Iced Honey Lemon Ginger Tea

This simple iced tea provides an invigorating pick-me-up without any caffeine. Ginger is well-known for its rejuvenating qualities, while lemon helps to restore the body's pH balance. A touch of honey makes this sweet, while providing beneficial antibacterial and antiseptic properties to help keep you healthy! You'll need:

• 2 bags of ginger tea
• half of a fresh lemon
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 cups hot water
• lemon wedges

To make the tea:

1. Place the tea bags in a tea pot. Squeeze the juice from the lemon half over the tea and add the honey.
2. Pour hot water over the ingredients and steep for ten minutes.
3. Let the tea cool until it's room temperature.
4. Pour the tea into two large glasses filled with ice.
5. Garnish with lemon wedges and share!

Create a Daily Tea Ritual at Work

Having a fresh cup of steaming tea in the afternoon is a great way to take a much-needed break in your day. But many times, we just rip open a bag of whatever tea is in the cupboard, pour some hot water into the mug, and go right back to work.

When we take time to create a simple ritual, the soothing effects of afternoon tea can be so much more rewarding. And it's even more rewarding to share with a co-worker!

Use these simple steps to create a "tea corner" at your desk, and let yourself enjoy this simple pleasure.

You'll need:

• A small Asian- or English-style teapot
• Two tea cups (and saucers if you wish)
• Honey and/or sugar
• Two small spoons (try antique ones!)
  
• A selection of teas, either bagged or loose with a strainer
• A small tray

To create a tea ritual for yourself, co-workers, clients, or unexpected guests:

1. Arrange the teapot, tea cups, sweeteners, spoons, and tea on the tray. Store the tray on your desk for decor and also as a visual reminder of your soothing ritual.
2. In the afternoon, when the time is right for a break, invite your co-worker or client to join you.
3. Place the tea bags or tea strainer in the teapot and add hot water.
4. Let the tea steep for a few minutes. Different teas take different brewing times, so be sure not to steep it too long, or it might get bitter!
5. Pour the tea into the cups and sweeten if desired. Savor the soft scent and let the conversation flow, or simply enjoy the silence.

May your days be soothing and delightful.

Antioxidants for Great Skin

Yep, it's official: we're obsessed with strawberries around here right now.

In addition to providing the health benefits I mentioned earlier, strawberries also have some of the highest levels of antioxidants around. Antioxidants work in the body to neutralize free radicals, which, left unguarded, can cause cell breakdown and sun damage.

Free radicals are atoms that have an odd number of electrons. They create destructive chain reactions that can damage cell membranes and even DNA. Antioxidants are molecules that interact with the free radicals and essentially block the chain reactions before they spread further.

Free radicals are like unstable anarchists; antioxidants are your cells' protective soldiers.

So, when free radicals begin their destructive chain reactions, your body's skin cells can start to weaken, making you susceptible to wrinkles, cellulite, and sun damage. Antioxidants keep those cells healthy and strong, preventing this aging breakdown.

Other foods that contain high levels of antioxidants include:

• Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries
• Broccoli
• Red grapes
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Spinach
• Green and black tea - and yes, even coffee!
  
• Carrots
• Soy, including edamame and tempeh
  
• Whole grains, such as barley, bulgur, and brown rice

So, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet for optimum levels of antioxidants. Your cells will vibrate with health and radiance and your skin will thank you for it!

May your days be filled with vibrant joy.