Step Into the Tea Laboratory

Meet the Mad Scientists.

One of my favorite parts about trying new teas is getting to know the company behind the tea! If you've been keeping up with Tea Thoughts recently you'll remember a company called Tea Laboratory where I was able to create my own blend! I was able to speak with Gloria of Tea Laboratory, read below to find out a little more! 

1) What sparked the idea for Tea Laboratory? 

It was actually a few Christmases ago. The theme was "homemade Christmas" and we decided to make everyone herbal teas as gifts. After discovering how much fun it was, we decided that everyone should have the opportunity to blend their own teas. 

2) Where did your passion for tea start? 

I worked in a country-style English tea room for my first job when I was 16, and then a French-style tea room a few years later during college. I have never been a fan of coffee, so I naturally gravitated towards tea. Working at the tea rooms reinforced my love of all things tea.

3) Do you have a favorite tea?

 This is a hard one! I love so many. Jasmine pearls have always been a favorite because of their unique fragrant nature and lovely character - I am so excited to have them in our shop now! Another of my favorites is Formosa Super Fancy Oolong, which we are no longer able to get (at least for now!) - the best oolong I think I've had!

4) What is your favorite setting to enjoy tea in? 

With friends, on a cold day, along side some yummy cookies. 

Cookies...Gloria and I are on the same page ;) 

5) Do you have any tips for people who are trying out the "create your own blend" option on the site?

Be adventurous! You can't go wrong (mostly!). It helps to start with two bases (typically gives a nice blended flavor). If you have a kind of flavor or style in mind when you start, it can be helpful in selecting herbs, spices, and flavorings that you will like. But if not, go with what sounds good or interesting! And, if you have any questions, please ask us! We are happy to help. Insider info: we are working on getting images in the lab to help with selection!

6) What do you envision for the growth of Tea Laboratory?

 Currently we are trying to get the word out and get people excited about it, while getting our feet off the ground. In the next year, we plan to try out markets (watch out Seattle!). Eventually, we think it would be really great to have a storefront with some fun lab features. 

Go check them out!!!

7) What is your favorite tea pun? 

Well, I like this one (a classic): "Move oolong, nothing to tea here"

If you want to read about my thoughts Tea Laboratory teas, check out the posts below! 

Tea Thoughts Blend

Holiday Blend 

Licorice Essence

Bourbon Green Tea

Cocktail + Tea = CockTEAl

I tried another beautiful tea from Cai Cai and decided to have a little fun with it! 

Needles is an organic Longjing green that has this beautiful feather like shape as you can see in the above image. 

This tea has a more classically green tea aroma which to me, is very earthy. The finished brew is pretty light in color as you are only to steep it for 2 minutes.

The taste was very sweet and light just as I would have suspected from the color. I also felt as if there was a hint of butter in the flavor?  

I've really been enjoying different tea experiments. Baking with tea is always fun, I've created a bath soak and one of my new favorite is cockTEAls ! 

Here's what you'll need: 

• Bulleit Bourbon

• Cai Cai Needles tea

• Angostura bitters

• Sweetner (optional but recommended)

Directions: 

1. Brew 2 Tablespoons of needles tea. Immediately after you pour the hot water over the leaves, place your sweetener of choice in the pot. This time I used rock sugar.

2. Once brewed, let the tea cool.

3. Find a good whiskey glass. The celebrate glass is from Rachel Allene's etsy shop

4. Pour 2-3 dashes of bitters in your glass

5. Pour 1-2 parts bourbon in your glass depending on desired strength of drink

6. Pour 3-4 parts cooled needles and sugar mixture into your glass.

7. Mix & Chill

8. Enjoy!

I really like this combination. In all honesty, my favorite way to enjoy any good whiskey is neat BUT I do like to experiment. This mixture is great because the needles tea is light so it doesn't completely mask the flavor of the Bulleit. 

This is perfect for someone who wants to enjoy some bourbon but not with the punch of having it neat or on ice. Hey, if it has green tea it's healthy right ? ;) 

Have you tried a cockTEAl drink recipe that you've loved?!

Winter Is here: Licorice Essence

Licorice.

We had our first snow today! I've always loved snow. I have such fond memories of bundling up, sledding until my fingers and toes got numb then rushing home for hot cocoa. To me, snow is the true sign of winter. Cold weather isn't enough, when it snows I know winter is here! 

