The Sweetest Harvest

November 21, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea Leave a comment

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This will likely be my last tea post before Thanksgiving, and the timing could not have been better. After my stories that have involved multiple tea reviews in each, I wanted to scale it back down to one.

I wanted it to be as simple as can be. I wanted it to be as approachable and welcoming as most of my posts are intended to be.

With that, I take back to an old friend, Celestial Seasonings.

I have a relationship with Celestial that goes back a ways. Two years ago I dedicated the bulk of the holidays to a bunch of their different themed teas (you can find those posts along with my entire Celestial Seasonings archive here).

Here is where you can find them at a store near you, the online buying option, their contact info, and more about this great company in general.

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After all that, a time to talk about the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin has been long overdue and then some.

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While I may have rushed some of my other selections to make it by my self imposed deadlines, this simple and cozy tea was one I chose to take my time with.

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I have to laugh here. I would likely lose count on the amount of times I’ve raved about a tea, and said oh there’s cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and natural (or artificial haha) flavors of pumpkin and all the joys of fall. I’m a cheese ball I know. I get sentimental and partial to the similar styles and ingredients that all these pumpkin teas contain.

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But you know where the difference comes from? It comes from who provides the tea, and the soul behind it. If it’s a company you’ve been sipping from for years, you’re going to have a bias. And even if the teas aren’t always up to par, you’ll give a certain company the benefit of the doubt over the other. How I’m writing this might make it seem like I’m going to cover up how I feel about this tea.

No, I love this tea. And the other major difference besides my love for Celestial Seasonings is the addition of Stevia. You may have heard of it.

It enhances this black tea with pumpkin (and yes all the joys of fall) combination to a different place. I must say I truly like this, but it makes me wonder how the tea would taste without it. Or have I missed the boat, and do all these teas use Stevia or something similar? I almost feel lost here.

Well no need to beat myself up. I’m going with the belief and education that this is just a tad different than the other pumpkin selections I’ve had the pleasure of drinking. But because the taste is so pronounced, was this sweetener needed?

And that’s it for the serious questions. I’m a fan of this tea and a have of what they’re all about. Their brand is one of my go to’s in my house. I’ll drink their teas even if they don’t apply to the season or weather.

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This leads me to my display that I’m quite proud of. I threw some things together and I think it came out alright. It’s another in the transition from one season to another, but not really. This holiday season, at least for me, has blended together a lot better than I remember.

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I choose to be oblivious of the commercial and superficial part of the holidays. For me, what’s most important, at any time of year, is focusing on the simple, the joyous, and the good. Those are all synonyms of each other, and that’s my point. This time of year is a time to reflect and appreciate all that you have, and all that you have. You see what I’m saying? I’m talking to myself when I say all this.

It’s the most beautiful and heartening time of year if you let it. I know, for me at least and many others, it can be harder at times. But it’s the storms before the calm as I like to say.

This tea is my calm. This week will be a mix of storms and calms, with a whole bunch of food, people, and parties thrown in. But this tea is my calm.

The representations of these beautiful dogs are my calm. I always like to focus on the simple, but something is hitting me right now to be a little more humbled and appreciative than usual. Ah this time of year.

I love this tea, and the fact that I’ve been afforded this opportunity to deviate from my weekly post speaks to the amount of amazing autumn and holiday teas there are.

This is going to continue, with what schedule I don’t know. As I write all this I realize I’m going away from the living in the moment, being here now, and being where I am.

This is where I’ll go back to having my cup of the sweetest harvest pumpkin, and being in awe of my tribute to my animal friends, and all the other things that make me happy.

I’m happy that one cup of tea and the place I’m in got me to write so much. For that I’m grateful.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Ideen

‘Tis Tea Season

November 20, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 2 Comments

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Oh yes it is, and we’re just riding along this train till I run out of tea to try, which will never happen. I promised myself, you, and the universe, that I would get to as many teas for autumn and naturally let the blend from season to season.

With this I will reviewing two teas from Stash, which has been a friend to me and this blog (previous posts can be found here, over here, and one more right…here…) and I don’t write about enough. I could say that about a whole plethora of companies, and their finest of teas.

The Pumpkin Spice Decaf really got me good. Without trying too hard I figured out that this was natural pumpkin flavor and not that artificial and synthesized coloring and flavoring that many of these companies add to their teas, to make it sweeter when it’s better off being left alone.

But this was fun. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg (oil in this instance which I found intriguing), and cloves really make this a powerfully packed tea that seemed so effortless to produce. I think black tea and pumpkin is a winning combination if done right. You could actually apply that to just about anything If things are blended together properly, with some good soul and feeling behind it, it’s going to be a winner.

