Tea With Rae: All Love For Oprah Chai Tea!!

Yesterday Oprah and Teavana launched a new tea; Oprah Chai! I love tea, Teavana and Oprah and I think they are a match made in heaven.

I wasn't feeling well but I couldn't allow AIDS to interfere with sampling this tea on the day that it was launched;  By 3:30 I put my big girl panties on and headed to Teavana. 

I figured the walk to Teavana and the sip of this new tea would make it all better. Well, it didn't change my current health situation, LOL, but it did put a smile on my face.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new Chai Tea collaboration between Oprah and Teavana. I have to be honest, Chai tea has not on my list of top favorite teas, well it is now.

Howard Schultz CEO Starbucks and Oprah

At Teavana I went straight to the sample. I stood their half in the door and put it straight to the test. One swag and I lit up like a light bulb. It was a winner!

When the sales person opened the tin, the rich flavors hit my nose like a whirlwind. If you have never experience the Teavana smell test you have no idea what you are missing.

After I smelled a few other teas, with my goodies in tote I came home to see if the  Oprah Chai would render me the same result at home that it had in the store. I added a few drops of the rock  sugar, I also pick up at Teavana. Within an hour I had drank two cups.

Ok, lets talk specifics. Chai tea is Oprah's favorite. So it stood to reason that she choose Chai in this partnership. She  worked with the chemist over at Teavana to render a prefect Chai tea that she could share her name.

  Oprah Chia Tea is a perfect blend of cinnamon, ginger carob pieces, black pepper, chicory root, cloves, cardamom black tea and roobis tea. The rolled peppercorn gives it the perfect bite, the carob adds a chocolate flavor  but I think its the blend of black and roobis tea that makes the big difference. It's the perfect balance between that traditional spicy chai black tea taste and  a smooth sweetness.

Rooibos tea comes for the Red Bush in South African and it is known for it's natural sweetness. Black tea adds a rich malty flavor that helps to balance the sweetness of the Rooibos.

 Did I say it was a perfect blend? Oh I did, LOL. Honestly I'm not a chemist, but what I can say for sure, is that this Chai Tea is a winner and one of the best Chai teas that I have ever tasted.

I even had Oprah Chai this morning and found it to be a great alternative to my staple, English Breakfast. It gives me that  traditional black tea I must have in the morning but the cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and peppercorn speaks loud and clear, "Its a new day!"

You can purchase the loose tea both at Teavana and at Starbucks. Also at Starbucks you can have an Oprah Chai Latte. The tea purest that I am, I'm not big on latte's so I passed, but for those who are latte drinkers why not give it a try? You can also order the loose leaf at Teavana online.

Soon to come, you will be able to purchase more of the Teavana tea selections as a beverage at Starbucks. Now that's a tea lover's dream. For those who don't know, Starbucks owns Teavana.

Even better is tea with a purpose. A portion of all Chai Tea sales go to Oprah's Leadership Academy Foundation. This is the breakdown: For every beverage purchased either at Starbucks or Teavana, the donation is .25; For every 2 oz's, of tea sold and every Oprah Chai Tin $100, and yes you have to buy the tin. Storing your loose leaf tea for freshness is important. Lastly, for every gift set sold  Teavana donates $4.00.

My bottom line, the Oprah/Teavana Chai Tea Collaboration is a winner!!

Tea With Rae! Holiday Teas and Hostess Gifts...

The holiday season has arrived and many of you will be receiving guests or making stops yourself. I thought that I would share the perfect teas for the season, from dessert teas to after dinner teas. You can serve them or you can pick them up for your hostess. Every great guest enters with something in their hand. While most people will bring an assortment of drinks, tea will be a great change of pace. Tea is a wonderful way to end a perfect dinner. I've chosen some of my favorites in black, green, herbal and Chai.

First on my list are After Dinner teas. At the top of my list is a seasonal tea that I look forward to every year. Joy Tea. This tea is absolutely divine. It's a perfect blend of black, oolong, jasmine and green tea.

