Small Stash of Stash Tea

Stash Tea Sample Flavors

 I recently wrote Stash Tea and asked for a sample of their flavors in return for a review on this blog.. A short while later I received an envelope with four different tea bags. A White Chocolate Mocha Black tea, Wild Raspberry Hibiscus (Caffeine free) Herbal tea, Jasmine Blossom Green tea and a Spice Dragon Red Chai tea (also a Caffeine free Herbal tea).

White Chocolate Mocha
A yummy treat mid day 

Surprisingly the White Chocolate tea was opened and in boiling water before I could take a picture. It was as yummy as it sounds.

I had it mid day with jam on toast, and fulfilled my sweet tooth.   I don't know if I could drink it all day everyday, because I love my coffee and plain teas as well, But it is a definite treat and I'm sure would be a daily drinker for many people.

Loved this Flavor to Accompany
My Stir Fry and Rice meals.

Next I tried the Jasmine Green Tea with an Asian style homemade stir fry, because YES, I do prefer to drink teas with similar foods in my mind.  I am not big on jasmine flavors.  I've thrown away jasmine rice and scents before.   I did enjoy this tea though.  

It was a compliment to the food, and took me back to the many dinners where I requested hot GREEN tea instead of plain hot tea at Chinese restaurants.  Also of the few cups of tea I enjoyed during my trip to Korea and Japan.   

 Then I tried the Wild Raspberry Hibiscus Herbal tea, which was also caffeine free.  This.. I was sadly not happy with.  I was crazy hopeful because I love raspberries, but to me it was too tart and somehow had a sharp taste.  I don't know if it was the lemongrass or Hibiscus but something in the flavor was off for me.

Then Spice Dragon Red Chai.  We normally drink the plain Chai when we want something a little spicier then plain hot tea.  I was not disappointed with this variation.  Still tasted like a yummy spiced tea and was smooth in flavor. The scent alone was enough to make me think, 'Mmmmm yummy.'  Even without the Cardamon and other ingredients of plain Chai, this herbal Chai does an amazing job of capturing the flavor.

Overall, with all four of the random flavors I probably would have bought them myself.  Even though I would not have finished the Raspberry herbal, the other three flavors would have been drank to the last teabag.  I would have also gone back for more.

In this house, the Stash Tea Co is... Our cup of Tea.
Sorry, I had to do it at least once :)

SO, 

Good Points

•  Great company, with easy online ordering.
•  Great tasting tea, in the flavors we liked.
•  Wide variety of flavors and bag/loose leaf choices.
•  Competitive and affordable prices with other teabag companies.

Cons or could not review

• Hibiscus Raspberry flavor was a let down, which saddened me.  Really was excited to find a raspberry tea.
• I only tried Teabags, so I could not review their Loose leaf tea.
• I brew my tea properly with boiling water over the bag, so I cannot say how any microwaving or boiling with bag in water may effect the taste.

In our opinion,

Would You buy this?    Yes, I think so.  Most tea drinkers, if they aren't ectremely loyal to their own brand, would be interested in the different flavors available.  However I don't know how many would go online and find out all that are available.

SHOULD You buy this?   If you like tea, YES!  A good price tea, nice flavor and great selection.

So overall we give Stash Tea a GREEN LIGHT.  Even if you don't like tea, but want to have some sitting on a shelf for guests, this is a good tasting tea that will please.  

Please check out our Sister review blogs for more products and opinions.
There is also a list of my profiles over there if you would like to know me better

NEXT REVIEW:  Purely Great Natural Deoderant


Upcoming reviews:  Hempz Body Lotions, Jif almond Butter and Art Naturals Lush eyebrow and lash enhancer.

An Honest review of Honest Co Multipowder

 The Honest Co. is already a known COMPANY in many homes with children....or Jessica Alba fans.... But the individual products are still questionable to the every day Mom.

I have children and step children in the range of a 1 year old son to a 14 year old daughter.  So I have experience with many different scenarios and products in my home, including an under weight child, a Pediasure diet, allergies, a thyroid issue causing weight gain and picky, I mean PICKY eaters.

