10 INTERESTING TEA FACTS

1.  There are different kinds of tea, but they all are derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant
2.  The processing of the tea determines whether it is a white, green, oolong or black
3.  All teas have caffeine, it is the growing, cultivating and processing that determines how much caffeine is in a given tea
4.  Tea is grown in over 40 countries in the world
5.  Tea is native to China and India
6.  There is more caffeine in tea than coffee per pound, but you use much less tea than coffee beans to make a cup so you ingest a significantly lower amount of caffeine when drinking tea.
7.  Studies show that L-Theanine in tea may have beneficial effects on the brain. It is prized for its ability to help induce meditative states, because it can help you relax without actually making you want to sleep. It has been found in studies to improve your memory, and even makes you more aware of your surroundings. It’s also been found to be capable of decreasing anxiety and good for dealing with stress in general.
8.   Tea is a natural antioxidant, and rich in vitamins: it contains vitamins B2, B1 and B6. Tea, is also rich in potassium, manganese, folic acid and calcium.
9.  Tea can help keep your breath sweet
10.  Many teas can be resteeped at least twice.  Some oolongs, i.e., Ti Kuan Yin, can be resteeped as many as five times.

Yes, You Can Wear A Hat

I own a Gourmet Bakery/Tea Shop called La Dolce in Aiken, South Carolina.  We serve Afternoon Tea and High Tea as part of our menu.  I'm often asked if hats are required for our Teas, mostly because so many tell me they "can't wear hats".  Of course hats aren't required, but I encourage my customers to wear one.

I personally love hats and I believe that anyone can wear a hat.  You just have to choose one that looks well with your face shape and hair style.  I'm sure I own 50+ hats and wear some often, many at least several times a year, a few only rarely, and I would never give any of them up.

My face shape is square and my hair is short with bangs.  I have tried on hundreds of hats, and I have a milliner in England that designs hats specially for me.  What I have learned is that for my particular face and hair I need a hat with a wide brim.  It doesn't have to be huge, but definitely a brim all the way around.

Here are some pictures of a variety of different style hats.  Wearing a hat that fits properly and is set on the head at the right angle are critical.  My milliner in England says "a wide brimmed hat should be worn slightly tilted to the right and forward".  



If you have a heart shaped face or a narrow oval, you can easily wear a more fitted hat like the red ones above.  I would also recommend learning the colors that work best with your skin tone.  Hats, like the rest of your clothing should be in colors that compliment you.

You will be amazed at the compliments you receive when you are wearing a hat that looks good on you.  I have found that men especially like women in hats. 

I wonder if the custom of "air kissing" or "cheek kissing" in Europe began because of the complication of kissing with a hat on?  Hmmm, something to research for a future post.

Happy Tea Times,
Lady Kelly