HD Hols, Tea Blatherings, and an H/D Art Rec <3

[themostepotente]

I treated myself to a cast iron tea kettle from Teavanna the other day, and I'm steeping some of the Earl Grey planejane brought me back. Needless to say, I am done with the shitty, watered down American versions of EG and LG. Ugh :(((

Regarding HD Hols; In the end, I sat on my hands until just after midnight. I really wanted to sign up, but I am shit at deadlines. I'm having feelings of regret, though, so I may try and sign up to pinch. I've been plugging away at something intense, so I'm just going to keep on plugging :)))

I've been using This Proof Absolute by Linnpuzzle for inspiration.

This just totally defines the beauty of H/D for me ♥

Have a fabulous day with tracy7307 planned. And there is one more fannish get together with planejane tomorrow. I love my girls so much <33333

More recs soonish!

--P

Comments

[vividescent.livejournal.com]

Which Earl Greys have you tried? Two Leaves and a Bud has a pretty full-bodied Earl Grey. I've not tried Zhi Tea's Earl Grey, but I've tried other black teas of theirs and they seem to have consistently full-bodied black teas, so I'd suspect their Earl Grey would be pretty strong, too. And by full-bodied I *mean* full-bodied - they're as strong as coffee. I believe both are from the U.S. and are fair trade and certified organic.

Another Earl Grey I've had is the Japanese Lupicia Earl Grey. It's a much more soft-bodied flavor. It's subtle, but not quite what I'd call weak. I suspect this one might be too weak for your tastes, though.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

I am a Twinings girl through and through, but I am always up for suggestions.

Barring EG, what suggestions might you have? I like pretty much anything with an emphasis on chai.

Long comment is long

[vividescent.livejournal.com]

I love chai, too! :) I don't really know your particular tastes well in regards to tea, but I love zhi tea's (http://zhitea.com/) Cacao Chai as well as their Fredericksburg Peach iced black tea (it makes a perfect southern peach iced tea, imo). I do have a sample of their White Blueberry tea, as well, but I have yet to try it. It looks wonderful, though.

Oh, and Two Leaves and a Bud (http://www.twoleavestea.com/) has a fantastic chai called Mountain High Chai that is just *perfect*. In fact, it's my favorite tea of theirs. The Earl Grey was wonderful and full-bodied as well, and their Assam and Darjeeling were both really lovely.

A blend I had sampled only the other day was Lupicia's (http://www.lupiciausa.com/) La Belle Epoque - I thought it was a really well-rounded flavor leaning closer to the full-bodied end of the spectrum with that sit up and take notice sort of flavor, but not too strong (like coffee). So for me it was *perfect*. I've also loved Lupicia's Strawberry and Chocolate Puerh, Momoko (a peach green tea), Caramel Macchiato, and Caramel & Rum. Thier Muscat and Strawberry and Vanilla were both lovely. As for iced tea, cold brewing Lupicia's Vanilla and Caramel & Rum have to be my favorites in regards to Lupicia's teas so far. I'm seriously planning a order for more, and am hoping to get some of their Cerisier because...

My favorite teas are actually Mikuniya Zengoro (http://www.mikuniyazengoro.com/), which are available only in Japan, sadly. I am in love with their sakura tea, and Lupicia's Cerisier looks like it *might* come close. Mikuniya Zengoro has some great black teas - apricot, strawberry, and chocolate were all to die for. Their mikan (citrus) and grape iced tea packs are the latest I've tried. I loved the Mikan both hot and iced, but the grape was a little astringent and I didn't like it so much. Lupicia has a better grape tea.

Another, imo, perfect chai is SAN-CHA's masala chai. SAN-CHA is an Indian master brand and has exceptional chais and wonderful tea. Their loose leaf bags are a pretty good size and last well. This one might be hard to find, I'm not sure.

Upton Tea Imports (http://www.uptontea.com) is a Massachusettes-based company that imports really fine teas. They have a fantastic selection.

I'm pretty particular about my tea - I'm the type who doesn't go for a coffee-strong full-bodied taste, but with a slightly more subtle and well-rounded flavor to it (although, I, too, hate weak tea). I've considered blogging my own tea reviews and I've documented the teas I've bought as well as the samples I've received, but somehow I don't feel my LJ is the place for tea reviews (haha, teas and slashy smut, can you imagine?!). I'm working on what to do with all my info for now.

Re: Long comment is long

[vividescent.livejournal.com]

Also, thought I should note that Zhi Tea's Cacao Chai in particular is very full-bodied with strong black tea and flavorful spices. It's got to be the best chocolate chai I've tried yet. If you want a really *strong* chai, this could be your kind of chai. :)

Re: Long comment is long

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

HELLO LET ME FRAME THIS POST BECAUSE IT IS AWESOME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTS, LOVELY <33333

[zeitgeistic.livejournal.com]

I have been thinking of ordering some Tea from Teavanna. I wanted to make it with my Keurig. >.>

I signed up for hd-hols under my fandomy name. I didn't make it through the lottery last year, but I'm crossing my fingers. I haven't participated since 2006.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

The sales people at Teavanna advised me not to use their tea in a Keurig. I asked the same damn question. LOL

ALSO, GO YOU FOR MAKING THE HOLS LOTTERY!!!

[tracy7307.livejournal.com]

I had some of the Earl Grey the other day and it was FANTASTIC. What a treat! I love it with a bit of milk.

Oo you're working on something intense? *chinhands*

I'll see you in a minute, bb <3

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

YOU AND YOUR CHINHANDS ARE ADORBS, BB ♥

[intobedlam.livejournal.com]

I love cast iron kettles! I hope you enjoy yours. How many oz's did you go for? The patina makes the tea so lovely. <3

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Alas, I could only afford the 18 ounce kettle. That was pricey enough on its own.

HOW ARE YOUUUUU?????

[intobedlam.livejournal.com]

Gods, right?! Mine was a college graduation gift; I would have never been able to afford one on my own. It's quite lovely, though! I hope you love it. <3

I'm doing really well! Getting excited for D*Con. How are you doing, bb? Any chance you'll be going to D*Con this year? It's looking to be a bit reunion'esque for a few of us who couldn't go to the HP cons.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

No D*C for me this year :(((

Been tossing the idea of an upcoming Chicago HP con around, though. Cons always run me 1,000+, and I fucking hate that.

[rillalicious.livejournal.com]

You should sign up to pinch! Your fic last year was utterly, truly brilliant. And I'm not just saying that because it was written for me.

[themostepotente.livejournal.com]

Rilla bb, you were an absolute pleasure to write for. I am still so pleased to hear you liked your gift <33333

I'm going to try and pinch this year. Already working on a little sumthin' sumthin'. *G*