I sat down to try another blend from Tea Laboratory. This blend is called Licorice Essence. 

Ingredients: White Monkey Paw, Fennel, Anise Stars & Licorice Root

This tea reminded me about one of the reasons I love my blog. I get the opportunity to try so many teas and most all of them are beautiful in their own way.  I love how "chunky" this tea is, it shows it's character through all the different shapes and colors of the ingredients. 

Some teas have different scents dominate when they're dry vs brewed, this is one of those teas. When dry this blend has a distinct licorice aroma, the fennel seeds are also detectable. 

When brewed, the white monkey paw steals the show for sure. When brewed, there is a much heartier aroma that is often accompanied by green teas. 

At first sip I had a WOAH moment. I guess I associate licorice with candy or something sweet in general. I forgot that this tea has licorice root so I was shocked when my first sip was that of a green tea. DUH! The white monkey paw gives this tea a very green and earthy taste. Although the tea tasted earthy to me it also had a light element to it. 

It's strange to say that it's light but also bitter. Or perhaps that the non tea expert in me describing incorrectly :) To me, licorice is a bit bitter and that comes through when sipping on this tea. It's not weighed down and bold like black tea usually it. After a few sips a hint of sweet revealed itself too!

After examining the ingredients I guessed that the tea might have a bit of bite or spice to it but it didn't really. The ingredients blend together well to make a solid green tea with hints of different flavors. Another word that came to mind while enjoying this tea was warm. Not warm as in temperature but warm like welcoming and a perfect blend for the winter time!

What is your favorite winter tea?

Last Minute Gift Idea: Tea Leaf Chocolate Bark!

Tis the season for tea. 

Have you ever made or received chocolate bark for the holidays? It's quite possibly one of the simplest and most delicious sweets. The past week I've been debating different gift ideas for the last few people on my list and then I saw a video of someone making chocolate bark. Oh my gosh, it was so simple. It's literally melted chocolate and whatever other ingredients you want!

I first tried a "smores" bard that was a layer of chocolate, a layer of marshmallow fluff, another layer of chocolate then topped with graham crushed graham crackers. Spoiler alert, it was FANTASTIC! I've been thinking about a recipe for my last installment of For Tea's Sake blends I was sent and due to the ingredients (pieces of banana and cocoa!) I wanted to do something with chocolate. 

The result: Tea bark! This is a really simple recipe but it's unique and perfect for any tea lover on your list! 

You will need: 

1) 24 ounces semi sweet chocolate. I used mini chocolate chips because I think theyre easier to melt. You can alternatively use some semi sweet and some bittersweet !

2) Triple Banana Split tea blend from For Tea's Sake.

3) Baking sheet

4) Parchment paper

5) Christmas sprinkles (optional) 

6) Double Boiler 

Step 1: Crush up the tea blend. This will make it a bit more palpable on top of the chocolate. The image below shows the tea crushed by hand. You could also use a food processor. 

Step 2: Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and then spread onto the parchment paper covered baking pan. You don't need an actual double boiler to melt the chocolate. I used a rounded pot filled with boiling water and a flat pan that fit on top of that. 

Step 3: Sprinkle crushed tea on top of the chocolate while it is still hot. Use sprinkles here as well if you are adding them. I wanted to give the chocolate a little bit of a Christmas feel with these white dots...almost like snow! 

Step 4: Place the pan in the fridge for 2 hours or until chocolate is set. 

Step 5: Break apart the chocolate with a knife or your hands. If you reach under the chocolate you should be able to free it from the parchment paper easily and break it up!

Step 6: ENJOY! or if you're making this as a gift, pack it up in a sweets box and keep cool until delviery. 

Have you ever made tea bark? What is your favorite bark recipe?! 

Christmas Came Early: My JORD Wood Watch & Holiday Tea Blend

Time & Tea. 

I had the pleasure of receiving this JORD wood watch and let me tell you, I am SMITTEN. I chose the mint face because green shades are my absolute favorite! 

First impressions: Woah, this is such a cool box. Not only is this box hefty, it also has a magnetic top and little drawer at the bottom. My watch came fully equipped with wood oil, two different cloths, a cute pillow, the extra links and a 1 month supply of humidity control for my watch storage. WOAH, can you say royalty treatment. I really love how much care went into this box design. I have two other watches and my boyfriend has several and none of them have such a beautiful place for storage. 

