Get The Most of World Tea Expo

I have just returned from my second trip to the World Tea Expo and this time with a slightly different focus than the last.  As you know I am a blogger and that is actually how I started out and had become known to others in the tea word.  Last year when I attended the Expo my primary focus was blogging.  I was looking to gather information on new and interesting products then of course report back to you, my readers.  I quickly became overwhelmed.  Let’s be honest I was like a “kid in a candy store.”  World Tea Expo is like Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and all your Birthday’s wrapped up into one.

This year my focus had evolved.  I am still a blogger and now I am a retailor too.  Many find these two to be independent of each other but for me they have always been like “brother and sister.”  They love each other but sometimes there is that inevitable friction between the two.

So after these two visits I quickly realized that I couldn’t be the only one caught in the bright lights and the razzle-dazzle of the showroom floor so I thought I would put together a few tips to help you “Get The Most of World Tea Expo” based on my experiences and challenges.

Lets face it travel is expensive and time is money so before booking the event ask yourself “why” you want to attend.  It is an easy question to answer if you are a vendor with a booth or a speaker for an educational seminar.  This question is not for those directly involved with the Expo but rather for those going as attendees.

Question to ask prior to registration:

Why?

Are you looking for new product?

Purchasing new stock at a discounted “show” price?

Networking with other retailors and/or bloggers?

Education?

Are you new to the tea business and want to decide if this is the right path for you?

Etc.?

Once you have determined your reason to attend, ask yourself if it is necessary to attend the Expo or if you can find the necessary information on your own through research?

1. Planning  - Pre-Expo

Assuming you have determined that your best course of action is to physically attend the World Tea Expo my biggest tip is… “BE PREPARED!”   I want you to plan, plan, and plan some more.  You can get easily swept away going from booth to booth sampling tea, talking with friends, meeting new/old business partners, and more.  It is without a doubt a challenge to remain focused.  To make the most of your visit I highly recommend a “game plan.”

Step 1: Map Out The Showroom Floor

Before hitting the showroom floor be sure to plan out your day.  Look through the booklet/guidebook that is distributed at the event and circle/write down a list of vendors you want to be sure to see.  You can even find this information at the World Tea Expo website prior to attending.  Each vendor has a booth number associated with it making it very simple to find on the showroom floor.  Try not to get diverted or you may miss your opportunity to visit that vendor you wanted to see most.

Step 2: Prepare Questions for Vendors Prior To Visiting Their Booth

I can’t tell you how many times I forgot the questions I wanted to ask so I highly recommend you write them down prior to your visit so you are prepared and get all your questions answered.

*Carry a notebook with pen/pencil.  iPad’s and other gadgets are great but I believe you will find the old fashioned method simplest while making your showroom rounds.

2. Put Your Plan Into Action – Day 1

Step 1: Collect/Review Notes

Try to make all of your rounds to the vendors you were most interested in on the first day.  At the end of the day review your notes.  For me this means I can decide which products and companies I would like to feature in my blog.  It also will help me determine which vendor I’d like to do business with.

Step 2: Doing Business (Entire Visit)

If you are there to do business keep a keen eye out for deals.  In most cases I would suggest waiting for the last day of the show to finalize orders.  You may even be able to purchase items a la carte for a steal on the spot.  However, if you spot an amazing deal and already know what you want place your order, do it as soon as possible.  The perfect example is Tea Source.  Both this year and last they had outstanding show deals.  If you already know what you would like to order do it right away because I can assure you the last day of the show you will be waiting a very long time to place an order.

Step 2 ½:  For Bloggers

If you are in fact a blogger like me I recommend you try to write a post or two here and there while at the Expo.  Your readers are most likely following your adventures through various Social Media outlets like Twitter, Google+, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more.   Your readers are most likely eagerly awaiting what you have to say with more than 140 characters at a time.  The other benefit of writing more frequently is to keep the information fresh and relevant while you are writing it.  Say you just experienced tasting a wonderful new delicious product called “TeaPops” from DeeBee’s while on the showroom floor you will most likely be able to describe your experiences much better as it happens closer to the event than later when it becomes just a pleasant faded memory.  At the same time don’t write too many posts that your readers feel inundated which then results in you missing important product demonstrations, conferences, classes, and more by not being on the showroom floor.

*During the entire event I highly suggest using the Expo as the prefect platform to network.  This tip applies to all attendees and businesses.  I find the Expo is a wonderful place to nurture and foster new relationships especially with a cup of tea by your side

 3. Make It Your Day – Day 2

Step 1: Complete Priority Tasks from Day 1 If You Haven’t Already

Assuming you have visited all the vendors you did not want to miss and collected the notes you wanted to collect use today as a recap day and a moment to allow yourself to wander and discover new products and meet new people.  The second day is also a great day to revisit those vendors you would like to further investigate and perhaps “seal the deal” with.

Step 2: Visit With Potential Secondary Targets

Don’t forget to keep your show guidebook close.  In there you will find times for tea tastings, demonstrations you may be interested in, and so on.  Again this goes with the planning phase.  If you have completed all major tasks you set out to do you can move into phase two and execute product orders and other secondary goals you may have set out or yourself.

*When mapping out the Expo prior to attending the Expo it is wise to make a list according to priority.  Once you completed your most pertinent tasks you can start to check off your vendor/class wish list.  Remember all this information is available online at www.WorldTeaExpo.com

4. Tie-Up Loose Ends – Day 3

Step 1: Place Orders

If you haven’t already be sure to get your orders placed.  Also if you have been inquiring about product throughout the show you will mostly likely hear vendors say that towards the end of the final day they will start to sell product they have on stock at a considerably reduced price.  Be sure that you have a kept a record of those you were most interested in and close the deal on the final day.

Step 2: Say Your Goodbyes

To keep with the networking and relationship building be sure to stop by your favorite vendors and say your goodbyes.  I have been able to build and maintain many wonderful relationships with vendors, bloggers, and others by just making an extra effort.   You will see that each year more and more people will recognize you and later make the extra effort to “meet and greet” you.   These small gestures can go a long way in business and networking.

5. Post World Tea Expo

Step 1: For Bloggers

I know it is easy to slip back into routine when we get back into our familiar setting but please be sure to blog about your experiences at least a few times a week until you have covered any information you intended to cover.  Again, believe it or not you have created a following and if you want them to continue to follow you, you must remain consistent with your content.

