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.

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

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~

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 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?

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.

Picture Provided By: TeaMag.com

Tea Magazine Has Gone Digital!

Why does this matter?
Simple, in this world of multi-tasking I would like to peacefully sit down to a magazine and a cup of tea but truthfully it just does not happen as frequently as I’d like. In reality I am typing away, searching something on online, responding to tweets, reading blog posts, updating Facebook and Google+, all the while updating my sites on Tea Trade of course. One would image that I would have had my fill of tea and tea accessories, but lets be honest us diehard fanatics can never get enough.

Now that the Tea Magazine is available in digital format it allows me the opportunity to sneak in an article or two in between the number of other activities that keep me busy throughout the day.

Why Digital?
Convenience – Convenience is a huge factor for me and keeping up with modern technology is another. Don’t worry, I still enjoy unplugging like the rest of us. I cherish the feel of a paper in my hands while comfortably reading on the sofa, periodically gazing at the falling snow out my window. Though, this is an activity so far and in between.

Embedded Links & Video – I appreciate the ability to click on a link and have it directly navigate to my selected destination without the need to open a separate window and preform a manual search. The additional video links available in the digital version are a great addition if you would like further information on the presented topic.

Image Quality – The clarity is unmatched especially when you are viewing it on a device such as an iPad with Retina Display. The image is incredibly crisp as is the text. I appreciate beauty in art and photography and when laid on a digital canvas it only flatters the subject matter.

Why “Tea Magazine?”
Current Information – Of all the tea magazines I have thus far been exposed to I find this one a bit more cutting edge and a whole lot less filled with “frills” and “doilies.” I don’t have anything against “frills” and “doilies” as there is a place and market for just that. I find Tea Magazine’s publication brings more value because they are helping to bring tea into the future with more modern, mainstream, and unique information with style.

Value & Flexibility – I found the yearly subscription a great value for its content. The tablet edition is just $24.95. You get 6 issues for the year and can view it on as many mobile device as you prefer thus making it flexible and accessible to your lifestyle. Here are the benefits as listed on their website…
• Password protected security
• Videos & photo galleries
• Social media sharing
It is like “tea on the go” when you’re waiting in line, at the doctors office, or even relaxing on the sofa. No more having to being subjected to tabloids and outdated waiting room magazines.

Great Staff – If you have a question or need some help the staff is always available, kind, and courteous. I prefer to only do business with those I know take customer service seriously. I can confirm from personal experience that the fine people of Tea Magazine to in fact do make “Customer Service” one of their main priorities.

Bonus: Often times Tea Magazine has various experts contribute to the magazine. I appreciate the diversity of the information provided and also often being able to recognize said contributors from time to time.

Personal Note: Can’t wait to see you all again at the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas this year with special mention to Katrina (aka @TeaPages) from Tea Magazine.

SUBSCRIBE HERE:
Subscribe to Tea Magazine

Picture Provided By: TeaMag.com

No, I’m not talking about money. Although I wouldn’t mind an extra few bucks. What I am talking about is…Green Tea.

Taken & Edited By: iHeartTeas

Like many of you, I go through moods where I drink a particular tea constantly and then when the wind blows just right I switch to something new a few weeks or months down the line. These days I am just gaga over green tea.

A few of my favorites are…

Picture Provided By ItoEn.com

1. Oi Ocha Dark (RTD) from ITO EN – I have been drinking this for years and do not plan on giving it up anytime in the future. It is my in between a freshly steeped cup beverage of choice. A water substitute if you will. Those who see me frequently would not recognize me without my bottle by my side. I am proud of this and would help pedal this beverage to all that gaze upon its glory with eyes of curiosity.

Picture Provided By ItoEn.com

2. Sencha Shot (RTD) from ITO EN – The first time I had this was at the World Tea Expo 2012 in Las Vegas. I regret not writing about it then but it might have been for the best as I have really started to appreciate this more just these past few months. It is magnificent chilled and the flavor is truly authentic. I am extremely impressed with the manufacturing of this product and its ability to preserve the authentic flavor of Sencha. My only complaints would be price as it is a bit above what I would be willing to spend on a regular basis and size of the can. I would like to see this released in large quantity vessels, although understand why this may not be what ITO EN may have envisioned with this particular beverage

Taken & Edited By: iHeartTeas

3. Asanoka Sencha from @AGiftofTea – The very same Sencha I have been cooking with and eating. My dear friend and fellow @TeaTrade Blogger and seller Jo Johnson was kind enough to send me some of this tea over the holidays. It is because of her that I have found a new respect and appreciation for good Sencha. It isn’t that I hadn’t been exposed to better quality Sencha in the past but rather I had fallen in with a bad crowd. It seems the majority of the Sencha as of late was of poorer quality making me forget about what could be. So many times I had been exposed to Sencha that was lighter in color, a bit longer in leaf, wider, and flatter than what you would expect in a better quality Sencha. Jo was my savior when she introduced me to this gorgeous specimen and now I will never look back. Keep in mind I was a lucky girl since she sent this to me out of the kindness of her heart. She has not officially posted this item up for sale yet. If you are interested in purchasing it, please contact her directly through Tea Trade.