I was offered a free box of The Honest Co. Multipacks for Baby and Toddler.  The box contains 30 individual mixin packets of premium multi-vitamins.  Made in small batches, free of most allergens and ready to be mixed into liquid or food, cool not hot.  Since my toddler is off his Pediasure diet, but is still a very picky eater, I thought this would be a great thing to try and help.  I've read reviews saying almost anemic kids were helped with this and some other picky eaters liked it, so I was hopeful.  We broke open the box earlier this week, and here is our review.

 First, just to see, I mixed a packet with a cup of milk.  No added flavor.  My picky 2 year old took two big swallows and put the cup down with his eyebrows crunched together and shook his head.  His delicate palette knew right away something was in his milk.

One thing he does eat, all the time no matter what, is cereal.  So I used milk with a packet mixed in for his cereal.  He ate the whole bowl with no problem.   For a two year old he's supposed to get two packets a day.  I mixed a packet with juice later, and at first he was iffy about drinking it.  However after some more playing and getting thirsty, he finished his cup.

We tried it next as a mix-in on some dry food.  A trail mix type snack, he ate part of his snack then ran off.  He doesn't always finish so that may have just been him being done.  However when I offered him the bowl again, he took a handful and threw it on the floor.  GRRR Toddlers, but he was not going to eat another bite.

Now the 1 year old is not a picky eater.  In fact the only thing he hasn't liked so far was peeled raisins from his snack.  I gave him a cup of milk with a packet mixed in and he drank it no problem.  He also tried some of the dry snack, but he wasn't hungry so he only had a few pieces.  We are going to try mixing a packet into his oatmeal in the morning, but I'm sure he'll eat it just fine.  As I've said, HE's not picky.

I smelled the packets, and there is a strong scent so maybe the flavor is too strong for my picky eater.  I won't know though, because I did not taste the packet myself.  (Because I am also picky and don't like milk and didn't think it would be good in water.  Also because I don't know if we'll be getting these again and want to save them for the boys.)



A quick search on Google shopping brought up the prices for different sites where you can buy this same box.  All of them were just below or at $30.  The Honest Co. page for this was also $29.95.   BEFORE Tax and S/H...

We were lucky enough to get a prescription for the Pediasure, otherwise it would have been anywhere from $10-$13 for 6 bottles.  He was supposed to drink one a day, so it would have been about $60-$65 a month for those if we had to buy.  At $30 a box, and toddlers needing two packets a day, it will be about equal at $60 a month for the Honest Co. Multipacks.  However I don't think you will be able to find a way to get a prescription for these packets, so it will be out of pocket.

So on the good side...

• The Honest Co. vitamin packets do offer you actual veggies, superfoods and probiotics.  
• Individual packets that can be mixed into anything and small enough to go anywhere, even fast food soda while your out of the house.  Making it easier to sneak the vitamins into everyday.  Especially if your picky kid hates pills and won't chew gummies.
• Free of Gluten, Soy, Yeast, Wheat, Casein, Gelatin, Sodium, Dairy, Eggs Shellfish AND without HFCS, Starch, Dyes, Preservatives or Artificial flavors.  Honest Co. vitamins are appealing to those with allergies, prefer organic or just don't like over processed foods.
• Less likely for kids to get a sweet tooth then Pediasure and can be mixed into a drink they already like.

What you may not like...

• Since you can't get a prescription, price may be an issue.  At $60 a month for toddlers, $30 a month for infants 6-12 months, you may prefer a cheaper vitamin if you aren't organic and allergen wary.
• Strong scent and taste may put off the really sensitive taste buds of a super picky eater.
• There is Iron in these, like almost all vitamins, so make sure you keep an eye on your childs iron intake to avoid overdose.

As with any vitamin, watch your child for reactions and inform your doctor your intent to introduce them.
  

Now, Would You Buy This?
 With the trend of organic and allergen free foods going strong, I think a good number of Mom's would buy this.  Having a Jessica Alba product is also a strong pull for many and may persuade someone on the fence to buy instead of pass.

Should You Buy This?  
 Honestly.... :)  This one will have to be a personal decision.  I do not know your individual child's needs or personality.  If you can afford it no problem, and your child is in need of an extra fruit, veggie and vitamin boost.  Yes, try a box at least.  See if it's for you and your family.  If your tight on funds, your child will eat chewables or gummies and you aren't as concerned with organic or allergens... then maybe you should pass.

