it appears that my teas aren't fresh.<br />
Solutions to these problems are out of my reach:<br />
I can't sell online (which would allow for more steady sales and customer base), because I'm working under the Florida Cottage Foods Act. In order to be able to sell online, I need to be able to contract with a commercial kitchen, which I haven't been able to find one that is willing. I'd also need insurance, which isn't that expensive, but I'm not going to buy it unless I can contract with a kitchen. Plus, I would need a permit for the kitchen (which I don't understand because if it is a commercial kitchen, it should already be permitted), and the permit is cost prohibitive.<br />
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Also, it really doesn't provide enough of a creative outlet for me. I'm going to try to sell the rest of my stock and gracefully bow out. I will however restock my Etsy shop <a href="http://piecesofd.etsy.com/">Pieces of D</a> with my artful wares and artful wear. I'm also going to rebuild my Pieces of D blog, which has apparently been deleted.<br />
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I'll keep this email address for a while, until I feel it is no longer of use. After that I can be reached at <a href="mailto:piecesofd@ymail.com">piecesofd@ymail.com</a>.<br />
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Thanks so much for your support!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-34986437744757340822012-05-24T11:49:00.000-04:002012-05-24T11:49:55.808-04:00New Products!<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday's Cool and Groovy Garden Party at Loieland was a great opportunity to debut a couple of new products! Tea bag "wallets" or "caddies" are a big hit on Etsy and other handmade sites. Well... how do we loose tea drinkers take our teas with us when we travel? </div>
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The Bohermian Tea Lady's Travel Kit! That's how!</div>
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Look at how you can organize your teas and sweetener! It includes disposable, you-fill tea bags; 2 skewers to keep your tea bags at the rim of your cup; and a bamboo scoop to scoop your tea from one of the 4 little ziplock bags included into your tea bag! You just roll it up and take it with you!</div>
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I've made them in a variety of fabrics! Any loose tea devotee will love these!</div>
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My next new product... Boho personal 1-cup teabags!</div>
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These are great for any tea lover to brew their favorite cuppa! I make them from fabric scraps and remnants and they are reusable, so they are another one of my green products. I'll be making them from organza, as well.</div>
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More new green products... these bamboo scoops! I have both round and oval.</div>
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The oval ones are the scoops included in my travel kits!</div>
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I'll be at the <a href="http://flewn.com/">Florida Estates Winery</a> wine fest this Saturday! Come out and visit if you're local!</div>Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-244317777790923432012-05-19T18:48:00.000-04:002012-05-19T18:48:24.095-04:00Preparations and Kindred Spirits...I've been busy! I know I've promised photos of the last wine fest, but have been so busy preparing for tomorrow's Cool and Groovy Garden Party that I just haven't had time! I did put one of the photos as my "cover" photo on my new <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/bohoteahouse">facebook page</a>. I have some great new products too... Hence the busyness in prepping for tomorrow. I now have bamboo scoops and some "Personal Boho Bags" which are single cup, reusable teabags made from fabric scraps. Much like my "Batik Boho Bags" and stamped muslin bags, only smaller. The fabric scraps are from my latest idea... loose tea travel kits. Still trying to think of a clever name for them... They consist of a jewelry type roll bag with a pocket equipped with a bamboo scoop, 6 disposable paper filter bags, 2 bamboo skewers to use with the filter bags and 4 small ziplock bags, as well as 4 smaller pockets to keep those little bags of teas and sweeteners organized! I promise to post photos after tomorrow!<br />