Rachel Carter
iHeartTeas
iHeartTeas:The Blog

19 Lessons On Tea
By: 27Press

I was lucky enough to find out on Twitter that this book was available for free on the Kindle but only temporarily. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. Who wouldn’t, it is all about tea after all.

Once I got started, I quickly found the book to be a nice quick read with great introductory information about tea. Some of the little things impressed me most. Each lessons starts with a quote; tea related of course, and ends with a small history lesson on tea. I felt these small details made the book more unique and fun to read.

Tea has been a part of my life as a child and I still found I learned a few new pieces of information. Mostly I felt this book took on a more modernized approach. Iced Tea, Bubble Tea, Kombucha, and other “speciality” teas were covered briefly. Often times I do not see these types of new more recently made popular beverages discussed in books about tea. Even though herbal tea isn’t technically tea it also had its own lesson in the book.

I found this book to be well written, organized, and concise. I was thrilled that it addressed many different types of teas, tea blends, tea customs, preparation techniques, and talked about the value of a proper tea tasting and how to hold a tasting of your own.

I was also pleased “yellow” tea made it into the list of different tea types available. Yellow tea is mentioned so rarely and since this book is marketed to those newer to tea it is a great way to bring attention to this tea variety early in their education. Early awareness may result in additional demand making this harder to get tea more readily available.

Like others have mentioned my only concern is the discussion around how to reduce caffeine intake by allowing the tea leaves to steep for about thirty seconds and pouring out the liquid. The idea is that the second steep would have only trace amounts of caffeine remaining as most would have been washed away. Without enough evidence I felt this part would have been best omitted.

With only that mention I would still highly recommend this book. Again, it is a nice easy read. Well put together and organized thus making it easy to reference areas when needed. I believe it would be most beneficial to those getting ready to take tea to the next level and a great refresher for the seasoned tea drinker.

Rachel Carter
iHeartTeas
iHeartTeas:The Blog

Picture Provided by the World Tea Expo Website, Thank You

It has been brought to my attention that this year the World Tea Expo will be uniquely special to me both personally and professionally. There will be some especially amazing tea people attending this year, aside from me of course. I will have the pleasure of meeting so many of my social network friends this year that it has made me just plain giddy.

I’ll have to pleasure of seeing @Jopj again and if you are attending this year and never met her before I highly suggest it. She is super sweet, a Tea Trader of course, and incredibly knowledgable. If you didn’t already know she is a terrific children’s tea book writer. My now six year old daughter has been a fan of hers for two years now. She is even pictured on my friend Jo Johnson’s website.

Don’t be jealous, I even get to meet the infamous @thedevotea and his lovely wife Lady Devotea, which I can only assume has the virtue of a saint. He too is a Tea Trader and has some rather amazing teas too. Check them here: The Devotea

If I remember correctly I’ll get to see my friend @AmazonV again too. It’s not my first time meeting her but it will be my first time at the Expo. She is such a fun person everyone should make a point to meet. She also has a great tea blog. Check out her work here: AmazonV

Just a warning, I am maybe gushing when I meet the talented @lazyliteratus. He is an incrediably gifted writer and all around nice guy. You can check out his tea blog here… Lazy Literatus and judge for yourself.

Lastly, I will have the honor of meeting Michael Coffey, the Tea Geek himself. He is brilliant and can answer even the toughest and most obscure of tea questions. You can count on his accuracy and if he can’t answer your question immediately he will find out. I plan on bringing a list of questions for when I see him.

I am sure there are many more attending that I am unaware of but as for now these are my tea friends I am most eager to meet. I hope I don’t embarrass myself.

