TheHillTeaBarBlog

World Tea Expo East

2011-09-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today I attended the World Tea Expo East- conveniently held in Philadelphia, only 10 minutes from my house! I tasted my way through the entire expo and was most intrigued by the Matcha. While my store has never sold Matcha I have been putting it in the smoothies I make at home for the last 2 years because of the high antioxidant content. I picked up a nutritional guide about Matcha at the expo and was surprised to find that 2g of Matcha (with 3oz hot water) has 172% more protein and 94% more potassium than a 3g Sencha teabag (with 3oz hot water)- source: Standard Tables of Food Composition. Also, in 2006 the Toyama University Medicine Research Institute announced that Matcha contains components that help lower blood sugar levels because the key ingredients in the tea leaves are not steeped out of the tea as the entire tea leaf is consumed- source: Hokkoku News, 3/2006.

Memory Enhancer - New Study Results

2011-07-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

The Journal of Medicinal Foods published the results of a Korean study which showed memory improvement in those study participants given green tea extract. 91 people suffering from cognitive impairment were either given a placebo or extract. Those that were given extract had increased mental alertness, a significant increase in written-word recall, and showed memory improvement. Just another reason to drink green tea!

More Trouble With Tea From Japan

2011-06-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

The tea industry continues to be impacted by the disaster in Japan. The World Tea News reported that French officials seized a tea shipment from Shizuoka city (in Japan) as a result of radiation levels that tested at twice the legal limit. Tests are now being conducted at tea processing plants in Shizuoka city, and of June 21st five tea processing facilities were shut down due to illegal levels of cesium found in tea. Consumers will eventually be impacted since Shizuoka produces over 39% of Japan's annual tea product. It is estimated that the radiation release in Japan was between 20%-40% of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Chernobyl.

Update on Contaminated Tea from Japan

2011-06-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Most people involved in the tea industry have been closely monitoring reports about the tea crops in Japan. World Tea News reported that radiation leaks far exceeded initial reports and contamination in four regions is creating local tea shortages. A Tokoyo tea mail order house found tea leaves from the Warashina district of Shizuoka City exceed cesium limits despite safety assurances.

By World Tea News:
Radiation released in March from stricken reactors in Fukushima far exceeded initial reports. Last week Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare greatly expanded restrictions on tea shipments adding portions of three northern prefectures to the leaf ban following additional tests. The decision already has created local shortages but impact on exports is small.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration is Rejecting Japanese Food Imports Including Tea

2011-03-26T10:21:00.000-07:00

Tea imports (along will all other food products) from the four prefectures nearest the Fukushima reactors have been banned by the U.S. and several nations in the European Union. Experts continue to remind consumers that there will not be a significant impact to the Japanese tea industry as the major growing areas are a minimum of 500 kilometers south of the disaster zone in Northern Japan. Read more:
http://www.worldteanews.com/page.cfm/action=Archive/ContentID=184/EntryID=101/nocache=true

Disaster in Japan & Tea

2011-03-21T12:34:00.000-07:00

Hi! I have been recieving emails asking how the recent disaster in Japan is impacting the tea crops. According to the World Tea News the tea crops have not been directly damaged but lack of power and transportation will surely cause a distribution issue for retailers around the world.

http://www.worldteanews.com/Content/World-News/3/

Lupus and Green Tea

2011-03-16T17:18:00.000-07:00

In the past week I have had five people reprimand me (very politely) about not updating my blog. I figured I better get on the ball! I have been busy experimenting with tea- and finishing my PhD. About 18 months ago I was diagnosed with lupus, an auto-immune disease with inflammation symptoms. Researchers have found that incidents of lupus are lower in countries that consume green tea as a primary beverage. Numerous studies have concluded that green tea helps reduce inflammation. One study conducted by the University of Michigan, and presented at the Experimental Biology 2007 conference in Washington, D.C., revealed that green tea can help people with rheumatoid arthritis prevent joint damage and inflammation. Specifically they discovered that EGCG blocked two important molecules which cause the bone breakdown in rheumatoid arthritis-affected joints. Experts agree that at least four 8-oz cups of green tea must be consumed per day to alleviate inflammation. I have been drinking at least five cups of green tea each day and have even replaced my daily chai with green tea. Here is a recipe for green tea chai that may even convert black tea lovers- plus, it is vegan!

For one 16-oz cup:

1 Tablespoon strong green tea (Gunpowder Green is best)
1 Clove (whole)
1 Tablespoon honey
Dash of cinnamon
12 oz water
4 oz coconut milk
* Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan, except honey, and bring to a slow simmer on medium-high heat. Right before the mixture boils remove from the heat. Pour the chai, using a strainer, into a mug. Stir in the honey.

Caffeine Study Results are Surprising

2010-06-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Study results released on May 12th suggested that caffeine consumption helped workers improve on the job performance and also prevented errors. In addition, caffeine seemed to enhance attention, memory and perception.

The great thing about tea is that you get some caffeine without the "buzz" typically experienced from coffee. The amino acid L-Theanine, which promotes physical relaxation without drowsiness, is found in tea and counterbalances the caffeine. L-Theanine also supports cardiovascular heath and provides important antioxidant properties (Polyphenolic antioxidants) that combat a wide array of neurological diseases. The amount of caffeine in tea can be influenced by numerous factors such as the amount of time the tea is steeped or the quantity of tea used per cup but in general a cup of tea has about half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. If you don't want that caffeine but cannot find your favorite tea in decaffeinated form you may want to try this natural caffeine reducer:

1. Brew/steep your tea as usual or based upon the instructions that accompany the tea.
2. After brewing the tea discard it. Yes, pour it down the drain. Most of the caffeine in the tea will be released in the first brewing of the tea.
3. Brew the tea a second time- this is the tea you will drink.

Caffeine Content of Tea and Coffee per 8 ounce cup(source: Linus Pauling Institute)
Green Tea: 9-50 mg of caffeine
Black Tea: 42-72 mg of caffeine
Coffee: 72-130 mg of caffeine

You Won't Believe This!

2010-05-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my son Jordan's 15th birthday party. We had a cook-out (it rained- of course- and our dog bit two of the guests) and had the regular variety of hamburgers and potato salad. My good friend, the owner of Miss Bliss Bakery in Horsham, PA made the birthday cake. Miss Bliss provided many of the delicious baked products for my Tea Bar and tea parties that we catered over the past two years(some of you may remember the "giant cake"). When she arrived at my home on Friday evening with the cake it was in a big, sealed box and she warned me that it was heavy. Well, after she left I opened the box and was truly amazed at the beautiful, towering cake that must have weighed at least 10 pounds of pound cake. Jordan likes lemon so it was a 4-layer lemon pound cake with lemon mousse separating the layers. The cake was so spectacular that my son took each guest to "see my giant cake" as soon as they arrived. No one could wait until we cut it and my brother-in-law insisted that we needed a sword- a long knife did the trick. It was by far the best cake I ever tasted in my life and even my mother, Queen of the Pound Cake, agreed! If you are in the Philadelphia area (and I think she can ship)and need a cake for a special occasion or just for a sugar fix you have to contact Miss Bliss Bakery at treatdiva@yahoo.com.

Eco Friendly Tea

2010-04-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked for some eco-friendly uses for tea in honor of Earth Day. I have tested all of the ideas listed below...now if I could just remember to bring the reusable bag with me when I go to the supermarket.

* Used green tea leaves can be placed on top of the soil of houseplants to provide rich nutrients. All-natural plant food!
* Used black or green tea leaves can be used to feed azaleas and hydrangeas- just sprinkle the leaves on the soil around the plant. Note- My azaleas love tea.
* Used black or green tea leaves can be dried and made into sachets. Place the sachets inside boots and sneakers to absorb odors and moisture. Note- I use 2 in each shoe for my husband's sneakers!
* Used green tea leaves (dried) can refresh a stinky carpet. Sprinkle the tea leaves on the carpet, use the broom to gently move the leaves into the carpet fibers, wait 1/2 hour and vacuum.

Get Your Matcha On!

2010-04-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

Last week my husband, son and I went to New York City for a few days. We hit our favorite restaurants and got lucky that the weather was cooperative. I have a favorite smoothie shop on W. Broadway that offers all types of "special boosts" to their drinks- like immunity, energy and digestive. I decided to add the immunity boost to my strawberry whirl and was surprised to find that they added a teaspoon of Matcha as the immunity booster. Matcha is stone-ground, powdered green tea from Japan. "Real" matcha is Tencha-grade so you have to be careful to know what you are buying (you cannot find the real stuff in a supermarket). It has a much higher level of antioxidants (it is reported to be 137 times stronger)than regular brewed tea since you are consuming the whole leaf. Give it a try- you will be shocked at how much energy you have. Cheers!

Easter Tea Eggs

2010-03-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Marbled Easter Eggs are beautiful and easy to make. After they are finished you can cut them in 1/2, take out the yoke, and use them as little cups for chicken, seafood or tuna salad. Wonderful for Easter!

Recipe:
1 dozen extra large eggs
3 tablespoons of Assam tea leaves
8 cups of water
2 teaspoons of salt

1. Put the eggs in a large soup pot and cover them with cold water.
2. Bring water to a gentle boil and cook for 15 minutes.
3. After the eggs are cooked lift the eggs out of the pot and place them under cold running water for approximately 3-4 minutes or until they are no longer too hot to hold.
4. Place the cooked eggs on the counter on a paper towel to cool.
5. After eggs are cold, gently crack the eggshells all over by rolling them on a paper towel or using the back of a spoon the tap the shells of each egg. Be careful and don't let the eggshell detach from the egg.
5. In a large saucepan add the Assam leaves, water, and salt.
6. Gently place the cooked eggs into the pan. Make sure the water covers the eggs,add extra water if you need.
7. Bring the water slowly to to a boil and as soon as the water boils turn the heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
8. The eggs must simmer in the liquid for 1-hour.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the eggs cool while sitting in the liquid.
10. After the eggs are cool, drain and place the eggs in a sealed plastic bag.
11. Store in the eggs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
12. Remove the shells right before serving.