While I didn't think that Tazo could improve on this tea blend, this year they added a hint of peach and all I can say is divine. This is a smooth tea that will compliment any dessert. It can only be purchased doing the holiday season at Starbucks. I typically pick up a few tins for the months after the holiday. This Tazo tea can be ordered online or you can drop into Starbucks and pick up a tin.

Earl Grey is my absolute favorite black tea. It's rich bergamot flavor add to black leaves gives black tea a welcomed pop.  While I tend to be a loose leaf person, my go to, is a tin of Tazo Earl Grey. Tazo bag teas are full leaf, thus rendering the same effect as loose left without the clean up. Earl Grey is perfect pairing with any dessert. This black tea will give you a caffeine boost after a heavy meal, but it has just enough flavor to give it a pop, but it won't overshadow your dessert.

This year Starbucks have a great selection of holiday mugs perfect for your hostess. I plan to pick up a couple for my tea cup collection. I love to drink my tea in as many different mugs as I drink in teas.

Also, at the top of my hostess gift list is  Mary J. Bilge Holiday CD. This is her first holiday CD and it is wonderful!! She has a variety of artists singing with her, including Barbara Streisand. I have listened to it often since  I picked it up a few weeks ago at Starbucks. Let's say, Mary J has certainly grown up.

Back to tea, sometimes after a large meal, you simply don't have room for dessert, but you want to have the taste of sweetness. My suggestion is a tea that taste just like a dessert.  My first recommendation is a new tea for me. Chocolate Chai by Adagio's Teas. I have never been big on Chai teas, but this tea is wonderful. This spicy chocolate tea is a blend of black tea, ginger root, cinnamon bark, cloves, cardamom, and coco nibs.

My all time favorite dessert tea is Coco Carmel Sea Salt by Teavana. This herbal tea taste just like its title. The first time I tried it, I couldn't decide if I felt like I was having a chocolate salt carmel cup cake from More Cupcakes or a sundae. I swear you will think this is cake or some decadent dessert. It's an herbal tea so there is no caffeine. It's made with sweet caramel, decadent chocolate, a hint of cream and a light sprinkling of sea salt. When I tell you this is delicious,  It's a WINNER!

You might have some guests that don't want chocolate, but still they want a tea with a rich flavor. My all time favorite oolong tea is also by Teavana, Spiced Mandarin Oolong. It's not as spicy as a chia tea but the rich flavors or orange, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and  pepper gives you an exotic flavor. Full Review Here.  A new seasonal tea at Teavana is Pumpkin Spiced Burlee Oolong. I sampled it a few weeks back and with the flavors of butterscotch carmel, toffee and vanilla I gave it a thumbs up. I plan to pick some up before they run out.

Now for sure you will have some guests that prefer green tea. Its half the caffeine of black and oolong teas and has the most health benefits. I know that since I've been on this health kick  these last few months. I've had more green tea than I have in my life-time. First up is Sakura Allure Green Tea. 

At the center is the Sakura flower grown in Japan and blended with pineapple, rose, hibiscus, cherry and mango. This is one of my favorite green desert teas. Full Review Here!

Last on my tea least, but certainly not least, are two new teas for me that I have yet to review. One of my girlfriends introduced me to Andrew's Own green teas. I love both the Organic Jasmine infused Green Tea and the Green Earl Grey. They can only be purchased at the Home Shopping Network.

For the tea lover, don't forget tea accessories. My handcrafted Tea Balls are a perfect gift! Shop Here!

Tea With Rae: Weight Lost Series-Sakura Allure

It is no secret that I am not a big fan of green tea. You can look at my Tea Review history and it speaks volumes. Now, I'm finding myself faced with having to drink more green tea.

You all know that I'm trying my best to lose some of this body fat created by my HIV medications and  added by very little movement with my on and off  IV medications.

Well, because green tea is suppose to help with weight lost I had to rethink green tea. I remember Tracye Madre telling me one day, that she makes herself drink it because of it's benefits to weight lost, and she has adjusted to the taste. You remember Tracye, she has lost over 100 pounds from working out and eating healthy. She has even launched a training business. You read my blog that mentions Tracye here and connect with her here.

