Dec 10 2010

EXTENDED HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOURS

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We still have lots of great gift ideas and are well stocked here at the shop. We also have gift certificates. I know this is a busy time, and to offer more convenient shopping options, we will extend our hours as posted below:

Saturday December 11th : 9 am to 2 pm

Wednesday December 15th: 10 am to 5 pm

Thursday December 16th: 10 am to 6 pm

Friday December 17th: 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday December 18th: 9 am to 3 pm

Tuesday December 21st: 1 – 6 pm

Wednesday December 22nd: 10 am to 5 pm

 Thursday December 23rd: 10 am to 6 pm

Friday December 24th: 9 am to 2 pm

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Nov 4 2010

So, Where are we exactly????

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I always try to forewarn people who are coming to the shop that we are in an unusual spot for a tea shop. We are located, in fact, in an industrial park…within my plumbing and heating professional’s building. He’s a wonderful landlord, and we have working heat and air conditioning here. After being previously located in a beautiful old Victorian era building with character oozing from the walls and beautiful natural lighting…but with poor heating and cooling mechanisms, I’ve decided this is very important. Tea needs to be kept in comfortable, dry environments, as do people. Customers and employees will not be enjoying themselves if they’re freezing, roasting, or having to wipe sweat off their brow. So…I took a chance by renting this space. I figured in China and other parts of Asia, many of the best teas are found in little out of the way holes- in- the -wall. If it can work there, maybe it can work here. Our goal is to offer the finest teas we can at a fair price. It is also to educate and inform our customers. We’ve chosen to put our monetary gains into high quality teas, educating ourselves, and keeping up to date on all things tea, by particpating continuously in our professional organizations and classes, rather than locating in a high rent district. We’re grateful to our customers who go out of their way to find us, spread the word to their friends, and then keep returning. Our location is actually quite convenient to major highways, the Maine Turnpike, and Route #1.

Once you’re inside our space, you won’t realize you’re in an industrial park. The space is filled with wonderful teas: black tea, green tea, Oolong tea, and herbal tisanes, as well as “all things loosely related” to tea! We carry unique gifts and jewelry which anyone, tea lover or not would love to own. Our selection of books includes the Tea Shop Mystery Series as well as children’s books, books about tea in general, and lots of recipes. Many of the books have beautiful photography. I promise you that you will not find such a large selection of tea goodies anywhere else in the state of Maine.

 

We want you to be satisfied with your tea purchases, so we encourage you to taste before you buy. We can help you sort out what teas you have or haven’t liked in the past, whether you’re looking for a straight tea, a flavored tea, or a blended tea. Or we can introduce you to a totally new taste.

If you’re totally new to tea, or if you’d like in-depth knowledge about a particular type of tea, we encourage you to take one of our classes. It’s always fun to learn with others who share an interest.

And, if you just need a quiet respite away from the daily bustle, you’re welcome to visit and sit at our small table to enjoy being served tea and something light to go with it, all on your own or with a friend. So, thanks for taking a chance and stopping by. We look forward to serving you.

Tea is ready!

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Oct 7 2010

JOIN US FOR OUR FALL DIVA DAY!

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Please join us for our second Diva Day on Saturday October 23rd at The Woodfords Club in Portland. Our first event in July was a huge success, and we look forward to an even better event this time.  Meet a plethora of vendors of goods and services, get great ideas for holiday gift giving. Get pampered by the on-site massage and skin care provided, and win fabulous prizes. Sit and enjoy wonderful food from the on-site caterer. Tours of the Woodfords Club will be available; it’s a great place to hold your next event.

WHEN: Saturday October 23, 2010          

                  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

WHERE: The Woodfords Club

                 179 Woodfords St.

                  Portland, Maine 04103

Fully handicapped accessible, plenty of parking, and great food onsite. No admission charge.

Nordic WalkingLots of vendors Jewelry

Lots of vendors

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Sep 3 2010

TEA 101; SIGN UP NOW

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Our next Tea 101 class has been scheduled for Saturday September 25th from 1 to 3:00 pm. It will be held here at Nellie’s shop. For a descrition visit our Classes and Events page.

Cost : $15.00 per person                                                       Harney Tea Map 871

Contact us to reserve your space.

 

Stay tuned for other fun events we’re planning…

Like, A class on Pu’erh Teas,

 and a Japanese Tea Ceremony…

We look forward to welcoming you to the Wonderful World of Tea!

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Jul 22 2010

JOIN US AT DIVA DAY, SATURDAY JULY 24TH!

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Nellie’s will be participating in Diva Day this Saturday. Stop by and be a Diva for awhile…and bring your friends.

What: Diva Day hosted by The Woodfords Club and Patriot Mortgage. Featuring over 30 vendors (including Nellie’s Tea and Gifts), a Spa Room, DJ, hourly raffles and two 50/50 drawings, and many giveaways and samples.

When: Saturday July 24th, 9 am to 4 pm

Where: The Woodfords Club

                179 Woodford Street

                 Portland, Me. 04103

                 Parking available for 117 vehicles, full handicap access!

