Everyone loves the very first cuppa of the day and nothing beats putting the kettle on and brewing a nice hot cup of tea to wake you up on a Monday morning.

But would it make much of a difference to tea-lovers across the nation of using a pill rather than loose tea bags?

A tea pill has been invented by some graduates from Kingston University in London, England. Dubbed Rosy Lee’s Remarkable Remedy, it is a range of soluble tea pills that allow for a quick release in the form of soluble tablets that will dissolve in boiling water to create a relieving brew.

Tea often relieves the stresses and strains of everyday life and the creators Kylie-Ann Homer, Senwelo Foster and Sadie-Marie Dedman say that it illustrates the medicinal qualities of tea. The tea pills come in varying strengths to suit different needs and the coloured dot on the packaging signifies the strength of the tea.

Some might argue a pill for tea isn’t quite the same as a cup of Yorkshire and brew-drinkers associate pills with medical use. Here at Ulster Weavers we say stick to what you know and good old tea bag dunking!

Brew a piping hot pot of tea with the traditional tea bags and keep it nice and toasty with our cute tea cosies. Our cosies come in a galore of shapes, sizes and colours and all come with matching items that are perfect for hosting tea parties or giving as gifts.

And once you have brewed your lovely cuppa, drink it only from the finest quality bone china mugs with Ulster Weavers!

Tea Party Bone China Mug

Tea Pot Shaped Tea Cosy

British Cats Bone China Mug

They say that to have quality you have to spend big bucks but sometimes some people have more money than sense.

The world’s most expensive car is worth around £1.5 million and the world’s most luxurious house is said to be £620 million.

Although these figures are ridiculous, one can argue that at least they are used to the fullest ability to get your money’s worth.

But would you spend £380,000 on a pot or pan? Well that’s what one keen food-lover has done for what is being dubbed as the world’s most expensive cooking pot!

There are many domestic goddesses in different countries but does anyone really love being in the kitchen enough to fork out over a quarter of a million pounds for some kitchen homeware?

A department store in Changchun, the capital and largest city of China’s Jilin Province, has put a cooking pot on sale for the astonishing hefty value. At 3.8 million Yuan it will set you back a fair few pounds and is said to be the ideal gift for a footballer to buy his wife or girlfriend.

But this lavish kitchen accessory comes with some grand features for the dear price tag. It has a pair of handles of pure gold on the pot itself and another on the lid weighing a total of 738g. The details are also embossed with 13 diamonds and best of all- it gets delivered to the mad buyer in a Rolls Royce.

Fissler China, whose German parent company manufactures the extravagant item, say that any buyer of the pot will get top service. He/she would not only be invited to the top Michelin restaurant in Europe with ten of their friends but also the company would deliver the pot to their address with a Rolls-Royce (the car is not included though)

Most of us ordinary folk can’t quite afford to spend so much on some kitchen accessories but fortunately Ulster Weavers has gorgeous ranges of giftware, homeware and textiles that are both lavish and affordable.

So grab one of our aprons and get cooking in your very normal cooking pot at home- minus the gold handles and diamonds!

Domestic Goddess Shaped Cotton Apron

Wine Label Cotton Apron

La Gaffeliere Cotton Apron

The Rocke Cottage Tearooms in Shropshire, England has been awarded the prestigious Tea Guild Top Tea Place award.

The Tea Guild is an independent organisation dedicated to raising the profile of tea in the UK.

It is a unique organisation that represents and encourages those outlets who are dedicated to both brewing and serving tea to the high standards desired by the United Kingdom Tea Council.

Now in its 26^th year, the Tea Guild award is considered the ‘Oscar’ of the tea world and the tea room nestled in the Shropshire countryside has achieved the highest accolade.

The best tearooms in the UK compete for the hugely coveted honour and so far 44 special Awards of Excellence have been awarded in recognition of their outstanding quality and consistently high standards in tea service.

The judges were impressed by The Rocke Cottage’s variety and amount of sandwiches, crumpets, scones and delicious cakes and were won over by the excellent selection of teas and the staff’s exceptional knowledge.

Irene Gorman, Head of The Tea Guild, said: “Rocke Cottage Tearooms offers a truly special tea experience and this award is very well deserved.”

She added: “The standard of entrants this year was incredibly high, with many excellent entries from across the UK. The tradition of afternoon tea has never been stronger, with Tea Guild members busier than ever.”

So with more and more people taking time out to enjoy afternoon tea, make sure you have some of Ulster Weavers gorgeous Tea Cosies which will keep your tea piping hot!

The Cosies are perfect to take outdoors to relax in the garden, so you don’t have to keep nipping back inside to get a brew; and they come in all different cute styles and shapes so you can even put your own fashion stamp on it.

Cakes Tea Cosy

Tea Pot Shaped Tea Cosy

Tourist Icons Tea Cosy

It is National Shed Week!

These holidays keep getting weirder and weirder but it is a nationally recognised celebration in which people fight it out to win the UK Shed of The Year award.

In 2010 more than 1,200 sheds entered the competition sponsored by Cuprinol Sprayable but this year over 1,570 sheds entered and over 11,000 people have cast their votes for their top sheds.