For sure a cup of regular green tea is an acquired taste.  For the longest I have been in search of a blended green tea that didn't have that green tea taste. Well, Teavana posted this picture of Sakura Allure Green Tea on Instagram. I said to myself, "Any tea that's this pretty has got to taste good."

I made my way over to Teavana to give it a smell and lo and behold, it smelled like I was walking in a field of blossoms. So I took some home and it sat and sat and sat. I think I had a mental block because for sure I have had some green teas that smelled wonderful but the taste left a lot of be desired.

Well, a friend was in town and we went to Teavana. She asked the staff about a green tea with a great taste and they produced Sakura Allure. I was put to shame and I had to laugh to myself, "I have that tea at home," I mumbled.  It was stuffed in my tea cabinet with my other 100 or so teas. The shame I felt, forced me to come home and try it. I mean I'm the try queen. I will give any tea a one try.

 OMG! By far Sakura Allure Green Tea is the BEST Green Tea that I have ever drank! This is a blended tea of Sakura Blossoms, mango, candied pineapples, rose and hibiscus. It's a wonderful combination that compliments the Sakura- Cherry Blossom that grows in Japan. Like most cherry blossoms, they only bloom a limited time of the year. In Japan, you can see their beauty late march, early April and even into May.

I know you are asking, what about weight lost?  Glad you asked! Green Tea comes from the same plant as black, oolong and white tea (Camellia sinensis). While all tea groups have some benefits what makes green tea special is a couple of things. One, it is not fermented before drying and steaming, which allows it to keep more of it''s antioxidants.  Secondly, green tea is a rich source of polyphenol catechin.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most active form of catechin responsible for green tea's anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects. While green tea is light in caffeine, it is there and that helps EGCG assist the metabolism and body fat accumulations.

In a nut shell, it stimulates the body to burn calories and decreases body fat, epically the waist line. Green tea also lowers cholesterol, which I'm putting to the test. My bad cholesterol is very hight right now. Green tea also fights, cancer and heart disease. It is the highest in anti-inflammatory properties. of the 4 tea groups. Studies have shown over and again that green tea is a factor in weight lost. However, you must drink at least 4 cups of green tea a day to benefit from the metabolic effects.

There are many  wonderful health reasons to drink green tea. If you don't like the taste. Well, today I've given you a reason to drink up; Sakura Allure at Teavana!

I will be reviewing more green teas in this weight lost series, as well as other tea groups. Stay Tuned!! Happy Cuppa!

Christmas Guide 2012! Dessert Teas to Compliment Your Holiday Dinner!

I know that cake looks good don't it? But you're thinking right about now, that you have eaten a ton and you don't really want to put on the extra pounds. Don't fret, have your desert in a Tea Cup!

Yep! There are some wonderful teas out there that will give you the same comfort as a piece of cake after you are done stuffing yourself with the meal course. Or you can forgo a large portion of desert and pair it with a delightful tea.

Here's my recommendations for desert teas to serve at your holiday dinner. At the top of my list is, Earl Grey! This is my favorite black tea hands down. Earl Grey is a British concept. They took a high quality black tea and added the flavor of bergamot oil. Now the French took it a step further and added lavender, which actually boost the bergamot flavor. Read my archive on Earl Grey Here! The Lavender Earl Grey I LOVE is from The London Tea Room. Try booth of these teas with a splash of cream or milk and it will boost the flavor even more. Black tea has caffeine so it will give you a boost.

Now if you want something that taste just like a dessert, at the top of my list is Teavana CoCoCarameal Sea Salt! I swear you will think this is cake or some decadent dessert. It's an herbal tea so there is no caffeine. It's made with sweet caramel, decadent chocolate, a hint of cream and a light sprinkling of sea salt. When I tell you this is delicious, I mean it. I checked today and they are having a sale on this particular tea.  Click Teavana

Next up, is also from Teavana and one of my favorite Oolong teas, Toasted Nut Brûlée.  This tea has less caffeine than a black tea because it has a different fermenting process. Click Here to watch my video about Tea groups from my archives.

