Designed and handmade in their Auckland studio, Georigia Jay hand selects premium dead-stock leathers from New Zealand, Italy and Germany – a choice that repurposes materials and reinforces their commitment to sustainable sourcing. With a beautiful range of bags and accessories, Georgia Jay is handmade to love and to last.
Originating from a passion in high-end fashion, Willow Collective feature collections of contemporary, delicate and eye-catching pieces. All of their jewellery is designed in New Zealand and they are stocked in over 25 boutiques across the country.
Renee Boyd is a West Auckland ceramist known for her crisp and delicate designs. Her vases, planters, wall sculptures, cups and bowls are handmade before being glazed and painted to perfection.
FLORA was established to help educate and influence the community on sustainable living through the knowledge of plants and the eco-system. Their Grow Kits are made using a range of sustainable and bio-degradable products and include everything needed to start a mini garden – from kitchen herbs, to cut flowers and cocktail garnishes!
AWWA's inclusive, ethical range of period underwear aims to reconnect women to their cycles, while caring for our bodies and the earth. AWWA is revolutionising the way women menstruate by empowering and giving confidence to people of all shapes, sizes and cultures with their range of sustainable, innovative products.
Stem Home Store are believers of conscious goods for every day life. Their Organic Lavender and Chamomile Eye Pillows are made from traceable linen, and can be used for sleep and relaxation, yoga + meditation, or for relief of headaches.
Accessory label Sophie Store are sellers of functional, cool and simple jewellery, hats, scarves and leather goods. Thoughtfully designed and easy-to-wear, Sophie Store's pieces are made using quality materials and beautiful craftsmanship.
Designed in New Zealand, La Tribe believes in bringing a fresh, bohemian vibe to every day. Available in a range of colours, their ethically sourced 100% sheepkin slippers are perfect for snuggling up in the coming winter months.
We couldn't leave ourselves off the list! Our beautifully soft drawstring bags of tea make for the perfect gift for tea lovers. Each Sampler Bag contains 2 tea temples each of Runaway Rose, Kapow, Minty Ohm and Lightning Green.
We recently sat down with Vic Books to discuss all things tea and to shed a little light on who we are and what we do.
One particular question that we at Libertine Blends are asked frequently is are tea bags compostable?
]]>As the world leans further into a more eco-conscious state of being, many of us are beginning to question how healthy the products that we’re consuming are for our planet. More and more of us are wanting to know what’s really in our products, how they are made, and whether they can be responsibly disposed of afterwards.
One particular question that we at Libertine Blends are asked frequently is are tea bags compostable?
We are happy to report that Libertine Blends tea temples are commercially compostable and biodegradable. But, as a general rule of thumb, the majority of tea bags you’ll find in supermarkets are not compostable or fully biodegradable.
Standard teabags contain elements of polypropylene plastic, which are added to the bags during the heat sealing process. These thermoplastics are food-grade, but they don’t break down easily once they are returned to nature.
Indulging in a cup of tea doesn’t have to be bad for our planet, however. Libertine Blend’s tea bags are made from 100% Non-GMO sugarcane and are certified commercially compostable and biodegradable. Our NeoSoilon tea bags are the newest teabag technology currently available and are made from Polylactic Acid (PLA) which is a bioplastic derived directly from non-genetically modified sugarcane.
We realise that being commercially compostable doesn’t solve the problem of wanting to compost your tea bags at home. However, as the majority of our customers are cafe’s who have commercial waste systems in place (Kai to Compost, Organic Waste Management, Kai Cycle), we feel we are doing our small part in the world by providing this option.
If you’re ever in doubt about which tea manufacturer is and isn’t compostable or biodegradable, remember that the tea leaves within your tea bags can always be composted. Simply remove the tea leaves from the bag and pour into your compost (or straight into your garden) and dispose of the empty teabag in your general household waste.
If you’re still unsure or wary of plastics, the number one way we tea drinkers can completely cut-out plastic waste in our tea is by switching to loose-leaf. With a strainer or tea filters, we can all say goodbye to any nasties in our cups of tea, knowing the goodness we are drinking is also good for the planet.
Do you have any more questions about our NeoSoilon tea bags? Leave a comment below or get in touch via email, or Instagram!
]]>Down a quiet laneway, Egmont St Eatery is like a hidden gem for those who know where to look. It used to be an inner-city carpark, but was reimagined by owner Simon Pepping in 2015 into a modern eatery. Now it is multi-leveled and filled with light - and zero trace of carpark vibes.
