Model Monday: Pyewacket

National Black Cat Day 2018

How is your day going? The sun is setting here and the temperature is in the 40s. I have a lovely cup of my favorite yaupon tea at hand ready to report on my Saturday adventure. You see, November 17 was National Black Cat Day. But don't try to google that because apparently there are many National Black Cat Days. (giggles) Anyway, I saw Pyewacket cutely curled in a ball sleeping and figured I could get a few photos of her. HA! Here's what happened.

The Shoot

I had our phone and walked up really quietly when...

Pyewacket popped up from her nap. Oh, Pye! Just one photo. I got down on her level, aimed the camera again and...

Kitty butt photo! (giggles) Then she leaned up on the wall for a good stretch before padding off.

No! The popcorn isn't for you.

The hamster is a sibling not a plaything. Just say hello.

Then she padded off to talk with Tatlo.

Finally, she let me get one good one!

(giggles) Pyewacket, you're some model!

Have you ever tried taking pet photographs? Were they cooperative or did you have an adventure like mine?

Come again soon!

Fun Friday: Snowy November

Yeah, Not Ready for This

Kirsten here! We had a delayed start for school since the snow happened yesterday. We got FIVE inches! So I'm ready to go!

Um, no, I'm not! I need leggings and different shoes.

This is much better. Ready to head to school. 

Check out the snow on our scarecrow. Can you see it behind me?

Warm and Toasty

So this is better and now you can see my full outfit. Yay! I love how the piping at the neck and pockets match the sweater.

Did you get any of the winter weather yesterday or the day before? Did you play outside or inside?

Details

• Sweater: Isabelle's Coral Sweater (AG retired)
• Dress: Blue print corduroy dress (AG retired)
• Leggings: Soft as Snow Outfit (AG retired)
• Boots: Springfield
• Necklace: Gift from Lady Vanyer
• Hair bows: Melody's Pajamas (American Girl)

So glad you stopped! See you again soon!

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl. All links are for educational and informative purposes only. No purchase suggested or required to enjoy the post. 

Tea Review: Holiday Tea

Tea for Tuesday #17

Harney & Sons Holiday Tea

Hi! Kaya here with a few friends to try a new tea. You've seen the TV commercials are starting to focus on the holidays so we thought it was time to try Harney & Sons Holiday Tea. Nonna saved a couple of tea bags for us. Anyway, it's a dreary, rainy, chilly day here so it's perfect tea weather. Of course, it's always tea weather for us. (giggles)

The description of the tea says, "Blend of Ceylon Tea spiced with citrus, almond, clove, and cinnamon flavors." That is an interesting combination.

Let's get steeping.

This one is a tea bag, but you can also find this blend as loose leaf or in sachets. 

It has an interesting aroma. Kind of nutty and spicy. I don't get the citrus. Carmelotta is enjoying the steeping. (giggles)

Hmmm, Licorice and Pyewacket have joined Carmelotta.

[timer dings]
Well, the Holiday Tea steeps to a lovely dark amber color. I had the timer set for 3 minutes.

Smells warm and nice. Still nutty and spicy, but now I think I'm getting a hint of the citrus.

Looks lovely in the cup.

Let's try a sip.

Hmmm, I'm not sure. The flavors are complex. An interesting mix. I'm not 100% certain I like it plain. Let's add some table sugar.

Okay. This seems to bring the flavors together a bit, but I'm still not sure. I want to try it with sugar in the raw too.

Now, we are getting somewhere. I think the raw sugar adds another note that helps mesh everything. Let's add some milk to this mixture.

Okay. This is my favorite combination. You get the black tea maltiness, plus the spices and a creaminess. I think the almond is throwing me off, but now the nuttiness makes more sense...if that makes sense. (giggles) 

Would you like to join us for a cuppa?

So on a dreary day like today a nice, creamy cuppa is a treat. The warmth also fends off the damp chill. Of course, tea also helps soothe a heavy heart. So do these little furry ones!

What is your favorite way thing to do or eat or drink on a rainy chilly day?

Xyra Notes

• This is our first time trying Harney & Sons Holiday Tea.
• I do not think the tea bag should be re-steeped.
• There is a nice, full bodied flavor to the tea.
• The full ingredients according to the Harney & Sons website are: "black tea, cloves, almond flavor, vanilla flavor, flower petals, three types of cinnamon, orange pieces." So I think it is the vanilla that is keeping me from loving this blend not the almond.
• It makes a nice, comforting cuppa.
• The plain might be good cold or on ice. As we prepped it with milk and sugar in the raw, it's best piping hot and still warm - not so good cold, but reheats well.

Come again soon!

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl or Harney & Sons Fine Teas. The tea reviewed was a gift from a friend. The review is unsolicited and comprised or our own, honest opinions, thoughts, and words. Links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required or suggested to enjoy the post. However, if you are inspired to check out the tea, the links will point you in the right direction. Tea Time with Melody Q does not get any remuneration from the links.

#HarneyandSonsHolidayTea
#TeaforTuesday

A Sad Day Here

Sad News from the Tea Time Universe

Hi. Kaya, here. Everyone at Tea Time with Melody Q is of heavy heart today. Our dear little guinea pig crossed over to Rainbow Bridge last night after Sunday Night Football. 

And the Marvel Universe

And then on the news we heard Stan Lee passed away. 

He was 95 and creator of the Marvel Universe. For details you can click this link to the Hollywood Reporter or use your favorite search engine to find Stan Lee.

From all of us to all of you...much love. Give your favorite people and critters a hug today, you never know what tomorrow brings.

The Build: November 2018

Getting Back On Track

Hi, everyone! Grace here. I am very excited to be doing this reveal. I don't think it was even my turn, but when you're available, you're available. 

I bet you can guess what is behind me. And I know you haven't seen one since August. We're heartbroken we missed a total of three months of building this year. 

We did stick to our vehicle theme and incorporated this utility truck.

It's pulling a wagon holding the actual calendar part of the build. 

If you're wondering why the truck is pulling a wagon...well, one of the biggest events this month is the Thanksgiving Day parade. This is our version of the parade. The calendar is the float complete with celebrity guest.

The eagles are supposed to be turkeys. (giggles) Can you guess the celebrity?

Here is a better look.

Still need a hint? She's Queenie from Fantastic Beasts. We are so excited to see the next installment. Drawing straws to see who goes. Anyway! Rascal! What are you doing? These aren't kitty toys!
(mewf)

Those are our parade watchers. One brave kitty stayed to watch. (giggles) Boys, girls, and pups of all ages watch the parade.

This is it in it's spot. Kind of big this month. We'll have to do better next month to keep it more contained.

So what do you think about our latest build? 

Do you have a favorite part? Please leave a comment below.

New Outfit

Oh, yes! Lanie told me I had to show off my new outfit for you. 

I paired the shorts and hoodie with black tights, a tee shirt, and my grey boots. 

What do you think?

Other News

We've been getting a few comments lately about the blog and how we create it. So if you are thinking about becoming a blogger, here are a few items of interest.

• We use the google platform blogger for our blog. You can also use Wordpress or design your own entirely by scratch. We are not programmers, so the last option was out. 
• Here we speak only for blogger...blogger has many templates and tools to make designing your blog easy. We used the tools provided to build our blog here.

À bientôt!

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl or Lego. All items used in the post are part of our own collection and either purchased with our own money or gifted from family and friends. No purchase is suggested or required to enjoy the post.