A Review of Twinings Chai Tea

Chai - the Hindu word for tea. 

Chai tea is a flavored black tea made from a blend of the sweet & savory spice flavors of cinnamon, cardamon, clovers and ginger.

In India it is a cherished beverage thought to bring peace of mind and to preserve health. 

I was first introduced to Chai tea by my darling daughter-in-law who grew up in South Korea where she learned her love of tea. 

Chai Tea by Twinings

Image Source: Wednesday Elf

While there are a number of brands on the market producing Chai Tea, the only one I’ve tried (to date) and the one featured in this review, is by Twinings - a well-known British marketer of tea and other beverages since the early 1700s. I am quite sure Chai tea by other brands is equally as good, but I am very pleased with the taste of the Twinings Chai tea blended with delicious spices. The multiple health benefits of Chai Tea is also nice to know. 

Twinings calls their Chai Tea a delicious wellbeing drink that tastes great and will do you good. 

How to Brew Chai Tea

I do not like strong coffee, so for years, whenever I made tea with tea bags, I only put the bag in the water for a short amount of time, worried the drink would become too strong. I did not realize, until I (finally) tried it, what a difference ‘steeping’ your tea makes in the taste.

Image Source: Pixabay

Chai Tea is good hot or iced.  The brewing instructions on the Twinings package of Chai Tea are as follows:

For Hot Tea: pour boiling water over the tea bag and steep for 3-5 minutes. Remove the tea bag. Enjoy! 

For Iced Tea:  Fill half a pitcher with boiling water. Steep 4 tea bags for 3 minutes. Remove tea bags. Add ice to desired strength. 

For a single glass of iced tea, use one tea bag in a heat resistant glass.

Summary

Happiness is finding a delicious new (to me) tea drink I really love. Give Twinings Chai Tea a try today and see if you don’t agree. 

Twinings Chai Individually Wrapped Black Tea Bags, 20 Count (Pack of 6), Sweet, Savoury Spices, Caffeinated, Enjoy Hot or Iced

Twinings Chai Black Tea K-Cup Pods for Keurig, 24 Count (Pack of 1), Naturally Sweet and Savoury Spice Flavours, Caffeinated, Enjoy Hot or Iced | Packaging May Vary

*Twinings Chai Tea Review written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Calming Effects of Crafting

 A Health Review

Crafting projects are good for your brain and helpful to your body.  Positive benefits are found no matter the medium you use. Crafting can elevate your mood, improve your self-confidence and reduce stress. Mentally it can decrease cognitive decline. Physically, it improves both gross and fine motor movements and control. 

Who would have thought that a fun hobby could have health benefits? That it could lower your blood pressure and reduce tension, giving you an overall sense of well-being.

Benefits of Yarn Crafting

All crafting is helpful, but yarn crafting is particularly beneficial.  

Image Source: Pixabay

Knitting and crochet can reduce anxiety and relieve stress.  The repetitive action of these crafts help release serotonin, your body’s feel-good hormone, which is a natural anti-depressant. What a fun way to feel happier. 

Crocheting and knitting help improve fine motor skills and have been shown to be effective in maintaining dexterity. 

Knitting in a social setting reduces loneliness and isolation.

The creative process of crochet, providing a creative outlet for self-expression,  can boost self-esteem and instill a sense of accomplishment.

The calmness of these crafts can help reduce insomnia. By getting relaxed into a repetitive rhythm with your crochet hooks or your knitting needles, your mind is allowed to unwind. 

Crochet can  be a form of meditation. By allowing you to focus on the task at hand, concentrating on the stitches and following a pattern, your mind becomes present-moment focused - helping you to achieve a meditative state.

Summary

So, don’t forget to set aside a period of time each day for the health benefits of crafting. Get out your favorite craft project and enjoy a relaxing time.

If you don’t already have a craft hobby, consider the benefits of taking one up. Following are a few suggestions for How-To learning. 

Crochet for beginners: The Ultimate Guide to Learn Beginner Knots & Patterns From Scratch. Design Beautiful Creations with Step-By-Step Instructions

How to Knit: Learn the Basic Stitches and Techniques. A Storey BASICS® Title

How to Quilt: A Beginner’s Guide to Learn How to Quilt Step-by-Step (Crafts for Beginners)

For more reviews of Craft Projects, Craft Supplies, Books and How-Tos, check out the Crafts & DIY section here on ReviewThis!

For more Health Reviews, Click here.

*Health Review written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Croissant Toast - A Food Review

 Anyone who knows me knows that bread is my favorite food of all. I could live on that old food punishment of only ‘bread and water’... as long as I could choose the kind of bread. 

You see, along with my love of breads, I am also somewhat a ‘bread snob’. I have certain breads I prefer, and know where I can get them. For instance, the very best French Bread is found in only three places - San Francisco, New Orleans, and, believe it or not, Houston. No other French Bread tastes as good. 

Bakery breads are my very favorite and fresh baked breads are next in line. I no longer get store-bought bread, but go to the bakery section instead. I also keep frozen bread loaves in my freezer for stormy winter days when it is not easy to get out to the stores and bakeries.