Our connection to Egmont St Eatery began as locals. Jacqui and I were sitting outside on a cool summer’s evening when, over a glass of Chardonnay, she told me that she was off to London and asked me to step in on the ground (I said yes of course, being fresh out of uni, I was giddy with wine and new possibilities).
A year later, our connection to Egmont St Eatery has moved to a stockist-supplier relationship. Their menu revolves with the seasons, changing with what’s fresh and seasonally available, and is filled with a raft local stockists - Urban Shoots, Wairarapa Eco Farm, Nela's Chai Syrup and lots of local breweries. We are so so proud to be on there.
Most of all, we relish their joy of food and flavour. Chelsey Perkins, one of Egmont’s managers, is the resident mixologist and has been mixing up some fun and fresh bevs with our tea. Almost whenever I pop by, Chelsey has a new tea-infused delight to sample - last time was a cocktail made with elderflower and lychee liqueur, Runaway Rose syrup and fresh lime. She recently created a Runaway Rose iced tea syrup which we've been running on all summer. Lucky for us (and you guys!) she was more than happy to share the recipe.
Click here for ultra refreshment.
]]>Meet Annemieke, our Auckland sales rep. She's a former Cantabrian living in the City of Sails, and has the coolest CV, from nannying for high profile New Zealanders to working as a checkout chick last summer at her favourite Coromandel Beach supermarket. She's high energy and loves to be on the go, meeting people and seeing new faces, so you'll be sure to see her spreading the tea love around!
Three words your friends would use to to describe you
Loyal
Bubbly
Thoughtful
Moments that have shaped who you are today
Sorting out my deceased father's possessions - realising life is about keeping it simple, love & happiness over having 'stuff'
Spending time overseas and realising New Zealand is not perfect but certainly, the most wonderful place on this planet to live
Getting a tattoo and realising I have this for life!
Three things you do to show yourself love
This is a work in progress and I do try and be understanding, kind and thoughtful to others - it's not always about me!
Words you live by
Honesty & Integrity
Quickfire time! This or that?
Dawn: Duvet / Up & at it - both!
Breakfast: Sweet / Savoury
Chill choices: Novel / Netflix
Pets: Puppies / Kittens
Travels: NY / London
Antipodean: North Island / South Island
Tea: Black / Herbal
After dinner treat: Chocolate / Cheese
Vege out with...: Friends / Sex and the City
TV personality: Oprah / Ellen
Girl’s night: Pride and Prejudice / Bridget Jones’ Diary
Style icon: Kate Middleton / Kim K
Take-out tea: Sushi / Pizza
Fave LB blend?
Toss between Minty Ohm & Runaway Rose
]]>As a child, I remember making cards and presents for every Mother's Day... a beaded bracelet, paper necklace or painting. There is so much love that goes into a handmade creation.
At LBHQ we're not one to pass on a commercial opportunity, but often Mother’s Day can be so tacky, so we started brainstorming – what can we offer that is really special? What would we want to give our mums to represent the uniqueness of our creative childhood gifts?
A beautiful mug to drink beautiful tea from is one of life's simple joys, so we searched for ceramics that we loved. Looking to our networks of other small NZ business doing great things, we found Renee Boyd, who works exclusively with clay from her West Auckland Studio.
Renee describes her style as delicate and minimal – treading the fine line between simple, timeless design, and unique pieces that have character and presence. It was the match we were looking for.
We are now offering a specially priced tea set for Mother’s Day – a Renee Boyd Stoneware Mug and a pack of Runaway Rose Tea.
Priced at $40 for the set, including delivery. Order by the 8th May for delivery directly to your Mum.
What is Valentine’s Day is for? We ran a poll on Instagram and most of us thought of Valentine’s Day as just another marketing tactic. Chocolate hearts, overpriced roses… yup, you know the drill.
But the romantic in us sees that behind all of this *stuff*, it’s a day for love; to celebrate those in your life who make your heart full.
]]>Last week we hosted a Valentine’s Calligraphy workshop with Natasha, the woman behind Linskill Lettering, a modern calligraphy company.
When we thought about how Libertine celebrates Valentine’s Day this year we came back to the question – What is Valentine’s Day is for? We ran a poll on Instagram and most of us thought of Valentine’s Day as just another marketing tactic. Chocolate hearts, overpriced roses… yup, you know the drill.
