Tag Archives: Celestial Seasonings

The Magic of Tea

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Some things just get better with age, with time, and with anything.  Change is constant, constant is constant.  What is will always be, moving in form, through form, and out of form.   And all that other metaphysical, cosmic, and uplifting stuff that sounds good on the surface, but doesn’t always register or resonate.

But often times it does.

Celestial Seasonings is worthy of all the praise, all the lauding, and all the love I can bestow upon it.    It’s only been a few months (all my stories can be found here) since the last time, but it honestly feels like so long ago.  So much has happened that it feels like it;s been ages.  And in a way that’s ok.

As time is moving rapidly, it also feels slow.  I know we’re in late July and that may feel sad for some (I’m one of them), yet there’s still plenty of the summer, the season, and of course life to celebrate.

They just continue to dazzle and impress with all their amazing flavors and newest creations.   Some seem to have passed me by via limited release, but nevertheless, there’s plenty of good to share with you.

And I’m grateful to be sharing two summery and wonderful blends with you now.

The Watermelon Lime Zinger and the Tangerine Orange are the kinds of teas I should have started having back in the Spring, but here we are, and it’s never too late and it’s no time like well….

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I’ll start with the latter.   The blend of tangerines, oranges, passionfruit, and hibiscus creates a masterful looking tea, and that pinkish-reddish color makes it all the more a picturesque sight.

For my own edification and maybe yours too, I made both teas hot and iced, and the results are exciting.  Yes I found the discoveries to be a bit of a surprise, but it all leans towards the positive.

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Yet I enjoyed the tangerine orange heated over chilled.  I feel the iced version lost a little bit of its flavor.  Maybe I put too much ice, maybe my taste buds and mood were altered a bit, but I’m going to lean and say that this just feels right under higher temperatures.

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The Watermelon Lime is even that much more spectacular.  It’s good iced or hot, and the flavors remain.  This tastes even more like summer and I can’t get enough of it.  If I had to pick one, I would go with this, but you can’t go wrong (and it’s all right and amazing) with either.

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It tastes like candy, it tastes naturally sweet, and it taste like it’s from somewhere or something bigger than us.  I know that’s a bit much, but I felt transformed and felt rejuvenated.   Like I said, these are the teas I should be having more often and what I grew up on.

These are the teas that have helped this blog and helped me learn more about tea, learn more about myself, and to just feel good in general.  Tea is good, tea is fun, and tea is so beautiful.

I took my time sipping as I took my time writing this.  There’s moments where I feel like, is this all worth it?  And the answer is yes. The answer is still yes.  It will always be yes.

Celestial Seasonings teas are easy to find, at a store near you, and are quite affordable, for under $3, and even less than that in many places.  In a world where teas are going up in price, for what may or may not be higher quality, Celestial Seasonings has been that constant and consistent brand that you can trust, depend on, and will always be there for you.

It’s always been there for me.

Where do we go from here?  There’s so many flavors and so many styles I could tap into.  And I just might.

I just might.

Peace as always be with you.

Ideen

Spring In Your Step

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As the title might imply, I’m waiting.  A lot of us are waiting.  Depending on where you are in the country or in the world, you’re waiting for the weather to break.  This might be an extended April Fools joke.  No, I won’t go for that.

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What isn’t a joke is the the Organic Cinnamon Cardamom from the new Teahouse Organic Collection from one of my favorites, Celestial Seasonings.

For more on their teas, you can purchase them online, or at a store near you, and finally my long storied love of their teas can be found here.

I’m grateful to a friend for sending me information and a visual on this tea, because who knows when I would have discovered it, or ever gotten around to it.

The answer is now.

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My favorite teas are the ones that pack up so much that involve so little.  All this tea contains is in the title, organic cinnamon and organic cardamom.

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You know when you have a sense of how good a tea is going to be, before you even open it?  That packaging evokes positive energy, spirit, and healing.  Which is what is always needed, even if isn’t actually needed it.

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Right now I can only speak for myself, but I can use all the spiritual healing I can get.

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The sun is trying to show itself,  it really is.  I know we’re waiting.  It changes so many things.  The sun peaking its head here and there is such a tease.  It’s a sign of hopefully good things to come, but I want more.  I know many of us want more.

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Looking at the teacup half full, grey skies make for the best pictures.  So there’s that.  I’m happy with how mine turned out.