Not only am I excited about meeting my tea friends live and in person I am also most intrigued with the new shared venue. This year World Tea Expo will be sharing space with the Healthy Beverage Expo.
I think the combination will be beneficial to both Expo’s. I am full of curiosity and enthusiasm especially when two somewhat similar yet different worlds collide. Often times those in the healthy drink industry cross paths with the tea industry and visa versa. Exposure to both sides should prove beneficial to both industries. Having both equally compatible venue in one place has the potential to build new relationships and more opportunity to learn. For me the two Expo’s marry perfectly. I love my cup of tea but lets be honest, it isn’t the only drink I consume. Shocking, I know. In actuality I probably consume 90% tea and 10% other healthy beverages on a daily basis. Although, I know I am not the norm. I imagine for most the percentages would be closer to 50/50. I am not a pop drinker but I do enjoy coconut water, coffee, unique drinks like Kombucha, but only rarely. I even occasionally like vegetable juices. With that said, I can only suspect that we will see a higher turn out with a lot more fresh and exciting products and information available to view. I will be sure to share with you my impressions once I arrive in Las Vegas. This will be my second visit and can’t wait for the festivities.

Please don’t cringe. It all sort of happened by accident and because of my inability to restrain myself. Yesterday during our bi-weekly “Ladies of Tea Trade” Google+ Hangout I decided to finally partake in an indulgence so graciously provided by @Jopj. It was a vibrant, deep emerald green Sencha. The leaves were thin and almost silky in appearance. Just looking at it I knew I was in for a treat. I should mention the tea was from “Sara’s Tea Caddie.” I had never had the opportunities to try any of her teas until now and I am sorry it took this long. It is as if I had been punishing myself from what could have been bliss all this time. Without a doubt this Sencha was fresh, vegetal and in a “BIG” way which for me is the only way to go.

I decided to steep this beautiful specimen in my new white Magisso Teacup. I place one level teaspoon into the side with the filter. I found this particular leaf works very well with this cup as it does not expand beyond the space allowed in the teacup. At the same time adequate space is available for proper steeping, no leaves cramped in here. On the other side of the cup I placed boiling water. I waited for the water to cool just a touch before tipping the cup over to the steep side and beginning the process of brewing the leaves. Once I got started it was truly a beautiful sight to see. The leaves bled a golden hue into the water. There was a small stream forming where the leaves first made contact with the water then slowly dissipating into the remaining pool of water. Gradually you could see the liquid take on a greenish tinge and then final the water was taken over and transformed into a gorgeous, aromatic, pungent Sencha.

Here is where the eating comes in. As I looked at my steeped cup of Sencha and took a sip all I could think was how deep and rich the flavors were. The leaves were looking back at me in this cup and I feel if I hadn’t used the teacup I had I would have never taken the plunge and eaten my Sencha. At first I played with the leaves siting atop the filter. They were for a lack of a better words, squishy and mushy. I thought, “you know I could eat this.” It look like fine spinach, I do enjoy spinach. What could be the harm in that right? I took a pinch in between my fingers and tossed it into my mouth as the ladies watched. My eye grew wide and my mouth smiled happily and with purpose. The leaves were amazing, delicious, but most of all addicting. I kept on eating them. I couldn’t stop myself. I bet you can guess what happened next. Before I tell you, I should mention that I felt like I must one day cook with this tea. Trust me I will, and I’ll write about it of course. For this Sencha I have planned some good clean tasting olive oil, touch of salt, pepper, sautéed mushrooms, and thin spaghetti. I asked the ladies if they had eaten their Sencha before and @teaformeplease and @jopj said they had. They had cooked with it too which is where I got the idea to sauté the Sencha in olive oil and salt, thanks ladies.

So here is what happened to me at roughly 10pm last night. I had great conversation over my favorite beverage, with my favorite tea friends @Jackie, @Jopj and @TeaForMePlease and discovered eating tea can be an amazing experience but please only in moderation. I ate through half my steeped leaves and I started to experience anxiety and a strange all around sensation. So please only a pinch here and there. Don’t let your addition take hold of you as it did me. I decided to laugh it off and the effects soon wore off. Keep in mind. I am the girl that can drink Matcha before bed and still fall asleep like a little baby.

Moral of the story, experiment with caution.

For those who aren’t aware I do enjoy experimenting and including tea in every aspect of my life whenever possible. One of my favorite things to do is infusing teas with a few of my other favorite beverages.

My experiment today involves “Milk Oolong” a personal favorite and vodka. Not a difficult experiment at all so it had to be done. Many of you already saw my post about this last year on Google+. It was there I realized I never posted it here. For that I apologize.

Ingredients:

Pungent Milk Oolong – Be sure it is fresh and the aroma is strong. I do not prefer drinking milk oolong’s that have been bathed in real milk. I enjoy a natural unaltered variety which is what I used here.