But the romantic in us sees that behind all of this *stuff*, it’s a day for love; to celebrate those in your life who make your heart full.
With this in mind, we put people at the heart of our Valentine’s Day campaign. We partnered with Natasha (who we’ve quietly admired for a while - if you haven’t checked out her work, you should) and held an evening to learn calligraphy, create love notes for friends and family, and leave with a goodie bag full of tea to share a cuppa (or many) with someone special.
For us, the highlight was watching people at the workshop embrace the experience – sharing the highs and lows of their day, their calligraphy journey (a learning curve for all!), and the peaceful energy of the room. Simple moments of joy between strangers who became friends, and connections made over cups and cups of our very own Libertine Blends.
For us, this is what Valentine’s Day is about.
X LB
]]>Shelley Empson, Director of Cali Press NZ
Any moment with my son Van is cherished, but one particularly special one from this year was walking with him on his first ever day at school. I’ll never forget the look on his little face – he was so happy, proud and excited about this next big step. I’m so grateful every time I do the school run, that I’m able to drop him off and pick him up, and that he still holds my hand! These small but special moments are the most important to me, and the ones that make our lives so beautiful. @shelleyempson @calipress.nz
Maxine Scheckter, Owner and Chef at Sugar Flour
A special moment for me this year was a month or so after Sugar Flour opened, and a few articles started to go round about us, all of a sudden it seemed to explode, and there were queues of people wanting to try my food.
Looking over the counter and seeing a restaurant full of people enjoying my pastries was the most surreal and gratifying moments of my life by far, and without a doubt one of the highlights of the year. @maxinescheckter @sugar.flour.welly
Amy Alexander, Partnerships at posBoss & Co-Founder of J.M.R Cocktail & Co
In a year filled with adventure and a very busy work schedule between the two companies, my moment is all about unplugging and making time for myself. I have taken to waking up early and hitting the beach before anyone is awake. Without the distraction of my phone, traffic or people, I can focus on the wind, water and surrounding sounds. When I get home & make that first cuppa I have a sense of calm and oddly enough, a dash of pride at making myself go regardless of some often unforgiving weather. @amy_brie @jmrandco @posbosshq
Jackie Lee Morrison, Owner of Lashings
This last February I married my partner of 6 years on our 6 year anniversary. The moment I hold most dear was when I walked down the "aisle" (actually a hill) with my dad towards my husband, our friends and family watching me. Because we didn't have a traditional wedding and instead got married at a winery, this meant that I got to have a really nice relaxed chat with my dad, which was perfect. We talked about what it was like for his last child to get married ("a bit weird") and - since the marquee was blocking my husband - we speculated jokingly about whether or not he was there! As we got to the bottom of the hill I could see our friends grinning at me, and as I entered the marquee I finally saw my husband, waiting, smiling, relaxed, and I temporarily forgot that there was anybody else there. @jaxies @lashingsfood
Sara Quilter, Founder + CEO of Tailor Skincare
In 2018 I went Stand Up Paddle boarding in the middle of Lyall Bay with my Mini Schnauzer Loui (he has his own life jacket for this purpose). I started singing "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles in my loudest and not particularly best voice while Loui stood there howling. It didn't matter that we both looked like salty sea dogs, and what we sounded like or what anyone else thought. It was a moment of pure inhibition and joy. @sara_lhani_que @tailorskincare
Anna Threadgill, Business Manager at Libertine Blends
My moment for 2018 was at my graduation. Standing side-stage as my classmates collected their degrees, my heart felt so full. In that moment, all of the highs and lows of the last four years came together and I realised that it wasn't really the grades or academic achievement that mattered - it was that I'd shared this experience with a beautiful and amazingly talented group of people. (That and, of course, the wave of relief!). @Anna_threadgill @libertineblends
Brenda Goulding, Auckland Tea Ambassador at Libertine Blends
My highlight of 2018 was taking my daughter Sarah to World of Wearable Arts 30th Anniversary Show in Wellington. We had a wonderful hotel stay, met Anna in person for the first time and caught up with friends to see the show. It exceeded all my expectations, a phenomenal example of so much talent and hard work. It was a very special couple of days.@gouldingbrenda @libertineblends
Jacqui Wales, founder of Libertine Blends
A special moment I hold dear is swimming in the sea off the south coast of England. It was rainy and a bit chilly, but it made me feel so alive and so proud because I was scared but I did it anyway. After I dried and dressed I went to a hipster vintage shop and bought a minty ohm coloured cashmere sweater to keep me warm (I'd never owned cashmere anything before, it felt quite the treat). I still get a little buzz when I wear it. @jaxwales @libertineblends
And that’s a wrap! LB over and out for another year xx
]]>Shelley is a Functional Nutritionist and health detective at heart. She's passionate about seeing the change from what we put in our bodies - which is why we wanted to grab her thoughts on exactly what 'detox' means...
