Leaves, Life and Love http://www.bampi.ca The story of a running reader who likes to drink tea posterous.com Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:46:46 -0800 I think I need a holiday for this many books! http://www.bampi.ca/i-think-i-need-a-holiday-for-this-many-books http://www.bampi.ca/i-think-i-need-a-holiday-for-this-many-books
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:06:00 -0800 My new read, thanks for the recommendation @1benu. (it's not available on the kindle, so I'm going old school!) http://www.bampi.ca/my-new-read-thanks-for-the-recommendation-1be http://www.bampi.ca/my-new-read-thanks-for-the-recommendation-1be
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:50:36 -0700 Sunflower #seenonmyrun http://www.bampi.ca/sunflower-seenonmyrun http://www.bampi.ca/sunflower-seenonmyrun
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:58:00 -0700 A Reason to Listen to Your Body http://www.bampi.ca/a-reason-to-listen-to-your-body http://www.bampi.ca/a-reason-to-listen-to-your-body

During the Montreal Oasis Marathon on Sunday a male participant unfortunatly dies of a heart attack just before the half way point. The press hasn't released his name, my heart goes out to his family and friends.

http://www.theprovince.com/health/Runner+death+Montreal+casts+pall+over+marathons+everywhere/5461330/story.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:47:00 -0700 Black Raspberry from Teaquent Stop in Bellingham WA http://www.bampi.ca/black-raspberry-from-teaquent-stop-in-belling http://www.bampi.ca/black-raspberry-from-teaquent-stop-in-belling

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I've walked past this shop in Bellingham a few times, but I have never been in until yesterday. I wouldn't say that they had a huge selection of tea that wasn't flavoured, but they had a good selection of black teas. All of the teas are on a display in small containers so you can smell and see the leaf. My one issue with this, is how fresh is the sample in comparison to the tea that they give you? Nonetheless I picked up some Black Raspberry and some White Peach. I did ask where the white tea orginiated from, but the assistant wasn't too sure. 

So, the tea. 1 teaspoon for 6 minutes worth of steeping with a dash of milk added after led to a lovely cup of tea with a hint of raspberry that wasn't over powering, but had a nice after taste.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:24:00 -0700 Grouse Grind - Round Two http://www.bampi.ca/grouse-grind-round-two http://www.bampi.ca/grouse-grind-round-two

Saturday morning, a good playlist on my iPod, a bottle of water, an energy gel and a waterproof jacket helped me complete the Grouse Grind in 1:05 in the rain! 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:17:17 -0700 New Mugs http://www.bampi.ca/new-mugs http://www.bampi.ca/new-mugs
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Sounds silly, but I've been doing a bit of reading lately about how you should drink your tea. From what I've been seeing and from personal experience there are a few simple tips to go by in order to get the most out of your loose leaf tea.
  • Use filtered water, the reason for this is to make sure there is little fluoride and other impurities that can be found in you water. These additives may affect the flavour of your brew. I have been looking at a filtered kettle, but I can't seem to find one in Canada. If you need to add water to cool your tea, add filtered water.
  • Use the one mug for tea and one for coffee. It doesn't matter how many times and how well you wash your mugs I have found that drinking tea out of a mug that I have coffee in can affect the flavour of the tea. I can sometimes taste the strong coffee flavour, and I don't want that when I'm supping a flavourful rooibos. I recently was in Starbucks and saw these cute mugs (see pic above). There were only three left, so I picked up two of them specifically for tea drinking. At the moment I have been using my tea for life mug, which is only good for one cup, and as I often make my other half a cup as well, I often have to make a pot of tea when I don't necessarily want to. 
  • Use A teaspoon measure. Tea needs to be measured by accuracy otherwise it may be too strong, or not strong enough.
  • Have the right temperature of the water. Most teas will say on there label how hot to have the water. I have full intension of making a post at a later date with guidelines for the perfect boiling temps.
I hope these help you enjoy your favourite brew!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:30:00 -0700 Ban the Tea Ball (Sometimes) http://www.bampi.ca/ban-the-tea-ball-sometimes http://www.bampi.ca/ban-the-tea-ball-sometimes

I'm starting to notice more and more places selling mesh or stainless steal devices that hold enough tea leaves to make a cup of your favourite brew. This to some extent is true, but I would like to tell you where the tea ball originated from. 