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On another note... I ran out fo the little bags I needed for my travel kits, so I headed to Michaels to get some. Of course I can't get out of Michaels without looking through the bead department... There was another bead lover there looking... and those of you that know me, know that I will start a conversation up at the drop of a hat. Well... this lovely lady and I struck up a conversation and found we were quite kindred! Her name is Jeannie... I was so frazzled from this week (not to mention exhausted from my chronic insomnia) that I didn't have a business card or even a pen to write info down! She had a pen and paper so I wrote down my blog address... It was all I could think of! Anyway... Jeannie was familiar with the wine fests that I do and told me she would try to get out to next week's and that she would visit my blog. I hope she does... I've been such a social wreck lately, I didn't even think to get any of her contact info! So Jeannie, if you get here to my blog, please keep in touch! It's not often we are led to such kindred spirits!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-22381447467595764962012-05-14T21:26:00.000-04:002012-05-14T21:26:00.161-04:00Finally... a Facebook Page...Check out my new facebook page!<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/bohoteahouse#!/bohoteahouse">The Bohemian Tea Lady</a><br />
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I'll post pics from this past Saturday's wine fest later this week!<br />
<br />Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-72852784032045127412012-05-12T08:26:00.003-04:002012-05-12T08:27:51.478-04:00Wine Fest Today!I'll be at the<a href="http://flewn.com/"> Florida Estates Winery</a> today for the Wine Fest!<br />
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I have new products to debut and friends to see! If you're in the area, hope to see you there! I'll post photos later!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-79864830294962888662012-05-02T17:49:00.004-04:002012-05-02T17:59:12.427-04:00New Tea Bag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's my first hand-made, batik reuseable tea bag prototype! What do you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiZkcg9iBM9ZW2Eim75CyqrWjJT5fSx7c-8C7ixGMeqqL5P1OjzLNeg3LPeOlXYc1G2TfLO58wVsD57xBakJeUkvQrvkkHez8NJu8rVkc2yK9bga61sA4d4EP0KCa4bzM72aLH23FN2s/s1600/batik+prototype+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPiZkcg9iBM9ZW2Eim75CyqrWjJT5fSx7c-8C7ixGMeqqL5P1OjzLNeg3LPeOlXYc1G2TfLO58wVsD57xBakJeUkvQrvkkHez8NJu8rVkc2yK9bga61sA4d4EP0KCa4bzM72aLH23FN2s/s320/batik+prototype+2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />It's about 3" x 4" like my hand-stamped muslin tea bags, so they can be used for a single cup or a pot! I've soaked fabric samples in tea for hours to see how much they discolor and they seem to keep their color well. The drawstring is blue colored hemp, but I can use natural hemp, cotton cord, embroidery thread or narrow ribbon. It has a beautiful bright blue and gold, square glass bead!</div>
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I typically sell my stamped muslin bags for $5. Any ideas how much I should charge for these?Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-51767771033627093352012-04-27T22:16:00.000-04:002012-04-27T22:27:48.618-04:00Experimentation...<br />
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I did really well at the last wine fest I attended! The weather was great and I sold out of 2 blends! Here was my table...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VtbbONELueYNjDsyuz1Q1_Un8KQS8wlhvt7c8WWcLpiWxLNmMQegzIRSBh__howLhfNr4JBAgV-07RkYTLaXovCkao94hRwxDchnUHWAewhTAnuKSDAFsjQq5u-0GwVr8ai2jT2uLFU/s1600/1st+winefest+table+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2VtbbONELueYNjDsyuz1Q1_Un8KQS8wlhvt7c8WWcLpiWxLNmMQegzIRSBh__howLhfNr4JBAgV-07RkYTLaXovCkao94hRwxDchnUHWAewhTAnuKSDAFsjQq5u-0GwVr8ai2jT2uLFU/s400/1st+winefest+table+2.jpg" width="400" /></a>I'll be stepping up my display for the next events. I've painted my my cup holder a bright aqua, distressed it and put the bamboo strainers on it. I also painted my plate rack lovely burnt orange color and hung all my stainless infusers and hand-stamped muslin bags from it. </div>
