Canadian tea drinkers - and Canadian tourists - are in for a treat! One of my favorite local artists - and definitely the best tea stain artist - Dara Gold will be showing two of her paintings in a group show at Toronto's Gallery Hittite! The show runs from Fri., June 17 through Sat., July 9, 2011.
The show opening is from 7-9 p.m., on Fri., June 17.
I am a US citizen with an outdated passport so I can't get to the showing to meet her and see some of her fabulous work in person. I'm counting on you Canadian readers to help! :)
Please stop by to see her, tell her Keen Tea Thyme sent you, and see if you can snag a photo to be featured on my blog! I'll post a story about your experience meeting her, and any photos you'd like to share. (You'll retain all creative rights, don't worry.)
The gallery's address is 107 Scollart Street, Yorkville, Toronto. Phone: 416-924-4450.
Learn more about Dara Gold here: http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/p/golds-tea-stain-art.html
Congratulations to Dara Gold for this amazing accomplishment!
6.03.2011
June 2011 CelebriTEA posted!
Meet our June 2011 CelebriTEA - an international tea blogger extraordinaire, Jen Piccotti!
http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/p/celebritea.html
http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/p/celebritea.html
RealiTEA: Green Tea Exports Banned for Radiation
RealiTEA
Japan: some green tea exports banned for radiation
Looks like our questions about whether or not tea would be harmed from radiation poisoning has been answered.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8553854/Japan-green-tea-exports-banned-due-to-high-radiation-levels.html
Japan: some green tea exports banned for radiation
Looks like our questions about whether or not tea would be harmed from radiation poisoning has been answered.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8553854/Japan-green-tea-exports-banned-due-to-high-radiation-levels.html
iHeartTeas.com - Rachel Carter, May 2011 CelebriTEA
CelebriTEA for May: Rachel Carter
iHeartTeas blog: http://www.myteasandmore.com/ or http://www.iheartteas.com
What is a CelebriTEA? This Keen Tea Thyme post features popular tea bloggers and their histories, passions, stories. Why? The online tea community is a vast resource of knowledge, tips, experiences – a place of conversation and sharing of passion.
Meet Rachel Carter: dedicated wife to Ralph (of 14 years!) and adoring mother to four-year-old Alexandria.
Lately, her plate has been chock full. Or should I say her tea cup runneth over?
This tea enthusiast combines her passion for the world’s most popular beverage with her natural inclination to share knowledge and enjoy what brewing tea has to offer.
“I love my tea friends,” said Rachel. “It is great to read their blogs. Everyone has so much to share. I love reading and hearing about new teas, accessories, and what business someone is starting. I find our tea community is tightly knit like a family. We support each other.”
Rachel’s been blogging too here: http://myteasandmore.com/. This site, which is under a makeover to transform into iHeartTeas.com, offers her take on fave teas, new accessories and everything else tea. She reviews a variety of tea, anything she can get her hands on. Tea reviewing can be a subjective matter, but Rachel has a system. “I review teas based on flavor, accuracy based on description and tea type,” she explained. “I also consider the visual appearance of the leaves.”
Rachel doesn’t just blog, though. After joining Tea Trade – an online tea trading, selling, sampling Web site – Rachel decided to start selling teas in sample packs, under her new brand name, iHeartTeas. Check out her many products here: http://teatrade.tinypay.me/#q=
Plans are underway to eventually create a company – maybe, Rachel said. “I’m working on it, but I want to take things slow. I want to do this right. I am glad I am in a position where I can do it right.”
Business is booming. She’s a hit at Tea Trade, and is grateful for the opportunity to belong to the site. “I will eventually have a site dedicated to my teas which at this point come from my personal stash. The idea is if you place an order you click on the item and are directed to Tea Trade. I don't want to forget my friends there. If it weren't for their support and of those associated I wouldn't have this success.”
Rachel, a stay-at-home mom, spends lots of time with her daughter – sampling teas and taking her to swim lessons and preschool. Little Alexandria has already shown a penchant for tea, like her mom. Rachel said her daughter helps her put together orders from Tea Trade and is developing a tea-tasting palate.
