Chai, Baby! blog

Essay by Chai, Baby! founder

2012-01-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

Looking for a good read on a cold winter afternoon? Sit down with your tea cup, baby, and have a look at the essay "Unfurling" written by Chai, Baby! founder Dheepa Maturi and published in the new book A Tea Reader. (Available on Amazon.)

Happy reading (and sipping),

-Chai, Baby!

Free Shipping!

2011-06-09T12:00:00.001-07:00

Free Shipping on all Chai, Baby! products. Happy Summer, baby!

-Chai, Baby!

Mother, may I?

2011-04-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

"Mother, may I give you a little of the rest, restoration, and sheer bliss that you deserve for everything you do?"

Consider the gift of Chai, Baby! tea and tea products for the wonderful mother in your life. Baby, give her a break from her crazy busy day and a chance to sip, savor and enjoy! (Enter MOM2011 at checkout for a 20% discount on your order. Order by May 3rd for Mother's Day delivery.)

- Chai, Baby!

Spring is coming, baby!

2011-03-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Spring is coming, baby, and those crocuses and tulips peeking out of the ground make this wildly changing weather so much more tolerable. What a perfect time for some floral notes in your tea!

To bring some spring to your sip, try Chai, Baby! Jasmine & Rose Tea -- a gorgeous blend of premium green tea, real jasmine buds, and rose and marigold petals. One taste and you'll know that spring is here!

-Chai, Baby!

A year of magical drinking

2011-01-27T08:11:00.001-08:00

There's nothing like the beginning of the year -- it's full of possibility, hope, promise. We can change for the better, strive for more, resolve to do anything we want. It's a brand new year, baby!

Let's make this a year of magical drinking -- a year in which we decide to consume the best, healthiest, most wholesome ingredients possible. Grab that mug, baby, and fill it up with something that will nourish your body and soul.

Visit www.chaibaby.com for all natural, whole ingredient teas without added flavorings of any kind!

- Chai, Baby!

It's a brand new year, baby!

2011-01-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

We hope that one of your resolutions for this brand spankin' new year is to drink more tea. Wholesome, healthy, full of flavor & fun -- what's not to love? So, embrace tea in 2011, baby! Try Chai, Baby!'s Energy Blend to incorporate a potent peppermint pick-me-up into your afternoons (and remember, it contains no caffeine!). Happy New Year, baby!

Happy Holidays, baby!

2010-12-14T12:29:00.000-08:00

A warm thank you to our readers, customers and friends for your support this year.

We wish you a wonderful holiday and happy sipping in 2011!

-Chai, Baby!

P.S. Remember: Free Shipping storewide in December. Click here to visit chaibaby.com.

Free Shipping in December!

2010-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Free Shipping storewide in December!

Order by December 16th for holiday delivery.

-Chai, Baby!

Be an early bird, baby!

2010-11-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

Finish those holiday purchases early and get busy celebrating, baby! Enjoy 40% off all Chai, Baby! products during the month of November. Simply enter the coupon code EARLY2010 at checkout.

-- Chai, Baby!

Let's be fair, baby! October is Fair Trade month.

2010-10-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

What does the Fair Trade Certified™ label mean? Well, this label ensures that the entire tea supply chain, from garden to market, has undergone inspection and certification for certain standards of social responsibility. It guarantees that tea workers receive decent working conditions, a fair wage and additional revenue for their communities.

So, when you purchase Fair Trade Certified™ tea, you're helping farmers and their communities. You're contributing to a better world, baby! For more information, go to www.FairTradeCertified.org.

Chai, Baby! is proud to offer a 50% discount on its selection of Fair Trade Certified™ teas during the month of October! Enter FAIR2010 at checkout.

Nothin' like the real thing, baby! Bottled vs. brewed teas

2010-09-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

Lots of bottled teas on the market these days! If you're a bottle baby, keep in mind the findings presented this past summer by Dr. Shiming Li at the 240th national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston. Dr. Li stated that the polyphenol content of bottled tea beverages is far lower than that of freshly steeped teas. In fact, it would take approximately 20 bottles to receive the benefit of one cup of steeped tea!

This extremely low nutrient content, coupled with the sugars and artificial sweeteners often added to bottled teas, makes us say "ain't nothin' like the real thing, baby!"

To experience elegant loose teas in convenient pyramid sachets, give us a try: www.chaibaby.com

-Chai, Baby!

The Masala in your Chai

2010-07-12T12:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the word “chai” simply means “tea”? What many people refer to as “chai” is actually spiced chai: black tea blended with a masala (mixture) of rich, warm, delectable spices.

So, saying “chai tea” is, well, redundant redundant! Enjoy your masala chai, baby!

Are you getting enough water, baby? The hydrating powers of tea!

2010-06-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Are you getting enough water, baby? That hardworking body of yours needs water to transport oxygen to your cells, move nutrients to your organs and regulate your body temperature. Common knowledge dictates about 8 glasses of water per day, more if you are engaging in additional activity, flying in an airplane or living in an arid climate.

What's that baby? 8 glasses of water too boring for you? Not to fear! Substitute a few of those glasses for cups of delicious, all natural tea. The National Drinks Survey, cited in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that consumption of normal tea has an overall hydrating effect on the body. So, drink up, baby!

A multi-sensory experience

2010-05-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Busy day? Of course! We know that often drink your beverages on the go. We do want to encourage you to be still with your tea periodically. Tea drinking is a multi-sensory experience -- are you taking in the warmth, the fragrance, the steam? Are you letting the experience become a part of you?

Be smooth, baby! Delicious masala chai smoothies

2010-05-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's finally warming up, baby! Maybe it's time to alternate your hot tea with something cooler. Sure, you can always ice your tea, but here's another yummy option: the masala chai smoothie.

Steep 2 masala chai tea sachets in one cup of boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Pour into a blender, add 1/2 cup of milk (or soy milk) and 1 cup of ice cubes, and blend. Top off your drink with a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger, if desired. How's that for some lip-smacking refreshment?

For a delectably naughty variation, substitute the milk with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!
--Chai, Baby!

P.S. Try Chai, Baby!'s convenient masala chai sachets!

Happy Mother's Day, baby!

2010-05-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

To all of the fabulous moms out there, we wish you a day of joy, restoration and sheer bliss! You deserve it!

It's Derby time, baby!

2010-04-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

It's Derby weekend, baby, and we are ready for the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports". Fabulous hats? Check! Fabulous dresses? Check! And, you guessed it, fabulous tea? Check!

For the featherweights who fall asleep after one julep (guilty!) and for everyone else who might want a pick-up-me after too many juleps, we are pouring Chai, Baby!'s Energy Blend over ice. The potent Egyptian peppermint, ginger and red peppercorn blend gives us the wonderful fragrance and taste of mint associated with Derby drinking, but keeps us fresh and alert for the festivities. So wake up and join the party, baby!

The Chai, Baby! Top Five: Why Drink Tea?

2010-04-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

Is that a cup of coffee in your hand, baby? Hey, we don't judge -- although we will sass you a little. Here's our challenge: every day, replace just one of your coffees with -- you guessed it -- a cup of tea.

Why? So glad you asked, baby!

1. Tea is chock-full of antioxidants that protect your body from the effects of aging.

2. Tea is hydrating. Your body needs fluid, baby, so drink up!

3. Tea can protect your body from cancer. Research increasingly shows that polyphenols (the antioxidants in tea) have a cancer-fighting effect.

4. No calories, baby! Choose the right tea, skip the milk and sweetener, and you can indulge in utterly guilt-free deliciousness!

5. Tea contains theanine, an amino acid that simultaneously improves alertness and reduces stress. Wow!

Are you sold? We thought so!

-Chai, Baby!

What's cooking, baby? Chai Baby in the Top Chef pantry!

2010-04-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

You already know that Chai, Baby! teas and herbal blends are in the pantry of Top Chef Masters. Well, now, Chai, Baby! is also on the set of Top Chef!

Chefs around the world are increasingly incorporating tea into their dynamic dishes – from ceviche to soup to bread pudding a la mode. And Chai, Baby! is excited to be part of tea’s new culinary adventures by being available to some of the best chefs around – the ones competing for the Top Chef crown!

So, keep those eyes peeled when the new season of Top Chef airs in the fall. You just might catch a glimpse of Chai, Baby!

Explore, baby! This month, taste some new tea!

2010-04-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

A focus group of tea business professionals was recently asked what teas captured the most interest and experienced increased popularity over the past year. Their response? White Tea and Rooibos Tea.

In short, people are no longer as likely to request a traditional English Breakfast tea, they said.

Well, of course, they're not, we say! As people learn more about tea, they are leaving their grubby bags of brown powder behind and embracing different tea varieties, flavors, spices, roots and herbs. They now know that there is a veritable wonderland of teas and herbal blends to explore, taste, sip and savor!

So, get our there, baby! Throw caution to the wind, and treat your tastebuds to a fanciful, flavorful, fabulous new tea.

-Chai, Baby!

P.S. Try Chai, Baby's White Tea & Lemon Myrtle (a light, refreshing, citrus-y white tea blend) and Beauty Blend (a rich & fruity rooibos blend).

Drink again, baby!

2010-03-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

When someone tells us that she's "not a tea drinker," we spring into action. (You know us.) "Baby, sit down right over here and close those eyes," we say. And if she's a fun, cheeky gal after our own hearts, she will sit herself down and listen up.

