Tea Business Dreams

Las Vegas and the World Tea Expo

Dear Tea Family-

Springtime finds me busily preparing for the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas.  I fly out on May 29th and will be in the shining city for a full week of tea fun.  This year's event is being held at the Mandalay Bay Resort which is beautiful.  I however, have chosen to stay at Excalibur just down the street as it is the only MGM property I have yet to stay at.  There have been rumors that it may be knocked down to make room for another high end resort so I had to book a room to stay there before it is too late.

Growing up I spent a lot of time in Las Vegas.  My grandfather was an executive with many of the high end properties and my parent's were musicians.  I was in and out of LV a great deal and have watched it grow from a small town to a huge metropolis.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

At this juncture I want to answer a couple of your questions about the World Tea Expo:

1. What is the World Tea Expo ?

The World Tea Expo is an annual trade show devoted entirely to the specialty tea industry.  Vendors from around the world come to share their product lines with tea business owners.  There are mini classes, trend updates and new product profiles throughout the event.

As far as trade shows go the World Tea Expo is relatively small.  You won't find thousands upon thousands of attendees.  Last year they had around 4,000 people and 300 vendors.  The great part is that it's still small enough to network with other companies face to face and be remembered.

2. Who should attend the World Tea Expo?

In my opinion professionals who have an active tea business or those who have had specific industry training and are ready to open the doors of their business should attend.  The show is not a place to learn to start a tea business.  You will be overwhelmed, blown away and waste a great deal of money.

As a professional in the industry attending the show once every couple of years can keep you connected with the heartbeat of tea.... too much more than that and you get repeat information.

3. Why do you, Lady Dawnya, attend the World Tea Expo?

I attend the expo for several reasons.  First of all I conduct interviews for TeaRadio.com.  This is a great chance for me to interview vendors live and share their story with listeners.  In addition, I offer private consultations to a variety of clients and alumni plus a shop the event to bring you the latest and greatest tea information.

If there is something new I want my tea family and most especially my students to know about it first hand.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I hope that answers many of your questions.  You can be assured that my tea materials contain the latest, most up to date training available.  From my tea business to yours, you can get the training you need from the comfort of your own home.  Why?  Because I have already done the travel and research for you! (and that is priceless!)

More Soon,

Lady Dawnya

Start The Summer Right! June 1st is Your Tea Business Day!

Start summer right!  You can make your tea dreams a reality beginning June 1st 2008.  The first summer class of the Start A Tea Business online class is now available for registration.

Why should you take this class now?  Here are 3 GREAT REASONS!

1.  If starting a tea business is your dream it's up to you to make it happen.  The door of opportunity is infront of you and it waits for you to open it!  Enrolling the Start A Tea Business (TM) class is a perfect way to start your journey.  You don't have to leave home.  You don't have to pay for travel.  You don't have to pay for a hotel.  You can discover the inside secrets from the comfort of your own home and begin making her tea dreams come true!

2. Discover where you fit into the tea business NOW and make money during the holidays.  The holiday season begins in October.  That means if you get yourself trained and ready now you can have a viable business running for the holidays!  Enroll now by calling 888-225-0252 or sign up online at www.StartATeaBusiness.com

3. The tea industry is growing by leaps and bounds.  Opportunity abounds.  You could open a tearoom, a tea cafe, become a tea speaker, start a children's tea party business, lead tea tours, .... what is your dream?  You can do it!

Join Me in my June Online Tea School!

I look forward to working with you,

Lady Dawnya 

Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Spread:
Combine 3/4 cup butter, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons dried basil.

Filling:
1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Salt and pepper to taste
20 slices bread, your choice

Combine the filling ingredients. Spread each slice of bread with a thin layer of the butter mixture. Add the filling to half the bread slices and top with the other half, buttered sides in. Remove the crusts and cut the sandwiches as desired. Makes 40 tea sandwiches.

When Small is Mighty: The History of the Yixing Teapot

You've heard the phrase, "for all the tea in China?" That phrase is usually used to indicate great amounts at great worth.

Perhaps that phrase should have been “for all the teaPOTS in China,” for this huge country has an ancient, but valuable commodity: The Yixing teapot.

The Yixing Region of China is located in the Jiangsu Province, abut 120 miles Northwest of Shanghai, and it’s an area known since the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) for its wonderful pottery. The pottery is beautiful and unique, for it is formed from a purple or red clay, called “zisha,” found only in this one location in the entire world.

The Ming Dynasty, (1368-1644) began the tradition of teapots from the Yixing Region. These were usually simple pots with fine walls and the natural colorations of the clay ranging from deep maroon, to red, to purple, to buff. When, in the 1600’s, the production and exportation of teapots began to flourish, many Chinese artists turned their attention to the familiar but unique teapots created in the Yixing region decorating them with ornate inlays of gold and silver, or painting them with colored enamels. The lovely Yixing teapot became desirable throughout China and Europe.

