Floral, Fragrant, and Fruity, Oh My!

You may have heard the terms floral, herbal, earthy, tangy etc. to describe the taste and flavor of both coffee and tea, but what does it really mean? If someone tells me that I am going to taste a slightly sweet and nippy coffee, what does that actually mean for my taste buds? Similarly, if someone tells me that I'm going to taste thick, flowing, earthy, maple, cup of tea what in the world does that actually mean I'll be tasting?

Well, now you no longer have to guess or pretend to know; (thus, possibly placing yourself in the unfortunate position of ordering something you dislike) simply look at the flavor wheels below to become a quick expert.

Tea Flavor Wheel:

Coffee Flavor Wheel:

Sip, smile, stay awhile

What's the Latest Buzz?

This one's a keeper, and one to check regularly! Here, I will be compiling an online library of all the latest and greatest tea and coffee related journals, studies, articles, opinion pieces etc. If you need information treat this as your online reference bible. If there's something you would like to see covered leave a comment! If you found something on your own that isn't here and would like to see it added, copy and paste the link in a comment! 

CURRENT COFFEE 

Coffee Survey Results: Your Caffeine Consumption, By The Numbers - Huffington Post 

What's in Your Green Tea - NYTimes.com 


Ethiopian Coffee Lab Becomes First in Africa with SCAA Certification - Daily Coffee News 

The comprehensive, fully caffeinated guide to coffee at work - QUARTZ 

Why coffee is called "joe" - QUARTZ 

Chicago Conservationist Launches Grounds Conversion Campaign - Daily Coffee News 

What to Do About Coffee Rust: A 4-Part Framework - Daily Coffee News 

Drink coffee, live longer? - People's World 

Odd Cuppings: Aaron Ultimo on BK, and Celebrity Chefs on Space Blends - Daily Coffee News 

Did Ancient Aliens Invent Arabica Coffee? This Man Says Yes - Sprudge 

What's It Called? Cafe, Coffee Bar, Coffee Shop, Coffee House - Sprudge 

You can stop feeling guilty about drinking coffee now - it's healthy - MSN 

This Is Your Brain on Coffee - The New York Times 


Defected beans used to make five-star coffee - DW  

Colombian National Coffee Growers Federation Pushing New Washing Technology - Daily Coffee News  

Israeli President Shimon Peres in 6,100+ Coffee Cups - Daily Coffee News 

Submarine-Inspired Dark Matter Coffee Opens New Chicago Headquarters - Daily Coffee News 

How Venture Capitalists Are Helping Shape the Craft Coffee Industry - Daily Coffee News 

Brain brew: can coffee stave off maladies of the mind? - THE VERGE 

A Beginner's Guide to Immersion Coffee Brewing Methods - Prima Coffee 

Parson's Student Relieves The Back-Breaking Work Of Coffee Picking - Co.DESIGN 

MANUAL Coffeemaker: Coffee Has Never Been This Minimal - Technabob 

8 Things Runners Should Know About Coffee - Runners World  

Coffee Filters - Do They Make a Difference? - Talk About Coffee 

Coffee Varieties: Heirloom Ethiopians - Serious Eats  

Coffee Drinkers Up 5 Percent From Last Year - VendingMarketWatch

TEA TALK

US League of Tea Growers Gains Steam - World Tea News

Korea: The Other Tea Country - Tea Muse

Another reason to drink green tea - Greatly reduce your risk of Alzheimer's  - Tea News Direct 


Cancer Growth Blockers: Green Tea & Garlic - Tea News Direct 


Tea companies in Kenya go green through carbon finance - Tea News Direct 

ITO EN Wants to See How You Refresh - World Tea News  

Political Unrest in Darjeeling - Temple Mountain Tea

Climate Change - Changing Tea? - Tea Muse 


Traveling Teacup: Williamsburg, VA - Tea Muse 

America's Contribution to Tea: Convenience - Tea Muse 

Korea: The Other Tea Country - Tea Muse 

What Tea is Suitable for Me - Part II: Choosing A Tea Based On Your Body Composition - Peony 