PS- Add a drop of food color to step #5 if you want colored eggs.

Time For 1st Flush

2010-03-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Darjeeling tea is known as the Champagne of Tea- for good reason! In Darjeeling the tea plants are dormant during the winter months but as the weather turns a bit warmer, and the spring season begins, the highly anticipated harvest of the first flush Darjeeling tea begins. Typically harvested in mid-march, first flush is wildly popular in Paris and has regularly been airlifted to famous customers and has been likened to the annual release of the famous French Beaujolais Nouveau wine. In the U.S., Americans are more partial to the second flush Darjeeling which is harvested during the summer months. The second flush is a more robust tea and the majority of Darjeeling tea found in the U.S. is second flush.

Try a delicious first flush Darjeeling on March 20th (2:30pm) at Lemons & Limes in Chestnut Hill.8133 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, PA 19118 (215-242-3080)

Drink Green Tea for Relief!

2010-03-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

It seems as if someone in my house has had a runny nose and cough since last October and we have loaded up on vitamins and "immune" enhancers (you know, the tablets that fizz when you drop them in water) with no success. My 14-year old son has gone through more boxes of tissues than I can count. New study results (from a double-blind study) were released that show Green Tea may be the answer for those suffering from cold and flu symptoms.

There were 32% fewer people with cold-flu symptoms

There was a decrease in the number of symptomatic days by 36%

There was a decrease in the need for medical treatment due to symptoms by 58%

There was an average increase in immune system gammadelta T cells by 28%, and

There was an average increase in immune system IFN-gamma secretion by 26%

Now, you need to drink at least 10 (8oz) cups of quality, green tea for these results. If you try it, let me know if it works for you! Cheers.

(Rowe CA, Journal American College Nutrition)

Join Me For Tea & Culinary Pairing

2010-02-09T17:02:00.000-08:00

Tea & Culinary Pairing at Montgomery County Community College (Blue Bell, PA)
The newest culinary trend! Pair tea with cuisine by
flavor, aroma and texture. Taste a variety of pairings and discuss
why they are so successful. Enjoy a peak experience with every
meal. Mon 3/8 6:30-8:30PM $29
#2010/01 LLGI 3180 01 Course Code#: LLGI 3180

http://www.mc3.edu/continuingEducation/adults.aspx

Read The Tea Leaves

2010-02-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

The second most asked question (the first is: how to lose weight with tea) by my customers is how to read tea leaves, and if there really is such a thing. Reading tea leaves is the art of tasseography which is practiced most often in England, Scotland and Ireland but was originally developed at least a thousand years ago in China. Special cups have been designed for tea leaf reading but you can also use a regular tea cup. Place a pinch of tea leaves into a tea cup and pour boiling water over the leaves and steep for 3minutes. Drink the liquid leaving the loose tea and a small amount of liquid on the bottom of the cup. Take the cup by the handle and move it rapidly in a circle (swirl the liquid) 3 times. Next, slowly invert the cup on a saucer and let all of the liquid drain. The cup is divided into 3 parts: the rim is the present, the side represents events in the near future and the bottom is the distant future. The following are some symbols (and their meaning) to look for:

Acorn: Improved health
Anchor: Success in business or love
Sun, Moon or Star: Good luck
Owl: Sickness or poverty
Elephant: Happiness
Triangles: Unexpected good fortune
Birds: Good luck

For more details on tea leaf reading please visit: http://www.teausa.org/general/tearead/tearead1.cfm

Raw Honey- It is supposed to look that way!

2010-01-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

Recently I had a friend come over for tea and when I put the honey on the table she seemed hesitant to add it to her cup. I asked if she liked honey and she told me that she loves honey but wondered if my honey was spoiled because it was not clear. I realized that she had never used raw honey before- and when I asked she told me that she never heard of raw honey. I explained that raw honey is unprocessed and unheated so it can appear white and creamy instead of clear and golden in color. Raw honey contains 27 minerals, 22 amino acids and 5,000 live enzymes that work together to boost immunity and aid the digestive system. The honey found in supermarkets (and in that little bear) has been heated and filtered to be more attractive to consumers. Unfortunately, when honey is heated the yeast and enzymes which are responsible for activating vitamins and minerals in the body system are partially destroyed. Raw honey is also a powerful anti-bacterial that can help coughs and upper respiratory infections. I buy my honey from Fruitwood Orchards in NJ but you should look for your most "local" source. For a natural cough remedy try this(it tastes much better than the stuff in the pharmacy):

In a clean glass jar (with lid) mix:

4 Tablespoons of raw honey
6-8 Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (with Mother)

Shake until mixed. Take 1 tsp at least 4x per day.

For some honey statistics check this out: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=96

Amazing Chocolate Chai

2010-01-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my husband and I went to the Max Brenner restaurant in downtown Philadelphia. We visited the one they have in Union Square (in NYC) and really enjoyed it so we were excited when they opened in Philly. The restaurant is at 15 & Walnut in case you want to try it. They are a "chocolate" restaurant and most everything has some type of chocolate or cocoa in it. When we had our store in Chestnut Hill our most popular drink was the chocolate chai so I always get excited to try choco chai whenever it is listed on a menu. I ordered the chocolate chai at Max Brenner and was surprised (and delighted) that they use loose leaf tea! I was also surprised at how good it was. I spent most of today trying to recreate it. They used little pieces of chocolate instead of the chocolate sauce we typically use. This is definitely a dessert drink- and is so delicious it is worth the trouble to make! Below are the directions to make 1 mug. You can make a large batch of the tea and spice mixture and store in an airtight glass jar.

To make a 16 oz mug:

1 tsp Assam
2-4 peppercorns
2 cardamom pods broken in 1/2
pinch ginger
pinch cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
5-7 Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips
Splash of milk
1 teaspoon honey

Steep the tea and spices in 16 oz. water for 4-5 minutes. Strain into a mug and add the chocolate and stir. Add honey and milk to taste.

Check Out Lemons & Limes in Chestnut Hill

2010-01-14T17:24:00.000-08:00

When in Chestnut Hill stop by Lemons & Limes at 8133 Germantown Avenue
(215-242-3080). Not only do they have unique gifts and fabulous accessories but they also carry The Hill Tea Bar's "Bestsellers". Mark your calendar for March 20th (2:30pm)- we will be holding a complimentary tea tasting at Lemons & Limes. Happy shopping!

Upcoming Tea Events

2010-01-12T06:42:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let you know about some upcoming tea events. I hope to see you!

Diamond Spa in Chestnut Hill
Enjoy a sensory tasting of 6 teas blended for health and wellbeing
Girl's Night Out- Wednesday, February 3rd at 6pm

Philadelphia Community College
The workshop's CRN is 15644 (Tea, History and Health Benefits) and it's scheduled to run on Saturdays, 4/10 & 4/17/10; from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
http://www.ccp.edu/site/

Detox For The New Year

2010-01-09T16:54:00.001-08:00

It is that time of year again when we are starting fresh with new diets and resolutions. Kick off the new year with a detox that will flush harmful toxins from your system. Detoxing is important for improving body functions, overall health and jump starting any weight loss program. The following tea detox can be made at home and will give you a boost of powerful antioxidants while providing a digestive flush.

Spicy Green Tea Detox

1 teaspoon Gunpowder Green Tea
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried peppermint
1 teaspoon dried, ground ginger root
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Steep all herbs and tea in 8 oz. boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain. Add lemon juice. Drink. Repeat 3 times in 24 hours.

New Year ..New Tea!

2010-01-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

I knew I had gallstones for the last few years. I decided to try to control the gallbladder attacks by eating a fat-free diet and drinking lots of green tea. This worked- until Christmas Eve. A gallstone lodged in my pancreas and I found myself in the local hospital. When I arrived at the hospital the surgeon told me that they would feed me only water for a week and after my pancreas "rested" they would take out my gallbladder. Wait- feed me only water? Yep, for a week I did not eat anything by the mouth, they gave me fluids through the IV. You can only imagine how happy I was this past Friday when they said I could start having liquids by mouth. I kept waiting for some type of menu to arrive with my choices of liquids. No menu ever came, and when the liquids arrived, puree of beef barley, I let the food service person know that I don't eat meat. They seemed confused so I asked if they had vegetable broth and I eventually did get some type of broth but it tasted suspiciously like those chicken bullion cubes my Mom cooked with when I was a child. They also gave me tea. Well, it was Lipton but I was thrilled to get any type of tea at that point. When I was waking up from surgery I heard someone asking if I was the "tea lady"- I usually don't love that endearment because it makes me feel old but it was comforting given the situation. When I was fully awake the recovery nurse who recognized me told me that they really needed some good tea at the hospital. I agreed, I was never hospitalized before and had always just assumed that the food and beverage choices would be aligned for health...and taste. Anyway, I am happy to be home with my family and tea. I guess the upside is the 10 pounds I lost on the week of water.

Just 2 more days!

2009-12-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

Our store will be open 2 more days- and we have lots of great gift ideas (and fabulous prices) for those last minute shoppers! It is a bit sad for me to close the store but I am staying (at least trying) focused on the future. Don't forget to check out our new, easy to use web store on January 1st. Plus, see the story of our closing on Hill on The Avenue- http://hillontheavenue.com/hill-tea-bar-moves-online-closing-shop-dec-23
Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday and Prosperous New Year!

Transitioning in 2010!