We give these a Yellow Light.   It all comes down to your families food preferences and budget.   If you can afford that much a month, then these are a great match for you!  If a bottle of Flintstones is fine with your morals and easier on your pocketbook, then stick with what works for you.  

I like them, and we will see how it goes over the rest of the month.  But for us, with two kids, it would be a $90 a month buy because we'd need three boxes a month.  Looking at it that way, we would either give them less, or maybe switch to a cheaper vitamin.  We'll see how the picky eater does, maybe these will work for one but not the other.

Please check out our Sister review blogs for more products and opinions.  There is also a list of my profiles on the right over there if you would like to know more about me.





NEXT REVIEW: Stash Tea flavors, White Chocolate black tea, Rasperry White tea and Jasmine Green tea.

Upcoming reviews: Purelygreat Natural Deoderant, Hempz Body Lotions and Jif Almond Butter!!

Smelling the sweetness of Jewelry with Jackpot Candles

Got so excited when I
got my mail that day!

I wrote Jackpot Candles explaining this blog and they graciously agreed to send us a candle to review. Once we had type, scent and size down, I got my candle in FIVE days. So I received my candle free in return for this review, Bubble wrapped, lid separately wrapped, inside a box with a thank you note and coupon! I love quick efficient service :)

I picked a caramel coffee latte scent, and it smelled great when opened. We lit it around 6:30pm and two hours later there was less then an inch of melt along the top. There was a soft pleasing aroma wafting through the room and into the adjoining ones as well. I had to snuff the candle for the night and relight it the next day. Still slow burning even on the old melt. I love long lasting candles.

Loved this scent!  

I know what your waiting for though.... What kind of jewelry did I get? I opted for a ring candle and it took a few days to see the foil wrapped prize. Once the melt was down enough I went ahead and dug out my new ring on Thanksgiving. Why did I wait so long to review? Because quality on jewelry cannot be figured out in one day. I have worn my ring literally all day, everyday since I unwrapped it.

Stone is lighter in color then pic shows.
Still red, but a more Cherry/strawberry
and less cranberry in hue.

I received a very pretty red heart gem with two small CZ stones on the sides. Silver band with shaping accents on the bottom of the heart. I love it. I may have bought it myself if I had seen it in the store because its pretty, not too big and wouldn't be expensive. 

 That's right...

 I did NOT hit the jackpot. Pretty though it is... My ring was only appraised on site as a $15 piece.

I am still burning the candle, I am considering buying another or the wax tarts just because the smell is nice. I will still be wearing my ring, although the 24/7 trial is over. 

 After wearing it everyday, through laundry, diapers, dishes, pet baths, showers and cooking.... There is only one issue! There is a slight amount of wear on he silver fitting at the top of the heart gem.  Barely enough to see, I only noticed it because I was inspecting it for the review. I had no green finger, no irritation and the ring has no tarnishing.                                         

To sum up:

• If you like jewelry, candles and a little bit of gambling anticipation, Jackpot Candles are definitely for you.  Nicely scented slow burning candle, with the fun of a scratch off jewelry store door prize.
•  I liked the company customer service, the speed and packaging of the shipment and the quality of both products. 
• Even the low range of jewelry was still good jewelry.  No tarnishing, greening of finger, no reaction, no stone falling out etc.

Just dug out the foil wrapped zip locked baggie that held my ring!

So.. Would You Buy This?   I think the only issue for everyday people would be price, but even with the $25 price tag, I see a lot of people wanting to buy them, so I think most people who are interested in Candles would probably end up buying at least one.

SHOULD You Buy This?  If your a girl who likes candles OR jewlry I think you should.  Even just once for the fun.  If it seems a bit pricey for you, just make sure you keep burning the candle even after you get your jewelry to get full value! Keep an eye out for sales if that tag is a bit much for you,. I will say also, that if you know someone who your having trouble buying a gift for....one of these would be great!!

We say, Buy It.  

Even if you don't normally like candles, you can give them out as gifts.  

Put one in the bathroom, table centerpiece or even pull off the label and surprise a jewelry loving family or friend.  

To Drink or Not to Drink... the Donut.

Hello, My name is Emma.  I am a Coffee Drinker.

Anyone need to join me in that confession?  Then this is a review for you.
I was given a bag of Dunkin Donuts ground coffee, not by the company, and I got home and went to make me a cup to try a new brand.....  Only to discover it was a flavored ground.

