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Dec 01
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YANA AZZOPARDI, JEWELLERY DESIGNER & BUSINESS OWNER

By Fashion, Life & Style No Comments

Local designer Yana Azzopardi is the creative powerhouse behind Yana’s Jewellery. Since opening its doors back in 2012, the brand has launched three separate outlets and has grown to become one of Malta’s favourites for custom-made jewellery. Today, Yana’s taken the time out of her busy schedule to chat to us about her favourite We Are Not A Shop picks. Spoiler – she really does love jewellery.

Yana, we’re so pleased you could join us. Can you talk us through some of your favourite We Are Not A Shop pieces?

Of course. But before we get started, I have to say it’s probably no surprise that I’m obsessed with accessories, but it’s about to become even more obvious…

The first thing that caught my eye was this clutch bag. It’s a neutral colour so you can style it with anything, and I have the perfect earrings to pair it with.

Then, I thought these bangles were gorgeous. They remind me of Morocco (one of my favourite places), and I just love everything about them; the noises they make, the feel of them, and the mother of pearl detail, too!

I also thought this scarf was super cool. It’s another versatile piece that I can see myself wearing with a bunch of different outfits. It would also make a great Christmas gift because it’s appropriate for all ages.

I feel like this small wrist bag was made for me because I’m constantly losing things and could use a handy piece like this to keep everything in one place. I think my mum would also appreciate it as a gift, so maybe I’ll have to surprise her with it.

Then, I spotted this fun bag – another classic staple. You can take it on holiday, to the beach, or use it to jazz up any outfit.

Everyone needs a good clutch bag in their wardrobe, and I happen to have a few weddings coming up so this will certainly come in handy.

Finally, I always like to have a tote bag with me just in case I need to do a spot of shopping. They’re so convenient. They’re also great for carrying drinks to dinner parties or for getting gifts safely to a Christmas lunch!

Did you pick any items with someone specific in mind?

Not really. I added whatever caught my eye to my cart! That’s generally how I shop; I pick stuff I know I would love to receive myself, and then distribute accordingly. It does mean that I tend to want to keep everything though…

We know this is a tough question, but do you have a favourite item?

I think the bangles are my favourite. I wear a lot of jewellery, so…

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

It’s a charity-based online store with approachable online content, stylish products, and a varied selection of items. Plus, it’s all for a good cause!

Now, what do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

I think it’s super interesting and unique – I don’t know of anything similar on the island!

I only found out about it recently, but I’ll definitely be back soon.

Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

Of course. Especially with Christmas around the corner; I’ll spread the word!

Nov 23
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MARK GRENSIDE, AUTHOR, PRODUCER & ENTREPRENEUR

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Author, producer, and entrepreneur, Mark Grenside, has had as varied a career as any. From working with Jim Henson and The Muppets, to producing film and television, and even writing his own novel, it feels like there’s nothing Mark hasn’t already done. Today, he’s sitting down with us to discuss his favourite We Are Not A Shop pieces.

Mark, we’re so happy you took the time to chat to us today! Could you talk us through some of your favourite We Are Not A Shop pieces?

Sure thing. I have to say, it took me a while to go through everything on the website – there’s such a vast selection on there! I did manage to narrow it down eventually, though. In the end, I went with the pieces that instantly caught my eye or simply made me laugh – laughter is the best medicine, after all.

To start things off, I chose these silver cufflinks because they’re absolutely gorgeous and would make a perfect addition to my (already large) collection. Do people still wear cufflinks nowadays, or is it just me? Anyway, I think they’re fabulous.

Then, I chose this ice-cream mould because I’m quite the keen ice-cream maker. My wife and I love to try and whip up new ice-cream flavours when we have the time (prosecco and blackberry, anyone?), so we’ll definitely get some good use out of this.

These camera bookends are great, too. Film and television have been a huge part of my life which made these a no-brainer.

Despite being British, I never really got the hang of British rhyming slang but maybe this tea towel is all I need to finally get the hang of it? I mean, I can teach myself about rhyming slang while doing the dishes…sounds like a good plan to me.

I’m also drawn to odd pieces that you don’t necessarily see every day and this bottle opener is just that. Why wouldn’t you want a bottle opener shaped like a fish? It’s so unusual (in the best way).