The desirability of this particular kind of teapot is based on several factors, but one predominant characteristic is the unique purple clay from which it is made. Iron oxide in the clay gives it a purple color, but in addition to the color, the clay itself is ideal for the making of teapots because it is porous after it is fired. This porous characteristic enables the teapots to absorb the flavors and oils from the teas.

Some say that an old, well-loved and well-used Yixing teapot can brew tea itself just by adding hot water! Tea connoisseurs are adamant that each kind of tea should have its own Yixing pot so that the individual flavors of each tea are kept pure and separate from each other. No need for soap, either! Simply rinse out the Yixing teapot with cold water to have it prepared and ready for the next perfect drink of tea.

Another unique feature of the Yixing teapot is the size of the vessel. Not like the typical American or European teapot, the Chinese original Yixing pot is very small. Meant to be for one single individual, and a capacity of 1-2 cups, Yixing teapot users are able to brew their tea – and drink it – all from the same container. They simply brew the tea in the pot, then tip the spout into their mouths.

Still another desired feature in the Yixing teapot is the authenticity and craftsmanship in its making. Each pot is handcrafted on a potter’s wheel. While the Yixing teapot is often reproduced, the “real” product is identified by a “chopmark,” or an artist’s mark on the bottom of the pot or under the lid or handle.

The Yixing Teapot: Small in size. Mighty in function.

Sipping Tea and Planning the Future

HI Tea Family-

Kansas is longing for spring and so am I!  It seems we get peeks of it now and then but nothing too serious.  Today it is cold, dark and dreary.  I am assured by everyone I meet that this is one unusual weather pattern.  I sure hope so!

In the meantime, I am working away in my office sipping tea. Today I am sampling a new company who has sent me a series of samples.  So far I give it two thumbs up. Legacy Tea Blends offers an interesting array of hand blended teas.  You can check them out for yourself at www.NaturalChoicesBotanica.com  Today I am tasting their House Blend which is actually an herbal tisane.  It includes Orange peel, rose hips, chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, hibiscus, lemongrass & red raspberry leaf.  Contains no artificial flavors, colors or caffeine.  A GREAT choice when you are looking for a bit of "calm" in the midst of your day.

Our tea business class was packed this April and we are already taking new students for May.  May will be a super month to take the online class because every new student will be getting a special World Tea Expo bonus.  Watch my blog for upcoming details.

I have been busy hiring new people and training staff for new positions.  I am also LOVING the plans we are putting together for the 2009 Tea Cruise. All the details will be available next month.  In addition I am sorting out one last trek across the Rocky Mountains.   1 last Uhaul  and we will be finished.  I can't wait to get everything in one place.  That will feel great.  The cross country trip will probably happen later in the month.

I was reflecting on what I wanted to share with you this month on the tea business.  The only thought that came to mind is this "there is no better time than the present." 

I am not saying that to sell you on a product I am telling you the truth.  Getting started is the hardest part. Committing to moving forward is the best way to get unstuck. Take a leap of faith and see where it takes you.  I would have never guessed that when I jumped into tea (in 1997) I would end up owning 2 tea rooms, an internet company, a tea based camp program an online radio station and a whole lot more...

Who knows what tea has for you?  It's time to move forward and the best way to do that is close your eyes and leap. Enroll in the Start A Tea Business online school for May 4th.  You will be glad you took the plunge.

More Soon,

Lady Dawnya

Start A Tea Business (TM) on May 4th 2008

I am often asked questions about my Start A Tea Business (TM) online training program.  I started this online tea business school in 2003 and we have touching every corner of the globe ever since.  It's amazing how many people have tea dreams and I feel honored to answer the questions you email in. 

Here are answers to just a few of your questions:

#1 Are you a real person?

I get this question regularly and always have to laugh.  Yep. I'm real and yep. I have a legitimate internet based training company.  If you want to know more about me as a person here are some links:

This is my bio:  http://teaevents.com/meet_lady_dawnya.htm


This is my personal life blog: http://www.MyLifeInKansas.com

Here's a quick snap of me working away in my new Kansas office:

Yep.  I am a real tea lover just like you.




#2 If we are in a recession why should I start a tea business?

History shows that there is no better time to start an extra income stream than in hard financial times.  I am pleased to say that I have trained many students who were downsized from corporate companies and needed a new career.  I have also trained mom's who needed extra money for their food budget.  Either way. laying a solid foundation for your tea business will save you thousands and thousands of dollars.

If you have been wondering what the future holds it's time to grab the future by the arms and declare "The future is what I make of it and my future is tea!"

