The Stillroom

drinking jasmine tea instead of wine”.  Well, if I can make up my lyrics to the old Seals & Crofts tune Summer Breeze, I guess this would be my version.  And wine-not?  As sure as the boys of summer start their play, my pick of the teas of summer will soon grace the shelves of The Stillroom.

As we start to toil in our gardens be they in the earth or in pots,  what  better way to warm up or cool off (depending on the temperamental weather that April brings)  than with a hot cup of Mellow Moments or Chamomile Nights tisanes.  How about a refreshing Mojito Mint green iced tea, or a pomegranate raspberry green iced tea?   If you have not tried the Harney & Sons Pineapple green tea over ice, you are missing a real delight!  Blueberry Superfruit, when poured over ice will reinvigorate your taste buds with a splash of fresh blueberries that will put you in a state of zen as the sun goes down on your hard day’s work.

Now, I will impart my tea knowledge upon you.  Did you know that herbal tea is also called a tisane?  A tisane is all herbs and  no tea at all.  Just herbs.  So, the next time you peruse the herbal tea section at the shop, you are actually picking a tisane, not a tea.  It is sort of like picking a flower!  If you have never had the opportunity to taste lavender tulsi tea, come in and check out the sample packs.  It is a nice way to discover if you will like a new tea flavor, or not.

Fresh vanilla beans are in!  Weather you are baking, making ice cream or vanilla extract, the price of our beans can’t be beat!  We buy in bulk and package them by hand.   The Stillroom cut out the glass tube, which reduces  the price of the bean.  You get two dark, oily beans for the price of one. If you have never used or are not familiar with what to do with a vanilla bean, they come with instructions that tell you how to use and store them.  They are not as mysterious as they look.  I highly recommend making your own vanilla extract, (recipe included) if you are a baker, it is a very noticeable difference in flavor!

If you have not had a chance to stop in to visit Diamond Antiques, you are missing a nice opportunity to shop two floors of antiques and more!  If you are nostalgic for the past or are looking for that special something to grace your home or wardrobe, this is the place!  With an ever changing inventory of furniture from shabby chic to retro to elegant, Diamond Antiques and Gifts is such a relaxing place to shop. With hundreds and hundreds of knick knacks, patty whacks, hats, gloves, jewelry, furniture, vintage kitchen gear, home decor both old and new, (and stuff for guys too), this co op has it all!  If you can’t find it here, we will offer you a great shopping guide for the AK Valley and beyond.  Yes, we are cool with telling you where to go. lol

Diamond Antiques and Gifts has been voted number one in the AK Valley for antiques and collectibles  and The Stillroom tea shop has the good fortune to be within the walls of this awesome, old building.  It is like stepping into the past.

Look for Diamond Antiques at the upcoming Tour Ed Mine Flea-tique on May 17th!  When the weather is fine, this is the place to enjoy an open air market with row upon row of dealers setting up their wares.  The Diamond Antique and Gift shop  at 311 East Sixth Avenue opens early that day, real early.  Like 8 in the morning!

If the weather is muddy or wet, put on your muck luks and rain coat and be brave…the rain won’t hurt you!

Stop in and visit soon at 311 East Sixth Avenue, Tarentum, PA.  Next to historic Massart’s Diner and across the street from Tarentum Station.  You will see my TEA sign in the front window…that’s me!