Additionally, We Are Not a Shop have an awesome selection of pillows to choose from. This one made me giggle and was another easy winner.

Finally, I have two French Bulldogs who absolutely love their treats. I had to get this snack launcher for them – I really had no choice.

Awesome selection, Mark. Did you pick any of them with someone specific in mind?

They’re all for me! Only joking, I actually bought quite a few things for our family Christmas stockings. You see, at 65, my wife and I still give each other Christmas stockings. I’m a sucker for the holidays…

We know this is a tough question, but do you have a favourite item?

I think I’ve got to go with the flatfish bath plug, for sure. It’s brilliant. I don’t know who came up with the idea for these bath plugs, but they need a raise.

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

Well, there are two aspects to it. First of all, it isn’t just a shop, it’s more like an Aladdin’s cave of unique pieces. Secondly, it’s been set up to support a great cause (the heritage of Malta), so you can shop and support a local charity at the same time.

Now, what do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

I obviously love the charity aspect of the shop, but I also think that all the pieces are extremely unique and of great quality – there’s really nothing not to like.

Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

I do, all the time!

Nov 19
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THOMAS CAMILLERI, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, VINTAGE ENTHUSIAST & ACTOR

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Thomas Camilleri is an actor, creative director, small business owner, and vintage enthusiast. Between setting the scene for many creative projects in his role at digital agency Switch, gracing the stage in The Comedy Knights, and running his own small business Lazarus Tiles, we’re thrilled that Thomas was able to talk to us about his favourite We Are Not A Shop picks ahead of Christmas. Here’s what he had to say!

Thomas, we’re so happy you took the time to chat to us today! Could you talk us through some of your favourite We Are Not A Shop pieces?

I’d love to. I have to say that picking just eight items was a very difficult task, but I got there in the end. To start things off, this bust is easily one of my favourites – I love me a bust. And this is such a great copy, too! It’s so versatile, you can really place it anywhere and instantly elevate a space.

Secondly, this toucan clothes brush feels like it was meant for me; I’m always covered in dog hair, so it’ll definitely come in handy. It’s also just a fun, vintage piece. Who knows who’s shoulders it’s brushed?

Then, I had to go for this gorgeous cushion cover (you can never have enough cushions). My living room already has lots of green and red accents, so I think this will be the perfect addition to the décor.

I also adore this tea towel. I think tea towels are often overlooked, to be honest. You should always have a nice set because everyone’s going to see them, right? And why should they only be functional when they can be fun, too?

Finally, I happen to own this ‘How to be a Domestic Goddess’ book myself (although wouldn’t exactly call myself a domestic goddess) and have used it religiously. I think it’s an absolute must-have and would make the perfect gift. It’s already given me so much joy, it would be great to pass that on to someone else.

Great picks, Thomas! Did you choose any of them with someone specific in mind?

Well, I’ll be giving this book to a friend this Christmas that’s for sure.

But I suppose, in a way, I picked all the items with my friends in mind. You see, I love to entertain, so while I did select pieces for me, I was also thinking about the people who will inevitably enjoy them with me.

Nobody’s ever quite articulated it that way, Thomas – well put! Now, we know this is a tough one, but do you have a favourite item?

This Giovanni Bonello book about Valletta is amazing. I’ve often leafed through the copy on my friend Jo’s table and would love to read it in more detail. It’s beautifully put together and expertly written.

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

I’d say it’s an online shop with a fantastic selection of gifts that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

Now, what do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

I think the cause is one of the best things about it. But, at the same time, the ease of the shopping and the delivery process is equally unparalleled.

Would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

Besides recommending it to a friend I would recommend it to myself, especially with the holidays approaching. My family members are all very different and We Are Not A Shop has such a great online selection that it makes shopping for those tricky gifts that much easier!

We’re glad we could be of service, Thomas. Happy shopping!

Want to own a piece of Maltese heritage? Check out Thomas’ Lazarus Tiles for a unique gift with traditional local flare.

