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

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

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?

Tea-Fast: Day 3 – Almost Halfway
Events from: 3/13/13
Documented: 3/14/13

Journey Thus Far:

I am thrilled I have nearly made it past the halfway point. However, I am starting to question my resolve. Why, did I do this? Sometimes I can be so impetuous, I believe this to be a positive and sometimes negative character trait. In other words a “blessing and a curse.” In the case of this tea-fast I am leaning towards curse. The only real major reason I started this fast was to see if I could do it. Lets say I make it the whole week, what do I get, just the mere satisfaction of personal accomplishment? Bragging rights? To what end is this really an accomplishment. As lists of accomplishments go, I would rate higher such things like “proud mother,” “devoted wife,” “successful business woman,” any of which I would be satisfied if adorned on my future tombstone or mentioned in my obituary. Last of all will be the mention that it was I that fasted without tea for a week. I mean, who really cares? I imagine this to be a forgotten quest in the near future. Why shouldn’t I just have another cup of tea now? I can only think of a few competitive reasons but none that are truly of any real value or measure. Sure I want Robert (@thedevotea) to know I did it. To rub in my success with a boisterous laugh and pshaw that would bring me satisfaction but for how long? Isn’t it an empty victory? In fact it was I that was deprived of my desires? It isn’t as if I would walk about with a medal of accomplishment around my neck or a trophy on my mantel. I even wouldn’t mind showing Jackie (@Jackie) that it can be done and if anyone were going to do it, it would be me. In fact I look forward to her silly comments teasing me. They give me much needed fuel to pursue this quest. Mostly, I feel I have to succeed because of the daily support I’ve been getting from Jo (@Jopj) on Google+ and that of the other folks like @Xavier and those I have already mentioned in my last post. This misguided venture has turned into something more than me. It may not be about tea anymore. This is now for all my supportive friends out there. Yes, even for those who tease me out of love.

Physical & Psychological Withdrawal:

I am still not experiencing anything I would normally expect to experience coming off of caffeine especially “cold turkey.” I have only occasionally had pop at negligible amounts and enjoy only one decaffeinated coffee every morning. Years ago before my commitment to tea I drank regular coffee and pop a lot more, unhealthy amounts. This was many years ago in my teens and early twenties. When I decided to stop, frankly because my body couldn’t handle it anymore I noticed a lot more symptoms of caffeine withdrawal. Such as headaches, irritability, fatigue, etc. Currently, it appears irritability is my main symptom and it is only getting worse. I have often in hindsight heard what appears as me starting a fight with my husband. Annoyed more easily by the little things. I so appreciate him handling this so well. As far as the scientific side of things, it appears detoxing from tea is a completely different experience than that of other caffeinated beverages.

Likely Hood of Success: 50/50 – I really just WANT A CUP OF TEA!!!

Tea-Fast Day 2: Mood Swings
Events From: 3/12/13
Documented: 3/13/13

First and most importantly I am still hanging in there. I am starting to wonder if this fast was really a good decision. I am finding myself frustrated. I want to reach for a cup and I am reminded I can’t. My drink choices are dull and tasteless. I am limited since I am also a Diabetic so you can say good-bye to juices and other sugary drinks. I’ll be honest, I miss tea and I miss it a lot.

Earlier in the afternoon I found myself screaming in the car ride home for a cup of tea. I didn’t and I am trying hard not to but I believe me I do want a cup.

The good news is that I am not experiencing any caffeine withdrawal symptoms like headaches. I was certain that would happen. As for any physical symptoms I do not have any, at least not yet.

Emotionally, I have my moments. I am moody and annoyed at the world very easily. I read posts and see tweets of others drinking that wonderful nectar and I grow envious. I want to peruse websites for new tea purchases and it only make the temptation worse.

Warning: You may find me sending out more angry or emotional tweets. Please forgive me in advance, as I am not myself.