Back in the 19th century drinking tea became a big past time for the English, it still is today. As trends always occur, people always look for a more 'fashionable' way of showing they have style and the tea ball was one of those ways. Black tea was the tea to drink in the mid 19th Century, and by the time Queen Elizabeth was crowned EVERYONE drank tea, and every respectable house would have a ball infuser. My thing with these balls is that they were invented to help steep black tea. During the time period when the balls became fashionable Western people were mainly drinking fine cut 'orange pekoe' (a form of black leaf) the tea that is generally used in store bought pre-made tea bags. This leaf is very small and steeps very easily, split open a bag of PG Tips if you want to see for yourself. As the tea bag was not readily available at this time the tea ball enabled drinkers to take their favourite black tea with them on the move without having to worry about taking anything else other than a cup and saucer.
To attempt to brew any other tea in this device would be a shame. A lot of larger leaved teas, such as a Royal Red Robe Oolong with large individually plucked leaves, would just not steep to there full potential as you are restricting the movement of the leaf. A Ball infuser may seem like a good idea for being on the go, or at the office, but the mesh disposable bags are better for that quick cup of your favourite White Fujian giving it room to breathe and time for you to enjoy the aroma. There is a time and a place to use a tea ball, and that time would be for a quick cup of Twinnings English Breakfast tea, brewed just the way Queen Elizabeth would've wanted. 
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:24:00 -0700 Pumpkin Chai http://www.bampi.ca/pumpkin-chai http://www.bampi.ca/pumpkin-chai

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We all know when summers over we start to see all the pumpkin treats on offer in the stores and this Pumpkin Chai is no expection. Black tea with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, caramel and pumpkin pieces with pumpkin candy is a nice reminder of why we should love Autumn as a season of flavors, not fear it as a sign that summer has ended. 1 1/2 tsp for 6 mins was just about the right steep time for me with a splash of milk and a good book takes you straight into the Autumnal feel that September has...however, if you looked out my window today you'd think it was mid July, the sun is blazing. Nothing will stop me from drinking this tea though.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:46:00 -0700 Read My Lips http://www.bampi.ca/read-my-lips http://www.bampi.ca/read-my-lips

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I was never quite sure on the idea of chocolate tea. Chocolate with a cup of black tea is always good, but chocolate in tea was another thing until I tried this. 'Read My Lips' from David's Tea is a combination of black china tea, vanilla, peppermint, chocolate and red
peppercorns with little red candy lips. Yes, it has little cut out lips in the tea with give the leaves a burst of colour. The little blue/grey drops of chocolate give it that sweetness with out the sickly after taste of consuming a whole bar of Dairy Milk. The
recommended steep is 1.5 tsp with boiling water for 4-6 minutes. As with all black teas I always add a drop of milk, I'm not brave enough
for the strong taste of black tea straight up! A 50g bag can be picked up from David's Tea for $6.50. A small price to pay for a minty chocolate sweet tea that will go with and chocolate bar, if that's your type of thing. ;)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:17:00 -0700 My rehydration routine http://www.bampi.ca/my-rehydration-routine http://www.bampi.ca/my-rehydration-routine

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I don't like to take a bottle of water with me when running, in all honesty I can't be bothered to hold it. I used to take one when I first started, but now i opt to carry a few dollars on me as I always run on sidewalks so a gas station or supermarket are never too far away.
It was when I started practicing yoga that the instructor suggested soluble Vitamin C for post class rehydration to help balance out electrolytes. This was especially important as I was practicing hot yoga and was sweating enough to fill a paddling pool!
After doing some research I also found that Vitamin D3's were supposed to help runners recover and recuperate energy levels. As I run outside I find the D3's also help my energy levels on the days I don't get out in the sun.
After a good run I always have one 1000mg soluble Vitamin C (I've taken to Emergen-C at the moment for the ease of carrying sachets) and I take 2000 IU Vitamin D3.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:14:00 -0700 Mexican Pizza http://www.bampi.ca/mexican-pizza http://www.bampi.ca/mexican-pizza

Pizza

I love these, and they re so quick to make!
Ingredients:
2 whole wheat tortillas
1 medium tomato, chopped and de-seaded (your choice as to what type, I prefer vine)
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro/coriander
1tsp lime juice
1 jalapeño, chopped and de-seaded
1/ 2 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup of low fat shredded cheese (I like the mozzarella and cheddar mix)