Premium Vodka – Go for a clean unflavored finish. The vodka that contains its own unique flavor profile, if strong can take away from the finished product and alter the final infused flavor. I used Kettle One but just like tea Vodka is a personal choice and what may work for me, may not work for you.

Equipment:

1 – 12oz Glass Jar

Extra Glass Large Enough To Hold Jar Contents

Strainer

Glass For Drinking

Step 1:

Fill your glass jar half way up with “Milk Oolong”

Step 2:

Completely fill up your glass jar with your vodka of choice

Step 3:

Screw top back on the jar and close tightly

Step 4:

Place jar in refrigerator for minimum 24hrs

Step 5:

Strain now infused vodka into another container and dispose of “Milk Oolong”

Step 6:

Pour yourself a small sample of your newly infused vodka and enjoy.

Step 7:

Put remaining vodka back into the glass jar, screw on top tightly, and place back into the refrigerator. Do not wait to long to finish it. The flavor may become altered and no longer enjoyable.

Hope you enjoyed this little experiment. Please share with my your results when you make your first batch.

What an exciting experiment.  Let me give you a little background.  I was recently inspired to make this concoction with slight variation of course when I heard about from Nicole Martin also know as @TeaForMePlease during a Ladies Tea Trade Hangout on Google+ with @Jackie and @jopj.

~By the way, if you are interested in joining a hangout contact @Jackie I’m sure she would be happy to help get you started. We hold them everything other Thursday night at 8pm CST with the next one scheduled this Thursday the 15th. Hope to see you there. ~

Now back to the tea infused wine. I’m enjoying a glass as I write and with every sip I’m finding it more and more difficult to put into words just how interesting the flavor profile is.  Please be patient with me as my command of the English language isn’t as skillful as perhaps some other amazing bloggers on Tea Trade such as @Lazyliteratus and @theDevotea.  I’ll do my best to muddle through and hopefully I’ll paint an accurate picture.

The Golden Monkey Infused Merlot Experiment

Preparation:

Estimated .75oz of Golden Monkey from Teas Etc.

Estimated 2 glasses of Merlot from Village Vintner (Local winery, brewery, and restaurant)

Combined tea and wine together in a glass jar, closed the lid, and placed in the refrigerator for roughly 16 hours.

Strained tea leaves out

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: At first impression the wine took on a new sweeter aroma with a distinct chocolatey scent.  The orginal aroma of the merlot prior to infusion was lighter, brighter, and fruitier. After the infusion you get an obvious bolder scent.

Flavor: While I was hoping the obvious chocolate aroma would translate in flavor it unfortunately did not.   No matter though as it didn’t disappoint in flavor.  You can clearly taste the Golden Monkey and I found that it married very well with the Merlot.  It was interesting, as the completed infusion appeared to capture the best qualities of each ingredient to make this a wonderful glass of  ”tea wine.”  The flavor had a reminiscent fruity flavor of the merlot but far more subtle than it would have traditionally tasted.  Now it was distinctly more earthy, rich, robust, and heady.  The two components complemented each other very well with none of the included ingredents drowning out the other.

Since I still don’t feel I did this post or this new beverage justice with my discription here I promise if I am ever to meet you in person I shall make a fresh batch so that we may share a glass together and compare notes.

Thank you again EPI Tea for sending along this little gem for me to sample and review.

Berry Rooibos - #2 of 4

Tea: Berry Rooibos (Rooibos Tisane) - Pyramid Bag 

Steep Time: 10 mins (As Recommended)

Water: 6 oz at 208F 

Review:  I found this cup to be spot on.  Just that right amount of berry flavor without the fear of being overly tart.  As most of you know I don’t generally put in additional additives into my tea with the obvious exception of chai.  Happily, I have made no exception here, keeping in mind  I often feel temped to add either raw honey or agave to my rooibos.  I only take the leap on those rare occasions where the rooibos blend is far too tart and needs a little something to help soften the blow.  Point being, I am very pleased that nor did I take the leap and add sweetener but even more importantly I had no desire.  Always a plus if you ask me.

Bottom line, a solid brew.  It was playfully fruity and had just the right amount of earthy sweetness with a bit of a sweet sparkle as well.  A lovely balanced cup.  Had I more to play with I would have certainly made this using the “cold brew method.”  Never know I  may consider more in the future and if I do I will be sure to let you know how it turns out.

Recommend: Yes

EPI Tea has not yet launched but you can see their blog in the link provided.

Next Up: Lavender Earl Grey (Black Tea Blend) by EPI Tea