Tea, tea, everywhere, how many cups do you drink? Part I

Hello and good day to all!

Well, I mentioned before, tea is my topic for the next few blogs - there is so much to say about it. Before I start, let me share a quote that I think is fitting for this cold february day. Actually, there are so many great tea quotes/poems, etc.. I may share quite a few.

As the centerpiece of a cherished ritual, it's a talisman against the chill of winter, a respite from the ho-hum routine of the day.  ~Sarah Engler, "Tea Up," Real Simple magazine, February 2006

Well, that just about sums up my feeling for tea. I like coffee, but I adore tea. I love my tins of loose tea, the pretty silk tea sachets I have are just too cute, my teapot collection is really getting out of control (so my husband says), the tea cozies, strainers, spoons, etc... so much fun for such a simple pleasure, and don't get me started on the sweets I serve with tea! (that will be part III).

In case you haven't noticed, yes - I am a nut about tea, but we all have our crutch!!

There are many fine tea companies out there, but I have always loved Harney & Sons. http://www.harney.com. They sell loose tea, tea sachets, iced tea, teapots, tea cups, tea gadgets and yes - sweets for tea.  Every order I have ever placed with them has gone smoothly and their products are wonderful! 

One time I placed an order online and they were having trouble processing it, so, instead of sending me an e-mail they called me and took care of everything over the phone. They were so friendly and accommodating, you could not ask for better service. Their tea tasting room is located on route 22, in Millerton, NY, those of you who live nearby should stop in -  if you have not done so already!

Not only can you sample tea in their tasting room, you can stay for a bite to eat, shop for tea accessories and have a lively discussion about tea with their knowledgeable staff. The Harney catalog is always packed with wonderful products, pictures and stories about their tea travels. 

One of my favorite authors had this to say about tea:

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

So funny, don't you think? But I feel that way if I don't enjoy my nightly cup of tea. It is so soothing to sit with a hot, flavorful cup of tea after the kids go to bed, like I am now!

After all, tea is not only tasty and enjoyable, it is very good for you! (that will be part II)

I found some cute shops on etsy that make their own tea, take a peek:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5715114

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6831206

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6183654

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5813303

If you get a chance, take my tea poll! It is located on the left hand side of my blog!

to be continued... part II - the health benefits of tea.

-Ciao