2009-12-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

We made the hard decision in September that our bricks and mortar store was not following the path of our business plan. The original plan was to have a primary focus on premium, loose leaf tea and provide education about the amazing health benefits of tea. The Chestnut Hill location we selected for our store was so charming that we soon found ourselves really veering off the path of loose leaf tea into the territory of restaurant management. We are closing our store on 12/23/2009 andlaunching a full-service, secure web store on 1/1/2010. Our web store will be chock full of over 100 premium tea varieties- and many new custom blends. You will even be able to book a "tea party to go" online. Customers who do not like online shopping will be able to find our "best sellers" at Lemons and Limes in Chestnut Hill (just a few steps from our current location). The good news is that our online prices will be lower than our present in-store pricing (even with shipping it is less!). I will be teaching a series on The History and Health Benefits of Tea in January at Montgomery County Community College and also at Philadelphia Community College- enrollment is open now for both classes!

The effects of L-Theanine are clinically proven!

2009-12-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why the caffeine in tea does not make you jittery like your favorite coffee latte? The answer is L-Theanine. L-Theanine is an amino acid that is formed in the root of the tea bush and is transported into the leave. Young tea leaves show a higher L-Theanine content- calling all white tea lovers! It acts antagonistically against the stimulating effect of caffeine.

The clinically proven effects of L-Theanine:

Provides strong relaxing properties by stimulating the production of alpha brain
waves
Reduces stress and anxiety
Strengthens the immune system

During this season of stress and anxiety don't forget to drink your tea each day!

Get in the holiday spirit!

2009-12-01T12:10:00.001-08:00

Come to the Chestnut Hill Holiday House Tour this Saturday, 12/5/09. Visit some beautifully decorated homes and take away some decorating ideas for your own home! Look for our tea display in the Chestnut Hill Avenue house. The event starts at 10am and ends at 4pm- click on the link for more info: http://www.chestnuthillpa.com/detail-page/?id=21567

Shop For A Cause!

2009-11-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

On Friday, November 27th (Black Friday) The Hill Tea Bar will be participating in Dignity Housing's annual "Shop for a Cause". Dignity Housing is a Philadelphia based, non-profit organization that works to eliminate homelessness. 15% of all sales made on 11/27 will be donated to the cause. Please join in making a difference this holiday season. For more information: www.dignityhousing.org/ShoppingForDignity

Spirited Eggnog Chai Punch

2009-11-19T15:59:00.001-08:00

Tired of the same old cranberry and gingerale punch? Here is a delicious and unique punch to serve at your next holiday dinner or party.

Serves 12

In a punchbowl combine:

6 cups strong brewed chai tea (chilled)
5 cups cold eggnog (purchased in the refrigerator case at the supermarket)
1 cup brandy
2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Stir well. The eggnog will sweeten the punch but add some simple syrup or sugar if you like a sweeter punch.

Star anise can be added for decoration or crush candy canes and sprinkle on top of the punch.

For an extra-spirited punch increase the brandy to 2 cups and reduce the chai to 5 cups.

Use leftover eggnog punch to make wonderful french toast the next morning (add an egg).

CHEERS!

Tulsi Basil

2009-11-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who came to the tea lecture and tasting last Sunday! We did not have enough time to discuss herbals and I promised to share more information about the benefits of Tulsi Basil(Ocimum tenuiflorum). In my opinion, tulsi is one of the most beneficial herbals that we know of (plus, it makes delicious tea)! Tulsi has been used for over a thousand years in Ayurveda- most often for balancing the body effects. Tulsi is used for stomach problems, headaches, inflammation, poisoning, heart disease and the common cold. It has anti-bacterial properties and recent studies suggest that tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor (pain reliever) as well as being a possible treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. Tulsi is commonly used in South Asia as a medicinal plant. Just be sure you don't confuse tulsi basil with Thai basil- the latter is used for cooking only.

Another Reason To Drink Tea

2009-11-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

Just a little tidbit to think about. A 14oz (this is the small size)coffee latte has approximately 150 calories, without any sweetener or syrup. If you drink one a day for a year you have racked up 54,750 calories (if you use syrup and sweetener you can add another 25,000 calories- mochachino anyone??). That equates to 15.6 pounds of body fat per year. Switch to unsweetened (or use Splenda or Stevia) and you could slim down without much effort. Just a thought.

http://www.annecollins.com/weight-loss-support/calories-coffee-latte.htm

Tea Tasting on Sunday, November 8th

2009-11-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

Join us at the Springfield Library this Sunday at 1pm for a special tea tasting and discussion. We will taste 5 different tea varieties and discuss the origin of each.
http://fls.mclinc.org/news.shtml#programs

The Hill Tea Bar will be closed on 11/8 for this event.

Spooky Live Concert on Halloween

2009-10-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

Come and join us on 10/31 (12noon) for a Spooky Family Concert at The Hill Tea Bar. Michael Mabry will entertain with a special Halloween selection. Michael has been performing in Philadelphia for over 15 years and is an accomplished singer and songwriter. We will also have lots of treats for the little ghosts and goblins!!

White Tea

2009-10-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

I am asked about white tea more often than any other tea variety. While it has become popular in the United States its popularity is still small compared to black and green tea. The first export of White Peony to Europe wasn't until 1922. While white tea is a relatively new product to us it has a long history in China- it is traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is so revered in China that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)they developed the "9 Forbidden Rules" for harvesting white tea (the rules are still used today).

No plucking is permitted when:
- Raining
- Early morning when the dew is too wet
- Buds too thin (premature)
- Purple buds (post-mature)
- Buds damaged by wind, insects or human-mishandling
- Opened mature buds
- Hollow buds
- De-shaped buds
- Buds with more than two leaves

An interesting fact for all of the Silver Needles lovers is that it takes more than 3,000 buds to make up 1 pound of tea.

October Family Events at The Hill Tea Bar!

2009-10-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

We have two spectacular family events planned for October.

October 24th at 1pm- Kid's Fall Fun Day at The Hill Tea Bar!
Kids Tea Party and Craft Hour hosted by renowned watercolor artist Ginny Lang. Kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy the tea party and then create some magical crafts with Ginny. Ginny is the creator of "watercolor quilt art" and her works have been shown in numerous East Coast galleries and museums. She has put together an exciting agenda of autumn glitter leaves, abstract paper art and tissue paper flowers....plus she will be bringing her face painting kit! Cost is $12.50 per child. Reservations are required 215-381-2226.

October 31st- Family Halloween Concert with Michael Mabry. Michael is an accomplished singer and songwriter who has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for over 15-years. Join Michael as he sings some spooky tunes!

The Annual Chestnut Hill Fall Festival- This Sunday 10/4

2009-10-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

They are calling for beautiful weather on Sunday for the annual Chestnut Hill Fall Festival (11am-5pm on Germantown Avenue). Stop by our tent for a taste of our hand-blended green pina colada tea. At 1:45 there will be a demonstration of Laughter Yoga (by Laugh Yourself Philly)in the garden of The Hill Tea Bar. Come enjoy an afternoon in Historic Chestnut Hill!

Cheese & Tea? Yes!

2009-09-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last week when I was in Boston for the Tea Expo I took a class with the renowned tea sommelier Cynthia Gold. I was intrigued that the pairing was tea and cheese as I have paired tea with most food items- but never cheese (at least intentionally). The concept is the same as wine and cheese pairing- with the exception of regional pairings, you cannot pair tea and cheese regionally. For example, you would possibly pair a creamy, high fat-content cheese with a bold, dry wine to cleanse the palate (I know there are more complexities to wine & cheese ...this is just one example) so following the same idea you would pair a triple cream cheese with a bold pu-erh. I was amazed how well the tea and cheese complimented each other and how utterly delicious the selections were.
Try it at home:
* Try salty cheese with sweet tea - Stilton Blue Cheese with Lychee Congou
* Try a soft, creamy cheese with a mild green tea - Chevre with Sencha
* Try a nutty cheese with an earthy, bold tea- Comte Cheese with Ceylon
* Try an intense cheese with a smokey tea- Gorgonzola with Lapsang

World Tea Expo East

2009-09-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hi from Boston! I made the trek from Philadelphia to Boston today (the driving directions said 4.5 hours but it took 5.5 hours- and I don't drive slow!)for the first East Coast Tea Expo. It is being co-located with the Natural Food Expo so it should be packed with new and exciting products. Tomorrow I am taking classes all day (and drinking tea, tea and more tea) and on Friday I will be checking out the exhibits. I am especially excited to take the cheese and tea pairing class- I will be sure to pass on what I learn so you can give it a try at home.

Local Glass Blower Displays Art at The Hill Tea Bar

2009-09-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

Local glass blower, Karin Kozlowski, is displaying her extraordinary glass pumpkins at The Hill Tea Bar. If you are in the Philly area please stop by to see them- they are truly incredible pieces of art! Also pick up information on glass blowing lessons with Kristin.

Annie Hart- Philadelphia Story Artist

2009-09-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Many of you know Annie Hart from her storytelling events; I am always asked by customers for more information. She is famous in the Philadelphia area- for those of you who want to hear more of Annie's stories check out:

http://anniehart.com/2009/09/my-story-raw-real-part-1

TEAdious Tuesday

2009-09-08T08:21:00.001-07:00

I have customers who come in every day asking for tea with no caffeine. There are lots of choices for them but I never understood how anyone could get through life- or even the day- without a bold cup of assam or an earthy pu-erh. Anyway, tea has little caffeine compared to coffee, so how could it hurt? Last week my doctor told me that I should stop drinking all caffeinated beverages- I asked her if she was joking...I spend all day drinking tea! She told me she was serious so I grudgingly replaced my morning assam with rooibos and my 3pm pu-erh with ginger tea. While I like rooibos and herbal infusions it does not make up for the lack of black tea. This morning I drove my son to his first day of high school and of course I was either driving too slow, was in the wrong lane or not understanding his dire need to play a particular X-Box game and by the time we got to the school I cannot say I was sorry to see him go; it was a long 25 minute ride. After I dropped him off I went to the restaurant warehouse to pick up some supplies and on the way to the car I lost 4 bottles of syrup as they slid off the flatbed (no shopping carts, only flatbeds at this place) and rolled under a big truck. I wasn't going to go under the truck to fetch them so I just left them there. I won't tell my husband that I left the syrup- he will be aghast that I "threw money away". By the time I got to my shop and unloaded everything I really needed my black tea. I decided to ease into being caffeine free- too weak to go cold turkey! I enjoyed a big mug of robust Formosa Oolong. Did I tell you that the doc said not to have sugar either- ha!

