Ms. Tia is feeling contemplative today. And a good, strong cup of hot tea is just what the doctor ordered for a good sit down and think session.
It’s amazing how the steam from freshly brewed loose leaf tea clears my head. Whether it’s a classic caffeinated teas like English Breakfast or Earl Grey or a wild herbal tea like Ginger Cinnamon or Peppermint, I always think a little better with a tea cup in my hand. And we all know about the health benefits of tea–those can really put your mind at ease–but the natural, safe jolt of caffeine from tea or the herbal properties of some blends can actually make a difference if you’re preforming some mental gymnastics.
Forgive me if I am slower today as I impart wisdom unto you. The path to the Perfect Pot sometimes winds in directions one does not expect.
Last night, we graduated a new class of Tea Masters. And after the big Tea Ceremony, there was a bit of celebration. And as a result, this morning, old Master Amanzi isn’t feeling that “tea makes you feel young forever” feeling I’ve taught you so much about. Not to worry however, for I shall incorporate it into today’s lesson. How tea can help with a hangover.
It’s time we show Mother Earth a little love–and ourselves, too. How do we do that? By starting small, with your daily cup of tea.
As Teato reminded us a few weeks ago, tea leaves are just like any other fruit or vegetable. So it totally matters what farmers spray all over them in order to increase crops and profits. Pesticides that leech into the ground can contaminate water supplies and damage the soil so that little can grow there once the tea crop has been exhausted. Yes, we all love our steaming cups of hot tea, but at what price?
How can we do that to Mother Earth? And what about how those pesticides affect our own health? It’s time to show ourselves some love with organic tea. Read full entry! »
Guess what!? Today is my birthday! Thanks for the happy birthday wishes. I’m proud to say I’m officially (shushsmum) years old. What? A lady never tells. Of course, my family and friends have come through like champs and showered me with love and gifts. And of course that includes tea!
Now I have a problem, though. Which to drink first? My wonderful friend Suzie gives the best tea gifts, as you’ve already read, and she presented me with a fine box of herbal chamomile loose tea. You can never go wrong with the classics. And my lovely mother sent me a selection of black tea bags, because she knows sometimes I need my tea on the go. But where to start?
How do I love tea? Let me count the ways. All this talk of love and tea has made me think about my heart. Not just my current crush or long-term romantic goals, but the old ticker beating away in my chest. And you know what? The natural health benefits of tea can be good for your heart!
My friend Suzie stopped by last night with a surprise for me. (Don’t you just love it when that happens?) She’s been reading Tea Talk and she said she just had to come over and dish about my date. And, of course, dish we did.
But her surprise? A new kind of tea that I’d heard a lot about, but had never tried: Yerba Mate! Did you know that Yerba Mate is considered the tea of friendship? Neither did I. Did I mention I’ve got awesome, smart friends?
So, I know you all are just bursting at the seams waiting to hear about my date this weekend. Don’t worry, Tia’s here to tell you all the juicy details. I’ll give you a hint: Tea Ceremony!
So, we first went to a very nice Japanese restaurant not far from both our houses. We were seated in a private tatami room, separated from the next table by beautiful rice paper screens. Our wonderful server, dressed in full regalia, kimono and all, told us that the calligraphy on the screens was the work of the proprietor himself. Score points for Mr. Great Tea Date, who picked the restaurant. Read full entry! »
I don’t know about you, but as I wake up every morning with a hot cup ofIrish Breakfast Tea, I like to stroll around on the internet, seeing what’s in the news of the day, what new cute thing some kitty cat did, or if there are any brand spanking new health benefits discovered about my favorite thing the world–tea.
Well, today when I booted up my laptop, I saw something I hadn’t noticed before! Those cute little Apple ads have one talking about tea! Specifically the soothing benefits of tea. It seems that people who have computers need the comfort of a nice cup of tea as much as the rest of us!
So the Great Tea Date is tomorrow! I’m really looking forward to going out with him. We’re going to a nice sushi restaurant and a movie, that I picked (yay chivalry!), and I think it’s going to be a very nice time. The last he and I spoke, he told me something really interesting about Green Tea. Did you know there is actually a kind of Green Tea that is fried? No, really!
I was surprised, too. So decided to brush up on my Green Tea knowledge. Here’s what I learned.
Oh man, I’ve got it bad. And there’s only one thing that can cure my aching crush. My favorite tea ritual.
So, you remember how Mr. Great Tea Date didn’t call for so long? And then he did? And now we’re going out this weekend, on Saturday? Well, now you’re caught up. All this week we’ve been emailing and texting and talking on the phone (and some how getting work done, too) and as a result, I’ve totally got a major crush on him.
When this happens, my brain goes haywire. All I can do is ask a million questions. What’s going to happen? Does he like me back? Are we soul mates? What should I wear?
But I have to play it cool. And the best way I know how to relax, is to brew a pot of tea. Here’s what I do.
