A To Z April Blogging Challenge Theme Reveal

Today, is the great theme reveal for next month’s A to Z Blogging Challenge! If you are asking yourself what I am talking about, then it is time for me to direct you toward the wonderful organizers of this month-long blogging event, that happens every year for more information. But if you want the condensed form of what I am talking about, its if the following.

For the month of April – with the exception of Sunday’s – participants pledge to blog about something, corresponding with the day’s letter, starting at A, working ourselves through the entire alphabet. Participants sign up here, and either decide to blog about random things that come to mind, or choose a theme.

Which brings me to today. Those of us who are choosing a theme, post a little bit about our chosen subject today. So, I am going to get right to it:

 

Yup, I will write for the  entire month about Tea-leaf reading symbols, tea rituals, and related information. No worries to my regular readers, who might not be  interested in the subject, I plan on continuing my usual posting, in addition to the A to Z blogging challenge – even if that means I have to do double work.

Here is the schedule for each day of the A to Z Challenge, and it’s corresponding letter:

So are you planning on joining us for this adventure? If you are, are you choosing a theme this year? For those of you who are participating, leave your blog link in the comment section, so I can come visit you throughout the challenge!

See you soon!

Claudia

 

Time To Prep For The A to Z Blogging Challenge!

Are you participating in the A to Z Blogging Challenge? If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out this website for more information on the Blogging Challenge for the month of April, that has many bloggers preparing ahead of time, contemplating their subject matter, and looking forward to connecting with the many (hundreds ) of bloggers participating each year.

In this challenge, we are called to write something about a particular letter of the alphabet starting with of course A and working ourselves through to Z. Not everyone chooses a topic, in my first two years of participating I did not either, but I began to do so last year, and will again this year.

Mixing Spices Available On Amazon

Last year my  topic was Herbs and Spices, because of the release of my book “Mixing Spices”

This year, because I am working on a book about tea and mindfulness, I chose the topic “Tea Leaf Reading Dictionary”.

Every single day of the month of April, (minus Sundays, because we all take a break on Sundays for this challenge), I will be posting a few symbol meanings specifically for Tea Leaf Reading, including some tips and suggestions on how you work your own tea leaf reading sessions. I will also talk about symbolism in general and how this dictionary will relate to divining dreams as well, with a few tweaks and considerations.

 

Loose Tea Sampler available at Amazon

I am so excited about this entire project. And because I love you guys and you all have been such amazing partners throughout this blogging journey for me, I am giving away the entire series at the end of the month as a PDF – just to say thank you.  There are more freebies to come in the coming weeks, so if you like free stuff (and who does not), come back often.

Oh, and for those of you who are not interested in Tea Leaf Reading and Tea, I will continue to post my regular stuff, like marketing tips for creative people, some design updates,  book reviews, motivational stuff, giveaways and product reviews.

After all, as a brand ambassador, NetGalley reviewer and a designer, I cannot and am not willing to neglect my regular duties, because of a mere challenge.

I am so looking forward to the crazy business.

At the end, an extended version of the PDF, which contains the  challenge content  will be made available on Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.

Blessings!

P.S. Don’t forget to stock up on Tea!

7 Things I Learned While Writing A Book About Tea And Mindfulness

Disclaimer: The following post includes affiliate links to our Sponsors – Amazon and Creative Life. 

When doing research for any project, it is very interesting to see what kind of crazy, wonderful and sometimes disturbing facts can be discovered. Thankfully, I have not run across anything disturbing, so I am happy to share with you a few little tidbits of information that you might find as interesting as I have, about the subject of tea. I will share some insights about mindfulness in an upcoming blog post.

Tea and your bones: 

Studies indicate that phytochemicals in tea, such as flavonoids, may protect against bone loss: Regular tea drinkers have higher bone density than non-tea drinkers.

Crazy for Kombucha? 

What it is: Sometimes called mushroom tea because of the microorganisms that float in it and form a mushroom like shape this fermented form of sweetened tea with a funky vinegar taste is made with live bacteria and yeast and often fortified with B vitamins.

Proponents say this ancient Chinese drink has medicinal benefits, namely that it boosts the immune system, prevents cancer, and aids digestion and liver function.

My Favorite: Hibiscus Tea:  

A recent study revealed that hibiscus teas contain a number of different antioxidants that may help to protect against cell-damaging free radicals. These teas also may help control high blood pressure. You can find hibiscus in such teas as sour tea, red zinger tea, or sorrel tea.

Do You Like Olives? 

People in Italy enjoy an olive leaf tea made with the leaves of the olive tree types Manzanillo and Mission. So now you can drink your olives too!

This tea should keep you warm: Butter Tea 

Butter tea is a Tibetan tradition, made with Yak Butter, black tea and salt. It has gained some following all over the world. Not my cup of tea.

“Happy Tea” will be available May 2016 on Amazon.

Questions:

What are your favorite teas? And what are the craziest facts you know about tea?

Have a wonderful Day!

The above post is a part of the following blog hops:

Thankful Thursdays

Thankful Thursdays Link Up # 40

No Rules # 167

Inspire Me Wednesday 

Share With Me 

Gratitude And Tea

Don’t Just Look – Typography by Claudia H. Blanton

 

It is really cold out there! Perfect time to sit indoors, with a hot cup of tea, a couple of cookies and in front of the computer, contemplating.

I am always contemplating on what-to-do-next. While this habit leads me to be goal oriented, it also has the downfall of creating anxiety, especially when not everything goes they way it was planned, or when the list becomes so large that it is overwhelming.

Boot With Flowers – By Claudia H. Blanton

So taking my time to stop, make myself a cup tea, and focus on gratitude is not only a good idea but a necessity. Exactly that concept of mindfulness and the fact that I need to be mindful in order to function with clarity changed the direction of the book I am working on. Which brings me to the first thing, I am grateful for – the progress I am making with my tea book.

Working title “Happy Tea”, this book demanded to take on a different direction this week, completely unexpected. I thought I would write a book featuring tea traditions, rituals and recipes, but the Universe had something else in mind. Instead, I will focus on the mindfulness of tea, the connection of this beverage within meditation, gratitude and positive living. It seemed like this aspect of tea would serve you better. There are many wonderful books out there, who focus upon the technical aspects of the subject, so I can focus on this direction.

Another thing I am grateful for is the holiday season is almost over.  Yes, celebrations are nice, but they also mean extra work, so I am looking forward to having more time to write.

I am grateful that my daughter gets to see Star Wars with her boyfriend tonight. I am not a fan, but they are, so I am happy for them. I am sure they will have a great time.

I am also grateful for the decorations I have been seeing in the neighbourhood.While people do not seem to decorate as much here as in Tampa, the few who have did a great job. Almost made me want to join in. Then I looked at my to-do list and decided to just enjoy everyone else’s decor instead.

What are grateful for this week?

How do you deal with the holiday stress?

Blessings!

Claudia

This blog post is a part of the following blog hops:

Celebrate The Small Things

Reasons To Be Cheerful

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday Link Up

 

 

Playing With Fire – A Haiku

burning on my tongue
playing with fire, so much fun
creative pleasure

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

Speaking of fire and spices, I am happy to announce the pending  release my newest book, “Mixing Herbs – A Flavorful Guide To Creating Awesome Herb And Spice Mixes”, on April 2nd! It will be available on Amazon! Here is a sneak peak at the cover.