Tea & Coffee Archives - Home In High Heels

Getting Past Feeling Sick- & Killing Time!

December 29, 2015 By Stephanie Louise

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MeAndMyTea #CollectiveBias

Have a cold, the flu, or just not feeling all that great? Check out some of my favorite activities to promote relaxation & getting well again! Check out more including recipes, tips, & tricks on Home in High Heels

I’ve been sick for what feels like months. What is it about colder weather that just shoots down my immune system! Working from home means I can take a lot of breaks which is super important but sick is sick. Miserable is miserable, right? Today I’m talking about some of my favorite activities when I’m just not feeling 100%- plus two of my favorite teas! Keep reading for my tips & sips!…

My Health, Home, & Style Favorites for Summer!

June 9, 2014 By Stephanie Louise

Thanks to U by Kotex® Pads for sponsoring today’s discussion! All opinions are my own!

Can you believe it is already almost Summer? It will officially start at the end of June- but I’m prepared! I have some of my very favorite products here to share- from home to health to style! Everything you need to prep for summer! Keep reading to see what makes them all absolute favorites & to find out more about the U by Kotex Save the Undies Campaign!

When I think of summer I automatically think of SPF! I used to be a tan, California goddess- then things got real. I am now an avid SPF user year-round but naturally in the summer I’m showing more skin than normal. I’ve been loving the spray-on options & this Coppertone Continuous Spray Sunscreen is an obsession! This is a small bottle which is perfect to toss in my purse plus it is water resistant. With SPF 50 & a super easy to spray nozzle this is a must have!

Next up is a drink I picked up on a total whim & now can’t get enough of! While browsing I picked up the Trader Joe’s brand Matcha Green Tea Latte Mix & now it is my favorite treat drink! If you’ve ever had green tea mochi at an Asian restaurant than you likely have tried the green tea variety. Now imagine it- in liquid form. I don’t really go out to buy my drinks like a lot of people so this is the perfect at-home treat. I really like the flavor with almond milk for a creamier finish & especially iced to beat the heat.

Getting ready for summer has a lot to do with my house since I work from home- candles & wax melts are the perfect way to get it moving! I have some beach scents but my favorite tend to be more fruit based- like the strawberry & pink dragon fruit scents above. I also pick up some that smell grassy, like fruity drinks, or coconut-esque as well. Anything that makes me think of sunshine or days by the pool!

I’ve been chewing a lot of gum lately- & isn’t this just the perfect summer flavor? I really like these Extra Dessert Delight flavors & I think I’d tried them all! Key Lime Pie is more tangy than sweet & has that nice brightness to it. Like summertime! Gum has been helping me control cravings but these taste so good that I forget they aren’t a treat!

During summer you won’t catch me without a waterproof mascara- & the It Cosmetics Waterproof Full Lash Tightline Primer & Mascara is my top pick this year. the brush is itty bitty & meant to full in between the lashes but it is also a great primer under other mascaras. When I want a more natural look I’ll wear this by itself & it coats every last root to tip. I’ve found using it as a primer is great too & helps adhere my mascara better to help prevent flaking. The hot, humid summer easily bumped up this mascara to holy grail status.

Last up is a product absolutely necessary for switch over to non-black pants: U by Kotex® offers a full line of feminine care products for periods including pads, liners and tampons. Outstanding protection that keeps you one step ahead. These are specifically the U by Kotex® Clean Wear Ultra Thin Regular pads which come with super cute packaging. Seriously though- they didn’t make them this cool when I was a kid! Introducing new U by Kotex® Ultra Thin Pads with 3D Capture Core*, a one-of-a-kind center that locks away wetness to help stop leaks. Kotex is SO confident you’ll love them that they’re giving away free sample too! Visit the U by Kotex Landing page and find the samples that best fit your mission to save the undies. Click on the “Get Sample” button and enter your mailing information. Then, sit back and wait, your samples will be on their way!

What are your summer must-haves? Do they change a lot year to year or do you have favorites that repeat over & over? I’d love to hear about them! Don’t forget to pick up your samples above as well!

International Delight York Peppermint Patties Creamer Review -Tea & Coffee Tuesday

April 15, 2014 By Stephanie Louise

Wrote this last Wednesday- sorry about missing my T&C last week!

