Stress and Tea

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!

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

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

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

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.

Halloween Event - October 31st

Halloween is next week and we have an entertaining event planned for our customers. Join us on October 31st at 7:30pm for a story by Annie Hart (she has promised an extra special story!!). Enjoy traditional tea party fare while Annie spins a tale of intrigue and mystery! Space is limited in our garden room so give a call (215-381-2226) to reserve your spot. Cost is $25 per person. PS- We will be sampling the new "Love Goddess" blend inspired by Annie.

Traditional Quilt Watercolor Art Exhibit

The Hill Tea Bar is proud to exhibit original watercolor quilt art by Ginny Lang in our garden room. If you enjoyed the Gee's Bend quilt exhibit at the Philadelphia Art Museum, or are just a quilt lover, Ginny's art is a must-see! Ginny has exhibited her work at the Woodmere Art Museum and currently has pieces displayed at the Pejepscot Historical Museum in Maine. Ginny paints quilt patterns based on authentic, traditional quilt patterns that date back as far as the 1600's. Stop by and take a look or give us a call for more information.