So what kinds of tea does Rachel (and Alexandria!) recommend? She lists the following teas as her go-to brews:
- Milk Oolong - thepuriTea
- BenShan - Chicago Tea Garden
- Sweet Velvet Fog - Adagio signature blend by Rachel
- Genmaicha - Obubu Tea
- Matcha - DoMatcha
With all these things to keep her busy, Rachel still finds time to enjoy other activities such as scrapbooking. In fact, she is a representative of Close to My Heart, an in-home scrapbooking company. “But honestly, I do that for myself,” she added.
She also loves to travel, enjoys sampling different wines and is a self-proclaimed “tech geek.” “I love my gadgets especially my iPad, I don't even have regular TV everything I do is streamed,” she said. And what TV shows would that be? SyFy channel mainstays: Warehouse 13, Star Gates, Battlestar Galleticas.
But what it comes down to for Rachel is that her love of tea is a permanent part of her life – always has been and always will be. Originally from India, Rachel said tea is like water in her home. “Tea runs through my veins and it always has been,” she said. “I love the constant discovery tea brings me. Every cup is a new adventure. It is a newly discovered treasure with every cup.”
Want to be featured on Keen Tea Thyme as a CelebriTEA? All you have to do is be a tea blogger and want to share your love of tea. E-mail me [at] keenteathyme@gmail.com for more info.
6.01.2011
June is National Iced Tea Month
Welcome summer with iced tea! Try it cold brewed - Culinary Teas has a wonderful selection and they are currently on sale. Or brew it yourself and add cold water. Frank over at 52Teas (a KeenTeaThyme tea pantry staple) has a great selection of iced teas to try.
Got any other fave selection(s) to add? E-mail away!
Happy Summer, Happy Brewing!
Why drink tea? - May 2011 Poll Results
The majority of you who voted in the May 2011 Poll drink tea for the following reasons:
- It's enjoyable, interesting and fun (70%)
- It's comforting, warm and so many varieties (76%)
Voters had a chance to select more than one answer, including the two listed above. The results are in. Why do we drink tea?
- 47% said health benefits
- 29% said "because coffee sucks" - a fun answer, and I hope voters picked this one along with another option
- 35% because tea drinking is in your blood (heritage, family reasons)
- 23% said "why not?" - another fun answer :)
- and 1% said "other"... Hmm, now you've got me curious!
Check out the June 2011 Poll - what is your favorite type of tea? E-mail me reasons why for a chance to be featured as a June 2011 Pollster. Featured comments will be posted with the results at the end of June/beginning of July.
Happy Brewing!
5.31.2011
Simply Helping People
“Simply Helping People” – how one man’s quest to save his life became an internationally reknown tea company
By Carolynne Keenan/Keen Tea Thyme
Who knew that one man’s quest to save his life would eventually take root as a successful international tea company?
In 1977, Sir Jason Winters (known then as simply “Jason Winters”) was given terrible news – he had merely months to live before his body succumbed to cancer.
But Winters had an incredible will to live – and found a way to live well into the 21st century.
When he was 46, the Englishman was diagnosed with terminal cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Basically, he had a tumor wrapped around a vein in his neck and it was killing him. He underwent five weeks of cobalt radiation treatment, and doctors pressed him to have radical neck surgery – including the removal of his tongue, jaw bone and neck muscles.
Winters refused, and began a search to find an alternative to losing such a large amount of his face and neck. He traveled to Mexico and began receiving Laetrile injections, a product made from crushed apricot pits. This worked – for a time, as the tumor began to shrink.
But a few weeks later the tumor returned with a vengeance, and Winters turned to religious books, which referenced using different types of herbs blended into medicines.
Many of those herbs, at the time, were not available in England – but Winters didn’t care. He searched the globe for the herbs locating them finally in the US, England and Singapore. Once he found them, he blended them into a tea and brewed up a cup.
Winters began experiencing remission after drinking the tea regularly for a few weeks. Within months, the tumor was gone. And from there the legend was born.
His herbal blend became known as Jason Winters Herbal Blend and he eventually formed an internationally renowned tea company. Before his death in 2004, Winters was knighted in Malta; wrote numerous books (including his autobiography detailing his miraculous recovery); appeared in radio, television and newspapers; and spoke to millions worldwide.
His son, Sir Raymond Winters, has followed in his father’s footsteps, as he is co-founder and president of Tri-Sun International/Sir Jason Winters products (SJW).