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I'm painting a few other display items, as well. My new event table will be colorful and will definitely grab attention!</div>
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<br />So... onto the experimentation...</div>
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I'm dehydrating these...</div>
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fresh lemons... </div>
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and these...</div>
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fresh Key Limes... <br />
to try some new citrusy blends!</div>
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Did you know Key Limes are green inside, but have a yellow peel when ripe?</div>
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Stay tuned for the new blends and my May event schedule!</div>
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I'll be doing two wine fests and Lois' Cool and Groovy Garden Party! Details to come!</div>Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-60625709340520153912012-04-13T19:02:00.001-04:002012-04-13T19:04:02.311-04:00Back to the Winery Tomorrow!Hopefully the weather will cooperate this week! I'm heading back out to the <a href="http://floridaestateswines.com/">Florida Estates Winery</a> again tomorrow with my teas and infusers. I've decided to stick to teas and infusers, no more tea cup orphanage... It was fun and I did sell quite a few, but I want to concentrate on teas and brewing. <br />
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I did get some photos of my beaded infusers... I have a plate rack that I hang them on for display.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also stamped unbleached muslin bags with waterproof ink and beaded the drawstrings to make reuseable tea bags! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEZKv6_scb69IXolAlsW_tTLBBy5j9q11eMEoQeVYcx_oIExPYb49-_tDpXP8VULu2kF0OsOShrQChx9h1Dnv_IygUkXyu4bj_J1lCHxpPD1u-JAHDKOL2ipc1uBQYQhqhDrXKUN584U/s1600/muslin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEZKv6_scb69IXolAlsW_tTLBBy5j9q11eMEoQeVYcx_oIExPYb49-_tDpXP8VULu2kF0OsOShrQChx9h1Dnv_IygUkXyu4bj_J1lCHxpPD1u-JAHDKOL2ipc1uBQYQhqhDrXKUN584U/s400/muslin+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hung these on a cup rack. Pretty cool I think!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkfIQGO6sQ6JMaxxMWmyWQMUWCwPUOQ8sZzpn0_2YBN0Jstc625p_Fce6ti1FgwBmljNwawxzxxUR_P-Tt3sNgtvJUUVVFBDBWvMiF85TMGNRwwPvLuSEpu1Zut2B28DNWVawC6rCT5Y/s1600/muslin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkfIQGO6sQ6JMaxxMWmyWQMUWCwPUOQ8sZzpn0_2YBN0Jstc625p_Fce6ti1FgwBmljNwawxzxxUR_P-Tt3sNgtvJUUVVFBDBWvMiF85TMGNRwwPvLuSEpu1Zut2B28DNWVawC6rCT5Y/s400/muslin2.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some of the designs up close...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vmerqu02b66sXNt_P-FpQh6bEl0raluLNB5kTgL8aKwBXnK7zlw_ZyWmD-kJn6RZKSTfWopXZJzOknjSUhKYdbGyWFJyKXRhcVWdlfc1MGLGjqA5oN8-BEjOsMSqWC5xcxcD-I4eBXM/s1600/asian+coins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vmerqu02b66sXNt_P-FpQh6bEl0raluLNB5kTgL8aKwBXnK7zlw_ZyWmD-kJn6RZKSTfWopXZJzOknjSUhKYdbGyWFJyKXRhcVWdlfc1MGLGjqA5oN8-BEjOsMSqWC5xcxcD-I4eBXM/s400/asian+coins.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUEl86_z2LtJUsqFz6Hisr-qfmI0jeyFvwwqCIRHwdcploryo4jx6R2CC0rjQ9KhdaQNpxFnOfxfklw_EzPyxXQG6IPDA-i-jp2t8XAPuVzagvPhjcq_NImKUcOIHcH8Qor2zVAGsFNM/s1600/chandi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUEl86_z2LtJUsqFz6Hisr-qfmI0jeyFvwwqCIRHwdcploryo4jx6R2CC0rjQ9KhdaQNpxFnOfxfklw_EzPyxXQG6IPDA-i-jp2t8XAPuVzagvPhjcq_NImKUcOIHcH8Qor2zVAGsFNM/s400/chandi.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br />
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I'll be adding more designs and also making reuseable bags from batik fabric.Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-74435149610504429872012-03-31T20:34:00.000-04:002012-03-31T20:34:11.417-04:00Wine Fest Rained Out...I sold one bag of tea before we had to cover up for the rain... Then had to pack up between waves of wind and rain... Oh well... Next time!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-77305107137230535872012-03-26T10:56:00.000-04:002012-03-26T10:56:00.781-04:00Upcoming Event!I will be at the WIne Fest at <a href="http://floridaestateswines.com/">Florida Estates Winery</a> in Land O Lakes, Florida with my teas and teawares on Saturday, March 31, 2012!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjXtCsJFCWyb-8UqyqwoKH0lBO2T2loKywQhgD3yInq7k_qHq6X0qE2gIx9AQM3hKzLRZt_GISykxahcY8PZDEZoppJgFmnQxN69C6ja0lHoSb3X7mC5-baUZ-WGMQFvfAE_5DKpAHD0/s1600/winerey.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjXtCsJFCWyb-8UqyqwoKH0lBO2T2loKywQhgD3yInq7k_qHq6X0qE2gIx9AQM3hKzLRZt_GISykxahcY8PZDEZoppJgFmnQxN69C6ja0lHoSb3X7mC5-baUZ-WGMQFvfAE_5DKpAHD0/s400/winerey.png" width="400" /></a></div>Come out and spend the day under the oaks drinking wine, listening to live music and shopping the vendors! <br />