Final Garden Storytelling Event of 2009 on 9/11/09

2009-09-07T17:02:00.000-07:00

The final summertime storytelling event has been rescheduled for Friday, 9/11/2009 at 7pm. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy Annie Hart's special story. Annie is a local story artist who has been featured on television and radio. Her special story blend is sure to entertain! For more information about Annie check out www.Anniehart.com

Calling All Italian Wine Lovers!

2009-08-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

September 18, 2009 - 7:30pm The Lost Regions of Italy Wine Class
Join us as we discuss the forgotten (...and some of the most spectacular) wine regions of Italy. Enjoy 8 wines from Sardinia, Veneto, Emilia Romagna and other less known regions. Wine will be accompanies by perfectly paired cheese. This class will be facilitated by a professional wine instructor. Cost is $40 per person and reservations are required.

A Tea-Coffee Obsession

2009-08-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Last week my family took a short vacation at the New Jersey shore and I got to visit a few tea shops. My 14-year old son was not thrilled about this, he says that "everything does not need to be about tea", so he declined to accompany me on my tea shop excursion but my husband agreed if I promised to spend no more than 15 minutes in each place. What a guy!! Anyway, at one location they had a special blend of coffee, tea and chocolate. It sounded kind of weird but I wanted to try something different. It was so delicious! I have spent the last two days, a bit obsessively, trying to duplicate the blend. I think I came pretty close. I have been drinking it black but my husband likes it with milk and sugar. The fact that my husband likes it so much is amazing. Here is my recipe to blend it at home (trust me, give it a try!)

To make approx. 4 ounces of tea (about 40 8ounce cups)

2.5 ounces Assam
1 ounce Dark Coffee Beans (the whole beans- I used Sumatra)
.5 ounce Dark Chocolate Nibs

Mix together in a glass jar and let sit for a day or two. Use 1 tsp per cup when steeping. Steep for 4-5minutes.

Tea Tango

2009-08-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

A fellow tea lover (and her husband) wrote these fabulous tea songs. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOmoshHoQU0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4VFblIDgNI

A New Wine Class for August!

2009-08-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

You asked for more California Wine Classes- so this is for you!
California Wine Intensive Class
August 21st (7:30pm-9:30pm)
Very few wine regions have attained distinction as quickly as California. The state covers immense territory and its wines have become a driving force in shaping wine making methods around the world. Through tastings we will explore California's many interpretations of classic varieties such as Zinfandel, Cabernet and Pinot Noir. Four reds and four whites will be served with perfectly paired cheese selections. This class will be facilitated by a professional wine instructor. Cost is $40 per person/ reservations are required. Call 215.381.2226.

Taste World Famous Darjeeling Tea on August 15th!

2009-08-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

August 15, 2009 - 1pm-3pm at our shop in Philadelphia, PA.
Experience two of the finest 2nd flush darjeeling teas in the world! Stop by for a special complimentary tea tasting.

*An special 2nd Flush from the Chamong tea estate has natural nuances of peach flavor that delight the tea connoisseurs refined palate. The flavor grows as you savour every sip due to special characteristics in the soil. This 100% organic tippy golden tea will elevate your senses.

*Lingia 2nd Flush is uniquely saturated with the essence of wild rose. The teas from Lingia estate are a tea connoisseurs delight. Lingia tea is known for its distinct wild floral notes. (I cannot get enough of this tea. It is absolutely amazing!)

Fresh Mint- Interesting Benefits!

2009-08-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

My friend Annie has a "thing" for sprouts. She grows her own and uses different types (and there is a whole list of different varieties) to accent her meals- and I am pretty sure she eats them with more than one meal each day. This summer I am having a similar love affair with mint. I am growing licorice mint, orange mint, peppermint, cinnamon mint and chocolate mint- on my front porch in individual pots. All were found at the local garden center in my neighborhood. I cannot believe how delicious the fresh mint makes my frozen tea smoothies. I started reading about mint and was surprised by the number of health benefits of "Mentha". Here are just a few: helps with digestion, nausea, provides relief for bronchial problems like asthma and colds, germicidal, breath freshener and rheumatism. Crush it and make a poultice for acne, skin irritations and bug bites. Of course, it is also delicious in hot and iced tea! For a great summer smoothie recipe with mint check out my Twitter posting from today.

The Men's Club

2009-07-28T11:20:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my 14-year old son helped me with an event we held at The Woodmere Art Museum. Later at night when my husband asked him how it went he explained that only "one man" attended and the rest was a "big room full of ladies". I had to jump in and tell my son about a male customer who came in a few weeks ago and told me that he coordinates a "tea group" at his law firm in NYC. The customer explained how each lawyer brings in a variety of tea and once a month they meet up in the office kitchen and taste all of the different types of tea- he also told me that the members of the tea group are mostly men. After the tea tasting they leave the tea in the kitchen to enjoy for the rest of the month until their next tasting. Well, my son rolled his eyes at me but it is true that tea is a man's drink. Most of my loose tea customers are men- and they purchase more white and puerh than women. When my husband was growing up he remembers visiting his favorite uncle and drinking tea (on the occasions that they were not drinking whiskey). His uncle was an interesting sort who would fire "warning shots" with his rifle up through the roof. My husband does not know what the warnings were for but he remembers that they always drank tea. It just goes to prove, you should never stereotype a tea drinker!

Check Out The Woodmere Art Museum when in Philadelphia!

2009-07-24T16:55:00.001-07:00

On this coming Monday I am partnering with The Woodmere Art Museum for a talk on "Tea & Art". When I visited the museum today to discuss logistics I fell in love with the museum all over again- I have this experience every time I go. It is a real gem and anyone visiting the Philadelphia area (or locals who have not visited lately)should check it out. Best of all, admission is free. Our program on 7/27 is sold out but stay tuned for our next event...and in the meantime browse the museum's website and a list of their summer events at: http://www.woodmereartmuseum.org

Even Tea Can't Cure This Mess!

2009-07-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have been experiencing some bad pains in my arms, of course I imagined that I had a terminal illness and tried to use this to get my husband to take me to Italy for a "last hurrah". He wasn't buying it though so I went to the Doctor and found out that I have a slipped disc in my neck- not terminal at all. It really bothers me at night so the Dr. prescribed some pain medicine. This past Thursday night I decided to take one of the pills and within a half hour all of the pain was gone and I was feeling so good I could have painted our entire house! Since we did not have any paint sitting around I decided to save some money by dyeing my own roots (this is female hair "talk" in case you did not know). I figured that my frugal husband would be delighted so I asked him to drive me to CVS to get a box of hair dye but he told me not to be "crazy". Well, I decided I would walk the block to CVS - I could use the exercise anyway. I guess in my happy state I did not read the color information on the box of dye (Lesson #1 never believe the color picture on the box- specifically "Ash"). Once home I applied the dye (Lesson #2 it is impossible to get it on the "roots only") and within 5 minutes the dye looked bright purple. This scared me a bit so I washed it out- and yep, my hair was purple (Lesson #3 it gets your towels purple too!). My husband heard me freaking out and came upstairs and promptly told me "Your tea won't get you out of this mess" and laughed all the way back to his beloved Wall Street Journal. Friday morning I borrowed one of my son's baseball caps and was waiting on the front step of my hair stylist's shop an hour before she opened. When she arrived I begged her to fix my hair- and promised her free tea for life. My hair is fixed now but unfortunately it cost double to put my hair back to it's pre-easter egg condition. I won't tell my husband he was right...but once or twice a year he is.

Lose 5 lbs this weekend!

2009-07-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

This tried and tested detox smoothie will help reduce bloating and shed water weight.
Yes,I did test this myself last weekend and it worked. I am going to do it again this weekend in preparation for putting on a bathing suit (I need all the help I can get!).

Drink 1 smoothie for lunch at least 3 days in a row for the best results.

To make 1 smoothie-

8 ounces cool Holy Detox Tea (steeped)
4 ounces honeydew pieces (cold)
4 ounces watermelon pieces (cold)
3 slices of peeled cucumber (cold)
1/4 inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled)
3 packets Stevia or Splenda (less or more based upon taste)

Put it all in the blender and mix for about 1 minute or until smooth.

To make your own Holy Detox Tea (for 1 ounce loose tea = 8cups)
1/4 ounce dried peppermint and spearmint mixed
3/4 ounce dried Tulsi Basil (must be Tulsi!)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Place all ingredients in an airtight jar and shake.

The MainLine Today Magazine Has Featured Our Green Tea Mojito!

2009-07-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Check out our green tea mojito recipe featured in the June issue of the MainLine Today magazine:

http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Main-Line-Today/June-2009/In-the-Drink/

Cheers!

Tea & Book Celebration on July 11th!

2009-07-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

I love books- all types. My husband recently had to move the treadmill out of our bedroom to build more book shelves. While he takes issue with my weekly expediture for tea purchases from other tea shops (how else am I supposed to keep abreast of trends?)even Mr. Cheapo is embarrassed to complain about my book purchases. Keep in mind that this is a man who told me the other day that marriage counseling is not what people need- instead, they need "Financial Counseling"! Anyway, my idea of the perfect day is sitting in my favorite chair with a real page turner and a cup of Darjeeling in one of my Grammie's teacups. So, I was extremely excited when it was announced that Chestnut Hill will be hosting an Author's Weekend this coming weekend, July 10-12. The Hill Tea Bar will be hosting local author Donna Allender on July 11th at 2pm for a signing and reading from her book "The Humanistic Teacher". Educators and parents won't want to miss this!