P.S. @thedevotea @jackie @teapages @jopj I love your constant teasing. It actually encourages me to continue. Don’t worry I know you are teasing me out of love. I also want to thank Linda Howell, Crystal Rodriguez, Nicole Martin, Riccardo Caicedo, Jen Piccotti, and all my Steepster friends such as @Azzrian plus so many more for all of your words of encouragement.

Word of advice…don’t do this unless you have too. Sort of feels like senseless torture.

Tea-Fast: Day 1 – It Begins
Events of: 3/11/13
Written: 3/12/13

So far I’ve made it one day. It wasn’t terrible. The toughest part was replacing tea for something else. Driving home from dropping off my daughter to school my first thought was to make a cup of tea. Of course, then reality sunk in. So instead I have been drinking water mostly. My beverage options are limited. I can’t have anything with a lot of sugar and I am not a pop person.

I foresee the upcoming posts getting a little more dire but at the moment I can say I am doing alright. To help things along I am using an old bottle of Oi Ocha Dark and filled it with water. I am hoping psychologically I will get a false sensation of drinking tea.

Your encouragement online has been a great help. Even those who torture me with details about what tea they are enjoying. It’s okay, I love it. It pushes me to try even harder.

I am hoping that when things start to get a bit rough I could start writing a list of teas I’d like to purchase. Perhaps my gift to me would be a mini-tea shopping spree when I succeed.

Right now, I am doing well but still crave it. Being that drinking tea is almost a reflex it is an obvious change to my life style.

Thanks everyone for your support. You know who you are!

Oh and you instigators…I’ve got my eye on you.

Lastly, what are your thoughts on tisanes?

Pre-Tea Fast Jitters
2 Days Prior to Tea Fast

Oh my gosh! What was I thinking? The big day is just around the corner. In preparation for my fast I have been enjoying some of my finer teas that I have been saving for a special occasion.

~ Note to self – Stop saving teas no matter how rare, costly, or special. There is no time like the present so enjoy them while you can.~

I am trying hard to get my game face on but the reality of time is sneaking up on me. I know I can do this but I fear the only reason I will give in to temptation is missing the flavors and routine of my regular teas I have now been drinking for years.

Sure I am a little jumpy right now. Perhaps even more as I have just finished a rather large pot of Puerh. I probably should not have done that. Perhaps the proper and more responsible course of action is to slow my consumption before the big day. Let me be perfectly honest I have never been that good at making the rational choices. I follow my heart more often than my brain. If I had used my brain I probably would never had even concocted this ridiculous notion of “quitting tea for a week!”

On that note I need to make a list of teas I want to be sure I drink before the fast and then a second list of teas I want to drink as soon as the fast is over. Perhaps I should consider a little tea shopping during my fast so I can having something to look forward to post fast.

Wish me luck!

First, thank you “The Tea Spot” for allowing me the opportunity to test and officially become addicted to the Steep & Chill.

Initial Use: I followed the directions as stated on the packaging.

Features: As listed on The Tea Spot website
Borosilicate glass iced tea pitcher
Large volume loose leaf infuser
Solid ice tube freezer core
Dishwasher safe
BPA-free
Makes 1 quart (32 oz) iced tea

Solid Ice Tube Freezer Core: I used the core only once to test it. It works well and does keep the tea cool for extended period of time without being in the refrigerator. I only used it once because I tend not to keep the tea out and just a grab a glass from the refrigerator as wanted. However, I think this Spring and Summer I may try to use the ice core more frequently.

How It Works:
1. Fill the pitcher to the marked line.
(I did this only on the initial use but do not personally feel it is necessary. I prefer to fill the pitcher higher for a higher yield. You can “cold brew” the tea or use hot water to steep the tea leaves. I prefer the “cold brew” method but the “hot” method works well too.  I have added a link to “My Cold Brew Method” Blog Post above to give you an example of what I am referring it to when I say “cold brew”.  You can apply a similar method using this pitcher.

2. Place tea into the large volume loose leaf tea infuser.

3. Screw the tea infuser onto the cover.

4. Put the cover with attached tea infuser onto the pitcher.

5. Place the pitcher into the refrigerator.
(If you steeped the leaves using hot water be sure to remove the tea infuser once sufficient time has passed then place the pitcher into the refrigerator to cool. If you use the “cold brew” method leave the infuser attached and place the entire pitcher into the refrigerator.)