Step 2: For Buyers

As for those who conducted business it is a good idea to review invoices and check your statements.  If you run into any issues you can then address them quickly.  Also, it is a good way to keep a record of what you can expect to receive and then appropriately create a product launch timeline for your retail brick and mortar and/or online shop.

Conclusion:

In a future post I will cover some details about core conferences, workshops, and other demonstrations available at the show.  Since there are so many options I felt it best to cover this portion in a separate blog post.

I hope this blog post helps better prepare you for future World Tea Expo’s.  Please feel free to comment with your best practices and if you have any questions.

Edited By: Ralph H. Carter II

@RalphCarterII – Twitter (Personal)

@TeaSherpa (New “Tea” Account)

After much probing and the stubborn attitude of the inhabitant within me we have an answer with 99% accuracy.

It’s a BOY!!!

It is official I have will now have one of each and that is all I have ever wanted or needed.

Next up is the name. 7 years ago we decided if we had a boy we would name him Ethan, we had a girl. So we thought it best to move forward and pick up where we left off and name this little guy Ethan. Here is where it gets a bit tricky. We need a new middle name. At one time we decided on Apollo but since then I decided it wasn’t right, though the hubby still likes it. We however would like a name we both adore.

After searching Indian names for boys I felt there just wasn’t anything I could really relate to. So it dawned on me, why not a name related to tea? At that point I knew it had to be “Assam.” Hubby likes it too so it has to work right? As I thought about it some more I was worried about people mispronouncing it. Look at the spelling and you can just see the potential for error. After some research it was discovered that the original name of that vary region was in fact “Asom” and it was the British that called it “Assam” because apparently it was easier to say.

Now we need to decide if we like it. I was hoping you could help with your opinions or other Indian tea names that would fit for a boy. I’d love to hear your thoughts and believe me all help is wanted and appreciated.

What do you think?
Ethan Asom Carter

Wow, what an amazing time the World Tea Expo has been thus far.  I am having the best time visiting friends while discovering new and interesting tea companies, and products.  Based on what I have seen so far I can say with confidence that there is still so much more tea has to offer the world.

Within this post I will give you a brief overview on what I found most unique at the show.  Later in subsequent posts I will include more specific information on tea products and companies I feel are worth keeping an eye on.

“TeaPops” by DeeBee’s Organic Frozen Treats –Awarded Best New Product by the 2013 World Tea Expo!

First and foremost I absolutely adore the versatility of tea.   The perfect example of a company that offers a unique product that I just loved is “TeaPops.”  “TeaPops” is a frozen treat that provides a healthier and natural practically guilt-free option to sugary dessert treats.  The product is geared towards children; and appropriately so, but truly appeals to people of all ages.  They make wonderful frozen tea treats just not yet available in the United States but coming soon.  The reason why I enjoyed this product is because the tea flavor was clearly apparent.   The product is natural and tastes natural which to me is what it is all about.  I sampled their “Classic Iced Tea” flavor though options were available I really just wanted to try something more basic and I am glad I did.  Being a diabetic that needs to watch her sugar consumption while still trying to avoid artificial sugar, this particular product is a great option for me as an occasional treat plus it has tea.  In a future post I will discuss more specifics of the product.  I highly recommend trying this product if given the opportunity.  It should not be missed.

TEAS’ TEA Lattes
 By ITO EN – Open Class Winner

I would drink this everyday.  I enjoyed both the black and green tea lattes from Ito En.  They tasted fresh, natural, without any syrupy or artificial flavors.  If I had to pick one over the other I think I enjoyed the Black Tea Latte more only because I felt the Matcha Tea Latte was a bit sweeter than I prefer, still very delicious.  They have yet to be released.  I am certain when they are released they will be yet another hit for an already favorite “ready to drink” line for me.

COLD INFUSIONSby
 The TeaSpot

I was lucky to sample this tea at the World Tea Expo Lounge prior to a conference and was intrigued at the idea of this tea.  I need to do a little more research but from what I have gathered it is cold infused in 10mins making for a quick cup.  I tried their “Keep Fit” Cold Infusion green tea and found the tea flavor natural and balanced with the their incorporation of green rooibos and lemon myrtle.  The best part is that it comes unsweetened giving you the choice on what you would like to do.  One of my biggest issues is the addition of other additives to tea that don’t need to be there as an essential component of the product.  Tea is such an easy product to add sweetener or other additives.  I prefer the decision be left to the preparer.  Exactly, what The TeaSpot has done with this new and innovative way to make tea that more convenient.

This is just a preview to so much more.  Now I need to get back to the show so I have more to report back later.

I am counting the days before boarding my flight to the World Tea Expo for now the second year in a row.  Making sure not forget the important documents of course.   This year is going to be a bit more challenging on my feet while pregnant but I am sure with the help of my husband and business partner I will make it through, not to mention the cups and cups of tea at hand.

Currently, I am working on a game plan.  Making sure I know which booths I want to be sure I visit and write about.  As many of you know my main focus is finding the most unique teas and accessories.  I will leave the ordinary to my other blogger friends.  Not that there is anything wrong with traditional teas, it just isn’t my niche.

My plan is to tweet a lot about the blogging side on my personal account @RachelKCarter so if you are not following me there yet you may want to for the latest updates.  Business related mentions will be limited to @iHeartTeas unless the two coincide.  I will also post numerous blogs here on @TeaTrade on my blog www.iHeartTeasTheBlog.com.  With links that can be found on my personal Google+ account and my business account on Google+.

Please let me know if there is anything specific you would like for me to report for you.  A comment here would be perfect and I will do my best to gather the information you are requesting.

It is going to be so much fun meeting old friends and new friends a like.  Plus this year I will be wearing two hats as “Media” and a “Buyer” I promise not to intermingle and of course keep all opinions genuine and unbiased.  I will also be participating the in the first ever “Tea Bloggers Roundtable” on Friday night as a panalist.  It is a casual event where bloggers of any skill level are welcome to join us and ask questions about blogging about tea.

Details:

Tea Bloggers Roundtable

An informal gathering and discussion of issues concerning blogging and tea will be held from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (N255).
For complete program details or to RSVP visit http://www.agiftoftea.com.

 Can’t wait to see everyone soon.

Today I had my last doctors appointment before heading out to Las Vegas for the World Tea Expo next week.  Today was like any typical appointment.  Doctor checked on my blood sugar levels to make sure things were still under control.  Lucky for me things are looking good and I will not have to adjust my insulin, I do despise injections.  She of course check for the babies heartbeat.  Baby’s heart is beating like a champ.  Fortunately, this time the baby wasn’t sleeping so were will able to do a lot of observing.  There was a lot of movement from rolling around to near summersaults.  This kid has literally been kicking my butt all day.  Things have progressed so much now that I even feel kicking and punching in my upper belly.  I can’t believe I am near halfway done.  I feel things are moving so much quicker this time than the last.

