A Cuppa With Anne Ditmeyer

Anne Ditmeyer is a bit undefinable, and I mean that in the best possible way. She juggles so many different projects -- all with her trademark style, wit, humor and grace. I first met Anne through her blog, Pret A Voyager, where she invites others to share their travel stories, tips and triumphs. When I was living in India, I was in another universe, and I was honored to be invited to share some of my experiences through her corner of the interwebs. A lot has changed since we first had tea over 3 years ago (we recently reunited in her home city of Paris, where I photographed her--see above!--at the incredible shop/cafe, Merci), and we've been able to involve each other in personal and professional projects along the way.

Among many other things, Anne's got her own graphic design work boomin, she's traveling like crazy and speaking at blogging conferences, blogging for Design Sponge, writing for magazines such as Anthology and Dwell, and in the midst of it all -- trying to find a new apartment in Paris, her adopted homeland. She certainly deserves a little tea time break!

What is your favorite type of tea and how do you take it? Chai tea. It's best in summer with milk and a bit of sugar and over ice. However, most of the time I find myself drinking the warm version.

How does tea punctuate your day? Typically two cups of Cylean black with milk and sugar in the morning with my oatmeal. (I limit myself to one if I know I'm going to be dealing with French bureaucracy - lots of waiting and bathrooms are much harder to come by!). In the afternoon I'm more likely to have a green tea or a camomile in the evening.

My tea accompaniment of choice is: Oatmeal! I actually tend not to snack when I drink tea if I have one in the afternoon.

The internet or NOVA radio . . . . is on when I'm having tea.

I first started drinking tea when . . . I had a day job. I needed an excuse to get away from my desk, and get going in the morning. When I moved to Europe it really became part of my morning routine. I always would have my tea "straight," but when I went to India I discovered the comforts of a bit of milk and sugar in the morning.

My dream tea party would include . . . . mis-matched tea cups and saucers. My dad used to pick up one for my grandparents when he traveled to new places. I love eclectic and different styles and how each piece can hold a different memory.

When I sip from my tea cup, I . . . feel warm and cosy inside. I am at ease from the stress of the world around me.