Is it Tea Time yet? Seriously, there’s no better way to take a break from the day than with a nice cup of tea and perhaps a few biscuits (cookies, for you Yanks). I’m a big coffee drinker in the morning, mostly because I need a caffeine boost to function, but I like to make the switch to tea sometime in the afternoon. It’s a nice pick-me-up without the overwhelming caffeine buzz of a cup of joe. And since there’s so many different types of tea and then even more flavor subsets, it’s virtually impossible to be get tired of it.
The thing that sucks about tea is the tea bag. Sure, you could go the loose tea bagless route, but that’s a lot of scuffle for just one person (if you’re having an actual Tea Time, then I would totally go bagless). That being said, I usually buy tea bags because they’re pretty cheap and incredibly convenient. However, the one issue I have with tea bags is that I end up using all my spoons in record time because I’m adding a touch of honey or even just scooping the tea bag out of my mug. The Tea Tool (Gizoo, £3.95) is an ingenious gadget that allows you to squeeze and remove a tea bag from your mug with very little effort. Perhaps most importantly, you won’t have to use a spoon or risk burning your fingers on a scalding hot tea bag because this tool does the work for you. Depress the plunger to open the device and put your tea bag inside. Put the tool inside a mug full of hot water and let it steep. When you’re ready to take it out, simply remove the tool from the mug and depress the plunger (preferably while standing over a trash can) to free the tea bag. Viola!
Please don’t try to use this product with loose tea – it’s not going to work. In fact, it will be fail miserably. True story.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 18.5cm long
-Teabag is fully squeezed
-No mess or burnt fingers
-Compatible with all types of teabag
-Easy to use
-Dishwasher safe
I’ve tried to cut down on the sheer volume of coffee I consume at work, especially on lovely rainy Monday mornings such as today, but it’s hard. Nothing perks me up in the morning quite like a cup of coffee. I made the switch over to tea for awhile, but green tea doesn’t have the same kick to it as coffee. I even went on a Red Bull binge for 11 days straight before I had to stop because I was afraid my teeth were gonna fall out from all the sugary sweetness in that liquid crack. That, and my whole body would violently shake if I drank more than 16 ounces in one morning.
Since I’m back on the coffee, I’m trying to at least make it a little healthier which means I’ll have to stop pouring a pound of sugar into each cup. The Automatic Sugar Dispenser (Vat19, $12.95) is an absolute godsend in this regard because it measures out exactly how much sugar I should put into each cup. No more, no less. Ok, well I guess there could be more because all you have to do to dispense the sugar is push the little button on the top of the dispenser, but you catch my drift. Each time you press the button, 1/2 teaspoon is dispensed, which roughly equals the amount in a sugar packet. The dispenser itself can hold 1/4 pound of sugar, powdered creamer, or any other finely ground spice, but is only guaranteed to accurately dispense sugar. A small funnel stores inside the bottom of the dispenser, making it incredibly easy to refill without making a mess all over your counter.
Just talking about coffee makes me want to get out my French press and whip up a fresh cup. Seriously though, I’ve cut way back. I used to personally fund Starbucks with my coffee consumption. Now, I’m only part-time.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dispenses 1/2 tsp with the push of a button
-Holds 1/4 lb (24 tsp) of sugar or powdered creamer
-Convenient refill tunnel at bottom of base
-Bottom cover keeps countertop free of spills
-No batteries required
-Made of clear acrylic with chrome accents
-Hand wash
I’m always on the hunt for a new travel mug. In my mind, you can never have too many because they’re constantly getting misplaced or stolen by friends or family members. I don’t know if you know this, but it’s incredibly hard to find a decent travel mug. First, it has to be functional, in that it can accommodate hot or cold beverages. Second, it has to fit in the car, on your desk, or basically wherever you intend to use it. Lastly, and perhaps more importantly, it mustn’t leak. Finding a travel mug that does all these things is considered the holy grail of beverage containers.
