Lives Up To Its Name…

February 13, 2018Ideen Barimani Tea 3 Comments

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Here we go again. Another holiday and another phenomenal tea from our friends at Trader Joe’s.

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The Red Refresh Herbal Tea has nothing to do with Valentine’s Day, aside from the color that shares a connotation with said day. It’s a tea for all year round, and was actually released to the universe in August of 2017. Well I base that on the date of their own details of this charming tea were posted.

After last week, (here is my history for this holiday) I wanted to keep some kind of theme going for this week, and this spoke to me, came to me, and literally found me. And without sounding too dramatic, I just went to the tea aisle and bough me a couple of boxes. Yes it’s really that simple, but making it seem larger than life and bigger than it really is, is fun too.

But this tea doesn’t need any monumental or life changing build up. This is damn good and is loaded with ingredients, yet they all add value and mean something to this tea.

Hibiscus, rosehips, peppermint, lemongrass, and orange peel are all easily detected if you don’t look so hard, or maybe even if you do, that’s alright too!

I just a had sense this was going to be pleasing, refreshing, and that ever so ‘charming’ word I tend to throw around from time to time. But it really is all those things and more. It’s an endearing tea that I think non tea lovers will appreciate. The floral traits mixed with herbs, fruits, and cherry bark make such an impact, that’s not in your face or overbearing.

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Yes I did just say cherry bark. With everything I mentioned there’s a literally something in this for all four seasons, and all the major holidays you can think of. Well maybe not every holiday, but you get what I’m saying.

What this also means is this tea would be just as awesome, if not better, iced. It has the themes and feelings of the cold weather months but can just as easily be appreciated cold, chilled, and served to and with perfection.

I’m savoring another cup as we speak. Yes I did just put the kettle on boil.

It’s not even close to the best tea I’ve ever had, part of that is because I’ve been spoiled with sampling and trying all these types over the course of this blog and my life. But also not every needs to be. It just needs to make you feel something and touch you in a way that not everything does nor has to. But if this or any kind of food, drink, or entity moves in to the point of an out-of-body and existential experience than you and that object of your affection has done its job.

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This is why love is not meant to be given on just one specific day. Many of us are aware of this, so this is not meant to be a preacher sermon. Yet, love should be spontaneous, authentic, unconditional, and if you’re fortunate enough, reciprocal. It shouldn’t be forced or artificial. But again, most of us are aware of this fact.

And this is not just love of a person. I know many people that find the love of their friends, their pets, and themselves to be just as important as the love for their (insert similar term here) romantic loved one.

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Right now, I’m celebrating the love of this tea. And there’s so much to love. I’m grateful to a dear friend for all of the pictures you see here, and a couple of videos as well. I hope to take advantage of this feature much more as we move forward.

And as I continue to celebrate all things love, the love of this blog, it’ll progress in an organic, spontaneous, and hopefully uplifting sense. Just like this tea did.

I’m in love alright.

Peace Be With You,

Ideen

Your “I Love You”

February 6, 2018Ideen Barimani Tea 3 Comments

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So we got to February rather quickly. Actually in a way it feels like time has always been moving at the rate, or at a faster or slower place, depending on your situation or how you’re feeling. All I know is this month means a lot of things to a lot of people. I know there’s some holidays that depending on your beliefs and situation’ you either embrace, don’t care about, or don’t even think about. Maybe it’s a combination of all of the above, or none of this at all.

This past Sunday I was at one of my local grocery stores’, without realizing that it’s one of the busier, and more hectic days to be at such a place. I was oblivious to that fact until I walked in. Instead of feeling despondent and disheartened (which I initially felt at first), I embraced it. Everyone is there for the same and different reasons. People want to get there stuff and get the heck out of there. For others it’s a highlight to their weekend. So who am I to question that?

Little did I know that I would make a wonderful discovery. This is one of those weeks where I didn’t actually know what tea or what tea related story I would write about. I didn’t sweat it, I didn’t force the issue, and I just let it come to me. In this case, it found me. And I’m so grateful it did.

We’re only about a week away from Valentine’s Day. For some it’s a something to celebrate and embrace. For others it’s not to take seriously. It’s just another day. And to another segment it may breed contempt and dissatisfaction. I tend to fall into all of those categories, or have been over the years.

