Trader Joe Spiced Chai Mix

Go ahead and take my cookie....but keep your PAWS OFF MY CHAI LATTE!!!

This is great stuff!!!  I am a fan.  I drink it with both water and with milk...either way it is really good!!!

Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix

When quick, sweet, creamy, and spiced are attributes on your agenda, picking up a canister of Trader Joe's Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix should move to the top of your to-do list. Taking its cues from the more traditional, South Asian masala chai, our Chai Latte Mix is a blend of black tea, sugar & honey, and a spice blend that includes cinnamon, clove, cardamon, anise, and ginger. The tea & the spices bring an element of tradition to the mix, but then, the traditional takes a turn in favor of convenience and versatility.
Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix includes milk (hence, the "Latte"), so that when combined with hot water, it mixes to a smooth, creamy consistency you don't find in straight tea. It's delicious hot or cold, making it ideal for this time of year that's not quite summer. When serving it cold, it's best to mix it with hot water, then pour it over ice, to ensure that it mixes smoothly. You can also combine it with ice and whirl in your blender to make a chai "smoothie" that will rival any you'd buy at your local coffee or tea shop.
We're selling each 10 ounce canister for $3.49. There are about seven servings in each canister, making your CPL (that's Cost Per Latte) just under 50¢ - a heck of a lot less expensive than any you'd buy at your local coffee or tea shop, too. You'll find Spicy Chai Tea Latte Mix in our coffee & tea section.


http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article.asp?article_id=1628

SMITH Jasmine Pearls

This green tea is best at 150 degrees! (Although the Smith website recommends this tea at 190, I still did 150)  Do not make the water too hot.  The water temp plays such a huge part in making a great cup of tea.  Seriously!!!  Try it, you will tell a difference if the water is too hot or to cool.

I enjoyed 3 cups of tea from 2 teaspoons of pearls.  Each time to "pearls" opened up a little more.

2 oz loose pack $11.00- Also available in sachets

 http://www.smithtea.com/shop/green/jasmine-pearls

About this Tea

Made from just the bud of the tea bush, this lovely green tea is pan-fired to neutralize the oxidizing enzyme, then hand rolled into tiny pearls and placed amidst just-picked jasmine blossoms for scenting, no less than five times. A transcendent experience.

Ingredients
Full leaf China green tea scented with jasmine blossoms.

Preparation
For best flavor, bring freshly drawn filtered water to 190 degrees. Steep three minutes. Flash a pearly smile

When I was at the Smith store, the lady recommended that I wash the pearls before I make a cup of tea.  She said that it will make it better cup of tea.  That was great to know!!! 

Tea cards....

I love my mom's cards!!!!  When I have my own tea shop, I will FOR SURE sell her "tea" cards in it!!!!

Yes, this stamp says coffee, but with out the stamped words- it would be a cute tea card

Okay, so this maybe hot coco, I tell myself it is chai!!!!

Kolbeh with Perisan Tea

http://kolbehpdx.com/

While in Washington with my sister we visisted this Lebanese restuatant.  It was good, not outstanding, but good.  I asked for tea- thinking they may have something fun.  She said that they had a persian tea, I got all exited to try it.  Boy, was I disappointed, it tasted like any other boring black tea.  This is not something I would run out and try again.  The food was good- nothing wrong with it, but just not what I was thinking.  My sister said last time she was there the buffet was completely different, so I am sure it varies, I probaly just was there on a day when they did not have things that interested me.  I did like the humus and the fun cilantro dish that is pictured above though.

Conveniently located across from PCC Sylvania on Capitol Highway and just minutes from I-5. Kolbeh's excuisite food is the talk of the town with an amazing selection of Middle Eastern & Mediterranean flavors.

Our address is:
11830 SW Kerr Parkway
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
CALL: 503.245.1662

This might be my new FAVORITE tea...it is at least in the top 5!!!!!  I love it. 

It smells so wonderful.  Hints of mint with a lovely lavender scent.

Be sure to heat you water to 212 for herbal tea

I am for sure re-cycling this tea!!!  I think once I enjoy two cups of tea I will shake the tea out of the steeper, let the tea dry and then use it in a bath!!!  (is that weird?)  I just love the smell.

the flavor of this tea is incredible!!!  Let me say right now, it DOES NOT taste like potpourri!!  The flavors blend so well together.  The mint and the lavender do not fight for attention they taste so great.  I also had a cup turn cold, and the flavor was still great!  I may need to make a pitcher of ice tea with this tea very soon!

