Teachers, Tea, and Time together…the perfect combination!

So, I used to be a coffee drinker when I taught in the classroom…a bit of sugar and a lot of creamer, but I found as I got older, that my voice just wasn’t as clear in the morning with drinking milk products anymore, so I knew I had to change something, and QUICK! Teachers DO have a voice requirement, right? 😉

(Heads up: 😊 this page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase on these links, I may receive a small commission as an Amazon Associate at no extra cost to you! I only recommended products that I absolutely LOVE myself! ❤️)

That’s when my sister in law’s mom introduced me to Harney & Sons “Hot Cinnamon Sunset Tea!” …

…you see, I never liked tea because I would either leave the tea bag in the cup for 1 minute TOO long and it became bitter, or the particular tea bag just wouldn’t have ANY great taste at ALL…until this particular cinnamon tea came into my life! What an amazing thing to think about…God even cares about my tastebuds and vocal cords!! ❤️ ☕️

They also have a great travel option of this same brand where each tea bag is wrapped in the normal paper cover! The one in the tin above comes in a triangular mesh bag.

…and do you want to know the BEST part about ALL of this!!?? You can totally leave the tea bag in your mug ALL DAY LONG!! Who has time to wait for 3-5 minutes to take their tea bag out, and THEN hop in the car and make your way to school? I sure didn’t during my busy teaching season! And even though I’ve been teaching from home online now for the past 7 years, I STILL throw my Hot Sunset teabag in my mug, fill up my mug with hot water from my Keurig, and I’m good to go! (I DO squeeze a little honey in, too!) Have you ever tried “Local Hive Honey?” Whoa! Sooo many flavors of honey!

They have amazing honey flavors that I’ve already tried and liked:

clover honey 🍯

wildflower honey 🍯

and then they have others like “Rocky Mountain” honey, “Mid Atlantic” honey, “Northeast” honey, or a even a particular state, such as “Florida” honey! Wow!!! 🍯

You’ll have to visit the Local Hive site…it’s an amazing process, especially since it’s raw and unfiltered honey!

So, let’s look at the huge range of benefits of drinking tea:

1. Antioxidants: Tea contains antioxidants that can help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Improved focus and alertness: The caffeine in tea can help improve mental alertness and focus.
3. Reduced risk of heart disease: Some studies suggest that regular tea consumption may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
4. Relaxation and stress reduction: Certain types of tea, such as chamomile or green tea, are known for their calming and stress-reducing properties.
5. Hydration: Tea can contribute to overall hydration, especially when consumed without added sugar or milk.
6. Potential weight management: Some research indicates that certain compounds in tea, such as catechins in green tea, may support weight management efforts.
7. Digestive health: Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger tea may help soothe digestive discomfort and promote overall digestive health.

**It’s important to note that individual responses to tea can vary, and excessive consumption of caffeinated tea may have adverse effects for some individuals. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Would you like to know some of the creative flavors of this particular brand of Harney and Sons? Ok…I’ll tell you!

Harney & Sons offers a wide variety of tea types, including:

1. Black Tea: This includes classic options like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, as well as flavored blends like Paris and Hot Cinnamon Spice.
2. Green Tea: Varieties range from pure green teas to flavored options such as Japanese Sencha and Citron Green.
3. Herbal Tea: Harney & Sons offers an array of herbal infusions, including popular choices like Peppermint, Chamomile, and Rooibos.
4. White Tea: Options may include Silver Needle and White Vanilla Grapefruit.
5. Oolong Tea: This category features diverse oolong teas, such as Formosa Oolong and Pomegranate Oolong.
6. Decaffeinated Tea: Harney & Sons provides decaffeinated versions of some of their popular teas, allowing for enjoyment without the caffeine.
7. Specialty Blends: The company also offers unique and creative blends, such as Chocolate Mint and Bangkok.

These are just a FEW examples of the extensive range of teas offered by Harney & Sons.

So, since I’m telling you some of my favorites, I simply MUST go to my next favorite brand: TAZO!!!

My top 3 favorite in this particular brand are:

Passion (a paradise of hibiscus, orange peel, and rose hips, in a very pretty violet color) (non caffeinated)

Sweet Orange (an amazing blend of orange peel, lemongrass, citrus herbs and licorice root in a nice orange/lemon color)(non caffeinated)

Zen (3 out of 5, on the caffeine dot scale)

And for all of you lemon lovers out there, here is Dessert Delights Glazed Lemon Loaf 🍋 !! Yummy!!

The Tazo teas and Harney & Sons teas were particularly popular with our annual “Spring Tea” for the ladies and girls that I hosted at my church, with the flavors I listed above! Such a fun season! ☕️ 🌸 🫖

And just in case you wanted to make a cup of TAZO tea or any other tea, here are the steps to make a cup of hot tea:

1. Boil water in a kettle. (Or just use your hot water option on your Keurig)
2. Place a tea bag or loose tea leaves in a cup.
3. Pour the hot water (from your Keurig or kettle) over the tea bag or leaves.
4. Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.
5. Remove the tea bag or strain the leaves from the cup.
6. Add sweetener or milk, if desired.
7. Stir and enjoy your hot cup of tea!

But do you want to know what I truly love doing the MOST while I drink my tea? I go outside and sit on my front porch with my pups, and gaze across the way to our friend’s field (bean or corn depending on the year), and just sit and “Be Still and KNOW that He is God”…just sit…I don’t even read…I just SIT, drink my tea, and listen…to His Voice.

My 2 dogs, Maggie and Walter, totally follow me out of the house as SOON as they see me walk to the front door, because they look forward to just sitting and BEING with me, as well! Maggie (our 4 year old goldendoodle) absolutely LOVES to play with her ball 🎾 , but she will give that ball up in a heartbeat just to SIT with me! Isn’t that what our Creator created us for? Fellowship…time spent together! Am I willing to give up my “ball…a.k.a iPhone” for a while?? He’s my best friend, and if I’m always the one talking or doing, asking Him for this and that, or complaining about something new… and not ever LISTENING, what kind of friendship is THAT??!! I need to have it QUIET with no other distractions, to actually be able to HEAR His Voice…

Now, don’t get me wrong…Jesus tells us to ASK! But there has to be a healthy balance in our friendship, right?

Let me try to find a pic so you can have a bit of a visual of what I see while I’m sitting outside with my pups…

Pure beauty! Just looking out and feeling the breeze on my face and the sun shinning on my face makes me smile and FEEL His Presence…fullness of Joy! 😊 ☀️ …I feel like He is doing it all just for ME! And why not? He has created ALL of this for US! And remember, if you are treasured above ALL of His creation (yes, majestic mountains, roaring oceans, grassy meadows…etc) don’t you think He WANTS you to talk TO Him and HEAR His Voice? 😉 If the trees are constantly praising Him and talking to Him, so will I!

“You will live in Joy and Peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song 🎵 , and the trees of the field will clap their hands 👏 “. Isaiah 55:12

So whether you are taking your “Be Still time” drinking tea, or you are a busy mom or coworker who doesn’t even have TIME to take even a SIP of coffee, know that God is ALWAYS there WITH you, ready to talk TO you and ready to LISTEN! 💜 ☕️

Keep talking AND listening to Him, my friends, and joyfully pass it on! 💜