Now I know you hear a lot about green tea and weight lost. But actually Oolong does a better job at boasting the Metabolism. This tea is made with roasted almonds, hazelnut, warm coconut, cinnamon and caramel. LOVE IT! Click Teavana

I would not dare forget chocolate! I tried this particular Talbott Tea for the first time a month ago at the World of Chocolate. I also met the owner Shane and he was a hoot. Chocolate Almond Allure is the perfect blend of black tea with chocolate (cacao nibs) and almonds to enhance the flavor, cause what chocolate without nuts. Click Here For Talbott Teas

So you don't want to drink your cake. You want a tea with the right amount of sweetness but with a edgy spice. I recommend Rooibos Vanilla Chai by the Premission Tree Company. This tea is the perfect blend of Masala Chai Spices, Red Rooibos and a hint of Vanilla. You don't like the the flavor of vanilla, no worries they have a regular Chai Rooibos. 

You should also follow them on Twitter because they are always tweeting special deals. Right now they have a 15% off coupon when you sign up for their emails. They also have great gift sets and oh yeah, their Mint Medley is my FAV peppermint tea.  Click Here for Persimmon Tree Tea

Now Sweet Simpllici Teas have a Chocolate Chip Chai!  Yes, Chi and Chocolate! But my favorite from Sweet Simpllici is their Berry Sleepy Herbal Tea. No it won't put you to sleep, but it sure will relax you from the madness that began early on Christmas morning. It's the perfect blend of hibiscus, roasted chicory root, boysenberries, lemon verbena leaf, cranberries, blackberry leaf and chamomile. Click Here For Sweet Simpllici 


Shut Up! See you can have dessert in a tea cup.
You just have to be willing to venture out. Now trying teas is trail and error. But you will never know, if you don't try. Do something different this year, introduce your guest to the wonder of tea. Yes!!! Tea With Rae is Back!! Weekly Reviews!!

You don't know how to brew loose tea, don't worry I've thought of everything. Watch my Video on how to brew Tea HERE!

Post Script: All of these are loose teas so you will need something to brew them with. First up for a simple cup of tea are tea balls. Now don't be confused, I'm recommending my hand made tea ball infuser Click Here

Buttttt okkkk... You can also use tea bags... They are great for the disposal of loose tea after infused. Yes I'm fancy, but honestly I use them too. Click Here. These are from Teavana, but any will do.

Also for the tea lover in your life this Teavana 12 Holiday Gift Set is perfect and it's on SALE! Click Here!

Tea Series: Tea At The End Of The Day!

At the end of the day there's nothing like winding down with a wonderful cup of tea, but choosing your tea wisely is important. Chamomile has been the go to tea for relaxation, but there are so many more wonderful teas.

I'm on a mission to expand your tea choices. This series will introduce you to wonderful selection of teas that are designed to help you relax whether its bedtime or just winding down from a long day with a book.

First up is a tea that I just LOVE! Citrus Lavender Sage Tea from Teavana is divine. This is a new tea from Teavana that I decided to try just for the heck of it. When they opened the tin the aroma of citrus and lavender grabs your nose.

This herbal tea is just the right blend of zesty sea buckthorn, pineapple and orange with lavender and sage.

Now, this tea will not put you to sleep. That's why I love it so much. This is an herbal tea with no caffeine. The combined flavors  of sage and citrus is just enough to give you a pick me up to read that book or watch your favorite evening TV show after dinner.  The citrus, fruity flavor also makes it a great after dinner desert tea. The Lavender is the ingredient that helps you to relax. It's the perfect blend with just enough pick me up and relaxation all in one. Citrus Lavender Sage is a winner and one of my favorite teas.

Post Script! RLT Collection has wonderful hand made Tea Balls! Check them out Here!

Tea With Rae: Small Pleasures!

Living with AIDS, keeping the breakneck schedule that I do and working out of my home, I try to carve time out of the house just for me. At the top of the list are browsing bookstores and shopping for beads for my bracelet designs. These are the small pleasures that help to keep me sane in my crazy life.

But one day while looking around Water Tower shopping mall on Chicago's Mag Mile, I stumbled upon Teavana Tea Shop. Now at first it was a rocky road, the salesperson that day was a bit of an ass. But I gave them another try months later and it's been heaven ever since. When I explained to the new manager what had happened, she explained that he was the first to go when she took over the store. I was glad to see that she was on top of her game.