I used the JORD wrist sizer they offer on their website to measure my wrist and after following the directions, the watch fits just right! A little detail that I really enjoyed was that the back has a dual clasp system which I think is more elegant and easier to put on.

Besides it fitting really well (I like a looser fit) one thing I noticed immediately was how lightweight it was. Before putting this watch on I was always more partial to all metal watches but I didn't know how silly that was until I put this baby on. How freeing that I can still wear an absolutely gorgeous time piece and not have it weigh down my wrist!

You might think mint is too bright of a color but it's subdued by the dark wood and it looks fabulous with my favorite sweater here!

 I decided to do some of my favorite activities with it to see how it felt. As many of you know I've been doing a lot of crochet recently to create these tea/ coffee cup ornaments! Typing is something I also do often for my job and normally I take my watch off because it hurts my wrist after a period of time but this lightweight watch feels great. 

Since this watch was like an early Christmas present, I thought it was only appropriate to try the holiday delight blend from Tea Laboratory. 

Holiday delight ingredients: Ceylon, Keemun Xiang Luo, Cinnamon Chips, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Anise Stars, Vanilla, Granulated Honey

I really love the fact that there is granulated honey in this blend and two black teas! Kinda reminds me of what I tried to do with Tea Thoughts Blend but didn't accomplish as well. 

The tea really has a beautiful aroma that dominated by cinnamon and slightly sweet from the granulated honey. Can you say Christmas in a cup?!

I've made it fairly obvious that ceylon is my favorite tea and that is my favorite part about this blend. I can enjoy the smooth and strong taste that I love about ceylon with some extra spices that remind me of Christmas!

This was so good I had to enjoy several cups!

You might be looking at my watch and thinking, man it's pretty! It's ok I am still saying it! This watch and all of JORD's watches are very elegant and would make a great last minute holiday gift!

Imagine opening up this beautiful cedar box on Christmas day, how wonderful! If you want to make it extra special you're also able to get a custom engraving on the box. One last perk, 2-3 day shipping is free! Here are also 3 more reasons to shop these watches for a loved one. 

1) This is a unique watch that will surely be a favorite of the fashionista on your list! 

2) There are a wide variety of wood colors and designs including automatic watches so there is surely a design for everyone on your list!

3. So, I'm really excited to offer this to all my wonderful readers! You can get an instant $25 e-gift card to use on your purchase, head over to this link to redeem! 

Get my watch!

Shop other Women's watches

Shop Men's watches

$25 gift card redemption link

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches. Review was my own. 

Wooden Wristwatch

Tea Laboratory: Make your own tea blend!

Tea Thoughts Blend. 

So, I get to share something REALLY cool with y'all today! Tea Laboratory has a feature on their site where you get to step into the shoes of a master tea blender and create your own melange of leaves and spices! I recently had the opportunity to create "Tea Thoughts Blend" and it was an eye opening experience. 

I'm going to take you through some of the features they have and let you know what I chose! After debating I decided to chose a 2 base tea.

Here are the crazy amount of options you have to use as bases! Y'all know that I'm a black tea lover so I chose Ceylon and the Boukhial Estate Assam. 

Next, you get to choose up to 5 flavorings. This is not even a complete list of the options. I really love how these flavors are categorized for two reasons. One, someone who doesn't know many of these flavors can still add them to their blend and know what the effect will be and two, it's easier to say you like a sweet blend than a specific flavor. This list allows you to choose and explore all sorts of options! 

For my blend, I wanted to have a twist on classic Persian tea. I added Cloves, safflower, pink rose petals, honeysuckle and just to be adventurous, black walnut leaf!

Finally, you get to choose your amount and the best part, naming your blend! 

I love the box the tea comes in and how the tea is labeled. The labels not only have the name and ingredients you chose but also brewing instructions for your specific blend! 

I'll be honest, although the blend looks really pretty when it was dry it DID NOT smell good. I think that many of the ingredients I chose have very strong scents and all together it was too much for my nose. 