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My displays are celebrations of so many things good, including this tea.    In case you didn’t notice, I love animals.  In fact, I adore them.   So both cups on display are ones I’ve used before, but I’m honoring how much I love my cat, and how much she’s been there for me for this ongoing love of tea (and my other blogs, which you can find here and here), and being there for me period.

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She’s laying on my lap as I write this story out.  That makes me feel so happy.  This tea makes me so happy.   The simple blend of cinnamon and cardamom makes both tastes distinct, noticeable, without having one trying to outdo the other.  They work in perfect harmony and concert with one another to make for another perfect tea.   I tend to say that a lot  about teas, and I’ve elaborated on the elaboration in the past but it rings true, this tea is incredible, along the lines of so many teas I’ve had while doing this blog.

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And there’s no right or wrong to that.  I love this tea.  I mean, I really love this tea.  I love it so much.  This celebration of all things good is that step into spring that’s always welcome.  I was about to say needed, but ‘needed’ again sounds like something is lacking, and that’s not what I’m trying to say.   It’s what’s welcomed and what embraced.   I’m feeling the joy, the love, and energy emanating from this tea and the symbols I’ve placed side by side.

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Yes I love dogs too.  The cups and plates are gifts from friends, along with gifts to myself.

This tea is a gift from a friend, from the universe, and from myself.  Which we all are worthy of as much as possible.  In the grayest of times or even the happiest of times it’s always important to appreciate and open yourself up to everything around you.

I’ve been hesitant lately and have this ongoing match in my head about what’s right, what to welcome, and hopefully what fades away.

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This tea and this experience was more about spiritual healing and accepting all that is sacred, and that is good in the universe.  Because there’s so much more than I realize, and will never realize.  But that’s ok.   It’s not about getting there or some journey to destination scenario.   It just is.  I need to just be.

Just be….

Sigh.

 

Ideen

What Will Be…

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In the three plus years I’ve been doing this, there’s several tea brands I’m grateful to have gotten feedback from,  have a working relationship with, or are in constant dialogue with to see how I can expand this thing.  The latter is entirely up to me, and my belief that I can take this to another level.  In my head and my heart I’m already there.  It will manifest itself naturally, organically, and through a strong spirit and belief in abundance, and in myself of course.

I mentioned how I’ve gotten feedback from several companies.  There’s several that resonate but one from Celestial Seasonings still affects me for a variety of reasons.  That post that ties it all together can be found here.

This was based on negative feedback I gave to one of their teas, and they gave me the best gift (during the holidays of course) of having me sample all their teas as a thank you for my honest feedback, and also maybe as a make good.

What made this so special was not only did this give me enough content to last past Christmas and into the new year, but it felt like a validation for all the dedication and effort I’ve put into this blog.  But in a way, at the time, it felt effortless.  I thought after a while, did I peak too soon?  Did I not deserve this kind of praise?  Did I expect more or less than I deserved?  All the questions I should and then I shouldn’t be asking in hindsight.

But because I gave a bad a review a tea, and they wanted me to try a bunch more, it makes me want to buy their teas and support them even further, which I’m doing for sure.  I don’t take that for granted.

At the time I felt grateful, and I still am.  I felt at the time that time stood still, anything is possible, and the universe had big plans for me.

Then maybe I got complacent, too busy, or started taking things for granted.  I honestly don’t know.  All I know is you and I can be our best friend, or otherwise.  Where am I going with all this?

In those two years since there’s maybe been a part of me that is expecting care packages and feedback, when I shouldn’t expect anything.   There’s a different between expectations, presumptions, and a genuine feeling of success.  I’m truly grateful to be able to even write this out, and have an audience (which continues to grow) that enjoy what I’m doing, and want to help me and see it succeed.  That makes me feel good

So in a way, this is an homage, a thank you, and another walk with a tea that’s not only affordable, accessible, but all around awesome.

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The Peppermint Herbal Tea contains just one ingredient.  That’s exactly right.  Does it get any better? Well only if the taste matches the aura that surrounds Celestial Seasonings.  And the answer is yes.

Maybe it was the mood my friend and I were in.  It was just after Christmas, and that still means a time for reflection (as I’m doing now and we were doing just about a month ago), contemplation, confusion, and a lot of other things.

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Yet it’s also time for hope, promise, looking forward to a new year, but also appreciating where we are.

