E-Zines

This is an archive of emails we have sent to our customers.  You can sign up to recieve our e-zine for information, recipes and coupons.

Dear Tea Lovers,

Our latest newsletter is out!  We have an upcoming event with the Antique Trove called, The Peddler’s Market.  We’ll be there doing 3 presentations along with a lot of other vendors and fun activities.

The “Tea of the Month” is Voodoo.  For the month of October it is 25% off.

Have a great week!

Amy

Dear Tea Lovers,

Come visit our tea booth at the Antique Trove in Roseville!  Gary and Michelle Dean, owners of the Antique Trove and long time Afternoon to Remember customers, invited me to have a booth at the Antique Trove in Roseville.  Last Saturday I spent all day putting together displays of tea and accessories. I even ran into one of my customers there while setting up. What a small world!

At the present time I have stocked 28 different kinds of tea at the Antique Trove. Unfortunately I won’t be able to stock all 120 different teas, but if you don’t see what you want just order from me on-line.

I’ll be adding more merchandise to the Trove as it comes in. Also look in our September newsletter (coming out later this month) for a special announcement about tea classes which will be held there in October.

The Antique Trove is located at 236 Harding Blvd. in Roseville and is open daily from 10-6.  Our booth is located in Aisle A.

I’m looking forward to a great partnership with the Antique Trove. I have more surprises coming for you later, so stay tuned!

Have a wonderful day!

Amy

Dear Tea Lovers,

I just wanted to let you know that the china order arrived yesterday.  It was a bit earlier than I had expected. So stock up on knife rests, lemon curd cups, tea pot votives, pumpkin tea cups, pumpkin tea pots, bookmarks and tea night lights now before free shipping (on orders over $20.00) ends on Monday.

Have a fabulous weekend!  I know I will. My dad is passing through California on his way home from Korea, so I’ll be spending 3 wonderful days with him! I can’t wait!  Plus he always brings me some tea trinket from Korea :)

Amy

Dear Tea Lovers,

It seems summer has flown by. I can’t believe in a few months we’ll be thinking about fall.  Many of you have expressed interest in our white pumpkin tea cups and pumpkin tea pots.  Those will be arriving in a few weeks. Our white knife rests and tea pot votives will also be in that shipment. If you want to take advantage of our free shipping, order them before August 31st and I’ll ship them out as soon as they arrive.

Now is also a great time to stock up on your favorite fall teas such as Pumpkin Creme, Masala Chai and Autumn Haze – which is a cranberry and blueberry tea.

I’ll be sending out a newsletter shortly. I’m working on a few new projects including taking a tea class in San Francisco. I can’t wait to share this unique experience with you.

The tea cup chandelier is now sold. Thanks to all of you who responded. I had no idea I would have so many people interested in it.

Stay tuned for the next newsletter – I’ll be giving away one of my favorite apple fall recipes.

Have a fantastic day!

Amy

Dear Tea Lovers,

I know you all have been wondering where I’ve been.  Thanks for all of your kind notes and e-mails.  I’m doing great!  While it was a hard decision to close the tea room, it was the best decision for me and my family.  It’s been a whirlwind summer with cleaning out the tea room, moving it all to my house, reorganizing my new tea office and starting the new on-line Afternoon to Remember company (as I had to close the tea room corporation).

In addition my sister and niece came to visit for a week.  While I still feel a little crazy, things are slowing down a bit so now I can concentrate on redoing the website and bringing you more teas, accessories and gifts and information about tea.

I’ll be sending out a newsletter in August after I return from the eWomen Network conference in Dallas.  I always feel rejuvenated and have tons of creative energy after that conference.

I’m working on a few new ventures but I’ll have to share them at a later time when I’m more certain of the details. Just know, good things are coming soon for you!

Here is some other news:

• Tea cup chandelier for sale – Yes, believe it or not I ended up with one.  I thought someone was purchasing 2 of them, but she only took one at the sale and I forgot to put it back out.  So we still have one left – $200.00. Just e-mail me if you are interested.
• August Tea of the Month-25% off – White Ginger Orange Peach
• August Anniversary Month Special – Free shipping on orders over $20.00.