Oct 22
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STEPHEN CORDINA, BUSINESS OWNER, PERFUMER & AROMATHERAPIST

By Collecting, Life & Style No Comments

Stephen Cordina is a proud business owner, perfumer and aromatherapist, and Malta’s only qualified ‘nose’ (he forms part of the prestigious Societe Francaise des Parfumeurs) – so, what can’t he do? Turns out, he can’t resist a vintage find! Today, we’re chatting to Stephen about some of his favourite We Are Not A Shop picks.

Stephen, thanks for taking the time to chat to us. So, let’s jump right in! Could you tell us what drew you to the items you picked today?

Thank you for inviting me. I must admit, it wasn’t easy for me to narrow down my selection at all. If I could buy everything relating to perfumes in your store, I would.

To kick things off, I went for this vintage cigarette tin because of its scent. Unfortunately, many people associate tobacco with the nasty smell of cigarettes, when, in fact, its leaves, known as blond tobacco, have been used to make perfumes for centuries (it creates a distinctly leathery and sweet musky scent). Anyway, you really don’t find cans of tobacco like this anymore. And, truth be told, tobacco today just wouldn’t smell the same – we have climate change to thank for that.

Then, I opted for this Hungarian pot pourri trinket box because I love its intricate design. The fact that it’s Hungarian is also significant because the country played a vital role in the development of the fragrance industry in the 18th century with what was called Acqua Mirabilis.

Fun fact: the first-ever alcohol-based perfume was actually designed for the Queen of Hungary!

Finally, this scent bottle is marvellous, too – I can’t believe you managed to get your hands on this slice of pure British history. I imagine it was created to celebrate the victory of the battle of Waterloo. I’m so curious to know what the scent would have been. I guess I’ll just have to use my imagination…

Wow, Stephen, you’re really teaching us a thing or two about our own products – thanks for sharing your insights and knowledge! Now, did you pick any items with someone specific in mind?

Myself, probably! You see, I love history and many of these items have such a clear story to tell; it’s fascinating. In fact, I need to research the origins of this blue scent bottle and find out more about it – I’m intrigued.

Now, we know this is a tough question, but do you have a favourite item?

It’s got to be the incense burner. Primarily because incense was the original perfume. Back in the day, clothes would be hung on a line over burning incense to retain the smell of the smoke. As a matter of fact, the Latin word per fumum literally means ‘through smoke’.

Well, you learn something new every day! Now, how would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

It’s a vast collection of gems under one roof. Everything is valuable and, frankly, beautiful to look at.

And what do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

I like that everything goes to charity! I think it’s so important to give back in whatever way we can, which is why I created my own range of products called Inspire to support Save The Valletta Skyline Appeal to restore the spire of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Valletta. Each product in the range has been inspired by different elements of Valletta’s dense history; jasmine (from the Phoenicians), grapefruit (from the French), and oud (from the Arab emperor during the Byzantine reign on the island).

Finally, would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

Not just to a friend, but to everyone!

Thank you so much for joining us, Stephen. This has been quite the educational interview! We look forward to hearing more of your fun facts in the future…

Interested to know more? Visit Stephen Cordina’s new flagship store and atelier in Archbishop Street, Valletta, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Stephen Cordina brand.

Oct 15
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ASTRID VELLA, ENVIRONMENTAL NGO CO-FOUNDER

By Books & Reading, Fashion, Life & Style No Comments

You’ve probably spotted Astrid Vella on TV or in the news fighting for the environment on behalf of Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA – Together for a Better Environment). As co-founder of the organisation, Astrid has worked tirelessly to protect and safeguard Malta’s built and natural environment for the last 15 years. Today, we’re sitting down with her to discuss some of her favourite We Are Not A Shop picks.

Astrid, we’re so happy you took the time to chat to us today! Could you talk us through some of your favourite pieces?

I would love to. For starters, I love vintage costume jewellery; I once read “Women who wear real jewellery are rich, but those who wear costume jewellery are more interesting”, which is so true! The We Are Not A Shop website is a total treasure trove of all things vintage, so I was spoiled for choice in that department. I am particularly fond these earrings – I can’t wait to wear them.

Then, I just had to pick this gorgeous blue bottle from the 1930s. I’ve been collecting old-school soda bottles for a while now and this would make the perfect addition to my collection!