Donut flavored.  

JELLY Donut flavored.

I like flavored coffee, but other than the random moods that take me standing at a Starbucks counter, I tend to stay in my comfort zone of Caramel, Mocha or Pumpkin or Peppermint around the holidays.

So for me, this was questionable.

But never one to back down from a Java even if its jelly, I brewed a full pot and waited.  The aroma was pleasing when brewing, but in cup was strong.  I do not know if that is the DD brand or this individual flavor as I've never brewed either at home before.

The taste was not unpleasant, though at first I did not get the jelly essence of the brew.  After the first mug, which I drink black, I tried it with sugar.  An improvement in my mind, but too much sugar, mixed with the flavor, is over powering.

Caffeine Molecule Glass Coffee Mug
From ThinkGeek.com
I give the Site a green light for
Geeks, Gamers and Caffeine addicts.

I made a cup for my husband without telling him of the brew change to get a blind review.  After one sip he asked what was wrong with the coffee.  Once I explained it, he drank about half his cup and asked me to make him a regular cup.  Flavors are not his thing, but he also just did not enjoy it.

How did I explain the flavor to him?

It's Dunking Donuts coffee, where they already added the dunked donut flavor.
Once I thought of it that way, it was like a switch flipped in my head and taste buds.  I could taste the donut flavor if I thought of it as coffee that has been dunked in.  But if I was drinking it blind, I don't think I would be able to figure out the flavor just guessing.

That being said, I am drinking it.  As I write this blog actually, out of that awesome geeky mug.  It is not so bad that I would throw it out, but I am not sure if I would buy it.  Ever.  This flavor.  I am willing to try more Dunking Donuts flavors and brews, but I believe when this bag empties, it will be the last I taste of Jelly Donut flavored coffee.
So overall.....

• Good Aroma, smelling it brew made me want to drink.  Did remind me of walking into a Dunkin Donuts shop.
• Once you get into the flavor, it is drinkable, however I do not know if it is something anyone would want all the time.
• Good strength, tasted more like a medium/dark roast then I was expecting.  But it is an Arabica Coffee and I've never had DD brand before.... so they may all taste that strongly.
• Sweet.  I didn't need as much sugar, although my first cup I was still putting in my normal to help my taste buds get used to the added flavor.
• Tasted by Hubby, and was replaced by basic brew.  Did not like enough to finish one mug.

What I couldn't review and why.

• Price.   This bag was given to me, I did some quick research online and seems that this bag goes from anywhere between $5-$10 depending on where you buy it from.  I understand the brand name is most of that price, but for that price i would not be willing to buy this particular flavor again.
• Flavor vs original Brew.  I have drank DD coffee before, but only at a DD shop.  I have never brewed the regular grounds at home, therefore cannot say if this flavor was the exception or norm for DD bagged grounds.

So...

Would you buy this?   Maybe.   If you are a die hard coffee fanatic and love trying new flavors, then yes, it would grab your attention.  If you are a Dunkin Donuts devotee, then you may buy it as a variation from your norm but keeping with your brand.  If you are a regular old Breakfast roast coffee drinker, then probably not.  Price and flavor would steer you further down the shelf to your known brand and brew.

SHOULD YOU buy this?  Unless you absolutely LOVE Dunkin Donuts brand or Jelly donuts.... No.  I hate to give coffee a bad review, but as a regular drinker every morning, I would not reccommend this flavor.  If you really want to, I would suggest buying a small bag, or maybe even trying DD orignial first to make sure you like the brand, then experimenting with the flavors.

We say Think About It.  

Make sure you really want to try it before you put the money in the register.  I would just take the extra carbs and get a jelly donut on the side.

Lets Get to Know Each Other Over Some Pasta.

I decided that for my first review (on this blog) a way to introduce myself to you, would be to review something small and cheap and easy.  That way you can get to know me before we tackle the hard products.

To start off, I have had several jobs in different areas of customer service, retail and food.  All but the last one were part time jobs as being a Mom and housewife has always been my number one priority. That being said, I cook.  I bake.  I decorate.  I experiment.  I succeed.  I burn.  I buy food related items all the way down from Dollar Tree all the way up to Pampered Chef, Tupperware to Walmart.   It doesn't matter where it comes from, as long as I can use it!