Customer Service is everything and they have it down pat at Teavana. So Saturday after putting in 9 hours of work on my latest bracelet designs I took a walk over to Teavana.

I had no intention on making a purchase, I just wanted to have a smell of their teas. Boy does it bring me pleasure when they open that tin of tea and then fan the aroma your way. The tea lover that I am, it's as if all of my senses had gone straight to heaven.

I'm getting ready to begin a series on Oolong teas and I wanted to smell all of them. I gotta admit, the staff was real patient with me as I asked to smell over and over again. I get so much joy from it, I really do!

Well like I said, I had no intention of buying any tea, I still have tea from Teavana that I have to review. I'm so honored that they are one of my Tea With Rae partners.

But when I smelled Toasted Nut Brulee, OMG! I just had to have it. I came straight home and put the tea kettle on. The taste was everything that the smell promised it to be. I'm in love! I promise, since Saturday, I have had no less than ten cups of this tea.

How do I describe this tea. It's creamy, nutty, with fruity undertones. You can even see the pieces of hazelnuts, almonds and candied fruit in the tea. I think the Rooibos tea added to the Oolong ensures that the the nutty taste is not woody. It's a perfect blend of tea! I'm going to even put it in my top five teas that I have ever had. Now that's a big one for me! Stay tuned for my series on Oolong teas, coming real soon!

Oh yeah, I also love looking at there wonderful tea pots. I think I'm addicted to them also. For Real! If any of you were wondering about the teapot I used for the RLT Men's Collection, yep, I got it from Teavana. It's the perfect little teapot for one or two. I can't wait to use it. And yes, that's another one of my small pleasures, making a cup of tea and enjoying it in a fancy teapot and cup set!

The best thing about their teapots is the price! They are affordable for good quality high end, teapots. And yes I already have my eyes on my second little teapot. It's the cutest little thing! Don't you agree? Those Cherry Blossoms are just too cute! And don't be surprised if you see this teapot featured with my bracelet collection also. By the way, the pictures of these teapots make them larger than what they truly are, little miniature teapots for two.

So there you have it. This past Saturday, at Teavana I discovered a new tea that I can't stop drinking and a teapot that I just have to have. These are the things that help to keep me sane in the chaotic world of AIDS and pushing forward with my work and ministry in spite of my health. This is just one of my small pleasures!

Tea With Rae: Honeybush - A Wonderful Delight!

I'm gonna be honest. I had never ever heard of Honeybush Tea until I stepped into the doors of Teavana in the wonderful Water Tower Place on Chicago's Mag Mile. I'm learning so much on this tea journey and it's so exciting! So when I approached Teavana about this tea project to ask if could I review it, to my delight, they said yes!

This beautiful South African plant renders an equally beautiful tea. The Cyclopia (honeybush) plant grows naturally in the high mountains of the Western and Eastern Cape regions of South Africa. Honeybush tea is made from the leaves, stems and flowers of the honeybush shrub. The honeybush tea is similar to the red bush tea of South Africa, but the honeybush is a tad sweeter.

This tea not only tastes great but the health benefits are up there with red bush tea. Each cup contains healthy anti-oxidants along with minerals such as: calcium, copper, iron, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. This herb is said to have positive effects in preventing breast, prostate and uterine cancer; reducing the risk of osteoporosis; having antifungal and anti-viral properties; lowering cholesterol levels, and much more.

Teavana's blend of honeybush is wonderful! It's been added to the list of my top teas. Teavana has taken the already sweet tasting honeybush and added rich Madagascar vanilla beans and marigold petals, a plant native to central and southern Europe believed to have detoxifying, anti fugal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Now that's a lot of power in a cup of tea. But the taste of this tea is equally as wonderful. When you open the tin the rich aroma of vanilla and honey jumps out at you.