I also love suffragette jewellery and this piece was clearly inspired by the movement. Everything from the colours to the craftsmanship and the general feel of the piece are indicative of that era, so I couldn’t not have it.

Admittedly, I’m a sucker for any Malta-related books and these two instantly caught my eye. I actually studied Coleridge at University, so this book on his trip to Malta was a natural choice. Then, I was drawn to this one because I’ve always been fascinated by images of Valletta from the past. That’s probably because my mother was a Valletta girl through and through, and would often recount stories of the city to me as a child. I think the images in this book really encapsulate the essence of the Valletta, which is truly spectacular.

Finally, this handbag is both practical and fun. I can style it with anything and take it anywhere and everywhere: whether that’s to the beach on a hot summer’s day or to a more formal business meeting in the afternoon. It’s also the perfect size to store my tablet or other important day-to-day items – ultra convenient!

Great picks, Astrid! Did you pick any items with someone specific in mind?

Well, I find the website terrific for gifts for oversees friends and relatives. I’ve already sent these coasters to a friend abroad, and plan to send something else soon because they were a total hit!

The website has proven to be super convenient for finding Christmas presents for my (impossible-to-buy-for) husband, too. There’s such a vast selection of original items available that you’re bound to find something for anyone – even the most particular of people.

We know this is a tough question, but do you have a favourite item?

This pendant, which I’m definitely buying.

How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

That’s easy: “A treasure trove of whimsical and original gems.”

That’s quite the description – we love it! Now, what do you like most about the We Are Not A Shop concept?

What’s not to like? At We Are Not A Shop, you can treat yourself and other to wonderful gifts while also helping preserve Malta’s heritage. Win, win!

Finally, would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

Oh absolutely. Like a shot.

Check out Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar’s website for regular updates on their work preserving Malta’s built and natural heritage.

Oct 08
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JO CARUANA, CEO, ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE, ACTOR & PRESENTER

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Jo Caruana is the founder and CEO of the PR and content agency, Finesse Group, as well as an actor, presenter, and fierce environmental advocate. She’s also one of our biggest supporters! Today, we’re chatting to her about her favourite We Are Not A Shop items. Read on to find out what she selected from our online store!

Jo, it’s so lovely to have you with us. Could you tell us what made you select your items today?

Of course, thank you for having me! I’d say, fundamentally, a sense of nostalgia drew me to most of my pieces. Everything at We Are Not A Shop is very clearly chosen with love, so you can find things that you connect to on a different level and that is so special.

Which leads me to my first item; my mother grew up reading the Bunty books for girls and had a few editions that I would flick through at home. This copy was released in the year I was born (extra nostalgia points there!). It’s interesting going through the stories now and seeing how they hold up (or don’t) in a modern context – always nice to reflect and see how far we’ve come.

Here’s another sentimental one! When I was younger, I absolutely loved Enid Blyton (I credit her for my love of reading and writing), so I simply had to grab this first edition copy of The Ship of Adventure. It also has a little message written on the inside cover from whoever gifted it in the 1950s! It’s quite magical to have a connection to the person who previously owned this book and carry on that story.

Then, I picked this practical Stephen Cordina hand sanitizer because, considering the circumstances, you can never have too much sanitizer. But jokes aside, Stephen Cordina is undoubtedly one of my favourite local brands. The range and the quality of products on offer is simply unmatched and never disappoints. I also love that this product was created in response to the pandemic – talk about pivoting and adapting to your surroundings!

Finally, I chose this handmade wrapping paper because the texture reminded me of my wedding invitations – we didn’t actually end up using them (COVID had other plans) but it all worked out regardless. I think you can elevate any gift if you wrap it with some extra care and this quality wrapping paper will allow you to do just that.

Great picks, Jo! Did you choose any items with someone specific in mind?

I had my mother in mind when I selected the Bunty book that’s for sure!

I also have a friend who’d really appreciate receiving this fun card, so I picked it for them. We Are Not A Shop have the kinds of cards that you just don’t find anywhere else, which is why they are always my go-to.

We know this is a tough one, but do you have a favourite item?

Considering that I began my career as a writer, I’m going to have to give this one to the first edition Enid Blyton book.

