Simply Balanced

She talks like the movies and smells like hibiscus in bloom. I sit in the shotgun, we dance and forget everything. She looks like Point Reyes and sounds like leaves in the wind. That is what went through my mind when I read Rasberry Hibiscus. If disappointment was a tree, call me a sequoia. I was hoping to feel love with this tea, to feel like I’m being held underneath an oak tree in the cool summer breeze. Instead, i felt like a hundred Vietnam war veterans punched me in the stomach and spit in my mouth. This tea is as red as the blood on my toe after a 3-mile run. The smell itself is enough to tranquilize an elephant. Three sips. That’s as much as I could fathom. Down the drain, it went. My roommate thought I was over exaggerating. all it took was 2 sips for him to realize his mistake. Truly the worst tea I’ve ever had. And I’ve had camomille before.

Grabbed a tea bag of this from a tea box. Eh, it’s not so great. Tart, yet still a little thin and not clearly raspberry. There are much better options in this genre.

I was already cold steeping a jar of this in the fridge when I saw Alita’s Honeybee Day prompt—serendipity!

It has been relegated to the fridge because I’m down to the last bit and I never could quite land on the proper alchemy to make it shine. The peach flavor is mild and on point (reminds me of white peaches, which are my favorites), but the honey elements come through to me as artificial and a little bitter. It’ll be fine to wet my whistle after a hot drive home from work, but I’m glad I now have an empty slot in my stash.

First day of school here—my Sunday kids, now entering middle school, were keyed up yesterday: I have to ride the bus now. Ruthie isn’t in two of my classes and without her I won’t know anybody. I have to find a room on the second floor. There’s going to be homework. I hugged ‘em all. They’ll do fine.

Still around…juggling a million plates; with so many in motion there hasn’t been one to balance a teacup on for weeks and weeks.

But when I finally did on Mother’s Day, there was a cup of this on it. It’s fine freshly steeped. Plenty peachy, but I’m less impressed with the honey flavor. (Tasted like it came from a bee in a bad mood—more like honeycomb than honey itself.) Cold brewed in the fridge, not so much—it turned bitter. Moral of the story: sit down, drink it fresh, take your time.

Chamomile and lavender with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect tea to sip right before bed. Helps me get to that calm peaceful place ready for a restful nights sleep.

Tried this one at work today. When I opened the tea bag, I was hit by a wave of peachy sweet scent, but the flavor turned out to be much lighter. I get mainly honey notes with the peach coming through mainly in the aftertaste. The white tea base is very smooth. Overall, this was surprisingly good for a generic-brand bagged tea!

A refreshing blend of green tea with mint. I’m guessing the green tea is a Chinese green, because it is more earthy and not grassy at all. The slightest bit sweet, this is a great afternoon pick-me-up.

Surprisingly smooth, with just the perfect hint of peach that is not overpowering. The finish is slightly sweet. For those wanting an introduction to white tea, this is a perfect first step.

This was a sample I got from my MIL who loves chai. I wasn’t really inspired by this one. It seemed kinda weak, and just not as good as other cinnamon/spice teas I have had. Granted I haven’t had many, but I can compare the two that I have had :)