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If you're in the area I'd love to see you!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-79073058376304114632012-03-21T14:51:00.001-04:002012-03-25T16:56:25.548-04:00The First Blends...So, I've been experimenting with blends and have six that I like and am planning on marketing... at least for now... I wish you could taste them through the web... but you'll just have to settle for pictures...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80UPT9IjAbFxxJhsmmhbkn1cS7UL_ljcVZH4IhRyvSCmyp1AXQIiSQEXhEMeWWBq72tsEHXYIFImxoYdu-dwjm9XtvTNIZeIs9r0sS7fheYG_gWz7CA_1LrW0s5XuNuikJSskptdmZ34/s1600/summer+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80UPT9IjAbFxxJhsmmhbkn1cS7UL_ljcVZH4IhRyvSCmyp1AXQIiSQEXhEMeWWBq72tsEHXYIFImxoYdu-dwjm9XtvTNIZeIs9r0sS7fheYG_gWz7CA_1LrW0s5XuNuikJSskptdmZ34/s1600/summer+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80UPT9IjAbFxxJhsmmhbkn1cS7UL_ljcVZH4IhRyvSCmyp1AXQIiSQEXhEMeWWBq72tsEHXYIFImxoYdu-dwjm9XtvTNIZeIs9r0sS7fheYG_gWz7CA_1LrW0s5XuNuikJSskptdmZ34/s400/summer+green.jpg" width="400" /></a>Summer Green is a blend of China Green Tea, Lemon Grass and several additives including orange peel, rosehips, rose petals and Stevia powder. It brews up with a nice golden color and makes wonderful iced tea!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXwNv2sOPUdX4uE1z9iTsNx_lklhpc4-tBgvWMl9ZdV8e2qVKPaoYkYCouyCRz_GiUNpE2sS77A8to-ojddWoNe_vdL48FCo1yDhlDwMjDXbq3p1oxmSp67QMxeBZPqufS9vBwDCAD2w/s1600/summer+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXwNv2sOPUdX4uE1z9iTsNx_lklhpc4-tBgvWMl9ZdV8e2qVKPaoYkYCouyCRz_GiUNpE2sS77A8to-ojddWoNe_vdL48FCo1yDhlDwMjDXbq3p1oxmSp67QMxeBZPqufS9vBwDCAD2w/s400/summer+red.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Summer Red, a blend of Rooibos, Honey Bush, Lemon Grass, rosehips, orange peel and Stevia powder. It's caffeine free, brews to a beautiful red and also tastes great over ice!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqrl2KMFjs7yq75XCheDCEE_hFG5Sk4hQE6NORVmRfhGhGQ899zSkBy1xDD1hs7jcl2rY2AkN994puDHNa1mNYgfTJdHu_IwJW_L3X0eac25J127FUVMGyj4VKQrzD8XlrhmqNVB2R4s/s1600/sunset+spice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqrl2KMFjs7yq75XCheDCEE_hFG5Sk4hQE6NORVmRfhGhGQ899zSkBy1xDD1hs7jcl2rY2AkN994puDHNa1mNYgfTJdHu_IwJW_L3X0eac25J127FUVMGyj4VKQrzD8XlrhmqNVB2R4s/s400/sunset+spice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sunset Spice, another lovely caffeiene free red, is a blend of Rooibos, Honey Bush, oragne peel, cinnamon chips, licorice root, whole and ground cloves, ground nutmeg and allspice and black pepper corns... It's great served hot on cool evenings or iced when the weather warms up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOy19GFAh9MegL5K-akpIRE9UvHwlBQ9TbzmPUCvQ5_pFO-IOiXrLIkpELN34uuC3zsLAuTQ1qdWNqdYZSVkroSuX59mf8TfCioeZID4u4tg3xzvk7L4kNIKdbnb5koixPevcBKFMibI/s1600/fragrant+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOy19GFAh9MegL5K-akpIRE9UvHwlBQ9TbzmPUCvQ5_pFO-IOiXrLIkpELN34uuC3zsLAuTQ1qdWNqdYZSVkroSuX59mf8TfCioeZID4u4tg3xzvk7L4kNIKdbnb5koixPevcBKFMibI/s400/fragrant+morning.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fragrant Morning is Se Chung Special Oolong, China Green, rose petals, ginger root and Yerba Mate. This dark brew has a floral but smokey flavor with a touch of ginger. I haven't tried this one iced, but it certainly won't be your grandmother's iced tea!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPax0nW9M8zJVfLM-erKAaBJUBpX1Ay88jGS5mHngD5eF8Ji507BSyyQeI8we0casMaC6boKDBrXQQdgsenNA4YOmP8ezkvXooYsgTH3FJLjhVEDstGq3z3_frn8dKaIs6IScRuqrxtBU/s1600/rose+garden+black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPax0nW9M8zJVfLM-erKAaBJUBpX1Ay88jGS5mHngD5eF8Ji507BSyyQeI8we0casMaC6boKDBrXQQdgsenNA4YOmP8ezkvXooYsgTH3FJLjhVEDstGq3z3_frn8dKaIs6IScRuqrxtBU/s400/rose+garden+black.