But love comes in many forms. It’s not just a love for a person, romantically. It’s a love for your friends, family, your pets, the universe; but most of all, yourself. When you love yourself its easier to love others. And I do think its easier to love others over ones self many a time. I might be guilty.

But with all this talk of love, leads to one of the better teas you’re going to find. How I’m just getting to writing about Pukka and one of their fine teas is one of those things I just can’t explain. Maybe I’ve had a cup and not realized. Maybe it was worth before I start writing. Whatever the case, it has led me here and has led me to the exquisite Love Tea. I love that it’s called Love. There’s no pun there, I promise you.

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But this is just as beautiful as the name implies. The flavors of chamomile, lavender, and elderflower are as lovely as a blend as you’re going to find. Oh my goodness. This is meant to be drank hot and I think I heated this just a little more than I intended, and I think it came out that much better.

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That color illuminates and it paired perfectly with some sweet treats. But you could easily have it withing nothing at all. I prefer most of cups of tea to be savored in all their glory by itself, but a little cookie or pastry never hurt anybody.

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So in my own way, I celebrated this forthcoming holiday with a display of things that might make you happy, and some that make me happy.

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I’ve always had a love for our animal friends, and any depiction or illustration makes me happy and feel good as well. It’s the timeless images that will last with us forever. And to me that’s love. It’s not meant to be reserved for a single day or a single event.

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There’s more than enough good, more than enough love, and more than enough love to go around.

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This tea brought me so much joy and I felt love, and I’m not sure from exactly where. I don’t need to know nor do I have to know. I just know it was there.

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And after reading this story, it’s beautiful to know that there’s a story of true love that inspired this tea.

To find out more about Pukka Herbs, here is a list of all their teas (including Love which is in the Relax grouping of teas), their mission, a section on our well being, and something inspirational.

To get in touch you can find them here. And I’ve seen their teas in many grocery stores and retailers so it should be easy to find.

I took way to long to write about Pukka. I’m just getting started, I’m just getting warmed up, and I’m feeling even more love in the air as I keep writing this out to you. That’s love.

I loved this tea and everything it symbolizes. It resonates in me something beautiful.

I wish you a most wonderful day of love, not just on the 14th, but all days possible. If I’m in a harmonious place, I will continue this love of love next week, and beyond.

Let’s do it again sometime.

Peace Be With You.

Ideen

Won’t You Be My…

February 14, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea Leave a comment

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Happy Valentine’s Day. This is a day with a mixture of emotions for people. It shouldn’t be, but our manufactured societal pressures have placed more emphasis on this day than there really should be. It’s one of those holidays that time doesn’t stop for. The majority of us still go to the workplace and to the classroom like it were any other day. And if we treat this like any other day, than it will be over before you know it. Actually it’ll be over no matter what. That’s how days and times work.

Nevertheless, after the previous weeks post, I wanted to see if I had a little more holiday spirit in me.

Well it’s a different holiday than what I’m used to but I should appreciate the fact that my regular scheduled blog falls on this most polarizing of holidays. I might as well make the most of it. And chances are, I may not get this opportunity again.

And if you or I focus on love, in not just the romantic sense, but love of all, then it makes this and just about any other day that much better. And you don’t need a specific day to show that love and embrace for what makes you feel good.

Do you know what makes me feel good? Well it’s not only tea, but it’s the love of all things natural. I love animals, I love nature, I love plants, flowers, trees being out doors, and most of all our universe. This encompasses so many things, if not everything. I’m grateful to present to you two more teas from a one of my favorite go-to’s Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company. And even more specifically, Eastern Shore Tea Company.

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The truly one thing about tea shopping is there will always be teas to fit a certain season, mood, place of healing, and love.

For the love of tea I went with two of the most apropos tea for the occasion. But as you will see, with this tea, just like so many others, these are meant to be sipped all year round, not just in Mid-February.

First is the Chocolate Strawberry. It’s simple, Black Tea with those two flavors added. What I noticed right away is how quick the effectiveness of the steeping came through. The color transformed into a chocolate brown cup at a higher pace than what I’m expected or what I’m accustomed too. I would take that as a testament to the quality of the bags. Either that or I’m losing my marbles. Well the latter is happening anyways, but it was entertaining to see regardless.

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At first I was hoping for more flavor than what I expected. But I’m drinking this with the understanding that this is a dessert wine. And if was too heavy on the chocolate and strawberry, would the whole tea be undermined? Absolutely. I’ve had teas rich in flavors t that could have benefited from a dialing back. And then there’s others that weren’t flavorful enough, that could have used just a little more. I’m leaning towards this wishing this just had a hint more.