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This checks of all the boxes. How about that beautiful color? Decaf or not, I wouldn’t know the difference, this is a great tea.

The Maple Apple Cider is fine except for the maple flavor. This is a matter of taste. Maple doesn’t always work for me. It’s natural maple flavor and it’s possible that’s where I’ve thrown off. I’ve had plenty of foods with maple glaze that either taste too good to be true, or just don’t taste good at all.

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Aside from that, this had another melange of great flavors, that is slightly marred my the maple. But there’s times where I feel the cinnamon, caramel, and apple is lost because of the strong presence of maple. This is another in the line of rooibos that I’ve been trying, and this is a slight step back.

I will gladly give it another go since I’ve bought a package, but I wasn’t blown away this with this one.

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My snowman friends didn’t seem to mind. They seemed to be enjoying themselves. Yes I did just say that…

On their website, both teas are listed as a package deal. I think that’s a fantastic gift for now, and the Christmas season that is fast approaching.

When it comes to Stash, I’m only just getting started. They have so many teas for the holidays, that I’m hopefully going to dedicate some more posts too. Just from my observation, Stash is one of those companies that doesn’t get the publicity and headlines that it should.

I know some people close to me are huge fans, and make it a part of their daily lives, and morning routine. I have to many teas to choose from, I’m not sure if there will ever be a routine. And neither situation is right or wrong. It’s all beautiful. It’s all in the celebration of tea.

We’re still in the heart of November, and there’s so much tea to try and share with you guys. For some reason, I’m feeling a little more heart warmed today than normal. Tea makes me so happy and this is some of the happiest times of the year.

More to share soon.

For more on Stash, here is where you can find their teas, their list of fall teas, more about the company, and contact information.

Thank you so much, and I’ll be back tomorrow…

Peace be with you.

Ideen

Happy Thanksgiving Week…

November 19, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea Leave a comment

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Three is a number. I did three posts last week, and I’m compelled to do it again.

As we march towards Thanksgiving, the amount of tea I tried, and want to keep trying got a little overwhelming. Some brands I will try to revisit after turkey day, if time and the place permits. I’ll make time.

But for now, I’m recapping three from Republic of Tea.

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The Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Apple Caramel Apple, and Hot Apple Cider teas were all unique and had something to offer for all the same and for different reasons. I purposely listed the teas in that order as it’s a segue from one holiday season to another. I know, we got here to fast.

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While three distinct teas, they all carry an aura of familiarity compared to the other. It could be that drinking so many in a short of time, may dilute the flavors.

It’s also rapid fire time. I’ll tell you, in the time I’ve been doing this, there will never be enough time, there will never be enough teas, and thank goodness for that. I also got lost in how many teas came to me without even looking. There might be a week where I have no idea what I’m doing, and I make a discovery at the final hour. Sometimes I do better at the last minute.

But when I find blends that add to an already growing list, I find that even more of an adventure. How much more effort do I put into these teas, while I have time to take pictures, set up displays, and take more careful sips.

In the end it always works out. But it looks like this will be another week of multiple posts. And what’s the holidays without a little more excess? Oh man I’ve been watching too many dopey holiday cinemas already.

So here are the three, in sequential order, with some snacks and displays to go with each.

First, the Pumpkin Spice.

With all the cans, the immediate aromas after opening are all the pumpkin you can handle, and I adore it. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and all the other joys of autumn. I was initially worried when I saw the water turn blurry almost immediately after dropping the bag in the cup. That may be the signs of a defective bag. But all fears vanished immediately.

Black tea and pumpkin, with all these other magical flavors, is a match made in tea wonderland. I also just love black tea right now. It reminds me of growing up, being around good people, around family, friends, and enjoying myself. At the time I was drinking this, it was just the tea I needed.

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Thankfully these tins are in 50 count bags, so I will be enjoying this after the new year. That’s exactly right. As you see, some friends joined the party and helped me indulge in some holiday chocolate treats.

The Caramel Apple is the simplest of the three. And that doesn’t mean it’s any less in quality. While I’ve grown to love Rooibos, and love it some more, this wasn’t my favorite. While I still enjoyed it, nothing about this made me go crazy over this tea. Personally, caramel doesn’t always work for me in certain situations. This is a matter of taste and acquired taste. Less is more, and while this is a good tea, it wasn’t the best I’ve had.

In a different setting, with different people, or in a different frame of mind I might be giving you another story. And perhaps in a little while, I may give you another story.

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Was there meant to be a turkey in this setting? Haha oops.

The Hot Apple Cider is created in a way to mirror how cider would taste in its natural form. Those aren’t my words, they’re in the description. Well maybe I’m overanalyzing.