"OK, now, think about the word 'tea'-- what's going through your mind?" we ask. Invariably, she's conjuring up a grubby brown tea bag, on a grandmotherly figure's table, next to some cucumber sandwiches. And if she's really imaginative, there usually a doily involved. For others, it's an flowery English garden, and still others, a quiet Zen garden.

As far as we're concerned, these are all very traditional images surrounding tea. Well, push those away, baby! Come to the table again, and re-learn your tea. Look at the gorgeous ingredients, watch them swell and bloom in the water, inhale the aromatic steam. Then, sip, savor, taste -- really taste -- your tea. That's a Chai Baby challenge for those of you who think you know (and don't like) tea! Well, think (and drink!) again, and you may find your inner tea drinker!

-Chai, Baby!

Get your tea on, guys!

2010-03-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

One thing is certain: tea drinking demographics are changing and changing quickly. The most rapidly growing groups? Young tea drinkers and male tea drinkers.

Best Life Magazine reported an experiment at University College London involving 75 men. Half of the participants received a caffeinated black tea drink, and the others received a caffeinated placebo drink. Drinkers of black tea experienced a reduction in circulating stress hormones of 47% (the control group reduction was 27%). You heard it here, guys! Reach for some black tea to soothe your stress -- the gals will appreciate it!

Live long and prosper, baby!

2010-03-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

Body + Soul magazine reported on foods that contribute to bodily longevity, including berries, whole grains, green vegetables, tomatoes, nuts and red grapes. Not surprisingly, tea makes the list due to its EGCG content. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant, baby!

Love is all you need, baby!

2010-02-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

As we close in on Valentine's Day, we want to send a message of love and gratitude to our customers, fellow tea-lovers and friends. Regardless of the difficulties and challenges around us, let's remember: love is all that matters, baby!

Gifts for the girls . . . be unique, baby!

2010-02-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day gifts don't have to be traditional, expensive -- or for that matter, unhealthy. Let's think outside the box to find unique gifts for the amazing women in our lives!

Of course, we suggest visually stunning, whole ingredient teas, designed with the modern woman in mind: Chai, Baby! Other unique ideas include movie passes, concert/theater tickets, or books by your gal's favorite author. For those of you with a bit of extra time on your hands, an iPod playlist, a album with memorable photos, or a homemade dinner are sure to please.

And, in our personal opinion . . . stay away from diet program memberships and kitchen appliances!

We love L.A., baby!

2010-01-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

Great to see so many of you at the California Gift Show last week! We had a great time seeing old friends, meeting new people and, of course, talking tea!

And we're so proud to announce our Outstanding Exhibitor Award -- we're very, very honored. Take a look on Chai, Baby!'s Facebook Fan page for some pics.

We love L.A., baby!

Meet me in L.A., baby!

2010-01-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

Chai, Baby! is off to L.A. to attend the 2010 California Gift Show, one of the largest gift industry events in the U.S. We're excited to introduce Chai, Baby! to new customers, boutiques, spas and retail stores on the West Coast.

Hope to see you there, baby!

Happy New Year, baby!

2010-01-06T11:35:00.001-08:00

New Year means New Year resolutions. Of course, we hope that “drink more tea” is on your list. Chock-full of antioxidants, tea is wonderful way to incorporate more healthful foods – and habits – into your busy lifestyle.

And, really -- how many resolutions are as pleasant as curling up on a frosty day with a hot mug of guilt-free deliciousness? Who knew that healthy could be so pleasurable!

Here’s wishing you a happy, healthy new year, baby!

Happy holidays, baby!

2009-12-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

During this holiday season, we want to thank all of you -- readers, customers and friends -- for your support this year.

We wish you a warm and wonderful holiday and Happy New Year! Happy Sipping in 2010!

-Chai, Baby!

Himalayan Baby

2009-11-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

Wow -- lots of customer questions about Himalayan Bath Salts. Well, sit back, baby, and I'll tell you the tale . . .

Imagine a time long before humanity, when the ancient seas surrounded the mighty Himalayas. Imagine a pristine and perfect world.

From this time and place comes the purest salt in the world: Himalayan sea salt. These salts contain 84 essential trace minerals and elements, including potassium, calcium, bromide and magnesium, that can be absorbed into the skin. The pink salts contain the highest mineral content.

Now fast forward to the first human cultures, who discovered and mined this salt, and began to use it for therapeutic baths. Over time, it was learned that a Himalayan sea salt bath could restore healthy mineral balance to the body, improve blood flow, soften and moisturize the skin, and much more.

And now fast forward to the end of your own busy day. Imagine yourself placing into a bath tea ball some beautiful pink Himalayan sea salt and anti-inflammatory green tea, naturally fragrant with lavender and rose buds. Imagine steeping your own bath tea and then stepping into some well-deserved luxury while your body rehydrates and rejuvenates.

You deserve it, baby!

Try Chai, Baby! Himalayan Bath Salts in three luxurious combinations: Lavender & Rose, Springtime in Paris and Water Baby. On sale through 12/31/09.

Multi-purpose your tea!

2009-11-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

Every day, we hear more about the healing properties of green tea. Usually, we think of those benefits in connection with drinking this wonderful beverage. However, there is also a tremendous benefit to be gained from applying steeped green tea to the skin.

Green tea naturally possesses anti-inflammatory, firming and repairing properties for skin. Tonight, step into a luxurious green tea bath – you know you deserve it!

Chai, Baby! baths salts combine pink Himalayan sea salts with sencha green tea for a double dose of wholesome skin moisturizing. Click here to learn more.

You're getting warm, baby!

2009-10-31T13:51:00.000-07:00

Baby, it's cold outside! I'm looking out my window at the brilliant fall sunshine, the wild scatter of leaves and the blue, blue sky. And I'm holding -- you guessed it -- a mug of hot tea. The naturally sweet spices are rolling around on my tongue, and in this perfect moment, I am absolutely, blissfully filled with warmth, hope and happiness.

What does your tea do for you, baby?

Be fair, baby! October is Fair Trade Month.

2009-10-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

What does the Fair Trade Certified&trade label mean? Well, this label ensures that the entire tea supply chain, from garden to market, has undergone inspection and certification for certain standards of social responsibility. It guarantees that tea workers receive decent working conditions, a fair wage and additional revenue for their communities.

So, when you purchase Fair Trade Certified&trade tea, you're helping farmers and their communities. You're contributing to a better world, baby! For more information, go to www.FairTradeCertified.org.

Chai, Baby! is proud to offer a selection of Fair Trade Certified&trade teas.

What's in your cup, baby?

2009-09-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

What's in that teacup of yours, baby? A lovely, wholesome, delicious beverage, of course! But is that all there is to it?

Are you watching your tea leaves swell and unfurl? Good. Now, close your eyes. Breathe in the natural aromas of your ingredients. That's it . . . breathe in, breathe out. Now, slowly take a small sip from your cup. Hey, don't rush! Are you tasting with your entire palate? Really? Try again. What flavors do you taste -- and do you taste them simultaneously? Or do they reveal themselves slowly, gradually, layer after layer?

Tea is so much more than a beverage. It's an opportunity to experience the world around us with senses engaged and with an open heart and mind. It's an opportunity to live in the moment!

Engage, baby!

2009-08-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

We just read an interesting article by Dr. Eva Selhub about the way our bodies naturally and accurately communicate with us. Whether our symptoms are physical or emotional, the discomfort we feel is extremely important information. If we continue to ignore this information, then bodily stress accumulates.

Dr. Selhub proposed 8 methods to prevent this accumulation of stress. Most of these methods we’ve all read about often: exercise, good nutrition, meditation, sleep, laughter, etc. Her last method, however, really caught our eye because it’s rarely discussed. The word she used is “engage.”

By “engage,” she meant participating in an activity you love so that the mind experiences what she referred to as “enjoyment and flow.” Well, this is precisely why we love to drink tea regularly throughout our day. A visually beautiful, aromatic, delicious tea provides a drinking experience that automatically engages all of the senses as well as the mind.

If we can bring 100% of our awareness to the act of drinking tea, we feel that we will learn to live every part of our lives in the same way: alert, mindful, engaged!

Go to article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eva-m-selhub-md/when-the-body-screams-hel_b_251218.html

Resist, baby!

2009-08-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

Uh oh. It’s 2:30 in the afternoon. The last few bits of lunch in your belly are dissolving rapidly. Your eyes are drooping, your head is nodding, and you just read the same sentence on your computer screen four times.

The vending machine is calling. The ice cream bar in the freezer is calling. The chocolate jar on your evil co-worker’s desk is calling.

Well, not so fast, baby!

You’re not alone. Most people experience a downward swing in their blood sugar in the mid-afternoon. And that’s the time that they reach for the sugar or caffeine that will provide a false energy spike and an inevitable crash.

The next time you’re teetering on the edge of that downward plunge, reach for a cup of caffeine-free peppermint tea instead. The natural fragrance will open your eyes, and the rich, potent flavor is guaranteed to reawaken your body and mind.

If you can take your tea cup for a walk around the office, or better yet, outside in the sun, so much the better.

Happy sipping!
-Chai, Baby!

Try Chai, Baby!’s organic Energy Blend, with Eygptian peppermint, ginger and cinnamon, every afternoon for one week. Then, let us know your experience!

Is this July or October?

2009-07-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but we've been having truly bizarre weather this July. Cold, dank, wet, rainy -- in a city that usually tops 90 degrees by June.

Well, this morning, I decided not to let the weather get me down. I took a cup of jasmine & rose tea outside and sat down on the front step, with a towel under me. At first my mind wouldn't let go, but eventually it yielded to the aromatic jasmine buds and thoughts of tropical warmth, color and sunshine. Ahhhhhhhhh!