So I’m finally swinging back around to coffee- I’ve been on such a a tea kick lately! I desperately needed a caffeine kick tonight because we’re going to a concert. High school me could not be more excited- adult me is wondering how the heck I’m going to function after 10pm on a Wednesday. My birthday is on Monday & I’m definitely feeling that whole quarter-life-crisis thing as I’ll be 25. We’re going to see Taking Back Sunday & The Used & even though I’m a day late because normally this post was supposed to go up like last Tuesday…well you’ll just have to forgive me. I was swamped. Swamped I say! Anyway, let’s dive into one of my favorite creamers- International Delights York Peppermint Patties Coffee Creamer.

If you love York Peppermint Patties then you’ll love this! It has that cooling flavor & moment- the one I only find with the original patty. I don’t find this to be super sweet or even chocolate-y so if that’s why you want it choose something more cocoa based. I really like this best in iced coffee I think- it adds a whole ‘nother level of cooling sensation & makes my iced coffee taste even more energized. This isn’t one I’d drink in the morning much unless you have already eaten breakfast because it won’t mix with much!

Have you tried these handy single serving creamers? What are your favorite flavors?

Revolution Tropical Green Tea Review + Kate Spade Mug -Tea & Coffee Tuesday

March 25, 2014 By Stephanie Louise

So are you ready for another Tea & Coffee Tuesday? This week we have a very special tea in a new beloved mug. Oh happy day. My mom & I went to the Getty Museum when I was in California & had quite a fancy meal. By the end we were too full for dessert so we opted for tea- & I’m pretty sure it was this one! The Revolution Tropical Green Tea is a full-leaf tea with flow-through net infuser. The box I purchased has 16 bags all in a resealable bag within the box. Handy & not as much waste as individual packages which remaining fresh.

What made me search this out was the flavor- mom & I went wild for it! After having an amazing cheese plate & a beautiful wild mushroom & truffle risotto you’d think tea wouldn’t compare, right? Nope, it stuck with us & we both sought it out. I think my box might be a bit outdated because you can see it on their website & the box is different.

From Revolution– You are about to enjoy the most exciting green tea on the planet! Revolution Tea’s Tropical Green is a natural blend of Dragonwell green tea, Young Hyson and pineapple flavoring. Rich in flavor, this award-winning tea will convert anyone to the wonders of green tea. This is fabulously tropical- perfect hot or iced. There’s something beautiful about these see-through sachets. I think being able to see the ingredients with zero cleanup is just such a treat. I taste the pineapple along with notes of orange peel, jasmine, & a light lemon undertone.

The mug is brand new so I want to make a little note about it! I thought this was so cool & it is a Kate Spade Saturday Morning Mug. I know I don’t need more mugs/cups/reallyanything but I just fell in love. This mug in particular doesn’t appear to be on the site any longer but here is the Kate Spade Saturday home items to shop through. Not an affiliate link, just sharing! She has some gorgeous things! I love the soothing shades of blue, different faces, & basically awesome artistic-ness.

What are you drinking today? Anything fun going on in your lives?

T & C Tuesday: Organic Rosehip & Hibiscus Herbal Tea

February 11, 2014 By Stephanie Louise

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I bought it. Affiliate links.

It sure has been a long time since I posted a Tea & Coffee Tuesday, sorry about that! Today I get to share with you Garden of the Andes 100% Organic Rosehip & Hibiscus Herbal Tea. It is almost Valentine’s Day after all! Doesn’t it sound romantic?

“For centuries, roses have grown freely in the Andean prairies. When their tender petals fade and fall, what’s left is one of nature’s most potent curative secrets: the rosehip. Combined with the power of hibiscus, the result is a blend rich in vitamin C to boost the body’s immune system, stimulate kidney function and improve digestion. Garden of the Andes’ organic garden produces millions of these ruby jewels, allowing them to bring the Chilean sunshine to your teacup. The Garden of the Andes organic tea farm is nestled in the lush valleys of the Andes Mountains. Blessed with crisp alpine air, fed by crystal waters of mountain lakes and streams, abundant in nutrient-rish soil, this idyllic environment produces vigorous plants with exquisite aromas, flavors and health benefits. Using the latest sustainable practices and traditional growing methods, Garden of the Andes nurtures the finest indigenous herbs and flowers to create highly praised tea blends.”

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This tea smells heavenly & has that great floral taste I was looking for. Although I like that is is organic I do wish it was packaged a bit differently to go with the whole earth-loving theame. I have a box of 20 tea bags, each individually wrapped (great for on the go!) & they also have tags with strings. Just something to note! this tea comes from Chile as do other teas from the brand.

