Vintage Water Pitcher Makes Perfect Vase for Sweet Potato Vine

I love this 1950's water pitcher, which was my grandmothers. Growing up as a kid, it always had KoolAid in it! I wanted to display it (not use it for fear of it getting broken) so came up with this idea.

I got the idea from my mother-in-law. Her mother used to always have a sweet potato vine growing in the kitchen. All you have to do is have the sweet potato half in the water (use can use toothpicks to support it if the opening of your vase is too wide.)

I found the water pitcher was perfect width to hold the potato half in/out. This is so low maintenance anyone can do it - even if you routinely kill every house plant you've ever tried to grow. Just keep it filled with water (refresh with completely new water 1-2 a week) and it will thrive!!!

What Chilly Weather Drink Are You?

Waking up to chilly weather this morning, makes me love my loose teas even more. I only drink the Elmwood Inn brand from Bruce Richardson's line. I've been a fan of Bruce's teas for well over 10 years now, and I've tried something from each of his categories, which he has 10 categories to choose from. Who would have thought there were so many different varietals of tea? Bruce truly has something for every one's taste, and he travels the world looking for specialty teas as well and is considered an expert in the tea field. So, you can't go wrong with his offerings!

Elmwood Inn - fine teas, cookbooks, and more!

My personal favorites are his Jasmine Green - his Jasmine Phoenix Pearls are simply divine too. I live on the  Lung Ching China Green, Sencha Japanese Superior Green, and the Ti Kwan Yin China Superior Oolong. Also, his Serene Green has a sacred place in my cabinet, as it was one of the very first I tried over 10 years ago and got me hooked on tea. It is still my absolute favorite to snuggle up with as it has such a soothing effect. 

I love any of his Rose teas, and his English Grey Lavender when I'm in a more "girlie mood" and want something with a floral aromatic touch. The Ginger-Orange Caffeine Free has a wonderful fragrance as well, and is wonderful to have with Asian foods, as it has a hint of Lemongrass that is really unique.

When I need a good kick-in-the-pants to get me going, I adore his Tippy Assam Black Tea, his Duchess Earl Grey and his special Kentucky Blend. They all have a wonderful robust flavor.

So, whatever your tea needs are, I encourage you to check out Bruce's line - he truly has the World's Greatest Collection since he travels the world-wide hunting for tea-treasures. Enjoy!

Outrageous Pecan Pie

I just ate my very last piece of Gaido's Seafood Restaurant Pecan Pie which was sent to me by a friend. It is by far the BEST I've ever tasted, and being a native southern my entire life, that's saying a lot!

It doesn't have a traditional pie crust - it's all about the pecans and the filling!

Put it on your list for holiday meals - you can order it via their website. Or, if you live in the Galveston, TX area just drop by and pick one up. No, this isn't a blatant advert for Gaido's Seafood Restaurant....just the Best Dang Pecan Pie ever!