David's Tea Advent Calendar: Week 2

Day 6:

I was exited for this green tea today it was a nice change from all the Christmas-y teas that have been in the calendar lately. I don't drink green teas that often but when I do I remember why I love them and then vow to drink them more then drink too much and get a headache and upset stomach.  This is a nice mid-afternoon tea however. The only probably is that it makes me crave sushi which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The popped rice in this tea is super fun and adds an interesting almost sweetness to the green tea flavour. I might have to make this tea a permeant part of my collection. 

Day 7: 

Another new to me tea. They always pull it down at the store when I say I like fruity teas but its never been something that I committed to trying until today. To be honest, I didn't really like it. The tea has yogurt bits in it which I really didn't like the flavour of in my tea. I felt like I was drinking hot strawberry yogurt which was kind of a turn off. I thought the tart yogurt didn't really complement the tartness of the strawberry either. I don't even thinking icing this tea will save it. 

Day 8: 

I love the Advent Calendar because not only do I get to try teas that I haven't before but I rediscover teas that I love. Mango Madness is one of those teas. I made a large pitcher of iced tea.  I really like how light and fresh this tea is. This tea is more of a summer tea to me then a winter tea but it was a nice surprise in the calendar and has gotten me steeping pitchers of iced tea again to drink all day. 

Day 9: 

The smell of the leaves of this tea reminded me of black liquorice for some reason so we were already off to a bad start ( I am not a fan of liquorice). I took one sip of this tea and then threw out the rest of my mug. It was disgusting. It was like drinking flowers and the what I can only assume to be jasmine was way over powering. I can still taste nothing else. 

Day 10: 

I was happy to see Coffee Cake today after yesterdays tea. Black teas are my favourite and I was starting to miss them. This tea would probably be up there as one of my favourites (it doesn't taste like coffee at all) if it weren't for Red Velvet Cake. To me this is a less spectacular version of Red Velvet Cake. I do like the sweet hints that the cherry and pineapple bring out in the black tea and it makes for an exceptional latte. I was skeptical to try it the first time because of the name. I don't like anything coffee flavoured but this has no coffee flavour at all. 

Day 11: 

This tea is a great tea for before bed. It is calming and relaxing. I love the freshness of the peppermint mixed in with the chamomile. You get a hint of the chamomile first followed by the peppermint cooling after taste. This tea makes me want to cozy up in bed with a good book and then drift off to sleep.  

Day 12:

Another green tea. I was a little weary after the last one but when I opened the tin it was bright and fruity. The smells reminded me of one of David's other teas Green and Fruity (I wonder if that came out before this tea because that would be the perfect name for this one since the other one is a roiboos). Anyways. I really enjoyed this tea it was perfect hot and would probably be lovely iced. I sipped it while studying for finals. I think Genmaicha from Day Six (at the top of this post) is my favourite green tea I've had so far though. 

Are you doing the David's Tea Advent Calendar? Whats your favourite so far? If not, which would you most like to try? 

Jaclyn 

Ps. You can see my review of week one here. 

David's 24 Days of Tea

The David's Tea Advent Calendar launched today! After much anticipation it has finally hit stores and I am sure it won't stay there long. I can't wait to go pick mine up today. I love how the changed the design of the box this year, it feels more festive then last years design, which was the classic David's turquoise. From the description of teas included on the website it seems that they have taken in suggestions from last year and really have improved the teas offered in the calendar. There seems to be a much bigger focus on the winter and holiday collections then there was last year, which some other favourites and festive flavours from David's in the mix. I wish they would have an exclusive new mystery tea in the calendar as well but it seems like thats not in the cards this year. 

It will be fun waking up every morning in December to a new tea. I had so much fun doing it last year and I am excited for this years as well! Such fun! 

Will you be doing David's 24 days of Tea? 

Jaclyn 

Feel Better Friday

Here are some things to make you feel better this Friday, whether you are feeling under the weather (like me) or just need a pick me up.

I drink tea whether I am sick or not. But lately it feels like the mug never leaves my hand. Some of my favourites when I am sick are: Cold 911, Bravissimo and Mother's Little Helper.

A green smoothie is a great way to get vitamins and nutrients when you are feeling sick. And you can't go wrong with some homemade chicken soup.