So still the big question still remains, am I having a girl or a boy?  After over 15 mins of intense searching and carefully placed pressure we are no closer now than last time to finding out.  However, here is what I can tell you.

1. The baby is already near 1lb.

2. Probably near 8 inches in length

3. Most of all happy, healthy, and active.

Looks like for now we will have to wait another two weeks when I see my specialist.  They have the high tech machines and have to do a head to toe ultrasound to make sure everything looks great on the baby.  At that time we should most likely have the answers we are looking for.

I will tell you that though my doctor couldn’t confirm anything today she did say she did not see at all what would have looked like “boy parts” so at this point we are leaning towards another girl.  So maybe my daughter will have a new sister.  I just can’t say for now.

I guess this means I will have to pickup both a blue and pink onesie in Las Vegas.

So often I go from writing to hiatus to writing to just reading and now back to writing and reading all at the same time.  Right now I just feel like writing.  The only problem is I am not sure what I want to write about.  I know tea has been a topic of interest but even then I am not sure what aspect of tea I should write about next.  I have to admit I have enjoyed @thedevotea’s recent blog posts going into the history of his tea blends, maybe I should do that too?  However, I just don’t think I can make my stories as interesting.

Perhaps I can review tea? I haven’t reviewed a tea in a while.  Though there are quite a few reviewers out there already has as me wondering if can I really add value to the market?  I think it is best I leave regular reviewing to the professionals like @teaformeplease.

I know maybe I can write a story?  Something fictional where tea can be a super hero fighting crime against the soda pops and energy drinks of the world.  That sounds amazing but I can think of a better writer suited for such a project, Mr. @lazyliteratus himself.

I am between a rock and a hard place.  Or am I?  Perhaps I can go back to my roots and start-creating experiments like my Golden Monkey Infused Merlot and my Milk Oolong Infused Vodka?  Yes, I think that is brilliant.  Maybe I can even come up with a little post here about using tea in not so conventional ways?  I mean that is my niche right?

I have never been a conventional gal, so much so that even that in high school I shaved the back of my head because my head was to hot.  Could you image the looks I would have gotten had I been a cheerleader?  You know, that unconventional side of me has really helped guide me to places I may have never gone and I believe it to be a positive character trait.  Why not embrace my unique side?  It is that side of me that spawns my creativity and my desire to try new and exciting things.

For my next blog post I will share with a few of my favorite bath and beauty basics I most like to working with.

Thanks, for reading my nonsensical ramblings.   Oh and by the way I may change my mind entirely and just go ahead and tell you the history of my products, review a tea, or even write an epic fictional tale of when tea meets evil doer energy drink.  That’s the best part of having a unique blog, you can write about anything.

Can Tea Spark Certain Moods?

We all know that if we need a little something to calm the nerves we reach for a cup of stress relieving chamomile tea.  Even other various calming herbs and botanicals can help us achieve a certain level of calm we may be desperately in need of.  All you have to do is “Google” it and you’ll have various herbal stress relieves at your fingertips.

What do we do when we have a tummy ache?  Reach for a cup of ginger tea and maybe something with fennel.  All you have to do is a little research and you will find a dizzying array of herb blends that are known to aid in digestion and its ability to soothe the belly.

What isn’t as common knowledge is the type of teas and tea blends to reach for when you’re looking for some much needed energy.  Granted, some of tea fanatics probably have an idea but for most the beverage of choice may be that can of pop or dare I say, an energy drink.  Some even think an alcoholic beverage will give them the courage to deal with life’s inevitable occasional disappointments or even give them the courage to do what they felt was normally impossible.  Maybe these people need to consider the unhealthy effects of pop and the unlikely “super hero” effects of alcohol and turn to tea.

Personally, I use various types of “green teas” to keep me energized without the crash of some other well-known drinks.  I don’t add sugar or any other additives, just tealeaves and water.  The best part is I can feel good that I am not harming myself or gaining excess weight as a result of empty calories.  I can tell you years ago when I was a serious pop drinker I knew what I was doing to my body was wrong and often felt guilty for my poor choices.  I never feel guilty about drinking tea.  The worst of it was when I drank soda pop all I got was a very temporary jolt of energy and often felt considerably tired after the “buzz” wore off.  Then the cycle of drinking, guilt, and crashing would repeat itself, as would the adding on of extra bulk.  It was a vicious cycle and it needed to stop.  Lucky for me I have never been a heavy drinker of alcohol it was pop that was my crutch so many years ago.

For me green tea is a wonderful all day energy stabilizer it stays with me all day without the jitters and crashing.  I especially appreciate the benefits these effects while being pregnant.  Believe me I can use all the help I can get in the energy department.

When I am having one of those days and need a super dose of energy I go for Matcha Tea.  Matcha has so many applications from the traditional method of preparation to lattés and can even been used to cook delicious savory and dessert dishes.  I love the flavor of Matcha though I know it isn’t for everyone (@Jackie) so for those I would recommend Guayusa and Mate´.  I am not as keen on the flavor profile of those and especially the Mate´ as I get a very unusual reaction to it that, as I understand is very rare so I won’t bore you with the details.  I know many people enjoy both and reap the energy boosting benefits of both.

Many believe “Black Tea” is the way to go when you need energy. I have to say for me black tea is a great energy booster but green gives me a more balance result.  Now I much rather reach for a black tea when I want a rich, full bodied, robust flavor which is honestly all the time because for me black tea tends to enhance my mood.  I enjoy its various applications such as drinking it “straight up” or its amazing blending abilities.  Black tea tends to blend very well with numerous herbs, botanicals, fruits, and more.  Not to say other tea types don’t blend well, I just simply feel black tea is far less discriminatory towards the addition of other additives.

My day tends to start with a brisk, bold morning cup of black tea.  A prefer a nice Irish, Scottish, or English Breakfast Blend.  Once I get myself started I use green tea to keep myself level for the remainder of the day.  Though I do drink black tea too.

If I am looking for a much-deserved goodnights rest I may reach for a lavender tea.   Lavender has such a way of evoking sleep and images of counting sheep.  Sometimes I even spray the sheets with a diluted formula of lavender essential oil to help drift me off to sleep.  Equally, so I do enjoy rose blends and aromas to encourage calm and good rest.  Who doesn’t take a nice whiff of rose essence and feel instantly relaxed?