Time, feelings, moments can be fleeting, fickle, and at times all an illusion.

We’re all connected, all energy, and coming from the same source.

I like to think that the good I’ve put out there into the universe has and will continue to be rewarded.  I can only hope this continues, and it will.

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A simple like sipping tea with a friend brings me joy, uplifts me, and gives me the most meaningful stories.  It gives me a sense of purpose.

This is my purpose.

The title of this post is pretty open-ended, and that same goes for most of our lives.  We experience just joy, sometimes sadness, but hopefully more joy, and a lot of adventures along the way.   This adventure is just getting started.

Big things are coming, I can feel it.  But for know I adore this tea, and I suggest you grab yourself some while the weather is cold, and being cozy and comfortable sounds like the best thing ever right now.

To find Celestial Seasonings at a store near you click here, or you can buy them online,  there’s so much to discover, so much to learn,  so much to see, and so many ways to connect.

Finally, here is my growing (and will continue to do so) history of Celestial Seasonings Tea.

2018 is going to be something else.  I don’t know where this year is going, but I have some idea.  It’s good to embrace to unknown, not fear it.  It’s good to be get a sense of things, even if you can’t see it…

Peace and harmony to you.  Peace be with you.

Ideen

 

The Sweetest Harvest

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This will likely be my last tea post before Thanksgiving, and the timing could not have been better.  After my stories that have involved multiple tea reviews in each, I wanted to scale it back down to one.

I wanted it to be as simple as can be.  I wanted it to be as approachable and welcoming as most of my posts are intended to be.

With that, I take back to an old friend, Celestial Seasonings.

I have a relationship with Celestial that goes back a ways.  Two years ago I dedicated the bulk of the holidays to a bunch of their different themed teas (you can find those posts along with my entire Celestial Seasonings archive here).

Here is where you can find them at a store near you, the online buying option, their contact info, and more about this great company in general.

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After all that, a time to talk about the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin has been long overdue and then some.

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While I may have rushed some of my other selections to make it by my self imposed deadlines, this simple and cozy tea was one I chose to take my time with.

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I have to laugh here.  I would likely lose count on the amount of times I’ve raved about a tea, and said oh there’s cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and natural (or artificial haha) flavors of pumpkin and all the joys of fall.  I’m a cheese ball I know.  I get sentimental and partial to the similar styles and ingredients that all these pumpkin teas contain.

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But you know where the difference comes from?  It comes from who provides the tea, and the soul behind it.  If it’s a company you’ve been sipping from for years, you’re going to have a bias.  And even if the teas aren’t always up to par, you’ll give a certain company the benefit of the doubt over the other.  How I’m writing this might make it seem like I’m going to cover up how I feel about this tea.

No, I love this tea.  And the other major difference besides my love for Celestial Seasonings is the addition of Stevia.  You may have heard of it.

It enhances this black tea with pumpkin (and yes all the joys of fall) combination to a different place.  I must say I truly like this, but it makes me wonder how the tea would taste without it.   Or have I missed the boat, and do all these teas use Stevia or something similar?  I almost feel lost here.

Well no need to beat myself up.  I’m going with the belief and education that this is just a tad different than the other pumpkin selections I’ve had the pleasure of drinking.  But because the taste is so pronounced, was this sweetener needed?

And that’s it for the serious questions.   I’m a fan of this tea and a have of what they’re all about.  Their brand is one of my go to’s in my house.  I’ll drink their teas even if they don’t apply to the season or weather.

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This leads me to my display that I’m quite proud of.  I threw some things together and I think it came out alright.  It’s another in the transition from one season to another, but not really.  This holiday season, at least for me, has blended together a lot better than I remember.

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I choose to be oblivious of the commercial and superficial part of the holidays.   For me, what’s most important, at any time of year, is focusing on the simple, the joyous, and the good.  Those are all synonyms of each other, and that’s my point.   This time of year is a time to reflect and appreciate all that you have, and all that you have.  You see what I’m saying?  I’m talking to myself when I say all this.

It’s the most beautiful and heartening time of year if you let it.  I know, for me at least and many others, it can be harder at times.  But it’s the storms before the calm as I like to say.

This tea is my calm.  This week will be a mix of storms and calms, with a whole bunch of food, people, and parties thrown in.  But this tea is my calm.

