Things can get pretty stressful over the silly season and between gift shopping and planning Christmas lunch there’s barely time to sit back and enjoy a few quiet moments to yourself. For some people, chilling out might come in the form of quality conversation with friends, for others it can involve an afternoon nap. But for me it involves two simple things – music and tea.

Legend has it that the ancient Chinese used to drink tea whilst listening to music, as they believed that it brought harmony to your heart and relaxed your body. Add a double-wick honeysuckle candle and a bit of John Keats to the mix and you’ll never want the pot to end.

I thought I’d share some of my favourite blends with you.

Liquorice Legs mixed with Norah Jones’ Come Away with Me
One of the smoothest herbal teas I’ve ever tasted, your first sips will sink slowly to the swirl of Norah’s silky lyrics. Rug up with a book or simply close your eyes and float away. When absorbed together they feel like a blanket of calm. Goes perfectly with dimmer switches and/or your special someone.

Choc Chip Chai mixed with Billie Holiday’s The Blues are Brewin’
There’s just something about a warm Chai blended with vanilla soy milk and honey that evokes a kind of flavour-chic which only the voice of Miss Holiday can match. Brewed to be savoured sip by sip, don’t forget to spoil yourself with some Tim Tams and Monte Carlos on the side. Goes nicely with any Audrey Hepburn flick or Truman Capote novella.

Iced Fruitalicious mixed with Angus & Julia Stone’s Santa Monica Dream
While your Fruitalicious is cooling in the fridge, take a leisurely stroll to your local organic fruit store and pick up some fresh mint leaves, blueberries and cranberry juice. Before you prepare the perfect summer cocktail, kick off your shoes and put on this chilled out tune. If you take the time to stop and chat to friendly faces on the way home it will make your afternoon even sweeter. Goes great with a purchase from the florist.

Sydney Breakfast mixed with Boy & Bear’s Feeding Line
If you’re not the type to sit around then this is the perfect driving combination to kick-start any adventure in the Harbour City. Fill up your tea flask with this coppery black, jump in the car and spin this song on repeat. With a long lasting and lively flavour it matches perfectly with the folk hooks and electric riffs from this years ARIA champions. Just make sure you pull over when the sensory overload hits!

Do you have any musical mixes you can recommend? I’d love to hear them. Until next time, sip back, relax and smile.

Tym Yee, T2 Hornsby.