Nepal Tea Collective Launches QR Code Labels

 Nepal Tea Collective, an award-winning public benefit corporation that distributes fresh organic teas worldwide, now includes QR codes on all product labels.  When scanned with smart phones, the QR codes offer information on the farm where the tea leaves were grown and when the particular bag of tea was plucked, packaged and shipped. The QR codes are part of Nepal Tea’s pledge to bring more traceability and transparency to the tea and herb industries. 

“The tea industry is ripe for disruption.  There are way too many middlemen creating little to no value at all.  They’re depressing the income for the farmers and degrading the quality and freshness of tea for consumers,” said Nishchal Banskota, Founder and CEO of Nepal Tea Collective.  “We believe consumers deserve to know exactly where their tea comes from and whether or not it’s single-origin.  We think of ourselves as a movement to reinvent the tea supply chain and make it more sustainable.”

“We’ve taken the further step of becoming a public benefit corporation (PBC) to really challenge the status quo and make a sustainable business with a core mission to do good for the tea farmers,” continued Banskota.  “Becoming a PBC in fact mandates us to our public benefit purpose with legislative reporting requirements which enforce an enhanced level of accountability and transparency.  We really want to challenge ourselves to do what is right for the farmers and the industry.”

Nepal Tea Collective currently offers a selection of organic black, green, oolong and white teas, as well as gift boxes and bundles.  All teas are packed at origin in biodegradable bamboo pouches, which are locally handmade.

About Nepal Tea Collective

Nepal Tea Collective is a public benefit corporation that distributes fresh teas, organically grown and packed at origin in Nepal, throughout the United States and worldwide.  Teas are from four different small-holder farms in Nepal.  Nepal Tea Collective aims to bridge the gap between tea farmers and customers by moving past the middlemen and working directly with producers.  Nepal Tea Collective makes the tea farm to table supply chain traceable and transparent.  Each package is labeled with a QR code that can be scanned for info about where, how and when the tea was produced.  For more information please visit https://nepalteacollective.com/ Follow Nepal Tea on Facebook @nepalteacollective.

Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure Levels with Refreshing TK Hibiscus Tea

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70 million American adults have high blood pressure; that’s 1 in 3 people over the age of 18. High blood pressure increases your risk for dangerous health condition such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

 

We’ve seen a recent surge in health conscious practices including the way we eat, our exercising habits, and even the medicines and herbs we use to treat ourselves when we’re feeling under the weather. This new fascination with being healthy has heightened the demand of natural hibiscus.

TK Hibiscus is currently stocked in over 350 stores across 27 states including The Fresh Market and Whole Foods.

Classic Simple: As simple as it gets and the benchmark for bottled hibiscus tea

Cool Mint: Refreshingly perfect after a workout or a lazy day in the park

Green Jasmine: With a touch of caffeine, it is the perfect replacement for your afternoon or morning coffee

Yellow Ginger: The perfect complement to spice up any meal

My Thoughts
HK Hibiscus Tea brings you a unique blend of teas that are both exotic and refreshing. We were able to taste test four different varieties and they were all amazing.  Even the bottles they come is are beautiful and make for a great presentation. 

 Classic Simple Hibiscus Tea  - This delicious hibiscus tea is like a cross between fruit juice and ice tea that is a unique tasting experience.

Cool Mint Hibiscus Tea - This one has a light and refreshing touch of mint that leaves your mouth tingling.

Green Jasmine Hibiscus Tea  - This one was my favorite. It's not quite as sweet as the other blends.

Yellow Ginger Hibiscus - The ginger added to this one gives it a little extra kick.

In addition to great taste, I love how these teas have added health benefits. I don't have issues with my blood pressure yet, and maybe I ever will if I keep drinking this fabulous tea.  If you'd like to learn more about HK Hibicus Tea and all the teas they offer, or to find a location near you that sells them, be sure to visit their website.

Pure Canadian Spring Water from Icebox Water

Studies show that 40% of plastic bottled water actually comes from tap water[1] , sourced from low quality sources which can be contaminated with pollutants like arsenic, aluminum, and fluoride.  These contaminants can increase risk of serious health problems, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and a weakened immune system.  The real solution to healthy drinking water is in true spring water, captured from a natural mountain or artesian spring, filled with vitamins and minerals to provide the best tasting hydration  Taste and feel the difference with pure, refreshing Icebox Water (www.Iceboxwater.com).  Icebox Water offers crystal clear, spring water from Canada’s True North Spring, which is naturally purified and bottled at the source far from any contaminants.  Instead of drinking unsafe or impure tap water, enjoy the deliciously crisp taste of Icebox Water’s clean Canadian spring water.