A good book or some Netflix always helps to pass the time. I have been binging on Heartland of all shows.

For me when I am sick I am always cold. I need a cozy sweater and some socks to stay warm! 

What do you do to feel better? 

Jaclyn  

Alice's Tea Cup - NYC

On my trip to NYC to visit one of my best friends we went for tea at Alice's Tea Cup. This was one of those places that was meant just for me. They have a wall full of different loose leaf teas and you can order a variety of food including sandwiches and scones. We decided to share a Mad Hatter and got the choice of two sandwiches and three scones. 

The food was great and I loved all the choices you had for scones and teas (it of course took me forever to pick one).  The decor was adorable as well. The table we sat at was once a sewing tabling and there were quotes from the book on the walls. It was overall a great experience and I finally got to have my tea party! It is a place I would recommend going with your girlfriends or on a mother daughter date. I am so glad my friend took me to it, I would not have ever found it other wise!

You can see more photos from my trip here.

Have tea... will travel

It is no secret that I am a huge tea lover. I constantly have a cup of tea in my hand and I drink a variety of teas throughout the day.  On my way to work or school I usually leave the house with more then one cup of tea (one hot to drink then and one iced for later). Plus I also usually have some extra tea stashed in my purse, just in case.  Drinking loose leaf tea on the go isn't always the easiest thing but having the right accessories helps.

Travel Mugs - For hot teas it is important that you have a well insulated and leak proof mug. It is never pleasant spilling hot tea on yourself in the mornings. The next mug on my wish list is this one from David's Tea. I have heard nothing but good things about the smaller version but always thought it was too small for me, finally they made one in a bigger size!  For iced teas I like these tumblers with a straw, if I am not going to be throwing it in my bag. They come in cute patterns depending on where you buy them from. When I want something spill proof I usually just use a reusable water bottle. 

Filters - Filters are a great way to bring tea with you on the go. I even use them to bring teas when I am going somewhere for a weekend. I fill the fillers up with enough loose leaf for one cup and bring them in a ziplock bag in my purse. All you have to do is add hot water and you're good to go. 

Travel Tea Tins - David's had these travel tea tins (I believe they are on sale now in stores) and they came with 5 single serve filters of the loose leaf tea. The actual tin is great because it is small enough to fit in your purse and keeps the tea fresh.  Once I ran out of the tea that it came with I reused the tin to carry my own pre-made filters rather then using a ziplock bag.

                

Iced Tea

As the weather is heating up and summer is fast approaching I have been loving Iced Teas. I drink tea all day long and that usually includes some iced tea. I usually always have a pitcher of iced tea on hand.  I find herbal teas make the best iced teas but I also have some other favourites as well. They all are on the fruity side because that is my personal preference.  To make my iced tea I brew my tea as normal and if I am going to be drinking it right away I will strain it over ice, if not I will put the entire pitcher in the fridge to drink later. 

Here are my favourite iced teas from David's Tea

What is your favourite iced tea flavour?
Jaclyn

Lately

These past few weeks have been crazy! Tons of school work and saying goodbye to class mates for the summer. Here is what I have been loving lately.

Chocolate covered Strawberries

This list of 50 Things First Year Taught Me (fairly accurate and makes me miss first year)

Some delicious tea from David's Tea

A new pair of kitten heels from Aldo Shoes (they are on sale too). 

Board game nights with friends

What have you been loving lately? 

Jaclyn 

Tea Time

Owl. Elephant. Tea for one. Noble Tea Pot. 

Tea Latte

It is no secret that I love tea. I have a cupboard full of David'sTeas and am cannot keep myself from buying the latest tea.  While I drink tea every day (multiple times a day actually) I don't usually have tea lattes and for me they are a treat. They are easy to make and some teas taste better as lattes then others. 

Here is how I usually make my lattes.  

What you'll need: 

Milk

Milk frother 

mug 

your favourite tea (I find black teas work best as lattes)

sweetener if you so choose - I like honey

either a microwave or pot and stove

 boiling water

Direction: 

Steep your tea as your normally would

Warm up milk either on the stove or in the microwave (hint: measure milk using the mug you will be using you will want it about 2/3 full of milk)

Once milk is warmed use frother to create nice and frothy milk 

Add about 1/3 steeped tea to your mug and top off with your frothy milk 

add sweetener if desired  

enjoy!

