Stitching Through the Snow: A Cozy afternoon of Sewing and Chai

This weekend’s winter storm was unexpected, and I’m sorry for those who were challenged by its arrival. However, for me, it was a blessing. Winter storms are different than other kinds of weather because they make us stop and hunker in.

After a couple of very busy weeks, we were forced by the snow storm to stay inside, to slow down and rest. We didn’t have little ones tugging at our arms to go outside like young parents did. We had the blessing of quiet peacefulness as we watched the snow fall all day Saturday.

I took advantage of the opportunity to settle into my craft room and do some needed, yet fun sewing projects. I mended an item, then made a couple of little zippered pouches. I’ve shown before that I made small bags using my dad’s old ties for the fabric. The first make-up bag I made for myself a couple years ago had gotten tattered, so I made a new one to replace it. The large bag below is tie fabric. The smaller coin bag is just a piece of fabric I had left over from another project. It was fun to have the time to create something at the sewing machine.

Once I get started, I want to keep making these! I have hopes to create a bunch in the future.

Another blessing of the snow days was the creation of a Chai Latte in my kitchen. This tasted even better to me than hot chocolate. It’s not as rich. It’s creamy and has the perfect amount of spice. It also didn’t cost me $6…like a coffee shop would have charged!

Here’s how I made it:

Chai Latte – This makes 1 large serving or two smaller servings

• 2 chai tea bag
• ▢1/2 cup water
• ▢1 ½ cup milk – I used whole milk for a frothy finish!
• ▢1 tablespoon sugar
• ▢1 teaspoon cinnamon (plus more for garnish)

Instructions 

• Boil water in a kettle or a small saucepan . Turn off the heat.
• Place chai tea bags in cups, and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags.
  Meanwhile…
• In a saucepan over medium heat, pour milk into the pot.
• Add sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
• Heat the milk until it just starts to steam, but is not boiling.
• (optional) Use a handheld frother or immersion blender to froth the milk. My frother I that I use for my coffee is perfect for this!
• Pour the milk mixture on top of the hot tea.
• Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. 
• Serve hot.

This made the perfect afternoon treat! I can’t wait to make it again – snow or no snow!

Did you get hit with the snow storm? How did you spend your time, and what treat did you enjoy while snowed in?

Refresh snowy days with a homemade latte!