But Sir Jason Winters never intended to create an international company. “We never really envisioned an international selling brand,” Sir Raymond Winters said. “My father just wanted to save his life.”
What began as simply a tea product has morphed into an entire healthy living campaign with a variety of products. “Always check with your healthcare provider first before starting anything new,” Sir Raymond Winters said. In addition, SJW are not meant to replace any cancer treatment, but could be used in conjunction with treatments. Testimonials are available on the SJW Web site, as well as online. Cancer-free and/or otherwise healthy people who enjoy tea may want to try the blend (and the flavored versions) as a healthier alternative to just “plain” tea.
Those new to the product line, Sir Raymond Winters suggested trying the Classic Blend first, as “this was the original tea blend formulated by Sir Jason Winters over 30 years ago.”
SJW’s product line includes both loose tea and bagged tea, plus numerous vitamin and herbal supplements.
The tea is pre-brewed. Why? “This process makes it easier and quicker to brew the tea,” Sir Raymond Winters explained. “If we just cut up the loose tea and put [it] into bags this does not brew very well.”
Currently the tea selection is Jason Winters green, oolong and herbal tisanes, he added. “We try and offer new natural flavored teas as customers request them.”
In addition to teas, in Japan the company uses the Jason Winters blend in ice cream, bread and cookies. “We have many ideas,” Sir Raymond Winters said. “But [we] try to keep my father’s vision in mind…to help people.”
The products are available on the SJW Web site, as well as some health food stores, pharmacies and grocery stores. For more information, visit http://sirjasonwinters.com/ and
http://sirjasonwinters.com/catalog.htm (download online version or request print copy).
Sources for this feature
· Sir Raymond Winters interview via e-mail; special thanks to Angelo @ SJW for facilitating interview & thanks to Sir Raymond Winters for taking the time to answer my questions
· “Killing Cancer” by Sir Jason Winters
· The Sir Jason Winters story as posted on the Web site http://sirjasonwinters.com/story.htm
· Additional information compiled (and verified) @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Winters (sources verified)
Images Used with Permission/Copyright preserved
5.26.2011
Summer Sunshine
Here is the first (of hopefully many more) Keen Tea Thyme featured blends! Eventually samples and quantities will be for sale on Tea Trade; I'll post when they are available (I need more stock first).
This is great hot or iced!
This is great hot or iced!
5.22.2011
LocaliTEA - another new Keen idea
Starting in July, I'll have a new feature on Keen Tea Thyme. (I know, you're thinking, another one?!) But this is to replace the Ally adventures. Someone took some of that writing from my site and passed it off as her own - boo! - so I'm pulling the story. I will complete it and publish it in an e-book format, though, so don't despair. And if you have any questions for Ally, keep sending them in!
LocaliTEA will feature reviews of local tea shops - local to you, dear readers. (And me too.) I don't have very many in my community but I'm hunting them down.
Anyone can participate. Just let me know if you're interested. You'll need to complete the review yourself but I'll give you full credit (unlike the Ally-stealer!). You'll need to include a photo; please take it yourself or get permission to use another's image.
I'll start July off with one from my neck of the woods: Zen Tara Tea, in Bethesda, MD. I'd like to have at least one a month, and from all over.
If interested, e-mail me or post below.
Happy Hunting!
LocaliTEA will feature reviews of local tea shops - local to you, dear readers. (And me too.) I don't have very many in my community but I'm hunting them down.
Anyone can participate. Just let me know if you're interested. You'll need to complete the review yourself but I'll give you full credit (unlike the Ally-stealer!). You'll need to include a photo; please take it yourself or get permission to use another's image.
I'll start July off with one from my neck of the woods: Zen Tara Tea, in Bethesda, MD. I'd like to have at least one a month, and from all over.
If interested, e-mail me or post below.
Happy Hunting!
5.18.2011
Our Turn: 500 (or more) True Tea Facts
OK, I did some more research into the 365 Things Every Tea Lover Should Know and have made a determination. Sources were not checked and lots of the facts are actually opinion. So here's my new plan: let's do this bigger and better!
What do I mean? Let's compile a list of at least 500 (if not more) TRUE tea facts. Eventually I'll publish in an ebook format with proceeds benefiting a charity or something of that nature.