This one is fun, and in a way that doesn’t take itself too seriously. That’s how I feel about all three of their teas. There’s a lot of care put into it without being too pretentious. And the aura of this company gives one of a a regal nature.

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The flavors of apple, cinnamon, and the many other fruit and fall flavors, make this a joy to drink into the holidays, late into winter, and good for many other situations. This is a a tea for now and forever. Wow that was dramatic, but I mean that.

These teas are symbolic of what’s good in the world and what’s good about the holidays. And you can’t ask for much more than that. There’s no need to.

I found these teas already at a discounted rate at my local grocery store, so hopefully if you’re in the market for some of these, you can find them.

For more on The Republic of Tea, here is their story, their social responsibility, and contact information.

I wrote about them some time back, and will not wait this long to do so again.

Their teas are available for purchase online. And while their teas are mainly $10 and up, for a count of 50 and then some, I think you’re getting your monies worth.

Happy Early Thanksgiving to you. I hope it’s an enjoyable one for you and your loved ones.

Ideen

Springtime Feelings In The Middle Of…

November 15, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea Leave a comment

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So this felt quick. Well when you do three posts in three days, it feels about right and it fells relative. But I think I’m just getting started.

After the first two posts (you can find them here and here respectively) from one of my favorite places of all time, Wegmans, (click here to find a store near you).

I’m feeling a tad emotional. Why I don’t know. I just tend to get emotional. It’s not like the teas and store is going anywhere. If anything this is only beginning. I feel like we use that term, ‘it’s only the beginning’, or ‘we’ve only just begun’ a lot, but it’s true. There’s so much tea and so much time to talk about it.

Absolutely.

The Jasmine Globe Tea is exactly that. It’s shaped like a globe and during steeping it blooms into a flower. Well that was the intent.

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I just love the look of this tea. It’s almost too beautiful for it to be brewed. But then again, I can always save another piece or two to admire. I mean look at this thing. How this was fused in the way it was is a marvel. I bet it wasn’t that difficult, but I like to think this was done with such precision to get every herb, flower, spice, and everything else to look like perfection.

It smelled like perfection. However, during infusing it didn’t quite break up to be like the flower it was meant to be. I tried with and without the infuser. Maybe it was me, maybe the water wasn’t hot enough, or maybe it was something else.

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But the smell of jasmine takes me back to my childhood. I just recall it being in parts of potpourri, air fresheners, and even parts of various foods my parents could cook up. It’s those scents that remind me of you holidays and celebrations past. It’s not always the best of memories, but this one reminds me of many other people, not just relatives, going back in time. I’m sure you have familiar scents and tastes that remind you of something from growing up, or maybe even more recently. That’s my take on it, and this tends to manifest itself more so this time of year.

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The taste was not at profound as the aroma, but it was just right. Too much jasmine might not work on the mouth at times. This was meant to be exactly how it was intended. I celebrate that spring time feeling with one of my favorite cups and we segue and tease future holiday celebrations with some more of my favorite decor, and some pumpkin spice oatmeal.

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One of my most favorite birthday presents ever, the beautiful black labrador retriever plate, is back for an encore. It should be part of the main set and every encore!

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Last and certainly not the last (for now), is the Apple Pie Chai Rooibos. Try saying that a few times without messing that up!

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This was the only tea that listed the ingredients on the bag. Did every other tea have nothing except what was in the tea itself? I still enjoy the vague, wine like descriptions of these teas, and will always find unintentional humor in them.

There’s ways to describe tea and then there’s ways to describe tea.

The Apple Pie might have had my favorite tint after completion. It looks more orange but that’s due in part to orange peel and orange lemongrass. The inclusion of apple pieces, cinnamon and hibiscus flowers make this the happiest of teas for the season.

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I love this one so much.

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I didn’t have any apple pie but some apple cider and pumpkin pretzels is just as viable as an alternative. There will be more mentions of apple cider and similar teas as we progress.

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But right now there’s still plenty of time to celebrate autumn, November, Thanksgiving, and all the good that comes with it. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and the celebrations that will ensue makes me warm inside. It gives me butterflies and makes me thankful for good family, good friends, and good health.

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I hope you enjoyed this trilogy. This is it for now. But there’s so much time for me to seek out some more approachable and welcoming holiday teas. The traditional weekly post will be back, but not just yet.

I got a few more things in mind starting this weekend, into next week, and leading in to the big day.

I wish you good health and a happy holiday season.

Peace Be With You.