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It was good but still I feel like that pop was missing. But look what you see here. Yes I really got goofy here and purchased specialty dipped chocolate strawberries. This was strictly for show but figured one wouldn’t hurt.

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What I also figured is the tea and the chocolate strawberries flavors’ would bounce off one another, as well as intensify the other. That’s exactly what happened. One particular bite from the strawberry and a sip took this experience somewhere I didn’t imagine. For that alone I would try this tea again. But I wouldn’t rank it close to any of my favorites.

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Next up is the Cupid’s Arrow, after someone we may know.

This surprised the heck out of me, and in a good way. I didn’t think it was going to be anything out-of-this-world to be quite honest. The back tea with flavors of cherry, vanilla, and almond have all the recipes of turning into something legendary or a complete bust. This falls on the former. I wonder if its my slight trepidation of embracing this ‘holiday’. That’s possible, but good tea is good tea. And this wasn’t it. This was actually phenomenal.

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I made myself a second and third helping of this one. You can taste these flavors a bit more distinctly without aid from from a sweet treat or other type of food.

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As you might be able to tell the color is not as strong or as overpowering as the previous selection. It’s not like any of that matters. It’s just an observation. But this was something fun. Maybe because those flavors feel more like winter and more like a year round tea than the aforementioned Chocolate Strawberry.

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However, as I said earlier most teas can be had year round. There’s no rules to this. It’s tea, it’s supposed to be fun. Tea Is Fun is not the just the name of a blog but it’s how it’s supposed to be.

Most suppliers give around 20 bags per container for a reason. We will try them again and again with what makes us feel good and feel inspired. The Cupid’s Arrow is an inspiring one. I felt so good after sipping this one in particular. I felt healed. And maybe that’s all in my head but this tea had little more power than it really had any right to be. Maybe it did. Who am I to judge? The cupcakes had nothing to do with any taste enhancing, like it did earlier, by the way. But they look cool don’t they?

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And who are we to judge how one celebrates a certain day. I spent more money on myself and this blog than I’ve had in years to commemorate Valentine’s Day. But it was gift to me, to my audience, and to the universe. It was my way of celebrating what I love; nature, animals, and of course tea.

These gifts I bought can be used more than once. These two new teas will last be a while, as well as my new drinking mugs, as well as those orchids. Which are already outside and have been watered.

The sweets won’t last, but not because of me. Someone else can have those. But I’m going to hold on to the tea. And maybe even those new animal friends.

And those are just some of the things I love. And I’m glad I can present tea in a spiritual way that combines many other things that make me feel love. And this is not just one day a year, not a weekly post either, but as much as humanly possible. And that’s the same love I will feel on this day, the next one, and so many more.

Like I said last week, if you’re looking for a different kind of gift for a loved one, I think tea is a fantastic alternative. And at only $5.00 per bags, it’s a fantastic deal. And they’re ribbon bags too! Beautiful.

This experience as beautiful. And if you want to experience these and their massive array of teas click here.

Here’s my written history of the Eastern Shore Tea Company.

More love of tea and all else that is possible, next time.

Love,

Ideen

Love of Tea, and Other Fun Things

February 7, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 5 Comments

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I had never done a Valentine’s Day themed post, and it really didn’t cross my mind to do one this year. But after consulting my mentor, and realizing that next Tuesday is that day, which means there will continue to be tea posts every Tuesday, I figured it’s meant to be.

Now I’m not the biggest fan nor am I really opposed to this man-made holiday. Well if you read the latter part, you might think I sway towards the negative. You might be correct.

Love should be spontaneous, celebrated throughout the year, and displayed as much as possible. What’s even more important is that love doesn’t necessarily mean between you and your significant other, or spouse, but in all forms.

I love my cat. I love our animal friends. I love my family. I love my friends. And I love my cat. Oh wait…

I love tea. This is a tea blog. So yes, I love tea. And I love tea so much. It brings me joy that is hard to put into words. It shouldn’t be put into words. I let the sipping and the reactions do the talking.

Yes, and I think many of us know we don’t need a special day to do just that. But in honor of such an occasion, I will make the most of it.

Per my tea guru’s suggestion, I’m changing it up this week in a big way.