This smooth tasting tea seems to be a perfect balance of sweet and savory. I find myself reaching for this Honeybush Vanilla at afternoon tea time to satisfy that need for a sweet boost, and sometimes as my after dinner tea when I'm not having dessert. Oh yes, the taste of honey blends well with the vanilla and honeybush leaf. I typically don't use honey in my tea because it distorts the flavor, but the added honey flavor only enhances this blend making it a great Cuppa!

Tea With Rae: Valentine Shop Guide

Yes, tea can say love in so many ways. I believe the best way to end the day is with a cup of relaxing tea such as chamomile or lavender and cozy up for a great conversation with your significant other. But don't worry about having another in your life. For me, single now, a cup of tea at the end day is taking care of me in the best of ways. I sip on one of these relaxing teas and snuggle between my sheets with great book. It takes me away from the stress of the day and prepares me for a necessary good night's sleep. Tea is loving the self in the best of ways. So here are my recommendations to say I love you, whether it's to yourself or someone else.

I simply love these teapots! The one on the top is great for one person. I love the matching cup, saucer and teapot combo. It's Diva Fab! The one with the hearts is just too cute. I would pair this combination teapot/infuser with solid red cups. Both of these teapots are from The NecessiTeas, and while you are there, pick up some of her Black Beauty Tea; a black tea infused with maple flavors and roses. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds delightful. And don't forget when you make a $10.00 purchase from NecessiTeas they will send you a few of my favorite samples. Just write in #TeaWithRae in the note section.

One of my favorite teas is The Republic of Tea's Double Dark Chocolate Mate Tea. OMG! This anti-oxidant rich tea is made from South American Yerba leaves and infused with organic dark chocolate. Now, I know some people don't like dark chocolate, but don't get sidetracked by the name. It's the perfect blend with a rich chocolate flavor. Double Dark Chocolate Mate is the perfect dessert tea. I typically drink it in the evening after dinner when I'm not going to have a heavy dessert. But if you want to be decadent, I suggest that you stop by Kilwin's Chicago and pick up their chocolate covered strawberries in a chocolate martini glass. These two items are a perfect combination and a wonderful way to end your Valentine celebration at home. *smile*

I fell in LOVE with this tea cup and saucer set from Nordstrom. They speak for themselves. This glazed porcelain set of six comes in a wonderful mixture of colors. They are simply beautiful! I wanted them so bad but my funds are so tight. My blogger friend Kim also wanted them but didn't want all six so we went in together. I guess three are better than nothing.

So what do you put in these fabulous tea cups? Glad you asked. Here's a few more Valentine tea picks. This wonderful blended tea Strawberry Rose, by Esp Emporium is a mixture of floral and fruit, and it's caffeine free. (Also, Esp Emporium offers a 10% discount to my followers, the coupon code is TeaWithRae.) Another caffeine free tea that I love is Honeybush Hazelnut, a perfect blend of sweet honeybush blended with chocolate and hazelnut. Now, I love Earl Grey tea for after dinner. This bergamot flavor combined with red tea creates a unique Herbal Grey, both by The Persimmon Tree Tea Company. Last, you know how I simply LOVE black tea. For a smooth tasting premium black tea with a sweet, malty, chocolaty taste, I recommend Teavana's hand rolled Black Dragon Pearl.

And let's not forget my all time favorite treat, cupcakes. Patty, the owner and chef over at More Cupcakes, outdid herself with this Passion Passion Passion Cupcake! OMG!! The cupcake is just what it says, a passion cake, with a passion center and a passion frosting, finished with a white and dark chocolate heart.

Now if you have no time to do any or all of these, I'm gonna recommend the ultimate treat, High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel. I've done it twice and it is worth it and so much more. If you have never experienced high tea, take this time to do so!

And let's not forget my product. I design these wonderful Tea Bracelets. They are fabulous tea balls to strain your tea. Some have a dual function, they can be disconnected from the tea ball and worn as a bracelet. But mostly, they are Diva approved tea balls each one designed and handmade by me from gemstones. You can also checkout my wonderful line of bracelets, RLT Collection.

I hope that you have a wonderful Valentine's Day! And remember to keep yourself safe. There is no love or sex worth your life. Wrap it up!!! Condoms come in many colors and sizes...