My red velvet cake tea latte with honey drizzle on top! 

What is your favourite tea latte? 

Jaclyn

Craving: Kitchen Edition

Tea Tin. Utensils. Butter Dish. Salt and Pepper Shakers. Tea Pot.  

David's Tea Earl Grey Cupcakes with Lemon Filling and Honey Buttercream

 

I have a serious addiction to tea. I cannot go by David's Tea without walking into the store and once I am there I have to get some tea and usually buy a sample pack to take home. Its a serious but delicious problem. My tea cupboard is starting to over flow (yes I do have an entire cupboard dedicated to tea. Don't judge.) I also love cupcakes. So I thought it was about time I combine these two loves. And here you have it the love child of tea and cupcakes. My Earl Grey lemon filled honey buttercream topped cupcakes.

For the cake (makes 24):
1 c unsalted butter at room temp
2 c sugar
4 eggs
1 1/4 c milk
2 tsp David's Tea Cream of Earl Grey
2 tsp David's Tea Decaf Earl Grey
4 Earl Grey Tea bags
3 C flour
1/2 tsp salt
4 tsp baking soda

Directions

In small sauce pan on the stove combine milk, loose leaf teas and 2 tea bags. Heat until milk starts to boil. Once milk is boiling remove from heat and let sit for 15-30 mins

Preheat oven to 350F. Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar and beat until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time. Making sure to beat well after each addition.  Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and tea from remaining 2 tea bags.  Remove tea bags from milk mixture and strain out loose leaf tea. Mix in half of the flour mixture.Then add milk and tea mixture. Finally mix in remaining flour mixture.  

Fill cupcake pans about 2/3 to 3/4 full.  Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until tooth pick inserted in centre of cupcake comes out clean. 

For the Lemon Curd: 

3 eggs

1 c sugar

1/4 c butter, melted

1/2 fresh lemon juice 

zest from 1 lemon 

In a double boiler whisk together eggs and sugar. Add butter, lemon juice and zest. Stir constantly for about 15-20 minutes or until mixture coats back of spoon. (Don't worry if it doesn't thicken up right away. It took a while for mine to thicken before I realized a lot of the water had evaporated from my double boiler...oops)

For the Icing: 

1 c butter at room temp

1/4 c honey 

3-6 c icing sugar 

Beat butter until light and fluffy. Add icing sugar cup at a time until you reach your desired sweetness/consistency. Add honey to taste (I used about 1/4 cup but it will depend on the type of honey you are using and how strong you want your flavour to be). 

Assembling the cupcake:

Cut a cone out of each of your cupcakes. Fill with about 1 tbs of lemon curd. Ice cupcakes as desired. 

Notes: I found that this recipe made the perfect amount of lemon curd and icing for the 24 cupcakes. If you like a lot of icing I suggest you double the recipe as it was just enough icing. 

You can use any type of Earl Grey tea you have on hand. I found mixing the 3 different earl greys gave  a stronger tea flavour in the cupcake overall. 

Enjoy! 

Jaclyn

Week 4: 24 Days of Tea

Another tea I have wanted to try for a while. While I don't know if it has any real health benefits I am enjoying drinking it. The first infusion was good but the second infusion was GREAT! So much smoother. I will probably end up purchasing some of this tea I have been wanted to add an oolong to my collection for a while now.

I wish I could comment on this tea but when I opened my door for the 23rd gogi pop was sitting there instead of Vanilla Oolong. I was very upset by this discovery because I wanted to try another oolong after having such success with The Skinny yesterday. Oh well.

What a perfect way to end the 24 days of tea. Santa's secret was nice and Christmassy. I loved the cute little candy canes in it. It had a slight minty fresh flavour to it and I really enjoyed it. I am really sad that the calendar has come to an end I have been enjoying trying all the different teas everyday and I now have a growing list of teas that I have to pick up from David's. Cannot wait to go on a mini (or not so mini) tea shopping spree.

What were your favourites from the calendar if you participated? And if you didn't what are your favourite teas? 

