First thing in the morning, I put on the kettle. Monkey and I select the most suitable tea to get our days going, and we let our cups brew and cool while we feast on breakfast before retreating to the sofa for delicious tea-sipping. [And check out my birthday present above, received just in time for this post!]

Lemon and Ginger

Lemon and ginger is my go-to morning tea. Much like The Daily Connoissuer, I do love lemon in hot water at breakfast. Since fresh lemon is expensive and not always great here, the simple tea bags will do for me.

“Remember the tea kettle – it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet it still sings!”

Paris tea from Crown & Crumpet

My favourite tea shop in the world is Crown and Crumpet in San Francisco. It is the epitome of a delightful afternoon tea with high design. Whenever I visit I come back with a new profile picture. I call it elegant with Great British Bake-Off-esque English quirk meets bold American brights that keep it real – not too frilly. Every time I stop by, I bring home a bag of my favourite Paris tea – a lovely French blend of black tea with hints of bergamot and vanilla. I brew it as a special treat.

Earl Grey from the Covered Market

Earl Grey is my Monkey’s favourite, and I have come to love it too. We buy loose leaf in bulk at Cardews when we’re in Oxford.

Hotel Tea Bags

I do enjoy swiping tea bags from hotel rooms. It’s a nice reminder of my travels, and good to keep a stock of variety for when guests come over.

Oxford Exchange tea

Ever since I read about The Oxford Exchange on The College Prepster, I have been dreaming of a visit. When my parents were in Tampa they stopped by and confirmed that it is just as grand and lovely as I have imagined. They brought back a vial of black OE tea, another special option for a strong start, reminding me of another Oxford Brew I love from Jeeves & Jericho – the best way to infuse the morning with academic determination.

Fruity and Exotic Teas

Knowing that I love my tea, I tend to accumulate interesting tea as presents. I have a beautiful case of fruity Teavanna leaves that I received as a going-to-uni present, and they have lasted me years! My little David’s tea samples are nice for adding variety.

Do you love tea? Share your favourite blends and flavours in the comments!

P.S. an Alice-themed tea in Edinburgh…