Sun Tea

Growing up

My mom always made sun tea in the summer.  I never really drank it as a kid but now that I’m older, I ❤️ it!  It’s a wonderful alternative to drinking water and it keeps me hydrated.   I keep it unsweetened so it is still healthy.   I use either Lipton or Luzianne black tea brands – I’m not partial to one or the other.  My secret ingredient is mojito mint leaves, which I add after the sun tea is made when I put the tea in the refrigerator.

Several years ago, my girlfriends and I took a girls trip to Nashville, TN.  We stayed at Aloft Nashville West End hotel, and explored the city and the nightlife.  Some of our daytime outings were to various antique shops throughout the city. 

What a find!

I found this Sun Tea jar for $5, it was perfect.  It came with a lid that doesn’t quite screw on and it doesn’t close well (I don’t think it belonged to this jar), but it works good enough.  Now I can make my own Sun Tea!  I usually have a pitcher of tea in the fridge throughout the spring, summer and fall.  Fortunately, the caffeine doesn’t affect me too much so I can have a glass or 2 with dinner.

How to Make Sun Tea:

1. Fill jar with water
2. Add 6 – 8 bags of tea
3. Set in sun for ~6 hours 
4. Remove tea bags
5. Pour into pitcher and add 10 – 15 mint leaves
6. Best if refrigerated over night

Ah, so refreshing!

Antiquing Recommendations

While I was fortunate, and just stumbled across the Sun Tea jar, most of the time, I like to have a “list” or several items that I’m looking for.  Otherwise, it is so overwhelming that you may end up buying something you don’t want or need.

For example, I have my eye out for wooden cracking salt and pepper shakers.  I know that I can go to Amazon or Target and buy them now but 1) I’m practicing self-control and patience to not just buy whatever I want NOW and 2) they are fairly expensive so I want to find a deal.

👀 for a deal

This brings me to my next point:  if you have a plan for what you are looking for, you can research pricing and determine what you want to pay.  Many antique stores are priced well but sometimes things can be more expensive so be shrewd. I like to be frugal and wise with 💰. 

Generally I don’t negotiate or haggle over price because I already know I’m getting a good deal.  Plus, I like to support local, small businesses. 

⏳️ keeps ticking away

If you are going antiquing, plan for more time than you think.  Most of these stores are jam packed with goodies in all sort of corners throughout the buildings.  I like to find several consignment shops in similar locations and make a day or ½ day out of it to hit several shops.  If this is the case, then I like to bring my water bottle and a few snacks so I don’t get hangry 🙃!

What do you think?

Do you have any other tips for going antiquing?  What is your favorite consignment find?  Please share your wisdom in the comments below!  Happy Shopping!

– Kara from Zeke Life

Live like Zeke
You’re such a good boy!

#WagYourTail Wednesday

What’s “Wag Your Tail” Wednesday?  It’s when I highlight things I love so much that if I was Zeke, I’d have a helicopter tail! Almost as good as meeting a chipmunk for the 1st time!