It just goes to show -- summer is definitely a state of mind.

Happy sipping!
-Chai, Baby!

How does your garden grow, baby?

2009-07-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

A tip from several of our green-thumbed customers: after you drink your tea, empty your tea bag into your house plants or garden plants. A natural -- and naturally fragrant -- nutritional boost for your greenery!

Some Like it Iced

2009-07-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Baby, it's hot outside! Though many people drink hot tea year round, some prefer only iced tea in the summer. Luckily, iced tea is surprisingly simple to make. An important tip to keep in mind: don't over-steep your tea! Some people steep their tea too long in order to produce a tea liqueur that stands up to melting ice. However, over-steeping simply produces bitter tea.

Try this technique for a wonderful summer iced tea:
1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, and then turn off the heat.
2. Add 3 or 4 tea sachets to the boiled water and allow to steep for 5 minutes only!
3. After this decoction cools, pour the it into a large pitcher and add 2 quarts water.
4. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Or, for a quicker cup, steep 2 tea sachets in one cup of boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Then, pour the tea over a tall glass of ice. Stay cool, baby!

Bai, Bai, Baby! revisited

2009-06-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Coincidentally, our White Tea & Lemon Myrtle blend was reviewed by The Tea Review blog soon after our last post. Check it out, baby! http://www.teareviewblog.com/?p=4008.

Bai, Bai, Baby! A profile on Bai Mudan tea

2009-06-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked about the type of White Tea used in Chai, Baby!’s White Tea & Lemon Myrtle. Well, we use tender Bai Mudan white tea, from the Fujian region of China. It’s picked as a tightly curled bud with 2-3 young leaves, and then steamed and dried. At that point, it looks like a little silvery bud surrounded by curled green leaves.

Bai Mudan tea produces a pale yellow infusion and a smooth, mild flavor. We’ve added lemon myrtle and lemongrass to our Bai Mudan blend for some lovely citrus notes and a truly unique taste. To prepare, pour very hot water (just about to boil) over the tea and steep for 2-3 minutes. Sip and be refreshed, baby!

Are you a Pod Person? A spotlight on green cardamom

2009-06-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

This intriguing little spice, found in tiny greenish-brown triangular pods filled with small black seeds, has a lovely, aromatic fragrance and unique taste. This particularly expensive spice is used to flavor food and drink, and always adds wonderfully subtle and complex layers of taste.

Growing up, cardamom (we always called it elaichi) figured largely in my home kitchen. It was used daily to make sauces, rice, desserts and, of course, tea. I guess it makes sense that its distinctive smell and taste always take me back!

Cardamom is also commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and digestive disorders.

(Would you like to sample the unique, natural taste of cardamom in your tea? Give Chai, Baby!’s Masala Chai and Relaxation Blend a try!)

Tea Drinking and Stroke Defense

2009-05-30T19:11:00.000-07:00

Body + Soul Magazine’s June 2009 issue reported a recent review of nine research studies connecting tea drinking and stroke defense. Researchers found that drinking three cups of green tea or black tea per day could reduce the risk of stroke by 21%. In the magazine article, Dr. Arpita Basu of Oklahoma State University said that tea’s antioxidants appear to reduce this risk in the following ways:
1. Fighting oxidative stress and inflammation
2. Maintaining normal blood pressure
3. Preventing plaque buildup in arteries
4. Promoting healthy blood vessel function

You know Chai, Baby!’s stand: tea drinking is a habit that has tremendous long-term benefits for your health and wellness. So, keep sipping, baby!

Thanks for listening, baby!

2009-05-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who had a chance to listen in to the Chai, Baby! story on BlogTalkRadio earlier today, thanks for your support and all your wonderfully positive responses!

And if you didn’t have a chance, then you can play back the recorded interview:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AlphaWomen/2009/05/26/Dheepta-Maturi-Chai-Baby-Specialty-Teas.

Catch us on BlogTalkRadio!

2009-05-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of interesting business ventures, then tune in to hear the
Chai, Baby! story -- and a great discussion of tea and entrepreneurship -- on Tuesday, May 26 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time. The host, Freda Mooncotch, is the founder of the website www.alphawomen.com. Her corresponding weekly radio program covers a range of topics from business to culture to politics.

Be sure to listen in! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/alphawomen.

Derby Redux

2009-05-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

Wow. What an exciting two minutes -- I was absolutely riveted! I’ve never paid much attention to horse racing, but now I think I’m hooked.

I appreciate all of your comments and messages about the Derby party. We had an amazing Southern spread – and I tried grits & breaded okra & mint juleps for the first time. Most importantly, I wore a gloriously, magnificently oversized hat! (Before the party, everyone told me that “it’s all about the hat,” and now I totally understand.) Thanks again to my Derby party hosts for a grand new experience!

And when it was all over – you guessed it – I sat back with a tall, cool glass of Chai, Baby!’s Energy Blend. Glorious mint & ginger tea over ice! I’m all about starting new traditions!

Derby Dreams

2009-04-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

Guess where I’m going this Saturday? A few hints . . . thoroughbred horses, the Churchill Downs, a two minute run, Louisville . . . .

Yes, you’ve got it! The Kentucky Derby . . . party. No, I won’t be at the actual race, but I am attending my first derby party, complete with extravagant hat and (I hope) mint juleps.

Speaking of mint juleps, here’s a suggestion for Derby attendees and partygoers who want to replace (or space out) their drinks. Mint herbal tea (like Chai, Baby!’s Energy Blend) over ice is a wonderful – and stylish! – beverage for the Derby or your derby party. Simply prepare your tea as usual -- remember not to over-steep – and pour over ice into a tall, cool glass. Ooooh, I can taste it now.

Enjoy the race, everyone! And though it’s my dream to get myself and my fabulous hat to the Derby one day, I’m happy to report that Chai, Baby! has gotten there already. Chai, Baby!’s Energy Blend was selected for inclusion in the Kentucky Derby’s VIP gift bags!

Black tea benefits

2009-04-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Many new tea drinkers are surprised to find that all teas -- black, green, white, oolong -- come from the very same plant, camellia sinensis. Nevertheless, due to different processing methods, each tea type provides somewhat different health benefits.

All teas contain flavonoids, naturally occurring chemical compounds with antioxidant properties. During processing though, black tea is oxidized and therefore contains particularly complex flavonoids.

In a HealthNewsDigest.com article, columnist Michael Shaw listed various documented health benefits derived from flavonoids in black tea: increased immunity to flu, better bone density, reduced risk of heart attack, better oral health, as well as slowing of the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.

For more information, copy and paste the following link in your browser: http://www.teanewsdirect.com/?p=413#more-413.

What's your (tea) story, baby?

2009-04-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

We at Chai, Baby! believe that tea drinking is so much more than consuming a beverage. Rather, tea drinking gives us quiet moments of mindfulness spaced throughout our very, very busy days.

Do you, too, feel passionately about tea drinking? Do you have memorable experiences and important events associated with tea? Consider submitting your true story as an essay for inclusion in the upcoming anthology Tea Memories: Living Life One Cup at a Time.

Essays are due June 30, 2009 to teamemories@yahoo.com. Check out all of the contest details at http://teamemoriesbook.googlepages.com, and write on, baby!

California Tasting

2009-03-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Each time I return, I convince myself that I must have imagined it. Can a place really be so perfect?

Well, I’m back again, and the answer is yes.

I’m on the southern California coast, and just a quarter turn of my head presents me with the ocean. Another quarter turn – rolling green hills dripping in sunshine.

And the food – words fail me, you lucky, lucky Californians! California cuisine is fresh, gently handled and absolutely delightful – even my poolside veggie sandwich consisted of lovely mixed greens and light mozzarella cheese on whole grain bread, lightly brushed with olive oil. I enjoyed all of my salad greens, felt each one interact differently with the mix of lemon juice and cilantro and spices. There was simply no need to douse, sauce, fry, smother, or hide this food.

And what does this have to do with tea? I’m getting there, my friend. Eating this way reminds me how to eat and drink always and everywhere – mindfully and with total attention and awareness. As you know, I always advocate drinking tea in just this way.

So, be still with that cup in your hands. Sip, wait, breathe. How does the ginger interact with the fennel and licorice in this cup of tea. And in that cup, how does it interact with the mint? How does that black tea feel on your tongue – and how is it different from the green? This sort of mindfulness while tasting tea is a meditation of sorts, a way to be entirely in the present moment. So, baby, sip, consider, savor your tea.

--Chai, Baby!

What are you putting in your mouth, baby?

2009-03-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

“There’s a growing sophistication in drink as there has been with food,” says Eric Seed, an importer of tough-to-find liqueurs. In a recent Atlantic Monthly article (“Spirits of the Dead,” April 2009), Wayne Curtis described Seed's business and the growing interest in cocktail liqueurs that have been long out of use -- liqueurs with flavors like walnut, apricot, and even violet.

The popularity of such drinks reflects a gradual change in the way we consume food and drink. It seems that, as people become healthier, they pay deeper attention to what they put in their mouths and consequently demand subtler, more flavorful food and drink items. This is precisely why I find the world of tea so (forgive me) delicious. The varieties of teas and blends are virtually endless and always intriguing and interesting.

Instead of grabbing a drink on the run, I love to sit with my tea, and allow it to be what it was intended: an experiential drink. I love to breathe it in, to taste it on every part of my tongue, to savor its goodness and uniqueness. After all, my next cup will afford an entirely different experience !

Remember -- always drink extraordinary tea!
- Chai, Baby!

