Tea Talk

Wow, Christmas is here. It seems time just flies by in the blink of an eye. And after all the lead-up and the hustle and bustle, Christmas is upon us. I wanted to take this time to say how thankful I am for all of you who’ve embraced me, my family, and the Uptown Tea Shop. I enjoy all the decorated trees, holiday lights, and festivities, but these connections are what the season is all about. I’m truly blessed for all who are in my life! I wanted to leave you with a great Christmas quote but couldn’t decide which...

Most of you have probably heard of Earl Grey tea, even if you haven't tasted it. Flavored with Bergamot oil, Earl Grey tea is very popular, especially in Britain. But what is Bergamot oil? Bergamot oil comes from the rind of a fruit called the bergamot orange that grows in Italy. It is a citrus fruit with the appearance and flavor somewhere between an orange and a lemon, with a bit of grapefruit and lime thrown in for good measure. I've enjoyed Earl Grey tea for years but didn't know its back story, so I thought I'd share what I...

Connoisseur is a big, fancy French word. It's pronounced "Khan a ser." How many of you know what it means? And don't feel bad if you don't because I don't know how often it's used in everyday language these days. It means someone with expert knowledge, especially in art, food, drink, or another subject, and qualified to judge and appreciate its quality. Connoisseurs usually have a keen interest in a specific topic and have studied it intensely, so they know a lot about it and can talk at length about the subject matter. I've come across some fascinating people over...

We are in full holiday mode here in the shop. It's all decorated with pretty garland, lots of lights, lovely red velvet bows, and three small Christmas trees to help everyone get in the Christmas spirit. I also have gift sets displayed around the store and holiday teas pre-bagged for convenient shopping. But over the last several weeks, some of you have also asked about stocking stuffer ideas or small items that would make great gifts. So here are a few suggestions... As most of you know, I'm a big fan of using a tea strainer/infuser to brew my loose-leaf...

In my world, once Thanksgiving is over, it's Christmas time. I enjoy each holiday as they come, but I can honestly say Christmas is my favorite holiday. I like the beautifully decorated trees, holiday ornaments, amazing lights, and even the shopping. Now that I can officially start my Christmas season, I'm full force into it. I'm actually impressed with myself that my tree is up and decorated, holiday ornaments are out around the house, and my wreath is on the door. It has been a challenge for some years to get it all done, but this year, for some unknown...