You in? Want me to get things started? OK. Here are five true tea facts (and the sources). List yours below and every week or so I'll post them, with updates. Also, I will give you credit - so list your name/handle as well as the source for the fact.
Let's brew - I mean, do - this! :)
1. The phrase Chai Tea is something of a redundancy. Chai or Cha simply means "tea" in South Asia and other parts of the world. English speakers who refer to "chai" typically mean "masala chai," which is a popular spiced tea made from Indian spices and herbs. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chai, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai_tea)
2. Darjeeling is not from China, even though 365 Things...claims it is. As reader Jackie pointed out, it's actually a tea from India. The black tea is named after Darjeeling, a Himalayan town in West Bengal, India. This typically black tea is also known as the "Cadillac of Teas," and is available in green and oolong varieties. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea)
3. White tea, on the other hand, is almost exclusively produced in China, and is a lightly oxidized tea. "The name "white tea" derives from the fine silvery-white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant, which gives the plant a whitish appearance." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tea)
4. Many literary geniuses and writers also happen to be fans of tea. There are many tea related quotes, poems, prose and phrases out there, such as this one from Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book:
We had a kettle; we let it leak:
Our not repairing made it worse.
We haven't had any tea for a week...
The bottom is out of the Universe.
~Rudyard Kipling (http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html)
5. There are also many proverbs that reference tea, as the enjoyment of tea spans centuries:
If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty. ~Japanese Proverb (http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html)
What do I mean? Let's compile a list of at least 500 (if not more) TRUE tea facts. Eventually I'll publish in an ebook format with proceeds benefiting a charity or something of that nature.
You in? Want me to get things started? OK. Here are five true tea facts (and the sources). List yours below and every week or so I'll post them, with updates. Also, I will give you credit - so list your name/handle as well as the source for the fact.
Let's brew - I mean, do - this! :)
1. The phrase Chai Tea is something of a redundancy. Chai or Cha simply means "tea" in South Asia and other parts of the world. English speakers who refer to "chai" typically mean "masala chai," which is a popular spiced tea made from Indian spices and herbs. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chai, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai_tea)
2. Darjeeling is not from China, even though 365 Things...claims it is. As reader Jackie pointed out, it's actually a tea from India. The black tea is named after Darjeeling, a Himalayan town in West Bengal, India. This typically black tea is also known as the "Cadillac of Teas," and is available in green and oolong varieties. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea)
3. White tea, on the other hand, is almost exclusively produced in China, and is a lightly oxidized tea. "The name "white tea" derives from the fine silvery-white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant, which gives the plant a whitish appearance." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tea)
4. Many literary geniuses and writers also happen to be fans of tea. There are many tea related quotes, poems, prose and phrases out there, such as this one from Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book:
We had a kettle; we let it leak:
Our not repairing made it worse.
We haven't had any tea for a week...
The bottom is out of the Universe.
~Rudyard Kipling (http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html)
5. There are also many proverbs that reference tea, as the enjoyment of tea spans centuries:
If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty. ~Japanese Proverb (http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html)
5.17.2011
Black Currant Rooibos - 52Teas Week of May 16, 2011 Blend
Welcome summer with Frank@52Teas latest blend, Black Currant Rooibos:
Image used with permission/copyrighted
www.52teas.com
Only $7.99 (including shipping), but check out other in stock blends with this master blender.
Image used with permission/copyrighted
www.52teas.com
Only $7.99 (including shipping), but check out other in stock blends with this master blender.
SpecialTea Brew adds to tea roster
Ami Soleau, owner of SpecialTea Brew, based in Seattle, is already expanding her line of teas. We first introduced Ami who is in search of a great business partner; the hunt is still on if you're interested. For more information, check out the first article I wrote for her: http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/2011/05/her-specialtea-is-tea.html.
Here are just a few of the new additions to her tea shop, all available in heat-sealed 2 oz packages (or larger, upon request). She sent me a few samples and I am impressed! I'm posting to Steepster in the next few days. :)
For the complete list, visit her shop online: http://www.specialteabrew.com/
Black teas: You're a Peach, Ginger; Early Grey; Spiced Cider, Spiced Seattle Chai (I'm curious on this one!) and more.
