T Stands For A Trip To The Spice Merchant

Mere days before Christmas, I wanted to pick up a few last minute gifts, since my gift making was a bust in 2016.

I headed for the Douglas Design District.  I had no idea that's what it was called, though,

because I was headed for the Spice Merchant to pick up some tea and coffee.

I could stay lost in this place for days on end.

Of course, I had to try their coffee.

I'll pass on the flavored coffee, thank you

and try Rwanda.

I have always loved looking at the retro dinnerware.

and now it was clear I could afford it!

As you saw, I treated myself to a cup and saucer, even though neither matched.

Here I'm buying whole bean coffee for a couple of friends.

He worked so quickly, I didn't have time to get good photos.

You can see my coffee sample in the foreground.  I opted to drink it black because I can't stand the taste of nasty corn-starch powdered creamer.

I need to get more creative in my coffee choices, because some of these sounded wonderful.

Even though they weren't roasting that day because it was far too busy to do so, I still enjoyed taking snapshots of the wonderful beans

while I waited for him to weigh and bag my purchases.

I couldn't help snapping a few more shots

of this coffee and tea lover's paradise.

I hope to see their process in action one of these days.

But on that day, I had to content myself with photos of their equipment.

This side is for flavored coffees.  I see they are ready to weigh some fruit flavored coffee.  I'm glad they don't mix them, because I would hate for my French Roast to taste like cinnamon.

Did you notice the JESUIS CHARLIE tee in the background?

Makes me even more proud to support this store.

I took NO photos in the tea section, since I took so many the last time I was here.  If you are new to my blog or have forgotten what the outside of the store looks like please go here for part one, then here for part two, and here for part three to see the tea area. 

Growing up around the salt mines, who knew there were so many types of salt available?  It appears much of it is sea salt, though (a healthy alternative to the salt mined in Kansas).

As I worked my way to the check out counter, I had to stop by the herbs and spices. 

Then it was time to get in line to pay for my purchases.

NO! NO! Not a line that exposed me to sauces and dried banana chips.  NO!

I think the next aisle over, with jams, jellies, and honey could have been just as bad.  Of course, there were the syrups I had to pass in this aisle, too.

I almost bought the pumpkin pie syrup, but in the end, got toffee flavor for another friend.  In case you hadn't guessed, most, but not all, of these gifts were for my no-names-allowed friends who I would soon exchange gifts with.  And they would NOT have appreciated my art, failed or perfect.

There was no way I was getting out of line to buy homemade candy (fudge, chocolate, etc.) you see in the background.

And yes, even the clock was for sale, and very close to the actual Tabasco sauce.

Now that I've taken up so much of your time this week, it's your turn to share your T inspired link.  You may show a glass of water, mug of coffee, cup of tea, glass of buttermilk, bottle of wine, you get the picture.  But don't feel you have to limit it to a physical drink.  You could share the drink while you are out and about, in a postcard, movie, tag, book you are reading, garden plant, or a sketch, scrapbook page, painting, or collage made in your journal or altered book.  Your spread could be traditional, hybrid, or completely digital.  The choice is yours.  Just link below (direct links only, please) and Bleubeard, the T gang, and I will be by to visit.