Icebox Water is passionate about providing the cleanest, highest quality drinking water that is good for both people and the planet.  Knowing the risks of tap water, and concerned about the effects of BPA in plastic water bottles, Icebox Water offers pure Canadian spring water in an environmentally friendly, pressed-paper carton that is 100% recyclable and BPA free.  By bottling pure spring water right at the source, Icebox Water contains healthy minerals to support health, provides a balanced pH level to help neutralize acidity in the body, and promotes strong, healthy bones. 

The True North Spring provides unadulterated Canadian snow run-off and rainwater drawn into a glacier-carved valley. The natural filter of the glacier’s sediment and rock purifies the water while enriching it with valuable minerals and electrolytes. Insulating the premium spring water inside, Icebox Water’s innovative, sustainable carton retains the spring’s naturally delicious taste while keeping the water cold for maximum refreshment.

Icebox Water is the obvious solution to the drinking water dilemma, providing a safer, healthier way to enjoy great tasting, spring water.  Naturally-sourced Icebox Water offers refreshing Canadian spring water in its unique pressed paper carton that is 100% recyclable and BPA-free.  Enjoy healthy hydration and “Refresh Naturally” with pure, delicious Icebox Water.  

My Thoughts

 With summer officially beginning, you can be sure I'll have water in my hand all the time.  I used to use bottled water, but I always worried about the BPA. I've heard so many horror stories of the chemicals creeping into the water from the plastic. At the same time, I can't always get to my tap. Icebox Water brings us the perfect solution.  They're water comes to us fresh from the Canadian glacier, guaranteeing you the freshest, purest water you can imagine, but there's even more to love.

Icebox water comes in a pressed-paper carton that is completely safe and BPA free. Not only is this a better option for the environment, it also makes the water taste even better. I always notice a odd, artificial taste when I drink from bottles, and that is completely absent with IceBox.  Plus, when you're finished with your carton, you can toss it in the recycles. This is just all around great water.

If you want to pick up some IceBox Water today, you can order a 12 pack case of either 500ml or 250ml cartons. Cool off this summer with refreshing water that you can really feel good about drinking.

Seattle's Best Coffee: Frozen Coffee Blends - #Giveaway

**Product received for free in exchange for an honest review.**

Seattle’s Best Coffee Frozen Coffee Blends represents a brand new grocery category as it is the first time a major coffee brand has crossed over from the coffee aisle to the freezer case to present consumers with an affordable, easy way to make frozen coffee drinks from home.  Compared to some favorite coffee chains frozen coffee options, the SBC coffee blends have more than five times fewer calories (at 90 cal), half the fat (at 4 g) and significantly less sugar (9 g), making it a smart alternative for those looking to indulge and not feel guilty about it. Kroger, Meijer, Target, Albertsons all have taken them and they started appearing in stores this summer.  SRP is $2.99 per bag. 

Our Thoughts:
Who doesn't love coffee? Well, I'm sure there are some that don't appreciate it as much as others; however, I am not one of them! I love my coffee. I love it even more when it's chilled or frozen. I just can't seem to get it to taste like I've walked out of a coffee shop.
Seattle's Best Coffee offers you that coffee shop taste at a more affordable price, and all in the comfort of your home! Flavors like, Creamy Caramel or Mega Mocha leaves your craving quenched and satisfied. No more waiting in lines, getting your order wrong, or not enough cash on hand! All it takes is walking in your kitchen, and firing up the blender.
Easy, simple, and oh so tasty, you cannot go wrong with Seattle's Best frozen coffee blends. And thanks to them, a lucky winner will have the opportunity to win 4 coupons to try out Seattle's Best and enjoy every sip from the comfort of your home! A big thanks to Seattle's Best Coffee for their generous offer!! Open only to residents in the U.S. One winner will be named.

Reviewed by Steph


a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. Please note that I am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***

Swap Sodas with Sugar-Free Alternative from Cascade Ice

By Tara

*Item received in exchange for a review. No financial reimbursement.*

Many Americans have a weakness for soda. We all know it's bad for us...but there's something about that carbonation and flavor... Even Diet Cola is said to be bad for you now though.

How about trying a healthy alternative? Avoid those 38 and plus grams of sugar.


