Unfocused Fridays – Morning Coffee or Tea

First, let me state, the title of this post is somewhat misleading seeing as I’m not opposed to either morning coffee or tea.

Also, this is the first post that I’m including the words “Unfocused Friday” in the title. I thought it would be fun to share something random on Fridays (though at times it may seem most of my posts are random). These posts will probably include a “Lita’s Love” too.

Morning Coffee or Tea

Having said that, I am definitely one of “those people” that you don’t even want to look at in the mornings before I’ve had my coffee. In fact, we have a rule in our house – no talking until I’m sitting with my cup – which is usually coffee in the morning.

Really. I need things quiet until then. You’ve been warned.

I think it’s just part of the whole “tradition” of morning for me – if a tradition like that can exist. I love that warm (caffeinated) beverage waking me up to start my day. So, my mornings begin with the humming sound of one of these:

YES, I know, I know, I have both a Keurig and a Nespresso so I AM ridiculous! BUT, I love, love, love these machines! And, yes, I make the effort to recycle where I can and to use the “refillable” pods for the Keurig too – saving the grounds for the garden of course!

Afternoon Tea

So, my mornings are all about coffee (at this time – it does vary), but  I have found that when it comes to afternoons and evenings, I tend to like to drink hot tea more than coffee – especially in Fall and Winter. I do try to avoid caffeine after noon because, after 40, life’s a whole new ballgame in that area. I’m all about an aromatic cup of tea later in the day. (My father was a big “tea” drinker so maybe that’s where I got my taste for it.) One of my absolute loves is herbal “bedtime” tea in the winter months.

(I’m not going to get in to all the benefits or detriments of coffee and tea, etc. I’m just going to accept that we’ve all read  information supporting both sides and, so, continue sharing my loves.)

A Tea Story

A couple of months ago, one of my dearest friends visited me from her home base in New Mexico, and we headed to San Francisco for the day. One of our goals was to visit a tea shop in Chinatown that she had heard about.

I love to visit tea shops. I love to hear about the origin of the teas they have, the flavors and scents they emit and, definitely, I love to participate in the little tea ceremonies they have and, of course, sample some delicious teas.

It’s almost as fabulous as visiting a winery for a wine tasting…um, almost.

The tea shop we visited was “The Red Blossom Tea Company”.

Here’s what my tea pouch says about the company:

Red Blossom Tea Company is a family owned tea shop in the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown. Importers and merchants of rare teas and artisan tea ware for the past quarter century, we have cultivated direct relationships with growers, artisans and craftsmen to bring you teas that are exceptional, tea wares that are no less than extraordinary.

As you approach the store, the glorious scent of the tea draws you inside. As with any tea shop, they have an amazing assortment of teas. It could truly be overwhelming except the staff in the store puts you at ease. Not only are they are able to describe and explain the different teas, but they ask you the right questions to help steer you towards teas that meet your tastes.

They also have a beautiful selection of tea making and serving pieces – delicate and pretty.

They’ll demonstrate the “proper” way to serve tea and some of the steps in a Japanese tea ceremony.

It’s such a beautiful art. While you watch your anticipation of actually tasting the tea just grows and grows. They also share with you how and where the tea is grown and what makes each tea taste different.

Theresa and I purchased different teas so that we could share them later. It’s amazing how just a couple of ounces of tea is actually quite a lot of leaves. Here are the varieties we purchased:

• Elderflower Osmanthus
• Jing Xuan – Formosa Oolong Tea
• Peppermint Rose
• Silver Peony

All in all, it was a very successful adventure.

At the time we visited, it was still summertime and not a “tea” time for me. So, the teas I purchased have remained sealed in their packages.

But, it’s Fall now!! Tea time!! I can honestly tell you, I’m so very happy with the varieties I chose that day. The scents and flavors of these special teas are simply fabulous. And I’m happy to remember a fun day spent with a dear friend.

I previously was the biggest fan of Teavana, but unfortunately, their online store has closed!!  I’m currently checking out the fabulous Tea Makers at the Republic of Tea. I’m especially interested in trying their Turmeric and Hibiscus teas. I will keep you posted on the results!!

That’s my “Unfocused Friday” share of the week. Neither Keurig, Nespresso, The Red Blossom Tea Company, Teavana or Republic of Tea has compensated me in any way for sharing my love of their products. Again, I’m just sharing a “Lita’s Love” with you.

So, what do you prefer coffee or tea…or do you prefer one over the other? Do you have a favorite brand – something I MUST try? Please share!

Happy Friday everyone!
~ Lita