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rose Garden Black is blend of China Black and Darjeeling teas combined with rose petals, rosehips, and vanilla. It brews up dark and lovely and makes a very fragrant iced tea, as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl3QE0HY-CgTNpUD1TookST77q1GyfC6a6lN8xmi1UPjFautTP0O-8Mw6xO-f0igpQqm7Z_BVs3qrUzWD7D4SR127nNmtHi1X26kAEzl7wjc24XzQKAepgjuomtgPKNPFg_6lu3qCOLo/s1600/chilaxation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyl3QE0HY-CgTNpUD1TookST77q1GyfC6a6lN8xmi1UPjFautTP0O-8Mw6xO-f0igpQqm7Z_BVs3qrUzWD7D4SR127nNmtHi1X26kAEzl7wjc24XzQKAepgjuomtgPKNPFg_6lu3qCOLo/s400/chilaxation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chillaxation Tea is a blend of all things relaxing... Peppermint and Spearment teas, German Chamomile, Valerian root and Scull Cap... Its green color and cooling mint flavor refreshes on a hot summer night and helps relax you for a good night's sleep!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that they've been blended and the flavors have been allowed to mingle, I'll be packaging them, most likely in 2 oz packages. I'll let you know when and where I'll be offering them for sale! So... check back!</div>Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-28789038592906105012012-03-15T14:49:00.000-04:002012-03-15T14:49:57.250-04:00Long Time No Post...I haven't posted in a few months and truthfully I hadn't done much with my teas either. I have solved the storage dilemma though. Tightly lidded glass jars, that are easily sanitized, stored in a cabinet. All my non-food supplies, such as bags and labels are stored on the bottom shelf and the teas are stored on the upper shelves. When I eventually contract with a kitchen, in order to be able to sell online, the cabinet can be easily moved there.<br />
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I have blended a few recipes... A nighttime tea, potentially called "Chillaxation," that is filled with herbs known for thier relaxation qualities, a spicy red I call "Sunset Spice" and last night I wanted a decaf blend for iced tea, so I put togehter something I call "Summer Red." I want to do a "Summer Green, " too... for iced tea. So I am making progress... even if it is slowly...Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-25247616712454712632012-01-02T11:42:00.001-05:002012-01-02T20:02:23.855-05:002012...I'd like to wish you all a joyous and prosperous 2012. It has been a trying year for me and for many of you as well. Let's keep our attitudes positive as we move forward, giving thanks for the blessings we have, helping others when we can, accepting help when we need it and staying connected. <br />
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Peace to you throughout the New Year!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-25926084030392994072011-12-27T08:16:00.001-05:002011-12-27T08:17:09.294-05:00The Storage Saga Continues...Well... the chalk board paint didn't work. I don't know why I thought it would, but I tried. The paint came off in the dishwasher. So now I have to scrub off the rest of it and resanitize. I was going to use utility shelving, but instead I'll get a cabinet with doors, so I can shield the jars from light. I'll look at some thrift stores to see if I can find one. If not, Big Lots has one for $79 that I can use. So soon... hopefully... the Storage Saga will end.Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-73986006649391357452011-12-24T16:38:00.000-05:002011-12-24T16:38:53.235-05:00Working on Christmas Eve...I spent 2 hours at Office Depot today having labels and business cards printed. It really wasn't so bad... Tammy, behind the counter, is a joy to do business with. She was so upbeat and kept smiling through slow computers, slow printers, with no help and customers stacking up. I met a lady that works for the school board... she says she's thankful every day she still has a job. We shared our dreams... mine of course, The Bohemian Tea House and hers... a center for middle school kids to learn life skills after school and keep them off the streets unsupervised. Such a gracious woman... I hope her dream comes to fruition. As she left, we hugged and wished each other a Merry Christmas and she invited me to her church. I might just take her up on that. Then I met a lady that is a real estate agent. She commented on my labels and I told her about my new venture. She invited me to join her networking group... I will definitely take her up on that! <br />