When it comes to draining my dishes: grease off of meat, water from pasta or setting veggies off to the side.... I Love my metal colander.  I mean it, that baby is amazing.  It's been with me for decades and never disappoints.  However, sometimes I am just making a quick side that doesn't call for me to need such a big drainer.  OR I may be in a hurry and don't have time to super clean every nuance of my metallic marvel.  AND in our last move, I lost some kitchen space therefore have begun to downsize some items.


What does this all have to do with a review?  Why that my dear friends, is simple.  All these factors lead to an impulse buy at Walmart.

A MainStays Red Crescent Pot Top Strainer.

I paid a whopping 99 cents for said strainer.  I normally avoid plastic in the kitchen, because I've had lots of things melt.  But for less then a dollar, who can argue.  I have since looked online and for some reason they are selling for $10+ on websites, even listed on Ebay for upwards of $23!  WOW, that a heck of a price difference, but okay, let me try this bad boy out.

• First
  It is a very simple design, but you do have to hold on.  No pull over to the other side clips on this baby.  Small teeth on the pot side hold it steady, but you need to hold it ON to the pot.
  The picture on package shows one handed pouring, which may be possible, but all my pots and pans have rounded handles... No biggie.  I simply put this on at an angle, hold the handle of both strainer and pot with one hand, and use the tab on strainer to make sure it doesn't slide since I have an odd grip with my handle hand.

OBVIOUSLY I have already drained
water from noodles.  One handed
for picture only because I didn't have
help taking the picture :)

• Second.
  This cleans a lot faster and easier than my amazing metal stand alone.  No bends, seams or rivets means a quick wipe on both sides, a quick check of the drain holes, and this baby is ready for the drying rack.
• Third.
  While this seems like it would be hard, possibly spilling noodles, steam in the face, slip off the pot.  I have used it a few times, with different sized pots and noodles.  Never had an issue with spilling or steam in my face.  I have not used it for draining hot grease out of meat, because I rarely cook greasy meat, so have not yet had the chance.  But for me, I plan on using this baby purely for pasta and veggies to drain excess water from the pot.
• Fourth.
  Size matters.  In this case, slim is good.  My first love, the dual handled silver strainer, takes up room.  That does not take away from my love of it, but it does come into play when some people are deciding between two products.  This strainer fits nicely on top of my spoons, in the drying rack, in a drawer, standing up slide between other cookware and laying down.

Finally, here are some things I CANNOT review about this product, and why.

• I've already stated that I have rounded handles so I have to use the tab to hold onto my pot tops, so I cannot honestly say whether or not this handles well with only one hand.
• I rarely cook with heavy fat meats anymore, so I am reviewing this as a water strainer only.  But even boiling, I have had no melting or weakening of the plastic.
• I hand wash my cookware.  I do not use a dishwasher (mostly because I do not own one anymore).  The plastic seems sturdy enough that I probably would have let it go on bottom rack, but since I cannot test it, do not assume its okay.
• Long Term usage.   I have only had this strainer for about a month.  I've used it about twice a week (we have kids who like mac and cheese).  So far so good, but I am not making promises that yours (or mine) will be able to stand the test of time like the metal stand alone colanders do.

SO.  Overall, on what I DO use this for, I am very pleased.  I am still unsure if I happened to catch a deal or sale, or if the other websites selling these are just buying out Walmart to upsell for profit, but for 99 cents, I am loving this new strainer.  

Would you buy it?  I don't think many 'professional' home cooks would.  They will want to shell out a little more for the pull over clip, fold away storage, metal clasps, etc etc etc.  Normal housewives may even over look it as cheaply made, because come on... its plastic.  

SHOULD you buy it? I think yes.  I think it is a quick tool, that is helpful and convenient.  

If you are going to be doing a pasta with veggies and need to drain more than one pot, you can use your stand alone and still use this for the other.    You could also drain your veggie water, do a quick rinse and then drain your noodles.  They can stay in the pot or you can go straight to the serving dish as you toss your slim strainer into the dirty dishes, where it takes up hardly any room or time to clean.

I say BUY IT! 
If you don't like it, you're out a dollar.
If you do like it... then you might come back to my blog!