A Haven for Vee

Friday, December 30, 2011

Tea and Mug Cozy and an Offer Easily Refused

Slow start this morning because I stayed up reading until I fell asleep in my book. I read the first 250 pages or so in snatches over the past two weeks and nearly that much more in just one afternoon and evening. I so prefer to sit down and read a book straight through from cover to cover. I understand that it is a luxury that few of us can afford; however, I highly recommend it. Yes, I am going to discuss the book briefly here, but I do need to finish the final chapter and the Epilogue first.

Let's chat about tea, specifically the rooibos tea that Gwen gifted me with just before Christmas. John remembered that he had two tea balls in his desk at the Ponderosa so I was able to brew my cup today. Two words: smooth and delicious. I'm not sure if it's the tea or the flavor of the tea—Red Caramel Night.


I followed directions to the letter. Did you know that your tea is only as good as the water you use? So says the package. Knowing that my tap water has chlorine, I switched out to some bottled water, which I happen to know is delicious.

*This* is where I found the mug cozy directions. I used them some of the time and the rest of the time, I made up my own pattern. I have made three for three special gals. I'm just testing this one out to see if it works. Seems to!


And this is the offer so easily refused.


Sell back my copy for a mere $5.44? They're nuts. I was quite surprised to find this offer at Amazon this morning. Is there a shortage of Mennonite Girls Can Cook cookbooks? Perhaps Lovella, Judy or Ellen could answer that one!

28 comments:

  1. I love it when I get time to read a book like that (not very often)! That is a crazy offer that is easily turned down! Never give up a great book like that! It's a keeper! Glad you liked your tea! I always look forward to that nice hot tea on a cold evening.

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  2. I may hop over to Amazon and grab that cookbook! I do follow the girls but it is hard to keep track of all the recipes. Happy New Year to you and John. xo

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  3. Okay...there is a new one for me. I am pretty sure they have plenty of new books to sell.
    I'll have to check my amazon and see what they say. That doesn't even make sense...then they will resell them?

    I am grateful you are not going to send yours back to trade for a gift card!

    Oh that tea cozy looks so cute.

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  4. Whew...so glad you turned that offer down! I guess they are trying to appeal to those who may have received a cookbook for Christmas that they really didn't ask for...or received two or three.

    I think I will brew myself a nice cup of Kenyan tea today. It always seems like such a process...using loose tea leaves. We are so spoiled!

    Your cup cozy looks like a fine idea as well.

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  5. In college I used to work at a little store called The Candy Cane. We sold specialty teas, coffees and candy, of course.

    This is where I learned about such things as tea balls and loose tea. Our house really wasn't a tea drinking home...it was all about coffee for my parents and grandparents.

    I would never sell my cookbook back either!! That evening holds very special memories for me...and the recipes are so wonderful and easy to follow!

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  6. I'm glad you've turned that offer down. I wonder what's up with that anyway?
    Tea and a good book - what a great way to spend a cozy day.

    C S Lewis once said "You can't get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." I concur, and it sounds like you might, too.

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  7. I love spending a whole day reading a good book, but have not done it for years. Right now I read about 1/2 a night in bed, with a night light.

    Hugs,
    Penny

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  8. Vee
    Reading a book all in one sitting sounds like a great way to spoil ones self. I haven't done that in years.
    The cup wrap is something I need. I'm constantly rewarming my tea!
    I like that you share your review on the teas and your book (soon, I hope).
    It's been wonderful getting to know you better these last months.
    Happy New Year!

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  9. I'm an Amazon Associate so I think I have the answer.

    They know what you have ordered through them and they often show such an offer to buy it back from you for a very small amount of Amazon credit.

    I have it happen all the time and have never been offered enough that I'd want to sell something back!

    I have it happen with both popular books and obscure titles.

    Still basically on a blog break for another two days but I did want to jump in here. :)

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  10. I adore reading too, and occasionally read til late into the night. I am intrigued to read about the book that kept you awake! How funny Amazon wants to buy your book from you.

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  11. Reading a book from cover to cover sounds heavenly. My problem is I can rarely stay awake that long.
    I'm interested in hearing about the book that held your interest so well.
    The tea sounds good and the tea cozy is darling.
    I've never seen an offer like that on Amazon, but there's no way I'd be willling to trade in my cookbook yet either.

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  12. If a book is really good i read it through quickly like that. Most times i want to do too many things at once and flit around from each one.