Thankfully once it was brewed the aroma was much better and the ingredients blended. Cloves have a very strong scent and that what was dominant in my blend. Due to a double black tea base this brew is REALLY dark which is just the way I like it. I grew up in a household where tea is brewed way past the suggested brewing time because it was enjoyed dark and strong. 

Although the dry blend was discouraging, I'm pleased with the way my blend came out! The cloves are definitely the dominant taste but with the reminder that it's a ceylon leaf tea. I added some honey after tasting it plain because I love honey in tea! The honey perfected this brew. The honey subdues the clove taste. Tea Thoughts blend was a success!

I've started to look at the the brewed leaves because they are so beautiful! I love the sprinkles of color in this. I think that Tea Laboratory has stumbled upon a really unique idea. Like many art forms, tea blending is often unappreciated. This process allows you to step into the shoes of a tea expert and test your flavoring skills. Perhaps you'll discover that the task is tougher than you thought or perhaps you'll find a new career path! 

Head over to Tea Laboratory and start experimenting!

If you try this process, let me know how your blend turned out!  

Bao Zhong- First Taste Test

Hint of Sweet. 

Recently I was presented with the opportunity to try some unique teas that I've never experienced! I think that many companies in the US, in an attempt to make tea more popular here are creating fun and seasonal blends. To keep up with coffee blends like pumpkin spice, many tea companies are taking classics bases like black and green teas and mimicking these types of blends. 

I've noticed that international companies do this as well but there are also many who stick to tea in the more traditional sense. I'm excited to taste teas that I've never heard of or tasted! 

On today's agenda is Bao Zhong from Grand Tea. One major shock factor for me was the aroma....or lack there of. Perhaps my nose wasn't as sharp today but when I opened up the packet I didn't take anything in any strong scents. It's interesting because I'm used to teas with very strong aromas. For example, one of my favorite parts of ceylon tea is the way it smells dry and brewed. At, first I thought that the lack of strong aroma would bother me but it ended up benefiting me in the end!

The leaves for this tea are much fuller and as a result the tea is so beautiful. Large, dry, curly pieces makes up this tea. Once the tea was brewed a very distinct hint of sweet was present! 

Upon first sip I was kinda shocked but not turned off. Although the color of the brew is light and there's a hint of a sweet aroma, the taste, to me was drastically different. I never claim to be an expert on tea but I do enjoy sharing my thoughts!

The taste was so rich and green. I say green because all these vegetables popped into my head. It was earthy, much like a meal. Many blends include sweet ingredients that make them more of a dessert tea but this Bao Zhong is savory! The light scent really helped me be unbiased on what to expect from the tea. 

After much thought about what this tea tastes like I came up with it- artichoke. You heard me right! I'm not sure why but that's what it reminded me of! It's kinda strange but I kind loved it. I decided to do an experiment with rock sugar. Since this tea is so savory I wanted to test what it would taste like when combined with rock sugar. The answer- not good. This is a tea that is not meant to be sweetened. This is a strong tea that can stand on it's own. 

Although the taste was a bit strange to me at first, I very much enjoyed trying it and would definitely have this tea again! Ill refer to it as my artichoke tea :) 

Have you ever had a savory tea that reminded you of a meal? 

Climber's High

Light & Sweet.

I've been kind of intimidated by this tea for a while because of the yerba mate in the ingredients list! I've read so much about the health benefits with all the vitamins and minerals as well as the flavor. I wanted to bake something with this tea but for my first time I decided to try it in it's natural, brewed state. 

Ingredients: roasted yerba mate, black tea, green tea, white tea, pu'erh, ginger root, cinnamon, cardamom, licorice root, eleuthero ginseng root, saffron, black pepper, clove, fennel, safflowers, peppermint, tulsi, vanilla flavoring.

The combination of ingredients really makes this tea beautiful. Mostly dark colors are highlighted by whites, reds and blues. 

When I opened my pack of tea I had a rush of cinnamon fill the air, there were definitely notes of other spices but cinnamon was most dominant for me. 

Once brewed, it had a very similar smell. This blend is definitely spicy, you discover the ginger and cardamom especially the more you take in this tea. Even though there is none in the blend, I was reminded of rooibos due to the smell of spices. The one ingredient I would have never expected was saffron! I'm so disappointed in myself because saffron is one of my favorite cooking tools!

