Relta, My Mom

Who was she?

Daughter
Sister
Friend
Wife and Help Mate
Daughter-in-law
Mother
Aunt
Mother-in-law
Grandmother
Great-Grandmother

Missionary
Pastor’s Wife
Teacher
Bookkeeper

Organizer
Advocate and Activist for the oppressed and downtrodden
Prayer Warrior

Gardener
Nature Lover
Genealogist
Photographer

A child of the Great Depression
A victim of childhood oppression and abuse
Dyslexic

She battled and overcame cancer twice,
endured several serious illnesses,
struggled with depression,
and lived with severe back pain for the last few years of her life.

Her life was not easy. Yet, she was not bitter or angry with God.
She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everybody she came in contact with. She enjoyed the little pleasures in life. She loved to laugh. She loved her family and her friends.

She gave her life to Christ when she was 16 and felt the call to missionary service. Though she served in a formal capacity for only 2 years (as a teacher in Dulac, LA), she never lost sight, nor tired of fulfilling her calling in life.

Who was my mom?

She was the hands and feet of Christ. In the end, she, like Paul, could say: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”

And, when she left this world in the wee hours on Oct. 30th, I have no doubt that Jesus greeted her with “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The Tea Minute

How much loose leaf tea?

1 oz will make approximately 12 cups of tea
4 oz will make approximately 48 cups of tea
8 oz will make approximately 94 cups of tea

Girly Finds

Rose Chocolate Set

Every Friday I participate in a themed shopping event in conjuction with other boutiques at Make Mine Pink.com. Be sure to stop by and check out the Make Mine Pink Friday category early Friday morning. Quantities will be limited to stock on hand.

The theme for this Friday, Oct. 2nd is "Girly Finds."

Women everywhere are no longer afraid to show their girly sides, but instead celebrate it. We are now seeking out pieces that make a statement about who we are. Instead of downplaying our femininity, we accessorize and decorate with items that celebrate being a girl. Not only is it OK to show our feminine and flirty side, it's easy too! Everywhere you look, there's something fun and interesting and available at a great price. The smallest touches in just the right places are all it takes to become a girly girl. My favorite girly touches include anything pink, anything with lace, anything with roses, anything related to tea. In other words, most anything you would find in my shop is a Girly Find! Enjoy the hunt for your Girly Find!

Victorian Christmas Scrapbook Tea Set

The Tea Minute

Rosehips tea is an herbal tea (tisane) high in vitamin C and antioxidents. It is made from the red fruits that form on the rose bush after the flowers fade.

Apostle Spoon and Tong Set

I was at an estate sale this week and ran across this boxed set of demi-spoons and sugar tongs. The label said "Apostle Spoon and Tong Set." I am always looking for something unusual for my customers and this set peaked my curiosity. I had never heard of Apostle Spoons, so I removed one carefully from its vintage box to examine it more closely. The handle ended with a figure of a robed man. Hmmm. Looking for more clues, I turned it over to see what marks it bore. The handle was stamped "England" and the bowl of each spoon had an E and P stamped (also on the tongs). I was intrigued, so I bought the set.

When I got home I did a bit of internet research. Here's what I found:

"APOSTLE SPOONS, a set of spoons, usually of silver or silver gilt, with the handles terminating in figures of the apostles, each bearing their distinctive emblem. They were common baptismal gifts during the 15th and 16th centuries, but were dying out by 1666. Often single spoons were given, bearing the figure of the patron or name saint of the child. Sets of the twelve apostles are not common, and complete sets of thirteen, with the figure of our Lord on a larger spoon, are still rarer."

These are obviously not the rare spoons as described above. There are only 6 and are all alike with no specific emblem. However, I also found out that there was a resurgence of interest in Apostle Spoons in the 19th century and into the early to mid-20th century. This set was a result of that renewed interest. The stamps E and P stand for ElectroPlate (silverplate over brass most likely). They were made in the early to mid 20th century. The colors and patterns on the box lid suggest pre-1950. Since the set includes a sugar tong, it was most likely sold to be used for tea time--perhaps to be used in connection with baptism celebrations.