The Humanistic Teacher: Meeting the needs of every child is the basic tenet of humanistic education, and this text explores both theory and practical methods for achieving this difficult goal. The Humanistic Teacher enables teachers to meet the different needs of individual students and to become the educators they want to be. Donna Sclarow Allender cofounded the Project Learn School in Philadelphia in 1970. She is also a practicing psychotherapist.

I also want to tell you about our dear friend, Salvatore Grasso, who is a local author of murder mysteries ("Larceny" and "Paradise Awakens"). Check out his books at www.salvatoregrasso.com or at amazon.com.

Summer Herbs and Tea

2009-07-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Recently someone brought me a bottle of herb flavored water that they purchased at the local organic food store. I thought the flavor (lavender mint)was great but it was missing something. Then it dawned on me that it was missing the tea! Dry herbs are typically blended with tea but fresh herbs are delicious in both hot and iced tea. When making iced tea, add the herbs when steeping the tea leaves and remove them before serving. Try combining fresh herbs with spices for a really special beverage. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

Black tea with mint and vanilla bean (split the vanilla bean and steep with the mint & tea leaves)

Green tea with basil and mint (basil and mint are delicious when combined!)

White tea with lemon verbena and fresh lemon rind

Oolong tea with lavender

Iced Tea Made From Loose Leaf Tea

2009-06-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

The most common question customers(and non-customers)ask me in the warm months is how to make iced tea with loose leaf tea. Here you go!

A simple way to make the perfect iced tea from loose tea leaves (for approximately 1 & 1/2 quart of iced tea or 4-5 servings):

You will need 16 teaspoons of tea leaves & 8 Finum brewing bags

1. Place 2 teaspoons of tea leaves into a brewing bag such as Finum slim or medium unbleached tea bags- you will need 8 brewing bags.
2. Bring 1 quart of cold water to a rolling boil.
3. Remove from heat and add 8 brewing bags to the hot water.
4. Steep the tea for 5 minutes and remove the brewing bags. Pour the hot tea over 4 cups of ice cubes (in a heat-proof pitcher).
5. Pour into tall glasses filled with ice and sweeten as desired.

For "Sweet Tea" add simple syrup after step #4.

Bordeaux vs. Napa

2009-06-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

July 24, 2009- 7:30pm
Bordeaux vs. Napa Wine Class
Both Napa & Bordeaux grow Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and both produce intense & complex wines...yet, there are distinct differences! Bordeaux has centuries of history in wine making that reveals their finesse while Napa creates wine with purity of fruit. Sample the wines of Bordeaux and Napa side-by-side to discover your favorite! A selection of aged cheese will accompany the wine. This class will be facilitated by a professional wine educator. $40 per person- reservations required.

The Hill Tea Bar Partners With The Woodmere Art Museum

2009-06-30T10:13:00.001-07:00

I am excited to announce:
Tea and Art at the Woodmere Art Museum on July 27th at 2pm. Join us for a special tea party and an art & tea discussion. Reservations required (contact The Hill Tea Bar 215-381-2226 or the Woodmere Art Museum 215-247-0476). Cost is $20 per person.

Steeped in Embarrassment!

2009-06-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

In Chestnut Hill we have a farmer's market that is around the corner from my shop and I usually stop by on Thursday mornings to pick up some sushi for my lunch. This past Thursday I was in a great mood and was wearing a new white blouse (a designer number with a big ruffle down the front) even though I knew I would probably have tea stains on it by the end of the day. When I went to the sushi stand the man who makes the sushi,who has never looked up from his preparations on the numerous other times I was at their stand, pushed the woman waiting on me aside and decided to wait on me himself- even though he barely spoke English. I couldn't understand why he was paying so much attention to me but I paid for my sushi and headed to the post office to buy stamps for postcards I was sending to customers. The man in line ahead of me started talking to me and when his turn at the counter was over he stood next to me and kept talking to me while I purchased my stamps. He started to guess why I needed so many stamps (was I in a band? did I run a gallery?)and I practically had to run away from him. As I walked back to my shop a UPS truck beeped its horn at me and I made a mental note to check and see if there had been a full moon the night before since everyone was acting so odd. When I arrived at my shop I walked past a mirrored case where I keep teapots and noticed the reason for my new found attention- my blouse was unbuttoned (pretty much to my navel). The ruffle had acted nicely in preventing a draft which is why I did not notice. I haven't had Assam in quite awhile but I made myself a big mug with honey and steamed milk- after I fixed my blouse. Talk about emotional tea pairing. The tea made me feel better but I don't think I will be going to the farmer's market for a long time.

The Emotions of Tea Pairing

2009-06-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

One of my dearest friends lost her father last winter and she had to travel to the other side of the world for the funeral. Before she left we would drink Chai and eat cake a few times a week as we gossiped and discussed the meaning of life (which we still have not figured out). When she came back from the funeral she stopped by to see me at my shop and ordered a piece of cake and...ahem...a cup of coffee. Now, anyone who knows me understands that the coffee is good but the tea is excellent. She asked for the coffee almost sheepishly and said that she needed to alleviate her jet lag. This was in March and she is still drinking coffee every day. I asked her last week what caused the switch from tea to coffee and she said that she did not make a specific decision to switch. We figured that it was caused by the emotions of her loss and her need to have something almost bitter tasting (plus, she grew up drinking tea and maybe didn't want the reminder). I got to thinking about this and realize that there are lots of emotions behind the way we pair tea with our emotional disposition. I regularly have customers who buy three or four types of tea to drink at different times- a brisk Assam for a no-nonsense cup before work, a lavender earl grey to pair with a great novel, chamomile for a hectic and hurried day or a sencha for a sense of well being and tranquility. There are so many delicious varieties of tea that it is easy to have a few on hand to match your mood- or to improve your mood. In the meantime, I am trying to get my friend to transition back to tea!

Check This Out...

2009-06-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Read a story about The Hill Tea Bar at:

http://anniehart.com/2009/05/story-of-the-week-dreams-of-tea/

Tea and Sunburn

2009-06-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

The sun and I just don't get along! My skin is so fair that it turns fiery red after just a few minutes outdoors. I am one of those odd people who really prefers the snow and cool weather. Yesterday I was a chaperone for my son's school trip to an amusement park- and since it wasn't that sunny out I thought I would be fine sitting under an umbrella in the water park area. Wrong- I am fried to a crisp! Good thing that the tannins in black tea are known to draw the burn out of skin. I am planning to submerge myself into a tub of black tea.

To try this:
You can steep really strong black tea (cheap teabags are perfect) and let it cool. Soak a clean washcloth or towel in the cool tea and then gently pat the towel on to your sunburned skin. For an all-over sunburn treatment pour 1 gallon of strong, cooled black tea into a tub filled with cool water. Submerge yourself in the tea bath for at least 10 minutes.

Chamomile Tea is for Blondes!

2009-05-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

I love blonde hair- which is the reason my hair has developed the texture of straw over the years. As I get older I keep getting blonder...and blonder. Unfortunately, it has become even too blonde for me (I am not trying to channel any of the Golden Girls)and my hair stylist's expensive attempts to add "caramel sprinkles" to my hair has not worked. On Sunday night my husband and I went out for a fabulous dinner and over the course of the meal he kept looking at my hair. Now, this man does not normally look up from a plate of pasta to look at me so I knew there must be something sticking up or hanging from my head. I asked him if there was something "on my hair" and he told me that he was noticing how white my hair was. He said this with the same enthusiasm he had when our accountant told us the balance we owed the IRS so I was pretty sure that it was not a compliment. By Sunday morning I had become obsessed with my white hair so I headed to the pharmacy to see what do-it-at-home trouble I could purchase. In the shampoo aisle I spotted a "Chamomile" shampoo that advertised its ability to add golden hi-lights. Well, chamomile was listed as the last ingredient on the shampoo bottle so I decided to go home and see how I could make some chamomile infused shampoo with a higher concentration of chamomile. Now, I know that chamomile has long been used as a hair rinse but I figured that chamomile infused shampoo would be better since it could be left on the hair for a few minutes to allow the chamomile to do its trick. I mixed 1 TBSP of shampoo (for color treated hair) in a 1/2 cup of cool, very strong chamomile tea. I took it in the shower and washed my hair with it, I slowly added the entire 1/2 cup of mixture and let it stay on my hair for about 5 minutes. I was really surprised after I blew my hair dry that I actually had hi-lights. I repeated the process on Monday morning and have to say that I am thrilled with the results- very subtle but natural looking. The power of tea in action!!

To try at home:

Use 3 teaspoons of loose chamomile and steep in 1/2 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain. Stir 1 TBSP of gentle shampoo into the cool tea. Wet hair and shampoo with mixture. Repeat once each day until desired results are obtained.

A Little Inspiration for Wednesday!

2009-05-27T08:23:00.001-07:00

Many of my customers know Annie Hart (renowned Story Artist) who performs her original story art at our shop in Philadelphia. Annie is a master break-through coach who has inspired and propelled many people to live their dream. I am lucky to call Annie my friend- and she keeps me in line when I start to stray from my own dream! Please check out her blog for a bit of inspiration. http://anniehart.com/category/story-of-the-week/%E2%80%9D/

Annie will be performing a special story in the garden at The Hill Tea Bar on June 12th at 7pm.

First Flush...Tea Stories...June 12th

2009-05-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Help us round out our month long Anniversary Celebration with a special storytelling event in our garden on June 12th at 7pm. Annie Hart, local story artist, will be featuring a special "First Flush" story to tie in with the annual release of first flush darjeeling. Sample some darjeeling while you enjoy the event.