How does tea affect your mood? Is it just the tea itself that energizes or calms you or is it the entire experience, perhaps the method of preparation, where you are, whom you are with, and your geographical setting?  I am certain all these factors can either affect positively or negatively your experience.  Though I know without tea I most definitely would be in a poor mood if even in the most serene of settings.

Tea & Pregnancy

I am sure many are curious about just how much tea one should be consuming during pregnancy and especially while traveling to the mother of all tea events, the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas, which is in just about two weeks?  When I arrive I will be just about halfway through my pregnancy and believe me there is no hiding it.  I am really showing “the baby bump” as it was.

I am certain I will get judgmental glances sent my way and whispers under ones breath about my sampling teas.  While I don’t suspect I will withdraw from tasting teas I do feel however I will probably only sample very few if any Matcha tea.  I am concerned about the caffeine combined with the other teas I will also be enjoying.  I am sure it isn’t a major concern, except I already know how my body reacts to Matcha when I am not pregnant so I feel it is my best interest and that of the baby to just stick with traditional tea.

When it comes to pregnancy may people have many different views.  Do drink or not to drink, coffee or no coffee, what about sushi?  While there are many pieces of information available on all subjects I truly feel that using your best judgment is way to go.

You know your body and what you should or should not do.  There is a lot to be said for moderation even when you are not pregnant.  I have always felt that whatever your decision just remember you are not just making it for yourself but for that little life growing and depending on you in the inside.

Moderation is key.  With my first pregnancy I drank tea all the time.  I did reduce my consumption by maybe 25% but keep in mind I already drink much more than the common tea drinker.  It only seemed rational and appropriate to reduce my intake a little.  I did not drink regular coffee with my first only decaf if I was craving the flavor.  Alcohol was a total “no-no” for me.  Still I understand that in many countries outside of the United States many “soon to be mama’s” still indulge in an occasional glass of wine.  As long you are not getting drunk and over indulging doctors felt it was safe and most of all there is no societal stigma.  No judging, no evil eye, or even blunt refusal to serve, an unfortunate situation known to happen in the United States far to often.

Now, I am not certain what is right and what is wrong but I can tell you for me tea is perfectly fine.  In fact it helps to calm my nerves.  I am sure those around me appreciate my efforts to remain calm.  These hormones do have a way of getting the best of me at times.  I have even taken to drinking very few and occasional cups of regular coffee maybe twice a week.  As for alcohol I still tend to stay away though I do plan on using a spittoon during my trip to Napa Valley in July.  I have cleared it with my doctor and she feels what little I get from tasting and spitting will not pose a threat to the baby and me.

So as I wait for the next two weeks to slowly go by I also wait and prepare myself for the almost certain second glance and tiny whispers while enjoying my tea for all to see.  I am sure it won’t happen a lot. I like to believe the tea community is far more enlightened for that sort of nonsense but for those few out there let me be and have a cup of tea.

It should be even more interesting visiting all the wineries in Napa Valley while 25 and 26 weeks pregnant.  I guess hubby will have to come to my defense.  Not to worry I truly only plan on swishing and spitting into a spittoon.  I would never purposefully harm the baby and myself.  I am sure those who know me best can be my character witnesses.  See you all in Las Vegas!

Life’s A Whirlwind

I’ve experienced so much excitement this year.  From iHeartTeas and the expansion I have done to my tea-inspired bath and beauty line to finding out I will be a mom again, a “whirlwind” to say the least.  Though this year has proven to be filled with new beginnings and major milestones everything has been wonderful.

Let me start by saying… I’m Happy!!!  I am following my dreams and writing at will and creating from the heart.  I am following my passions and reading my books again; enjoying “me” time, which I know, will soon be over.  I am enjoying new teas and tea experiences whilst sharing my love for tea far and wide.

Even my husband is enjoying great success at work.  He was promoted last year and though he has had his title since last year he didn’t actually assume all of his new duties until the start of this year.  With this newfound responsibilities and obvious boost in pay, the best news is now doesn’t travel as frequently as he once did.  This means he’s home more often and though he works a lot when he is home the point is… “HE IS HOME!!!”  Sorry, I guess I am a little excited.

Next, we found out we are going to be having our second child later this year.  I never expected to be pregnant again but we couldn’t be more excited.  I think my newfound profound happiness is directly related to entering the second trimester and being so excited about my upcoming trip to Las Vegas for the World Tea Expo.

I have a couple of trips in the pipeline.  Both of which were planned and booked prior to becoming pregnant.  Luckily both fall into the second trimester.  However, the second trip I am just a day from the third trimester when I return.  Still I have cleared it with the “doc” and with her blessing I am free to be excited and diligently planning for Vegas and California.

At the World Tea Expo I will be hitting up the booths, attending conferences, going to the Networking Reception, and participating in the “Tea Bloggers Roundtable.”  I am especially eager to attend the “How to use Blogging in your Business” Core Conference on Sunday.

I’ll have the chance to speak with and ask questions to some of the most respected tea bloggers.

Below are the Panelists:

Linda Gaylard , Blogger, The Tea Stylist

Robert Godden, Blogger, The Devotea

Darlene Meyers-Perry, Blogger, The Tea Enthusiast’s Scrapbook

Naomi Rosen, Founder, Joy’s Teaspoon

Jason Walker, Co-Founder/Co-Director, The Association of Tea Bloggers

Virginia Wright, Co-Founder/Co-Director, The Association of Tea Bloggers

If you are going to the Expo I highly recommend the “How to us Blogging in your Business” core conference and the “Tea Bloggers Roundtable” on Friday night.  Any blogger both experienced and novice is sure to walk away with a plethora of useful information.  I know I am always looking for ways to attract new readers and keep my loyal followers coming back for more.