6. Remove the tea infuser prior to placing the pitcher into the refrigerator if using the “hot” brew method.

(If you use the “cold brew” method leave the tea infuser attached and allow the tea to steep in the refrigerator until you have reached desired strength and flavor.  Remove the tea infuser and enjoy.)

7. Drink and enjoy the tea once you have achieved desired temperature, strength, and flavor.

Pros:
Excellent Quality
Easy To Use
Easy To Clean
Consistent Results
Cost Effective – Made to last using quality materials
Doesn’t dilute your iced tea
Great for entertaining
Keeps the iced tea cool while sitting out

Cons:
Cannot be used with finer teas like rooibos, some Sencha’s and Gyokuro’s.
Doesn’t make an exceptionally larger pitcher of iced tea if you follow the directions on the packaging. I broke the rules and found it much more functional for me.

Clearly, the “Pro’s” outweigh the “Con’s.” I found the pure simplicity, ease of use, and consistent steeping results makes this an essential addition to your tea accessory arsenal.

Share you experiences and please leave a comment.

Get Yours Here

Before I get to the nitty gritty, I first wanted to thank everyone that participated. This was by far the most successful contest I have run. What I mean by successful was the amount of chatter surrounding it, number of site visits, comments, and the overall pure energy around it. Thanks to you, I can say with pride… “You like me, you really like me!” Well, at least I hope you do if not that’s fine just “no tea for you.” Ha-Ha!

The focus of the contest was to learn about “Why you love tea?” With so many great responses I just had to highlight a few of my favorites.

“I started drinking tea about 3 & 1/2 years ago, and the word I typically use to describe this transition is “revolutionary.” Everything about tea is appealing to me from the comforting warmth of the mug to the soothing chilled glass. Practically every other drink has its peak yet monotonous taste, whereas tea allows the brewer to experiment for new blends as well as providing variety depending on your mood – AND the nuances of each steep make drinking tea an experience rather than a thoughtless activity. I love the ritual of making a cup by hand as well as the modern efficiency of the Breville maker. I have turned my friends onto tea and their family members as well, and perhaps more than any other, it is the true communal drink. Drinking tea has both become a necessity and a luxury in my life, and I can’t see it any other way.” -Submitted By: Jessica

“Tea is an addiction for me for many reasons. It’s a calming comfort when things aren’t going well. It’s daily reminder to take pleasure in life’s simple gifts. Every cup is a unique story, if you take the time to listen, and even when i’m rushed and only have time for pieces of the story, it brings a smile to my face. I take joy in the simple preparation of a cup of tea. I look forward to what has become my morning ritual. I find stability in knowing that with each morning, there will be a cup as part of my story. I love that even though i’ve tried a great many teas, i could spend my entire life and never get to the end of the list. I continue to drink tea because it makes me happy. From start to finish, even with a cup of tea that i might not love, everything about it is a smile waiting to happen.” – Submitted By: Sil

“The main reason why I don’t stop drinking tea is because it turns me from a radioactive hulking nightmare into a mild-mannered, spectacle wearing regular person. In other words, I do it for the good of all humanity. That is all.” – Submitted By: Verity

Those are just a few. Everyone really went all out. I’d suggest taking a look at all the comments and see for yourself. See comments: Here

Why do I love tea? All the aforementioned reasons everyone can’t stop drinking the stuff. Bottom line…”Tastes great, less filling,” wait haven’t I heard that some place before? I love tea because of the sheer variety, flavors, and the people I get to meet because of tea. I am Aries and I get bored very easily. Tea tailors to my mood so what is there not to like?

Alright, alright thanks for hanging in there. I’ll stop with the rambling and tell you what you really want to know assuming you didn’t already skip to the bottom.