As a Functional Nutritionist in the Wellington CBD, I know that many of my clients are busy people and it’s my job to make it easy for them to find their best health possible. I see my role as a Functional Nutritionist as educating clients and bringing awareness, because when you have awareness you are empowered to make choices to support your body the best you can.
But, let’s be honest. Most of us lead busy lives these days and that’s just how it is. Where we can, we need to simplify our lives and support our bodies so we can all enjoy the best health possible.
While I don’t like to alarm clients and friends and family about the state of our environment these days, I’m sure all of us area already awar e of how much more we’re being exposed to toxins, pollution, chemicals, synthetic substances, prescription drugs, and mould.
Whether you work in an office where you’re exposed to lights all day, a stay at home mum with children who want to play barefoot outside on grass that has been sprayed with chemicals, or a student drinking coffee from a take-away coffee cup, it’s hard to avoid the toxins we’re being exposed to.
Gaining the knowledge to help support your body in supporting your organs so you can be in optimal health is about being empowered. Did you know that your liver is responsible for clearing out all the toxins in your body? Our livers are powerhouses and most of us don’t even realise it.
My focus in clinic is to always look at how clients can use diet and nutrition to support their organs and their body. Which is why I was delighted when Libertine Blends formulated their own detox tea, because now clients can support their livers daily in a very easy way. The blend is a mix of dandelion root, milk thistle, nettle leaf, cinnamon, liquorice and peppermint.
No supplements required, no extra work. With just a cup of tea each day, you can now support your liver to help it deal with the daily load of toxins. Of course, if your liver is really congested or you have a chronic health condition, this is not enough. But for dealing with the daily exposure of toxins, this new tea blend gives your liver the love it needs.
Sometimes we think of detox as being a big thing that we need to do for a length of time, but we need to realise it’s a daily thing. Every day, we need to help our body detox its system. When our bodies are filled with toxins, it’s the cause of daily stress for our bodies, it puts us into our sympathetic, autonomic state (stress state), while we want to be parasympathetic (rest, digest, detox). Anything we can do to bring down the internal stress is good for our systems.
That brings me to another reason I love this tea; it’s called exhale, so as you build this tea ritual into your daily habits (and remember, optimal health is just a bunch of easy daily habits that have become routines), take a deep breath and a longer exhale and welcome that feeling of being in your parasympathetic state. Life looks so much better when our bodies are in this state, this is when we can find our flow.
So, brew your tea, get ready to love your liver and take that deep breath and support your whole autonomic system at the same time.
XX
We sell Exhale online – order a 2-bag sample, 15-bag or 40g pack or a 50-bag pack here.
More information on Shelley www.shelleygawith.com; instagram / facebook as @shelleygawithfn
]]>We call ourselves Libertine Blends. ‘Libertine’ for short, and actually more accurately. Because even though we’re all about the tea (especially the good stuff), we’re even more about a set of values and living the life of a Libertine.
Meaning what, exactly?
To be a Libertine is to have a lust for life. It’s simple things, like playing music you love, or filling a vase with fresh flowers—but being fully aware of your senses in these moments. It’s about switching off the auto-pilot and finding joy in what’s around you: like in the sound of the music, or the colour of the flowers.
Which is why we love tea, really, because tea is such a sensual pleasure. Think about it: the look of leaves infusing, the enticing smell, the touch of a warm mug and delicate taste of each herb. Warming you on a cool day and cooling you in the heat. Soothing and calming, uplifting and energising—tea touches all our senses.
But tuning out the noise and tuning into our senses… it’s easier said than done, we know! So we made these little pins to be tiny reminders to live in each moment. Pop one on your collar, your bag, your favourite sweater, and come on over to the Libertine way of life.
Think you’re a Libertine? Grab one of our newly released pins and rep a Libertine lifestyle with us, a little reminder to enjoy the pleasures of every day.
