Afternoon Tea

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." - Henry James

I recently wrote about how I've been making an intentional effort to rediscover ways to carve out daily time for myself - something that has admittedly been an adjustment now that I've added a new baby to the mix. We're all busy, and we all have full schedules, and we could all use more sleep - so I won't waste your time complaining about the details of how I often feel exhausted or overwhelmed. But the truth of the matter is that between a newborn, a two-year old, and trying to squeeze in work projects while my husband is on the road for weeks at a time for work isn't easy. There just isn't extra time in the day, period - but it is incredibly important that I find ways to make time for myself, even if it's just a few minutes in the afternoon.

There are lots of ways that we can find a few moments of bliss in the day to day, but the things that work best for me involve simple comforts. This might mean getting under a blanket and flipping through a magazine and reading blogs, or turning the lights off and lighting a candle and listening to music, or indulging in a few of my favorite cookies along with a hot mug of tea. For many years I was exclusively a coffee drinker, but lately I find a cup of tea to be such a source of contentment. There is something incredibly soul soothing about it, and it's probably the greatest simple luxury of my daily "me time" ritual.

Since discovering my affection for afternoon tea, I've tried at least a dozen different types, but I've narrowed it down to three favorites that I alternate depending on my mood. Number one on this list is Lipton Tea's Enticing Chai - it's perfectly spicy and warm and instantly makes me feel cozy and relaxed. My other favorites are Pure Green Tea (which I'd describe as light yet recharging) and Lemon Ginger (refreshing and motivating for when I need a boost), also both by Lipton. All three of these varieties, along with several others, are part of Lipton's new black and herbal varieties and improved green teas. Lipton's updated green teas have a light, fresh taste, bright clearer color and delightful aroma. The new Lipton Black Teas have bold aromas and unique flavors that join forces to put a twist on traditional black tea. And the new Lipton Herbal Teas focus on real ingredients that combine with their best herbal tea blends to awaken the senses. They're so, so good you guys. I look forward to them as part of my daily "me time" routine from the time I wake up in the morning. You can check out the full line-up of Lipton Green, Black and Herbal tea flavors here.


Who else finds tea to be a major source of comfort? What are your favorite teas? What kinds of simple pleasures do you most enjoy when taking time for yourself?

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