Lavender Mint Tea: Willakenzie Lavender   http://www.willakenzielavender.com/Willakenzie_Lavender/About.html                       19700 NW Adcock Road, Yamhill, Oregon 97148 info@willakenzielavender.com For a surprisingly delightful experience try our Lavender Mint Tea, from Willakenzie Lavender. The essential oils from culinary grade Gros Bleu lavender add a delightful flavor and aroma to this fine blend of peppermint and spearmint tea.

 

DIRECTIONS to WILLAKENZIE LAVENDER :

Head west on Highway 99W toward Newberg.  Continue on Highway 99W into Newberg.  At the west end of Newberg, turn right off of 99W onto Highway 240.  There are prominent signs for “Highway 240 – Yamhill.”  Take Highway 240 to the city of Yamhill.  Highway 240 terminates in Yamhill, at Highway 47.  This is the center of the small town of Yamhill.  Turn right onto Highway 47.

Go about six blocks to the edge of town.  Immediately, before Highway 47 takes a severe right hand jog, there will be a prominent sign for Pike Rd. on your left.  Take this left hand turn. You will be turning onto Pike Rd., though there is no good signage for Pike Rd.  You will only be on Pike Rd. for about 300 feet before you take a hard right onto Adcock Rd.  Drive slowly because Adcock Road comes up quickly.

Go down Adcock Road, past Bony Road.  WILLAKENZIE LAVENDER will be on your right.  It sits atop a knoll on twenty acres of grass hay and lavender.  If you have trouble finding us or get lost please call us at 503.662.4297 and we’ll help you get here

Neti Pot is NOT a tea pot!!!!

If you see a small, blue, plastic, tea pot looking thing on a counter of a friends house, DO NOT MAKE TEA IN IT!!!  This a neti pot, used to clear you sinuses!!!  Don't worry, I did not use it for tea.  I knew what it was.  I am a huge fan of the Neti Pot.  While at my sisters my neice was using this pot for her allergies.  When I came into the kitchen it made me chuckle to see the Neti Pot sitting by the "tea maker"

here is my Neti Pot

Nasal Saline Irrigation and Neti Pots

If you're one of the millions of Americans dealing with sinus problems, you know how miserable facial pain and clogged nasal passages can be. In their search for relief, many sinus sufferers have turned to nasal saline irrigation, a therapy that uses a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal passages.
Although several methods of nasal irrigation exist, one of the most popular is the Neti pot -- a ceramic or plastic pot that looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin's magic lamp. Although nasal irrigation using the Neti pot has been around for centuries, its use is on the rise in the U.S. The Neti pot originally comes from the Ayurvedic/yoga medical tradition.

Does the Neti Pot Really Work?

Ear, nose, and throat surgeons recommend nasal irrigation with a Neti pot or other method for their patients who've undergone sinus surgery, to clear away crusting in the nasal passages. Many people with sinus symptoms from allergies and environmental irritants also have begun to regularly use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation devices, claiming that these devices alleviate congestion, and facial pain and pressure. Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms when used along with standard sinus treatments. For some people, nasal irrigation may bring relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications.
The basic explanation of how the Neti pot works is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages.
A more biological explanation for how the Neti pot works has to do with tiny, hair-like structures called cilia that line the inside of the nasal and sinus cavities. These cilia wave back and forth to push mucus either to the back of the throat where it can be swallowed, or to the nose to be blown out. Saline solution can help increase the speed and improve coordination of the cilia so that they may more effectively remove the allergens and other irritants that cause sinus problems.

CARIBOU- Mint Verbena with Gloria Jean's Peppermint Mint tea

I have started making iced tea and leaving it in a pitcher in the work fridge.  I just grab what ever herbal tea bags I have and throw 3-4 of them in the gallon pitcher and add water.  Today I had two Caribou Mint Verbena tea bags, one Gloria Jean Peppermint Mint tea bag, and another generic mint tea bag.

https://www.gloriajeans.com/

I am a fan of Gloria Jean's Peppermint Tea.  It is light and refreshing.

hthttps://shop.cariboucoffee.com/asp/shop/detail.asp?c=15&p=1104

I really like the Caribou Mint Verbena- it reminds me of a tea my grandparents used to bring back from Switzerland.

Add 3-4 herbal tea bags ( I let the tea bags sit in the pitcher until I empty it out.  Herbal tea does not get bitter when sitting in the water)

FIll up the gallon pitcher, put in the fridge and ejoy in about 8 hours.....

SMITH Masala Chai

http://www.smithtea.com/shop/black/chai

About this Tea

To Indians, chai means sweetly spiced tea served with foamed milk. Ours combines second flush Assam teas with pungent ginger root, cassia, black pepper, cloves and cardamom to create a rich and spicy brew worthy of any chai wallah.

Ingredients

Second flush Indian Assam, ginger root, cassia bark, black and pink peppercorns, cloves and cardamom.