Pea Salad Recipe:

Finally here it is for those of you who have been asking.  Thanks for being so patient with me!

• 1 pkg. frozen peas
• 1/2 c. cashews, chopped – save a few tablespoons out for garnishing top of salad
• 1 c. finely chopped celery
• 6 bacon strips, cooked & crumbled – save a few tablespoons out for garnish
• 1/4 c. chopped red onion
• 1/2 c. mayo
• 1 pkg Good Seasoning Italian Salad Dressing Mix
• 1/2 c. feta cheese – save a few tablespoons out for garnish
• Black pepper

In a large salad bowl, mix together peas, cashews, celery, bacon, red onion and feta.  In a small bowl, mix together mayo and salad dressing mix.  Add salad dressing mix to pea mixture.  Mix well.  If you need more mayonnaise to hold it together, add a bit more. (I don’t like mine with so much mayo.) Garnish top with a few tablespoons of cashews, bacon and feta.  Sprinkle with black pepper.

Makes a big bowl!  If you need to stretch it out a bit to serve more, add more peas. Note:  This is a very rich salad so you don’t need to serve a huge portion to your guests.

Have a wonderful day!

Amy

Dear Tea Lovers,

Yes, it’s true, we really are closing. I will be keeping the on-line business however, so you will still be able to purchase tea, cookbooks and tea accessories through www.afternoontoremember.com.  We did have a buyer, but it fell through. I always have believed that everything turns out for the best and so I’m actually glad as I can continue the on-line portion.

Our big sale will be this Saturday, June 13th from 10AM-4PM. It will be cash only — no credit cards or checks.  We will be selling the rest of our merchandise, all of the tea cups, tea pots, dishes, silverware, knife rests, tea cozies, basically everything we use to run the tea room.  In addition the tea cup chandeliers and the parlor room chandeliers will be for sale.  If you know any one interested in commercial kitchen equipment, please let them know about our sale as our ice maker, refrigerators and freezer, convection oven, stainless steel tables will be for sale as well.

If you need any employees or know of any available job positions, I have a wonderfully dedicated staff who are looking for happy homes.  I highly recommend them, they are loyal and dear to my heart.  Just send me an e-mail and I’ll pass the word along to them.

I want to thank you all for your continued support.  It’s amazing how many people have flocked in these last 2 weeks to wish us well.  You all are amazing!  I’ll keep you updated on my latest news with the on-line website and the International Tea Sippers Society.

Thanks again!  You all are the best!

With much love and respect,

Amy

It is with heavy heart that I have decided to sell the tea room after 6 years.  I love it dearly but have decided that chapter of my life has ended and it’s time to do something new.  I’m ready to spend more time with my kids and husband.  I’ll still be into tea you can bet on that, I will now devote my energy to the International Tea Sippers Society and to my publishing business.

Our last day for tea service with me will be June 12th.  If you want to schedule “one last tea,” while I’m here, please call for a reservation soon.  I’m sure we’ll book up once the word is out.

I want to thank each and every one of you for being such a devoted and loyal customer over the past 6 years.  If you or someone you know would like an opportunity to run a successful tea room with a dedicated staff, please let me know.  Only serious buyers please.  Keep in mind, it is hard work.  It does consume your life but the lessons you learn and the people you meet make it all worthwhile.

Here are the details: We are asking $180,000 with terms negotiable.  It includes full setup including existing gift inventory, all restaurant equipment and furnishings and customer data base list of over 3000 loyal customers.  Staff may be retained if offered.  The tea room is able to run on its own with the current staff.  They do a fantastic job (but you do need to call in payroll and pay bills.)  The price includes the website with on-line tea business as well as hosting and tech support for 6 months.  Last year’s gross sales were almost $500,000.

If we do not sell the tea room, we will start the closing process but keep the on-line business so you will be able to still get your favorite teas and cookbooks.

Thanks again for being such wonderful customers!  You are the reason for our success!

With much love,

Amy

Dear Tea Lovers,

I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be on TV with Sacramento and Company tomorrow, Wednesday, talking about our big kick off event this Friday for the International Tea Sippers Society.  If you get a chance check it out.  I’ll be on sometime between 9:00am -10:00am.