Steeping Your Tea the "Right" Way

2009-02-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

I get interesting questions about tea every day: "Where is tea grown?" "How much caffeine does it have?" "Is it healthy?" Occasionally, I’ll get a particularly fun one: “Is it OK if I bob my tea bag up and down while it’s steeping?” (Yes, baby, bob away.)

By far the most common question is about the “right” steeping time for various teas. Of course, there are some general guidelines you can follow: 5-6 minutes for black tea, 3-5 minutes for green tea, and 2-3 minutes for white tea and herbal teas.

Really, though, such guidelines are just a starting point. As I always love to say, tea drinking is an experience. More accurately, though, tea drinking is your experience. If you prefer a 6 minute steep time for your green tea . . . well, then, 6 minutes is the "right" steeping time.

Whenever you try a new tea, spend some time experimenting with different steeping times. Eventually you will find the perfect balance of flavor and astringency for you.

Get well soon, baby!

2009-02-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

The truth is, I haven't been feeling so well. And I'm guessing that there are several of you out there who have fallen victim to cold and flu season. I know that, even when we're feeling well, hydration is critical to regulating body temperature and functions. And I've been told repeatedly by my doctor that it's doubly important when we're sick.

So, I've really been doing my part this time, sipping countless bowls of soup and (of course) many, many cups of tea. Then, in the midst of all that sipping, I got to wondering whether the the temperature of these hydrating liquids mattered.

Weirdly coincidentally, the New York Times just published an article on January 26, 2009 answering this very question. Anahad O'Connor reported a recent study finding at the Common Cold Center at Cardiff University in Britain: there is a benefit to hot beverages vs. drinks at room temperature. According to the researchers, "[t]he hot drink provided immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness . . . whereas the same drink at room temperature only provided relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough and sneezing."

Well, I'm sold. Load up on some piping hot tea with me, and let's get well soon, baby!

Tea Research Update

2009-02-02T12:43:00.000-08:00

World Tea News reported a study indicating that tea drinking may decrease the risk of breast cancer. The study, conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center, was published in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. The research team observed that participants who consumed three or more cups of tea per day had a "37 percent reduced breast cancer risk when compared with women reporting no tea consumption."

Though research must continue to occur in order to support the many and varied health claims related to tea, it's nevertheless striking that positive research results are pouring in from all over the globe. I think we're just beginning to understand what a truly amazing plant this is. So, drink up, baby!

January is National Hot Tea Month

2009-01-22T10:45:00.000-08:00

Baby, it's cold outside! Remember that tea is a great way to warm up and, just as importantly, fill up with disease-fighting antioxidants. Also, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard University have published research that theanine, an ingredient in tea, strengthens the immune system. Just what we need during these cold winter months!

This is a great time to develop a tea-drinking habit. Keep warm, baby!

Can your cup of tea help a farmer across the world?

2009-01-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

Absolutely! A Fair Trade Certified&trade label ensures that the entire tea supply chain -- from garden to market -- has undergone inspection and certification for certain standards of quality and social responsibility. The Fair Trade Certified&trade label guarantees that tea workers receive a fair wage, decent working conditions, as well as additional revenue for their communities. Workers have spent such additional revenue on community vaccinations, continuing education and re-forestation programs.

So, when you purchase Fair Trade Certified&trade tea, you are helping farmers, their communities and the environment. You're contributing to a better world!

For more information, go to www.FairTradeCertified.org.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T11:14:00.000-08:00

On this New Year’s Eve, we want to thank all of you -- readers, customers and friends -- for your tremendous support and encouragement. We appreciate all of you and wish you a wonderful New Year!

Happy Sipping in 2009!

-Chai, Baby!

Spice it up!

2008-12-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Want to spice up your holiday? Adding masala chai to your favorite holiday dishes will give them a wonderfully exciting layer of flavor.

1. Breads. Add one cup of prepared masala chai to pumpkin or cinnamon bread recipes for wonderfully varied and spicy flavor.

2. Veggies. Use prepared masala chai to steam vegetables and rice or soak lentils and beans.

3. Soups, sauces and marinades. Add prepared masala chai directly to these dishes.

4. For you gourmands: Spicy ice cream. Boil 4 cups of masala chai over medium heat until it becomes a syrupy reduction sauce. Mix into vanilla ice cream and re-freeze.

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, baby! And keep us posted on your tea-inspired culinary adventures.

Thanks, baby!

2008-11-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving and warm wishes to all of our customers! We are thankful for you and your business, and we always welcome and appreciate your input and suggestions.

-Chai, Baby!

Party girls

2008-10-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

What would go through your mind if you received an invitation to a tea party? Chances are, your brain would conjure up traditional images of formal gatherings and silver tea sets – and possibly sandwiches on (ugh) doilies.

Well, no more, baby! Tea drinking demographics are changing rapidly. To wit, note an opening scene of a recent Gossip Girl episode – which I have now dubbed “Cool Guy Prepares Hot Tea.” And as tea drinking becomes more popular among a younger crowd (very likely due to the increased attention to tea’s health benefits), apparently tea parties are changing as well.

In a recent issue of the Arizona Daily Wildcat, a college student advocated tea parties as a perfect get-together for friends. She suggested avoiding all the highbrow fuss. No tea kettle? Use the microwave, she says. No china teacups? Well, get out those coffee mugs!

Additional thoughts from our Wildcat tea-aficionado included buying at least 2-3 varieties of tea flavors to appeal to a range of palates, inviting both men and women, and including activities like strip poker (I’ll leave that one for you to decide).

My own suggestion is making sure you have beautiful teas on hand (in pyramid sachets, not drab paper bags) to enhance the experiential nature of tea drinking.

At any rate, as more youthful tea drinkers emerge, tea parties are becoming hip & stylish activities. So, when you get your invitation, go party, baby!

A non-negotiable ritual

2008-09-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

We talked some time ago about the physical health benefits resulting from daily tea drinking. Regular doses of antioxidants, as well as increased hydration and alertness, are just a few of those benefits. But tea has an experiential component that benefits mental health as well. A few moments taken to sit, sip and contemplate will give your poor, overcrowded brain a rest!

Easier said than done, right? Well, here’s an idea from our fellow Chai Babies out there. Claim one ritual for yourself: an amazing cup of tea and a beautiful place to sit and sip. Whether you choose 5 am before anyone else is awake or at 2 am after everyone has irrevocably turned in (of course, we recommend herbal tea if you choose the latter!), you will find that your ritual quickly becomes non-negotiable.

Ice, ice, baby!

2008-08-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings, everyone, from the sultry Midwest. Out here, summer is hanging on tight, which probably explains our numerous customer questions about iced tea!

Iced tea is surprisingly simple to make. The key? Don’t get bitter, baby! Some people steep their tea too long in order to produce a tea liqueur that stands up to melting ice. However, over-steeping simply produces bitter tea.

We recommend different technique: the Decoction Method.

1. Bring two cups of water to a boil, and then turn off the heat.
2. Add three or four tea sachets to the boiled water and allow to steep for five minutes only!
3. After this decoction cools, pour the decoction into a large pitcher and add two quarts of water.
4. Refrigerate for two to three hours.

And that’s it! Ice up and cool down, baby!

Make the connection, baby!

2008-07-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

As I wrote last time, my weekend at the World Tea Expo was incredibly exciting and informative. I had the privilege of listening to (and even speaking briefly with) Mark Blumenthal, the founder and Executive Director of the American Botanical Council. Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the recent clinical and epidemiological research regarding the health benefits of tea.

It is truly staggering, the increasing amount of research being devoted to the connection between tea drinking and good health. And it is difficult to ignore the daily reports about tea’s potential. Of course, as Mr. Blumenthal emphasized during his lecture, it is very important to draw conclusions conservatively and not to read too much into the results of small studies.

As an example of the incremental nature of research, a WebMD feature authored by Jeanie Lerche Davis cited a study in which tea-drinkers’ and coffee-drinkers’ immune cells were exposed to germs in a Petri dish. In the tea drinkers, the immune cells immediately activated. However, there was no such response in the coffee drinkers’ immune cells.

This study of course suggests that tea drinking may boost the body’s immune function. However, it’s important not to extrapolate too much from individual studies such as this one. Though research like this is very, very promising, it will take years and perhaps decades of research to verify all the potential connections.

Nevertheless, there are certain things that we tea drinkers can take to the bank. Even if you put aside the proliferating studies showing that tea can boost metabolism, block allergic response, slow tumor growth, protect bones, improve skin, etc., etc., it is nonetheless clear that a connection between tea and good health exists. The WebMD feature mentioned above also quoted John Weisberger, Ph.D., the senior researcher at the Institute for Cancer Prevention in Valhalla, N.Y. Dr. Weisberger found that both green and black tea are rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that seek out free radicals that can damage normal cells. Dr. Weisberger further estimated that green and black teas have 10 times the antioxidants that fruits and vegetables have.

Whatever research uncovers and verifies in the future, we know for sure that antioxidants are helpful to the body, and that tea contains antioxidants. You can rest assured that your tea is a wholesome drink!

What's cooking, baby!

2008-06-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone! I just spent an amazing weekend at the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. Judging from what I saw and heard, the tea industry is not only booming, but also unfurling in many different directions. One of the most exciting of these directions is, of course, FOOD. A few months ago, I discussed pairing food with tea, but now there is a proliferation of efforts to actually cook with tea. Presumably, one benefit is the addition of tea’s antioxidant benefits to food. More importantly, though, tea truly enhances taste and flavor.