A Year in Tea!

2009-05-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

One full year in the tea business has passed and I am still as excited as I was on the first day! In addition to playing with my tea all day (as my husband would put it) I am working on my PhD in the Philosophy of Business and I just completed a research paper on "Job Satisfaction". It was the absolute validation that my decision to be my own boss was the right one. I am more convinced than ever that all of our experiences are building the path to something great...if we are not afraid to take chances and stay motivated to keep moving forward. I have been proud over the past year to use my business as a venue for promoting local farmers, supporting women business owners and as a meeting place for community seminars. Research supports what I always believed- the fact that workers want to be successful and if they are not it is because management will not let them be. If you are not happy have a cup of tea and think about where your path is leading you.

Discover The Wines of Summer- June 19th

2009-05-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

We just listed our June wine class on the events calendar.

Enjoy an exceptional selection of 8 different summer wines with perfectly paired cheese selections. Learn foolproof wine and food pairing concepts. The class will be taught by a professional wine educator. June 19th- 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Cost is $40 per person. Reservations required. Cheers!

Tea and Fashion in Historic Chestnut Hill!

2009-05-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Calling all Fashionistas! Stop by our shop on Sunday, May 17th for a designer trunk show. Summer fashions from a famous LA designer will be on display and a professional stylist will discuss tips and tricks to help you get the most from your wardrobe. 11am to 2pm. Tea and clothes...what could be better?

Rooibos Helps Sinus Headache

2009-05-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I taught a class about Tea & Health and there were many questions about Rooibos. Rooibos is not tea since it does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is mineral rich and studies raise the possibility that the herb could be useful in aiding deficient immune responses in allergies and infections. There is a following of people who believe that Rooibos helps with migrane headaches. Yesterday I woke up with a throbbing headache, the kind that stabs you behind the eyes. I figured it was a sinus problem since it was confined to the right side of my head. I took ibuprofen (a lot of them!) but it did not work. Since I was surrounded by tea, as I am every day in my shop, I decided to give Rooibos a try for my headache. I drank two 16ounce cups of hot Rooibos in the afternoon and 2 more cups after dinner. This morning the headache was gone. Now, this could have been a fluke but next time you have a sinus issue or headache give it a try.

Real Chai

2009-05-05T14:47:00.001-07:00

One of my very good friends is originally from Sri Lanka and she only drinks the darkest, black tea and grew up drinking "real chai". We invited her to dinner on Sunday night for her birthday and I thought I would test my best chai recipe on her. I have been refining my recipe over the past three years, and since I received my friend's endorsement, I am going to share the recipe. Now, remember that this is not as quick as making chai with a concentrate or teabag but it is oh so good! I promise it is worth the time.

For 2 mugs:

32 ounces whole milk
6 cardamom pods (broken)
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
1 star anise
10 peppercorns (black or red)
3 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons loose leaf Assam (whole leaf)

Place milk in sauce pan and heat slowly over low heat- Do not allow the milk to boil. After 3 minutes add all ingredients except the honey to the warm milk. Simmer, while stirring, for at least 10 minutes. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! After a minimum of 10 minutes stir in the honey. Strain and serve in 2 mugs. (PS. you can add a splash of real vanilla extract for a vanilla chai)

Garden Festival Rescheduled for May 17th

2009-05-05T14:40:00.001-07:00

The garden festival was rained out on May 3rd- but it is rescheduled for May 17th...Rain or Shine!
Don't forget to stop inside The Hill Tea Bar on the 17th to check out the designer trunk show that will take place in the garden room.

The Chestnut Hill Garden Festival- May 3, 2009

2009-04-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that the Garden Festival is this Sunday! We will have lots of fun activities going on so stop by and try one of our new iced tea blends. Our outdoor garden will be open.

11am- Face Painting for the kids by watercolor artist Ginny Lang
11am-1pm- Madam Olga will read your tea leaves and explore your past lives
11am-5pm- Stop by our tent on Germantown Avenue for iced tea

The festival is located at Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19118

Double The Weight Loss Power!

2009-04-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have been blending specialty tea for the past year- and having a great time doing it! Over the last 3 weeks I have been reading some new studies (2008) about the weight loss benefits of oolong tea and green tea. I usually drink 2 cups of oolong each day and 3 cups of green tea in an effort to get as much weight loss power as possible. Today I decided to mix some Formosa oolong and green tea together for double the weight loss power- and it was fabulous! Try it at home, instead of 1tsp loose tea per cup just use 1/2tsp of quality oolong mixed with 1/2tsp quality green tea. Tomorrow I am going to try mixing orange oolong with lemon flavored green tea.

Green Tea Mojito- A Springtime Favorite!

2009-04-15T09:41:00.001-07:00

Last year we experimented with numerous Green Tea Cocktails and our overwhelming favorite was The Green Tea Mojito. We served samples of the cocktail at our various Garden Events and everyone loved it!

Green Tea Mojito
From The Hill Tea Bar
Serves 4
Brew 3 ¾ cups of Green Lemonade Tea and pour into a 1 qt. heat proof pitcher. Add sugar to hot tea and stir until dissolved. Add peppermint leaves to tea and stir. Allow tea mixture to cool. Add lime juice and rum to cooled tea. Fill 4 tall glasses with ice and pour Green Tea Mojito over ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh peppermint.

1. 3 ¾ cups freshly brewed Green Lemonade Tea (or plain green tea)
2. 15 large peppermint leaves
3. ½ cup granulated sugar
4. Juice of 1 small lime
5. 4 ounces white rum (optional)

Be a Part of a New Tea Anthology!

2009-04-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Calling all Tea Lovers! A fellow tea blogger has asked that you share your special story or memory and be a part of an exciting new tea themed anthology. Full information about the project (including the Call for Essays and Submission Guidelines) is available at http://teamemoriesbook.googlepages.com The submission deadline is June 30, 2009.

CALL FOR ESSAYS

A new anthology, "Tea Memories: Living Life One Cup at a Time," is in need of your original, non-fiction essays.

Have you "taken tea" in a unique place or under unusual circumstances?

Do you have a story about sharing tea with someone special in your life?

Have you made an important decision over a cup of tea?

Whether humorous or touching, serious or inspiring, your stories of events, experiences, and transformational moments are welcomed. The most important criteria is that the stories be true and that tea plays a role in your essay.

Our intent is to show that tea is far more than something that quenches your thirst. Tea provides comfort, a time for reflection, and a starting point for conversation. Tea plays a supporting role in the stories of our lives. "Tea Memories" aims to share the ways that tea has changed our lives, one cup at a time.

Published and unpublished authors of all ages are encouraged to submit essays for consideration. The best essays will be selected for inclusion in the "Tea Memories" anthology.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Essays should be 800 to 1800 words in length.

The piece should be submitted as an e-mail attachment in .rtf format with "Essay submission" as the subject line of the e-mail.

Include your name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, and a short (60 word max) biography.

Submit essay by June 30, 2009 to teamemories@yahoo.com

Spring Cleaning- With Tea

2009-04-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

The town that I live in has been promoting "Go Green" for the last six months. Recently my son told me that at his school they were going to start using "green" cleaning supplies and suggested that I follow suit (actually, he told me that I need to switch to prevent polluting his air space). I like my house to stay clean, okay- I am a bit fanatical about it, and that has always meant using glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner and bleach among other toxic cleaning chemicals. This past Saturday a customer came in and brought me a page from a national magazine that discussed all natural cleaners. Tea was listed as the product to use for scouring rusty garden tools. The directions said to make 2 pots of really strong black tea and let it cool (cheap teabags are a good option for this). After the tea has cooled pour into a bucket and add the rusty garden tools. Allow the tools to soak for a few hours and then remove and wipe with a cloth. This started me thinking about other ways that tea can be used for cleaning. I found that used green tea leaves (thoroughly dried after steeping) have strong deodorizing properties and can be used to deodorize a cat litter box. Simply sprinkle the dried tea leaves in with fresh litter. Used, dried, green tea leaves can also refresh a soiled and smelly carpet- sprinkle on the carpet (let sit for 5-10 minutes) and then vacuum. And don’t forget, used tea leaves are also excellent for composting, just add to your bucket of coffee grinds and veggie peels to make all- natural mulch. Happy spring cleaning!

Dental Health and Green Tea

2009-04-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

Green tea is regularly consumed immediately after meals in Asia. Streptococcus mutans are bacteria that cause dental cavities. The bacteria reacts with sugars to produce a sticky plaque that coats the teeth. Laboratory tests revealed that the catechins in even one cup of green tea can destroy and inhibit the Streptococcus mutans. Green tea contains chlorophyll and flavanoids that can kill the oral bacteria that causes bad breath. Just another reason to enjoy a cup of green tea after each meal!

Wine Class Added- May 8th

2009-04-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

We have just added a new wine class to our events calendar:

Both Argentina and Chile boast a long history in wine-making. Argentina owes the roots of its wine culture to the strong influence of Italian immigration. Chile's wine production traces its ancestry to France. Experience the earthy, structured style of Malbec from the Mendoza region and some of Chile’s finest Carmenere, and Sauvignon Blanc. You will enjoy a total of eight wines with perfectly paired cheese. A professional wine instructor will facilitate this class. May 8th- 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Cost is $40 per person. Reservations required: 215.381.2226

Chamomile Facts

2009-03-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Chamomile has a wide array of medicinal properties but unfortunately not everyone can use it. Chamomile is part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed and chrysanthemum. People who are allergic to ragweed may have a reaction when they use chamomile either internally or topically. It is not recommended that pregnant or breast feeding women use chamomile. Chamomile is native to Europe and Asia with the flower portion of the plant used for medicinal purposes. German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are the two key types of chamomile used for health conditions. Chamomile is regularly used in Europe for digestive ailments because of its anti-inflammatory properties known to ease spasm and discomfort in the digestive tract. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments: sleep disorders, anxiety, digestion and intestinal conditions, skin irritations including eczema, and diaper rash. If you are not allergic to ragweed give Chamomile a try!