The representations of these beautiful dogs are my calm.   I always like to focus on the simple, but something is hitting me right now to be a little more humbled and appreciative than usual.   Ah this time of year.

I love this tea, and the fact that I’ve been afforded this opportunity to deviate from my weekly post speaks to the amount of amazing autumn and holiday teas there are.

This is going to continue, with what schedule I don’t know.   As I write all this I realize I’m going away from the living in the moment, being here now, and being where I am.

This is where I’ll go back to having my cup of the sweetest harvest pumpkin, and being in awe of my tribute to my animal friends, and all the other things that make me happy.

I’m happy that one cup of tea and the place I’m in got me to write so much.   For that I’m grateful.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Ideen

 

 

 

 

Charming Candy Canes

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This post is due in part by a suggestion from a dear friend.  They had mentioned I should compare the Candy Cane Green Tea from Trader Joe’s versus the Candy Cane Lane I reviewed nearly one year ago from Celestial Seasonings.  That review can be found here.

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It felt like weeks, not years ago where I was celebrating holiday themed teas throughout December.  Time flies when you’re having tea I guess.   And this week it’ll be of the decaffeinated variety.

I’ve mentioned it numerous times before.  I don’t believe in coincidences.  I felt like it was meant to write about this and write about this today.  I’m a lover of the holidays and welcome this time of year.  I love that it spring up on us so quickly, but would also like time to slow down so I can enjoy every moment of it.

Trader Joe’s and the holidays have always gone hand-in-hand for me.  Each time I walk into one of their stores I love seeing the flyer items on display, which always coincide with the time of year.   I did grab some sweet treats for display.  I’ll get to that in a bit.

I made it to the tea section and to my pleasant surprise, I found one of the last boxes.   The way the season is going, a lot of items I’ve been looking for are not always available when I want them.   Of course, more tea would resurface with each new shipment, but I, along with so many others adore our holiday themed anything.

My intent was to find a fresh package of Candy Cane Lane so the comparison would be fair and untarnished.  The dilemma was that I actually never bought this tea from the get go. This was a gift from Celestial Seasoning’s as part of an amazing care package after I reviewed another one of their teas, and they sent me a variety of their holiday-themed teas to try and review.   I look back fondly at those times.  And after a search of a few local grocers and shops, I couldn’t find the Candy Cane Lane anywhere.

It didn’t matter because even a year later, the Candy Cane Lane has aged well.  Can a tea age well?  I  think so.  And when the best by date isn’t till late Summer 2017, I think this is a safe comparison.

Where as the Celestial Seasoning’s version is still a pleaser, the Trader Joe’s version tastes just a tad sweeter.  I told my friend that it was like drinking hot liquid peppermint bark. And that’s not an insult.  It tastes like this time of year.  I cherish this time of year.

I literally took photos side-by-side of the two teas from open to final brew.  And if you look closely, the same exact ingredients are in both.  Yet, the Celestial Seasoning’s version seems like it was prepared with just a little more soul and feeling.  Maybe that’s all in my head.

And that’s not to say that TJ’s version is bad.  I actually like it a lot, but it didn’t blow me away like previous Trader Joe’s holiday selections I’ve tried.  But I’m glad it’s part of my tea collection and I’m grateful that Trader Joe’s continues to come up with new teas for me to try.  That’s all I can ask for.

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The Celestial Seasoning’s candy cane tea also seems more balanced.  All the flavors mesh well together and nothing overpowers one where another ingredients gets lost in the shuffle.  That’s where my peppermint comment on the Trader Joe’s version applies.  I feel that sticks out and not much else shines through.  I do taste some cinnamon but not much else.  But that’s being a bit more picky than necessary.  I did both but I’d give the edge to Celestial.

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I incorporated some of the sweet treats I purchased from Trader Joe’s to pair with both.  I have to laugh because in my post from last year you can see one of those same treats.  This may not be the biggest source of serendipity or clairvoyance.  But the holiday spirits and connections are not an accident.  So that makes me feel good.

If you tries these teas, I hope they make you feel good too.  They’re perfect representatives of what this season is all about.

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The packaging on both are hits on all fronts.  The comforting images of animals will always draw people in.

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We got loads of time so I hope more inspirational and spiritual selections will be presented to you, starting next week.

This is my history with Celestial Seasoning’s and Trader Joe’s.  A lot of good stuff for the season can be found there, and is still relevant today.  I get goose bumps looking back on it. Ah the holidays can strike a chord with us in so many ways.

