Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Darjeeling Tea



Darjeeling is a high-quality tea grown in the Darjeeling region of India, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Like Ceylon, Darjeeling refers to where the tea is grown, not a specific tea type.

It’s often called the "Champagne of teas" because of its:

  • Delicate flavor

  • Floral aroma

  • Muscatel notes (kind of like a sweet, wine-like grape flavor)



Types of Darjeeling Tea:

Darjeeling is most famously a black tea, but you can also find:

  • Green Darjeeling

  • White Darjeeling

  • Oolong Darjeeling

Unique Feature – The Flushes:

Darjeeling is harvested in several flushes (harvests), and each has a distinct taste:

  • First flush (spring): Light, floral, and a bit astringent

  • Second flush (early summer): Muscatel flavor, more body

  • Autumn flush: Richer and more mellow

True Darjeeling tea is protected by a geographic indication (like Champagne), so only tea grown in that specific region can officially be called “Darjeeling.”

Discover Darjeeling Tea here.




COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Ceylon Tea



Ceylon tea is a type of tea that comes from Sri Lanka, which was formerly known as Ceylon (hence the name). It's not a specific type of tea like green or black—rather, it refers to the origin of the tea. Ceylon tea can be:




Each variety has its own flavor, but Ceylon teas are generally known for their bright, bold, and brisk taste with citrusy or spicy notes.

A few quick facts:

  • Grown in high, mid, and low elevations, which affects flavor and strength.

  • High-grown Ceylon tea (like from Nuwara Eliya) is lighter and more floral.

  • Low-grown varieties are stronger and darker—often used in tea blends.

It's often enjoyed plain or with milk, and it's a staple in many English Breakfast or Earl Grey blends. It's also a major export for Sri Lanka and a source of national pride.

Discover Ceylon tea here.



COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Friday, April 18, 2025

Black Horse Granite Photographic Fine Art Print Collection


Introducing my new fine art print collection. 'Black Horse'.
Behold the beauty and elegance of Mother Nature’s stone: Copacabana Granite, also known as "Black Horse," unearthed from the rich terrain of Brazil. These works are vibrant slabs of graphic imagery.









COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

My Favorites: Products and Brands I Truly LOVE and Personally Use


Here are some of the products and brands we love in our home. We aim to reduce our toxic load, save money, and invest in the highest quality items available. Each choice reflects our commitment to healthier living, habits for longevity, sustainability, and long-lasting value for our family and everyday lifestyle.

Read my 'Disclaimer' at the bottom of this post.


1. Coffee












8. Renew Dry Skin Lotion

9.   Vit C + D3





11.  Riverbend Ranch Steak


12.  No. 1 Beauty Devices Globally


13.  Whitening Toothpaste


14.   Aloe Vera Skincare


15.   Spices


16.  My Amazon Shop



17.  My Children's Books


 


Disclaimer: Some of the links I share are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you! 

I only recommend products and brands I truly love and personally use. 

Thank you for supporting my blog! 











COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Friday Thrift: Why Shopping Second-Hand and Vintage Through 'Tariff Hell' Makes Strategic Sense



Why Shopping Second-Hand and Vintage Through 'Tariff Hell' Makes Sense

In a world of rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and environmental concerns, second-hand and vintage shopping isn't just a quirky lifestyle—it’s a smart, sustainable rebellion against the modern retail machine. Especially when navigating the high prices and import duties of what many call "tariff hell."

Escape the Global Retail Markup Game

Global shipping delays, tariffs, and trade restrictions have made brand-new goods more expensive than ever. When you buy second-hand or vintage—especially locally or peer-to-peer—you bypass the import-tax trap entirely. No surprise duty fees, no long waits, no inflated costs from overseas vendors.

Better Quality, Less Guilt

Many vintage pieces were built to last—before fast fashion and planned obsolescence took over. Whether it's a wool coat from the 1960s or a mid-century teak chair, these items were made with craftsmanship, not mass production shortcuts. You get quality without supporting a throwaway culture.