#3 Why is the tea business a good industry to be in?

If you watch the media or read magazines you will find several common themes.

* Health
* Weightloss
*Anti- Aging
*Serenity
*Family Time

All of these concepts are embedded in tea.  Tea is a 5,000 year old product which has helped people for centuries reach for a better life. In the US tea sales are growing rapidly and new estimates say that by 2012 tea will be a $15 billion dollar industry. 

My point?  There is PLENTY of room for you to establish your tea dream and make money in the process.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you have a question about the tea industry or my course feel free to email it to me:  tea@teaevents.com  Subject: Ask Lady Dawnya

For more information on the May 2008 class call 888-225-0252 or go directly to our very insightful website and enroll online:

www.StartATeaBusiness.com

A Jane Austen Tea Time Party

Jane Austen Revisited-

The Ultimate Austen Lover Tea Time Adventure

by Lady Dawnya Sasse

(be sure to scroll to the bottom to see video on a past Jane Austen event)

 

As time goes by, Jane Austen and tea never go out of fashion. In fact, they’ve both become almost trendy in recent years. So what better way to celebrate Jane Austen’s genius than with a tea party re-creating a few hours of her everyday life?

 

Invite guests to bring along a favorite passage from one of Austen’s books. The invitation can include a pictures of typical costumes from the early 1800’s. Encourage guests to consider wearing a shawl over modern clothes or experimenting with period dress. Empire waists were popular then, as were choker necklaces.

 

Bare polished wood was the look in decorating at the time, so be sure to have at least one dark wooden table to set off your most charming porcelain knick-knacks. Print out some scenes of Regency England from this Jane Austen website: http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/rgnclfil.html. Glue them to rectangular doilies and hang three doilies vertically, at least four inches apart, on a long strip of velvet ribbon. Hang heavy tassels from lamp pulls, window shades, and curtain tie-backs.

Greet each guest with the offer of a glass of sherry. Invite them to choose refreshments from a buffet table covered with a white table cloth, with lace borders separating the four areas serving tea, sandwiches, scones, and cookies. Run dark green ribbons through the lace borders for a decorative effect.

Have several card tables set up around the room, covered with dark green cloth. Each table can be set with a small teapot filled with hot water, plus milk, sugar, thinly sliced lemons, napkins, and silverware. The hot water is for refilling guests’ cups if they have kept their tea bags or are using individual tea strainers. Have a plate of sweet butter and a bowl of jelly at each table. Use tall candles in polished brass candlesticks to cast a flattering glow down on the seated guests.

As guests settle in, they can take turns reading their chosen passages from a Jane Austen book. If anyone has chosen a section with several speaking parts, ask for volunteers to act out the scene. If people seem shy about reading to the whole group, let them read just to the people at their table.

The Austen family liked many kinds of music, so you can’t go wrong with anything by Bach, Haydn, or Handel, or with Scottish or Irish folk songs. If you have guests who like to sing, invite them to perform, perhaps accompanied on the piano.

Once each table has four guests, announce the opening of a game of whist. No Jane Austen novel would be complete without a few rounds of whist among friends. This card game is simple enough for players to learn the rules in a few minutes, unlike its offspring, the game of bridge. Give each table a copy of the rules of whist, which you can print out from this website: http://www.pagat.com/whist/whist.html.

Menu:

Sherry

Green and black tea

Sliced chicken and cucumber sandwiches

Dilled salmon and cream cheese sandwiches

Drop biscuits

Freshly sliced French bread

Violet, mint, or rose jellies

Camembert cheese

Pound cake

Almond pudding

Need more ideas?  Here are some photos from a live Jane Austen tea party.

 

 

This week only - Tea Business Special

THIS JUST IN-  OFF MY DESK

Tea Family-

This week only (the first week of April 2008) I am offering a FREE bonus seminar cd with every new Start A Tea Business enrollment.  This is my very best selling cd entitled "Planning the Perfect Tea Party."  Whether you are coordinating a party for fun or for profit this cd will set you straight and walk you step by step through the process.  Seats for this training cost $100 but you will grab this marvelous educational compact disk FREE if you enroll by April 6th 2008.

To Enroll www.StartATeaBusiness.com  Or Call The Office : 888-225-0252

Don't miss out.  I don't run specials often!

Lady Dawnya

Foccacia Tea Sandwich

Five Onion Foccacia and Roasted Vegetable Sandwich Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 1997 Show: Emeril Live Episode: Hearts of Palm and Vegetable World

This fun sandwich can easily be adapted for a casual or formal tea time event.