Ideen

Warms The Heart…

November 14, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea Leave a comment

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I love having too many teas to write about. I just wish I had more time. There will never be enough time. I mentioned yesterday that this will be part of a trilogy. In a proper sense, I would write about Wegmans loose leaf teas in a spaced out weekly fashion like I’ve done in these three years of post. Oh my goodness, this blog is three years in. It’s been long overdue to change up a few things.

But the more things stay the same, I still believe things are meant to evolve organically, naturally, and all in good time my friends. But with a that being said (and I’m not even sure what I’m saying), it’s time to talk about the next two teas from my new favorite tea shoppe, the Wegmans loose leaf tea department.

The Sweet Cinnamon Tisane looks, smells, and tastes exactly how I envisioned when I first grabbed a whiff at the store. I mean cinnamon should be a part of everyday life, and I imagine for many of us it is. I have it with coffee, toast, breakfast, and with many of my teas. To already have cinnamon, which has so many health benefits, infused into this herbal gem, makes me so happy. And it’s decaffeinated to boot, so you can drink this at all hours of the day without fear or worry about staying up all night. But this is a tea worth staying up all night for. Wait, not sure if that impassioned statement kind of backfired but oh well!

Just that color and all the lovely melange of herbs makes me yearn for this time of year. But this is an all the time tea and can be paired with anything or nothing at all. After a sizable meal or eating loads of comfort food at an upcoming party this’ll settle you down.

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You know what else settles me down? My love for animals. And as I said yesterday, there will be hints of the holidays to come and a celebration of cups, mugs, artifacts, gems, and what have you of what makes me happy, not just this year, but any year.

Some dear friends of mine gave me this beautiful Labrador Retriever Dog Plate as a birthday gift. I’m so grateful.

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Throw in a few pumpkin cookies and I’m good to go. I don’ t think I ate them though haha.

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I love animals so much, including my four legged dog friends, that I felt the need to honor them. And I want to honor and salute them as much as possible. They’re even more important to us during the holidays.

Next is the Hearth Warmer Blend, which up until a few minutes ago I thought was the Heart Warmer Blend. So instead of changing my title, I’m going to own my clumsiness. Hey it’s the holidays, I get a pass don’t I?

I have to laugh at the synopsis of this one. Lots of vague words like notes, aromas, flavors, and balance. Oh and something about chocolate.

This tea was fine, but I don’t even remember how it tasted now that I think about it. And I don’t even mean to say it as a bad thing. Nothing about it stood out or told me, ‘oh man this is a great tea!’. It’s one of those teas that I kind of don’t even want to try anytime soon. I may not be making sense but I rather be an enigma just like the description reads. I’m just realizing this now as I write this to you.

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Maybe I’m just entertaining myself, or making more of a production than I intended. But I’m in a festive mood, it’s the holiday season, and having fun with tea or anything is what life is all about. Still with that being said, I’m not sure what to make of this tea. Maybe I’ll revisit it down the line, and compare and contrast it to something. To what I don’t know.

That’s pumpkin spiced cereal I got at Wegmans on clearance. Yes pumpkin stuff was on clearance starting a few weeks ago. I’m not sure what the rush was, and I shouldn’t complain. I got plenty of cheap eats and material to last a little while…

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Even better than that, my love of my other favorite four legged pals, my kitten friends. I love my cat so much, and I feel honored to celebrate her here.

This is the middle of this three part story. The finale (well for now) comes tomorrow. Maybe I’m in a funny mood but I think my love of animals on display may have blinded my love for the teas on this go around, especially that Heart(h) Warmer. I’m still puzzled, and I shouldn’t be. But that cinnamon is awesome. If you can find some at your local Wegmans, I’d say go for it.

For more on these teas and their provider, go to ITO EN.

Like I said yesterday, you can grab as little or as much as you want. Some of my bags were barely over $1.00. So it’s good to experiment and prepare for what you may or may not love. It’s a fun process and the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.

I look forward to that journey, and the forthcoming destination continuing tomorrow.

Have a blessed one.

Ideen

This Makes Me So Happy…

October 31, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 2 Comments

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When anyone gives you a gift, either by delivery or in person, it touches your soul in a way that can never get old. It’s a wonder why we don’t give gifts to each other more often. But if we did that, would it lose its shine and not feel as special? I don’t know. Gifts of all kinds, whether or not it’s a physical item, never gets tiring. A simple gesture, a message, a thank you is usually all we need. But in this instance, this was above and beyond.

I want to thank a dear friend of mine for sending me two of the most wonderful teas I’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking. And it wasn’t just about the tea itself, but it was everything behind it, the meaning, the feeling, and the reasoning. I’m so blessed.

My pal went to Japan recently and post some photos and videos periodically during his visit. But what stood out to me the most was his visit to a tea house and he got to see the how Japanese Green Tea is created, brewed, steeped, appreciated, and all those other good things.