As I walked among the hundreds of booths and presenters, I saw a large variety of chocolates and candies and cookies with tea mixed directly into the recipe. And it wasn’t a gimmick – I could distinctly taste the tea, and the fusion of flavors was interesting and delicious. (I’ll tell you about the green tea liqueurs later!)

The World Tea Expo also featured a series of “Cooking with Tea” demonstrations, featuring some of the top chefs in the country. Many of the chefs incorporated masala chai into their dessert recipes. This is not entirely surprising -- after all, masala chai is usually recommended as a dessert tea pairing based upon its distinctive spiciness. A suggested technique of Michael Minor, Executive Chef of the Border Grill Las Vegas was creating a reduction from masala chai. He boiled about four cups of masala chai over medium heat until it became a syrupy one-cup reduction sauce. Thereafter, he mixed the sauce into vanilla ice cream and re-froze it. This fusion of vanilla ice cream and masala chai was then added to an amazing bread pudding. I can definitely vouch for this dish!

Michael Minor also used the same technique to create a lemon myrtle tea reduction to pour over Hawaiian Opah Ceviche. For us vegetarians, the appropriate substitute for ceviche is tofu. Another interesting tea concoction was a strawberry soup created by Claude Cevasco, Chef Instructor at Le Cordon Bleu.

Now, this was all very fun and interesting to watch, but in the end, I’m no gourmet chef. This prompted me, when I returned home, to look for recipes and tips on cooking with tea for mere mortals like me. I did find a useful article written by Caroline Bloomfield that suggested that tea can be substituted for water during the cooking process. For example, tea can be boiled and used to steam vegetables and rice. It can be used to soak lentils and beans. Or, it can be added directly to soups and sauces and marinades. Ms. Bloomfield also suggested substituting tea (particularly chamomile or mint tea) for water in baked goods to produce a subtle and delicate layer of flavor. Obviously, the endless variations of tea flavors will allow a tea lover/cook to experiment and play forever.

Intrigued? Good. Let’s get cooking, baby! And let me know how it turns out.

It's come a long way, baby!

2008-05-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

With the advent of pyramid tea sachets, it’s become quick and convenient to enjoy high quality, whole leaf tea. Just pour hot water over your sachet, and you’re on your way.

Tea has become so easy to make that it’s equally easy to forget the very, very long journey your tea has taken to travel to your teacup. In fact, many consider tea to be one of the most labor-intensive agricultural products in the entire world.

High quality tea from reputable tea estates is carefully -- even lovingly – cultivated, plucked and sorted by hand. Thereafter, the tea leaves undergo a “withering” process that rids them of moisture.

The “rolling” process then bruises the leaf cells, thereby exposing the sap of the leaves to oxygen. Oxidation (sometimes called fermentation) times vary, depending on the type of tea being produced. Oolong teas are oxidized for 3-5 hours, whereas black teas can be oxidized for a full day.

After oxidation, the tea leaves are “fired,” i.e., heated to arrest the oxidation process. Note that green teas are fired immediately after plucking, thereby bypassing the oxidation process completely. For this reason, green teas preserve a certain vegetal quality. Finally, the tea leaves are sorted again, packed and shipped.

The most flavorful and aromatic teas come from producers who follow each of the traditional steps meticulously.

So, the next time you watch your lovely tea leaves unfurling in water, you’ll fully appreciate the journey they’ve made for your pleasure and enjoyment! Remember – it’s come a long way, baby!

Make it a habit, baby!

2008-04-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about you, but I have to struggle to make healthier choices. I force myself to exercise. I make myself reach for an apple. (“Step away from the chips.”) I place Take your Vitamins post-it notes in strategic locations in my home. Sometimes I’m successful, and other times, well . . . .

Clearly, it’s harder for some of us (i.e., me).

One -- and only one -- lifestyle change was actually easy for me. You guessed it -- drinking tea! Years ago I began to learn about tea’s potential health benefits – its antioxidant content, its potential link to heart health, bone health, cancer prevention and more. Every day seemed to bring more information about this wonderful beverage.

So (ahem), I virtuously incorporated tea drinking into my routine, solely for those health benefits.

OK, OK, I admit it. It was really the taste that got me on board. Because I enjoyed drinking tea so much, it was a surprisingly simple matter to make it a regular part of my day. I loved the endless varieties and the complex flavors. I loved that it made me take a pause in my day. I loved that it was as hydrating as water but so much more interesting and delicious!

You know, they say it takes 21 days to form a habit. So, why not give the tea habit a try? Once you enjoy high quality tea in convenient sachets on a daily basis, you may find that it becomes a part of your life easily and naturally. It did for me!

Copyright 2008 East West Blends, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Be specific, baby!

2008-03-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, many people dream daily about owning their own businesses. They have interesting ideas, exciting dreams and great energy. Nevertheless, they find it difficult to take the first steps and get started. For some, it’s downright daunting.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Indianapolis business coach Dawn Shea. I asked her how budding entrepreneurs with big dreams can start turning their business visions and inspiration into reality.

Whew. Easy question, right?

But Dawn quickly provided excellent advice. “Believe that success can be yours,” she said. “But then, be specific. Make sure that you work toward the things you desire with force and intention.”

“First, you should actually picture your future business,” said Dawn. She suggests writing down your dream in detail. What type of business do you want? What will you sell? Where will it be located? She also suggests keeping reminders of your dream all around you, for example, pictures of similar products or potential storefronts.

“Then,” she said, “be more than a go-getter – be a goal-getter.” According to Dawn, amazing ideas materialize only when very specific goals are set and met. She recommends writing down three tasks per week that will move you closer to launching your new business. Then, design a timeline detailing what you hope to accomplish by the end of a month, three months, six months, nine months, and one year.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick up that pen, baby!

If you would like to learn more about Dawn Shea, Results Coach and Success Trainer, visit www.directachievers.com.

Copyright 2008 East West Blends, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Let's get together, baby!

2008-02-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

I'm all in favor of sipping tea alone and contemplating my navel. However, tea also lends itself beautifully to a communal experience. All over the world, people get together routinely over tea.

Though tea gatherings do occur worldwide, we Americans tend to associate them with England. We think of a sophisticated "high tea" in a British parlor with tiny crustless sandwiches and clotted cream (what is that, anyway?). In actuality, "high tea" was the heavy evening meal eaten by working class families at the end of the day. A few sources state that tea was deliberately brought into this evening meal in order to steer workers away from alcohol -- certainly an optimistic diversionary tactic.

Actually, the word "high" referred to the height of the dinner table rather than the sophistication of the gathering or the company. Tables in parlors and sitting rooms were, by contrast, lower to the ground. So, "low tea" now often called "afternoon tea," is the true parlor gathering of guests for gentle conversation -- not to mention tea, snacks, sweets and ostensibly, that clotted cream.

Of course, the most ritualized tea gathering is usually thought to be the Japanese tea ceremony. This ceremony, based on Taoism and influenced by Zen Buddhism, is performed by an expert practitioner and served to a small group of guests. The practitioner is extensively trained in tea preparation and a wide variety of ceremonial procedures related to tea, calligraphy, flower arranging, kimono wrapping and more. Interestingly, not only the practitioner, but also the guests are expected to have mastery of the tea ceremony, down to the last gesture, phrase and rule of deportment.

Well, to each her own, I say. I myself favor tea gatherings as informal breaks in our increasingly rushed daily routines. (Masala chai & samosas this afternoon, anyone?)

This approach seems to be catching on here in the U.S., as evidenced by the recent proliferation of tea salons and tea houses, particularly on the coasts and in larger cities. Tea salon owners often say that they expect their clientele to settle in and spend the afternoon talking. I love this trend! As we become even busier and every minute seems to be spoken for, we must make the conscious effort to pause and come together, to connect and share our lives. What better way than over tea?

Get organized, baby!

2008-02-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my office! Every important paper on my desk has its own designated place! All of my documents are neatly labeled in alphabetized files! My to-do list is not only prioritized, but also color-coded! You believe me, don’t you?

No? Well, you’re as smart as you look, baby.

Recently I attended a networking meeting and had the opportunity to hear Chris Frazier, a professional organizer and lawyer. Her company Focus Forward specializes in assisting small businesses. Chris impressed me because she approaches organization as a mindset, not just as a calendar/paper collection system. Also, her advice always takes into consideration the realities of the current working world, with its proliferating paperwork and relentless emails and text messages.

After listening to Chris, I realized that I needed to change the way I work. Without such changes, the most elaborate set of tiered trays or color-coded labels from the office supply store wasn’t going to help me increase my effectiveness.

My favorite of Chris’s suggestions: “Resist the urge to check email or voicemail.” Instead, she recommends setting a few designated times each day for such checking. This advice alone now saves hours of my time. A former email addict, I spent all day reading and responding to email. Once I recognized the artificial urgency that incoming emails evoke and the inefficiency of constantly stopping and starting in the middle of work, I was better able to prioritize my time and complete my tasks.

Another favorite of mine: “Create an effective filing system, and then use it every day!” She recommends setting aside 10-30 minutes at the end of each work day for paper management. Now, instead of weeping over my enormous stacks of paper, I feel that my paper is under control. According to Chris, this habit has the added advantage of providing closure at the end of the day and preparation for the next.

I asked Chris to allow me to share with you some of her other excellent recommendations:

1. Make a to-do list the evening before each new work day and actually schedule the block of time in which you will do each task. Schedule the most important tasks first.

2. Complete similar types of work at the same time, for example, returning calls, writing, and scheduling meetings. This grouping of activities will better focus your energy.