The Coffee & Teabrew Travel Mug (Wrapables, $24.95) satisfies all the above requirements and even takes it one step further by offering fresh brewing. That’s right, you can brew fresh coffee or tea on the go, directly in your new favorite travel mug. With a special fine mesh filter basket, you just have to put the makings for your beverage of choice in the filter, pour in boiling water, and you’re all set. The stainless steel mug’s vacuum thermal construction keeps your beverage hot and features an easy open top instead of a small drink hole. The set also includes a convenient travel bag for your mug, with a carrying handle and an exterior mesh pocket for your coffee or tea supplies.
Did you know that by brewing loose tea, you’re eliminating all that excess packaging (tea bags, staples, string) and actually helping save the environment? I bet you had no idea you were such a humanitarian. On behalf of people everywhere, I’d like to say thanks.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 8″ x 2.75″
-Capacity: 14oz
-Includes convenient travel bag with carrying handle and exterior mesh pocket
-Mug brews fresh tea or coffee
-Mesh filter brewing basket
-Vacuum thermal construction
-Easy open top
-Made of stainless steel
How come no one has tea parties anymore? Ok, well I do actually know the answer to that one: tea parties are lame. But at the very core of tea parties is a delightful experience, one which consists of consuming a steaming cup of tea and a smattering of tasty pastries. The issue here is to figure out how to get to enjoy the delectable treats without the idiocy that is associated with a tea party. Specifically, how to orchestrate a setting where cucumber sandwiches aren’t served with empty cups of tea to stuffed animals.
A more adult approach to the traditional tea party, the Teacakes Cupcake Mold (Perpetual Kid, $17.99) has more than a hint of carefree innocence to it. Let’s face it, it’s not like the queen is going to be enjoying her crumpets out of a tea cup, but you can be she wants to. Shaped like tea cups, these cupcake molds are designed to allow you to bake and serve your scrumptious goodies in one container. They’re also reusable, so it looks like you’re doing the environment a favor by not using those convenient, but so not green, paper cupcake liners. This adorable cupcake set even comes complete with matching saucers!
I really don’t care how silly this may seem, I would love to eat a cupcake out of a tea cup. Are you seriously going to tell me that you would refuse a heavenly bit of cake just because its presentation was somewhat juvenile? Hell, I’d even put on a dress and some white gloves if you told me I could have more than one!
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 1.75″ x 2.75″ (cups); 4″ diameter (saucers)
-Includes 4 cupcake molds and 4 serving saucers
-Reusable
-Food safe
-Made of 100% pure silicone and phthalate free plastic
There’s been quite a few options over the past week or so for gifts this Valentine’s Day, some of them silly, some of them romantic, and some of them just downright bitter. But I’ve saved the best gift for last, the one that every woman is hoping deep down in her heart of hearts to receive from her significant other on February 14th: the engagement ring. There are a lot of rings out there that you could choose from and it seems like limitless options when it comes to diamond size and shape. Fortunately for you, I’ve scouted out all the top prospects and have come up with the perfect ring. Trust me, her ring (and your proposal) will be the talk of the town.
Show her just how much you love her this Valentine’s Day with the 2 Carat Mug (Firebox, $14.95), a ring unlike any she’s ever seen before. Imagine her look of shock and surprise when you get down on one knee to present her with this beautiful ring inside an elegant black box. Sure, it’s not a real engagement ring, but that’s part of the fun! When you jokingly show her a ring and ask her to spend the rest of her life with you, I’m sure she’ll laugh out loud when you explain that the ring is actually attached to a mug.* I mean, I’m sure she would much rather have a white porcelain cup with a ring attached to it, especially when said ring has a genuine Swarovski crystal embedded in the center. Available in gold or platinum effect, you’re sure to please your love with this token of your affection.
*I claim no responsibility for the possibility of your impending break-up. I suggest you make sure she’ll find this funny before you consider attempting.
5 out of 5 fake engagement stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4″ x 4″ x 2 3/4″ (cup)
-Available in gold or platinum effect
-Cup made of white porcelain with genuine Swarovski crystal
-Not dishwasher or microwave safe