Here’s hoping you’ve been having a happy and blessed holiday season,

Ideen

Thank You Celestial Seasonings

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Three weeks ago I mentioned how Celestial Seasonings sent me a care package of teas revolving around the holidays and winter season.

It was in response to this selection in this post where I said I wasn’t thrilled with it.

Well the last three weeks of recaps showed that one tea was just an aberration. As these teas have all been good-to-great.  And the reviews for those teas can be found here, there, and, everywhere.

Like I stated previously,  Celestial did not pay me or instruct me to automatically praise their teas to the atmosphere.  All views are my own and fortunately I will say they’ve been palatable and exquisite.

This brings us to the Cranberry Vanilla Wonderland.  I saved this one because the others were more in line with a holiday theme which has sadly concluded for 2015.

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Funny how things work out, it does finally feel like winter now in the Baltimore/Washington area.  All it took was for me to write about an apropos named tea and the weather got cold.  Yeah that’s it.

When I first opened the box, the cranberry smell was intoxicating.  Shortly thereafter I got a whiff of the hibiscus and roobios.   I’m guessing those are easier to figure out from experience.  But the cranberry really overpowered everything else.

During the brewing process, the color changed rapidly.  As soon as I poured the boiled water into my cup, it was magic.  And the fragrances were off-the-charts.

I love cranberry.  I especially love it in dry format and this tasted more like drinking it in a heated juice form.  If you think that’s a weird description, well it is. I had my reservations after the first couple of sips but I was won over not soon thereafter.

I enjoyed a little fruit with my tea, as it only seems fit.

I wouldn’t call it my favorite.  But I really like this for the cold and would gladly make it an iced tea during the warmer months ahead.  I don’t want to think too far ahead but it’s something to look forward to.    Brewing methods for this, as well as other teas can be found in at the bottom of each choice.

What is a Juniper Berry?   I got nothing.  And even after researching it, I still don’t have anything.  But it’s listed as an ingredient.   It’s something I will want to delve into again.

I think what frustrates me is I see so many amazing spices and the like listed, and I can’t detect them.   I shouldn’t try this hard but the orange peel, chamomile, and (at times) the vanilla was hard to come by for me. Thankfully, the cinnamon meshed well with the berry. All the more reason I need to brew this again.  A follow-up may be forthcoming, if not then I’ll prepare it in iced-tea form for the Spring as promised.  And I’ll write about it then.   This is compelling.

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I don’t want this to be the end.  I could write about Celestial Seasonings forever.   I am so grateful they sent me this package with a personalized note.  It validates much of what I’m doing.  And I can only hope I will write about them again.  And soon.

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The fact they got in touch with me personally speaks volumes.  I have that much more affection and an affinity for their brand.  It will lead me to purchase more of their teas that I may not have otherwise wanted to or gave a second thought to. Now I’ll be scoping them out at my friendly, neighborhood store habitually.

I will remember this string of teas and posts very fondly.  I intend to sustain these good vibrations as we continue into the new year.

Thank You Kindly,

Ideen

 

 

Gingerbread Goodness

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This will be the last post for the year and there won’t be any end of year recaps.  I’m sentimental but not in that way.

Instead, we’re headed into the homestretch with the Celestial Seasonings portion of the articles.

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The penultimate choice in this collection of seasonal and holiday favorites is the Gingerbread Spice.

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At first this tea didn’t do anything for me.   As always it smelled great upon the opening of the package.  The ginger and cinnamon came out like a house of fire.  I was so eager to brew this thing and get my day started off properly.

It started slow, much like many things in the morning, but it picked up by the moment.   Maybe I’ve been spoiled by some amazing teas by Celestial and other awesome companies.   However, this tea is a grower and deceptively creeps on you after a couple of minutes.

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It’s probably for the better.  Too much cinnamon, too much ginger, and perhaps too much of anything can be counter-productive.  This is a peaceful sipping tea that I took my time with.   But shouldn’t they all be drank in comfort and peace?

As with other cups from other brands, there were times where I got a lot of flavor and some where I got none at all.   This is part of the all encompassing fun with the whole tea drinking experience.  No two sips are exactly the same.   Pretty cool I know.

