Story of a Teacup 2026 is coming in on November 7, 2026. Usually, it is my annual chariTEA fundraiser! This year, however, this online event is going to be different in a couple of exciting ways!
Categories
Tea and Iron Absorption
What is the relationship between tea and iron absorption? What does the research suggest?
Most of us have heard about the potential health effects of drinking tea. While there are potential benefits, many popular sources, unfortunately, exaggerate them. An article in Harvard Medical Publishing sums up the research on tea and health this way: “Hundreds of studies have been published on the health effects of tea, but they don’t offer conclusive evidence….’But the overall direction of research indicates a potential benefit,’ Dr. Hu says” (Godman, 2025).
Categories
Tea in NYC
Looking for good tea in NYC? Me, too! This post gathers the reviews I’ve written of teahouses and such that serve good (or great!) tea in New York City. I’m most often visiting tea places in Manhattan, but Brooklyn is represented, too.
Two things keep me from having more reviews.
One: I really, really try to visit a place multiple times before I review it. So, I’ve visited a lot of places once but haven’t written a review.
Categories
Herbal Tea Reviews
I’ve gathered together my herbal tea reviews.
I never knew I could love herbal teas until I discovered options beyond mint and chamomile.
I hope these herbal tea reviews help you discover new herbal choices or new ways to enjoy them!
What’s the difference between rooibos and green rooibos teas? This post compares their origin, processing, appearance, and flavor profiles.
Rooibos, or red bush tea, is generally more well known then green rooibos. Both herbal teas come from Aspalathus linearis. This plant is “a South African shrub from whose leaves a tea (infusion) is made that is high in antioxidants, and has low tannin content and no caffeine” (American Botanical Council).
Categories
Review of Witches Brew in West Hempstead
This Review of Witches Brew in West Hempstead, NY, highlights this eclectic cafe with its substantial tea menu, tasty vegan and vegetarian food, and fun goth and Victorian décor.
I’m finally sharing a blog review of Witches Brew on Long Island after over two decades of enjoying their tea, food, and vibes.
Witches Brew in Hempstead, New York a coffee house that serves tasty vegetarian and vegan food, desserts, coffee, and tea. For this tea blog, I’ll focus on their tea, the space, and food. I’ll also share some tips and insight on parking.
Categories
Review of Safwa Coffee & Teahouse
I’m sharing my review of Safwa Coffee & Teahouse.
As I write this, Safwa has two locations–one in Somerset, New Jersey; the other in Westbury, New York (on Long Island). I’m reviewing the Long Island location.
Safwa carries a wide range of coffees–espresso, cortado, flat white, etc. Since this is a tea blog, however, I’ll focus on their tea, the space, and the food.
Categories
Tea Ice Cream at Van Leeuwen
As I write, there are two flavors of tea ice cream at Van Leeuwen that I love.
Van Leeuwen is an ice cream chain that started in New York City. Now, you can find scoop shops across a large swatch of the United States and in Korea. According to their website, in the U.S. their name is pronounced “Van (like the car) Lou (like the name) Inn (like the hotel).”
Categories
A Cup Full of Compassion
This post shares a story about tea served as a cup full of compassion.
In July, a beloved member of our family was hospitalized, then moved to hospice care. It was an emotionally and physically tense time all around.
The day she moved from the hospital to the hospice was especially stressful. For several days, we didn’t know when the hospital would transfer her or where she would be placed. Then, it was suddenly happening.
Categories
T Handle Mug Review
This post shares, from an accessibility perspective, a T handle mug review. The mug is made by Carter Designs. I share my thoughts and a loved one’s experience.
Accessible Mugs Can Be Helpful
Swelling, strength, mobility issues with fingers or hands–among other things–can make it very helpful to have a mug that works for your body and circumstances.
This T Handle mug is the third type of mug that I’m reviewing for accessibility on the blog. I bought it, paying retail price, from The Wright Stuff.