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If you’ve been to your local shopping district, then by now you know of Teavana. They have taken tea, and essentially loose-leaf tea to unprecedented and transcendent levels.

I’ve been here many times before every writing about it, and many times since. To say the store is still a bit overwhelming after all this time would be correct. But overwhelming doesn’t necessarily mean bad. There’s a lot going on and there’s so many new teas and instruments to discover and learn about. There will never be enough time to learn about everything, and to try and do so would defeat the purpose of this journey. But…

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I obviously don’t have time to write about it all here. What I will say is that I’m happy that this is my inaugural post for Teavana, and this will not be the last.

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For this first go around it needed to be done big and done special. Actually getting teas here is an experience. So without further adieu, I present by suggestion from my muse, the Strawberry Blush Rose and Peach Tranquility Blend.

Yes, it couldn’t be just one. And it had to be big for this time of year. Ingredients and instructions for brewing are listed within the page. I’ll let you research that on your own, or otherwise this post would go on till tomorrow.

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And it wasn’t even one. It was actually three. The staff member got me a festive tin, and along with getting the blend of the two teas, I also got them separate. So I was already getting ahead of myself assuming the two were kindred spirits that could not be separated. Wait what? Yes, all the love references are deliberate but are also flowing naturally.

Pictures of the tin standing and taken apart are shown here, as well as up-close shots of the tea. Quite impressive right? The process was truly exciting. I’ll get to more about that shortly.

What I will say is that I’m in love. This is masterful concoction of flavors that you would think might be impossible. But no. There’s heart, there’s soul, and there’s a true spirit behind this tea.

The brewing process was an absolutely joy. The aromas from the tea were already getting me jazzed up for what I hoped to be a stimulating and inspiring cup. And how about that tint? I know I know. The tea was a win. The flavors of both worked together perfectly. I could see why so many folks have regarded this so highly. The after taste of rose hips was truly a highlight. There’s also just about every fruit known to man and woman. If you can discover them all then you’re a rock star. I’m happy with it nevertheless. And it paired nicely with some thin lemon cookies.

And if you notice, I show you what makes me happy, brings me joy, and truly brings out the love. Yes, a miniature rubber ducky! Ha. well that and my love for animals in all shapes and sizes. And I obtained a certain special teacup to celebrate even more love. I would be lying if I said the tea didn’t taste just a little bit better because of the props. But I digress. This tea would be awesome under any circumstance. But hopefully it’s a joyous one.

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I did get a bit carried away. Maybe I should have tried one of the flavors on its own first. Well there’s a first and second time for everything.

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Even though I’m working backwards, I’m actually going in the order of the teas that were brewed. Next up was Strawberry Blush by itself.

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I think I liked this even just a little more. Maybe because it was the simplicity of it. It was sipped in its own sans the blend, and even more flavors were able to be discovered on its own. I would be lying if I said one was truly better than the other. But for a personal thing, I give this the slightest edge. And that color is just as beautiful.

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I got another teacup for this one too!

Maybe it was the simplistic aspect of it, or maybe it was the chocolate truffles that paired with this chocolate did the trick. See I guess I’m a sucker for this holiday after all. Well.

For me, this was a gift to myself, to the universe, from the universe, and hopefully someone reading will find this as a plausible gift alternative to the standard flowers, candy, and chocolates. Well chocolates are good. I just told you I had some!

And when I was done steeping I had a few pieces of strawberry and other random fruits. Yes you can do that. That’s an added bonus I don’t think you’ll find on the website.

I want to mention that Teavana is on the higher end of teas. This is significantly higher than your budget friendly teas at your local supermarket or neighborhood store. But if you feel like splurging and buying a gift for a loved one, this is going to be different and I think it’s going to be a pleasant surprise to many. And if your loved one is a tea lover, even better.

Because of the price level of these, it’s good to savor teas and brew in small doses and for special occasions.

Prices will vary based on weight, container, and the tea themselves.

I did not purposely leave out the Peach Tranquility Tea. This is where I will push the pause button and resume at a later date. I thin this is one I will have for the Spring or Summer. I will remember this and promise you I will get back to it. I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t. More importantly, my sense is that this would make an excellent iced tea during the warmer months.

It also gives me something to look forward too. I also feel that Valentine’s Day is good because for many it’s a day of joy but also another sign that warm weather is right around the corner. So I feel that the Peach Tranquility is the perfect segue to talk about down the road.