The Panelists for the Tea Bloggers Round Table:

6-7pm Friday, June 7^th:

Conference Area: Room N255

Rachel Carter – iHeartTeas

Robert Godden – The Devotea

Geoffrey Norman – Lazy Literatus

Chris Giddings – Tea-Guy

Jen Picotti – An International Tea Moment

Jason Walker  – Walker Tea Review

Darlene Meyers-Perry – The Tea Enthusiast’s Scrapbook

Linda Gaylard – The Tea Stylist

Jo Johnson – Scandalous Tea

Michael C. Coffey – Tea Geek

Naomi Rosen – Joy’s Teaspoon

I am also very excited to be enjoying an “Afternoon Tea” with many World Tea Expo attendees that I have meet through Social Media and in person at last years Expo.  We are going to be taking in “Afternoon Tea” at the Four Seasons Las Vegas.  A special “Thank you” to Nicole Schwartz aka @AmazonV for taking responsibility for making reservations and planning.  I fully intend to partake in the culinary delights I am sure to be represented with and the of course the tea.  Yes, the glorious tea, which I am sure, will be paired preciously with the perfect little tea treat.  I will post my thoughts on my experience and hopefully many wonderful pictures of the event for my blog.  I should mention even my husband is anxious to go to tea.  I have trained him so well… wink…wink.

I haven’t got the rest of the visit worked out yet but since it will most likely be our last husband and wife only trip I am sure we will make plenty of time for my hubby and I to enjoy quality time together.  I mean I didn’t buy a maternity swimsuit for nothing, right?

I won’t discuss my trip to California in July just yet but I will say that this year so far has been filled with a lot of tea.  I am hoping the next half will be the same.  With many tea shop stops in San Francisco for sure.

Speaking of tea, I have been very lucky with this pregnancy and the last, because I have craved tea and the various different flavor profiles some teas represent.  I have been mostly waiting brisk, bold, and astringent teas.  Then from there I suddenly divert and have needed to consume pots of my “Strawberry Island” Black Tea Blend, which is flavored with strawberry, coconut, and vanilla.  Just writing about this tea is making me want to reach for a cup now or maybe I’ll cold steep some using the “Steep and Go” iHeartTeas also carries.  I have also found some rather new delicious unaltered teas recently from Verdant Tea and Upton Tea that I can’t keep my hands off of.  Golden Fleece of course and the Laoshan Black from Verdant Tea and River Shannon Breakfast Blend and Scottish Breakfast Blend from Upton Tea.  Of course I am being reasonable with my consumption but still succumbing to desire.  I drank tea all through my first pregnancy and I have a beautiful, intelligent, and amazing six-year-old daughter.  If anything tea many have attributed to those qualities, I’m only saying.   This is not my medical opinion as I am sure genetics played a part too.

Thanks, for reading especially since this was such a long post.  I didn’t even get to mention my new living furniture arriving soon from Ethan Allen, maybe next time.  Well, at least I didn’t forget the tea.

If you are attending the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas this June I’d love you join us for our “Tea Bloggers Round Table.” At this casual event you’ll have the chance to meet and chat with many tea bloggers you may already know and ask the questions you’ve been dying to ask.
Such as…
Where do you get your topic ideas?
How do you keep things fresh and engaging?
How do you measure your success?

As you can see I am a panelist and will do my best to answer your questions. Perhaps even over a cup of tea.

Event Details:

Tea Bloggers Roundtable

An informal gathering and discussion of issues concerning blogging and tea will be held from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center (N255).
For complete program details or to RSVP visit http://www.agiftoftea.com.

Can’t wait to see you there.

My Blog: www.iHeartTeasTheBlog.com

Oh My! I Need My “Golden Fleece”?

The feeling of being enveloped by the soothing comfort of my “Golden Fleece” has kept me wanting.  Its rich honey like flavor and bakey properties has often gripped my thoughts.  Wanting and waiting for my next cup.  Though this isn’t your everyday cup.  Restraint only makes you appreciate and crave it more and only then do you experience a level of satisfaction-unsurpassed imagination when you take your first sip.  Don’t even get me started on the physical attraction I have for this tea.  Its long slender leaf with golden downy locks made me reach right into the bag.  Touching the leaves was amazing.  Soft, silky, and fuzzy, you just want to cuddle it.

This “Golden Fleece” tea god or goddess was everything and more and the best part was being able to share it and my experiences with friends.

Tuesday night I, along with Nicole @TeaForMePlease, Jo @Jopj, Geoffrey @lazyliteratus, Jackie @Jackie, and Darlene @TeaArchives enjoyed a night of Golden Fleece, conversation, and good times via Google+ Hangout.  With each of us all over the country it was our passion for tea and technology uniting us.  We had a wonderful time discussing our impressions of the tea and the method in which we prepared our brew.

I used a petite Yixing teapot that I packed with tea and then poured hot water.  Waited about thirty seconds and poured a stream of rich golden liqueur into two tiny Yixing teacups for my husband and me.  That thirty seconds felt like forever but at least it was worth the wait.

Being able to enjoy this cup at the same time as my other tea-swilling friends was the highlight of the night.  Many of us who rarely eat while on Google+ Hangouts even added special snacks to our personal menus.  Most notable was Jo who had gone out of her way and picked up some amazing looking macaroons in anticipation of this hangout.  I had delicious coconut cookies I picked up from Trader Joes.  They were absolutely amazing.

After such a successful hangout we have decided to do more.  We will cover different teas each time.  Group reviewing teas and talking about them from the comfort of our own homes is such a wonderful and relaxing experience.  I am sure being there in person would be the only thing that would top the experience.

To Read About The Experience Of The Other Attendees Click Below

TeaForMePlease – Nicole Martin

TeaTrade – Jackie

A Gift of Tea – Jo Johnson

LazyLiteratus – Geoffrey Norman

Now Serving #2

(A Near Tea-Free Post)

I am not sure how else to say this but… “I’m Pregnant!”  We have kept this information secret long enough and want to share with all of our friends online this amazing news.

Many of you may not know this but our now six-year-old daughter was conceived through in-vitro-fertilization or in other words a “test tube baby.”  I’ll have you know the fault was entirely mine and not that of my manly and virile hubby.  No, he didn’t ask me to mention that.  That was totally all me aren’t I a sweetie?  It really is true.

Nevertheless, after she was born we decided she was going to be our one and only.  She was a miracle after all, plus I had a burst appendix in my second trimester and gallbladder removed just two months after I gave birth to her.  We thought there was no reason to tempt fate and certainly no reason to risk my health any further.

Roughly three years ago I got pregnant again and naturally at that.  We thought it was a miracle, how could this happen?  Last we checked I was broken with not just one reason but also several reasons for why I suffered from infertility.  All of the sudden we had to consider the possibility of another child.  A sibling for our daughter who we later felt deserved to have someone else.  When the day comes and we have passed on it only felt right for her to have family by her side.