Preparation

For best flavor, bring freshly drawn filtered water to a boil. Steep five minutes. Savor your new status as a wallah

loose tin $11.99 - It is also available in sachets or loose packs.

While at my sisters I enjoyed a wonderful cup of Chai.  I love this tea.  And I know I say this everytime, but it bares repeating.  When making Chai you NEED to add milk and sugar!  Chai is the ONLY tea I add sugar too, I think it is required :)  It really does change the taste for the better.

what to do with old tea strainers....

TEA STRAINERS RECYCLED....
What do you do with old tea strainers???  Well, make eye glasses out of them of course!!!! I got these glasses from my favorite vendor at the Portland Saturday Market.  I got these fun glasses for $11.00. I  think that they are so fun- a conversation maker anyway....

http://spoonman.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=86

They are great protective eye ware for kids

Even great to wear to work to make your co-workers smile!

There are lots of options...they range in price from about $11.00 to $20.00

Hood River Lavender Farms Tea

On Sunday April 21,2013 we went on the Blossom Festival in the Hood River area.  We stopped at the Lavender Farm. While there they gave us a sample of tea. They tea I had that day was really really strong with Lavender and I was not a fan.  I am tempted to try the mint and Lavender tea now though..... 





When we were there in 2013 it was a cold day and not a lot of things in bloom yet.  But is was still a beautiful setting....









from the website:


http://hoodriverlavender.com/


Welcome to Hood River Lavender! Oregon Tourist Attraction!

We are an Organic Lavender farm located in the beautiful Hood River Valley of Oregon that not only grows acres of lavender, but we also steam distill our lavender to produce pure essential oil of lavender. It is with this oil & flowers that we manufacture our own Bath & Beauty Products, including handmade Lavender Soap, Aromatherapy items, Organic Lavender Perfume, Lavender Culinary products and tea, and Dried Lavender flowers & More. Use the drop down menu above to see all our Products.

"We hope you will try our quality products and share them with friends and family. We take pride
in handcrafting all of our products, using local product and labor, growing and distilling under strict
Organic practices, and enjoy bringing the best of our world to you."

 U-Pick Farm is open May 1-Oct. 1, Mon-Sat: 10-5pm, Sundays 11-5pm

Culinary Lavender

Lavender is an herb, a member of the mint family, and is extremely versatile in cooking, spicing, and also adds nice color and garnish to your favorite dish. It goes very well with fruit, citrus, deserts, and meat. We use angustifolia (english lavender) and Provence for culinary and in our teas (tisanes) because these lavenders add a very nice flavor and spice without the perfumey taste/aroma that can be found in other lavender varieties. Our culinary lavender is Certified Organic, of the very highest quality, and treated with care from the field, through harvesting, drying, cleaning, and packaging



The most popular Tea at our Shoppe!

• Perfect after meal or evening Tea
• Soothes, Strengthens the system and soul
• Caffeine-free
• Very rounded and full flavor, smooth not strong
• Yummy blend of 2 different Mints, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Balm and our Organic Lavender combination

Our best selling tea! Delightfully aromatic and calming, inspiring reflection and bliss.

• This tea soothes and refreshes the senses 
• Complex, yet simple 
• Healthy alternative to coffee
• Dedicated to the passion and energy of the Hood River Wind Surfers and Kite Boarders 
• Ingredients: Jasmine Green Tea, Lemon Balm, Honeybush, Lavender, and Orange 
• Makes approx. 40 cups of tea.

Calming and relaxing!

• A great bedtime tea  
• All natural, caffeine free
• Organic! 
• Sweetly herbal and aromatic
• Great choice for reflection and relaxation
• Whole Chamomile Flowers, Oatstraw, and Lavender 
• Makes approx. 40 cups of tea.

Flavorful, herbal, organic and very smooth!

• Brought to life with the addition of Certified Organic Yerba Mate, Rooibos and our Certified Organic Culinary Lavender
• Great with a touch of honey & soy milk!
• Healthy alternative to dark chai tea 
• Ingredients: certified organic Yerba Mate, certified organic Rooibos, organic cinnamon, organic licorice root, organic cardamon, organic orange peel, organic cloves, certified organic culinary lavender, organic fennel, organic ginger, organic black pepper.

Need a Natural Boost??

Slightly caffienated and full of energy & flavor 

• Full of anti-oxidants and beneficial herbs 
• All Natural...All Good! 
• This loose tea has the extra lift some of us desire during busy and hectic times
• Note: Do not use if pregnant, nursing, of if you have a sensitivity to herbs or stimulants 
• Ingredients: Yerba Mate, Green Tea, Ginkgo biloba, Eleuthero root, Raspberry leaf, Jasmine flower, Calendula, Red clover & culinary Lavender