Before you think inside the box on Valentine's Day, think outside

the box, and the bag, and give your tea lover something they'll

love you for--the gift of tea.

Tea is a perfect way to say 'I love you'. Instead of the usual

chocolates or flowers, or in addition to, why not give a tea blend

with chocolate, rose petals, or essence of champagne? When you

give the gift of tea you are not only giving something delicious but

something that's beneficial.

Instead of, or with a truffle, wouldn't your tea lover enjoy a tea blend

with dark chocolate pieces and toasted coconut? Go over the top with

a chocolate mint truffle and a hot cup of a blend with organic chocolate

and mint.

Tea has come a long way from the teabag. There are beautiful loose leaf

teas that our creative blenders throughout the country are mixing with

the best of organic ingredients like flowers, fruits and chocolates. Don't

want caffeine? Give a relaxing Valentine with a beautiful blend of the

South African antioxidant-rich Rooibos, combined with currants and

white chocolate.

And, if you are a tea lover yourself, let it be known that a nice way to

say 'I Love You'.. to you.. just might be loose leaf this year!

Diane Walden is co-founder of two retail loose leaf tea companies. She

and her husband, Vern own and manage California Tea & Coffee Brewery

in the Winchester Meadows Plaza in Temecula. The shop is one of the

best rated tea stores in the U.S. according to Tea-Map. The business

website is http://caltcb.com. Diane can be reached at 951-693-5727

with any questions on teas & herbals.