Happy Monday everyone. 
My weekend was a wonderful adventure, compiled of a movie, a design project, hot air balloon viewings (glitter included), sushi eating, and contemporary furniture shopping.
Friday night I received an email with a design project to make a flier for iStomp on Poverty, hosted by Tomboi Entertainment in Baltimore, MD. This was a fun, artistic project to do, getting me back to the basics of charcoal before the computer. The program, beginning February 1st, is a weekly open mic for singers, rappers, and poets. Donations and canned foods afterward would be distributed to various food banks in Maryland.
iStomp on Poverty Flier
*Food for Thought*
How to Have a Relaxing Tea Party for One
By Lisa Gregor
Botanicus - Green Tea Candle from Candle Delirium
Tea has many cleansing and healing properties, for both the body and the mind. Why not enjoy the benefits from this ancient drink by having a relaxing tea party for one. You’ll come away feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
TEAS. Steep tea in a small, decorative pot to desired strength. Try some of the following:
Darjeeling – floral taste, India.
Keemun – black tea with sweet taste, China.
Lapsang Souchong – large leafed tea with pinewood smoke.
Sencha – green tea, Japan.
Oolong – dark fruit and chocolate notes.
Tip: Don’t use boiling water for green tea. You want to extract the nectar, not cook the tea.
ATMOSPHERE. While tea is steeping, arrange cut flowers and play soothing music. Light a lavender scented candle. Open a window, if desired, to let in fresh air. Gather up fluffy pillows and your favorite blanket.
LOCATION. After you pour your tea, plunk down in a comfortable place near a window with a scenic view. Bathe in the natural light.
OBSERVATIONS. Pay attention to your surroundings. Take in sights, sounds, and smells around you. Notice the weather.
BLESSINGS. With each sip, give thanks for a different blessing in your life, such as family, friends, health, new job, etc.
RELAX. Inhale, exhale…close your eyes.
REFRESH. Enjoy another cup of tea and repeat steps. When you are finished, give thanks for the quiet time you created for yourself. As you clean up, notice how your tea cleansed both your body and soul.
