Tea InfusiastI’m delighted to share my experience using the Starry Sky tea set from Umi Tea Sets.
On the Umi Tea Sets website, the full name of this teaware is “Chinese Starry Sky Jian Zhan Tea Set.” The version I am reviewing includes a teapot, six teacups, a fairness cup (sometimes called a fairness pitcher), and a two piece-ceramic tea strainer. It arrived in a beautiful deep blue “gift box” with multicolored fabric on the top.
A tea practice poem? Have you ever heard of a gatha (pronounced GAH-tuh)? It’s a short poem used in some Buddhist traditions to redirect our mind to the present moment. Think of it like a “[meditation] practice poem.”
In honor of national poetry month, I thought I’d share Thich Nhat Hanh’s practice poem, or gatha, for mindfully preparing to drink tea. I use it a lot! In fact, if you have attended any of my Tea Mindful Together virtual meditations, you may have heard it before. (Subscribe to my newsletter to find out about these events and more.)
This post reviews a Zojirushi Stainless Mug (basically a Zojirushi thermos) that I bought and used for outdoor and traveling with tea.
Preparing for a trip during which I knew I’d be drinking tea mostly outdoors, I decided to take a good thermos. That way, I could fill it with water to drink or hot tea–one vessel would work for either. This was going to be a more rugged trip than my usual traveling style, so I didn’t pack as much teaware as I usually do.
My old thermos leaks, so I wanted something better. I’d heard good things about Zojirushi, so I bought their 16 ounce “stainless mug.” I don’t know why they call it that and not a thermos!
A post about preparing–and why I haven’t been posting more on the blog lately.
Tea things are in the works, but not ready to materialize yet.
Life has been very busy as a professor and personally. Tea things, of course, are in the mix, too.
Here are a few things in the works to share in this post about preparing.
I’ve been thinking about how to enhance your tea tasting.
There’s an underappreciated way to improve your ability to have a fuller tasting experience and clearer communication about tea. Simply put, it is increasing your exposure to a wider range of foods!
This post shares suggestions for mindful tea. With things you probably have in your cupboards right now, you can change how you prepare or enjoy your tea. Small changes could lead to big rewards, adding some calm and presence to your day.
Starting with a definition, or understanding, of mindful tea is a great way to begin.
I love trying herbal teas, like burdock root tea, that don’t appear in the typical chain grocery store in the U.S. That’s partly because for years I thought I didn’t enjoy herbal tea. It turns out, I’m just not a big fan of mint or chamomile–probably the two most popular herbals in the United States.
So, when one of my favorite tea companies, Soocha Tea, added a new herbal tea to their collection, I knew I had to try. Maybe it would be a new option to add to my Herbal Tea Recommendations!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’ve been thinking about how we can share love through tea. In past years, I’ve shared posts on Valentine’s teas and tisanes and tea-infused chocolates. (I’ll link to those posts at the bottom of this one.) I’ve also featured Tea Love Stories–sharing, for example, how tea has brought couples and friends together.
This year, I have been deeply moved by the compassionate actions and support for social justice I’ve seen small tea companies perform–acts of love and deep care for wider humanity. So, I’m thinking about love in a more communal sense and showcasing the work of a few tea companies.
This post provides a Handwarmer Mug review from an accessibility perspective. Neher Pottery makes the mug, which includes a “pocket” for your dominant hand. I share my thoughts and a loved one’s reaction to write this overview.
I’m still searching for and trying out mugs for accessibility. A family member who has issues with hand-swelling and soreness inspired this quest. I reviewed the CURVD wide-handled mug about a month ago.
This review is of the ceramic Handwarmer Mug from Neher Pottery. I would like to emphasize that the company was not advertising this mug as accessible. In their description on Etsy, they emphasized the “Handwarmer Mugs are designed with an ergonomic pocket so you can wrap your fingers in comforting warmth while you enjoy your favorite beverage.”
I’m delighted to share my favorite hot cocoa recipe!
Yes, I am a devoted tea drinker. But we also take homemade hot cocoa very seriously at my house! When my kids were growing up, we always made it on days it snowed. We still do. Of course, we also enjoy it on cold, snowless winter days.