TCM Nature of Different Categories of Tea - Peony 

The Dont's Of Drinking Tea - Peony 

How Tea Can Stimulate and Relax You Concurrently? A Look at L-Theanine - Peony 

Sip, smile, stay awhile

Brew A Better Tan

Summer finally feels as though it is upon us; with that comes warmer weather, longer days, and of course fun in the sun. For many summer signifies the time to be tan, some people have this naturally, some people fake it, some people choose the lizard method and simply soak, soak, soak up the sun. Our generation has been made aware of the harm that sun damage can do unfortunately. So is there a way to  get that gorgeous glow without harming your skin?

The answer is yes! Many of you might not be surprised by this as things like self-tanners and spray tans have become more common, but this is not the solution I speak of. No, this is a far most cost-effective and natural one. I'm talking about coffee and tea, when used together you will be the envy of everyone at the beach, pool, grocery store etc.



For this you will need:

• A small spray bottle
• 4-5 black tea bags
• Fresh coffee grounds

Step 1: Caffeinate to Exfoliate

If you have read my other posts you might recall one where I recommended using coffee grounds as an exfoliator (they also work wonders on cellulite so if you're not feeling quite so beach-bod-ready check out Buzzing Beauty). First things first when it comes to self-tanning you must exfoliate. I am somewhat of a product queen, so believe me when I say I have tried more than my fair share of exfoliators, and coffee grounds, while maybe a little messier are by far my favorite. Not only does the scrubby texture of the grounds smooth away bumps and rough skin, the caffeine and astringent properties in the grounds help to tighten skin. 

So, before you plan to tan shower first, after the water is warm and some steam has accumulated take the warm soaked coffee grounds, (I recommend just using little scoops, as taking a whole handful usually just makes more of a mess)in small, circular motions rub over entire body. Focus on parts that you know to be particularly rough, dry or bumpy. After you've given yourself the once over be sure to completely rinse off then pat yourself dry. 

Step 2: Brew Tea for Tanning 

Using your teapot (or small pot) boil water (roughly 2 cups), do not over boil! When the water has reached the boiling point remove from heat and add your teabags. Steep for 15 - 20 minutes. Allow the tea to cool, remove the bags, then pour into your spray bottle. 

Once the tea has cooled you can apply! Take your spray bottle and simply spray all over, I recommend standing in your shower to do so as the tea will go places other than just your body (simply wipe the walls down afterwards). When you feel you have given yourself a thorough coating pat off any drips, drops or excess tea on the skin and allow it to dry. 

To achieve a darker tint repeat the process until you have achieved the shade you want. You can also always brew stronger tea by adding another teabag or two. Before dressing make sure you are totally dry, it won't take more than a few minutes since the tea is a light liquid that will absorb into your freshly-exfoliated skin rather quickly. Your color will last around 3 days depending on how often you're in the water, showering etc. 

Now you will have a perfect tea-tinted glowing tan. If that's not enough the astringent properties in tea will also help to tone skin and provide a clean, fresh scent. 

Get brewing!!! 

Sip, smile, stay awhile

 

Tea-rrific Benefits

It probably comes as no surprise that drinking tea has many wonderful health benefits. People have long been touting green tea for all of its healthy properties, and rightly so. However, there is more than just green tea out there. If you're like me and wanting to know what you're getting out of the tea you're putting in, this list will serve as your tea field guide. In addition to the individual benefits listed for each type of tea (note, this is a full list but does not list every single type of tea, that would be more like a book) the beverage is delicious hot or iced, it has no calories and it serves as a wonderful alternative to sugary sodas. Read on and drink to your health!