Well, that’s fair enough! Now, how would you personally describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?

In short, absolutely incredible. It’s one of the most unique shopping concepts in the world. Where else can you purchase high-quality products and know that the proceeds are all going charity? And frankly, it’s the best place to buy gifts. If you’re after something sweet and thoughtful, We Are Not A Shop is the online store for you.

Finally, would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

Always – there is nowhere better. All the items are so original and can be delivered super speedily around the world, and straight to your door in Malta. There’s nothing not to like, so get shopping!

Finesse Group is currently working on their first Writing Course, which is set to be released in the New Year. In the meantime, why not join the Finesse Writers’ Club? Find out more here.

Oct 04
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ALL ABOUT TEA

By Food for thought, Life & Style No Comments

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward to the future.”

Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh

The drinking of Maghrebi (Moroccan) mint tea in North Africa is a time-honoured social activity, as well as a ceremonial ritual performed by the head male of a family when inviting a guest as a show of hospitality. The recipe is a mixture of fresh spearmint, castor sugar, water, and gunpowder tea (green tea leaves rolled into pellets), and is served with both sweet and savoury food.

This traditional concoction got us interested in learning more about the different types of tea in the world, of which there are literally thousands.

If you’re anything like us, you’re already getting excited to learn about all the different kinds of tea that exist in the world. We’ll be discussing the most popular types that come to mind, these being green, black, white, oolong, and herbal tea. We’ve also placed the preferable stewing time in brackets next to each tea type in case you want to try tasting them for yourself!

Something we weren’t aware of before doing our research was that the majority of tea comes from one plant: Camellia sinensis. It’s actually the type of preparation process that results in different tea varieties, including withering, rolling, oxidising, and drying.

We also refer to tea ‘flushes’, of which there are four that produce bolder flavours as we progress through the year. These start with the first flush, occurring between February and April, producing less oxidised and more expensive teas that should be consumed within a year, such as Darjeeling. The third flush, between July and October, produces less complex and therefore less expensive tea leaves, and are typically used for commercial tea bags.

GREEN TEA

Prep. time: 45 seconds – 1 minute

Green tea usually incorporates all parts of the tea shrub rather than just the leaves. As a result, most green tea has an earthy flavour. However, it’s still less processed than black tea and oolong tea. The most popular examples of green tea include Sencha and Matcha. With regards to Matcha green tea, traditional Japanese teahouses employ a meticulous tea-making ceremony that approaches an almost philosophical awareness of oneself. The ritual is an exercise in patience, with the idea being that harmony of the soul results in palatable tea.

BLACK TEA

Prep. time: 2 – 3 minutes

Black tea is the most popular tea type in the Western world, having a very bold, stronger flavour. It’s most commonly found in teabag form in supermarkets. It’s the tea of choice for making iced tea from scratch, and is usually blended, as with breakfast and chai teas, as the flavour is much easier to manipulate with additives like sweeteners, milk, and/or cream. Some famous examples of black tea varieties include Darjeeling and Ceylon.

OOLONG TEA

Prep. time: 3 minutes

Oolong tea lies somewhere between black and green tea, neither too dark nor too light, and having a range of flavours. Oolong tea has some of the best health benefits associated with tea types, such as diabetes prevention, weight loss, and bone strength improvement. However, it’s not commonly found in Western shops.

WHITE TEA

Prep. time: 4 – 5 minutes

White tea is the least processed out of all teas, having very light flavours and aromas. It’s got a sweet, floral quality to it. Like oolong tea, it’s less common than other more mainstream teas, so much so that it’s commonly used only as a base for herbal/infusion teas. For example, jasmine tea is actually a combination of a white tea base and the jasmine plant.

HERBAL/INFUSION TEA

Prep. time: 5 – 6 minutes

Herbal teas are not real teas, in that they’re actually infusions of flowers, roots, herbs, and/or fruits. Apart from black tea, herbal teas are the most popular in Western societies, with their light, floral, sweet flavours and aromas easily being appreciated. Herbal teas are also taken for their many health-related properties.

Some immediately recognisable examples include chamomile, mint, ginger, eucalyptus, and ginseng. These can also be made into fusion teas by adding other ingredients, such as honey and vanilla.