Green teas: Sweet Emerald City, Jazmine, High Mountain, Jazzy Mandarin Pearls
White teas: Orange You Cinnamon, Peachy Coconut, Creamy Raspberry, Strawberry Fields, White Peony
Herbal & Rooibos: Lemon Ginger Snap, Little Coconut Rooibos, 6 Herb, Herb Spice and All Things Nice, and more
She has a special deal w/shipping going on now; all orders up to $50 will ship for only $3.95. Check out her site now and take advantage of her new teas, plus this offer.
Ami also makes custom greeting cards. Check out her site for more info. :)
Here are just a few of the new additions to her tea shop, all available in heat-sealed 2 oz packages (or larger, upon request). She sent me a few samples and I am impressed! I'm posting to Steepster in the next few days. :)
For the complete list, visit her shop online: http://www.specialteabrew.com/
Black teas: You're a Peach, Ginger; Early Grey; Spiced Cider, Spiced Seattle Chai (I'm curious on this one!) and more.
Green teas: Sweet Emerald City, Jazmine, High Mountain, Jazzy Mandarin Pearls
White teas: Orange You Cinnamon, Peachy Coconut, Creamy Raspberry, Strawberry Fields, White Peony
Herbal & Rooibos: Lemon Ginger Snap, Little Coconut Rooibos, 6 Herb, Herb Spice and All Things Nice, and more
She has a special deal w/shipping going on now; all orders up to $50 will ship for only $3.95. Check out her site now and take advantage of her new teas, plus this offer.
Ami also makes custom greeting cards. Check out her site for more info. :)
Check out my teas for sale on Tea Trade
In an effort to make room for more teas (specifically Read My Lips from David's Tea, it will be mine soon!) I am selling some of my teas on Tea Trade.
All of these teas were purchased by me; I didn't receive them in swaps. I just need to rebuild my tea budget for May so I can place an order with David's tea. Please help!
Oh and all orders from my store on Tea Trade get a FREE sample of either Vampire Lemonade or Toasted Marshmallow. You pick when you order - or I'll pick for you! :)
Here's a link for the items for sale:
http://teatrade.tinypay.me/#q=user:sMb5JE7l
Send me any questions! :)
All of these teas were purchased by me; I didn't receive them in swaps. I just need to rebuild my tea budget for May so I can place an order with David's tea. Please help!
Oh and all orders from my store on Tea Trade get a FREE sample of either Vampire Lemonade or Toasted Marshmallow. You pick when you order - or I'll pick for you! :)
Here's a link for the items for sale:
http://teatrade.tinypay.me/#q=user:sMb5JE7l
Send me any questions! :)
5.16.2011
365 Things Every Tea Lover Should Know
Picked up this gem over the weekend: 365 Things Every Tea Lover Should Know from Harvest House Publications.
It's a collection of tea quotes, sayings and fun facts, plus a recipe or two. I keep it with me in my purse and check it out once in a while. It's fun to flip to a page and see what's there.
Randomly flipped to page 73, which lists the following:
#190: For your afternoon tea pleasure, turn to teas from China. Darjeeling is a favorite
#191: Savor lighter teas in the evening. Green tea is a good choice because it has less caffeine. Or enjoy a decaffeinated tea or herbal tisane such as chamomile.
#192: When creating a great pot of tea, pour boiling water into the teapot and remember that small tea leaves will take less time to brew than large ones.
It's a collection of tea quotes, sayings and fun facts, plus a recipe or two. I keep it with me in my purse and check it out once in a while. It's fun to flip to a page and see what's there.
Randomly flipped to page 73, which lists the following:
#190: For your afternoon tea pleasure, turn to teas from China. Darjeeling is a favorite
#191: Savor lighter teas in the evening. Green tea is a good choice because it has less caffeine. Or enjoy a decaffeinated tea or herbal tisane such as chamomile.
#192: When creating a great pot of tea, pour boiling water into the teapot and remember that small tea leaves will take less time to brew than large ones.
5.11.2011
RealiTEA: FDA recall on bottled water
If you use bottled water to brew tea - and for any other consumption - please note, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall. The Arkansas Department of Health announced today (5/11/11) that samples taken from Mountain Pure water show the presence of biological contamination - mold.