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Sometimes gifts aren't so obvious... They don't come wrapped in pretty paper... but instead come in the form of strangers offering, smiles, kind words and opportunities for sharing and growth.<br />
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Merry Christmas... Happy Hanukka... or whatever it is that you may celebrate this time of year... but for us all... Peace on Earth!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-27697186221866722782011-12-23T17:06:00.000-05:002011-12-23T17:06:03.228-05:00Good News...I forgot to post... My food manager certificate came yesterday!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-22812017614442474732011-12-23T10:26:00.001-05:002011-12-23T16:01:58.280-05:00The Labels are Done!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoLOGMqau5cw7QyLmzFRLSw-c_EcupPjgk01hZWA7wSAcGjY1OQYvOa1bFUwE-bj90rZ_4UB1g53IUvfCVp78erORVNDgyIydWRiokxHY2d18WykR8SneBhCYBkYN_3opaWGgWsjlwUs/s1600/bus_card_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoLOGMqau5cw7QyLmzFRLSw-c_EcupPjgk01hZWA7wSAcGjY1OQYvOa1bFUwE-bj90rZ_4UB1g53IUvfCVp78erORVNDgyIydWRiokxHY2d18WykR8SneBhCYBkYN_3opaWGgWsjlwUs/s400/bus_card_sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
These are my <br />
business cards.<br />
Pretty cool huh?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKCyUVdeIw0af-yisnguLDulBOa5Z4XXFhD5JesQcdxM1Ga-YbzvyegwOfv7J4Yh88xmZE6w_K6GrfdR9ffOkrYSgaS6VnegKI2bGccpQHxY9BuiVPx5fYtqiArcWh-khuuyVCZQj44s/s1600/label_main_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKCyUVdeIw0af-yisnguLDulBOa5Z4XXFhD5JesQcdxM1Ga-YbzvyegwOfv7J4Yh88xmZE6w_K6GrfdR9ffOkrYSgaS6VnegKI2bGccpQHxY9BuiVPx5fYtqiArcWh-khuuyVCZQj44s/s400/label_main_sm.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><br />
These are my main front labels.<br />
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What do you think? <br />
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There will also be tea "title" labels with net weight and packaging date on the front and the required cottage foods labeling and ingredients, as well as how to order for pick up at farmers markets (no shipping - per Florida Cottage Foods Act) on the back.Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-82525466509259128732011-12-22T10:55:00.002-05:002011-12-22T11:02:09.502-05:00Storage Problem Solved!Teas need to be stored in air tight containers and protected from light. They, like anything else stored long term, should not be stored in plastic. So tins and opaque glass are the materials of choice. Tins were cost prohibitive... solution... glass canning jars and storage containers (found them 50% off at Hobby Lobby) sprayed with black chalk board paint! So as soon as my paint dries well, I'll sanitize my jars and lids and break open the new teas I got! Pretty cool!<br />
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I dug out my food dehydrator and sanitized it. So now I can dry my own fruits and berries for my tea blends. I've also been working on my labels and have come up with some cool designs. I'll post when I get them finalized!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-17790535866057707052011-12-17T11:20:00.000-05:002011-12-17T11:20:37.431-05:00Moving Forward...Got my packaging. The bags are smaller than I expected, but I can work with them and order larger ones next time...and they are made from 25% recycled content and biodegradable. I also put in another order for teas. One thing I really need to work on are my labels. I've also gotten a couple of requests for blends... So I'll be working on these too.Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-65213856994036795492011-12-12T15:54:00.000-05:002011-12-12T15:54:06.677-05:00Making Slow Progess...I took my food manager certification class and test today. I feel like I did well, but won't find out for sure for a couple of weeks. I ordered packaging as well. I am, however, still trying to find storage vessels, either glass or tins. It's not recommended to store loose tea in plastic... nor in clear containers. If I store it in glass, I will have to cover the jars with paper or paint. I'm making progress... but it's certainly not quick!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-9180204374698977412011-12-09T14:45:00.000-05:002011-12-09T14:45:28.138-05:00Changing Gears...Well I got my sample packaging. But... as much as I like it, I won't be able to use it. I want my packaging to be green... and this is, but it will be to expensive. My idea was to use biodegradable cello bags put inside of these cool compostable corregated pillow packs. Turns out that, though the packaging would be really cool and would definitely attract customers... It will cost around $1.30 per package and of course that cost would have to be folded into my tea price. However, if I go with basic biodegradable kraft paper bag with a window (PLA lined), the cost will only be around 20 cents per package. As much as I'd like to do the cool and unique packaging... I can't justify the cost. Dang it! <br />