Chamomile tea has a number of health benefits. It’s very gentle on an upset stomach, and has calming properties. Combined with the fact that it has the lowest caffeine content out of all herbal teas, you’ll often see chamomile marketed as a great sleep aid.

Mint tea has similar health properties to chamomile. It’s an anti-inflammatory, can provide stress relief, speeds up metabolism (resulting in weight loss), as well as soothe an upset stomach. It’s also often combined with eucalyptus as an immune system booster for flu prevention.

Ginger root is rich in antioxidants, and is great for curing nausea, indigestion, and muscle pain.

Which is your favourite tea? Do they include any we didn’t mention here? Let us know in the comment section below!

Oct 01
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TINA MIFSUD, ARTIST & JEWELLERY CREATOR

By Fashion, Life & Style No Comments

You may well recognise Tina Mifsud as the young artist behind the exhibitions ‘Plajja’ and ‘Point of You’. However, besides being one of the islands’ most in-demand artists of the moment, she’s also found her way into the world of accessories: creating customisable jewellery for her brand, Tina’s Treasures, and functional belt pouches for Fold.

With a clear artistic vision and a strong eye for detail, we figured that Tina would be the perfect person to chat to about all things We Are Not A Shop. Read on to discover what she selected from our online store!

Tina, we’re so happy you could join us! So, let’s get started. What drew you to the items you selected today?

Firstly, I was instantly attracted to the Collectors’ Corner because of its wide range of antique and vintage pieces. All the items are so gorgeous and intricate – you just don’t find things like that nowadays.

I’m also really into my jewellery and am a sucker for a pop of colour, which is why I picked this chunky vintage yellow necklace. It’s a great statement piece that you can dress up or down to complete any outfit. I’d probably style it with some white and blue clothes/accessories – one of my favourite colour combos, especially as we round off the summer.

Then, I picked this poster because I’m doing up a property and have been on the hunt for the sort of quirky pieces that really make a home a home. I’m a fan of pop culture, the 60s, and frankly, anything retro, so this funky poster instantly caught my eye. And it has ‘Espagna’ written on it, so it felt like a sign. For context: I lived in Barcelona for a while, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. Hence the sign…

Also, you can always find me sporting some gold jewellery, so these earrings were right up my street. The coloured crystal detail makes them extra special, too – the perfect accessory for a fancy occasion.

As an artist, I’ve always been fascinated by the Maltese landscape. Our rock formations, layered limestone, and salt pans are all so unique. In fact, limestone is going to feature quite heavily in my next exhibition, which is why I chose this book. Malta’s textures are such a prominent part of who and what we are that it’s hard not to draw inspiration from them.

Finally, this scent bottle is absolutely beautiful – I particularly love the metal detailing because the craftsmanship is so impressive. It also feels like something out of the 1920s and I can’t help but imagine the story behind it. Who owned this? Where has it been? That’s part of the magic of discovering these rare pieces, isn’t it? They have so much history.

Those are some great choices, Tina. Did you pick any of them with someone specific in mind?

Well, I’m very close to my sister and we bond over our shared appreciation of jewellery, so I can definitely see her sporting this necklace and earring combo.

Then, this small pill box instantly reminded me of my grandmother. Growing up, I specifically remember she had a different pill box for every day of the week, all with varying intricate designs. I definitely picked it with her in mind.

I also think my dad would be thrilled to receive this book as a gift. He works in real estate so he’s always looking out for new interior design trends.

We know this is a tough decision, but do you have a favourite item?

I’d have to say the earrings. They’re classy, valuable, and real gold– you can’t go wrong!

We couldn’t agree more. Could you tell us what you enjoyed most about your We Are Not A Shop experience?

I found the whole experience to be very personal. It’s clear all the items are very carefully selected and chosen with love, which is so rare. Everything is great quality, too, and it’s all for a good cause which makes it 10 times better.

Finally, would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?

Of course, 100 percent! I’ll be back soon myself…

Thank you for joining us, Tina! And good luck decorating your new home, we can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Tina is currently working on two exhibitions: the collaborative, all-female exhibition CURRENT/S II, which you can check out at Studio 104 St Lucia Street, Valletta, and her upcoming solo exhibition scheduled for next September.

