I have been an avid tea drinker since high school. While I do enjoy a good cup of coffee as well, tea is always my go-to drink.

Here are some of my favorite teas:

Mountain Rose Herbs – Firefly Chai
This is a red rooibos tea combined with chai spices. Since there is no caffeine, this is one of my favorites to have in the evenings as my day slowly unwinds.

Mountain Rose Herbs – Pollinator Tea
An interesting blend of different flowers, this herbal tea is another caffeine-free option that I enjoy. Since it’s relatively inexpensive and does not become bitter when brewed for too long, this is a great tea for making ice tea in the summer.

Mountain Rose Herbs – Green Sunrise Tea
An interesting blend including green tea and chamomile, this is one of my favorites to make in the morning.

Tea Haus – Earl Grey Imperior
A classic earl grey tea with a stronger bergamot oil taste than most other earl greys.

Guayaki – Yerba Mate
Although not my favorite in taste, this is one of my favorites for the energy it gives me. It helps me focus, without the jittery feeling caffeine can create. It’s found at most grocery stores as well!

As a child, I was never a fan of reading, but over time I became to like it more. I love reading non-fiction because I am increasingly fueled by new knowledge and perspectives. Below are some of the books I’ve read recently that have had a significant impact on me.

High Performance Habits – Brendon Burchard

Although this book is partially intended to help sell some of Brendon’s products and conferences, there is still a ton of value to be gained from this book. I find myself referencing the six habits often when trying to increase my productivity or well-being. I plan on re-reading soon.

The Six Pillars of Self Esteem – Nathaniel Branden

I’m currently in the process of reading this book, so I can’t speak to the whole thing, but even so far it has been incredibly insightful on ways I can improve my wellbeing and insights into motivations and fears that I wasn’t fully aware of their source.

The Slight Edge – Jeff Olson

The purpose of this book is to engrain one simple concept into your mind: growth happens slowly over time, and the small choices we make add up. Unfortunately, the book is pretty repetitive, however, that’s what’s needed to drive this point home. For someone looking at self-improvement, this is a perfect place to start.

The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg

You probably have never realized how much of your life is done out of habit until you read this book. Habits are incredibly powerful tools, and this book will arm you with the knowledge to use them for your benefit and not your detriment.

Native Son – Richard Wright

Dark and intriguing, I have re-read this book several times, despite it not being an (emotionally) easy read, and every time have always come away with new thoughts, feelings, and ideas about life.

I Will Teach You To Be Rich – Ramit Sethi

A great book with a horrible title. I’ve never really struggled with finances, but being a freelancer there are always ups and downs, and this book gave practices and tools to help combat that, make the most of my finances, create better mindsets around money, and realize the best way for me to spend (and save!).

The Rest is Noise – Alex Ross

For anyone interested in learning about the composers of the 20th Century, this should be the first place you look. Informational, yet the inclusion of so many anecdotes makes it an entertaining and easy read.

Processing Creativity – Jesse Cannon

A short but excellent book from someone who has worked just about every job in the music industry, this book is a practical and insightful guide for writing alone or with others.

The DIY Guide to Getting More Fans – Jesse Cannon

This is a large book, almost more of an encyclopedia than a guide, this book covers everything one should and could do to grow a fanbase. Anyone serious about having a career as a musician should own a copy.