We’re getting very excited! Our big day is almost here!

Here’s the line up of speakers.  Hope you can come!

Amy

April 17th First Flush Event
Babette Donaldson	Introductions	11:00
Micki King	Discussion of Tea Trips	11:15
Mitchel Noble	Research/Health Benefits of Tea	11:30
Anne Evans	History of U.S. Tea Rooms	12:00
James Norwood Pratt	Tea Talk and Focused Tasting	12:30
Mitchel Noble	Research/Health Benefits of Tea/Tasting	1:30
Chris Jennings	How to Make Scones	2:30
Dena Macklin	How to Decorate a Tea Tray	3:00
Fran Swart	Flavored Tea Tasting	3:30
Babette Donaldson	Information about ITSS	4:00
Micki King	Discussion of Tea Trips	4:15
Mitchel Noble	Research/Health Benefits of Tea/Tasting	4:30
Anne Evans	History of U.S. Tea Rooms	5:30
James Norwood Pratt	Tea Talk and Focused Tea Tasting	6:00

All times are approximate and subject to change

Hope to see you there!

You will be able to sign up at the door on Friday. Remember membership is only $25.00 and includes 2 years, membership kit, plus you will receive all of the discounts from participating tea rooms and tea businesses. We hope to have hundreds of businesses after the World Tea Expo.

Current List of Participating ITSS Tea Rooms and Tea Businesses.  To see their discounts for Tea Sipper Members visit www.afternoontoremember.com on the home page and look at the post called, “International Tea Sippers Society.”

• Hina’s Tea
• Emma Lea Books
• Dori’s Tea Cottage
• Tea Era’s Tea
• The Tea Cart
• Tea Anytime
• A Dash of Panache
• Fleur de Tea
• Marmalady’s
• Le Petit Paris
• Tea Graces
• Peli Teas
• An Afternoon to Remember

Dear Tea Lovers,

I’m back from a 4 day mini-vacation in Monterey with my boys.  It’s my favorite place to go to relax.  With all of the exciting things happening at the tea room, I felt I needed to spend some alone time with my boys during their spring break.  It’s so nice to get away and rejuvenate.

While I was there, I’m always inspired. As I sat drinking my cup of tea one evening looking at the ocean I wondered, “What is it that we like about tea?”

For me it means taking some time for yourself, enjoying the moment and leisurely enjoying my hot cup of tea. I often sit outside on my back patio in the morning before work and drink tea, but in Monterey it tastes so much better. Why is that? I think it’s because I’m in such a relaxed state while I’m there that I really focus on the taste.

I often get a similar comment when people visit the tea room, “You’re tea tastes so much better here.”  It could because of the good Newcastle water, but maybe it’s because people let their worries go for a little while here. They talk and laugh with friends and live in the moment. That’s what I like about tea, it lets me “live in the moment.”  I would love to hear why you love tea. Send me your thoughts at info@afternoontoremember.com.

Tea – it’s relaxing, yet stimulating and calming at the same time.  Have you ever wondered why that is?

Scientifically speaking it’s because of l-theanine.  L-theanine is a component in tea that gives tea its soothing quality despite the caffeine content. It is an amino acid, and is predominately found in tea leaves. A cup of tea can induce a mental state similar to that achieved through meditation, which means it’s the perfect drink to help you focus. So drink up!

So now I’m back from Monterey, with more focus and even more enthusiasm, watch out!  We’re gearing up for our big April and May events!

The “Tea of the Month” is Spring Blossom.  For the month of April it is 25% off.

Upcoming Events:

• April 9th – Alice in Wonderland Children’s Tea
• April 17th – International Tea Sippers Society Kick Off – we’ve added a bonus, because of so many requests, when you join you can bring up to 2 guests to the kick off event. Join today!
• May 9th and May 10th – Yes, Mother’s Day is coming!  Treat yourself or someone special to a decadent afternoon tea!
• All through May – Our Mother’s Day Spa Package – We’ve teamed up with Skin to Adohr for a special day of pampering.