Cascade Ice has sparkling waters and more, and you can drink them as is--they really do fix like a soda pop--or mix them up with other things to make "fancy" drinks to rival those at your favorite drive through.

First of all, they are sodium, caffeine, calorie, sugar and gluten free. While many of them come with recipes to make a fancy drink, I just drank the flavors I was sent over ice.

I had pink grapefruit, strawberry lemonade, and coconut... The coconut made me exclaim "Oh MY GOD!" really loud, that's how good it was. LOL

I liked the other two as well. They taste sweet but contain no actual sugar. I found them replenishing after working out.

And, ladies, after a long day....sometimes you need a little something...more, eh?


Cascade Ice is now offering drink mixes for those craving an alcoholic beverage that's a little lighter on calories than what you'd get at the bar. Cosmo, margarita, pina colada, mojito, appletini, and lemon drop are the choices. In the case of the magarita and cosmo, I only needed to add tequila or vodka, lime or orange juice, and ice.

I tried these with my mother. To be honest, we didn't like them. There's a funny aftertaste, as though you're drinking a diet drink (which in a way, you are). My mother said it was like a sweetener. We weren't fans, but if you're a diet cola drinker anyway, you'd probably love it--aftertaste and all. For us, it was a surprise, as we aren't pop drinkers or sweetener fans.

I can say with all honesty though that I did not notice a bad aftertaste with the sparkling water. I have nothing bad to say about that at all. I wish I had more. LOL

On that note, I'm going to post some of the recipes that were provided to me. These are things you can do with your Cascade Ice sparkling water:

Apple Fizzie
Just pour 6oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie McIntosh Apple over ice, add in sliced apples and sprinkle in some cinnamon. For the perfect after-school combo, serve the extra apple slices with a tablespoon of peanut butter!

Back-to-School Berry Blast
To create one, mix 1 cup of apple slices, 3Ž4 cup Greek yogurt, 1Ž2 cup soy or almond milk, a handful of fresh berries and 4oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Pomegranate Berry in a blender. Blend until smooth and top with a few more fresh berries.

Watermelon Slushie
Watermelon is oh-so-delicious, and ripe for the pickin’ this fall. In a blender, combine a few handfuls of ice, several seedless watermelon chunks and 8oz Cascade Ice Zero-Calorie Blueberry Watermelon. Then, pour in 6oz of club soda. Blend to desired consistency and enjoy!
*Item received in exchange for a review. No financial reimbursement.*

Activate: Vitamin Water

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

About ACTIVATE:

With the summertime comes warmer weather, extra time off from work and school and much needed vacations. Whether you are planning on taking a road trip or enjoying the outdoors this summer, staying hydrated is key to keeping you healthy and energized. 

ACTIVATE is a line of nutrient-enhanced waters with a fresh dose of vitamins. It¹s the perfect drink to have handy while traveling because it not only keeps you hydrated, but also provides the nutrients your body needs. Pioneers of the twist cap technology, an emerging trend, ACTIVATE stores vitamins and nutrients in its patented cap after conducting research that found certain vitamins lose potency sitting in water.

Available in ten flavors, ACTIVATE features nutrients supporting immunity (ACTIVATE Defend), skin cell support (ACTIVATE Beauty), renewed energy support (ACTIVATE Charged), rehydration support (ACTIVATE Rebound) and overall health (ACTIVATE Balance).

Our Thoughts:

I love vitamin water, especially naturally flavored water! These are a great way to enjoy a refreshing drink and not have to worry about the heat of summer draining you of your vitamins. Innovative and fresh, the packaging is fantastic, keeping your vitamins fresh and packed with a "punch!"

There are several different flavors, each of which specialize with different areas of your body. The only one I wasn't a huge fan of was the lemon lime. A definite plus, if you want your vitamins quickly and in a cold, refreshing, and FUN way!

You can find them on Facebook and Twitter

Reviewed by Steph

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

bai 5 Calorie Antioxidant Drinks

***Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review.***

Our mission at bai is to share the powerful antioxidant goodness of coffee's superfruit with the world while impacting our communities locally, inspiring individuals personally and always moving forward toward optimum, healthy living.

Molokai Coconut, the newest Bai 5-Calorie Antioxidant Infusion has arrived! This limited-edition Bai5 summer thirst-quencher delivers fresh summer flavor plus a Bai5 first: essential electrolytes. 

Most of all, it's coconut the way it should taste, because at Bai we believe that if the label says coconut, it should taste like coconut. Anything else is just, well...nuts.

