Twinings Tea Gift

My friend's overdue tea gift set has made it here before they expire this year, finally! I only asked for a couple of boxes but she sent ten boxes. It took a long time to get here but here they are and I am now confused which one to open first to taste.

I thought about trying out the ginger first since it's winter and I have an itchy throat. My son ended up choosing the Cranberry and Raspberry. Upon closer inspection, I also noticed that they all have different best before date. If I can't totally decide which flavors and blends, I'll have to factor this in.

So here is the break down according to BBD.
June - Purify; the box has the only one with a plastic seal
September 9 - Raspberry and Cranberry
October - (9)Settling Ginger, (8) Soothing Camomile, (6)Invigorating Peppermint, (7) Calming Camomile
November - (9)Green Tea Orange and Lotus Flower, (7) Comforting Liquorice, (7) Winter Spice

My plan is to consume this 2 or 3 different teas at a time.
So first on the list this end of winter and throughout spring are:
1. the berries
2. ginger
3. camomile and honey

Next will be:
4. peppermint
5. camomile
6. and maybe Purify or
7. green tea with orange and lotus flower

Around Fall/Winter (Oct.)
8. Liquorice
9. Winter Spice

That's the plan anyway. I'm checking how to store them to last at least until the next winter since this year's season is almost over. Boy! It does sound a bit complicated and I'm hoping that I'll be able to do it right so that no box will go to waste.

The original boxes were not in good condition anymore so I had to throw most of them. I moved the tea bags in separate ziploc bags and put them in an empty biscuit tin. 

Gift-giving, Party planning, etc.

As the holiday season is fast coming by, I have to succumb to preparing some food and gifts as little as I could. We really don't observe the Christmas thing but we try to have at least some special food and activity around those days. I'd like to channel most of it to the New Year's though.

Nevertheless, since I have a little boy who really cannot be totally oblivious to the gift/christmas/ frenzy atmosphere all around and some kids that I feel like giving some gifts too, I have set myself to prepare even just a bit.

Some books that are really not age-appropriate to my son anymore have to find someplace where they can also be appreciated. We have decided to give away some of these this season and promote the love of reading. Good thing is that kiddo also sees the whole idea there. Or so I hope. ;)

Some of the books that I had in my list are these:

Grover's ABC Treasure Chest
Henry and the Elephant (A Thomas the Tank Engine Storybook)
Dinny the Dinosaur
Santa's Christmas List
some books from a local publisher Dolphin

Upon searching for other gift ideas for the grandparents, I had found some interesting birthday party ideas (for the future), and I am linking it here.


creative kids - ideas on crafts, party planning, kids activities
Tips for Planning a Kids Birthday Party - 5 Tips on Party Planning
Easy Homemade Presents for 6-8 yos.
Christmas Cookie Recipe - a gingerbreadman cookie

More later.