To say I was envious is an understatement. But more so, I was happy for him, and happy he got to be a part of something that not many of us can say we will ever partake in, let alone go to a country not all of us will ever get a chance to visit. That sounded more dramatic than I intended to be. But it’s ok to live vicariously through someone. It gives us hope and a reason to experience something, to travel somewhere unique, but most importantly learn to be still, be at peace, and be one with the universe.

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I have no website or links to share with you. I did a little research to see if I could find these two bags anywhere. I looked up images, certain sites, and a few other places with no luck. Maybe I didn’t try so hard, or maybe it’s not meant to be for now. I don’t need to know exactly where this tea came from other than it came from a beautiful place with a spirit so big. If I’m meant to find it, it may just find me. That could mean a trip to Japan itself or something else. I’ve always had a love for Japanese culture. I’ve always had a love for any culture and all the fun traditions that are involved, which of course includes the food, the drink, the customs, and the tea.

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So more about this tea…

The green tea was incredible. I had to break out the fancy teapot for this one. And the instructions, which do come in English at the bottom, specifically state don’t brew with the bag too long. And trust me on this, it’s advice to follow. I let it steep just long enough in the teapot, and poured me a cup of something so beautiful in so many ways, I don’t know what to say. That tint of green, the smell, and the taste are what tea is all about. I can’t compare it to other green teas nor should I. This was amazing by itself and there isn’t a place for how this fares against other teas. It’s a tea all it’s own and what a special one at that. It makes me so happy. Yes just like the title says.

I imagine if I were at a Japanese tea house, or in Japan, or with a wonderful set of people, this experience would be magnified and heightened beyond belief. But I settle for my own peace and my own tranquility, and it tasted amazing all the same.

Even more interesting was the Roasted Green Tea, also known as Hōjicha. If you’re looking for a fall themed tea, this might be it. I had a sense when steeping this would be more brownish and even more powerful than the green. I was right on both counts. And roasted is the perfect word for it. If you’re thinking chestnuts roasting…. Too soon for that, but it’s along those lines because I sensed there’s more than just the tea. There’s something else going on here, either nuts or something toasty. This is one of the most comforting teas I’ve ever had.

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Once again, steep it briefly, because otherwise this is going to hit you. I actually tried both the teas again with the bag steeping, and yes, these teas are so potent (in the most complimentary way possible) that the bags should be saved for later brewing. Trust me, I got a few more cups out of this, that it’s well worth holding onto.

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I can’t say which one I loved more. I loved them for different reasons. But I think I loved them the most because they came from a dear friend, who knows much I love the tea and the culture. I’m quite flattered, blessed, and fortunate. And I’m so appreciative.

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Sweet treats persist in both pictures but truthfully no treats are necessary. But as we’re in pumpkin season, a pumpkin related snack will never hurt. But teas like this, to me, are best savored alone.

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And I was also gifted with a new friend who joined me for this tea party. I honored my friend with a belated National Cat Day celebration, and you see my cat drinking mug return for an encore appearance.

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This was beautiful. I don’t know what else to tell you. I wish I could go on forever, but I’m so grateful for this experience. Either I’m so sentimental that the aftertaste has resurfaced in my mouth or my mind is telling me I need more of this tea.

Yes I need more of this tea.

More autumn celebration teas are coming. But this is to be celebrated.

Forever grateful.

Ideen

Autumn In Annapolis 2.0

October 10, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 7 Comments

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Time just keeps on moving. It’s really starting to feel like fall, with a few days feeling bright and sunny. That sounds like Maryland weather. That sounds like a return engagement to Annapolis. Well it’s actually just part two of what I started last week…

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I wish I could write about Spice & Tea Exchange every week. I’ve written about them quite a bit (those stories can be found here), and it never gets old, and their seasonal teas, along with all their teas, continue to amaze, dazzle, inspire, and inspire some more.

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This week I change up the infusers and this one seems a little more light hearted, less serious, and will make anyone feel good. The Duck Infuser is one you want to put in your pocket for safe keeping, because it’s just so adorable and so worthy of protection. And it’s adorable resting spot is fit for a king, or a duckie! Yay!

But it also provided one of the most effortless and enjoyable steeping and sipping experiences I can recall. They’re all fun but this one seemed to flow just all the more organically.

First up is the Caramel Apple Tea. This once again first presents itself as a tea loaded with fruits and spice that you might think would take away from what a tea is all about. If you think that, you would be wrong. When I initially smelled this tea I smelled loads of cinnamon and apple, but didn’t take into account this is a black tea from China and India combined.

