It may seem small, but there's a reason that my personal moniker is "Gamer, writer, tea-drinker". I originally got into tea because I strongly dislike coffee (it's only good if it's a majority milk, sugar, and vanilla) and still wanted something with caffeine, but at the same time I didn't want too high levels of caffeine. Once I started trying different things and playing with blends and ways to mix drinks and such, I found that I really enjoyed the process of making a cup of tea, and nothing beats having a warm mug to sip from while I sit down to write.

I wanted a little corner of my site where I can talk about tea stuff, and also house random things, like my web badge collection and the nav button to my blog. I've been tending to this little tea garden here for a while now, but for some reason it just grows web badges instead??? I was hoping to do some homemade herbal tea, but instead all I have are these silly Internet images... Well, I suppose I'll make the best of it. Feel free to pick a few leaves and use them yourself!

When it comes to blends, my go-tos are chai, English Breakfast, and Earl Grey. I take a standard soup spoon and mix two spoonfuls of suger into one mug, and I let the tea bag continue to sit in it while I drink. If I'm really feeling it, I'll add a little whole milk until the coloration turns to a light brown, but only if it's whole milk; any other kind of milk and it tastes off and just isn't worth it. If I'm feeling sick, I'll brew a cup of green tea and replace the sugar with honey (also two spoonfuls). I try to avoid fruity blends, and I tend not to enjoy them, and I've only ever had a brief taste of more herbal teas, so I can't say I know them well. I've enjoyed some more niche blends that I've been offered in the past, like an apple cinnamon tea my friend made for me. I'd really like to start branching out and trying more flavors, just to see what sticks. I use an electric kettle, because microwaved water is gross, and I'll be damned if I'm waiting for it to boil on the stovetop. As far as the actual tea itself, I'm not picky about brandnames or anything like that. Basically whatever is in stock and affordable at the store when I go is what I keep around the house. I already mentioned some black teas I like, green tea is for when I'm not feeling well, aside from that I just stick to my usual.

For black teas...

1. Boil water, set tea bag into mug of choice.
2. When water is ready, pour over tea bag, holding onto the tag to make sure it doesn't get swept away into the drink. Fill as close to the brim as you want, keep in mind that some will evaporate while you wait for it to steep.
3. Set a 5-10 minute timer (depending on desired strength) and let steep.
4. When time is up, take out sugar and a standard soup spoon. Measure out two heavy spoonfuls of sugar (adjust to your taste) and mix thoroughly. Leave tea bag in, but lift it by the tag if need be to avoid getting it wrapped around the spoon. Optional: Stir in milk to desired lightness.
5. Wait to cool to desired temperature, and enjoy!

For green teas...

1. Boil water, but allow water to sit for roughly 7 minutes afterward. Set tea bag into mug of choice.
2. When water is ready, pour over tea bag, holding onto the tag to make sure it doesn't get swept away into the drink. Fill as close to the brim as you want, keep in mind that some will evaporate while you wait for it to steep.
3. Set a 5 minute timer and let steep.
4. When time is up, take out honey and a standard soup spoon. Measure out two heavy spoonfuls of honey and mix thoroughly. Leave tea bag in, but lift it by the tag if need be to avoid getting it wrapped around the spoon.
5. Wait to cool to desired temperature, and enjoy!

Serve with a fresh breakfast pastry or other warm snack!