In addition, my cooks have come up with a great new salad. It’s absolutely delicious and has bacon, peas, cashews and feta.  We’ll be serving it for the next few weeks with our full tea menu.  Make a reservation and try it soon!

Have a great week!

Amy

P.S. This is a note from Pat, Amy’s husband.  I’ve got a shameless plug that I would like to put in for something that I’m passionate about (but not related to tea.)  I’ve been a martial arts student for about 7 years and my instructor and I have opened his first commercial school in Loomis.  So if you or somebody you know are  interested, ages 5-99 (sorry, centegenarians need not apply! :-) please visit Bedwell’s Karate or stop by the dojo Monday-Friday (see the schedule for times.)  We’re interested in teaching great karate to great students.  The cost is $100 per month.  There are no contracts, testing fees or any other silliness that you can sometimes get at other karate schools.  Thanks for listening and you won’t hear from me again until it’s Amy’s birthday or some other thing. :-)

Dear Tea Lovers,

Spring is such an exciting time for us this year!  We are so excited about the International Tea Sippers Society!  It’s amazing how much it’s taken off already and we haven’t even had our first big membership event yet!

Thanks so much to all of you who have joined the society.  Our goal is 10,000 members across the U.S. and Canada by December 2009.  I can’t tell you how proud I am of my customers who have joined.  I knew you all would be big supporters!  Our goal is to have at least 500 members by the World Tea Expo in May. We’ve been talking to many tea rooms and businesses. I’m so excited to announce that so far we have these businesses participating.  That means if you are a Tea Sipper you will receive benefits at these participating sponsors:

• Emma Lea Books – Free shipping and coloring activity pages
• An Afternoon to Remember Tea Parlor and Gifts – 15% off in the gift shop excluding sale merchandise for the first quarter
• The Tea Cart – FREE shipping for the first quarter
• Fleur de Tea – Buy 4 oz. of tea for the price of 2 oz. for the first quarter
• Tea Eras – Receive 10% off of lunch for the first quarter
• Tea Anytime
• Marmalady’s
• Hina’s Tea – Receive 10% off of tea
• A Dash of Panache – 10% off any tea sitting, excluding special events

New ones will be added soon.  I’ll keep you posted.  If there isn’t a discount listed above, it means they will be adding it soon.

Our big kick off event on April 17th is called, “The First Flush Gathering,” is also growing bigger and bigger.  Here is a list of the speakers on that day. Times still yet to be determined. The event will last from 11-7 and will be an open house format. You must be a Tea Sipper to attend. The event is free to all members!

Here’s our speaker line-up:

• James Norwood Pratt – Tea Guru and author of “The New Tea Lover’s Treasury” will do a tea talk and conduct a very special tea tasting
• Mitchel Nobel – Peli Teas – exquisite teas from around the world-one of our premium tea vendors, will discuss the latest research on tea, health benefits and conduct a tea tasting
• Jennifer Sauer – author of “Way to Tea” and photographer, will be available to autograph her books
• Anne Evans – Teaching Tea, will speak on the History of the U.S. Tea Rooms – very fascinating!
• Chris Jennings – An Afternoon to Remember kitchen manager and cook, will demonstrate, “How to Make Scones.”
• Dena Macklin – An Afternoon to Remember assistant kitchen manager and baker will demonstrate, “How to Decorate a Tea Tray.”
• Fran Swart – An Afternoon to Remember tea room manager, will conduct a tea tasting on flavored teas

We will post a detailed schedule in April so you’ll know when everyone is speaking. Don’t miss this event!

You will be able to pick up your membership kits on that day. The exclusive membership website will also launch that day. Instructions on how to log in will be included in your kit.

In addition to all of the tea tastings, Kisty Rose from In the In the Mix 916 will be providing the music. Of course we’ll be serving lots of tea.  Our wonderful waitresses will bring around trays of delicious sandwiches and desserts.

We would love to have you!  To join in the fun, join the International Tea Sippers Society.

Afternoon to Remember Upcoming Events

• Alice in Wonderland
• First Flush Gathering International Tea Sippers Kick Off Event April 17th
• Mother’s Day

Have a wonderful day! Enjoy the beautiful weather and lots of tea!

Amy