3. Delegate! Stop thinking you have to do everything yourself.

4. Divide your office into activity zones. Have a main work zone, but also a reference zone, creative zone, and calling zone.

5. Get all that stuff off your desk! Use your desk surface for working, not storage. Instead, creatively use all the areas around your desk for storage -- on walls, behind doors, etc.

6. Consider hiring a professional organizer to help you set up an effective system for you. The National Association of Professional Organizers has a list of organizers in your area.

Visit Chris Frazier’s website at www.focusforward.biz.

Visit our online store at www.ChaiBabyUSA.com.

Copyright 2008 East West Blends, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Look inside, baby!

2008-01-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

Meet Tara. She’s looking for a wholesome, refreshing drink. She wants something delicious to sip while quietly contemplating life. And she’s been hearing about the health benefits of tea for years.

So, what’s stopping her from drinking specialty tea? Time! Tara wants to drink high quality, whole leaf tea, but she doesn’t want to manage all of those loose leaves. And she really doesn’t want to deal with steeped ingredients and messy teapots. So, what’s this girl to do?

Enter the pyramid sachet!

No, it’s not an Eygptian handbag. Rather, it’s a clear, silky-looking pod made from food-grade nylon that holds your specialty tea. The sachet leaves plenty of space for your tea leaves to steep and release their full flavor. And, baby, look inside! You will see all of your tea’s ingredients unfurling elegantly before you.

Not only do you preserve the flavor of your whole leaf tea, but you do so with the ultimate convenience of a tea bag. Plus, looking into the beautiful pods of natural, blooming ingredients truly upgrades your specialty tea experience!

So, no need to worry about the hassle. Drink up, baby! (You, too, Tara.)

Visit our online store at www.ChaiBabyUSA.com.

Copyright 2008 East West Blends, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Taste, baby! (revisited)

2008-01-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of you! I’m back from a whirlwind trip through South India – 14 days, 2 plane rides, 4 train rides, 9 cities, and various minibus, automobile, and auto-rickshaw adventures. 100 family members (really), 10 colorful shops, 4 amazing tours, and a partridge in a pear tree. (Sorry, baby, couldn’t resist.)

In the middle of my amazing race around the country, I had a genuine tea cupping encounter. Picture this . . . I am in the home of a tea merchant, asking him about his experiences in the industry. Suddenly, he tells me that I must take his tea cupping test, to identify the special blend that he has created for his own business.

Daunting.

We go out onto his house balcony, where his charming daughter-in-law, also a tea aficionado, has set up a line of identical white tea cups and tiny tasting pots. When the correct amount of time passes, she moves swiftly from cup to cup, stopping the steeping process and pouring the tea liquors.

The merchant talks me through each taste. Remember, tea tasting involves a good long look at the liquid as well as a few minutes spent absorbing its aroma. It also requires one noisy slurp from a spoon that allows the tea liquor to cover all parts of the mouth for the most complete taste possible.

This was a true high point in my trip – an authentic and unexpected tasting experience in the middle of the land where tea is actually grown and produced. And to do this with an expert, a person whose life is tea, was just amazing.

And, in case you were wondering, based upon his discussion of what is important to him for his tea blends, I was able to identify his special blend (phew)!

Happy holidays, baby!

2007-12-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

Best wishes to all of you for a warm and wonderful holiday season. Thank you for your support and patronage. I’m looking forward to all that 2008 will bring.

Get inspired, baby!

2007-12-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

One of the many challenges of entrepreneurship is maintaining vision and energy after the initial excitement of launch. A fantastic website resource for inspiration is Ladies Who Launch (www.ladieswholaunch.com).

Co-founded by Victoria Colligan and Beth Schoenfeldt, Ladies Who Launch is an online magazine full of entrepreneurial success stories of every kind. It is also the source of a rapidly expanding, nationwide incubator program. That, along with other features (for example, a promotional “launch pad”), make this website worth a good look (and the free subscription).

My favorite portion of the website, Featured Ladies, contains profiles of women in a wide array of professions and businesses, from new entrepreneurs to seasoned business veterans, from the ultra-famous to the regular josephines.

Of course, stories of productive and creative women pursuing their dreams are inspiring in and of themselves. Even more memorable for me, though, are the answers these women provide for the tough interview questions: “How do you handle fear?” “What do you do with rejection?” Upon reading their responses, it always strikes me that, hey, these women are real. They have actually faced serious challenges and overcome serious obstacles. It’s not an easy world out there, yet they have achieved tremendous success within it.

My favorite interview question in Featured Ladies is “How do you define success?” Interestingly, even though these women have achieved recognition, wealth, and all that the world has to offer, those don’t constitute “success” in their eyes. Instead, these women define success as happiness or peace or fulfillment. How’s that for perspective?

Oh, and baby, you’ll love their tagline -- it reads “entrepreneurship & creativity as a lifestyle!” For me, knowing that this combination has been possible for so many women – well, that is the best inspiration of all.

Ayur-what? Ayurveda, baby!

2007-12-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

There’s been a lot of interest in our Relaxation Blend due to its unique combination of ingredients: cardamom, licorice, coriander, fennel, ginger, and rose petals. Why were those ingredients chosen? Well, this particular blend of ingredients is based in the principles of Ayurveda.

Ayur-what?? For those who are unfamiliar, Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of holistic health maintenance and healing. In fact, it is thousands of years old and has its roots in the Vedas, the sacred texts. Its focus is keeping an individual in balance and alignment with nature.

According to Ayurveda, there are three body bodily elements, called doshas. The Relaxation Blend is known as “tridoshic,” meaning that it benefits and balances the three doshas. All of the ingredients have a calming and harmonizing effect, particularly with regard to digestion. Though it will benefit the drinker at any time of day, it is intended to be particularly soothing after meals.

So, get that teacup and take a load off, baby!

Note that the above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information and our products are not intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Thanks, baby!

2007-11-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Your patronage, support, encouragement and participation are appreciated very much!

Chai, Baby! supports Coburn Place, Indianapolis

2007-11-14T18:33:00.000-08:00

Women escaping abusive partners and circumstances often need to reinvent themselves and restructure their lives quickly and dramatically. Clearly, they need support in their challenging journey, particularly when children are involved.

Coburn Place Safe Haven in Indianapolis offers such support. Women receive safe, long-term, transitional housing, as well as a wide array of services, including counseling, education, training, medical care and legal advocacy. Coburn Place emphasizes the goal of self-sufficiency, encouraging their residents to learn the skills necessary to handle their new lives. When residents leave, they have tools in hand to make positive life changes.

Five percent of Chai Baby!’s net profits in 2008 will be donated to Coburn Place. We encourage you to visit Coburn Place’s website at www.coburnplace.org and to consider volunteering your time or making a donation to support their mission and efforts.

Confessions of a slasher

2007-11-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Before you become alarmed, I’d better explain myself. Marci Alboher, in her book One Person / Multiple Careers coins the term “slash” to describe a person with several co-existing career identities. (OK, I used the word “slasher” rather than “slash” in the title of today’s entry, but I just had to get your attention!)

Alboher, a former lawyer, now labels her “slash identity” as “author/ speaker/ coach.” She states that she, like the numerous people described in her book, thrives despite (or perhaps because of) the complexity of her work choices. And what incredible career combinations she has interviewed! Her book profiles an Olympian turned lawyer/filmmaker/mother, a computer programmer/theater director, a lawyer/minister, and many, many other “slashes.”

Alboher’s book shows us that, now, identity may be much more fluid than ever before. Why should we pursue only one career at time – particularly in the age of instant messaging, email and telecommuting? Why can’t we take on projects utterly unrelated to our primary careers? And why can’t primary careers change to secondary careers and then back again?

For me, Alboher’s ideas are just what I need to hear. For the first time, I feel that it’s not terribly odd to be a lawyer/tea entrepreneur/mother. In fact, combinations like that are becoming more and more typical in our rapidly changing workplace. This sort of complexity may not work for everyone, and it certainly involves serious compromise, prioritization, and let’s face it, juggling. Nevertheless, according to Alboher, it works for a growing number of people.

I particularly like her suggestion that we all have the wonderful opportunity to re-invent ourselves regularly. What a way to live – open to possibility and change, open to exploring all of our talents and interests (though of course not all at once). I can’t think of anything more inspiring and empowering.

Pairing food with wine -- oops, I mean, tea

2007-10-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

The first time I read about pairing food with tea, I was a bit skeptical. Of course, I knew of food and wine pairings, but food and tea? For me, tea drinking had been just about the tea itself – the relaxation, the flavors in my cup, the pause in my schedule. At the most, I may have considered adding tea to a meal as a palate cleanser between courses.

And then I thought, why not?

People with culinary backgrounds assert that it’s easier and even better to pair food with tea than with wine. Because tea flavors don’t overpower the senses, they complement -- rather than dominate -- a meal. Plus, with its incredibly wide range of flavors and blends, tea certainly brings dimension and interest to a dining experience.

In fact, many fine hotels and restaurants are engaging tea sommeliers that sample, recommend and pour teas for clientele. OK, let’s pause a minute here. I’m not in favor of making tea tasting and tea drinking overly highbrow or inaccessible. However, I have come around on the idea of incorporating tea into my meal plans. And I’m certainly in favor of changing the traditional association of tea with doily-covered tables and cucumber sandwiches.

At the risk of oversimplifying, tea experts tend to recommend black teas with spicy or strongly flavored meals. The taste of black tea also holds up well against smoky flavors, as well as chocolates and pastry desserts.