Why: Because we shuld all be a Diva now and then. Join us for a day of fun, fashion, and fabulous door prizes!

P.S. Because we will have much of our inventory at Diva Day, we will be closed at the shop on this Saturday only. Please contact us if you need something and we will arrange to meet you.

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Jul 1 2010

TEA 101 Class; Register Now!

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puehr-_3.JPGWhat: Explore the history and origin of tea, types of tea, and how it gets    from field to cup. Taste at least 2 samples of the three basic types of tea, learning the professional cupping and tasting methods. Enjoy pots of teas of your choice from our large selection along with light accompaniments.

When: Thursday, July 8th

              11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Where: Nellie’s Tea and Gifts

                5 Industry Rd. Suite 2 C

                 South Portland, Maine 04106

Cost: $15.00 per person

Call ( 207.761.8041 ) or e-mail ( nellie@maine.rr.com )now to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

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Jun 17 2010

World Tea Expo: Always an exciting and motivating experience!

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Just returned from the annual three day World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, the premier conference for people in the Specialty Tea industry. Although a bit smaller in the past few years, reflecting the economy, I always come away with fresh ideas, new knowledge, and ideas for new products. This year is no exception. When jet lag has dissipated a bit more I will fill you in with a more complete report. For now, I encourage you to visit the shop in the next few weeks as new merchandise arrives. Some of the highlights include tea from Ajiri Tea, a new company importing black tea from Kenya with a heartwarming story behind it; new electric kettles with programmable temperature settings so you can steep your green teas, oolongs, and blacks at the perfect temperature, and tea infused chocolates. Also check out the new selections of the Emma Lea children’s books which chronicle Emma Lea’s experiences having tea with family, friends, and including the new Emma Lea cook book.

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Apr 10 2010

Celebrate Spring with us at Tea by the Sea!

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The Breakers InnReserve your spot now as we celebrate Spring at The Breakers Inn on Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine! Plan to celebrate with a mother, sister, brother, or good friend. Spend two hours appreciating fine teas and accompaniments, catching up with loved ones, and enjoying the views of the powerful Atlantic Ocean at Higgins Beach.

When: Saturday May 1st and Sunday May 2nd

              11:30 AM or 3:00 PM seatings each day

The earlier seating each day will include tiered service of tea sandwiches and other savories, salad greens, scone with lemon curd and Devon Cream, assorted pastries and fruit, and assorted teas. Cost: $18.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

 The later seatings each day will include scone with above spreads, assorted pastries and fruit, and assorted teas. Cost: $12.00 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Where: The Breakers Inn

                   2 Bay View Ave.

                    Higgins Beach

                    Scarborough, Maine 04074

To reserve your space, Contact Marianne at Nellie’s Tea and Gifts by calling 207.761.8041 or e-mailing nellie@maine.rr.com

Please leave your name, the date and seating you are requesting along with the number of people in your party. Also leave a phone number and/or e-mail where we may contact you to confirm your reservation. Your reservation will not be confirmed until you hear back from us.

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Mar 18 2010

Tea for You?

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Lots of people are interested in tea because they’ve read that it’s good for them. But they tell me they just don’t like tea. Sometimes they associate it with being sick because that’s when they were given it as children. Others tell me it makes them nauseous or gives them a burning sensation in their stomach. Or they’ve tried green tea because that’s what the majority of the health related research has been on, and I’m told the tea was so bitter. So, is there a tea for everyone? I believe there is. With such a huge range of tea, from white to green to oolong to black, and then any flavor or other botanical can be blended or  added to any of those, you can find something that you like. The various teas in and of themselves have a huge range of flavors, and they are best enhanced by learning to choose them carefully and prepare them properly. tea-anyone.gif

The most critical aspects of making a good cup or pot of tea include:

1. Select a high quality tea. High quality tea is the most affordable luxury. Most teas can be made several times over using the same tea leaves, and with each infusion you can often taste a different aspect of that particular tea. 

2. Use fresh water with a good taste…bad tasting water will make bad tasting tea.

3. Measure the proper amount of tea leaf; usually one teaspoon per 6-8 ounces of water. Then adjust to taste. 

4. Use water at the correct temperature. Black teas require water at boiling, but green teas require water that has been allowed to cool for a minute or so after boiling

5. Steep the recommended amount of time… and then remove the leaves from the tea! Otherwise you will end up with a bitter, undrinkable brew.

It’s always good if you can taste some teas before you buy them, or if you can buy in small quantities to start.

So…don’t be afraid to explore the wonderful world of tea. I look forward to helping you!

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Feb 25 2010

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Us!

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This Friday and Saturday Nellie’s invites you to join in marking the biggest festival in Chinese culture. The Lunar New Year celebration this year began on February 14th and will continue through February 28th.

Extended hours on Saturday Feb. 27th: 9 am to 3 pm

 Sample classic teas from China with holiday treats

Receive 10% discount on the purchase of tea with China origin.

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