Then just as quickly as the miracle happened it was taken away.  I had a miscarriage.  We were devastated and from then on I no longer believed in the possibility that I could ever successfully get pregnant and stay that way.  I was depressed and in denial.  I was learning about things like “blighted ovum” and why what happened in fact happened.  I knew it was too good to be true.  The baby never developed but my body thought I was pregnant.  I went in hoping to see the heartbeat and there was nothing more than a yolk sac.

Fast-forward roughly a little over one year and a half ago.   Hubby and I started talking about having another baby late 2011.  In fact he asked me if I wanted to try just out of the blue.  I was in shock since it had always been me with the strong desire to have a second.  However, after the miscarriage I went into shut down mode and had gotten used to the idea that there would only be the one now having to think about another was like opening myself up to fail.

After more than a year later of thinking I had to decide if I really wanted to put myself in this position again.   I decided it would be worth the struggle and possible heartache for our daughter.  Last December 2012 we made the conscience decision to try for another baby.  I knew I wasn’t going to be making this baby the “old fashioned” way but trust me it wasn’t for a lack of trying so I decided to make the necessary appointments and get setup with the same fertility center I used when I got pregnant with my daughter.

This January I met with a lot of different specialists.  I had a lot of blood drawn, ultrasounds, and medicine changes for my chronic illnesses.  After all that poking and prodding we are told…”Sorry, your insurance is from out of state and you are considered self-pay for all fertility services.”  I was in shock, I felt numb, and once those feelings subsided I was angry.  Illinois is where I live and have been living for a long time.  Here we have a state law that requires infertility coverage for those who require it.  Though, since my husbands company is based out of California we were considered “out of state” to that I say rubbish.  Now they next step was to fight it.  Do not get me upset because one way or another I will prevail.   Still I was also fighting my own body clock.  I didn’t want to get pregnant too much later since I am getting older.  This fight was going to take time and I started to get down on the whole idea again.  Perhaps this was a sign that it just isn’t meant to be and that I need to be happy with what I already have.  All this happened late January just in time for our 16^th wedding anniversary.

Now, go back to March 3^rd my husband’s birthday.  I started to feel something was amiss.  I started counting days and what I thought I missed by a couple of days was actually more than a week, darn February with its fewer days.  I still had some old unexpired pregnancy tests at home and decided I had better just check in case since not only did I miss the big day but also other little things were going on.  Soreness in certain places, super sniffer, cravings for raw broccoli, and ice shavings, and just plain flat out super tired.  I fell asleep at anytime, anywhere, and you swore I was narcoleptic.  Though, I had an excuse explaining everything.  I thought it must be my diabetes since lately my sugar has been fluctuating, and maybe I am low on iron since that has happened before.  As you can see it had to be something else but the responsible side of me thought I had better check just to be safe.

March 3^rd, 2013 5:15am  -  I took a pregnancy test.

In less than a few seconds I saw the darkest of pink lines ever and not just one but two.  The test line was darker than even the control line.  My heart dropped, I waited the three minutes as instructed and still there it was staring me in the face.  Looks like I stuck it “to the man.”  So what else could I do but march out into the bedroom with test in hand.  I saw my husband rustling about so I expected he was about to wake up and figured he must have heard me making a racket.  I thought for sure he was going to ask what I was up to.  So to preempt his questions I wished him a Happy Birthday.  He said, thank you and I said “No, sweetie really Happy Birthday!” then I turned and pulled the test out from behind my back and gave him the shock of his life.  He was so happy and couldn’t believe it.  This was most definitely a “love child” that must have happened on Valentine’s Day.  Later, he says… “I was just getting up to use the washroom.”  I started to laugh.  It was a great day for all of us.

Now as the days went on I started to worry the same thing that happened three years ago would happen again and I am happy to report I have now seen the baby two times and it is growing well.  I am just about ten weeks along and the baby has a strong heartbeat.  The pregnancy has already been filled with excitement.  I have nausea, lots of soreness, fatigue, and apparent moodiness.  Being sick these past two weeks hasn’t been helpful but I have checked on the baby and everything still looks great.  I am four weeks away from starting my second trimester and I can’t wait.  Luckily for me I will be experiencing the easier part of pregnancy during our June trip to Las Vegas for the World Tea Expo and to Napa Valley and San Francisco in July.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to drink the wine but don’t think for a moment that I am above using a spittoon.

Though I am not out of the woods yet I have a strong feeling that this pregnancy is going to be just fine.  For once I can say that I feel it will be totally….”normal.”

This brings me to the tea portion of this blog post.  I drank tea all throughout my first pregnancy and plan on doing the same all throughout this one.

From tea fast to tea binging I just have so many teas that I need to drink them before they move past their prime.  My goal is to get through a rather large amount of tea in the next two weeks.  I want to be sure I drastically reduce the amount tea I have in my personal stash and fast.  The other reason is because I want to start fresh before my second visit to the World Tea Expo this June in Las Vegas.

Stay posted as I will be including quick reviews of each of the teas I sip-down these next two weeks.

Below I have linked all of my blog posts related to my week long tea-fast so that they can easily be found in one location for easy referencing.  Click on the image and you will be redirected to the blog post you desire.  Thank you & Enjoy!

Pre-Tea Fast

Pre-Tea Fast

Tea-Fast Day 1

Tea-Fast Day 2

Tea-Fast Day 3

Tea-Fast Day 4

Bonus: Why Tea-Fasting Can Be Good For Business

Tea-Fast Day 5

Tea-Fast Day 6

Tea-Fast Day 7

Post Tea-Fast: Final Entry

Post Tea-Fast: The Day After

Final Tea-Fast Series Post

Events from: 3/18/2013

Documented: 3/20/2013

Finally the tea-fast is over and what have a learned?  A few things!

First, and foremost I learned never to tea-fast ever again.  The only reason I would consider stoping my tea consumption is if I had no other choice.  I imagine medical reasons to be the only reason why and even then I would want concrete evidence for the necessity to quit or slow down.

Second, I love tea more than I ever imagined.  It is a part of my life and runs as deep as my nearly impossible to reach veins, the beating of my heart, and the air in my lungs.  Tea is ingrained  in me, it runs through my blood.  Well, in reality perhaps my blood runs through all the tea I consume.  I often thought maybe tea was an overlay in my life like a hobby or a favorite food.  After this week I know it to be much more.  It is my life’s blood.