Green tea works best with fruits and vegetables. Surprisingly, some say that green tea is a great accompaniment for even greasy fried foods -- mostly because it can calm the stomach and aid digestion. Green tea also complements cheeses. Of course, there are numerous other pairings suggested not only for black and green teas, but also for white and oolong teas. Some experts even advocate matching the regional origins of the food and the tea. For example, Japanese green tea might be paired with a meal of sushi.

You will have to decide whether you buy into all of this. I honestly saw recommendations for pairings with anchovies and macaroni & cheese (fortunately, not together), so perhaps a bit of skepticism is necessary. At least, pairings can serve as a reminder to all of us to stop, taste and enjoy our food. They can make us slow down, and eat and drink mindfully. And at the very least, tea’s satiating qualities can provide satisfaction at the conclusion of a meal.

In the end, I suggest that you experiment with reckless abandon and choose pairings that taste wonderful to you. (May I suggest starting with chocolate pairings?)

Get real, baby!

2007-10-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Do you feel ready start your own business? Before you even begin to sketch out your business plan or examine the numbers, it’s important to pause for a personal reality check.

I think that entrepreneurship is often romanticized. Freedom. Independence. The ability to meet the school bus at 4:00 pm. I am familiar with this romantic vision because I had it myself.

It’s very important to spend some time soul-searching and considering the following questions:

1. Do you believe in your business idea – really believe in it? You must believe in your product or service and your ability to deliver it in a superior manner. I could not have taken this radically new path if I didn’t believe in my teas and in the wonderful experience of tea-drinking! It is truly meaningful to me.

2. Are you motivated for the long haul? When the initial creative excitement dies down, will you be able to keep your business passion alive? All businesses have their share of drudgery. I enjoyed the tea tasting and design elements of my business so much, but those tasks have now been overtaken by operations and inventory and distribution chains. Nevertheless, I’m happy to report that I do feel focused and motivated to keep at it.

3. Can you live with the stress? There will be long hours and financial pressure. Your business will probably, at least initially, seep into all parts of your life. My car passenger side has become a portable office, and I had to buy an enormous totebag to carry my laptop and samples and papers everywhere. Business doesn’t stop for tennis lessons and chess tournaments! Also important to consider is whether your family can roll with such changes. I am very thankful for a family that is tolerant of my (hopefully temporary) distraction!

All of this said, please don’t be scared. Most entrepreneurs say that advantages of having a business far outweigh the risks. There’s nothing like being your own boss and working for yourself. Nothing beats the excitement, challenge, and opportunities that entrepreneurship provides. So, get real and then get going!

Copyright 2007, East West Blends, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Taste, baby!

2007-10-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

How do you know whether you enjoyed your cup of tea?

Well, you liked the taste, right? Of course, that is most important. Remember, though, that tea drinking can be a truly multi-sensory event. Whenever you can, slow down, be still, and really experience your tea.

After you steep your tea, break open that silken sachet and look inside. This is when you will truly appreciate whole leaf tea, as opposed to powdery tea dust. You will actually see those natural leaves (and perhaps flowers and spices, too), saturated and unfurled. Notice the color of the leaves – brown or red or green. Reach out at touch them, feel them on your fingers, and smell them.

Now, move on to your tea cup. Observe the rich amber or pale yellow-green colors of the liquid. Smell the bouquet -- tea aromas can range from woody to floral to spicy.

And now, the best part. Sip! Keep a bit of tea in your mouth and think. Is it bitter? Sweet? Smoky? What taste stays in your mouth after you swallow? You don’t have to be a professional tea taster to understand what types of tea you enjoy most. Do you like the slightly vegetal taste of green tea? The delicacy of white? Do you prefer the stimulation of spices and roots?

Happy tasting!

Fill in that gap, baby!

2007-10-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

The trouble with having a techie husband is that I have tended to leave all technology-related matters to him. (I know, shame on me.) This created quite a serious knowledge gap for me, especially when I began building an Internet-based business.

I am continually amazed by the rapidity with which technology originates, develops and becomes integrated in everyday life. I’m sure you are, too. Maybe because I’m out of school (way out, I admit), it seems to take me longer and longer to see and understand what tools are available to me. Believe it or not, this is not always a disadvantage. Often, by the time I get on board, the basic technology has already improved a lot.

A couple of years ago, my young, hip cousin had to tell me what a blog was. Now, though, the leaps and bounds in blog technology have helped me have my own blog. A couple of years ago, building a website on my own would have been laughably impossible. Now, though, I have so many tools available to build and maintain a website with relatively little guidance.

In short, I am slowly and painstakingly trying to fill in my knowledge gap, but each “Oh, now I get it!” makes it worth it.

So, what’s your knowledge gap, baby? Well, start filling it in. I guarantee that taking even a few steps will be gratifying and helpful. And you will surprise yourself with what you can absorb and integrate into your life and business.

Copyright 2007, East West Blends, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Calm down, baby!

2007-10-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

We all know it -- women handle a lot. If you’re anything like me, your head sometimes spins from all the tasks and thoughts and plans in it. When I start jumping from one thing to another without accomplishing anything, I know it’s time to take a break and calm down!

I think we all have coping strategies that help us regain our focus. Here are my favorites -- and each can take less than half an hour. It’s time well spent because I’m much more productive afterwards.

Walk or run outside. On days that I feel particularly chained to my desk, nothing is more liberating than walking away from it. Exercise naturally relaxes the body, and sun and sky never fail to restore perspective.

Reach for a tea cup. A cup of tea works wonders for me! (You didn’t think I pass that up, did you?) In all seriousness, high quality tea contains theanine, an amino acid that has been found to promote physical and mental relaxation and to reduce anxiety.

Write it down. Whether I write in a cloth-bound journal or a chain of post-it notes, jotting down what’s troubling me always clarifies my thoughts. In fact, writing (and particularly, journaling) is a more powerful stress reliever than many people realize.

Laugh it out. Laughter is known to relax the body by lowering blood pressure and has been linked to the reduction of disease. Usually, I’ll reach for an old Dave Barry book or a Scrubs podcast – either way, I’m guaranteed a good belly laugh within minutes.

Meditate. Meditation is a practice that provides mental, physical and emotional balance. However, a year ago, it would not have been on my list. When I sit, my foot starts a-tapping, and I begin wondering what I should be doing instead. Then I found this lovely CD called (now, don’t laugh) Guided Meditations for Busy People, led by Bodipaksha. Available on Amazon.com, its nine extremely short meditations are perfect for the novice meditator (a.k.a., me).

Yoga. Yoga practice harmonizes the mind and body, helping to relax both. I am no expert (in fact, I may have the least flexible body on earth), but I continue to try. Concentrating so intensely on my body's movements definitely focuses and calms my mind.

And there you have it. You may find one or more of these methods helpful, or you may have a coping technique that works better for you. For example, some need to talk with or be around others to de-compress and relieve stress. Please share what works for you. It’s all about balance, baby!

Note that the above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information and our products are not intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

What's the scoop, baby?

2007-09-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

So, baby, what’s the scoop? We keep hearing that drinking tea is healthy, but what precisely does that mean?

Well, tea contains polyphenols, which are particularly strong antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging cells in the body. This sort of cell damage is linked to diseases like heart disease and cancer.

High quality tea also contains theanine, an amino acid which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. In addition, tea contains B vitamins, folic acid, niacin, iron, zinc, and other vitamins & minerals.

Research is uncovering a wide range of potential benefits in connection with cancer and heart disease, as well as allergies, arthritis. Research is showing that tea may boost the immune system, bone density, digestion, and even weight loss.

What does this mean for us? Clearly, the research indicates that tea has a wide array of potential health benefits and drinking tea regularly can promote good health. At any rate, taking a bit of your day to sit and sip is going to rehydrate and recharge your body and mind. So, sip away, baby! Make tea a part of your healthy and balanced lifestyle!

Note that the above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information and our products are not intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

The Tao of Tea

2007-09-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here’s an odd request. Picture a tea bag in your mind. What does it look like? Possibly, your mind has conjured up a traditional rectangular tea bag, the invariably flat paper pillow that crushes even good tea leaves into dust. Though that traditional tea bag offers convenience, it unfortunately compromises flavor and the overall tea drinking experience.

Enter the pyramid tea bag! This Japanese invention is a small pod of food grade nylon that allows additional space for tea leaves and other ingredients to remain whole while they steep in hot water.

Because the tea leaves remain full, better flavor extraction occurs. And (I love this part!) the tea leaves have room to absorb water and unfurl beautifully. This is the tea drinking experience! Time to sit and just breathe is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity for mental health and balance.

So, sit back and contemplate your leaves and your life. This is the Tao of Tea!

Drink up, baby!

2007-09-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

It’s shocking sometimes what power celebrities have. Apparently sales of white tea skyrocketed after Britney Spears announced (incorrectly) that it contains higher levels of anti-oxidants than other types of tea. Though Britney’s statement is not necessarily accurate (shocking, eh?), her endorsement nevertheless had a stunning effect on the tea industry.

Does this mean that tea’s growing popularity is just a passing trend, a product of advertising hype and inaccurate information?

No way, baby!

Tea is a genuinely healthful drink, and you can take that to the bank. As we learn more about damage to the body caused by sugar and artificial sweeteners, not to mention excessive amounts of caffeine, tea is emerging as a drink of choice. It contains no sugar, fat, or sodium, and it has almost no calories.

Very importantly, tea contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals in the body. And research continues to uncover an array of potentially healthful effects of drinking tea, including improved cardiac and bone health and cancer-fighting properties.

