It's time to get moving! Not only am I spending more time outside, but my body systems can also use a little inspiration, as well. I tend to naturally reach for lighter foods as the days get longer and I find it makes me feel better to start with a day or two of rooty infusions as the seasons change. I think of it as tonic for my tummy and beyond!

We are known for our foggy, drizzly days here in the Pacific Northwest. So much so that many folks don't know our summers tend to be sunny, dry, and mild for weeks at a time! For now, however, the fog can serve as a metaphor for one's mental state: clogged, foggy, and settled in a drizzly haze. I created this tea for an afternoon pick-me-up on those days when my focus starts to wane, but it works well as a non-caffienated jumpstart to a groggy morning, too.

Despite what Kermit's song says, I find green to be one of the easiest inspirations for herbal tea blends. The leaves of so many wonderful plants are packed with flavor, nutrients, and other good-for-you constituents and the combinations are seemingly endless. Lately, I've been on a bit of a Lemongrass kick, adding the essential oil to my AromaMist diffuser for a fresh scent, and tossing the organic leaves into my cups of tea. This recipe is as aromatic as it is tasty, so make up a cup and enjoy your "greens"...

While I drink tea daily for myself, there are times when one needs an impressive tea blend for company. This is a more simplified version of a tea blend I created for gifts and serving to guests at home. The recipe below makes enough for a nice pot of tea to share with cherished friends. It holds up well to a little milk and honey, or a little wedge of fresh lemon is nice as well!

Even though it seems a little fancy, it's a nice all-purpose tea for health and pleasure...

The days are short and grey around here, and while I tend to be a person with plenty of projects to keep me busy through even the dingiest times, that doesn't mean I'm always in the best of spirits. That's where the perfect cup of tea can be extremely helpful. This blend is full of delicious flavors and I like a little "nip" of Mood Care extract stirred into the finished cup too (made with Kava Kava, Gotu Kola, Passionflower, Ginger root, and Wild Lettuce) for extra perky pleasures...

From our weekly series: The Sunday Steep

I don't know about you, but I've been indulging. From Thanksgiving all the way through New Year, it's been treats and toddies and glorious meals with wonderful folks. But, now, it's time to do a little gastronomical regroup. This tea is made up of some wonderful herbs and roots and has a lot of flavor to help you get back on the health track! I like to make up a quart jar and sip throughout the day for a couple of days to reset my system...