How do you solve a problem like Maria? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? Many a thing you know you’d like tell her. But how do you make her stay?…

…Why you sit in the sun with her and indulge in tea and conversation. One incredibly fortunate interviewer for USA Today spent time with Julie Andrews, known for her leading roles in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, to discuss her new book, Home: A Memoir of My Early Years.

In 1998, after throat surgery damaged her vocal cords, she turned from singing to writing as her main creative outlet. Ms. Andrews always had a love for the craft, publishing her first children’s book, Mandy, in 1971 under the name Julie Andrews Edwards. It seemed this was to be a second opportunity for expressing herself.

Julie spoke eloquently and openly about her early life and career. She chatted about her latest book, the arduous process of writing it, and to the interviewer’s delight, Ms. Andrews also provided tea bags. She prepared the tea — declining to sweeten her own — and proved without a doubt that grace, charm, and tea continue to be a timeless combination.

It happens every year — we think to ourselves: Is it Labor Day already? Although traditionally thought of as the symbolic end of summer, Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday in September since the 1880s as a federally recognized “day off” honoring American workers.

What are your plans this Labor Day? Perhaps attending a traditional end of the summer barbecue? Taking one last dip in the ocean before heading home? Traveling to New York City where the first Labor Day Parade was held? Maybe you’ll catch some of the 43rd annual Muscular Dystrophy Telethon hosted by Jerry Lewis? We recently spoke about this event, and Muscular Dystrophy in relation to green tea, in our blog, Raise a Cup or Seven to Green Tea Health and Hope.

Whatever your plans, before you begin putting most of your white clothes away, be sure to relax with a tall, cool glass of your favorite iced tea! For great iced tea recipe ideas, go here.

Green Tea Fruit Medley Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 cup water
3 Bigelow® Green Tea Bags (can use any flavored green tea)
1 cup fresh berries, choose from raspberries, blueberries,or strawberries
¼ cup pineapple juice
½ cup vanilla yogurt
½ cup ice cubes

Instructions:
Prepare tea by steeping 3 Bigelow® Green Tea Bags in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Squeeze out bags and discard.

Combine tea and remaining ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Enjoy this anti-oxidant drink instead of coffee.

Yield: Makes 4 – 6 oz drinks. Prep time: 5 minutes.