]]>Meet Laetitia. She’s a qualified herbalist, yoga enthusiast and aspiring weaver. She’s also the woman behind our newest blend, Exhale.
Since the early days, Laetitia has been our go-to contact for the native kawakawa and mānuka that we use in Kapow and Minty Ohm. Even over email, we clicked. Both having respect for the healing power of plants and cheeky sense of humours!
Now a newly-initiated Wellingtonian, Laetitia is our resident herbalist. As you’ll start to see a lot more of her work, we thought we’d give her a proper introduction...
Three words your friends would use to to describe you
Grounded
Empathetic
Silly
One moment that have shaped who you are today
I worked on a superyacht in the Caribbean for 3 years in my mid-20s — I’d just come out of five years studying law at Otago. One day it just clicked that I should be doing herbal medicine. I booked my flight back to New Zealand en route to the airport!
Three things you do to show yourself love
A walk outside. I love to go along the South Coast of Wellington — it’s blimin’ windy so blows out the cobwebs like nothing else.
A cup of tea or a bath — or both?
A laugh with a good friend.
Words you live by
If it’s meant to happen, it’ll happen.
Quickfire time! This or that?
Dawn: Duvet / Up & at it
Breakfast: Sweet / Savoury
Chill choices: Novel / Netflix
Antipodean: North Island / South Island
Tea: Black / Herbal
After dinner treat: Chocolate / Cheese
Vege out with...: Friends / Sex and the City
TV personality: Oprah / Ellen I haven’t had a TV in years.
Girl’s night: Pride and Prejudice / Bridget Jones’ Diary
Style icon: Kate Middleton / Kim K
Take-out tea: Sushi / Pizza Are we talking lunch or dinner here?
Fave LB blend?
Despite my loyalties to Exhale, I’m gonna have to say Kapow.
]]>At Libertine Blends, we believe there’s real power in listening to your body. All too often, though, life gets in the way and our minds override: pushing us not to pause for a breath when we’re stressed out, or egging us on to have another Creme Egg when our belly is already bursting (because Easter only comes once a year, right?).
Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder to listen and be kinder to our insides. Exhale, our newest blend, is just that.
It’s our first therapeutic blend. Combining six healing herbs – dandelion root, milk thistle, nettle leaf, peppermint, cinnamon, and liquorice – the blend works to relieve the stress on your system by supporting the digestive and detoxification processes. The dandelion root and milk thistle encourage the production of bile and support the health of the liver, while the nettle leaf aids the body in eliminating waste. The peppermint, liquorice and cinnamon work to soothe and ease digestion, and give this blend a beautiful, natural sweetness.
Exhale is designed to cleanse, restore balance, and bring renewed energy. With each sip, this delicate herbal blend is lending your body a hand, helping it to do what it does best: look after you.
It’s not a quick fix; it’s a gentle stepping-stone to better habits. Give yourself time to reflect and reset. Learn to consume slowly and mindfully, and feel your body respond to the goodness.
A few delicious sips in, a long, gentle exhale out...
Exhale was created for the crew at Cali Press, a health cafe offering nutritious and delicious food and beverages. Cali Press offer 1, 2 and 3 day cleanses to rejuvenate and give your digestive system a rest. Exhale tea is the perfect complement to your Cali Press cleanse experience.
We sell Exhale online – order a 2-bag sample, 15-bag or 40g pack or a 50-bag pack here.
]]>A summer survival tip for tea lovers: cold brew.
It’s simple, no-fuss, but oh so refreshing.
Like all good things, the magic of cold brew takes time. Infusing in cool water overnight is a gentle process, giving our organic herbs and botanicals the time to really come out of their shell. Allow them time to feel comfortable, and the delicate flavours of our blends positively shine.
Cold brew requires a little more planning ahead than your standard cup of tea— but we know it’s totally worth it. And because a jug of cold-brewed LB will stay fresh in the fridge for three days, you can prepare a batch knowing that Mother Nature should manage a few hot & sticky summer days in that time (especially with the way our summer’s going!).
Of all our blends, we’ve found that cold-brewed Runaway Rose is the biggest crowd-pleaser among friends and family. The rose and lavender give a light, floral flavour, while the elderflower and vanilla offer a natural honey-like sweetness — a great sugar-free alternative to juice. Satisfyingly natural and organic, it’s pure LB goodness.
See below for the 3-step recipe.