Readers, if you purchased Mountain Pure purified drinking water in the 16.9 fl. oz. (506 ml) size, check the four digit time code etched on all bottles: 2200 to 0400 (military time). The affected lot also includes an expiration date code that says either Best By 2-27-2013 MPWA or Best By 2-28-2013 MPWA.
Return the affected bottles to the place of purchase or dispose of the water immediately.
For more information, check out the FDA's press release on the "brewing" situation.
Readers, if you purchased Mountain Pure purified drinking water in the 16.9 fl. oz. (506 ml) size, check the four digit time code etched on all bottles: 2200 to 0400 (military time). The affected lot also includes an expiration date code that says either Best By 2-27-2013 MPWA or Best By 2-28-2013 MPWA.
Return the affected bottles to the place of purchase or dispose of the water immediately.
For more information, check out the FDA's press release on the "brewing" situation.
5.09.2011
It's Always About Popularity; 5000 Hits Contest
I am so proud of my blog - and for everyone who has been telling friends and family about it. :) Since my blog went "live" in March 2011 (just a couple months ago!) I have over 2800 hits!
I'm halfway to 5000 hits, and my goal was to reach that within nine months... I think I'll make it.
Help get the word out about my blog! Post a link or two below (or on the mirrored site: http://keenteathyme.teatra.de/) that illustrates your promoting my blog and be entered to win a tea sampler pack from a variety of tea companies.
I'll randomly select a winner and post the winning promotion, winner's name and/or blog, and what the winner won.
And don't forget, I love promoting your blogs too. If you post your tea blog below and it's not already a part of "Tea Fiends & Friends," I'll add it - winner or not.
5000 hits here I come! :)
I'm halfway to 5000 hits, and my goal was to reach that within nine months... I think I'll make it.
Help get the word out about my blog! Post a link or two below (or on the mirrored site: http://keenteathyme.teatra.de/) that illustrates your promoting my blog and be entered to win a tea sampler pack from a variety of tea companies.
I'll randomly select a winner and post the winning promotion, winner's name and/or blog, and what the winner won.
And don't forget, I love promoting your blogs too. If you post your tea blog below and it's not already a part of "Tea Fiends & Friends," I'll add it - winner or not.
5000 hits here I come! :)
52teas: Tulsi Rama - Week of May 9th
Will wonders never cease? Not only are more 52teas blends available in the Rescued from Retirement initiative, here's the new tea available from 52teas. Remember, limited run only! So if you want it, grab it now!
used w/permission from 52teas
I had to google "tulsi rama" because it sounded more like an episode of "LOST" than a tisane/tea. According to http://www.organicindia.com/tulsi-facts.php, Tulsi Rama, aka "Holy Basil," is a stress-relieving herb that also works wonders with your immune system and even enhances stamina.
If I hadn't already blown my tea budget this week, I'd hop on this. If anyone is up for sharing this tea, I'd love to!
Basil on pizza is pretty good and I'm sure this cuppa is more healthy...
used w/permission from 52teas
I had to google "tulsi rama" because it sounded more like an episode of "LOST" than a tisane/tea. According to http://www.organicindia.com/tulsi-facts.php, Tulsi Rama, aka "Holy Basil," is a stress-relieving herb that also works wonders with your immune system and even enhances stamina.
If I hadn't already blown my tea budget this week, I'd hop on this. If anyone is up for sharing this tea, I'd love to!
Basil on pizza is pretty good and I'm sure this cuppa is more healthy...
Matcha, Matcha, Matcha
I've been pretty sick lately - with migraines, then the back thing, and stomach problems.
Since the back surgery worked - thank goodness! - I can focus on my stomach issues. My new goal is to be healthy, which means be nicer to my stomach.
I can't go vegan or vegetarian; I have a total love affair with steak and chicken.
However, I'm going to try to integrate matcha into my beverages. Matcha fans, got any tips? I'm still researching the health benefits, but will be reporting back soon...
I'm also going to opt for fresh veggies and fruit in my diet. I love eating fresh fruit and veggies; in CA you could grow anything in your backyard so I'd just go outside for a snack. I got lazy. And now I'm paying.
It seems one of the only healthy things I do consume is tea. But I'm going to look into different tea recipes - not just adding matcha but perhaps other ways to use tea. Got any to share?