Our Thoughts

It is no secret that the power of coconut has hit the health foodies of the world today. And with good reason, coconut is delicious and incredibly healthy for you! These drinks are healthy, low in calories and a great thirst-quencher in the summer heat. The coconut was not too powerful like a lot of coconut waters are. Some of them have a bitter after-taste, but not the bai Molokai Coconut, it was delicious! If anyone has had trouble with coconut water, you *need* to try this product, you will not be disappointed.

Not only did I get the Molokai Coconut, but I received each one of the drinks to try!

By far my two favorites were the peach and mango, but that is because I love anything that is peach and mango flavored! Having to be outside during the hottest part of the day I took the lemon from the fridge and it was as if I was drinking ice-cold lemonade. It was incredibly refreshing and kept me cool outside too. All of the flavors were amazing. Highly, highly impressed with this brand and recommend it for anyone!

Check out bai here:

http://drinkbai.com/

And get your Molokai Coconut drink here:

http://drinkbai.com/products/molokai-coconut

Reviewed by Jackie

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

Review: CalNaturale Products (The Mommy Juice Boxes)

by Tara.

Disclosure: I received sample products to try in order to write an honest review. There was no financial reimbursement.


I'm not a mom--not a traditional one, anyway. My kids are of the four-legged variety, but they can still be a handful, so I was pleased to see they have a "mommy juice box" for us now...so on one of those hectic days, I can grab myself something fortifying and drink it at the dog park.

The best part: Some of the "juice boxes" contain wine! And I'm a wine addict.

Introducing CalNaturale Wine. It comes in two wine vintages: Cabernet Sauvingnon and Chardonnay.

Pros:
--It tastes like it should, and it's 13% alcohol, unlike those weak 9, 10%s you buy in your local liquor store. Yea, I look at that before I buy any wine. I mean, why drink wine if it has no effect? I like to get a little buzz on or at least enough intake to get sleepy. Thus, the term nightcap.
--It's disguised. You can drink this just about anywhere. NO, I don't recommend ever drinking while driving or working with machinery, but as I said above, you can take it to the park and no one be the wiser. After all, nobody expects wine to be in a cardboard container.
--It's made with Organic grapes.
--It can be thrown in a basket and taken on a picnic without worrying about breakage or spillage or making the basket unbearably heavy.
--The carton aka Tetra Pak is made from paper, renewable, comes from trees, recyclable.
--The carton also requires less than half the energy consumed in the process of making glass bottles.
--This is truly the most environmentally friendly wine you can buy.

Cons:
--Like most wines, it contains sulfites. Be sure you don't have an allergy. If you are able to drink just about any wine you buy from the store, however, you should be good with this one.

Once you drink all your wine, depending on how much you imbibed, you may need a pick-me-up the next day. ;)

Introducing CalNaturale Svelte protein/energy shakes. The protein comes in four flavors: chocolate, vanilla, cappuccino, spiced chai*. The last one is slightly different from the previous three.

They all taste fabulous as cold as possible. I find I preferred them before I worked out. Did they give me an extra boost? Hard to say as I wasn't very tired to begin with, but my treadmill time didn't feel as long or as unbearable as usual, and I certainly loved the taste.


Pros:
-If you're lactose intolerant, like me, these were made for us. NO MILK.
-Organic
-Same tetra boxes mentioned above, grab it, throw it somewhere, open when convenient, recycle.
-Contains organic complex carboyhydrates that metabolize over a longer period, meaning sustained energy, not a quick burst. This could be why I wasn't sure. It's subtle, but it's there.
-Can be a meal replacement. (I love food way too much to attempt that. LOL)
-The spiced chai one contains 16 grams of protein to the 11 grams of the other three.
-GLUTEN-FREE
-20% of daily fiber aka "keeps you regular". You don't to carry that around all day, you know.
--Each drink has a positive message for women. You grab the container, you read it, you smile.

Cons:
-If you have a strong aversion to soy milk, I don't think you'll like these. They do have the soy milk texture and aftertaste. For me, as I said above, this was a good thing though. As a lactose-intolerant person, I drink soy milk.

As you can see, the pros far outweight the cons. My personal favorite in each category: I loved the vanilla protein and the Chardonnay wine. And I have to add, as someone with extreme food allergies, I had no negative reactions for any of the drinks listed above.

I recommend these products.

Disclosure: I received sample products to try in order to write an honest review. There was no financial reimbursement.