I must admit the packaging gets me every time.  These two gingerbread friends (or lovebirds?) seem to really be enjoying themselves.  The holidays might be over but they don’t seem to care.

I’ve raved about the designs of their packages before and was glad to see they have a whole section dedicated to their artwork.  This is an enjoyable read.

I just took another sip and this one hit the spot.   With anything, never judge or presume anything initially.   Sometimes things take time to develop and blossom into something extraordinary.  On the contrary, some teas are doomed from the start, but this is not one of them.  This one was some longevity.   It’s a favorite that can be enjoyed into the cold winter months ahead.

What I take from this is a source of comfort and solace.  And that’s sometimes all you can ask for.

With their previous teas, not too many flavors is what helps.  Keeping it simple and knowing what you’re going to get makes this very precious.

A few frosted mini gingerbread join the party but didn’t last too long.  The pairing was perfect.  It’s a cold morning as I write this, so the situation is fitting.

For my previous posts on one one of my favorite tea brands, you can click here, over here, and finally here.

And for a previous ginger tea review, click here.

One last tea from the Celestial Seasonings package is coming.  Have I saved the best for the last?  They’ve all been stand-outs in their own way, so we shall see.

Any general questions about Celestial can hopefully be answered here.

And like in previous posts I have included a link on purchasing teas and a store locator.

I wish you all a great rest of your holiday season.  I know for many it can be full of commotion and go at a frenetic pace.  Hopefully you got to enjoy yourself and will continue to do so into the new year.

Take good care.

Best,

Ideen

Nutcracker So Sweet

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That picture above says it all doesn’t it?

This is not a repeat.   Celestial Seasonings was kind enough to send me an assortment of teas since my post 3 weeks ago.  And  I am honored to be recapping them this week, last week, and a couple more down the line.

The Nutcracker Sweet was an uplifting experience.  Why so wondrous?   Well it was a Christmas gift exchange between some dear friends and myself, which as of this writing concluded a few hours ago.

It’s been a tradition going on for quite a number of years now.  I’ve lost touch but that’s besides the point.  It’s a tradition I’m ecstatic, humbled, and take comfort in being a part of.   I look forward to it every year, more than most dates on the calendar.

No matter how this tea turned out, the event was going to be a success. And in turn everything is going to taste, smell, and feel better.   Fortunately this tea is amazing. It’s a simple black tea with cinnamon and vanilla thrown in to concoct a holiday stroke of genius.

The flavors and tastes come together perfectly.  When I first opened the package the smell hit me like a Christmas Miracle.  That might be a bit dramatic but I think you know what I mean.   And after steeping the aromas and fragrances made me feel warm inside.   I had multiple cups.

The reindeer mug was one of my gifts and that makes he so happy.  How awesome is this?  I am thrilled that I broke my present in with such a glorious refreshment.

And how about that packaging? Doesn’t that capture the spirit of the ballet or performance itself?

Actually I’ve never seen the Nutcracker so I have no idea. But I’m assuming yes?

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Keeping it simple is what  works here.  And our gift exchange echoes those sentiments.  We enjoyed plenty of tasty treats, beverages, libations, and a nice dinner. But to settle our stomachs, a cup of tea was in order, and I couldn’t think of a better tea to serve that purpose.

The caffeine level is also not as high as I thought which is an added bonus. A little bit never hurt anyone though.   And during these hectic holiday times, might be a necessity.

The weather has been slowly turning colder and teas like this can be appreciated it more.   Either sharing with the ones you love or in solitude, you can’t go wrong.   I am grateful I was a part of the former.  The holidays are always better with good company.  And I was with some of the best company.  I am so thankful for that.

If you’re interested in purchasing this tea click here and here is the store locator of where their splendid teas can be found.

It’s Christmas week and every holiday season seems to have a different feel.  This has been a unique one for sure.  The temperatures in the Maryland area had been warmer, people have gotten busier and then others have made themselves more available.

I am grateful to be a part of so many universes, yet we are all one.  This cup of tea has given a certain zen and tranquility I otherwise may not have.  The fellowship of friends heightens that.

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There’s so much good I can say about this but I will let the photos do most of the talking.

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I wish you a happy holiday week and I sincerely hope you get to spend it with the people you love.