Sep 27
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HOW TO MAKE A PROPER CUP OF TEA

By Food for thought, Home Comforts, Life & Style No Comments

“All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.” – George Orwell, “A Nice Cup of Tea” (1946)

Tea! And all the wonderful thoughts that come to mind when we say that word. There was a time when tea was quite rare to get your hands on, making it very expensive to purchase. As a result, inviting someone over to tea became a fashion statement, along with all the attachments of finery and etiquette associated with it.

Thankfully for us tea enthusiasts, tea is now readily available all around the world. But that doesn’t mean elegant tea parties are no longer popular. In fact, we’re witnessing quite a craze in tea party revivals, and we’re so excited to be a part of it!

Without further ado, here are all the things to keep in mind when making a cup of tea the right way.

INVEST IN A QUALITY TEA SET

If you’re looking to invest in a quality tea set, there really are only a few materials you should consider: silver, porcelain, and glass. All three retain heat extremely well, are aesthetically attractive, and won’t taint the flavour of the tea. Glass tea sets are great for herbal teas like green tea as you’ll get to appreciate the wonderful colour of the tea.

Silver and porcelain are both beautiful, traditional materials. When kept in proper condition through polishing, they only get better with age. As a metal, silver will retain heat like no other. Having a silver tea set is also quite a statement as they can be pricey and can easily stand as decorative items on their own.

Some tea sets are made from porous materials like clay. If they’re not glazed well, the material could absorb the tea and affect the flavour of future cups. That’s why porcelain is perfect. It’s non-porous and super easy to clean!

Fine bone china and steel are also materials worth considering.

PURISTS CLAIM LOOSE TEA IS BETTER

Some tea purists will tell you that supermarket-grade teabags will never come close to buying loose tea leaves. It might be the case that the type of paper used in teabags could also lead to the tea’s flavour being affected. If you’re careless, using teabags can also lead to over-steeping – it’s not the first time some of us were in the process of making a cup of tea and totally forgotten about it.

If you decide to go with loose tea leaves, make sure that you store them in an air-tight container and in dark, dry areas. Some teas should also be consumed within a certain amount of time.

BOIL SOME FILTERED WATER

Before thinking you need to go on a mountain trek to find the freshest and most natural water for your tea, take a breath – so long as you’re not tap or reheated water, you’re fine. Tap water contains chemicals that will affect the tea’s flavour, and reheated water has basically lost all its oxygen anyway. An electric kettle works just fine, though there are some really high-tech kettles out there that monitor the water’s temperature. Gooseneck kettles are quite popular now, too.

It’s essential that the water is boiled properly to release the tea’s tannins. Otherwise, it’ll be flavourless. However, this doesn’t apply to all types of tea. For example, green tea is far more sensitive to hot water and might taste bitter if too hot.

WARM YOUR TEAPOT

Swirl some of the boiled water around in your teapot beforehand. It’s said that this will ensure you’ll get a stronger brew out of the tea as it’ll help keep the temperature stable. It will also prevent your teapot from cracking; if you’re adding boiled water to a teapot that’s at room temperature, the drastic temperature change could damage the material. Once the pot is warmed, throw the used water away.

PLACE YOUR TEA

Some say you shouldn’t add boiled water directly onto your teabag or loose tea, though this differs for each type of tea and their specific preparation. If it’ll make you feel better, fill the teapot first and then scoop the tea into it. If you’re using loose tea leaves, leave the teapot lid open for more oxygen to get in.

You’ll notice that the tea leaves will expand considerably. This is important to keep in mind if you’re using a tea strainer. You don’t have to pack in a huge amount of tea leaves as they won’t have room to expand. Some teapots have built-in strainers, too, making the whole operation a lot easier.

LET THE TEA STEEP

The recommended amount of time to leave the tea steeping in the boiled water is between three to five minutes. Herbal teas should be left steeping for longer than five minutes. The longer you leave the tea, the stronger the flavour will be. That being said, remember that there’s the chance of the flavour also becoming too bitter.

