Relaxing with a Cup of _________?
I’m a huge fan of hot beverages; tea, coffee, hot chocolate, pretty much anything as long as it’s piping hot. While coffee is my first love, and not just any coffee mind you. Mr Chiots is an accomplished barista. He can make a latte or cappuccino much better than any I’ve ever had in a coffee shop.
Coffee is my morning hot beverage of choice. In the morning there’s nothing better than a latte to wake me up.
Late morning, afternoon and evening however my hot beverage of choice is herbal tea. I love a good cup of herbal tea with local honey. There are so many different kinds of herbal teas, chamomile to help you sleep, mint to wake you up, ginger for a headache, or elder to boost your immunity.
While I would love to grow all my own herbs and mix my own herbal teas, I just don’t have the time right now. Freija over at Grow the Change grows & mixes her own herbal teas. My favorite brand of tea is Traditional Medicinals. Their teas are made with organic herbs and they use sustainable power for their manufacturing. Their view of sustainability:
All things are interdependent; our health and well being rely on the health and well being of the planet. Good stewardship of the earth’s precious natural resources, both human and natural, is a cornerstone of our business philosophy. We want to leave a legacy of preservation and sustainability for generations to come.
Whether it’s our commitment to using organic herbs, off-setting our electricity use with solar and wind power, utilizing recycled paper in our packaging or seeking out partnerships for sustainable herb sources, we go to great lengths to bring you reliable herbal products.
I don’t have a brand of sustainable coffee yet. My dad brings us our coffee from Colombia when he travels back every 6 months (that counts as local doesn’t it?). I’ll be looking for one soon though.
What about you? Coffee or Tea? (take the poll)
Neither, as I’m on meds that don’t allow for it. But my family drinks tea every morning, with lots of milk (3/4 milk, 1/4 water!). I’m not sure if it is sustainable/fair trade, but I do want to find a good source for it – so this post is perfect.
to Mangochild's comment
I’ve tried to like tea but I just don’t…. I’ve only recently started to like coffee. We’ve tried a couple different organic fair trade options but haven’t found “the one”. Newman’s makes an organic option and Archer’s (the target brand) has one. Beans in most places are not local but you may be able to find a local shop that roasts their own and sells it by the bag.
to N.'s comment
I like both as well!
~*~Amy~*~
to Pine Pod Farm's comment
I like coffee more than tea, and I can drink it plain, which I am sure is better for me… but what I really love is cappuccino, sweet, sugary and hot!
to Shiloh Prairie Farm's comment
We do have a small local shop that roasts their own. They’re actually right in town which is really weird for a small town like ours. We’ve purchased some from them before.
We’re looking for shade grown espresso beans. I’m sure I can find some, I just haven’t spent the time researching yet.
Mr Chiots likes his cappuccino, sweet, surgary, and hot as well. I’m more of a milk but only a dab of sugar kind of gal.
to Susy's comment
Coffee, coffee, coffee. Oh… and tea, tea, tea. If I could choose only one, it would have to be coffee. My favorite? Organic Peruvian. I’m probably addicted.
I’m a singer so I buy Traditional Medicinals’ “Lemon Echinacea Throat Coat” tea. Besides echinacea and lemon, the ingredients list includes licorice root, marshmallow leaf, marshmallow root, fennel seed, orange peel, cinnamon bark, and lemon myrtle. It’s just excellent! My second favorite tea is homemade. I just steep sliced ginger and a sprig of rosemary together for about 15 minutes. It’s especially great if you feel a cold or scratchy throat coming on.
to deborah's comment
coffee is my 1st choice, but i’m trying to switch to tea…
to deedee's comment
I have to start my day with a cup of coffee, but then I switch to herbal tea after that. I dried a bunch of mint this fall and am thrilled that I did. It makes the best tea!
to Allie's comment
Wow…I love your photos! That picture of the steamed milk being poured… :)
A good hot chocolate has to be my pick for a warm beverage. A tasty mocha is also great.
to Joe's comment
I allow myself one skinny cappuchino a day!
The rest of the day I tend to drink Rooibos tea, a South African herbal brew or hot ginger cordial.
to michiko's comment