Phew! You made it through the first month of the year and are now embarking on the second. Did any of your New Year’s resolutions endure this long? Don’t feel bad if the answer is “no.” Mine went by the wayside a couple weeks ago. Best to look to the month ahead here. And tea is on hand to help. Try these out to get you through whatever lies ahead.

1 A Tea Even Groundhogs Would Like Taylors of Harrogate South African Kwazulu Loose Leaf Tea

The legend of the groundhog prognosticating whether Winter will continue or end early has been around since at least 1841. The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in   Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. If the groundhog emerges from its burrow and doesn’t see his shadow, Spring will come early; if he sees his shadow, he’ll scurry back into his burrow to continue sleeping while Winter continues for six more weeks.Taylors, the first tea merchant in England to discover the teas of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa, presents this version which a beautiful bright color and a fresh and lively flavor that goes well with milk. Serve it up by the potful in the early morning hours as you wait for that groundhog to do his thing.

2 A “One Month Down Eleven to Go” Tea Harney and Sons Canton Green Tea

Get regal with this tea by Harney & Sons. It’s one of their Historical Royal Palace teas and is a delicious green tea infused with orange oil for a refreshing taste. It also contains marigold petals for a special touch. In fact, the flavor will last all month long, keeping you hydrated for whatever comes your way.

3 Tea for a Mid-Winter Warm-up Lapsang Souchong China Black Tea

A tea best described as an acquired taste, ranging from light and intriguing to heavy and overpowering. Legend claims that the smoking process was discovered by accident during the Qing dynasty. When an army unit camped in a tea factory filled with fresh leaves awaiting processing, the leaves had to sit for awhile. After the soldiers left, the workers realized that they didn’t have enough time to dry the leaves in the usual way and get them to market in time. That meant an alternate solution. The solution: they lit open fires of pine wood to hasten the drying. The tea reached the market in time, with the smoked pine flavor creating a sensation! One of many happy accidents over the years.

4 A White Tea Wonder White Eagle Long Life White Tea

A great tea that can be enjoyed morning, noon, or night, and either by itself as a tea to sit and gaze thoughtfully into space or enjoy with a meal such as a spicy lamb vindaloo. Delicious and said to have longevity-enhancing properties. No guarantees, but it certainly can’t hurt. See my review.

5 A Romantic Escapade Tea Angel’s Dreams Gift Basket

Actually, this is a complete gift basket that includes Large Round Basket, Tea for One with Burgundy Gloss Finish (yes, you can enjoy a romantic teatime by yourself!), Pure Butter Chocolate Chip Shortbread, Angel’s Dream Loose   Leaf Tea, and Lover’s Leap Loose Leaf Tea. Let us not forget that tea is good but tea with treats is much, much better!

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