My 2016 Tea-Themed New Year's Resolution

This year is coming to a close, and everyone is talking about their resolutions for 2016. I'm not a big fan of making lists of resolutions, they're usually just a cause for guilt and stress after a few months of not achieving them. But, there is one resolution that I'm going to make, one that I think is important. Of course, it happens to involve tea.

In 2016 I resolve to take better care of myself on a daily basis. Parenting, marriage, family, work, home-owning, and trying to be a good friend takes up a good deal of time. All of these things are important but I've come to realize I won't be happy and successful in life unless I take care of myself first. If I'm stressed and upset it negatively impacts everything I do.

There are big and small gestures of kindness we can do for ourselves. I'm going to start small. The tea-themed resolution isn't to learn more, try more teas, or seek out more tea experiences. I know all of those things will happen this year, and I want them to happen naturally. I'm starting with taking small moments to enjoy my tea in a more mindful way.

Mindful tea doesn't necessary need elaborate tea sessions with a proper chaxi. I've been preparing a nice quiet cup to sip and contemplate, even if it's for 5 minutes during a busy day.

It's a quick but meaningful process. I like to take in the whole experience- listening to the water as it heats, knowing just when it's boiling by the change in sound. Pouring the water on the tea, feeling the steam and aroma start to climb through the air. Enjoying the fragrance the leaves bestow upon the atmosphere. Taking note of how the the tea steeps and the color changes. Observing the first sip, and how it sets off a series of positive changes throughout my body. I also try to send a thought of thanks to the land that created the leaves, and the individuals that worked hard to create the tea sitting in my cup. Just a few thoughts. On many days I may not be feeling quite this observant. But just taking the time for myself, to think about everything and nothing for a few minutes makes a big difference.

Taking the time for tea with my family is also a way to aid positive personal change. It shows my family that I'm willing to take care of myself, and share with them something that has such an impact on my well-being. It's a benefit for all of us, a moment for us to take care of each other.

Even in the office, a taste of tea with co-workers has become a weekly event. I look forward to sharing different flavors with everyone, as we sit together for 30 minutes and forget about office life for a few minutes. We connect and interact in a way that can't happen during a regular workday.

So for 2016, my goal is to take care of myself first, using small gestures of tea and kindness. This self-care will have an impact on everyone in my life. This is something I know I can achieve, and definitely stick with.

I hope in the coming year to share more personal tea experiences with all of you. Have a happy, healthy new year!

Interview: Linda Gaylard, The Tea Stylist

Photo courtesy of Linda Gaylard

I'm very pleased to present this week's interview with Linda Gaylard. Many of you may recognize her from her work as The Tea Stylist. Linda is a certified Tea Sommelier, and has written The Tea Book, which was definitely one of my favorite tea reads this year. It's a comprehensive book about tea with recipes, history, terroir, and processing of tea. I love the layout and of course the style of the book! In her beautifully expressed interview you'll learn about everything from childhood walks in the woods, to tea travels on a Korean mountainside.

How To Drink Tea Like a Jedi

My vintage Star Wars toys were trying to help with the tea. 

It's no secret that the newest Star Wars movie is now in theaters, and all my fellow geeks are freaking out. I haven't bought my tickets yet but I am a dedicated fan, I promise! I thought I'd try to prove it with my handy guide on how to drink tea like a Jedi.

I recently saw this picture posted online, and it inspired me to create tips that are a bit more realistic. Aren't you only supposed to use The Force when it's absolutely necessary? I don't think you need it to enjoy your cup of tea like a Jedi!

How To Drink Tea Like a Jedi:

Use patience: Take your time, and enjoy the tea. Experience the aroma, flavor, and texture. Visualize the flavors and how they work together. If while you are drinking your tea, your thoughts drift towards The Dark Side, do not give in to those feelings of anger! Let those feelings go and focus on the cup in front of you.

Resist fear: Go outside of your comfort zone and try a tea you're a bit hesitant about. Does that ripe puerh smell too much like a forest floor for your liking? Give it a try anyway. Expand your horizons and you'll be surprised at how many new teas you'll enjoy.

Focus on the Present: Clear your mind and enjoy your tea moment. Don't worry about the battles from long ago or the ones waiting around the corner. Mindfully prepare and drink your tea instead.

Do not form attachments to any one tea: Jedi aren't supposed to form bonds to any life forms, and the same goes for tea. Enjoy a wide variety of tea and don't get stuck drinking the same one day after day.

Feel The Force within the tea: Similar to focusing on the present, pay attention to how the tea affects your body as you sip.  Do you feel differently? Does your mood change? A Jedi must be tapped in to every sensation and feeling.