Third, I am not addicted to tea.  Well, at least not physically, sort of.  I didn’t  suffer from any evident caffeine withdrawal.  I anticipated headaches, fatigue, and massive amounts of irritability.  I was fortunate to evade the ill effects some may suffer.  However, it lead me to believe that perhaps tea doesn’t have the same effects.  I remember years ago when I started to minimize the consumption of pop and coffee I felt obvious withdrawal systems as people would expect.  I slowed down for two reasons, first was health and second because I didn’t like it as well anymore.  Though I still enjoy coffee it started making me jittery if I exceeded my one cup a day limit.  I suffered headaches, I was super irritable, it was horrible. I have been drinking tea even longer and more consistently and didn’t feel any sever ill effects.  Perhaps I was just lucky or maybe tea just doesn’t have the same withdrawal effects.  I am not saying the same thing will happen to you but what I am saying is that I was lucky enough for it not happen to me.

How Did I Celebrate?

Easy! Just as soon as I had the moment to relax and truly enjoy my first cup of tea, I decided to settle down to a delicious comfort tea. The tea I love most for just that is…Sweet Velvet Fog {Black Tea Blend} it is one of my absolute favorite iHeartTeas blends.

Here is how the day went…

1. Sweet Velvet Fog {Black Tea Blend} - A epic delight dancing on my tongue.  It gave me great satisfaction as I made my “oohs and ahhs” sipping away comfortably at my desk whilst writing my eloquent poem reviewing the weeks events.

2. Scottish Breakfast Blend from Upton Tea Imports – A robust, flavorful, full of character, brisk black tea blend.  It’ll shoot you’re eyes open.

3. Oi Ocha Dark from Ito En - This is my absolute favorite “ready to drink” bottled tea.  The flavor was so vivid and vegetal.  I savored the bottle all day.

4. Tie Guanyin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) from Rishi Tea – This was a wonderful way to cap the day.  I enjoy letting this one continuously steep so I can get that darker roast flavor from the oolong.  There are few oolongs I can do this with and for the flavor just get better the longer I steep.  I wouldn’t suggest this unless you prefer stronger teas as I do.

The Good News:

I was happy to be back in with my tea drinking buddies.  The sensory experiences were multiplied as I enjoy all of my tea on Monday helping me to enjoy all its greatness even more.

The Bad News:

I couldn’t sleep at all that night.  It lead me to believe maybe I did experience caffeine withdrawal but that perhaps it was so subtle I didn’t notice it.  Normally I could have had Matcha before bed with no issues at all.  Lucky for me it was just that Monday night as Tuesday night I slept like a baby with my empty cup by my side.

Thank you all for being with me through this journey.

~The End~

Tea-Fast: Day 7 – The End Is Here!

Events From: 3/17/2013 (St. Patrick’s Day)

Documented: 3/18/2013

The Journey

The seconds tick by slowly.

My friends and family members try to annoy me.

Out of love they say

Jolly games they play

Tealeaves and brew you show me

Angst fills my heart, my mind, my cup but I will not show thee

Rebirth, strength, and confidence fill me

Their teasing only fuels me

Now minutes tick by without a second goodbye

Tea shall always be by my side

As a friend not a foe

No day will I ever go

Hours fly by, my friends tempt me with lies

Drink they say, you have nothing to prove

I throw fuel to the fire; their temptations make me go higher.

Push myself to end

One week it has been

Believe in they did or maybe did not

I know I will make it

Tea will not take me with it

Those around me support me

Without fail they tease me

Send good thoughts and good feelings

I see it was love, it always had been

They may not know but torture and teasing and good will only propels me

My future was sealed by those all around me

Your own personal form of support got me through this

Whether it be torture, a good word, or a comment or two

Thank you all as tomorrow will be true

The one-week tea-fast is over

The future nevermore

I don’t know why but a poem seemed to be the perfect way to describe these seven days.  I even made to midnight without a sip.  I want make my first cup a special one that can be savored.   Peacefully drunk whilst looking out the window at the falling snow.  I am surprised I didn’t just dive in at first opportunity.  I feel good, I feel happy, and I am certainly thrilled to have all of you supporting me all the way.

Forgive my writing, as I haven’t written a poem since high school.  Please no one take offense with anything in my poem.  Those who know me should know my sarcastic nature.  Everything I said was out of love and I felt supported 100% of the time.

Special Thanks To: (I hope I didn’t forget anyone)

Jo, Jackie, Robert, Nicole (TeaForMePlease), Tea Moment, Ricardo, Xavier, Katrina, Lu Ann, Courtney, Melody, Nicole (AmazonV), Amy, Crystal, Linda, Eric, Cynthia, Verity, Chris, Cody, Michelle, Vivek, Tozy Tea, Hilda, ChouchouThes, William, Ripping Yarns, Sara, Sip Tea, Teaconomics, Robyn, Jennifer F, Cody G, James, Michael C & the Sunday Tea Salon, and everyone else routing for me silently.  I love you guys!  If I forgot anyone I am really sorry.  Please don’t be upset with me.  I am just working on my first cup while writing this.

Most of all I’d like to offer extra special thanks to my husband Ralph and daughter Alexandria for putting up with me during this past week.   Your patience and efforts have not gone unnoticed. 

Tea-Fast: Day 6 – Gettin’ Antsy!!!

Events From: 3/16/13

Documented: 3/17/13

Once I made the realization that my hypotheses was totally wrong.  It’s great to know I am not as physically dependent to tea as I once suspected and feared I may have been.  Problem is now I am excited and what better way to celebrate than with a cup of delicious tea?  Fraking heck!!! That’s right I still have to wait until Monday.  The clock is ticking so slowly and so many images of tea dancing in my head.

I now know that I don’t need to drink tea because I can’t help myself.  Then why can’t I have a cup now?  I know why…because then it may prove I am addicted.  The least I can do is get through today and celebrate a hard fought victory tomorrow.

So instead of dwelling on what I can’t have at this moment I have been mentally planning how I can celebrate on Monday.

1. Vow NEVER to make such crazy plans to quit tea for no other purpose than sheer curiosity.
2. What will be my first tea?  Currently, I am contemplating Sweet Velvet Fog. It is a creamy sweet comfort tea that I feel will help me ease back into tea.  Don’t want to shock my system with a Two Tigers or something.  Although that Two Tigers does sounds delicious, perhaps later.

The sheer level of excitement I am feeling right now has me so jubilant with anticipation that I may burst.  Now I haven’t bought any more tea and I may not.  As stated before I already have enough to serve a small country.  Though yesterday during my trip to the bookstore I did notice Tazo brand Chai Concentrate for what I thought was reasonably priced for a Tazo/Starbucks product at $4.95 for the box and purchased it.  My curiosity got the best or me or perhaps excitement for Monday.