Makes 8C / 2L.
5 minutes prep, 8 hours infusing.
You’ll need —
Steps —
Tips —
Have you tried LB cold brew? Leave us a comment below or tag @libertineblends in your Instagram.
]]>If you’re looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, we’ve got you covered. Our range of premium, organic blends are beautifully packaged into tea temples, making for a healthy and delicious treat – whether you’re on the go or enjoying a quiet moment, simply pop a tea temple into your favourite mug for a gorgeous brew in minutes. And as each blend is enriched with unique herbal properties, a gift of Libertine tea is truly personal to your friends and family…
Here’s our guide to gifting tea, the Libertine way.
For the dreamer – Minty Ohm
Minty Ohm is a refreshing blend to ground the soul, great for deep thinkers, dreamers and yoga lovers. The native mānuka and lemon balm are a calming super-duo, and the fresh fragrance of peppermint and stimulating qualities of rosemary help the mind to focus. Take a sip and enjoy a meditative moment. Inhale, exhale, ohmmmmm.
For the gentle giver – Runaway Rose
For those who deserve a bit of pampering, Runaway Rose is the perfect blend. Delicate and nourishing, the heady heart notes of rose – the ultimate soothing botanical – shine through for a relaxed and restful sleep. Truly our kindest (and most popular!) blend, Runaway Rose makes a thoughtful gift for new mamas and brides to be.
For the go-getter – Kapow
Punchy and powerful, Kapow is a great match for those who are always on the go. The bold blend of kawakawa, chilli, lemongrass and cardamom packs a satisfying punch, the perfect natural pick-me-up for anyone who tends to exceed their caffeine quota on the daily. And with antibacterial and antiviral properties, your Kapow brew will ensure that nothing slows you down, having the energy to get the most out of every day.
For the overachiever – Lightning Green
A delicious sencha green, Lightning Green will be a sure favourite with green tea fans, and with anyone who has ambitious goals and an intense focus. Blended with ginkgo biloba, this blend is designed to increase alertness, with the light caffeine lift leaving you feeling bright, alive, and inspired.
If in doubt, keep it simple: you can’t go wrong with one of our Sampler boxes. A selection of our unique range, it’s perfect for anyone who loves to try a bit of everything.
Order online, and your gift will be lovingly wrapped in tissue with a handwritten note attached – just let us know your personal message in the checkout notes and we’ll take care of the rest.
]]>With the weather warming up and work winding down, summer is finally here – which means that another year is coming to a close. Now’s the time to take a breath and reflect on the last 11 months – both the highs and the lows – and appreciate every beautiful soul who’s been along for the ride.
Here at Libertine Blends, we like to farewell the year with something special. Our new Libertine Minis are available in four of our fab blends, Minty Ohm, Runaway Rose, Lightning Green and Luxe Grey. Each mini includes an individual tea temple and a uplifting message printed on a card with a touch of luxe metallic detailing.
These minis are all about appreciation – for your sister, best friend, coworker, teacher, or any tea lover who’s made a positive impact in your life this year, big or small. Personal and healthy, they’re the perfect way to give someone a lift. Pop one in a card (or a stocking), or wrap a set four to gift a moment of pure Libertine kindness.
Keep a few Libertine Minis on hand, in your handbag or around the house and always be prepared for those unexpected gifting moments.
Libertine Minis are available in packs of four or ten. Click here to shop online.
We know first-hand about the kind of bravery and hard work that goes into taking a risk to create something new – which is why we’re proud to partner with CreativeMornings, supporting the awesome bunch of creatives who come along each week, as well as Alise, the Wellington host, who has singlehandedly pioneered this inspiring event in Wellington.
On the morning of the last Friday of every month, the smell of freshly-infused Libertine tea infuses the room of the Wellington BizDojo. Alongside other local favourites, Coffee Supreme, Antipodes Water and Almighty Juice, we help to caffeinate the capital’s creatives at the Wellington chapter of CreativeMornings – a monthly morning lecture series.
In October, we celebrated one year of CreativeMornings in Wellington. Quite fittingly, the global theme for the month was ‘pioneer’, featuring local guest-speaker, Dan Newman (Head of Koordinates and self-professed map enthusiast).
Dan described a pioneer as someone with insistent curiosity – someone who goes beyond expectation, widening the boundaries and opening up new possibilities in life. But whether discovering uncharted lands or exploring new ideas, we typically picture a pioneer as someone who ‘goes it alone’.