Yerba Mate- Is it a miracle drink?

2009-03-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

I have studied and researched tea (Camellia sinensis) but my only real experience with Mate was when I purchased it at a health food store about 5 years ago after I read that it acted like an appetite suppressant. It ended up on the "junk" shelf in my kitchen with an embarrassingly large variety of other potions to keep it company. Last year one of our family friends went to Brazil and came back with a gourd that she told me was the typical Mate drinking vessel. She explained that she had become a Mate "convert"- and didn't need to drink coffee anymore because she got so much energy from the Mate. I decided to research Mate and was shocked by what I found out. Yerba Mate contains vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B complex, carotene, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, biotin and vitamin C complex. It also has 15 different amino acids,magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, manganese, silicon, phosphates, zinc, niacin, sulfur, and chlorophyll, choline, and inositol. The list of health benefits seems endless: improves mental clarity, reduces the symptoms of hayfever and allergies, balances blood glucose levels, relaxes peripheral blood vessels (thereby reducing blood pressure), stimulates a weak nervous system, boosts immunity and suppresses the appetite. The list doesn't end there but I will save the rest for another time. Of course I had to add Yerba Mate to our menu and encourage you to give it a try. It is pretty close to being the "Miracle Beverage".

Wine & Live Music Events Added To Calendar

2009-03-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

We have just posted two new events to our calendar. If you are in the Philadelphia area come out and enjoy some tea with us!

Live Music on Sunday, March 22nd 12Noon until 2pm
Enjoy a pot of tea while folksinger Michael Mabry performs an eclectic mix of traditional and original story songs, drawing on American, British and Celtic roots. An accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Michael has been entertaining audiences in and around Philadelphia for 15 years.

Discover The Wines of South Africa~ Friday, April 10th
Did you that while South Africa produces only 3% of the worlds wine it ranks as number nine in overall wine volume production? Until recently, most people in the U.S. had never tried or heard of South African wine even though they have been making wine since the late 1600’s. Today there are more high quality South African wines for sale in the U.S. than ever before. Join us as we sample Shiraz, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and other selections accompanied by perfectly paired cheese. This class will be facilitated by a professional wine instructor.

Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: $40 per person
Where: The Hill Tea Bar
Reservations: 215-381-2226

Pu-erh and Weight Loss

2009-03-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

If you ever stopped by my shop you may already know that in 2007 I lost 40 pounds and that I credit much of it with my switch from coffee to tea. I did not go the green tea or oolong route- I switched to pu-erh. In 2006 I was introduced to pu-erh at a tea house in San Francisco during a business trip and quickly became addicted to the earthy, dark tea. I was so intrigued by pu-erh that I spent some time researching its history and I learned about numerous studies that concluded pu-erh helps with digestion in addition to providing powerful cholesterol lowering effects and blood cleansing properties. Then- Bingo- I found a study that suggested pu-erh aides significantly in weight loss efforts by curbing the appetite and flushing the fat ingested from greasy meals. Once I discovered it could help me loose weight I stopped drinking coffee cold turkey and started drinking 6-7 cups of pu-erh per day (Yes, I was drowning in it). When Mark Ukra's book, The Ultimate Tea Diet, came out in early 2008 I was excited to find that he included a unique array of recipes that incorporated pu-erh into everyday meals. If you are a tea lover and have not read the book you need to borrow a copy from your library- it is a great book. Well, yesterday I was waiting in line at the grocery store and was paging through one of those gossip magazines and saw an article about a famous movie star who credits her good shape to.....pu-erh tea!

SereniTEA is Needed Today!

2009-03-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

I knew when I woke up it was going to be a bad day. Well, I wasn't 100% sure until my husband told me that my hair looked half-done. When I asked him to elaborate he told me that it looked like "I started but gave up". Considering that this came from a bald man I was not too thrilled. A few hours later I heard banging in the kitchen of our Tea Bar and I went back to see what was going on. There was my husband again- I asked what he was doing and he told me that he was our "Protector of Information". He was dismantling one of our old computers and being obsessed as he is with identity theft my husband explained his method for protecting our information- he removed the hard drive from the computer, ran a magnet over it, submerged it in water and smashed it with a hammer (in this exact order). He told me that he didn't have time to finish the job until tomorrow...do you see what I have to look forward to? Well, I figured it was a day for SereniTEA. Chamomile mixed with the green tea is always relaxing and you can blend it yourself at home. Try to use dried chamomile flowers (not powdered or crushed) for the best flavor.

For 1 large 16 ounce mug:

1 tsp panfired green tea
1 tsp dried chamomile flowers
Mix together and steep for 4 minutes- Cheers!

Crowsfeet and Green Tea

2009-03-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Hi to all of my friends who have told me that they love the green tea face toner (men and women alike). You have been asking me for more all-natural, anti-aging products and I have been working on it! Last week I tested out a DIY green tea eye treatment that I am really loving- I have noticed a marked improvement in the crepiness under my eyes. Give it a try and let me know what you think...

2 Tablespoons Jojoba Oil
2 Tablespoons Very Strong Brewed Green Tea (cooled- I use Gunpowder Green)

Place the jojoba oil in a small, sterilized bottle and add the cooled green tea. Shake very well to mix and apply with a q-tip or finger around the under eye area making sure to gently pat in the mixture. Unrefrigerated the potion will last 1-month; in the refrigerator it will last 2 months.

Jojoba oil is a non-greasy oil recognized for its ability to penetrate and protect all three layers of your skin. Jojoba oil is a natural antioxidant and it also acts as a natural sunscreen with a SPF of 16. You can purchase the oil in a health food store, a natural grocery store or online.

Phillip Silverstone Comes to The Hill Tea Bar!

2009-03-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

We are so excited that starting in March 2009 The Hill Tea Bar will be partnering with world renowned wine expert Phillip Silverstone to offer exclusive Sunday afternoon wine tastings. Read more....

We are proud to announce a series of unstuffy Sunday afternoon wine interludes with Wine-tertainer Phillip Silverstone. Ever the consummate raconteur, Silverstone's presentation will include a sampling of his favorite slurps during his un-snooty, unpretentious, witty and unpredictable conversation.

Phillip grew up in St John's Wood, London and has lived in Philadelphia since 1977. Phillip is a TV and radio wine commentator, author and columnist, writing and hosting his award winning radio features "Time Out For Fine Wine" heard on WRTI 90.1FM. His twice Emmy nominated PBS TV series "One On Wine with Phillip Silverstone" was seen on WHYY TV. Phillip's column "Wining About The Good Life" is syndicated in weekly publications, and his book "Cheers! The World of a Wine-osaur" is published by Camino, Philadelphia. He has been featured on CNN and the Food Network.

With his ever present, self-deprecating dry British sense of humor, Silverstone's philosophy is refreshingly simple and unique, for anyone intimidated by the subject. His anecdotes, short stories, outspoken opinions and practical tips are aimed at anyone who enjoys a lighthearted approach to the subject of wine. He calls it: Wine-tertaining!

Phillip's Wine-tertainment is offered the last Sunday of each month.
WHEN: Sunday March 29th 3-5 pm
WHERE: The Hill Tea Bar, 6 East Hartwell Lane, Chestnut Hill, PA 19118
COST: $60 per person (includes wine and cheese and fruit)

Results of Tea & Wine

2009-02-22T16:57:00.001-08:00

Well, on Open That Bottle Night we had wine and tea! We opened a bottle of 2004 V. Sattui Family Red from one of our favorite Napa Valley vineyards and reminisced about drinking the very same wine outside of the winery with a picnic of hard cheese and french bread. It was our last bottle from a case we brought home with us in 2006and we enjoyed every last drop! It isn't a fancy wine but one that we love and brings back happy memories. By 9pm I was missing my evening tea so I decided to have a cup of oolong that a customer brought home with them from Taiwan. It was a delicious treat...who ever said wine and tea don't mix?

Open That Bottle Night- Tea & Wine?

2009-02-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight is Open That Bottle Night started by the famous Wall Street Journal wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher. As someone who was interested in wine before tea, and whose husband is an avid wine collector, I am always surprised by the similarities between tea and wine(don't laugh!). Tea can offer complex fragrances that can be floral, fruity or savory based upon on the variety of tea leaves and the way they are processed. Tea even conveys terroir- flavors of the earth reflecting where the tea leaves were grown (don't believe it? Try Pu-erh!). Tea can also be light bodied or full bodied and some experts believe that tea tasting can sharpen the palettes for improved wine tasting. So... if you aren't a wine drinker (or even if you are)... consider a full bodied, savory Lapsang Souchong or a light and clean Sencha.

Rooibos- The Cure All?

2009-02-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

I have a nice following of customers who love Rooibos (otherwise known as Red Tea) with a few of them drinking it strictly for medicinal purposes. It has no caffeine and contains iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium as well as calcium and fluoride. Rooibos is an excellent anti-spasmodic that aides upset stomach, is safe for pregnant women and helps babies with colic. The significant antioxidant properties help fight free radicals and it is showing up some prestigious cosmetic lines- be on the look out for "red tea serum". I was recently in a large natural food grocery market and was reading the ingredients on the labels of a nationally known tea line that comes packaged in pretty silver canisters. They had: Detox Tea, Pregnancy Tea, Skin Repair Tea, Weight Loss Tea, Digestive Tea and Relaxation Tea. Every one of the teas had Rooibos listed as the #1 ingredient.

For your best results, try loose organic Rooibos and add your own "healthy" ingredients.