National Shed Week involves the ultimate shed competition which has been going five years now.  There is a £1000 prize for the overall Shed of The Year and Cuprinol products are given out for free to winners of each category. Categories include;

• Normal Shed
• Eco Shed
• Garden Office
• Cabin/Summerhouse
• Workshop/Studio
• Unique Shed
• Pub Shed
• Tardis
• Hut
• Other

Last year wacky sheds consisted of sewing and weaving workshops and sheds that are a shrine to pirates. Others included a Doctor Who Tardis and a mini naval museum; so why don’t you get down into your garden and sort it out this National Shed Week but make sure you wear one of Ulster Weavers protection Aprons so you don’t get your clothes all mucky.

Our PVC Aprons are great to wear when you don’t want to mess your clothes up which is bound to happen when working with soil, plants, decorating etc. So keep you garments clean and safeguarded with Ulster Weaver’s help.

V&A Strawberry Thief PVC Apron

RHS Hooker's Orchard Cotton Apron

Cassandra Rose Cotton Apron

This week is National Insect Week!

It has been invented to show the nation more about the insect world in all its fascinating diversity and zoos up and down the country are getting involved by dedicating the week to insects with national and local competitions.

Organised by the Royal Entomological Society and supported by a large number of partner organisations concerned with many aspects of insect science, natural history and biodiversity; have fun this National Insect Week with Ulster Weavers and our brilliant Aprons bug ranges.

The UK is home to a wonderfully diverse range of insects and has 12 fascinating insects which include;

- Dragonflies and damselflies

- Butterflies and moths

- Bugs

- Earwigs

- Beetles

- Lacewings

- Ants, wasps and bees

- Flies

So why not join in the celebrations and get involved by wearing one of our Bugs PVC Childrens Aprons?

In the meantime, here are some fun and interesting facts about insects in Britain…

- The most hated insect is the cockroach whereas the most loved is the ladybird.

- The most underestimated bug is the dung beetle as without them we’d be up to our necks in dung in next to know time, while the most misunderstood are earwigs as they don’t actually go in ears.

- The most feared insect is the wasp and hornet for their stings and the most bizarre use is the wart biter cricket who used to actually bite off warts- ouch!

- The most unpronounceable is the Cylindronotus laevioctostriatus and Agapanthia villosoviridescens however the most appropriate name is the hogweed bonking beetle which is a type of soldier fly.

Bug's Child's PVC Apron

Ladybird Shaped Packable Bag

Could there be another royal wedding on the horizons?

OK we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves but here at Ulster Weavers HQ we are super excited to hear that there may be a blossoming romance  between Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton.

The siblings of recently wed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have reportedly been meeting in secret, enjoying cosy afternoon teas together at London pubs.

HRH Prince Harry, who is dating on/off girlfriend Chelsy Davy, and Pippa, 27, are said to be good friends and were spotted enjoying an intimate chat at The Troubadour pub in Chelsea, where they spent nearly two hours drinking tea and eating muffins and jam.

A regular at the pub said: “Pippa and Harry were most certainly here last week. They sat together and had afternoon tea and cakes.

“They were alone, with no one else near to them. Everyone left them alone as this is the sort of place you can come to and escape from the rest of the world while you are inside.

“Harry has actually been here on three or four separate occasions now.

“He seems to like the place and normally enjoys a beer. But last Thursday with Pippa, they were both eating muffins and drinking tea. It was quite a quiet afternoon when they were here. Nobody bothered them.

“Harry just comes across as a normal kind of guy who likes to keep himself to himself.

“And Pippa seemed happy to be spending some time with him. Hopefully they’ll both be here again.”

So could this be the start of a new love? We’ll keep our eyes peeled and let you know but in the meantime, let’s hope they were using Tea Cosies to keep their brews warm for such a long period of time.

Ulster Weavers Kitchen Cosies come in all sorts of shapes, styles and sizes so there would definitely be one fit for the royal family’s tastes.

Union Jack Tea Cosy

Union Jack Cafetiere Cosy

Union Jack Flag Pink Tea Cosy

A latest survey has revealed that food prices are expected to increase by more than double in less than 20 years, putting an even bigger squeeze on already tight household budgets.

The findings, by the leading aid and development charity Oxfam, show that by 2030 the average cost of key crops will rise between 120% and 180%; which is extremely bad news to the populations already struggling to buy adequate food.

The charity, which aims to fight global poverty, is now demanding a radical reform of the global food system, as food prices have already doubled in the last two decades. It predicts half of the rise to come as a result of climate change and is now calling on world leaders to improve the regulation of food markets and invest in a global climate fund.

Barbara Stocking, Oxfam’s chief executive, said: “The food system must be overhauled if we are to overcome the increasingly pressing challenges of climate change, spiralling food prices and the scarcity of land, water and energy.”

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) world food prices have now amplified by two since 1990. It means if the trend continues, food prices such as wheat will increase 125%, maize by 175% and live-stock by just over 100%.

The Oxfam research also found that the world’s poorest people now spend up to 80% of their incomes on food.