This was absolutely stunning, visually and on sipping. How pretty is that color? I got more of the black tea then any of all the fall flavors. And that’s just fine with me. It makes sense, since there’s loads of caffeine, which is helping the thoughts and ideas flow a little quicker and with more alertness. And it’s all natural my friends.

This was appropriately served with an apple round danish. More for display but it tasted great too, and fits perfectly with the fall theme.

Next up, is the one that intrigued me the most. But not in a way that outshines the other three limited time teas. It’s just that the Custard Tart Herbal Tea is a melange of fall and those colors that you would hope would match the picture. This is quite yellow. That would be the butternut squash pieces along with maybe a few other things. I dig that there are pecans in it. This is creativity at its finest.

And no my tea did not brew as yellow as a butternut squash soup. It didn’t actually smell as bold as when I first smelled the jar at their Annapolis store. But when you’ve gotten so many scents from not just the teas, but getting a whiff of their sugars, the spices, and seasonings, can cause your mind may go delirious, it may think you’re getting something you’re not. This is not a knock, this is just my observation and experience.

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Nevertheless, this was another enjoyable one. There’s a lot going on here, apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger. persimmon, orange, allspice, among so much more. Everything brings value, even if you or I aren’t able to taste anything and everything at once or after reach respective and upcoming sip. With all this goodness, it would make me sad for anything to get lost in the shuffle.

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A coconut custard danish was served for this round.

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With that being said, I felt inspired to add a little Pumpkin Pie Sugar I talked about last week, to my cup. And it blended perfectly. Fall and life is all about adding fun stuff to the equation. I wouldn’t ordinarily add anything on top of my tea, but I wanted to experiment, and the Spice & Tea Exchange is so good with ideas and suggestions. This one fell in my lap. And I’m grateful for that.

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But what I’m most grateful is my friends helping out with the accessories. Once again thanks so much to my dear friend Rebecca for providing the Annapolis based mug, and my new friend Sara who works at one of the coolest stores in town, Local By Design, for suggesting the Blue Crab Mug. They’re pictured this week as well as featured in the other two seasonal teas I reviewed from last week.

To learn more about Spice & Tea Exchange, here is their story, all their items, and to find a location hopefully near you. Thankfully, you can order everything online, if there isn’t a shoppe near you.

And for more on Local By Design, here is their story, and items available to purchase online. If you get a chance to visit, either if you’re local or on vacation, I think this is well worth a visit. You can get lost easily, as I did, as there’s so many levels and rooms to this place. It’s loaded with substance on the surface and in a spiritual sense. As promised I’ve added more picture for your visual pleasure.

It’s so early in the season. I have some idea of where we go from here, and got lots of time and lots of teas to figure out what’s next. This was so fun, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from the gems of Annapolis.

I sincerely hope you’re enjoying your fall, your day, your week, and everything in general. This is that warm and fuzzy time of year, that might make you feel, well…

Have a blessed one, and take good care.

CustardTartXOXO

Ideen

Autumn In Annapolis

October 3, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 2 Comments

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This is where we get to my favorite time of year when talking about teas. With the iced teas somewhat behind us, it’s time to focus on fall and all the adorable flavors, aromas, spices, and the other glorious entities that come with the change of the seasons.

I’ve stated countless times my love for Annapolis, and it’s not something I will grow tired of. Walking around Main Street makes me so happy. It’s been like this since I was a kid, and as I’ve gotten older, I still feel like one at times It has that colonial, European, and authentic feel that is slipping away in many other parts of the area. But thankfully the heart and character remains. And I hope that integrity remains forever, or close to it. Whichever comes first!

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The Spice & Tea Exchange has a centrally located and charming location in Downtown Annapolis. They’ve been so good to me over the course of my blogging. My past stories can be found here.

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I always look forward to the changing of the seasons, because they always have a few limited time teas that embody all that’s good about the time of year and where we are.

I’m going to split this into two parts. If I really wanted to milk this, I would cut it into fourths, but that would be serious overkill, and before you now it, it’s…. Nah Not yet.

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There’s no sequential order or preferential treatment being given to one tea over the other. But the two I’m going with this week, will be the more conventional teas (on paper). Heck they’re all unique, and if this week is any indication, they’re all going to be tremendous.

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But I will get to all the teas and the infusers, this week and next. I promise it’ll be worth it!

First up is the Spice Orchard Oolong. All the ingredients are shown above. What really stands out for me is how understated this tea is. I’m willing to bet this will be one of the more simple fall-like teas I’ll sip this season. And with all the creative flavors out there, this will be ironically refreshing in hindsight.

