Steep It Loose

By Jake Smith, Arielle Weg and Sanah Faroke Shop these creative, thoughtful ideas for the best woman you know. It’s never too early to start looking for the perfect gift for Mom, especially if she’s the kind of lady who already has everything. Although some moms may gush over a crafty coffee mug or lavender-scented body lotion, your mom has seen it all, and picking her gift requires a little more thought. No problem! The best gifts for Mom are the ones that’ll make her feel seen and understood. To get it right, do a little recon and try to determine what would make her life...

The Spring Equinox marks the time when day and night are in balance — when light and dark are in equilibrium with one another. It’s also that time of the year when nature, and our bodies, begin to wake up from the cozy hibernation of winter. Spring inspires love, hope, youthful adventures, and growth. The Spring Equinox is an ideal time to find a comfortable space and take ten minutes to sip quietly and seek some balance and clarity within, by doing a self-guided meditation with tea. The onset of Spring can help bring mental clarity. Just like the planet,...

Pearl Dexter is one of the great personalities in the tea industry. She published the book “Presidential Tea Families” with Beulah Munshower Sommer from which I pulled these fun presidential tea facts.  * Tea figures prominently in the White House. It’s a tradition which historically has transcended partisanship, with the outgoing FLOTUS inviting the incoming first lady to tea at the White House, and presumably some juicy tips on the role. Also, each Mother’s Day, it’s customary for FLOTUS to host a tea for military spouses. Favorite teas for first ladies include flavored black teas and soul-soothing caffeine-free teas.  *...

In today’s mixology scene, agave cocktails are experiencing their golden age. Mezcal, which literally means anything distilled from the agave plant, knows how to grab your attention. Sweet at the base, with notes of honey and wood, edgy and smoky, with a slow burn aftertaste, it’s like a journey into the unknown — a lot like love. Some bartenders even contend that Mezcal is turning into the next single malt scotch. One main difference is: Mezcal mixes well. There’s no botanical infusion that screams “heart” as loudly as ruby red hibiscus. Renowned for centuries as support in managing hypertension and...