Fight for the Weak: Jedi believe all lives are precious and must be defended. Do your part by purchasing teas from companies that are working to help out those in need. Companies such as Ajiri Tea, Eco Cha, JusTea, and Young Mountain Tea are just a few to look into. Also, fight against weak tea!

Don't fall to the Dark Side: Ok, I like the idea of this one but I can't really use it, since darker teas are super delicious. Maybe just don't fall to the actual Dark Side.

I can see Yoda sipping his tea in this fashion, can't you?  Thanks for reading, and may The Force be with you!

Devotea USA Green tea

A photo posted by sara shacket (@tea_happiness) on Nov 21, 2015 at 1:05pm PST

I've been meaning to review this tea for awhile, and I'm happy to finally have a few minutes to write down my thoughts on it. I received a few samples to brew from The Devotea USA and this one intrigued me most. This is a Taiwanese green tea, and I admit it isn't something I'd had before. I was happy to taste something that's new-to-me and rather enjoyable. I've had many oolongs from Taiwan, but this is the first green.

The dry leaves are rolled like an oolong and have a grassy, slightly floral aroma with a buttery finish. The butter had me imagining a nice big bowl of popcorn to accompany the tea! I think I have to try that pairing out in the near future. The steeped tea is grassy, with a strong cooked green vegetable flavor but it's also sweet and a little floral. It has a nice creamy texture. I imagine it would be the result if a light oolong and sencha had a baby. This tea has a lot of flavor for a light green tea, it's very easy to drink and I found myself quite relaxed after a couple of steepings. After letting the 2nd steep cool down (ok, so perhaps it cooled down because I got distracted for awhile) it was refreshing and had an interesting barley-like note.

This tea is quite interesting, and would make a nice gift for someone that loves oolong and green teas but hasn't had much experience Taiwanese greens. It's a tea I could see myself drinking at any time of day since it's light but nuanced. I'll probably try cold brewing it, which I could probably do this weekend, giving this crazy warm December we've had thus far!

Thank you to The Devotea USA for the samples!

The Tea Happiness 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

The holidays have crept up on me very quickly this year! I'm sure your gift shopping is well under way, but here are a few picks for the tea-lover in your life. Giving a tea related gift is always a good way to show how you feel. It gives the recipient a reason to slow down, relax, and enjoy themselves. To breathe and contemplate their day, or just smile and clear the mind.

You can't go wrong with beautiful glass teaware. It's functional enough to use every day, and beautiful to look at. Each pot of tea will feel extra special. Every time it's used, the recipient will be reminded of your friendship. The best part is you can gaze peacefully at your tea as it steeps. Seeing the appearance of the tea is part of the pleasure of tea time. I love this glass teaware from Kikkerland. The Ora Teapot is beautiful, and perfect for delicate green teas. It just the right size for one or two people, and the built in strainer makes it easy to re-steep the leaves many times. I also love these double walled cups, they are the perfect size for the teapot. If you are looking to give a larger teapot, the Lotus teapot is a great choice. It is large enough for a group, and has a removable strainer. It has nice wood details, and the warming stand is a nice touch. You could put a little votive candle in the warmer to keep your pot of tea at the right drinking temperature.

I recommend teas all the time, and for something a bit different, how about a tea subscription? There are many out there, and not all of them are worth the investment. Global Tea Hut is a good choice for the true tea lover in your life. The tea comes with an informative magazine and usually a little gift. There is much to be learned every month with this subscription. I have one, and I look forward to seeing it in my mailbox every month. I savor all of the information in the magazine and try to reserve some quiet time every day to read it.

To give a fancy, extra-special touch to your afternoon tea, I'd highly recommend sugars from Chambre de Sucre.  I can't think of anyone that wouldn't love receiving a package of these beautifully crafted sugars. They are almost too lovely to eat! There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from.

For the inquisitive tea lover in your life, books are always a good bet. I've read a few excellent tea-related books this year, and they'd all make great gifts. For anyone with a wanderlust for tea history and travel, Darjeeling by Jeff Koehler is a great choice. It is extremely informative and readers learn the history of Darjeeling tea, its processing, and future. For a beautiful book with stunning pictures, lots of information and recipes, The Art and Craft of Tea by Joseph Uhl can't be beat. Learn about the importance of terroir, how tea is processed and grown all over the world, and drool over pictures and recipes you can make at home. For a well-rounded tea book about history, growing regions, processing, and tea rituals around the world, The Tea Book by Linda Gaylard is a perfect choice. Any tea lover would be happy to own one or all of these books. They will be read and loved for many years to come.

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you enjoy every moment with friends and family. If you have any gift giving questions, feel free to drop me a note in the comments.