Take good care,

Ideen

 

Candy, I Can’t Let You Go

Tea 4 Comments

CandyCaneLane1

Two weeks ago I wrote about a holiday themed tea  from Celestial Seasonings that I wasn’t enamored with.   I was professional, constructive, yet honest in my response.  However, my intent is never to be so bullish and over-the-top that my sincerity gets mired in negativity.

I like to think that’s part of why they got in touch with me and sent me a bunch of holiday teas for me to try.

I want to make perfectly clear, they did not pay me or coerce me in any way to write about their products or to automatically give rave reviews to their products. These opinions are my own and always will be.

Fortunately, the tea this week needs no nudging or coaxing from anybody to sing its praises.

The Candy Cane Lane is an absolute joy and what I expect from a top-tier tea company such as Celestial.

As a strange aside, I had no idea it was a green tea, or a decaffeinated one for that matter, until I double-checked the box.  This tasted like a great peppermint treasure with a passionate dose of vanilla and hints of cinnamon.

It was so good the photos and brewing process went over two consecutive evenings.  I think that looks so elegant.

There’s a lot of ingredients listed here, and unlike last week, they all come together so elegantly.   I was thrilled to discover that orange peel and blackberry leaves were included as well.  Who would have known?  I couldn’t detect it immediately and never during my sipping.  But hopefully next time.

Man this tea was fun.  And how can you not be drawn to the packaging again?   Those bears seems to be enjoying themselves and the holidays. This is as approachable and attractive as it gets folks.

One question I have, is this what’s in a candy cane itself?  I had no idea. If not, I don’t care.  This is a tea I will surely be enjoying into the early part of next year.

Here in the Mid-Atlantic it’s been charmingly warm and I’m embracing every moment of it.  Even though this may not fit the mood of these teas, one can pretend it’s below freezing or just enjoy the season for what it is.

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I am enjoying another cup at the moment and may brew some again.  It’s the holidays and an excuse to eat till your hearts content but also keeping some balance and composure.

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We enjoyed our cups with some savory snacks such as chocolates, pepper mint pretzel slims and some mini frosted gingerbread men.  I bet you’re thinking too pretty to eat but so good it would be a disservice not to.  I’ll go with the latter. The Rudolph Gummies may have to wait another week.

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I loved it and it looks like the next three weeks will be all about Celestial Seasonings, unless I throw in some bonus posts.  During the holidays that may be a difficult task, but only if I make it as such.  There’s room for everything.

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In the meanwhile, you can lose yourself in their website with tea information here and here.  There’s so much to learn from links like these that I hope to incorporate some of what I’ve learned into future posts.

And if you want to purchase any of their fun teas, click here!

Keep on enjoying the holidays!

Best,

Ideen

 

 

100% Pure Fun

antioxidant, caffeine, decaf, Google, green tea, Tea, Vitamin C, white tea 1 Comment

amazingCov

With the infinite amount of teas out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one to talk about each time.   But, for now, I will continue with the basics.  And that usually means good.

For every 100 teas I have tried, 99 have been good-to-great. So I am sure to stumble upon a weaker one here and there.  But this will not be the week.   I am talking about the repackaged and reinvigorating Celestial Seasonings.

How beautiful is the packaging?  I am sold on this alone.  If you did a Google search on just the images, you would be blown away and amazed by the artistry.  Now how about the tea itself?

This morning I had the Decaf Green Tea, and it’s pure, it’s simple, it’s divine.  The ingredients are green tea, white tea, and Vitamin C for antioxidants.  That’s it!  How great is that?!  On a cold day, like today, it’s soothing and it’s keeping me very mellow.  A no thrills tea that leaves a lasting impression.

There’s a few heartwarming messages on the package as well.  This one has a great quote from the man, along with some cool notes from the Blendmaster.

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Another added charm, is the wrapping, where the bags are waiting to be seeped.  Pretty nice touch.

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I wish I could talk about their teas all day.  I’ve had quite a few and they’ve all been enjoyable.  More reviews of their flavors in forthcoming posts.

I am using my traditional green mug when having a greenish tea.  How great does that look?

Inspiration

And finally, here is some more inspiration:

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I could go on about their tea and presentation all day. The bottom line is, the tea must taste good, or none of this matters. But this is a pleasant, heartwarming, and endearing cup.  I can’t say enough about how good it is.   There is no bells and whistles. It’s just a wonderful thing to sip on, at any time, especially if you’re not looking for caffeine, and want to relax.

Enjoy!

Best,

Ideen