Did you know that we celebrated National Napping Day on March 11? Aside from being one of our favorite pastimes (after drinking tea, of course), sleep is nature’s restoration, which is why it’s not only lovable, but also essential. So many of us have trouble sleeping, with issues ranging from anxiety to physical ailments keeping us up at night, or even preventing us from taking a restorative power nap. A lot of sleep issues, of course, are related to our old frenemy: stress. Per the American Psychological Association: “Survey findings show that stress may be getting in the way of quality sleep ..read more

During the changing of the seasons, the most comforting elements in our lives are undoubtedly the ones that stay constant. Family, our homes, our livelihoods, our routines—just to name a few. This spring, why not let the focus be on tea? The old, stereotypical visions of tea might conjure a black tea in cold weather, in a formal, indoor setting. But luckily for tea lovers everywhere, times have evolved. There is a lot to be said for the versatility of gourmet loose-leaf tea—especially that of certain blends that blend the best of all seasons. The just-right year-round tea either delivers pure ..read more

Balance is a tricky thing. It’s that mysterious element we’re constantly seeking in all areas of our life, but may find difficult to attain—or even define. It’s really all about proportion, being even-keeled, and compensating for what’s missing without creating a new void. In a world that may seem out of whack, anxiety-inducing or dull, it’s up to us to use whatever is at our disposal to tip the scales in the opposite direction, whether that means picking ourselves up with a boost of energy when we’re down, or trying to stay calm and collected when our nerves get the best of us. It’s a good th ..read more

How is it that every time, the year-end holidays creep up on us so quickly? By the time each trip around the sun is complete, we’ve all indulged in fresh and floral springtime treats, the sweet and citrusy tastes of summer, and the warming and spicy flavors of Halloween and Thanksgiving. And now, the final countdown is upon us—the Christmas season followed by New Year’s Eve. Not that we’re into stereotypes, but...we’re a little into stereotypes. The particular indulgences of mid-winter have us singing Mariah Carey ballads on repeat and donning our favorite ugly sweaters anywhere and everywhere ..read more

Ever wonder why, come the brisk weather of fall, certain classic flavors just hit the spot? Us too! As we shift gears into full autumnal mode, we find ourselves suddenly craving the familiar pumpkin-spice adjacent flavors that somehow always feel like home.  To get a whiff of rich cinnamon, exotic cardamom or deep-and-spicy cloves is to be transported to a place of comfort and warmth. A cozy night by the fireplace might come to mind, or maybe a delicious seasonal meal followed by a scrumptious dessert, and a tea made with some of these warming spices to top it off.  Going beyond just ..read more

A spoonful of sugar makes just about anything go down—but do we want it to? Cravings for sweetness in our drinks—especially the chilled ones—are tough to escape. Our daily lives are filled with easy opportunities to buy bottled, pre-sweetened drinks (which, by the way, often contain many tablespoons of sugar). Sugar-filled store-bought beverages are a serious vice—but not one that can’t be conquered. Homemade iced tea can easily (and deliciously) replace sugar filled store bought beverages, fulfill your cravings, and lend health benefits, too. Since sugar is addictive and disruptive to our end ..read more

In the world filled with tea enthusiasts, the term Matcha rings a familiar bell. This powdered green tea, originally from Japan, has conquered teacups worldwide. Yet, as the spotlight on matcha grows brighter, the need to learn and understand how it can differ is paramount. Amidst a number of different types of matcha from different regions lies one that reigns supreme - Uji Matcha. History Uji, a city located in Kyoto, Japan, has a long significant history of producing some of the worlds best matcha. From as early as the 1200s, Uji's advantageous geography and climate ..read more

What exactly is cold brew iced tea? And how do you make it? As we’ve mentioned before, nothing satisfies a summertime craving quite like iced tea. Cold brewing is a simply delectable way to make great-tasting iced tea. Just like with cold brew coffee—considered the gold standard for iced coffee—this method involves infusing loose tea leaves in cold water overnight to slowly bring out the light and sweet notes of the tea. Here’s the easiest 4-step recipe, based on the method outlined by Dani Spies; we like to put our gourmet twist on it by always using loose tea leaves to amplify flavor and ens ..read more

 A healthy body weight, along with overall wellness, is perhaps what people of all ages today are in search of most. With all the advances in science, technology and our understanding of health and aesthetics, it is widely acknowledged that there is still no shortcut for keeping your body healthy other than to exercise and consume wholesome and nutritious food and beverages. Whether you’re in your golden years or a proud member of Gen-Z, you can be certain that high-quality loose leaf tea would be a wise contribution to your diet, both for overall health as well as for weight management ..read more

This month marks a seasonal change—and we can’t help but translate the mood to our beverage appetite. We’re craving a little something(s) different for the warmer months, and teas made from adaptogenic herbs are, perhaps literally, just what the doctor ordered. If you’re trying to conjure what an adaptogenic herb actually is, you’re not alone. But the interest in this group of substances is steadily growing among health practitioners. According to Healthline, adaptogens are plant-based compounds that can mitigate the effects of stress on the body. While they can be synthetically created, they ..read more