The theme seemed to really resonate with those in the room. Driven by a personal sense of purpose and passion, creative work can often become isolating (speaking from experience here!). CreativeMornings provides a space for creatives to connect with one another, to build a community by sharing support, encouragement, celebration and inspiration.
Pioneering is not just about external discovery, but, as CreativeMornings put rather nicely, it is about having the courage to act on internal, immutable desires to create work that matters.
At Libertine Blends, we know first-hand about the courage required to take a risk to create something new. Since launching with our Kapow tea in 2014, our journey has been fuelled by ambition and curiosity. While it hasn’t always been easy, the support we’ve received – from our stockists, customers, and creative peers – has continually inspired us to do the work we do.
For Alise, setting up CreativeMornings in Wellington involved a lengthy application process, and the work to keep the series running month to month is constant. But her passion for this project pays off: get 100 creatives in one room and you can feel the infectious energy – inspiring one another, inspiring change.
CreativeMornings is a free event, welcoming creatives of all types on the last Friday of each and every month. Click here to find your nearest CreativeMornings, or if you’re in Wellington, join the mailing list for the latest updates and we’ll look forward to seeing you at the next event for some Libertine love!
Image credits Edgeline Photography.
]]>Meet Gabs, our Operations Manager. She’s been part of the team since the beginning, and she’s the ultimate planner: lining up our schedules, communicating with the team and running the blend sessions at LBHQ.
We love the energy that she brings to the blending table: a blend with Gabs is never without a healthy debate or two!
Three words your friends would use to to describe you
Bold
Quick-witted
Loyal
Three moments that have shaped who you are today
After high school, I travelled to India to teach English in a school for four months. Waking up in Takdah, I would spend my mornings with a cup of local tea looking out towards the mountains… a view I won’t ever forget.
My first Anthropology paper at Vic Uni was all about civil conflict and reconciliation. Fresh out of home, it really opened my eyes and got me thinking outside of the little bubble I had been living in for the previous 18 years!
Moving into my first flat, I felt a real sense of newfound freedom. Not only the freedom to create my own physical space (my room is the classic fairy-light/pot-plant aesthetic), but also to find my own space as an individual.
Three things you do to show yourself love
If I know work is going to be particularly hectic that day, I’ll treat myself to breakfast from the cafe next door: my go-to is a mocha and a bacon & egg muffin. How can you beat a good runny yolk?
Working in an office, I’ve come to really appreciate Vit D! On my weekends, I love to find a patch of sunlight, close my eyes for a bit and just soak up the sun’s rays.
After a long day, I’ll snuggle up with something I’ve been wanting to watch. Lately, I’ve been hooked on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Words you live by
The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.
Travels: NY / London
Antipodean: North Island / South Island
Tea: Black / Herbal
After dinner treat: Chocolate / Cheese
Vege out with...: Friends / Sex and the City
TV personality: Oprah / EllenGirl’s night: Pride and Prejudice / Bridget Jones’ Diary
Style icon: Kate Middleton / Kim K
Take-out tea Sushi / Pizza
Fave LB blend?
It’s gotta be Kapow! I go through phases of each of our blends (right now I’m loving Luxe Grey) but I always come back to Kapow.
Behind the scenes at LB HQ, we've been working hard on extending our range to complement our existing blends. Having taken the time to source the best organic ingredients, and test for quality and consistency in our blends, we’re finally ready... and excited to announce the arrival of two new black teas which are available exclusively in cafes: Roxy Black, a bright and brisk breakfast tea blend, and Luxe Grey, a classic earl grey tea.
Our thinking is that by making these blends exclusive to cafes, a staple tea becomes a special treat. Something a little bit fancy for those cherished moments we spend among friends.
But first, a bit about the blends...
When Queen Anne requested hot tea rather than the customary ale with her morning meal, little did she realise her preference would be so game-changing. Three hundred years later, the breakfast blend still holds a regal position on the breakfast table. Our own Roxy Black is steeped in tradition, a blend of Assam tea which is infused with full-bodied flavour. From the Greek Roxanē and the Persian
Roschana, meaning “dawn of day”, Roxy Black is designed to bring joy to every dawn, nicely complementing a cooked or continental breakfast. And with a dash of milk, the breakfast blend smells delightfully similar to warm toast and honey… mmm, comforting and caffeinating.