Recently, my son asked me if I liked Croissants. I assured him that I did and he told me about a new bread he had just discovered that was delicious. He brought me a loaf to try.  It’s called Croissant Toast.  The loaf he brought is made by La Boulangerie, a San Francisco bakery begun by a Frenchman, but I have since discovered that there are several other brands out there.

Croissant Toast

Croissants are a French Pastry made from puff pastry usually in a crescent shape - a buttery layered treat often served for breakfast in Europe.

Croissant Toast is a super flaky bread made with real butter in the style of croissants. It is a loaf-style bread made from yeasted pastry that has the taste and smell of a croissant but slices like bread. The flaky crust and the soft buttery interior is unbelievably delicious. It combines a favorite pastry into a loaf style bread

As toast for breakfast, it melts in your mouth.

It is absolutely fantastic when fixed as French Toast ~ fluffy and thick, and very tasty.

Summary

Croissant Toast breads are available in several different brands and found in many stores, including online at Amazon. To date, I have only tried the Croissant Toast by La Boulangerie, which was delicious, and which I highly recommend to fans of breads and croissants.  But, if you try this tasty product from other companies, come back and give me your opinion. Toast has never tasted better! 

Happy Eating!

Croissant La Boulangere Pains Au Chocolat, Chocolate Croissants, Individually Wrapped, Non GMO, Free From Artificial Flavors & Colors, Kosher d, 1.59 oz

Thomas' Croissant Bread, 13.5 oz

LA BOULANGERIE Croissant Toast, 15 OZ

Check Review This Reviews! 

For more Food Reviews and Recipe Reviews

*Croissant Toast Food Review written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Wild About Wildlife Month - A Holiday Review

In 1984, the International Fund for Animal Welfare named the month of July as Wild About Wildlife Month. It is a time to highlight the different kinds of wildlife around the world and encourage people to do their part in conservation efforts to protect the wildlife that is such an integral part of our ecosystem.

On December 20, 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March 3rd to be World Wildlife Day.  This is an Awareness Day, along with the month of July, to raise awareness about threatened and endangered plants and animals.

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

The need for conservation efforts to protect our wildlife has been a critical part of the future of our ecosystem.

In 1973, the United States passed the Endangered Species Act. In 1993, the United Nations added more than a million species to the endangered section for the first time. By 2020, the population of about 21,000 mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, and amphibians had declined by 68%. 

A species becomes classified as endangered when the total population drops to less than 250 mature individuals and shows a 50% to 70% decline in recent years.

So this Wild About Wildlife Month is a call to action.

Reasons for Wildlife Extinction and Endangerment

• habitat loss
• climate change 
• invasive species 
• overfishing and hunting

Some Recent Examples of the Benefits of Worldwide Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management

The whales of the Atlantic 

They were close to facing near-extinction due to hunting in the 1970s. Conservation efforts have brought the whale numbers back to their pre-70s state.

The beavers of England

Beavers had become extinct in the U.K. prior to 2008 until conservation efforts reversed it. 

The gorillas of Africa

The gorilla population in Africa increased from only 48 in 2010 to more than 100 in 2016.

The gray wolves of America

In 1960, there were only 300 gray wolves left in America. Conservation efforts have brought the population back to nearly 5,400 by 2010.

The tigers of India

India’s wild tiger population has seen a 33% increase since conservation efforts began in 2010.

Summary

Wildlife Conservation Decoded: How Anyone Can Unlock the Secrets of Wildlife Management and Biodiversity, Even Without a Science Background

With wildlife conservation becoming more important than ever, it’s nice to have a whole month set aside to help as a reminder for each of us to do our part. So, celebrate in whatever way suits you best all during Wild About Wildlife Month in July. 

July is Wild About Wildlife Month 

March 3rd is World Wildlife Day

For more holiday reviews, check out 

ReviewthisReviews: Holidays

*Holiday review for Wild About Wildlife Month was written by Wednesday Elf 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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A Review of Blue Bunny Ice Cream

I am not a big dessert eater, and am particular about the desserts I DO eat. Growing up, dessert was not a regular part of our meals, usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays. 

I am not fond of cake, except for falling in love with the recently discovered Chantilly Cake. My dessert preference is for pies (mostly cream pies such as chocolate), and ice cream.

When it comes to ice cream, I really only like vanilla ice cream plain, in a hot fudge sundae, or for the topping on warm apple pie. Plus, any ice cream with some type of nuts in it. 

My favorite ‘snack’ is an ice cream drumstick - vanilla ice cream in a sugar cone dipped in a chocolate coating and topped with peanuts.

Recently, I bought a brand I was not familiar with because it was on sale at my grocery store. It was the ‘best’ drumstick-style cone I have ever had. It is made by Blue Bunny, an ice cream brand I had seen in store freezers, but never tried.

This week I branched out and bought a tub of ice cream by Blue Bunny - the Caramel Butter Pecan Praline flavor. WOW! Unbelievably delicious! 