Digestive Infusion/Upset Stomach: For a 12 ounce cup: Steep 1 tsp of organic Rooibos and 1 tsp of fresh ginger for 6 minutes. Strain and enjoy. ** For a sweet treat substitute 1 piece of crystallized ginger for the fresh ginger.

Relaxation Infusion: For a 12 ounce cup: Steep 1 tsp of organic Roobios and add 1 tsp of dried chamomile for 6 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

The Power of Ginger

2009-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

I regularly sell black and green tea mixed with ginger to customers who have sore throats or upset stomachs. I have also read about the powerful anti-nausea benefits of ginger but never had a first hand experience until last weekend when my husband and I went out to dinner with friends and on the ride home the nauseous feeling I had was overwhelming. Thus began a 24 hour vomiting episode that ended in the emergency room where I was told that I had "The Virus" and not food poisoning as I had self-diagnosed. I was given an IV with medicine to stop the nausea and felt much better when I got home. Within a few hours the good feeling was gone and I was in full virus mode again. I took the anti-nausea medicine the ER doctor sent home with me and ultimately realized it was worthless. On the third afternoon I was laying in bed and remembered that ginger is supposed to quell motion sickness so I sent my husband to the market to purchase some ginger (that is another story all together). I peeled about a tablespoon amount of the ginger and cut it into small slices. I boiled the ginger with about 16 ounces of water for about 5 minutes and added a teaspoon of raw honey. The ginger infusion shockingly worked better than the medication and a cup every hour killed the virus for good!

The Benefits of Black Tea

2009-01-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you noticed but most people refer to green tea when they are discussing tea and health. A customer asked me yesterday if there are ANY health benefits to black tea. You bet there are!! This is for all Assam & Ceylon lovers:

According to a study by University College of London researchers, drinking black tea lowers stress hormone levels of cortisol. "Just 50 minutes after a high stress event, tea drinkers, who had been drinking 4 cups of black tea daily for a month, had a 20% greater drop in cortisol than the placebo group. Blood platelet activation, which is linked to blood clotting and the risk of heart attacks was also lower for tea drinkers." (“Black tea soothes away stress,” Science Daily, October 4, 2006.)
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago stated that the polyphenols in black tea help inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.
Mild burns such as sunburn can be treated with cold black tea. Soak a dishtowel in cold black tea and place the cold compress on the burn says Marie Savard, MD of the University of Pennsylvania. The phytonutrients will reduce the inflamed blood vessels. (Health News You Can Use At Home; Rodale 2008)
Black tea consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.

Double Header This Sunday at The Hill Tea Bar!

2009-01-21T11:17:00.001-08:00

Stop by this Sunday (1/25/09) for an entertaining afternoon!

Sunday, January 25th: 11am to 12noon/ Hypnosis with Sharon Muir
Expansive Trance at the Hill Tea Bar
Want to make sure you manifest your New Years Resolutions?
Hypnosis helps give you the edge you need to follow through.
Spend some time with Sharon Muir Certified Hypnotist!
Learn some practical Hypnosis you can use for yourself.

Sunday, January 25th; 12noon to 2pm/ Live Music with Michael Mabry
Folksinger Michael Mabry performs an eclectic mix of traditional and original story songs, drawing on American, British and Celtic roots. An accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Michael has been entertaining audiences in and around Philadelphia for 15 years.

Lose Weight in 2009- With Oolong!

2009-01-20T18:32:00.000-08:00

Well- it is resolution time again. I noticed all of the "resolution" people in the gym the first week in January (yes...I was among them). Some exciting study results have been published about the weight loss benefits of oolong tea that may make achieving your weight loss goal a bit easier in 2009.
A high profile Japanese study was conducted in 2006, and researchers concluded that oolong tea was able to reduce the absorption of fats eaten during a meal. They found that fat lipids were passed through the body at a higher rate than participants who did not drink the tea after their meals. The tea also had a positive effect on the participant's cholesterol levels. Another study, conducted in China in 1998 studied 102 women, and the effects of oolong consumption, over a six week period. The study revealed that consumption of oolong tea, for the six weeks period, resulted in a reduction of body weight. In 2001 the US Agriculture Research Services' Diet and Human Laboratory conducted a study regarding oolong tea and found that fat oxidation was increased by 12% after consuming oolong tea.

Why not try some oolong and boost your 2009 resolution!

Tea is Trendy Again!

2009-01-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Health Magazine has a recent tea article (Tea is Trendy Again) that I wanted to share with you. It is an interesting read...even though we all know that tea has always been trendy!
http://eating.health.com/2008/09/18/trendy-tea-caught-on-camera/

Puffy Eyes? Try This!

2009-01-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

I looked in the mirror last week and realized that I looked like I had a down pillow under each of my eyes. Too little sleep was starting to take its toll and I needed help. I searched my handy Herbal Cures book and found that chamomile would reduce swelling if applied topically. I made 1 cup of chamomile tisane (1 tsp steeped in boiling water for 7 minutes) and chilled it in the refrigerator. I soaked two cotton balls in the cold tisane and let them rest on my closed eyelids for about 15 minutes (I did this laying down of course!!). The next morning my eyes appeared a bit better but it was not the big difference I hoped for. A friend told me to try Preparation H but I was determined to find a natural solution. I took the cold tisane and poured it into an icecube tray and put it in the freezer. Once I had chamomile icecubes I took out two and wrapped each in a clean washcloth. Again, laying down, I rested a wash cloth on each eye for about 20 minutes. The next morning the puffiness was significantly reduced! Try it out the next time you have a puffy eye issue.

Detox, Lose Weight & Relax in 2009...with tea!

2008-12-23T08:09:00.000-08:00

We are dedicating the month of January 2009 to the health benefits of tea. We will be running a special discount of 20% off any 4 ounce purchase of loose tea for both our online and store customers. Our green tea face toner was a real hit and we will be featuring a variety of DIY beauty recipes using tea.

You probably already know that the L-theanine, caffeine and EGCG found in tea can help you burn more calories and curb your appetite but consider using tea to curb food cravings. If you are triggered by chocolate try a chocolate coconut tea or a caramel rooibos. If you crave blueberry pie try a green blueberry tea or if salty snacks are your weakness drink a smoky Lapsang Souchong. Replace dessert with a delicious guilt-free rooibos toddy:

1 rounded teaspoon of Vanilla Rooibos tisane (rooibos is not really a tea)
1 tsp of honey
1 cup of boiled water
1 tablespoon of sugar free whipped topping

Combine the tea, honey and water in a teapot or cup. Steep for 5 minutes and strain into a cup. Top with the whipped topping.

Holiday Chai Eggnog Brandy Punch

2008-12-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Last week during a special event we served an Eggnog Chai punch (with a bit of brandy) and have received numerous requests for the recipe. It is a twist on typical holiday punch recipes.
Here you go:

Serves 14

In a punchbowl mix together:

5 cups of strongly brewed Chai that has been chilled for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator

3 cups of cold eggnog

1 cup of good quality brandy

1/2 cup of ice (large cubes- do not use crushed ice)

Sprinkle of cinnamon & nutmeg on top

Yumm! ENJOY

Stress and Tea

2008-11-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

In these difficult times many people are experiencing some level of stress and anxiety. A few signs of stress are sweating (palms especially), trouble sleeping, stiff shoulders, nausea, backache, and headache among other symptoms. To help alleviate stress look for tea with chamomile and lavender. Chamomile's high content of the amino acid tryptophan, has been used for insomnia since the 1600's. The Chamomile plant also contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium, as well as iron, zinc, flavonoids and essential oils which soothe muscles and stress. Lavender comes from the Latin word ‘lavo’, meaning ‘to wash’ and got its name because the Romans liked to sprinkle lavender into their bath water. Lavender relieves tension headaches, bad breath, pain in muscles, wounds of various types and helps insomnia. A tea infusion of chamomile and lavender will surely offer a soothing reprieve!

You are invited to a party on 11/21/2008!

2008-11-20T10:12:00.000-08:00

On November 21st come to historic Chestnut Hill for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony and then stroll down the hill to The Hill Tea Bar for a community celebration for the launch of the Germantown Avenue Parent's Blog (5pm-8pm). At 5:30pm Madam Olga will be conducting tea leaf readings, at 6:30pm there will be storytelling performed by local Story Artist Annie Hart and also enjoy live folk music by Michael Mabry. The Germantown Parent's group will be giving out goody bags! See you tomorrow night.

Do It Yourself...Anti-Aging Green Tea Toner

2008-11-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

I have had many customers ask me about the benefits of green tea in anti-aging (creams and serums) products for the face. Many expensive (I have seen a particular brand that sells for over $150 for .17ounce- and it only has traces of green tea) and popular anti-aging products contain green tea because of its powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that when applied to the skin green tea helps tighten pores, calms redness and provides anti-aging benefits such as deep wrinkle reduction. It is simple to make a soothing, and inexpensive, green tea toner at home.

Recipe:
- 1/2 cup of spring water
- 2tsp of gunpowder green tea

Steep the gunpowder green in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Strain the tea leaves and allow the tea to cool. Apply to face with a clean cotton ball- and don't rinse it off. You can store the toner in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.

Annie Hart

2008-10-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank all of you who made our summer storytelling series such a success! I also wanted to let all of the Annie Hart fans (who knew that a Breakthrough Coach could moonlight as a Love Goddess??) know that Annie has a new series coming in 2009....more information to follow. Cheers!

Live Music on Sunday, November 2nd

2008-10-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Live Folk Music by Michael Mabry on Sunday, November 2nd at 11am in the garden room.

Folksinger Michael Mabry performs an eclectic mix of traditional and
original story songs, drawing on American, British and Celtic roots. An
accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Michael has been
entertaining audiences in and around Philadelphia for 15 years.