The point is now that I'm relatively pain-free, now I can focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Walking more. Taking better care of myself. In honor of my grandmother, Oma, who is in her mid-70's and can out-walk me any day.
Join me on this journey and we'll swap healthy lifestyle tips. Let's get started! But first, I'm going to brew myself a cup of tea...
Since the back surgery worked - thank goodness! - I can focus on my stomach issues. My new goal is to be healthy, which means be nicer to my stomach.
I can't go vegan or vegetarian; I have a total love affair with steak and chicken.
However, I'm going to try to integrate matcha into my beverages. Matcha fans, got any tips? I'm still researching the health benefits, but will be reporting back soon...
I'm also going to opt for fresh veggies and fruit in my diet. I love eating fresh fruit and veggies; in CA you could grow anything in your backyard so I'd just go outside for a snack. I got lazy. And now I'm paying.
It seems one of the only healthy things I do consume is tea. But I'm going to look into different tea recipes - not just adding matcha but perhaps other ways to use tea. Got any to share?
The point is now that I'm relatively pain-free, now I can focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Walking more. Taking better care of myself. In honor of my grandmother, Oma, who is in her mid-70's and can out-walk me any day.
Join me on this journey and we'll swap healthy lifestyle tips. Let's get started! But first, I'm going to brew myself a cup of tea...
5.08.2011
Happy Mother's Day - Memories
One of my favorite memories is sharing a cup of tea with my mother and Oma, my mom's mom. Many times when my family visited my grandparents, my dad, brother and Papa would disappear into the family room (probably talk sports or politics), and the girls would enjoy a cup of tea after dinner.
I remember selecting a tea from one of the many tins which, to this day, still smell like Oma's house - like clean linens, fresh laundry and baked cookies.
I always felt so grownup sharing that cup of tea with Mom and Oma. They would talk about grown-up things or I'd talk about school or the latest "novel" I was writing. (I wrote my first "novel" when I was in elementary school...a diatribe about a lemonade stand.)
A few years ago my grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. My brother, now sister-in-law, Mom and I made a scrapbook of their lives together. We actually sat and drank tea while presenting them with presents. There is a peace that comes from drinking a cup of tea, surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a family moment together. I felt that peace then, and whenever I drink Constant Comment tea now I imagine that moment and feel that peace again.
My mom & Oma both have a love of tea, which they've past on to me. My mom loves her Red Rose tea - collecting the ceramic animals and making sun tea from the bags. Oma enjoys coffee-flavored teas - Hazelnut and French Vanilla. I've taken that love and expanded on it, plus crafted my own blends for them.
I'm reminded, now, of a tag sewn on the many clothes my mom made for me, as well as clothes and quilts and mittens and scarves my Oma made for me: Made with Love. Should I ever start a tea company, I think I would adopt that and called it "Brewed with Love" or "Steeped with Love."
I plan to name my future daughter after the grandmother, Oma, who inspired me to be a better person. From things I've done in my life I hardly think I'm close.
But I look forward to each visit with both my mom and my Oma, so we can share tea and memories once again.
Happy Mother's Day!
I remember selecting a tea from one of the many tins which, to this day, still smell like Oma's house - like clean linens, fresh laundry and baked cookies.
I always felt so grownup sharing that cup of tea with Mom and Oma. They would talk about grown-up things or I'd talk about school or the latest "novel" I was writing. (I wrote my first "novel" when I was in elementary school...a diatribe about a lemonade stand.)
A few years ago my grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. My brother, now sister-in-law, Mom and I made a scrapbook of their lives together. We actually sat and drank tea while presenting them with presents. There is a peace that comes from drinking a cup of tea, surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a family moment together. I felt that peace then, and whenever I drink Constant Comment tea now I imagine that moment and feel that peace again.
My mom & Oma both have a love of tea, which they've past on to me. My mom loves her Red Rose tea - collecting the ceramic animals and making sun tea from the bags. Oma enjoys coffee-flavored teas - Hazelnut and French Vanilla. I've taken that love and expanded on it, plus crafted my own blends for them.
I'm reminded, now, of a tag sewn on the many clothes my mom made for me, as well as clothes and quilts and mittens and scarves my Oma made for me: Made with Love. Should I ever start a tea company, I think I would adopt that and called it "Brewed with Love" or "Steeped with Love."