Jaclyn

24 Days of Tea: Week 3

 This was my first "plain" green tea from David's that I tried. I didn't love the smell but it tasted wonderful. It is apparently David's favourite tea and I can see why. I could drink this all day and never be tired of it. It reminded me of the green tea you get at sushi but much better. I will probably end up buying 100gs of this since I have been on the hunt for a good green tea. 

This lived up to its name for sure. It is minty all right. I am not the biggest mind fan. I don't hate it but I don't love it. I enjoyed trying it but its not something I would have again. If you love mint however this is the perfect tea for you. 

Yummy. I love black teas. (okay technically this is a white tea but its a black/white tea mix). I find I really like teas that are a mix of black and green or black and white. This did not disappoint. It was creamy and had a hint of coconut flavour to it. Probably one of my favourites so far. 

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. Its another that they always pull down for me to smell and I never buy. I tried it at a friends once and didn't like it at all. Plus I associated it with Forever Nuts which I wasn't a fan of at the time either. I am getting hints of hazelnut rather then walnut.

This tea is so pretty. It has red lip sprinkles and mini chocolate chips in it. I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was going to be slightly spicy because of the pink peppercorns but it wasn't. It has a slight non-overpowering chocolate flavour. It was a very smooth tea.

I have been wanted to try this tea for a while now since I love fruity teas. This one left me underwhelmed. The kiwi flavours didn't shine through as much as I hoped they would and the longer it cooled the more it just tasted like any old green tea.  I wonder if it would be better iced.

I had my hopes up that this would be the tea I opened on the 24th. I thought it would be perfect for Christmas Eve. Have sweet dreams before Santa came the next morning. But I guess I will be drinking something else before the big man arrives (there is one Christmas Tea left in the box hopefully thats it!).  I decided to have this with a little bit of honey since we had some local honey at home. It pretty much tasted like any other camomile tea nothing really special about it. I don't think I would purchase it but I wouldn't turn down a cup at night either.

This week: 5/7

Here are my reviews on week 1 and week 2 of the 24 Days of Tea. 

24 Days of Tea: Week 2

 I have been wanting to try David's organic breakfast for a while now. I love black teas and I am often looking for something that is not flavoured. Personally I found it tasted like any english breakfast tea and was hoping it would be a bit smoother. I don't think that this will be replacing my favourite, Cream Earl Grey, as my everyday tea but I still enjoyed it. 

I was really excited to see that it was a green tea. It's about time. I was disappointed when I turned it over to see that it was hot lips. I have sampled this in store before and I did not like it. Hot is right. It is supposed to taste like cinnamon hears which I am not a huge fan of.

This is one of the teas I was most excited to try. I have only read about it on steepster and wasn't sure if it would actually work. The reviews were also mixed on this one about its taste so I have always been a little hesitant to try. I hated the smell of it. It was awful. I think it was the berries but I am not sure. I didn't mind the taste. It started to grow on me. The longer I let it sit and cool the better it got. I enjoyed it room temperature.  It also helped to settle my stomach so I think it is something I would purchase. It would probably make for a great after dinner tea. 

Its lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.... I had this song stuck in my head ALL day, from the moment I opened the calendar and saw what tea it was. I was so excited to see a Christmas tea (fitting as we are 2 weeks from Christmas at this point).  I really enjoyed this tea. My favourite this week so far.  It just tasted like Christmas should. It was stuffed full of yummy-ness. 

Okay so I know that this is one of David's Tea best sellers but I am not its biggest fan. Every time I go in they pull it off the shelf and I'm like yaaa but do you have something else. I tried it a long time ago and I really didn't enjoy it but I am giving it another chance. It smells great before you steep it and I love that there is apple in it. It kind of tastes like apple pie to me and I think I might be starting to like it. I am not loving the after taste of cinnamon (I think I am starting to sense a pattern of not liking cinnamon heavy teas).  

This tea lived up to its name. It was fruity and delicious. It was light on the taste but it would make the perfect afternoon or evening tea. I think this may be the rooibos I end up buying. 

This is my favourite herbal tea at David's. It is so delicious and fruity. I drank it iced every day this summer. It is the perfect iced tea but I also enjoy it hot. If you haven't tried this tea yet then you should. Probably one of my top five favourites at David's.

This week: 6/7 

To see week one click here