Luxe Grey joins the LB range as our very own earl grey blend. Legend has it that when Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey and former British Prime Minister, was on a diplomatic mission in China, he saved the life of a Chinese nobleman, and in return, the nobleman gifted him a recipe for black tea scented with oil of bergamot - Earl Grey tea - which became the Earl’s blend of choice. Our premium Luxe Grey blend carries itself with the same elegance and charm as it once did in aristocratic homes and European drawing rooms. Blended with uplifting bergamot, the Sri Lankan black tea has an unmistakable citrusy aroma which lifts this blend right out of the cup. Fragrant and flavourful, Luxe Grey is a treasure and our most refreshing afternoon tea.
Take these two classic blends, add them to our existing collection, and what do you get? A full range of organic, handcrafted tea, guaranteed to tickle any tastebud. Our own take on staple black teas, Roxy Black and Luxe Grey will fit easily into our well-loved range of bold herbals and punchy sencha green.
And what’s even better? Our fan base is pumped about the new arrivals. We've even got thumbs up for our breakfast tea from several Brits - possibly the ultimate compliment!
We’re really looking forward to working with more hospitality operators around the country.
Read more about wholesaling Libertine>
View our black teas – available to by online
Roxy Black Breakfast>
Earl Grey Luxe>
But when life calls, sometimes it can be difficult to find time in the mid-week morning. Something as simple as a KeepCup can help to restore balance to a busy routine.
]]>But when life calls, sometimes it can be difficult to find time in the mid-week morning. Something as simple as a KeepCup can help to restore balance to a busy routine. Making a brew to take with you out the door means that you can truly savour that first morning hot drink, whether it’s part of the school run, or the commute to the office. And with the luxury to sip on the move, a KeepCup helps to delay the morning coffee until after breakfast, which is a great way to buffer the mid-morning caffeine crash!
Taking a KeepCup on the go is the perfect way to stay hydrated too – and a stylish reminder to make sure to look after yourself. We’ve even found that on a frosty winter morning, a KeepCup can double as a matching accessory to a chunky knit scarf and beanie. As touch-screen technology requires our fingers to be free, a KeepCup is a convenient glove substitute and toasty hand-warmer – with your fingers wrapped around the glass cup, you can soak in the emanating warmth as well as taking care of your emails. It’s all about that balance, baby!
Purpose-built for on-the-go use, the KeepCup exudes café class. The tempered soda lime glass of the cup is made to keep hot drinks hot, and adds that bit of luxe which is often missing from a standard reusable cup. As sturdy as a thermos, as functional as a ceramic mug, and a lot better for the environment than a paper cup, the KeepCup takes a stylish view of sustainability.
KeepCups have become a staple at our blending sessions at Libertine Blends HQ. Before doing anything else, we each choose our favourite blend to sip on. We love KeepCups so much that we even have our own colourways designed to match each of our teas.
When it comes to life’s pleasures, we know that it’s the little things that make a difference. Check out our range of KeepCups today.
KeepCup and tea photography by Devanga Wanigasinghe @d.e.v.w
]]>Spotlight on Kawakawa: Kawakawa is one of the most distinctive New Zealand native plants. It was one of the most important medicinal healing herbs in traditional Maori herbal medicine, widely used as treatments for stomach pains and indigestion. It also has gentle stimulated and rejuvenating properties. A powerful addition to Kapow!
Why I love Kapow
I find Kapow to be a wonderful fusion of herbs that work to strengthen digestion and naturally boost energy levels. I have incorporated the tea into my evening routine - I've found that brewing a fresh mug after dinner really helps with my digestion. It is a great way to 'round-off' the day too - signal to the body that it is time to transition into the rest and repair phase.
Being winter, the antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of Kapow are fantastic to stave off those unwanted bugs. Staying healthy in the colder months in more ways than one very much helps you build up this immunity too.
Additionally, I've always been a late-night snacker, a habit that I'm actively breaking not only with my diet but lifestyle choices. Brewing a mug of Kapow tea straight after eating gives time for my leptin satiety hormone to kick in and tell my brain that I'm satisfied and don't need any more snacks. (Jax note, I totally agree with this, Kapow is my absolute after dinner fav)
To find out more about Charlie and how she drinks Kapow you can read her full article on The Healthy Factory Blog.
It’s a highlight of running Libertine – working with women who are building a business, making, creating, learning and are generous with their time (and treats).