http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007 I know that everyone has some beverage that relaxes them. Whether it's a scalding cup of black coffee or a cold one at the end of a tough day. For me, it's tea. Not the restaurant Lipton blend. Real hot tea. The kind you pour through a Victorian-style strainer to keep the leaves from getting in your cup. There's just something soothing about a warm cup and saucer resting in your hand while you stir in a teaspoon of sugar. Add a set of knitting needles or a partially finished crocheted afghan in my lap and my night is made. And here comes the big confession. I love collecting antique tea sets. In fact, I've already picked a few patterns that I plan to expand as the years pass. My favorite and most recent pattern is Royal Albert's Moonlight Rose. I only have the sugar, salt and pepper and a saucer now, but I plan to get a full set of place settings one day. (Wish me luck.) And now that I've completely taken this post away from my original point.... What is your favorite relaxer at the end of the day? I know that everyone has some beverage that relaxes them. Whether it's a scalding cup of black coffee or a cold one at the end of a tough day. For me, it's tea. Not the restaurant Lipton blend. Real hot tea. The kind you pour through a Victorian-style strainer to keep the leaves from getting in your cup. There's just something soothing about a warm cup and saucer resting in your hand while you stir in a teaspoon of sugar. Add a set of knitting needles or a partially finished crocheted afghan in my lap and my night is made. And here comes the big confession. I love collecting antique tea sets. In fact, I've already picked a few patterns that I plan to expand as the years pass. My favorite and most recent pattern is Royal Albert's Moonlight Rose. I only have the sugar, salt and pepper and a saucer now, but I plan to get a full set of place settings one day. (Wish me luck.) And now that I've completely taken this post away from my original point.... What is your favorite relaxer at the end of the day? en-us Speaking of antiques... have you seen an Argyle? I would love to find one. My favorite treat would be hot chocolate on a cold night. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_27955 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_27955 Speaking of antiques... have you seen an Argyle? I would love to find one. My favorite treat would be hot chocolate on a cold night. Argyle? I think the tea would leak out. http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_27965 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_27965 Argyle? I think the tea would leak out. Mmm... Hot chocolate. Or putting a packet of hot chocolate mix into a large cup of hot coffee for an instant mocha. Yum! Thanks for reminding me what an Argyle is (The pot, not the socks, Kevin!). I saw one in a shop a while ago. I'm sadly lacking in antique shop knowledge in this area. I've only been to Opera House, Blue Moon and the Antique Mall by Pinto Bean. Are there any other good shops in the area? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_27966 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_27966 Mmm... Hot chocolate. Or putting a packet of hot chocolate mix into a large cup of hot coffee for an instant mocha. Yum! Thanks for reminding me what an Argyle is (The pot, not the socks, Kevin!). I saw one in a shop a while ago. I'm sadly lacking in antique shop knowledge in this area. I've only been to Opera House, Blue Moon and the Antique Mall by Pinto Bean. Are there any other good shops in the area? Hot tea for me!  :)  I love loose teas--I have a teapot with an infuser that I put the tea leaves in to steep.  This morning is the perfect hot tea morning--hot tea and marmalade toast!  :)Kat   http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_28005 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/LAHightower/6007/#c_28005 Hot tea for me!  :)  I love loose teas--I have a teapot with an infuser that I put the tea leaves in to steep.  This morning is the perfect hot tea morning--hot tea and marmalade toast!  :)Kat