Special Thanks to @Jopj for sending all these wonderfully fun messages on Google+ everyday.  They were so encouraging.

The tea-fast ends tomorrow!

Tea-Fast Day 5: Rise of the Phoenix

(Thanks for helping to provide the perfect description @Xavier)

Events from: 3/15/2013

Documented: 3/16/2013

I feel a sense of clarity now that I have completed five days going on six without tea.  I did give into the temptation by way of tisanes and herbals but only a few times, though it isn’t tea so I do forgive myself.  It seems what I was missing was the ritual of tea.  It is the act of taking time to enjoy a hot cup whilst reading, working, anything really that I missed the most.  After realizing that, I had a renewed sense of conviction and confidence.  I can do it!  No matter what the naysayers say.  I can make it to the finish line.

It is exciting to know that what I was addicted to this whole time wasn’t the tea itself but the ritual.  I admit having a hot beverage was very satisfying as I sat there in contemplation over this what seemed pointless tea-fast.   What I know now is that the fast was not pointless.  It is almost a spiritual journey even I didn’t know I was on.   Fasting put into perspective what it I desired most.   As @Xavier put it best, I am like the “Phoenix rising from the ashes and reborn.”

I can’t believe I am saying this but I am glad I decided to fast.  If you had asked me earlier, I would have said that I made a terrible mistake, that this adventure was pointless.  Seriously, why did I give up tea if even for a day unless I had no other choice?  Now, I am a brand new woman.  I am reborn and realizing that tea is more a part of my life now than ever and will always be.  I now not only enjoy the leaf but see more clearly how much I also enjoy the ritual, the conversation, the variety, tea friends and community.  I have a new peace about my passion and a clearer understanding.

Today I learned I am NOT addicted to tea.  I am NOT A SLAVE to tea.  Tea is my welcomed companion along for the journey by my side.

Why Tea-Fasting Can Be Good For Business

In case your wondering if tea fasting can be good for business?  Absolutely, but only in the case where the tea faster is so incredibly obsessed with tea that not a moment passes when he/she can wait for their tea-fast to be over.  Of course I am referring to an anonymous person. Tea-He!

Here are a few reasons why.  The desire to want, drink, and shop for tea will only grow exponentially.  If I used myself as an example I’d say with all the teas I already have in my personal stash plus those I blend for @iHeartTeas it wouldn’t make much sense to purchase new tea.  I even recently went through a cleansing process as I was in possession of so many teas that had either gone past their prime or not exactly a favorite.  Yet, I kept them for no real purpose other than to have “just in case.”  I can’t even tell you just many I threw away after the purge.  I don’t think you would believe me, even if I told you.  Let me also mention that even after the purge I still have A LOT of tea in my possession.  What’s left are the cream of the crop, all good teas, stored well and ready for consumption post tea-fast.

Now to the point, why can a “tea-fast” be good for business?  Simply being without tea for now going on five days has reverted me back to my more novice tea drinking days.  Those days where I wanted to try everything I could get my hands on.  I did frequent tea swaps, made purchases, got involved in “traveling tea boxes,” you name it I did it all for the love of tea.  I was bright-eyed and bushy tailed emercing myself into the world of loose leaf tea.  Finding others just like me and enjoying this new found love were just a few of the things I love most about my passion.  Many years later and five days into this fast I feel young again.  A rebirth of my passion for tea.  It is a wonderfully euphoric experience getting back to my younger exuberant feelings of curiosity and desire to indulge in all things tea.  It’s so refreshing but tough on the wallet (hubby’s wallet.)

I had mentioned at the beginning of my tea-fast that I would start a list of those teas I would want to purchase when I finished my week long abstanance.  I have gone much further than that and that is why tea-fasting can be good for business, even my business.

See below for evidence of just that…

Recent Orders:

Upton Tea Imports: 

Item			Price	Qty.	Total
	TB14T 125g tin: Scottish Breakfast Blend $7.60 $7.60
	TB20 125g packet: River Shannon Breakfast Blend $5.60 $5.60
	TB22S 10g sample: Turkish Style Blend $1.00 $1.00
	TD75S 12g sample: Glenburn Estate FTGFOP1 Cl First Flush (DJ-4) $5.50 $5.50
	ZK58S 10g sample: Black Tie-Guan-Yin $2.00 $2.00
	ZK75S 10g sample: Sweet Honey Black Tea Organic $3.00Only 9 left!  $3.00

52Teas

18932385 Coconut Cheesecake Honeybush $8.99 x 2 $17.98
	288 Raspberry Cream Black Tea $8.99 x 1 $8.99

Verdant Tea

How the tea-fast has effected business for iHeartTeas…

I really thought business would take a virtual hit this week. Instead I think my iHeartTeas supporters have come out in force supporting my quest with kind words of encourage and purchases on both my sites iHeartTeas and iHeartTeas on Etsy. Goes to show being tea free can even boost the bottom-line. I have the best customers.

Tea-Fast: Day 4 – Crawling Towards The Finish Line
Events From: 3/14/2013
Documented: 3/15/2013

Yesterday marks a major milestone.  I am made it past the halfway point.   Hurray, let the confetti fly, the fireworks burst, and tea all around.   Well, except for me but please enjoy a cup for me.

The task has become considerably more challenging.   I have at times taken to less than “lady like” decorum and have later felt ashamed.  I had also taken part of an interview with @teaformeplease yesterday discussing iHeartTeas.  It was brilliant and went well but I couldn’t help but feel that if I had a cup of tea by my side maybe I would feel calmer and less critical of myself.

Tea is so much more than just a drink.  It is a way of life.  Until now I hadn’t realized how much I use tea as a form of tradition, ritual, relaxation.  Perhaps I am on edge and irritable because I have broken away from my normal tea practice.  I am starting to believe that my irritability is a result of me not drinking tea and not because tea is absent from my system.  What great news!  This means I am not addicted physically to tea.  It is the act of drinking, the time taken to choose a tea, the vessel in which to steep in, the entire process is what I miss.

Knowing this I have regained confidence.  I shall make it to the end and will not be a “slave to tea.”

Confession: I enjoyed an herbal brew last night just so I could partake in the ritual.  It was incredibly satisfying.  My husband thinks I cheated.  My comeback was I’m not drinking tea this is a tisane.  Still, he wasn’t buying it.

What do you think?  Did I cheat?