Name: Garden of the Andes 100% Organic Rosehip & Hibiscus Hearbal Tea
Type: Caffeine Free Herbal Tea, Floral
Notes: 100% Organic Rosehip fruits & Hibiscus flowers
Additional: from Chile, individually packaged.
Where to purchase: You can find it on Amazon here for purchase. You can also find their products here.

Have you tried any teas from the Garden of Andes brand? I think I’d really like to check out some more! I have a problem finding rose-based teas so this is a great treat!

T & C Tuesday: Fall in Love Caramel Apple + Coffee-Mate SF Vanilla Caramel Creamer

November 19, 2013 By Stephanie Louise

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I bought it. Affiliate links.

Fall- is there a better time for a warm beverage? Okay maybe that is winter but Fall is definitely the first time that hot drinks start sounding even remotely good to me. All summer I’m sippin on fruit & ice then BAM heat me up a cup o that!This Tea & Coffee Tuesday I wanted to share one of my favorite combinations lately- Fall in Love Ground Coffee in Caramel Apple with a bit of Nestle Coffee-Mate Sugar Free Vanilla Caramel Creamer.
If you love caramel apples then you probably see the obvious connection here- more caramel is always better. This is a medium roast coffee & can be a tad bitter without some kind of additive so this is the perfect duo on a chilly morning. I’ve also had this blended or iced while running around in the afternoon. Superb!

The Fall in Love Ground Coffee in Caramel Apple is a seasonal item so if you want to get your hands on it, check out their site where you can buy some before it goes away. It is also currently on sale! The Coffee-Mate happens to be the powder version which makes it easy for on the go or when I’m in a rush. I find it at my local supermarket & I believe it is also sold through Amazon.

T & C Tuesday: Archers Farm Candy Corn Light Roast Coffee

October 29, 2013 By Stephanie Louise

I bought it.

Welcome to my first Tea & Coffee Tuesday in awhile! I know, I’m sorry! I have been getting everything scheduled & ready for November so hopefully I’m more organized & can really make this blog shine. Today I’m excited to bring you my first ever Candy Corn coffee! In case you aren’t familiar with the brand Archer Farms I find mine at Target & they have a lot of regular varieties as well as some seasonal types popping up throughout the year. I think Archer Farms is some type of Target brand, you can see the full range on the Target website here.

Okay! Now onto this coffee! The smell was enough to convince me I needed this coffee in my life. Sure, Candy Corn might sound strange but if you’re a Halloween addict like me it brings back tons of awesome memories with just one sniff. The coffee itself smells buttery & even a bit vanilla, much like candy corn itself. I usually don’t like light roast coffees because apparently I like to be punched in the face but in the afternoon I really wanted to make this coffee.

When brewed, it smells sweet & buttery & is obviously lighter than many of my dark roasts. I liked it on its own but actually preferred it with a tad of vanilla creamer. It still tasted buttery which was nice & does smell really great. This isn’t my favorite candy flavored coffee but I did like the vanilla butter taste which is a nice change!

T & C Tuesday: Dunkin Donuts Strawberry Shortcake Coffee

July 16, 2013 By Stephanie Louise

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So for this installment of Tea & Coffee Tuesday I have yet another coffee. I have been on such a kick lately! This is another very sweet one. The packaging cried on to me in the store: A hot pink bag promising Strawberry Shortcake goodness? Yes, yes I will give you my money.

First off, I can’t drink this in the morning. I tried the first time & about fainted. It smells just like sponge cake & strawberries even front the outside of the bag & not much like coffee. It is very interesting but too sweet for me in the morning. However, the afternoon is a different story!

I tend to drink my coffee black sometimes with a splash of foam. This needed sugar though. The strawberry flavoring is a touch bitter & a few teaspoons of my raw sugar fixed it right up. I love this in the afternoon & iced. It is a sweet treat & better than a lot of drinks I get when I go out. This would also be tasty blended with vanilla ice cream I think.

I found my bag of Dunkin Donuts Strawberry Shortcake Coffee at Target but you can find them at grocery stores & Walmart as well now. Much more convenient than in the past! This is marketed as a seasonal spring/summer blend so if you want it you’ll need to snap it up!

T&C Tuesday: Eight O’ Clock Chocolate Mint Coffee

July 9, 2013 By Stephanie Louise

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Ready for Tea & Coffee Tuesday? I have been on such a coffee kick lately. I drank a lot of tea when I was sick but ever since I started feeling better I’m all about a great cup of Joe. I have an instant favorite to share with you today that is also apparently ( & depressingly) limited edition. I bring you the fantastic Chocolate Mint Ground Coffee from Eight O’ Clock.
This is my first ever taste of anything from Eight O’ Clock, possibly due to the limited distribution. I actually found this at our local military commissary I think but after checking on their site they are located in some stores as well such as Walmart, Albertons, etc.

