Downton Mugs and New Tea

On a recent trip to HomeGoods and Marshalls, I was happy to find some new tea to try, as well as a book and shortbread cookies.  I thought the book had some interesting recipes and I've been infusing water with veggies and fruit lately to try to reduce my evening tea drinking.

The shortbread was disappointing.  I thought it was not nearly as good as the Walkers brand shortbread fingers. The texture was different (crumbly) and I didn't like that it is totally covered in coarse sugar on the outside.

The oolong tea is nice and I'm always happy to find a tea that I can enjoy without milk.  Many times the tannin in the tea makes it too harsh for me without the addition of milk.  Does that sound weird? Anybody else have this issue, or is it just me?  Happily it is organic and fair trade too.

The Basilur "Magic Nights" tea was a pleasant surprise.  It has a lovely aroma and mild fruity flavor because of the addition of strawberry, apricot, pineapple and papaya to the Ceylon black tea.  Makes me think of another favorite tea from Harney and Sons named Tower of London.

  
I've been using my Downton Abbey mugs every day. Don't you fans just love these quotes by the Dowager Countess?  My t-shirt with the "Ration One's Excitement" quote shown in a previous post is a new favorite too.  It is such a lovely color and fits nicely - not too boxy like a lot of them.    

Now I'm off to sip my tea and enjoy a little more of my "A Year In The Life Of Downton Abbey" book.