But in foresight it’s fantastic. Yes I had a feeling this and all these teas would be glorious. Yes there’s a bias but there’s so much more to Spice & Tea Exchange than the tea itself. It’s become a part of me and something I look forward to when the seasons change.

Plus, I just adore Oolong tea. With the flavors of cinnamon, pear, and ginger, along with apple pieces, this is a charming segue of the change of seasons. Those apple pieces are charming in itself. Yes I had a dry piece of two and got a guilty pleasure out of it No need to feel guilty. It’s beautiful. This tea is beautiful.

And it was brewed beautifully too. In my love of affair with this place, I can’t help but get more infusers. The Tuffy Steeper expands and contracts to your liking and brewing purposes. I wonder if it had any bearing on how great this tea tasted. Every element of the universe helps.

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So what about this endearing blue crab mug? I want to thank Sara from Local By Design for suggesting something so wonderful. It may not fit in with the season, but it fits with the Annapolis theme. Both stores are footsteps of each other on Main Street.

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Local By Design is just its own universe of a store. I can’t describe it. I mean I can but I wouldn’t do it justice. I added some photos this week, and more will come next week. A little teaser now… Seriously, this place makes me so happy.

I also want to thank my dear friend Rebecca who provided this magnificent Annapolis themed mug and this adorable spoon, also from Local By Design, to add some pizzazz to this next tea.

Well here we are. I’m embracing all the pumpkin stuff. I swear it start earlier every year. Before you know it, pumpkin season will start as soon as pumpkin season ends. And with all that’s going on, I’m happy with that right now.

The Pumpkin Chai Latte is not as overpowering as I thought it would be. When you think chai latte, you might thing too much flavor. No. This had just enough. And having a tea with cinnamon back-to-back seemed like the only way to go. It’s glorious, gorgeous, and full of pumpkin fun. This simple black tea with all its additions is a winner from now until this tea goes out of circulation. Yes these are limited time offer teas.

I thought I tasted a little whip cream too.

When I saw four teas were being sold, I knew that buying three would mean I get a free sugar. And in serendipitous fashion I grabbed the Pumpkin Pie Sugar. To add a little kick, I added some to this tea, and what a difference it made. It’s a concoction of pumpkin on pumpkin that once again might not be put into words. I loved it and I’m pretty sure you will too. And surprise, suprise it has cinnamon as well. Add in some nutmeg and ginger and welcome to Autumn.

I’m embracing it and I can’t wait to see where next week takes us.

I want to give a huge thank you to Jessica at Spice & Tea Exchange for being so courteous during my most recent visit.

The cookies that you see are just another way of celebrating the change of seasons. Happy Fall Everyone!

To purchase these teas click here. And to purchase any of the fine teas click here. Yes, shopping online is a beautiful thing sometimes.

For more on Spice & Tea Exchange, here is their story, all their items, and to find a location hopefully near you.

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And for more on Local By Design, here is their story, and items available to purchase online. But if you’re local to the area, I highly suggest a visit. It’s one I’ll always remember and look forward to visiting again.

It’s early October and we’re just getting started. I got two more teas and more local stuff to embrace and celebrate.

I look forward to it.

XOXOXSpoon4

Peace Be With You.

XOXOXSpoon5

Ideen

Saturday Afternoon Tea Party

September 19, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 1 Comment

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This is not quite the go home post for summer and my (and perhaps yours) summer vacation. We’re not seeing displays for autumn and the teas, snacks, and everything else that fits that mold. But one thing at a time, and I’ve still got some sunshine and those happy things to talk about.

This is part two of what looks like another trilogy, that will either be completed next week or right before.

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When I fall in love with a place, I tend to overstay my welcome. At least in my head I think so. I’m sure any business appreciates repeats business, and the Infused Tea Company can have take all my money and all my patronage it wants. And especially if it keeps the amazing teas and just as important, the amazing energy going.

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Last week I wrote about the night time scene in St. Pete, and how Infused Tea sits right in the heart of all the action, and all the atmosphere on Beach Drive. Beach Drive and the charming streets nearby are just that, so charming.

Now my Saturday morning visit was self fulfilling and intentional. I went for a run and I knew would stop over here, along with a few other places. In what matter, in what route, or any other details would be presented to me as I drew closer. Needless to say, I did get to visit some other shoppes, but I found a cozy, scenic, and spectacular view of Beach Drive.

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Even though the city is growing, there’s still plenty of parks, trees, green, and all the other good stuff that makes this planet great. I felt so happy and felt as content as I’ve been in some time.

I said all this without actually talking about the tea, and pastry. Yes, pastry!