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup julienned onions 1 cup julienned red onions 1 cup julienned leeks 1/4 cup julienned shallots 2 tablespoons chopped garlic Salt and black pepper 1 envelope (1/4-ounce) active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F) 1 teaspoon salt 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 3 tablespoons kosher salt 1 red pepper, roasted and julienned 1 yellow pepper, roasted and julienned 1 small eggplant, roasted and sliced 1 medium beet, roasted, peeled and sliced 1 zucchini, roasted and sliced 1 yellow squash, roasted and slice 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 cloves roasted garlic mashed in or plain mayonnaise 1/2 pound sliced Fontina In a saute pan, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions, leeks, and shallots. Saute for 15 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized. Stir in the garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat. Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, whisk the yeast, sugar, and warm water together, for 2 minutes to dissolve the yeast. Add the onion mixture. Add the salt and flour. With the mixer on low, mix until the dough starts to come together. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl and crawls up to dough hook. Grease a mixing bowl with the vegetable oil. Place the dough in the greased bowl and turn once. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft free place until the dough doubles in size about 1 1/2 hours. Turn the dough out onto a baking sheet. Punch the dough and press the dough out to form the size of the pan. Place dough in pan and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cover the dough and allow to double in size, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the dough for 30 to 35 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Slice the bread into 8 to 12 pieces, depending on desired size of the sandwich. Spread each side of roll with the aioli. Divide the roasted vegetables and cheese evenly between each sandwich. Put the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is melted, for about 5 to 8 minutes.

Classic Films and Afternoon Tea

Classic Films and Tea Time Fun

by Dawnya Sasse



Does the idea of spending time with friends and watching old movies sound enticing? Turn this activity into a tea party and invite your favorite guests to watch your favorite old movies.

A few refreshments and some relaxing teas can make an old movie night one to remember. Base your party on a particular movie or around the classic movie theme in general.

Depending on the time of year, you can choose a movie based on upcoming holidays or the seasons. Old-time romances are great for spring and summer (or any time of year, really!), epics go well in winter, and many old thrillers offer a scare using good old-fashioned suspense in the fall.

Activities

The definition of old movies may vary depending on whom you are talking to, but generally, any of the classics will do. Many of the old movies are much longer than today's films, so be prepared to settle in with an abundance of tea and refreshments.

Keep your party to a reasonable size so everyone can enjoy a comfortable seat and a good view. For something different, rent a movie projector and show the film on a wall or screen. A local university media department, rental shop, or camera store may offer this option.

If you want to do more than watch the movie, invite guests to dress as characters from the movie, play trivia games about the film, have a "movie search" for famous quotes, or host an informal discussion afterward.


Decorations

Decorations for this type of party can be minimal, since you will be sitting in a dim or dark room for most of the party. However, you can dress up the party by hanging posters from old movies or cutouts of movie stars.

Include movie-inspired decorations throughout the room such as a director's chair, megaphone, a "Hollywood" sign, or strip of red carpet for your guests to arrive on. Use your imagination!


Music

While guests arrive or while you serve refreshments prior to starting the movie, play some background music. There are wide ranges of music compilations available that are movie related, such as great movie love songs, famous themes, and so forth.

Visit your local retailer for options. You may also be able to find the soundtrack from your movie of choice, although this may depend on how much of a "hit" the movie was and is.


Invitation Ideas

You can create your own or purchase pre-made invitations that are movie themed. Invitations designed like a movie ticket are fun, or you can include a picture of your favorite classic movie star or stars. Using an invitation that pictures the "Hollywood" sign can also be fun.

For alternatives, look for invitations that show a collage of movie-inspired themes, such as lights, cameras, clapboards, award figurines, or "walk of fame" stars.


Foods

Popcorn is of course the movie staple food, but there are many other options as well. You may want to stay with finger foods, however, as these are easy to eat while sitting and go with the overall movie them.

Nachos and candies are popular movie foods, or offer other easy options such as mini-quiches, baked goods, or finger sandwiches. Whatever you choose, keep the food simple so that you'll be able to watch the movie, too, rather than worrying about the food!


Teas

An old movie tea party could go late! Plan ahead by preparing a refreshing evening brew sure to relax and not stimulate your guests.  Lindsey's Teas Pepperminty Chamomile is an exceptionally refreshing yet calming herbal blend of the finest Egyptian chamomile buds with peppermint leaves.

Naturally caffeine-free, this tea is cool, refreshing to the palate, and delightful to the senses. You can order it from http://www.Lindseyteas.com



(C) Dawnya Sasse 2006-2008

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why do some people succeed in the tea business? Discover how to "Unlock the Secrets of the Billion Dollar Tea Industry from the Comfort of Your Own Computer" and make your tea dream a reality. Free audio mini course http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This article may be distributed freely on your website, as long as this entire article, including links and this resource box are unchanged.
Copyright 2006 Dawnya Sasse All Rights Reserved. Tea Events http://www.TeaEvents.com