The winners are…

Crystal Rodriguez –
“You ask why I would want to win free tea!!! Well let me tell you ! If I won free tea it would give me the love to overcome all obstacles , the strength to overcome my enemies and the would restore my faith in humanity! All the things a lonely lady in a house full of coffee drinkers could ever aspire to have! Why, i would be so grateful for free tea…I just wouldn’t be able to contain my excitement !!!!!!”

T.C. Cromie -
“Wow…why?
I’ve always hated the taste of coffee and never drank it. I’ve given up sodas and don’t drink milk. I had basically been drinking water and juicing for “drinks” in my life. When I found tea…then started exploring the many varieties and blends…WOW, a whole new world opened.
I thought for a while I was just in the “new” phase of it and I’d eventually settle down to a cup of so a day. But it has instead become an addiction. My “tea shelf” turned into my “tea shelves” and then into my “tea cupboards and counter”. Over half my dirty dishes now are tea cups when I wash. I don’t really see an end in sight…and the worst part is I don’t WANT to see an end in sight anymore. It sort of sucks you in. I imagine it’s something like a drug addict might feel. To give you an idea, it’s currently 1:06am. I’ve been up all night drinking tea and searching tea sites and am now writing on a tea blog. This isn’t abnormal behavior for me these days.

It went from a drink, to a hobby, to an obsessive passion for me. I’m just thankful there are a few others on the internet I can relate with so I don’t feel so odd about it.”

Robyn Schwarz-Primer -
“I think I am addicted to tea because it evokes so many good memories of drinking tea at my Great Grandma’s house, and of having tea with my family in France. Also I find it very relaxing, and when I need an energy boost it doesn’t make me jittery. It also comes is so many flavours that there is something for every mood! It creates addiction that way…”

What Did They Win?

1/2oz Samples of some handcrafted blends and more. A tea lovers dream!
Sweet Velvet Fog {Black Tea Blend}
Winter Frost {Black Tea Blend}
Raspberry & Apricot Delight {Green Tea Blend}
Blood Orange Mocha {Herbal & Black Tea Blend}
Strawberry Island {Black Tea Blend}
Creamy Pumpkin Spice {Black Tea Blend}
Sourenee 2nd Flush Darjeeling
BONUS – NOT YET RELEASED…
Strawberry & Rhubarb {Oolong Blend}

Thanks again for playing. See you next time and don’t forget those 10% off coupon codes I sent to your inbox. The coupons were sent all those that participated but were not selected winners. They expire on March 10, 2013 valid for one time use only. If you don’t see the coupon code in your inbox check SPAM as many messages have ended up there.

Tea Retailer? or Tea Blogger? Why Not Both?

Recently, I have been faced with this very question and as it appears many still operate in absolutes. I never thought of myself as one or the other. I’m a complicated person plus a woman and you know we can do it all. So what I want is acceptance that grey areas exist and so acknowledged. Though I’ve noticed sometimes these grey areas are over looked. The thought is you are either a “retailer” or a “blogger” and if you are a “retailer” you must only blog about your business so you can’t be a real “blogger.” Seems the thought of being “both” is almost alien to some. I do see it as a fine line and only few pioneers have mastered this tightrope walk. I’ve decided to take up the challenge and when my mind is made it WILL happen.

As I am sure many have noticed I prefer not to work within the confines of absolutes. Perhaps this is what evolution looks like? So bloggers will be retailors and visa versa. Taking the time to look more closely at the individual. Wouldn’t it be in everyones best interest to expand our understanding of a person or so many wonderful opportunities may slip right through our fingers.

The more pressing question is who I see myself to be.

Fact: YES!!! I do sell my very own tea blends and a plethora of other tea-inspired bath and beauty products, though I am just a “wee tea bud” right now. Found Here: iHeartTeas & iHeartTeas on Etsy

Fact: YES!!! I am a blogger and I have been doing that a lot longer than selling any products with great success. Found Here: iHeartTeas:The Blog

~Oh, boy I feel a classic @thedevotea style rant coming on or maybe that is how I started this post. Please forgive me now.~

Fact: I sell because I want to write! For that I need money. Lets face it money makes the world go round. I love to make my products because it is fun, helps me relax, and most of all funds my blogging hobby while keeping me home. Well, that and my husbands paycheck. Who am I kidding, mostly my husbands paycheck. Thanks, hubby!