With the endless varieties of types and flavors available, you are guaranteed to find a delicious tea drink for you. So, drink up, baby! Make it a part of your lifestyle.

Note that the above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information and our products are not intended to be used for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Work to life to work

2007-09-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

Some days I deeply miss my separate office building space, a space devoted to my professional activities. Now, I battle valiantly to separate all of my paper in my home office. And invariably, field trip permission slips and birthday party invitations, along with the utility bills and insurance renewal forms, worm their way into my work files.

I also miss the ability to compartmentalize my day into work and family time. Now, home is work is home is work. I will talk to the furnace repairman and my tea tin suppliers and the parent rounding up school volunteers within the space of the same half-hour. My California calls often come in at 8 p.m., when the interminable bedtime routine is slowly unfolding. Call it constant gear-shifting or wearing many hats at once, but certainly call it challenging.

Any tips, ladies, to ease the transition between work and life and work again? We’d love to hear from you, baby!

Get out there, baby!

2007-09-05T17:41:00.000-07:00

I joined a women’s networking organization recently and with quite a bit of trepidation. My career path has been largely dominated by men, and I didn’t know what to expect from an exclusively women’s network.

Wow. It was a surprise on many levels. At every turn there was enthusiasm for my foray into a new business. Business cards and potential connections and new ideas were pressed upon me. These women really wanted to see me succeed.

Of course, everyone was also there to promote businesses and find new clients. The overarching theme, though, was strengthening connections between businesswomen for everyone’s betterment.

I certainly can’t promise that all networks operate similarly, given that I’m only a part of only one (and only recently so). I do know that some of my best connections and ideas have come from those meetings. I highly recommend searching for the right network for you, especially you new entrepreneurs. Get out there, baby!

Power of the purse

2007-08-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Is it just me? Does it seem that every other article about new women entrepreneurs describes some lucky lady making millions by selling purses she made in her basement? Apparently, purses are the gateway to fame and fortune. Who knew?

I’m not sure that it’s a path everyone can take, but I think it means something important for women. It means a business can arise naturally from a lifestyle. Love and passion can result in financial stability. Most importantly, it means women don’t have to fit themselves into a traditional business environment or position.

I am learning that entrepreneurship provides many answers and solves many problems. Despite financial pressures, it can provide personal independence, a creative outlet, and tremendous work-life flexibility.

Yes, there are long hours and a need to wear a thousand different hats, but it’s certainly been the best decision of my life.

One, two, chai chai chai

2007-08-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

I chuckle a bit when I hear the term “chai tea.” In India, “chai” actually means “tea.” So “chai tea” is, well, redundant-redundant.

What many people think of as “chai” is actually masala chai. A “masala” is a mix of spices and other ingredients used to flavor food or drink. So, traditional masala chai is loose leaf black tea (chai) flavored with a masala of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cloves. There are lots of variations in spices and proportions, and some families even have their own secret recipes.

Traditional chai is made by boiling a pot of tea on the stove and adding spices directly into the pot. But we wanted to offer a superb traditional masala chai with modern convenience – a beautiful tea sachet.

Many tea sachets that contain masala chai simply don’t deliver on taste. We worked hard on this, and we believe we have achieved a vibrant and delicious masala chai flavor in a tea sachet. Though milk and sugar are customarily added to this drink, it’s not strictly necessary. In fact, we love this tea straight up and as is.

We think it’s critical for a business to believe in its product. We really do!

Give it up, baby!

2007-08-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

There are more women in business than ever before. What an opportunity to redefine how businesses operate!

A growing number of established companies are participating in charitable giving to a wide variety of causes. Our company hopes that even us new businesses will incorporate charitable giving into business planning from the get-go. In that vein, Chai, Baby! will donate 5% of net profits on continual basis to various charitable organizations that support women seeking safety, education, health and independence.

We would appreciate your suggestions for organizations dedicated to these purposes as we make our charitable giving plans for the upcoming year.

Who are you calling baby?

2007-08-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, I worried a bit that the “baby” in “Chai, Baby!” might sound somewhat demeaning. You know what? I got over that in a hurry.

Why? Because I knew in my gut what “Chai, Baby!” means. It’s a greeting, full of energy and affection and joy. This is a women’s business, providing an excellent product to other women. Thus, the greeting fits that spirit and intention. And I mean that, baby.

With the growing influx of women-owned businesses, that energy is all around us. I particularly love that many of these businesses and organizations are reclaiming the color pink as a symbol of that power and energy.

During my prior years I refused to wear -- or even acknowledge -- pink. It certainly didn’t belong in the law firms at which I worked, and I definitely didn’t want to convey weakness or lack of substance as a lawyer.

But now, I, too, am participating in the redefinition of pink. It’s a signature color for this company, and it’s everywhere -- on the tins, the shirts, the tea sets. I want to join the women who are infusing this traditionally female color with power, strength, and style.

Why Chai Baby?

2007-08-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

Another good question.

Underneath “Chai, Baby!” -- a catchy and energetic tagline -- there is an actual Chai Baby. Once this girl got into my head, she wouldn’t leave. Instead of being lawyerly and networking for legal contracts and contacts, I stole gel pens from my kids’ art cart and sketched and sketched for hours.

So, while the tea business was taking shape in the world, Chai Baby also took shape on paper. A lovely, kurti-clad girl, radiating confidence and strength and style, emerged and winked at me. She was the original Chai Baby, a pleasing amalgam of the wonderful women in my life and the qualities they possess.

She’s been in my head for so long now that she’s become iconic for me. Aside from her whittled abs (I fear that ship has sailed), I aspire to be the person she represents. (Good thing life’s a journey, eh?)

For me, she has also become more than a fusion of features -- she is also a fusion of cultures. She is the point at which the best of all worlds meets. She is you! Whether or not you yourself are a cultural blend, you know how to appreciate the accelerating mixture of people, traditions, and backgrounds. You know that it is a beautiful and fertile time.

Why Chai?

2007-08-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

It’s a good question. After all, loving tea (or any product) is not a sufficient reason to start a business. (Can’t take the lawyer out of the girl, can you?)

Yes, I love tea. I always have. But tea has become more than a product for me. It has become a series of journeys. And all of them have pointed naturally toward a tea business.

My first journey: learning about tea itself. This is a wonderful plant! Significantly less caffeine that coffee, chock full of antioxidants, and always a tasting adventure. Not to mention the proliferating research regarding a tremendous array of potential health benefits. It has been enjoyable to develop the “Chai, Baby!” brand, but far more important to me that the underlying product is useful and healthful and wholesome.

My second journey: learning about myself. I’ve spent my work years advising clients and counseling them on running their businesses. Now, I’ve learned that I like doing more than advising. I like managing my own mistakes, not worrying about the mistakes of others. And now, I get to be a client myself sometimes, and it feels gooooooood.

And my third journey: learning about I truly want to accomplish in my lifetime. Over the years, I often had only one feeling at the end of the work day. I felt that my only accomplishment had been rearranging my desk’s paper and the world’s money. Now, I know I want to create something that never existed before. I want to influence the business community to make charitable giving part of the course of business. And I want my business to build a community of women.

So, “Why Chai?” you ask? Because it’s a perfect fit!

Out of the Airplane

2007-08-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

So, I did, in fact, start a little tea business. After representing medium to large-sized companies as a lawyer, I was suddenly a company myself -- a very, very tiny company. After years of advising and counseling and suggesting, I had to start doing.

Of course, I knew in my head that I’d be filling a very wide variety of roles, from CEO to copy girl. But knowing and doing are two different things. Every minute became precious, every minute had to be spent as entrepreneur or mother or wife or lawyer. And, of course, there was the financial investment.

Suddenly, I had lots of reasons to worry.

And I did worry. But I also felt exhilarated (in an “I just jumped out of an airplane” sort of way). I spent years doing work in a very competent, but never really inspired, manner. By contrast, I began actually leaping out of bed, ready for the day’s tasks. I was excited and stimulated and terrified all at once. I began to understand why people do, in fact, jump out of airplanes.

I thought, even if I don’t succeed, it’s worth it to feel like this.

Start a little tea business? Whatever.

2007-08-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

I like stories about ideas for new businesses. My personal favorite: “It struck me while I was diapering my son.” (What struck her, do you think?)

Well, the origin of my tea business is much less dramatic (traumatic?), and certainly more pleasant. As you might guess, I was having a cup of tea.

Years ago, my friend and I were in a bookstore cafe enjoying a Decaf Peach tea blend. I noticed that my teabag was unlike any I’d seen before -- pale and silky, translucent and triangular. I could see the tea leaves floating and expanding in their silken pod. And the tea tasted lovely.

I decided to buy the entire box, and I looked inside at the teabags slipping around one another. I thought about what a simple, sensual experience tea drinking is: sight, smell, taste, touch.

My friend and I began musing. “Wouldn’t it be something,” I said, “to start a little tea business?”

Very funny. I’m a lawyer by profession. Not just a lawyer -- a corporate lawyer. My work involves contract review and painstaking research and meticulous drafting, and covering everyone’s you-know-what. Start a little tea business? Yeah. Whatever.

And yet, during the years following this memorable tea-drinking experience, I started a surprising and exciting journey. I have loved drinking tea my whole life. But I began to learn -- really learn -- about tea. I obtained certifications, drank boatloads of teas of every type and quality and flavor, touched all manner of water-saturated tea leaves, and inhaled a thousand lovely steeped tea bouquets. And I continued to learn about this wonderful plant -- its health benefits, its processing methods, its blending possibilities.

I began to dream in tea.