After my first sip I was a bit shocked! Based on the aroma I figured that it would be heavy but boy was I wrong! This blend has a very light taste and its slightly sweet! The vanilla definitely contributes to lifting this tea up and making it sweet.

I understand the "high" in this blend, it's very refreshing and gives you a bit of a boost and gives you a shot of awake. The more I drank this the more I felt like it was Christmas in a cup. All the spices remind me of a hot cup in front of the tree, it certainly kicked my Christmas cheer into gear!

I love sweet tea so my favorite part of this blend is the sweet flavor! No honey needed!  

Want to get some Climber's high? You can get your hands on some here!

P.s. Isn't this hand carved spoon gorgeous? You can get one here!

An Introduction to Cai Cai - Sunshine Genmaicha

Toasty.

I had a really exciting opportunity to connect with Cai Cai recently. I feel that most recently the blends I've been trying are a more modern spin on tea. Cai Cai offers 4 blends, all using more traditional bases and again, blends I've never had the pleasure of trying. Yay! 

In an attempt to have 24 different types of tea in December (like a tea advent calendar) I will start with Cai Cai's sunrise! 

Ingredients: Sencha green tea and roasted brown rice. 

Before I describe my experience with this tea, you should probably know something about how I feel about rice. I can't live without it, that's how I feel about it! Being from an Iranian family it's pretty central to most meals and I eat rice almost everyday. 

As you can probably guess, the first thing I noticed and loved about this tea was the aroma. It had a very nutty scent and reminded me immediately of rice. More specifically, an image of a big pot of rice cooking away on the stove and the aroma filling the kitchen popped into my head. I already love this tea! 

When I took a sip it was somewhat what I expected, very bold and earthy with a rich and rice like flavor. I really enjoyed the flavor that the roasted rice brought into the sencha. 

This is the kind of tea that I would enjoy without anything and just as a way to bring myself peace. The aroma brings positive memories to my mind and the full body taste warmed my belly so nicely. 

Cai Cai has a wonderful story and I had the pleasure of asking some questions so you could get to know them a bit better!

1) What sparked the idea to start CaiCai?

Coming from Asia to London, we found it very hard to find good tea. We wanted to make loose leaf tea more approachable to Brits by selling a balanced and curated selection of teas that get an update from time to time with the goal to make the choice easier to the end consumer and to make sure that the teas offered were always of the highest quality with a very competitive price.

2) How did you decide on the name CaiCai?

The etymological origin of the word tea has found a uniform pronunciation throughout the world albeit being written in many different ways. We wanted to keep that same pronunciation while finding our own way to write it and, we doubled it down to reach the Chinese sense of warmth and cosiness.

3) How would you describe the difference between loose leaf and tea bags to a non tea drinker?

I would recommend anyone to pick up a simple green tea tea bag and a good quality green loose leaf tea. Brew them, taste them (that should be enough already) and put the wet leaves next to each other (open the tea bag to get the ground tea out). You will see that the tea bag is made of small dark-green bits of tea leave. This means that the tea leaf is broken in several pieces allowing it to release its flavour way faster when brewed but at the same time to become bitter and oxidized very easily. On the other hand, the loose leaf tea will be made of full leaves that release their full flavour in a more natural way and with the tasting profile.

4) Of the 4 blends you currently offer, do you have a favorite? Which one and why?

We love all our teas the same. However, I think the most unique one, and the one we are most proud of is True Black, a ripe Pu Erh tuocha. Pu Erh cakes are vastly unknown in the western world. When you do find it, most of the times will come in large and expensive cakes of raw pu erh not yet ready for consumption. We thought that by selling ready-for-consumption ripe Pu Erh in a smaller quantity we would make it more accessible to the beginner and avid tea drinkers.

5) As far as tea prep goes, which blend is your favorite to brew?

The ritual that goes with matcha prepping is so energetic and purposeful that becomes a ceremony even in the most casual of occasions.

6) If you could enjoy a cup of tea anywhere in the world where would it be?

Although we are now based in London, we have lived and travelled extensively through Asia. On one of our trips, we were in a tiny village in Fujian and we had lost our bus so we had to stay at a local’s house for the night. The next morning, before our departure, they greeted us with a cup of tea from their own harvest. I remember that cup of tea as the best one I’ve ever had and I would really like to go back.