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Oh well... Back to studying for my food manager test!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-34308871720417612192011-12-09T09:20:00.000-05:002011-12-09T09:20:15.361-05:00Editing the Collection...I've been waiting for the packaging samples that I ordered to arrive, as well as my scale. In the mean time I've been experimenting a little. I've also been considering some of the teapots in my collection and what to do with them. I need to "cull" some of them that can still be used. I also have some that the crazing has become too bad and a couple with cracks that I just couldn't part with before. So... what to do with them...<br />
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The useable ones, I've decided to sell along with other vintage teawares and sets that I put together. As for the cracked ones that can't be used for tea... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fy9tVt2xvo1urqnW999Mnz4Wsqajv7j_j6kaJ5gSPzRWOT4LQwUlUNHVposU7MuMh9e7EZznczGijfzZcJapHEXHgZ7iYsem-Wsf95vQ5C6OPtNtShxG7aSZUyvZEe-gPbv9W4ZSlCA/s1600/asian+bird+pot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fy9tVt2xvo1urqnW999Mnz4Wsqajv7j_j6kaJ5gSPzRWOT4LQwUlUNHVposU7MuMh9e7EZznczGijfzZcJapHEXHgZ7iYsem-Wsf95vQ5C6OPtNtShxG7aSZUyvZEe-gPbv9W4ZSlCA/s400/asian+bird+pot2.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>Birds need tea houses too!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-90603247070334963242011-12-06T14:05:00.001-05:002011-12-06T14:06:15.176-05:00Developing Recipes...I'm so impressed with the quality of the tea stock i got! The China black is so good... as is the Rooibos.... I blended a relaxation tea the day I got the shipment and have tweaked it a bit so far. I'm also working on a Caramel Creme Rooibos! It needs just a little more work and I'll be satisfied with it. I dug my food dehydrator out of the garage to dry some ingresdients... I'm still working on packaging as well.. So stay tuned!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-68731057894363408422011-12-03T18:40:00.000-05:002011-12-03T18:40:18.850-05:00Experimentation...I got my teas today! My first shipment arrived just before 5pm... I've already blended a spearmint based relaxation tea... I'm not sure how much valerian root to put in it, so I'll increase it as needed. It all arrived just in time too. My insomnia and RLS have been really bad for the past week. My husband even got up and slept on the floor last night. Hopefully, the tea will help me (and my husband) sleep!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1865640416710001711.post-48259766611890280902011-12-02T09:50:00.000-05:002011-12-02T09:50:16.124-05:00Progress of the Dream...Yesterday I obtained my county occupational license. I also inquired about municipality license requirements for the farmers markets I plan to sell my teas at. I've requested packaging samples as well. So hopefully... by the time I get my food manager certificate I'll have some trial blends to package and some packaging nailed down. I want my packaging to, not only be green but to, be creative as well. I want someone to look at my packaging and want to look inside! <br />
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On another note... I want this website to be informative... and not just about teas. So I'll be posting links on my sidebars, as well as in my posts, that will give you information about sustainability, environmental stewardship, healthy foods and social justice. I'm going to start with this one: <a href="http://www.fooddialogues.com/">Food Dialogues</a>. It's all about communication between ranchers and farmers and the consumer. Check it out!Ms. D ~ The Bohemian Tea Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09318321856764322403noreply@blogger.com1