From Eight O’ Clock: A decadent blend of cool, refreshing peppermint swirled temptation of smooth dark chocolate notes. Whether a perfect after-dinner treat or to help you start your day, this 100% Arabica offering is sure to satisfy.

I believe I paid around $6.50 for the 11 oz bag. I consider that a decent price for something specialty. I can’t personally drink coffee during the week or else I’ll stay awake so I’ve been drinking it in the morning when I’m looking for something refreshingly sweet. It says it contains dark chocolate & I definitely taste it! Seriously, this coffee is like liquid thin mints mixed with a rich coffee. Perfection. For me? A total hit. On the weekends, this would totally help cure my recent love (ie obsession) of mint chocolate cookies.

Do you like mint in the morning? Does this sound like something you’d enjoy? I spotted a few other types of coffee from Eight O’ Clock I might be interested in trying, namely the Hazelnut & French Vanilla. Any that you’ve tried that I need to seek out?

Tea & Coffee Tuesday: Lipton Green Tea Superfruit White Mangosteen & Peach

February 5, 2013 By Stephanie Louise

Happy Tuesday! It is my first week back from a much needed vacation so it is time to get back into the swing of things. When picking out my beverage for Tea & Coffee Tuesday I definitely wanted to pick something more accessible than my Orange County Blend from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The good news? You’ll hopefully be able to find Lipton Green Tea Superfruit White Mangosteen & Peach in stores near you & at a reasonable price!

Aroma: Green Tea & Fruity

Body: Medium
Flavor: Sweet with the light bitterness of green tea.
Additional Information: 20 indiviual packaged bags in a standard easy open cardboard tea box. Rainforest Alliance Certified which means your tea is sourced from tea estates that meet a criteria for protecting the land & providing better conditions for workers, their families, & the communities.
Get It: At your local grocery store or mega store.
Similar to: Nothing currently in my collection!

From Lipton:
Indulge in the juicy flavors of mangosteen and peach, blended with our green tea that contains tea flavonoids for a delicious combination you’re sure to enjoy.

I love the scent of this tea firstly. It smells so peachy! You’ll see in the ingredients it contains solid peach juice so that flavor really comes across instead of drowning int he green tea flavor. I’m honestly not sure what White Mangosteen tastes like on its own but other than peach you can taste something super sweet & it almost reminds me of lychee fruit. Love!

I definitely need to pick up some more Lipton teas! What are your favorites? Any fabulous peach teas I need to get my hands on?

Tea & Coffee Tuesday: Orange County Sunshine Blend from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

November 20, 2012 By Stephanie Louise

So I thought I’d start a new feature called “Tea & Coffee Tuesday” since these are two things I absolutely love! I wanted to start out with a tea gifted to me from my bestie Sarah who used to work at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I grew up in Orange County, California & being that my husband is in the military, we don’t really get to live nearby. I love this blend so much & it instantly reminds me of home!

Aroma: Tangy Orange

Body: Medium
Flavor: Sweet & Tangy, bitter if steeped too long.
Additional Information: Through a donation program some of the profits they make go back to the community itself. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf program has offered to donate 1$ for every bag of the Orange County blends of coffee and tea that are sold to 24 local Orange County schools.
Get It: Limited Edition. This will be tough to get your hands on as it was released in the end of 2011.
Similar to: Tazo Orange Blossom Full Leaf Tea (although this is a green tea variety) & Tea’s Etc Oolong Tea, Orange Blossom (although in loose tea oolong form)

Orange County Sunshine Blend:
In celebration of Orange County, we’ve created this special tea blend. Handpicked orange blossoms lend their sweet floral fragrance to the finest oolong tea from Thailand, while tangy orange zest adds a refreshing burst of flavor. With its sun drenched amber color, each cup captures the distinctive charms of this very special blend.

Orange County Sunshine Blend Flavored Oolong Tea from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a bright mix of orange sunshine. These are some of my favorite tea bags as well. They never break on me & I often make 2-3 cups of tea with them depending on my taste buds. This tea makes me feel happy. I have lots of teas from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to share with you guys & not a dud in the bunch. Plus, how great are these tins? When I go through the tea inside, I use them to store…well…usually more tea!