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  13. I've been reading so much more since I got my Kindle last year! Mmm, and that tea sounds yummy!

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  14. Would love to sit and read a book in one sitting, and probably could if I would cut back on my bloggging.~smile~
    Until this season I was mostly a coffee drinker but have now discovered so many different teas, and enjoying them so much.
    Sue

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  15. Okay Vee, I have done it again commented while on my other account. So sorry.
    Sue

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  16. I have read books that I never want to see again, sometimes I will donate them to the Visiting Nurses Book Drive, or sell them back to Amazon. Of course, some books are treasures and deserve a place on my book shelf. Have a happy new year.

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  17. It would be nice if there was a shortage (because of overwhelming demand) for a lovely book like that, would it not?

    I'm still only able to enjoy a cup of Chamomile tea. And I KNOW! It's NOT real tea. It's herbs.

    But I've never learned how to brew a proper cup of tea, I guess. What a shame, for me, a lover of British Cozy Mystery Books!!!! ,-)

    But then, since I can't have cafeen (sorry but I can never spell that correctly!!!!!!), I suppose decaf tea would not be like the REAL thing, anyway.

    "An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves." ~Bill Vaughn

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  18. Wow Vee, I've never seen an offer like that on Amazon. I wish I knew what it meant. I know they have several people they partner with who sell used books so maybe their partners want our book used to sell...

    It is a luxury to sit and read a book straight through but it's a very satisfying relaxing time when you can do it.
    Glad you could enjoy your tea with good water!

    Happy New Year to you and John!

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  19. I love Roibos tea - so good for you too!
    Imagine Amazon sending out that notice - as if anyone would part with that book!

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  20. I have to confess that my cup of tea usually consists of a Lipton tea bag steeping in a cup of hot water that was nuked in the microwave. :D
    I haven't had time lately, but I love to be able to read a book straight through in one sitting. I've been known to stay up until 4 am to finish. Note to self...don't start a book so late at night!
    Have a wonderful weekend, Vee. Wishing you and John a healthy and happy New Year!

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  21. I got some Amazon gift cards for Christmas and may have to hop on over for this cookbook. Thanks for the crochet directions. I've been wanting to make one of those.
    Happy New Year!

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  22. I wouldn't give up my copy of Mennonite Girls Can Cook, either, Vee, even if I were offered full price!

    My kids bought every book for me that was on my Amazon wish list for me this year ...such a sweet surprise! I ahd to put them all in my carry on luggage when I flew home and they weighed a ton.

    V and I have a cup of herbal tea every night after dinner while we watch the World News on TV. We are trying some new blends of tea from a company called "Teavana," whose blends we received as a Christmas gift. They are very soothing.

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  23. My daughter was just telling me a few days ago about the Amazon "buy it back" feature, which must be fairly new. Doesn't seem like a very good deal, unless you are heartily disappointed with a purchase and wish to regain at least a portion of your investment. Hmmmm....

    Red Caramel Night tea certainly sounds delightful. (But I confess that a lovely name influences me.)

    Oh, and how I wish that Peter and his family were coming for a visit this January! But alas, there is no scheduled visit right now. I have a glimmer of hope that my son will have a job transfer that will bring him within a 4.5 hour drive us us...and that would seem as if he were right next door compared to how far away he has been for the past four years (a 24 hour, and a 41 hour drive!). I am adding prayer to that glimmer of hope!

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  24. The other key to great tea is to start with fresh water, not reheated as it will have lost all it oxygenation. I have tried a rooibos before but didn't like it, yours sounds really good though! Caramel...

    I have seen that buy back feature too. I wouldn't sell my MGCC cookbook either!

    Deanna

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  25. Nice post thanks for sharing...blessings soraya

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  26. My guess is that Amazon didn't get many takers. We don't give up our cookbooks that easily and especially not "Mennonite Girls Can Cook". -- It's got to be a misprint!!!!

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  27. So glad you are enjoying the tea! What could be better than a captivating book and a cup of hot tea? I'm looking forward to some down time ---???? (hopefully soon) to read a hand-held, page-turning, paper-scented, type book!!! Take me away.....!

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  28. Not much better than a fine cup of tea....or coffee, for that matter.:)

    I keep trying to remember to go over to the Mennonite girls but I am getting sooo olden and sooo forgetful. Think I'll go over right now. :)

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