I plan to name my future daughter after the grandmother, Oma, who inspired me to be a better person. From things I've done in my life I hardly think I'm close.
But I look forward to each visit with both my mom and my Oma, so we can share tea and memories once again.
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day!
I'm not a mom, not yet. But I have been fortunate enough to know three amazing women - my mother and my two grandmothers, Oma and the late Grann.
Grann & I shared a lot before she passed away. She was one of the few people to encourage me to write, and taught me how to really listen to people. She married her childhood sweetheart, as I have married my college sweetheart. She was passionate about many things, and taught me to be passionate too.
Oma, who is in her 70's, is my mom's mom, and her first name will be the middle name of my future daughter. Oma is a very good woman, well-liked and well-respected. She is loved by her family and friends. I have tried to be like her in many ways: patient, friendly, mild-mannered.
I get a lot of my personality from my mom: we're both driven, hard workers and loyal. We both have hot tempers, but share a love of the Young & the Restless. Like many mothers and daughters, we've had our share of tears, but laughter too.
You only get one mom, and you don't get pick her. My mother and I didn't get along very well while I was growing up. I yearned for a "cool" mom - someone like Lucille Ball, who was my childhood hero. Now that I'm 30 and looking to have kids of my own, I realized that my mom was pretty cool. She didn't spoil me, she taught me to earn my way, work hard and be responsible. But she also showed me it's OK to laugh - especially at yourself. My mom worked hard for us kids (me and my younger brother), and wasn't always appreciated for the sacrifices she made. (She worked odd shift hours at a printing company.) But she was the one who made sure we had dentist appts lined up, and food on the table. My dad is more of a dreamer, chasing his heart, not always considered about the bottom line. They are no longer married to each other, although both have remarried.
I floss every day because my mom encouraged me to. I was rarely sick as a kid, and even if I was, I worked through it as often as I could. Speaking of work, I get my drive from her. We're both hard-workers and passionate - even if we're passionate about different things. I didn't have the happiest childhood, but I never had to go hungry (unless I was being punished for backtalking!) and I always had shelter and clothes.
I consider myself blessed to have shared my life with three amazing women: Grann, Oma and my mom. They influenced me in ways we all probably don't realize. They helped make the person I am.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom & Oma! And to Grann: I miss you.
Grann & I shared a lot before she passed away. She was one of the few people to encourage me to write, and taught me how to really listen to people. She married her childhood sweetheart, as I have married my college sweetheart. She was passionate about many things, and taught me to be passionate too.
Oma, who is in her 70's, is my mom's mom, and her first name will be the middle name of my future daughter. Oma is a very good woman, well-liked and well-respected. She is loved by her family and friends. I have tried to be like her in many ways: patient, friendly, mild-mannered.
I get a lot of my personality from my mom: we're both driven, hard workers and loyal. We both have hot tempers, but share a love of the Young & the Restless. Like many mothers and daughters, we've had our share of tears, but laughter too.
You only get one mom, and you don't get pick her. My mother and I didn't get along very well while I was growing up. I yearned for a "cool" mom - someone like Lucille Ball, who was my childhood hero. Now that I'm 30 and looking to have kids of my own, I realized that my mom was pretty cool. She didn't spoil me, she taught me to earn my way, work hard and be responsible. But she also showed me it's OK to laugh - especially at yourself. My mom worked hard for us kids (me and my younger brother), and wasn't always appreciated for the sacrifices she made. (She worked odd shift hours at a printing company.) But she was the one who made sure we had dentist appts lined up, and food on the table. My dad is more of a dreamer, chasing his heart, not always considered about the bottom line. They are no longer married to each other, although both have remarried.
I floss every day because my mom encouraged me to. I was rarely sick as a kid, and even if I was, I worked through it as often as I could. Speaking of work, I get my drive from her. We're both hard-workers and passionate - even if we're passionate about different things. I didn't have the happiest childhood, but I never had to go hungry (unless I was being punished for backtalking!) and I always had shelter and clothes.
I consider myself blessed to have shared my life with three amazing women: Grann, Oma and my mom. They influenced me in ways we all probably don't realize. They helped make the person I am.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom & Oma! And to Grann: I miss you.
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