It’s old news to most of you that I lived in Savannah, Georgia for one year while in art school. My most favorite thing to do there was, surprisingly, my homework — at a place called Gallery Espresso on the corner of Bull and Perry. Sometimes, I would curl up with my laptop or sketchbook around a wonderful cheese board. Always, I would curl up with a cup of tea.

My mom recently had a business conference in Savannah, and I asked her to stop by Gallery and purchase a hand-scooped tin of Blue Mango Green Tea for me. Made in France by Mariage Frères, it comes as loose leaf (with chunks of dried mango), which is simply the best way to have tea. 

Since it was chilly tonight, I thought a big mug of tea would be a great idea. I boiled the water in my cobalt kettle and squeezed some clover honey in the bottom of my mug. I dug out my favorite tea strainer and inserted the array of leaves, flowers, and mango. It smelled so amazing — so sweet and summery.

As the tea finished steeping, I grabbed two ice cubes out of the freezer; there was no way I could wait for my first sip. That slightly cooled sip swept down my throat like actual liquid happiness. It warmed my tummy and relaxed me thoroughly, which is no easy feat when I’m watching two large, rambunctious puppies. 

Guys, if I can write an entire post about something as mundane as a beverage, it’s definitely tea time.