Blue Bunny has become my new favorite ice cream. It is SO creamy and rich tasting and far surpasses any other ice cream I have ever had. 

Blue Bunny Ice Cream by Wells Enterprises

Blue Bunny ice cream is made by Wells Enterprises of Le Mars, Iowa, just northeast of Sioux City.  The company was begun in 1925 by Fred H. Wells Jr.  and his sons and they delivered it to neighboring Iowa towns. In 1928, Fairmont Ice Cream purchased the ice cream distribution system in Sioux City, along with the Wells name. 

Blue Bunny in Crochet
handmade by (c) Elf

In 1935, the Wells family decided to again sell their ice cream in Sioux City, but unable to sell their product under their own name, they decided to hold a “Name That Ice Cream” contest. The winning entry - Blue Bunny - was submitted by a Sioux City man who had noticed how much his son enjoyed the blue bunnies in a department store at Easter. 

By 1954, Fred Wells' sons, Harold, Mike, Roy and Fay, and their cousin Fred D. Wells, began running the family business as a partnership. It has become the largest family-owned ice cream company in the country.

Summary

According to what I learned in my research, I think the secret to the fantastic taste is the fact that Blue Bunny uses only high-quality ingredients, such as their locally-sourced fresh milk in their delicious ice cream. I must disclose that I have discovered that this ice cream is quite high in calories (200 calories per serving), which is a lot to devote to just dessert. But, oh, what a decadently delicious treat! Definitely worth tasting, even if only for special occasions. Pick up a pint at your favorite store and see if you agree. :) 

• For more information about Blue Bunny Ice Cream Products, click here. 

• For an added incentive to try Blue Bunny ice cream, National Ice Cream Month is celebrated during the whole month of July, with National Ice Cream Day occurring on the third Sunday in July each year. 

*Blue Bunny Ice Cream review written by Wednesday Elf

Ice Cream Essentials:

 

CUNSENR 7 inch Ice Cream Scoop - Professional Metal Ice Cream Scooper - Easy to Use & Clean - Non-Stick Aluminum Ice Cream Spoon - Lightweight Cookie Spoon - Scoop Ice Cream with Ease(Matt,Sliver)

Greenco Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons - Ice Cream Cups for Birthday Party Decorations, Ice Cream Party Favors, Ice Cream Party Decorations, Ice Cream Sundae Bar Supplies, Set of 12 Vibrant Colors

Cones for Ice Cream - Cones for Dessert – Classic Ice cream cone – Sweet, Crisp, Crunchy and Delicious – Ideal for Family Gatherings, Parties (36-Pack)

Smuckers Sundae Syrup Caramel, Butterscotch & Chocolate Ice Cream Topping Bundle 20 Oz (Variety Pack of 3)

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Summertime Stitching Craft Review

Many hobbyists enjoy stitching. Sewing is one form of stitching, either by hand or by sewing machine. But it is not the only stitching craft. There is also stitching found in embroidery and in needlework. Quilting is also a form of stitching and yarn crafts (crochet and knitting) involve stitches.

In this review, we will look at a few examples in the craft world of stitching. And since summer is just beginning, we shall focus on a summertime theme.

Sundresses to Sew

Image Source: Pixabay

 

Summertime encourages the wearing of lightweight clothing. Thus, a sweet sundress is just the thing for those hot summer days.  There are a large variety of sundress patterns available in your local fabric stores and on Amazon and Etsy.

Vintage patterns are also found on the eBay site when you are in the mood for that ‘retro’ look.

Pick up a new (or vintage) sundress pattern from Simplicity, McCalls and more at your favorite place to purchase sewing patterns and stitch up something new for your summer vacation. 

Stitch a Quilt

Quilt pattern for a modern Flashback design
by Orange Dot Quilts on Etsy

Quilting is another form of stitching and takes many forms from a full bed size blanket quilt to quilted home decor in the form of placemats and table runners, hot pads and more. You can find this pattern at Dora's Etsy Store

With so many quilting patterns to choose from, your summer stitching choices are unlimited. 

Embroidery & Needlework

Embroidery Example - Pixabay Image

Projects in embroidery, cross stitch and plastic canvas needlework are great summer projects for the hobbyist because they are usually small and, thus, very portable. Take along one of these smaller projects on your summer vacation or your staycation in your backyard while the kids are playing in the pool. 

My tissue box cover craft project in progress

I worked on this tissue box cover in plastic canvas and yarn while house sitting and pet sitting my grandpuppy Pepe the Poodle while my Kids and Grandkids were on vacation. A fun way to feel productive while living at someone else’s home. 

Finished tissue box cover
with cartoon character design

*Note: Finished project is now in my Etsy Shop here! :) 

Summary

Image Source: Pixabay

So, choose your favorite form of stitching and fill some of your free summertime hours working on the creative project you like best. 

For more Craft Reviews

Check out ReviewThisCrafts.com

*Summertime Stitching Review written by Wednesday Elf

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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