1. Turn oven on to 400F or 200C.
2. Mix the tomato, lime juice, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño in a bowl and put to the side.
3. Place tortilla in oven on baking sheet and parchment paper for 3 mins, remove from oven.
4. Divide tomato mix onto both tortillas leaving a small gap around the edge to act like the crust.
5. Divide the beans between both tortillas.
6. Divide the cheese between both tortillas.
7. Place back in the oven for approximately 6 minutes or until cheese is melted and tortillas are turning brown.
8.Serve and enjoy

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:13:00 -0700 The Grouse Grind http://www.bampi.ca/the-grouse-grind http://www.bampi.ca/the-grouse-grind

Gg

http://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind

This the the Grouse Grind, a 2.9 km walk straight up a North Shore mountain consisting of 2,830 steps. It has the nickname of "Mother Nature's Stair Master" and will make the strongest of people sweat. Me and a friend decided it was time we took on the challenge, after all it's a kind of Vancouverite tradition. We started off with a regular paced walk, having a chat and a catch up, but by the half way point we weren't so chatty. Most people were stopping to have there photo taken with the half way sign, not us, we had to carry on, only because I said "If we stop now, I won't carry on!" in a joking manner, but I think there was some element of truth there! ;)
3/4 of the way was a lot further than we though. We saw a "3/4" painted on one of the trees and assumed that was the 3/4 point, with the end in sight (or so we thought) we continued on for another 15 minutes when we saw the official 3/4 sign...this was not fun anymore it was PAIN!
The last 1/4 of the walk would not of been possible if it wasn't for my friend, we encouraged each other to keep going by saving up a little bit of energy so we could speak. On the way we met a n older lady, about 75, who told us she was just "having a little rest" with not a bead of sweat on her head. She told us that she did the Grind every week to stay fit....WOW!
1:22 was the time we completed it in. Covered in sweat with just a small drop of water left in my bottle and very weak legs I turned to my friend and said "Fancy doing it again next week?"

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:47:00 -0700 Buttered Rum Organic Black Tea http://www.bampi.ca/buttered-rum-organic-black-tea-ready-to-be-in http://www.bampi.ca/buttered-rum-organic-black-tea-ready-to-be-in

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With toasted coconut and vanilla beans combined with black tea I am certainly looking forward to enjoying a cup. It has a 'holiday' kind of sent as it steeps. Mixed with darm rum, brown sugar and a dash of milk is supposed to help bring out the inner pirate. So arrr me hearties 'tis a bargin for $6.50 for 50g from David's Tea

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:14:00 -0700 The scenery on my run makes me smile http://www.bampi.ca/the-scenery-on-my-run-males-me-smile http://www.bampi.ca/the-scenery-on-my-run-males-me-smile

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:10:29 -0700 However, it's all down hill at the end. I feel like I'm flying! http://www.bampi.ca/however-its-all-down-hill-at-the-end-i-feel-l http://www.bampi.ca/however-its-all-down-hill-at-the-end-i-feel-l
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:08:48 -0700 My worst enemy when out on my run. Two steep inclines http://www.bampi.ca/my-worst-enemy-when-out-on-my-run-two-steep-i http://www.bampi.ca/my-worst-enemy-when-out-on-my-run-two-steep-i
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Thu, 04 Aug 2011 09:56:00 -0700 I got a Sweet Indulgence set from @DavidsTea for my birthday! http://www.bampi.ca/i-got-a-sweet-indulgence-set-from-davidstea-f http://www.bampi.ca/i-got-a-sweet-indulgence-set-from-davidstea-f

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I tried the Life Long Oolong today. It's got hints of peach which just make it even more yummy! The containers hold about two teaspoon of tea, so it's good as a sampler, but could possibly do with two portions so you can try again to make sure you like it. Sometimes a double steep just doesn't work out.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:30:32 -0700 Even my HRM wishes me a happy birthday! Thanks Polar. http://www.bampi.ca/even-my-hrm-wishes-me-a-happy-birthday-thanks http://www.bampi.ca/even-my-hrm-wishes-me-a-happy-birthday-thanks
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:55:52 -0700 Caterpillar was crawling across my path. I let him by obviously. http://www.bampi.ca/caterpillar-was-crawling-across-my-path-i-let http://www.bampi.ca/caterpillar-was-crawling-across-my-path-i-let
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/471698/Avatar.png http://posterous.com/users/hN50rcGsG Bampi Bampi