Hibiscus Tea

- High levels of vitamin C

- Proven to lower blood pressure

- Lowers cholesterol

- Stimulates detoxification

Oolong Tea

- Stimulates fat burning

- Helps metabolic rate

- Excellent for skin and complexion

- Naturally increases antioxidant levels

Rooibos Tea 

- Helps control allergies and fight off colds

- High in vitamin C and minerals

- Natural remedy for stress and insomnia

- Helps maintain a healthy heart

- Anti-aging properties

- Improves bone strength

Mate Tea

- Stimulant similar to coffee but without the jittery side effects some people get from caffeine

- Natural appetite suppressant

- Proven energizer

- Great source of vitamins and minerals

Ginger Tea

- Supports immune system (best tea for cold and flu*)

- Helps control chronic pain

- Supports better digestive functions

- Reduces allergy symptoms

- Invigorating for the entire body

Green Tea

- Excellent source of antioxidants

- Helps burn fat and increase energy

- Lowers stress and boosts brain power

- Reduces high blood pressure

- Helps preserve and build bone

- Boosts immunity

- Helps protect liver from alcohol

- Helps clear up acne

- Lowers blood sugar 

White Tea

- High source of antioxidants

- Promotes healthy skin and improves complexion

- Promotes detoxification

- Hydrates the body

- Has antibacterial and antiviral properties

Chamomile Tea

- Reduces diabetic complications and hyperglycemia

- Improves liver function

- Reduces inflammation

- Boosts immune system

- Relieves muscle spasms and menstrual cramps

- Helps promote restful sleep

Mint Tea

- Aids digestion

- Helps relieve bloating

- Natural cure for nausea and vomiting

- Natural appetite suppressant

Black Tea

- Energizes

- Can help lower blood pressure

- Can help prevent heart disease

- Reduces risk of stroke

- Reduces diabetes 

Sip, smile, stay awhile

Bye, Bye Store-Bought Creamer

For those of you who like a little cream in your coffee, or maybe just want to add a hint of sweet or subtle flavor, you no longer have to go to the store to find it! When you start out with a delicious, quality cup of coffee why not maintain the quality of the cup by controlling what you add? Yes, there are seemingly endless possibilities of coffee creamer flavors out there now but what's really in that sugar-free, low-fat white chocolate mocha flavored creamer? I'm not claiming that all of the following recipes are sugar-free, or low-fat, but at least your saving yourself from chemical additives. Plus, using your good sense to make your own creamer, can help put some extra dollars back into your budget! So if you're curious, tempted, or just looking for an easy DIY, try some of the recipes below and see just how easy it is! My current favorite is the homemade vanilla cinnamon creamer... what will be yours?

Simple DIY Coffee Creamer Base: 

(Start with this one)

• 1 14 oz. can sweetened-condensed milk (you can use regular or fat-free) 
• 1 1/2 cups milk (recipe works with rice and soy as well as dairy) 

Mix the ingredients together well, thoroughly whisking so that the ingredients are blended. The mixture will keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator! 

Now, if you'd like to add a little flavor... 

Vanilla Cinnamon (uncooked) Creamer:

(Add to the base) 

• 1 tbsp. Vanilla extract 
• 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon 

Simply add ingredients to your base, mix thoroughly and enjoy! 

Salted Chocolate Coffee Creamer: 

(Add to the base)

• 1/2 tsp. Salt 
• 1 tbsp. Unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 1 tbsp. Agave nectar or Honey 
• 1 tsp. Water 

In a small pot mix together ingredients, slowly stirring over low-medium heat. Once all of the ingredients are incorporated slowly add to your base, stirring again to ensure that all the ingredients are well blended. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator! 

French Vanilla Coffee Creamer: 

(Add to the base) 

• 2 tsp. Vanilla extract (or syrup if you want a stronger taste) 
• Dash of cinnamon 

Simply mix, shake and serve! You can adjust the vanilla flavor by simply adjusting how much extract or syrup you use. *Also try almond extract, either alone or mixed with the vanilla for a delicious mix. 

Sip, smile, stay awhile