Afternoon Tea at The King Edward - Toronto

When my friend Sophia, who often steeps an afternoon cup of tea for me - during my writing break in the day, was about to celebrate her birthday recently; her daughter (Jennifer) and I along with her darling granddaughter (Miss A.) decided an afternoon tea would be the perfect outing, since we all enjoy an afternoon cup of tea. We choose The King Edward, as it had been a place the ladies wanted to try and I had not taken afternoon tea there for many years. - so it would be a new experience for us all.

    

Once seated we were presented with two beautiful chests of tea, each containing a wonderful selection of teas. Sloane teas is based in Toronto and Tealeaves is based in Vancouver.

I choose a Sloane tea : Bergamont Rose blended black tea... 

Ceylon and Assam black tea perfumed with Italian bergamot, finished with fine French lavender and Jaipur roses, creating a citrus and floral finish. Lovelies this tea was everything that I imagined as I read the description!!

Cheering the birthday gal ... with tea of course!

To accompany our tea - we all choose the Duchess of Bedford, which made our taste buds dance with excitement... as we read the selection of delicate pastries: Blood Orange Posset with Cranberry Oat Biscotti Chocolate Mint Macaron Vanilla Bean & Berry Cream Tartlet Layered Chocolate Chestnut Slice and scones: Currant & Cinnamon Scone Classic Cream Scone Served with Devonshire Cream, House Made Ontario Strawberry Jam and Apple Brandy Butter.

The birthday gal was given her own sweets tier - with a special little touch...

You didn't think we forgot the bubbly - now did you?

We had a wonderful experience celebrating Sophia's birthday! Miss A. was particularly fond of the scones; I know Jennifer is planning to return again soon and I will be bringing a special young lady who recently turned double digits - to experience her first afternoon tea - in the next few weeks.

While we opted for Duchess of Earl which includes pastries and scones ... the Earl of Sandwich offers savoury finger sandwiches and scones; and the Traditional Experience offers pastries, savoury finger sandwiches and scones. And of course a glass of bubbly can be added to any of the Afternoon Tea options ... we treated ourselves to a glass of  Glass of Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial; but you can also opt for a glass of sparkling or sherry.

I was impressed by the service and options of afternoon tea experiences - for full afternoon tea description of options click here .   Reservations are suggested.

The King Edward is located at 37 King Street East and is easily accessible by TTC. 

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates 

Subscribe to Celia M. Living My High Heeled Life by Email

Afternoon Tea on the Bridge ~ and a little mindfulness

Long time readers of High Heeled Life already know I'm all about a good cup of tea in the afternoon. Making time in your afternoon for tea not only provides the opportunity to indulge in a small treat - to carry you through to dinner or the drive home after work; it also gives you a few moments to pause in your day - practice a little mindfulness and recharge the mind.

With the great autumn afternoons we have been blessed with  my afternoon cup of tea at the country home can still be enjoyed outside. this particular afternoon I set myself up down on the small bridge.

 My Lady Carlyle tea cup and side plate  by Royal Albert -  some tasty macarons my friend spoiled me with, from Trader Joe's ... I kid you not they are tres yummy!!

a pillow and blanket ... some leisure reading magazines ... the sun shining it's warm rays and I settled in for some time away from computer, phones, and distractions.

The only sounds ... were chirping birds, the gurgling of the stream beneath the bridge ...

After a little leisure reading  ... I practiced a little mindfulness ... below are some steps I 've shared before to help you practice mindfulness... 

mind·ful·ness

ˈmīndfəlnəs/

noun

noun: mindfulness

1. 1.

   the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.

   "their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition"
2. 2.

   a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

With today's demands for us to always be connected it has become more important than ever to unplug, stop doing things on auto pilot and experience being in the moment. Try these simple steps the next time you brew a cup of tea: 

1. Take notice of your environment, the sound of the water as you fill the kettle. Smile at the thought of fresh water and give thanks for having it.

2. Take note of how your feet feel as you make your way across the room, how the floor feels below your feet.

3. Notice the various shades and textures of the dry tea leaves. If you use tea bags still touch the leaves and breathe in the fragrant scent.

4. Listen to the sound of the water as you pour it into the teapot see how the leaves begin to transform as the hot water envelopes them.

5. As the tea steeps try to quieten your mind focus on your breath - inhaling and exhaling through the nose.

6. Holding teacup with both hands raise teacup to your nose. Take three deep breaths inhaling the warmth and fragrant scent of your tea.

7. Take note of the flavours as the tea rolls over your tongue - see if you can identify their origins.

8. As the tea makes its way past your tongue invite it into your body to nourish and heal.

9. Repeat  steps 6-8 until you finish your cup of tea.

You will be surprised at how much more creative and productive you will feel and be when you take the time to recharge your mind.

If tea is not your thing ... no worries ... have a cup of coffee, or smoothie or a glass of water (we can all drink more water - I'm certain). Get outside - stroll to a near by park, and just sit. Be present in the moment. Allow your mind to take a break from the work day. If mid afternoon doesn't permit getting outside - do it during your lunch hour, or find a spot in the office that you can sit looking out a window ...and take in the nature beyond it.

How do you recharge in your day?

You are the curator of your life so make it luxurious,


Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates 

Subscribe to Celia M. Living My High Heeled Life by Email

Sharing with: Happiness is Homemade - Sunday ; Inspiration Monday ; No Place Like Home-Mondays ;  Tea Cup Tuesday ;  Inspiration2 -Thursday ; Home and Garden Thursday
 Feathered Nest Friday ;