Sustainable, Circular, and Conscious

Second-hand shopping is a powerful antidote to overconsumption. It keeps items out of landfills, reduces demand for new production, and supports a circular economy. Choosing used over new is one of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint.

Stand Out With Soul

Vintage and thrifted finds have stories, patina, character—something mass-market goods often lack. Your style becomes more authentic, more personal, and often more affordable than chasing trends at full price.

Tariff-Free Treasure Hunting

When global shopping feels like a minefield of surprise fees and delays, second-hand becomes a kind of freedom. Local thrift stores, vintage markets, and online resellers offer instant gratification and zero customs chaos.

Final Thought

Shopping second-hand and vintage isn’t just nostalgic—it’s strategic. In the face of “tariff hell,” it’s a clever way to reclaim autonomy, reduce waste, and invest in goods that have already stood the test of time.




COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Low-Tox Naturalist Living



Low-tox naturalist living is a lifestyle approach that emphasizes reducing exposure to harmful chemicals (low-tox) while embracing a deep connection with nature and natural rhythms (naturalist). It blends mindful choices with simplicity and sustainability.

Here’s a breakdown of what it typically includes:

Low-Tox Living

This part is all about minimizing toxic exposure from everyday products and environments:

  • Home & Cleaning: Using vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and natural brands instead of harsh chemical cleaners. (Our family choice here.)

  • Personal Care: Choosing natural skincare, haircare, and cosmetics free from parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, etc. (Our family choice here.)

  • Food Choices: Eating organic or minimally processed foods to avoid pesticides, additives, and preservatives. (YAY! For this coffee!)

  • Materials: Favoring non-toxic materials in furniture, bedding, and cookware (e.g., avoiding Teflon, flame retardants).

Naturalist Living

This aspect leans into a nature-connected, holistic way of life:

  • Seasonal Living: Eating seasonally, adjusting routines based on the rhythms of nature.

  • Slow Living: Prioritizing presence, simplicity, and intentional choices.

  • Nature Integration: Spending time outdoors, foraging, gardening, walking barefoot, or bringing natural elements into your home.

  • Natural Remedies: Using herbal medicine, homeopathy, or traditional wellness practices where appropriate.



Together, it’s about:

  • Living with fewer synthetic toxins

  • Choosing natural over artificial

  • Reconnecting with Earth and self

  • Cultivating wellness through simplicity



COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity and the "Four Horsemen" of chronic diseases


Dr. Peter Attia, a physician specializing in longevity, emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between lifespan—the total number of years one lives—and healthspan—the number of those years lived in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. 

He advocates for prioritizing healthspan to ensure that extended years are accompanied by quality health and vitality. 



In his book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, Attia outlines strategies to enhance both lifespan and healthspan. He identifies the "Four Horsemen" of chronic diseases—heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and type 2 diabetes—as primary threats to healthspan. 



To combat these, he recommends proactive measures including:

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity, particularly strength training and cardiovascular exercises, to maintain muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and overall physical function. 

  • Nutrition: What you eat matters!  A diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and adequate protein to support metabolic health and prevent chronic diseases. 

  • Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep to enhance recovery, cognitive function, and overall well-being. 

  • Emotional and Mental Health: Addressing psychological well-being to reduce stress and improve life satisfaction.

  • Medications and supplements



Attia critiques the traditional reactive approach of mainstream medicine, which often focuses on treating diseases after they arise. Instead, he advocates for a proactive, preventive strategy that emphasizes early intervention and lifestyle modifications to delay or prevent the onset of chronic conditions. 

For a more in-depth exploration of these concepts, you might find this video informative:

Also: Social and Cognitive measurements are vital.



Some quotes from Dr. Attia:

Add life to years instead of years to life. - Peter Attia 

You are less fragile than you believe. - Peter Attia

Nothing hurts your back more than inactivity. Sitting is the worst. - Peter Attia 

Being active will make you feel better. - Peter Attia 

Don't eat too much and don't eat too little. - Peter Attia

Get enough protein. 1 gram per pound of body weight. - Peter Attia 

(Protein Boosters:  Dairy, Beef & Eggs from food. Whey Protein.)





COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.

Monday, April 7, 2025

The Potato Book 101 Recipes from The Potato Queen by Poppy O'Toole a.k.a. Poppy Cooks




It's always a pleasure to receive a cookbook at the door, but opening this package was pure delight!  Of course the fun, feminine and happy-coloured front cover made it even more delicious.  

I come from a long line of potato lovers. My oldest Son is a potato whisperer in any humble garden. In our household, a heaping plate of creamy, whipped mashed potatoes with lots of real butter and thick brown gravy is considered a full, balanced meal. 

(By the way is it potato or potatoe?)

Growing up my parents spoke to us in that endearing, down-home Ottawa Valley accent. Potato was pronounced clearly as 'puhdaydoh'. 


I quickly began to flip through the pages, knowing I had to select one recipe and try it out immediately.  Elements of the books jumped out at me with each flick. Several things were striking:

1. The graphic design. The fonts. Cheeky questions and observations.
2. Humor
3. Categories of recipes, broken down into tasty, organized sections.



Mashed, Roasted, French Fries, Wedges, Hash Browns, 15 Hour, Classics, Baked, Skins, Salads, Easy and Extra Crispies.


I loved the saucy photographs of Poppy herself scattered throughout the book!


I ended up landing on Dill + Pickle Potato Salad.  And boy, it did not disappoint. 



This cookbook is easy to understand and follow.  I gathered my ingredients, even though I didn't have exactly what the recipe called for.




The dressing was so easy and sensational. 



I'm in love with this potato salad.  I can see it on repeat in my kitchen.


I think every cookbook collection should include this book.  




About the Author

Michelin-trained internet sensation Poppy O’Toole created her social media profile, Poppy Cooks, after losing her kitchen job during the pandemic. Known for creating easy-to-follow recipe tutorials, Poppy currently has over 4M followers on TikTok.

Following almost a decade in professional kitchens, Poppy launched her debut cookbook 
The Food You Need in 2021, which received praise from the likes of Nigella Lawson, Rukmini Iyer and the Daily Mail, who called her the “millennials answer to Delia Smith”. Poppy has been featured across British media like The Times ("The poster girl for TikTok cooks"), The Telegraph ("A first class enabler"), Daily MailObserver and Guardian ("one of the ascendant stars of TikTok"). She's appeared on Saturday Kitchen and is the co-host of BBC Three's Young MasterChef.



You asked, and she delivered—this is Poppy Cooks' all-potato cookbook. Whether you like them fried, baked, mashed, or roasted, TikTok's High Priestess of the Potato gives you the ultimate potato book.

The spud—the humblest of ingredients—can be made into more than just mashed potatoes (but if it is mash, make it 
the best mashed potatoes ever), and in this book Poppy O'Toole celebrates the range and variety from just this one mighty ingredient. In these pages, Poppy gives you all the tools you need to achieve the perfect potatoes every time—whether it's a trusted roasted potato, a melt-in-the-mouth fondantmoreish fries and wedges or the perfect bake. Poppy includes all the most-loved potato dishes alongside mouth-watering international classics (think latkesdauphinoise and patatas bravas), and even some old-school favourites (hello, potato smiles), not to mention a whole chapter dedicated to her sensational 15-hour potatoes.

Across 101 recipes, Poppy shares her top tips and tricks for cooking with different methods and flavours to give you THE book you need to raise your spud game and cook like the Potato Queen herself.

Order here.

Appetite by Random House is the boutique lifestyle imprint of Penguin Random House of Canada, based in Vancouver and Toronto. Appetite publishes books into Canada, the US, and International markets, across a range of subjects, marrying books of regional, national, and international flavour in one unified lifestyle list. Whether it’s food, drink, health, or design, Appetite publishes books to celebrate and satisfy your appetite for life!


Note:  I received this book as a gift from 'Appetite by Random House'. I'm so grateful. 


COPYRIGHT 2007-2025 Patti Friday b.1959.
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