Also, when we lived in HongKong, we lived next to a local ChaChaanTeng called Australia Dairy Co. We made it our Sunday brunch ritual to go there and enjoy a scrambled egg sandwich with a sumptuous and thick cup of milky tea.

8)  What is your favorite tea pun?

Move oolong, there is nothing to tea here.

If you're interested in trying Cai Cai tea, you can find them here!

Stay tuned as I have two more Cai Cai teas to try this month! Have you tried a tea that caused a memory reaction like this one did for me? Share with me! 

Tea Thoughts' Favs: A holiday tea & gift guide!

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to share my favorite places to shop with you! Many of these shops I know and support personally or have worked with them so I speak from experience, they're the real deal. Please scroll through, I bet you'll find something you like <3

P.s. You'll find out soon that I have met and found some pretty amazing people since I started my journey!

TEA

Wight Tea Co

This tea company is very close to my heart and home! Brittany makes the most amazing blends, her chai is my favorite *heart eyes*

The Tea Spot

The tea spot has so many teas and I've tried quite a few of them. I love their tea ware too! This brewing mug is one of my favorite tea accessories!

Thao Tea Co

Thao is super sweet and she probably has some of the most unique blends I've tried to date. The cantaloupe mint shown here really opened me up to green teas, I hadn't tried one I liked very much before this one!

Rumi Tea & Spice

Rumi! One of my favorite poets and tea shops. This shop is very special to me as I identify so much with their essence of Rumi. The Persian rose garden is a blend that mimics the classic way Iranians enjoy tea!

Copper Cup

I'm a huge lover of turmeric in food and I was blown away by this tea. You might look at this tea and think what does it taste like...Ill tell you, pure gold! It's so delicious and the blend is perfect without adding anything!

For Tea's sake

How could I not love a tea company who's name is a tea pun?! I've been making and making with their tea blends and because of the versatility of their blends, everything has turned out so well! 

Cai Cai

This sampling as been an adventure to me as I've been trying lots of holiday flavored blends. Cai Cai blends are simple, traditional and delicious. P.s. Sunrise is the best!

The NeccessiTeas

Another tea pun! I just love all the different blends and creative flavors Lindsey has! Check out this mayan hot chocolate tea blend!

Image from The Neccessiteas!

Tea Laboratory

Recently discovered Tea Laboratory and they have the COOLEST feature, an actual tea laboratory where you can create your own blend! I made one and it was so much fun, I can't wait to try it to see if I'm a master tea blender or not :D

Image from Tea Laboratory!

TEA GIFTS

Pumeli

I've tried the Matcha starter kit and it is beautiful. This is the kit that got me hooked on matcha! Pumeli has thoughtful collections that would make incredible holiday gifts! 

Tea Box Express

The first tea subscription box I've come across that combines two of my favorite things, tea and food! Tea Box Express does an incredible job with their pairings <3

My Tea Bling

These tea accessory for tea bags will make your tea time dazzle!

Photo from My Tea Bling

Tea-Spiration

My lovely friend and fellow Tea Blogger Lu Ann wrote a book about tea and it is FAB for anyone who loves tea or wants to get more into tea!

Marigold & Grey

Jamie creates the best boxes, buy one for someone else or TREAT YO SELF! 

HANDMADE

Bridget Lynette Designs: Bridgett is my best friend and she is so amazingly talented! She will be moving more towards calligraphy, design and wedding work in 2017. Before the end of the year make sure to visit her shop for beautiful hand lettered ornaments! Here is a mug I got from her :)

PaperlyPress

Ali is seriously talented! Her toppers are the cutest and when I went to her with this semi complicated order she NAILED it! Have you tried to pinterest and can't get it right? Pinterest worthy goods are Ali's jam! Plus she is the sweetest <3

Apartment 406 Designs

Mirjana makes the most beautiful designs and the best part is, no shipping! All her designs are easily printed at home!

Carbon Rendered

Louisa is just amazing. I think all I have to say for you to understand is that THIS IS A DRAWING...that's right you heard me. Go check her out!

Image by Louisa

Darling Nightingale Knits

Lisa makes the most beautiful knot pieces including this donut I got from her! Knit donuts are such a great gift, especially for little ones :D

Amanda Kammarada

Dear Harry Potter fans, if you need a shop to support your love for HP, look no further than Amanda! I smile every time I look at this adorable HP ornament!