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I’m going solely on memory and romanticism. The Strawberry Pear which can be found in the Fruit Blends category, is an all year tea, heated or iced. The strawberry and pear is a beautiful blend of summer fruits. I love pear and don’t have enough of it in general. The apple makes it perfect for the fall. But in St. Pete, in Florida, this is fortunately a tea you can have year round, hot or iced. As someone who can appreciate the changing of the seasons here in Maryland, I can also appreciate having a consistently warm temperature that allows you to eat and drink the same (or different) meals without having to adapt to much to the change in temperature. But to each is own!

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This was another awesome tea. And being in a place of peace and harmony only made this that much better. There were lots of people walking, running, and cycling in the area. And many stopped over to enjoy some tea and hang out with their friends. It doesn’t get any better than that. The cyclists in particular had quite a large crew, and made me think about wanting to join a club like this. Ah this is so fun.

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I’m recalling so many cool things, details, and experiences within this hour plus span, that I nearly forgot if I hadn’t written this out. And surely more things will come to mind, but some things are best to remain with me, with you, and within this thing called life that we can recall later and hopefully smile.

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This was one of those uniquely positive experiences that words are not going to do justice. This was a different Saturday morning for me than I’m used to. Well of course, its vacation. I’m sure that magnified the intensity of what I was thinking and feeling, but I always want to think something bigger and magical is going on here.

I like that.

For my running history of this most inspirational of tea scenes in Florida and St. Pete, they’re all here.

As always, for more on Infused Tea, here is their story, their location if you’re local and/or visiting, and a link to purchase to purchase all their awesome teas online.

One more story in this trilogy is coming. This will either be next week, or maybe even sooner.

Take good care.

Ideen

Friday Night Tea Party

September 12, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 3 Comments

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I think I said last week (and throughout the past few months) that my admiration for the tea scene on the Gulf Coast of Florida (my growing fondness can be found here and here) can not be expressed enough in words, in thoughts, and in anything else. It’s a time of my life I will always remember, and will find it hard to forget. I will always appreciate this five days of my life that has brought on a lifetime of memories, and a lifetime of joy.

And yes, it all revolves around tea.

Friday Night means different things to a lot of people. For some it’s a night of rest before getting ready for a fun weekend of doing fun things, for some it’s happy hour. a night out, and in this instance it was one of the great tea drinking experiences I’ve ever been a part of.

It was my first time going with my friend to Downtown St. Petersburg. Now St. Pete has a lot of charming places to check out, away from the small but growing downtown area. And after a couple of days me and my friend made the short and scenically awesome trek to Beach Drive.

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The intent was to check out a nice bar or two, or three, if you catch what I’m saying. Maybe a glass of wine, or a nice dinner. I think my indecisive, restless, and adventurous spirit was thinking something else more organic on this night.

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After doing a lap or two, my eyes were wide open and my excitement hit a whole different level when we discovered the Infused Tea Company. This place made me so happy.

If I recall correctly, we made it with minutes to spare. At this point I’m thinking it’s nearly 9 pm. But I had enough time to take pictures, smell some loose teas, and appreciate all the teas, pots, kettles, infusers, pastries, and everything else I could absorb and revel in these few moments.

I want to thank our teaologist, Ang, for being so kind of patient with us. I wasn’t even sure what I was looking for in terms of a tea. In mid-June I was actually contemplating something warm. What on Earth was I thinking? It wouldn’t have been the worst thing. I would just have to have saved this post for later in the year. But time is of the essence, as it was on this night.

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Ang, per his suggestion mixed the Mango Tango and the Tahitian Dream for me, to make the most exquisite, refreshing, and enlightening blend of flavors, inspiration, and soul in this gem of an iced tea. My friend agreed, the universe agreed, as did I. Two thumbs up, five stars, and all the other superlatives you can throw at it. Honestly, the tea could have been mediocre and probably would have tasted much better simply because of the service, the decor, the positive energy, and simply being a harmonious place I hadn’t experienced before.

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The Mango Tango with its pineapple, mango, and orange pieces are perfect not just for the Summer but I believe any time of year. And in Florida, all the time is an understatement. The Tahitian Dream adds not only more pineapple, but passion fruit, and strawberry as well. Does it get any better? Maybe, but not on this night.

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This is why I made two more visits to this amazing place during the course of my holiday. And if time allows, I will get to them in the following two weeks, or in a rare instance I may break tradition and post them on different days. I’m preparing for the changing of the seasons while still wanting to honor how amazing all three experience were. I’m so happy just thinking and writing about it.

This was at night, the day experiences are a surreal enjoyment all its own.

And I look forward to sharing those fun times with you soon. But I can’t stress this enough, this was amazing, and I’m grateful I got to share with a close friend. And I fondly remember my friend was happy for me as well.