I Like Big Cups

My mom teases me because I tend to use large mugs when I have tea. She prefers the daintier cups with saucers, but I drink more tea than she does, so I like bigger cups.

I'm kind of waiting for my husband to buy me one of those humongous mugs that hold more than a pot, but he hasn't done that yet. He's probably afraid I'll actually use it and be super buzzy all day.

Guess I'll just have my peppermint black tea in this mug.

All You Need Are Books and Tea

My friends know me so well. They'll often post things about books or tea on my wall, because they know those are two of my favorite things. Curling up with a good book and nice hot cuppa, especially on a grey, rainy day - heaven!

And it's still winter, so I enjoy a holiday spice tea.

A Cup of Tea Makes Everything Better

Because it really does. I know when I sit down to have a nice hot cuppa, suddenly the day is just better, no matter what else is going on in the world.

Go. Have a cuppa. You'll see!

Decaf green with mandarin oranges.

I told you! Everything is better!

Just, no

I don't often get tea out, because they hand me a cup of hot water with a tea bag dangling out of it. Sheesh, I can do better at home. So I do. Yeah, sure, sometimes I do break down and buy a cup of hot tea, but it's pretty rare. But I can't bring myself to do the above, the lazy tea for lazy people. Seems so undignified!

So, I'll just enjoy my tea here at home:

And have this lovely lavender chamomile.

Chai Tea - Tai Chi

A little humor for your day:

And my tea for the day:

Of course, it's chai green tea!

Tea Sandwich Tuesday: Golden Tea Sandwiches

I remember being at a retreat where everyone raved about pimiento cheese sandwiches. I'd never eaten them before, and, being vegan, didn't eat these. But I was intrigued by the responses, because I'd always associated pimiento cheese with being the one type of sandwich everyone generally avoided. Clearly, I was wrong.

However, my version got rave reviews from a couple of my kids, so I guess, once again, I was mistaken about the power of a shredded cheese sandwich.

Golden Tea Sandwiches

One package shredded vegan cheddar cheese
One container vegan cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. vegan mayonnaise
1/2 t. vegan Worcestershire sauce
1/8 t. onion salt
1/8 t. garlic salt
1/6 t. celery salt

Mix all ingredients together thoroughly, and spread on bread. Cut into desired shapes.

And for my tea today:

French vanilla with salted caramel

Tea Meditation

I begin each day with tea. I mean, witness:

A black tea with strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry.

But a truly lovely way to start your day is with a tea meditation.

For starters, from everything you do in making your tea, from the brewing, to choosing your cup, to the pouring, and beyond, do it with mindfulness. Sit quietly before your fresh brewed cup of tea, and be in the present moment. Just sit. Notice the color of your tea, the aroma, watch the steam swirl upward.

Give thanks, appreciate what is before you, and feel gratitude toward all those who have brought this moment to you. The growers, the shippers, the grocers.

Now drink. Sip slowly. Delight all of your senses with that first taste. Commit to the moment.

Now, doesn't this make your day seem just a little bit nicer, a little bit more pleasant?