Tea for You

Nothing keeps us more on message in our realm of sophisticated femmes d'un certain age (et les hommes aussi) than today's giveaway. Think of it as the holiday gift we would dream of receiving had we known it existed. And, once discovered, we can request timely refills as future cadeaux.

If you are not aware of Kusmi Tea, let me tell you: It is beyond -- yes waaay beyond chic. It has pedigree. In 1867, Pavel Michailovitch Kousmichoff founded the Kousmichoff tea house in St. Petersburg. (He also supplied the Tsar's court.)

In 1907 he sent his eldest son, Viatcheslav, to open a branch in London. Ten years later, the tea house moved to Paris near the Arc de Triomphe and Kusmi Tea was born.

Business slowly declined over the years though remaining one of the best kept secrets for connoisseurs in Paris who loyally sought the divine teas from the original Avenue Niel workshops.  In 2003 Kusmi Tea was sold to the Orebi family and since that moment has enjoyed a worldwide renaissance with not only the classics for which the name is renowned, but also new, exciting blends.

Today's giveaway falls into the unequivocal category of "new and exciting."  Welcome to the Kusmi Tea Wellness Collection of five delicious blends that promise spiritual, mental, emotional and physical well-being, all presented in the most divine -- read collectible/reusable -- multi-colored tin baroque-style boxes.

The promise is simple, a wellness tea "for every moment in life," to whit:

1.) Detox: Helps us face the morning after the night before, recover after an overly indulgent meal or to jump-start a diet. "The cleansing benefits of Detox purify the body and mind."

2.) Sweet Love: Adds a touch of spice to a romantic evening or will help win the heart of a new love interest. "The special blend awakens the senses."

3.) Be Cool: Helps us unwind after a hectic, stressful, non-stop day. "The gentle blend relaxes the body and immerses the mind in an exquisite world of opulent relaxation."

4.) Boost: If you feel your energy has hit an all-time low and you need a pick-me-up, Boost will bring you back to life with its stimulating qualities.

5.) Algothe: Blended to strengthen the body against daily attacks of stress, pollution, changes in temperatures, etc. We are told "there is nothing like an Algothe mineral trace element cure to restore one to full health."

Et voila, that's the story.

Next week I'll tell you more specifically about the recipes of the blends. Until then, here are the simple rules: Just tell me you would like to win the giveaway.

One of my close advisers suggested a clever spin on the game: If you "like" me on my new Facebook page as well, you double your chances. I promise you, this self-promotion bit is not a blatant attempt to make me the most popular girl on the block. In time you'll understand. Until then. . .thank you, thank you, thank you.

I'll have my daughter draw your names from a hat and will announce the winner a week from today.