The set is in good condition--some slight wear and tarnishing. Even though they had a bit of wear and are not in mint condition, I just thought the set would make a great conversation starter. It would also make a great addition to someone's spoon collection (Christmas is coming!). I really love that the set is complete and in its original box!

Purchase here: http://www.sweetnecessi-teas.com/item_310/Apostle-Spoons-and-Sugar-Tong-Set--Vintage-EP-Silver-Plate.htm

Sweet Dreams Hankie Pillows

Sweet dreams await you when you place one of these darling little pillows near your head when you lay down at night. Crafted from vintage hankies, each pillow has 1/2 cup of lavender buds tucked inside to soothe away the day's tensions and help you drift off to sleep. A vintage button adds a touch of elegance. Lavender, long known for its sleep inducing properties, retains its fragrance for years. Just squeeze periodically to freshen the fragrance. Sweet dreams! (Hint: Place a pillow in your guest room as a nice touch for weary travelers!)

The Tea Minute

Fun tea facts:

Ceylon tea is black tea grown in Sri Lanka, which was known as Ceylon before 1972.

Darjeeling tea originates from Darjeeling in West Bengal, India.

Earl Grey tea is named after a 19th century British diplomat to China who enjoyed this tea blend that eventually would be named after him.

Fundraising Opportunity Update

The final touches are in place!

Please have a look at the online Tea Party Fundraiser category to see the products that are available for your group to sell. If your group would like to take orders, the Hostess a Tea Party option is best. Just click on "Tea Party Kit" from the product list to order a kit. Remember, your kit purchase price will be deducted from your tea party order of $150 or more.

If your group is hosting a large tea event, you can order product to sell at the event. (Hint: To increase sales, use some of the products as part of your table decor and/or give away an item as a door prize.) If you need product photos for advertising, please contact me and I will be happy to send high resolution photos via e-mail. Remember, large orders need to be placed by early October for a December event.

The #1 question from groups since my announcement: How much can our group earn? Up to 35%, based on the size of the order.

Fundraising has never been so easy! I look forward to partnering with your group soon.

The Tea Minute

Demitasse spoons are delicate, small spoons--usually 3-4" in length. They are used to stir in sugar or milk into cups of tea.

For a conversation starter, use souvenir spoons from your travels at your next tea party!

Coming soon--Fundraising Opportunities

Coming soon!

Looking for a fundraising opportunity for your Church or charity organization?

Sweet Necessi-Teas cordially invites you to hostess a tea party. Our Tea Party program allows your group the opportunity to earn a portion of the sales when you order from the Tea Party catalog or online category. The larger the order, the larger the discount, and the more money your group will make. There are 2 ways that you can participate:


1. Hostess a tea party. Over a cup of tea, take orders from the catalog at the retail prices listed. Collect the money. Based on the size of the order, you deduct your party discount, and write one check to Sweet Necessi-Teas. Remember, the larger the order, the larger the discount, and the more money your group will make. Your order will be shipped to one location for your group to distribute.

Should you be interested in hostessing a Sweet Necessi-Teas Tea Party, your tea kit will include 6 blank invitations, 6 catalogs and order forms, a favor for each guest (6) and 2 oz. of loose tea. You supply the hot water and food items. The cost of your Tea Kit will automatically be deducted from your Tea Party order of $150 or more.

2. Order items from the online Tea Party category to sell at your annual fund-raising tea event. Based on the size of your order, you will receive a discounted price. Sell the items at the retail price listed and keep the profit. Remember, the larger the order, the larger the discount, and the more money your group will make. (Please allow up to 6 weeks delivery for large orders.)

Please note: This is a preview only. I am putting final touches on the program and will have it ready shortly.