Danyelle Woods Designs

I had been lurking on Danyelle's etsy for awhile, she has such a beautiful style and I finally treated myself to this shirt. She has the dreamiest work and her shirts, jewelry and wood pieces make great gifts!

Image from Danyelle Woods Design Etsy

Scripted sweetly

Christmas lovers unite! Scripted sweetly has beautiful lettering and I have this sign hung on my tree. I think if you need some lettering in your life you need to visit her shop!

Word Finder's Club

Oh man, the hedgehog. Word FInder's Club has a really cute style and really fun gifts like word search cards! If you have a nursery to decorate, this is the perfect shop for you!

Hatching Artist

If you didn't know what hatching is I suggest you take a look at this custom piece I got done for a Christmas present. Looks exactly like our dear bodhi and so unique!

Archer & Olive

Kinda of a fan girl of Archer & Olive. Fell in love with this piece and I love the style in which she paints. There is a whole range of perfect gifts. If you're getting married, her bridesmaids cards are gorgeous! 

Yiramee

An etsy shop to match this incredible artist. Yiramee creates beautiful and unique illustrations that are the perfect decor for your home!

Mommy In Pink

I met Riza at my first calligraphy workshop and her work has just bloomed! She obvious has a natural talent for it and she makes the most beautiful canvases! I get to stare at this beauty every morning when I enjoy my tea :)

Brenna Ann Handmade

I love Brenna! This is the only hat I will wear when my hair is down. She makes soft and beautiful designs. She also offers patterns so you can try your hand at crochetting or knitting your favorite items!

Peachie Handmades

Peachie makes the most incredible bags. There are literally patterns for every style and taste! She is also super sweet and wonderful to work with!

Chalkfulloflove

Kind of obsessed with this lady's lettering. So beautiful! She has all the mugs you could ever want and many collaborations so that you can find a wide range of products that fit your needs!

The Scribble Studio

Probably my favorite mug place, The Scribble Studio makes the most hilarious and cheeky mugs. Check out the store, you will for sure find something you like!

Candelles

OMG. BEST.SMELLING.CANDLES.EVER.SERIOUSLY. (and thats really all that needs to be said) 

Ash Bush Holders

Do you do calligraphy? If so you need to get a nib holder from Ashley Bush. These are seriously the most beautiful pens and I guarantee you she will knock it out of the park with your custom order. My favorite superhero rogue came out amazing!

Lily & Val

My favorite chalk letterer ever. Every time someone walks into my kitchen and sees this hanging up I'm like can you believe that she drew that ...with chalk...by hand?! Valerie has prints, cards, tins, pouches, a kitchen cook book and so much more!

Paper Moon Interiors

Stephanie is probably the most stylish person ever! She just launched her website with a fun style quiz (my results below) Get in touch with Stephanie and let her help you make your space beautiful!

Image from Paper Moon!

Esther Clark Illustration

These pieces are absolutely beautiful! If you need some simple yet elegant home decor, shop her prints!

Image by Esther

Ma Belle Calligraphy

Michelle is the sweetest and most motivating person you will ever meet. Her passion comes through in all her work! 

Image by Michelle!

Lazywood Lane co

Nicolette has beautiful calligraphy and can create a stamp or stationary for you. If you need Bespoke Organic Calligraphy + Heirloom Stationery, Lazywood Lane Co should be your first stop! 

Image by Nicolette!

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Jen S Photography

Jen is a sweetheart. I've never felt super comfortable when people take pictures of me but she captured me and my business so well. I highly suggest looking her up if you're in the DMV!

Image by Jen!

Sue Ellen Aguirre

Sue Ellen seriously has the most beautiful couples and families but her images are so gorgeous! She has this incredible style where I can always feel so much of the emotion captured. Also she is the coolest!

Image by Sue Ellen

Stephanie Dennehy PhotographyI

I've never seen a photo by Stephanie was wasn't breathtaking. All her compositions are so gorgeous. If you need an amazing picture, with a spectacular background, check her out!

Image by Stephanie!

Jewelry 

Boho Betty

Really pretty jewelry, especially their stack bracelets! You can use code TEATHOUGHTS to get 20% off :) 

I'm sure I've missed some so I will continue to add others!