~Kind of think I should be drinking a cup of tea and bathing in my tea baths right now. Instead having this mini-rant.~

Do I want to make money too? Well, duh!!! Of course I want to make money. Again, so I can stay at home, drink tea, be a mother to my child, a wife to my husband, and again… WRITE. For many the goal of a business is to make money and never stop making more and more and I get that. For me the goal of my business is to make enough money so I can write and try to take some of the financial burden off my husband.

So if anyone asks me what I am I will proudly say…”BOTH!” I love being an online retailer, tea and creating is in my blood, but I’m a blogger first.

Spoiler Alert:
Announcement For Those Who Made It Through My Mini-Rant…
iHeartTeas:The Tea Recipes
I am planning compiling some tea recipes I have created over the years and publishing them. Yes, that’s right a tea recipe book iHeartTeas style. The recipes will be made using teas from a variety of tea vendors and not just my own blends. Let me know if you would like me to create a recipe using tea from your company.

Who Loves Tea? I Mean Really Loves Tea!
CONTEST CLOSED – As per my comment below -

Thank you to all that entered the contest. It is now closed a all winners will be contacted by Sunday 2/24/13 best case scenario or worst case Monday 2/25/13. If I don’t receive a response from the winner in a timely manner I will move onto another person. All winners will then be posted on a seperate blog post featuring their reasons “Why” they love tea, a few of my other favorite entries, and then my reason of course. I will also announce what FREE TEA the winners have won. Again, thanks for playing and sharing all of your wonderful reasons for why you love tea thus helping me feel so much better about my tea addiction.
_______________________________________________________________________
Who loves tea so much that they consume more tea on a daily basis than water? Dream about tea, has the desire to visit a tea growing region and has done it? Who loves tea so much they write about tea, review it, spread their love of tea to friends and family? So much so that they’d rather score their next Puerh Cake than pay their electric bill?

I LOVE tea that much! I know so many others do as well. We are tea fanatics my friends. We love tea so much we’d sell our souls for the next best tea everyones been talking about. We are the ones that raid the blogs, the stores, and the websites for news about new and exciting tea and we don’t stop there. We collect tea accessories, tea art, tea books, and more.

It’s you I want to hear from.

I make new excuses for my daily obsession, do you? I create new justification to keep consuming and acquiring more, do you? I will always be reaching for my next cup as I am sure you be will too.

What I want to know is why? Not when you started drinking tea, or an inspirational story about the first cup you ever had. No, I want to know “WHY” are you still drinking tea and haven’t stopped? Why are you addicted to tea like a gamer is to his console, and a techie to his gadgets?

Contest Details:
Comment in this post “Why” you are addicted to tea. Give me your best excuses and be honest. Three random winners will be announced a few days following the close of the contest on 2/22/2013. Those winners will be sent FREE TEA!!! YES, your next score of those sultry intoxicating leaves to create the elixir you can’t get enough of. Lets get started but follow the rules, or no tea for you…

Rules:
Required: Comment on this blog post the reason “why” you can’t stop drinking tea. Be sure to leave an E-Mail address or I won’t be able to contact you if you win.

Bonus Entires (Totally not required but would be awesome if you did):
Plus you get an additional entry for each that complete for a maximum of 6 entires including your required comment. Don’t forget to leave a note within your comment on my post saying you followed and/or subscribed and include your name/handle or I may not know it and you won’t get credit. Don’t want that to happen.
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I know this seems like a lot but just think…FREE TEA!!! Remember you’ll do anything for tea. Lets face it so would I. Plus, I’d love to get famous for writing about it too and I need you my fellow tea fanatics to help me out. Remember we tea folks stick together.

Contest Ends: Friday 2/22/2013 Lets get commenting! Open to everyone, so not limited to just the US. Good Luck!