In its report, Oxfam says a “broken” food system causes “hunger, along with obesity, obscene waste, and appalling environmental degradation.” It wants nations to agree to new rules to govern food markets to ensure the poor do not go hungry.

As food prices are set to increase, invest in quality home ware from Ulster Weavers. Our cute Kitchen hand towels are perfect to handle hot plates as well as dry the dishes spotlessly. And what is more, we have a vast array of Hand Towel ranges so you are bound to find one that suits your taste and room décor.

June 2011 is Camping Month!

Gather all the kids together at the weekend or bank holiday and head out to the countryside to pitch up a tent and eat marshmallows over the fire.

The weather, although it has been unpredictable, is expected to get better as we head into summertime; so get away from all the hustle and bustle of a city and all the electronic gadgets that consumer our daily lives and have fun camping this month.

Forget about the television, internet, Nintendo DS and laptop and enjoy the fresh outdoors with the help of Ulster Weavers and our brilliant homeware products.

We can aid you and the kids in your quest for tranquillity and family time by embracing the open world of fields, trees and waterfalls and cooking delightful meals simply over a log fire.

Our cute Cosies are brilliant to take away to keep all the family all nice and warm with a hot brew, in case the temperatures do drop. And with our gorgeous designs you can theme the cosy with the rural surroundings such as birds, cottages, flower pots and more.

So when you are grabbing all the important necessities for camping such as the tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, toilet paper, backpack, plastic cutlery, can opener, torch and camping stove; make sure you take with you one of our Tea Cosies to keep snug and cheery.

Just check out Ulster Weavers fantastic tea cosy ranges and the galore of shapes and sizes by clicking here.

Flower Pot Shaped Cafetiere Cosy

Birdsong Tea Cosy

Cottage Shaped Tea Cosy

It is a very strange concept and an even weirder notion to celebrate but today is Towel Day!

Seize the day and celebrate all that is great about the towel with Ulster Weavers and out fantastic ranges including Teatowels, Hand Towels and Kitchen tea towels.

The origin of the British commemoration is said to be a tribute to Douglas Adams, author of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy”. The day sees fans of the book and its author carrying towels with them to work and school, and plays an integral part of the daily activities.

Linen and cotton tea towels have been the core of Ulster Weavers’ business for over 125 years and we have a massive range made up of all material from linen, waffle weave to cotton. There are plenty of designs to suit everyone whether you prefer classic and contemporary, floral and fruit, nautical, or funny.

Towels make ideal gifts and treats for family and friends and at brilliant low prices you’d be silly not to take advantage of the amazing products; and on the official towel day!

WEIRD AND WACKY

In other news, a British woman found the face of Jesus Christ in a stained towel. The 31 year-old dance instructor, called Roisin McCourt, told the media that a bizarre brown stain that appeared on one of her tea towels strikingly resembles the face of Jesus.

She discovered the smudge after giving the towel a wash in her home in Coventry, England and the discoloured spot is clearly recognisable as the face of a man with a beard and long hair. The Brit believes it is a sign from God and is a powerful spiritual sign.

McCourt told a newspaper: “I am Catholic, but I am not extremely religious. We don’t go to Mass every weekend, but after finding this, it has definitely made my faith stronger.”

For many British people, a stained tea towel is an indication that they need to use a more powerful laundry detergent and cleaning soap.

May has been officially declared Britain’s craft and design month!

Craft and Design Month has been nationally recognised to enhance the growing awareness and appreciation of fine art and craft; so what better time to get involved and have fun this summer than now.

Crafts are a fantastic pastime for the whole family to get involved that are perfect to amuse the kids for hours, as well as save costs on buying presents for birthdays or purchasing decorations for the home.

Celebrate and promote crafts across the UK for the entirety of May with the hundreds of events taking place up and down the country; or simply show your gratitude in the comfort of your own home by trying some of these exciting ideas.

So grab one of our funky Aprons and get those creative juices flowing; and get the little monsters aboard too with cute Childrens Aprons so their clothing doesn’t get ruined!

Sunshine Summer Bracelet

This craft looks quite complicated and complex but in fact it is really easy to make and it is the perfect accessory to any summer outfit this season.

The glass beads are bright and colourful but you can always use your favourite colour to suit your own taste.

And better still, it only takes 30 minutes to make!

Instructions

Summer Fruits Necklace

This craft is an ideal present for the female relatives in your family!

It can be a cute gift for your mum this summer whether it is for her birthday or just to show how much you care; or be a gorgeous accessory for yourself to embellish any fashion trend.

The design takes around 45 minutes to make but you can pick whatever coloured beads and style you want, so the piece will be individual to you!

Instructions

Fruity Tablecloth Weights

Add a touch of colour and flair to your dining garnishes this summer by making some fruity tablecloth weights.

Many Brits take advantage of the glorious sunshine and soaring temperatures this season by eating outdoors alfresco, so why not decorate the garden table with some fun and interesting ornaments.

And practically, they could really come in handy when a gust of wind flies by so the cloth isn’t swept off the table with all the content with it!

Instructions