Since we don’t have leaves that change colors here, one of our first signs of fall is the surfers that start wearing their wetsuits out in the water. This morning, the ocean break was dotted with what looked like little black seals, only a few brave surfers were left bare-skinned. So far, fall has brought us some beautiful sunsets…

As the temperatures cool off, what sounds better than a warm cup of tea? If you are a tea drinker, let me share with you my FAVORITE way to make tea and the strainer that makes it happen. I gave my mom one of these tea strainers for mother’s day and she loved it so much that she had to buy a 2nd one for the cabin. (You can also purchase a similar, cheaper version on amazon.)

Have you discovered the world of loose leaf teas (meaning no tea bag, just a bag of the tea leaves themselves)? My absolute favorite is Blueberry Rooibos from Alterra, a local coffee shop chain in Milwaukee:

Generally, the problem with loose leaf teas is that they leak into your mug as you are steeping them so that you have some “nature” floating around in there. I couldn’t seem to avoid this with my old ball and chain strainer. However, this particular tea infuser completely solves that problem and is so easy to use! The mesh strainer does not let any of the leaves through and rests on top of your mug as it steeps:

Just fill with a spoonful of your favorite loose tea:

Steep for several minutes, depending on the type of tea, and then lift it out when ready:

How great is that?? I hope you will enjoy this as much as my mom and I do! And I hope it brings more warm cups of tea into your life this fall!