ADD MILK (AND POSSIBLY SUGAR)

After you’ve poured the tea into your chosen cup, it’s time for your chosen additives. Most teas are consumed with milk. And while we’re on the subject, it’s time to do away with a particular misconception about which should be added first: tea or milk. The answer is always tea first, followed by a small quantity of milk. There’s no point drinking tea if you’re only appreciating the milk.

To continue espousing Orwell’s methods in his 1946 essay, a non-creamy type of milk is preferable, and sugar shouldn’t be added. But, of course, everyone has their own preferences. After all, Orwell only believed in drinking Indian or Ceylon tea.

NEVER REUSE TEA

You won’t get a stronger flavour of tea by leaving the tea to steep longer. If you want a bolder taste, just add more tea! There’s also nothing wrong with squeezing the teabag if that’s the form you’ve gone for, but only do this if you’re adding milk as it’ll help mask an otherwise too bold or bitter flavour.

HAVE A BISCUIT!

It’s time to enjoy your tea with a bite-sized snack. Who can resist a scrumptious baked good?! Don’t mind if we do.

Keep an eye out for the final blog post in our tea party campaign where we’ll be talking about the most popular types of tea available in the world!

Sep 17
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CREATING THE PERFECT FAIRY TALE CHILDREN’S TEA PARTY

By Entertaining, Food for thought, Life & Style No Comments

“It’s always tea time.” – The Mad Hatter in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865)

Tea parties can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. There’s something romantic about them. They’re like little portions of a bygone era that have remained solidified in our consciousness, and that we occasionally enjoy luxuriating in. Nothing says you’ve made an effort like baking your own teacakes for your friends and family to enjoy.

Here are some tips and tricks to creating the perfect fairy tale children’s tea party fit for the Mad Hatter himself. We’ve also included a few items we think will help you on your way to providing an entertainment-filled afternoon for your kids.

Scone, anyone?

FANTASTIC THEMES

Step up the fun by having all the kids follow a particular theme. One great idea is having a fancy dress themed-party, or guests can be asked to bring their own teddy bear or doll to the tea with them.

There’s also holidays and events to consider, like Christmas, Easter, and birthdays, which provide lots of opportunities for these sorts of things. Your only limit is your imagination!

Setting a specific theme will also help you when it comes to preparing refreshments. If you’re particularly creative in the kitchen, you could have so much fun coming up with different ideas for all sorts of sweets and beverages. Classic bite-sized sandwiches always go down well. And while scrolling the net, we even found some adorable-looking biscuits baked in the shape of teabags!

INVITE THE KIDS!

If you’ve settled on a particular theme, imagine how excited the kids will be if they receive a Harry Potter-inspired invitation straight from the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, a message in a bottle concerning deadly pirates and a long forgotten treasure chest, or a scribble on a piece of parchment from a princess trapped in a castle desperately seeking help.

The possibilities are endless!

EXCITING GAMES

The kids are bound to get bored at some point, so shake things up a bit with some fun party games, including storybook reading, sing-alongs, and arts and crafts.

Whip out some paint and paper to get their creative juices flowing. Maybe it’ll even make you rediscover the artist lying dormant inside you. After all, Pablo Picasso once wrote: “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

SETTING THE SCENE

Of course, you’ll want to set the atmosphere for your kids; their active imaginations will do the rest! You won’t want this to be minimal. Place as many colourful things as you can find on the table to make a properly chaotic Alice in Wonderland-inspired table that will overwhelm the senses.

Use lace doilies, place cards, and napkins. Decorate with flowers (artificial ones will do nicely, too), candles (LED candles are great so that no one burns themselves), and balloons. And obviously you can’t forget all the dainty crockery!

If the weather still allows for it, turn the party into an outdoor event and turn the area into a real Secret Garden adventure to make Frances Hodgson Burnett proud. The mystery of an outdoor wilderness provides so much scope for the imagination, or at least that’s what Anne of Green Gables would probably think.

Make sure that the tea you give the kids is decaffeinated!

PARTY FAVOURS

The fun doesn’t have to stop just because the tea party’s over. Send the kids home with goodie bags filled with all sorts of colourful toys, riveting books, and delicious treats for them to enjoy at home and keep reminding them of what a great time they had. Maybe it’ll make them convince their parents to host their own tea party!

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