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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Fashion, Friday Favorites, Shay's Closet ·

Friday Favorites


It’s Friday!

True.

I have my voice back (thank you Lord!!!), so now, I can you know…talk to those kids of mine and do some work.  It’s very hard to plan someone’s vacation when you cannot speak.  Sigh.  But…it’s back and therefore, I feel back to normal!

As always, I’m linking up with my friends Erika, Andrea and Narci and sharing my favorite things from the week.  This week is short and sweet: something to do, something to drink, something to wear and something to eat. xo

Okay, so YouTube workout videos was a HIT topic last week!  I shared last Friday that I’m going to try and incorporate a new person on YouTube for us every week (maybe every week…we’ll see).  And you know what?  It was so much fun for me this week to read through your suggestions and find someone new.  Last week, I shared…

…Blogilates because I discovered her and LOVE doing her workouts and then this week, thanks to your recommendations, I did two workouts from Fitness Blender…

First, I did this workout here which was a little cardio and strength mixed in.  She shows options for either using dumbbells or not and she shows modifications to make the workouts simpler too.  I wish she had music while she was doing her videos…that would be my only complaint (because music makes it go by faster for me!), but other than that, it was a really great workout to do at home.  I followed it up with an ab workout by her as well…

Thank you so much for the suggestion!  I’m going to keep trying them.  They’re free, they’re convenient, and they’re easy to do at home.

True story: there is a Teavana right next door to a Starbucks I frequent and every time I walk past, I always kind of think to myself how happy I am to be skipping tea and heading into Starbucks.  UNTIL NOW.  I have discovered hot tea and I’m taking it by storm (with coffee as well…because I’ve decided I can love both).  So, I told you on Wednesday that I’m trying to incorporate more tea into my diet and less coffee, so I went to find great tea and I’m so happy with it…

…my new BFF, my kettle and…

…this tea.  So, I went in the store and they started talking about all of these different ways you can brew loose leaf tea at home and blah, blah, blah…I was like “please just give me something in a tea bag because this sounds complicated”, so they did.  I bought one of these sample boxes and a bunch of Earl Gray that is also in bags…because as a newbie tea drinker, I can’t mess with loose tea yet.  I haven’t graduated to that level of tea making 🙂 .  If you’re a tea person, please tell me which kind I should be drinking!  I’m fairly addicted to this new vice 🙂 .

The weather has been CRAZY around here.  One morning, it’s 11 and the next afternoon, it’s 72 and back and forth and back and forth and oh my word…I can’t keep up.  An outfit of layers is my solution to wacky weather.  Those slouchy boots I love (on sale now!)//my favorite gray jeans I keep talking about//a denim shirt//a tank underneath and then I bought this scarf the other day for $8.  Now, it’s no longer in stock, but this one is very similar and it’s less than $10!  Bam.

Okay, and that faux-fur coat in the back is something I got for this weekend.  I might have lost my mind a little bit (insert that wide eyed emoji here), but we’re going somewhere cold and it felt festive.  Ha!  We’ll see.

And something to eat to wrap up our Friday…

S'mores Cheesecake

…my S’mores Cheesecake.  Because when I think of January, I think of roasting s’mores…and if you can’t go out and do that, you can whip up this cheesecake instead.  Delish!

Have a great weekend!

xo

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Comments

    • Lynn says

      Hi shay glad you are feeling much better. You need to try suki-tea. I am from Northern Ireland but if you google suki tea you can order online. The loose tea teapots’ are great beautiful to look at and simple to use. Really hope you give it a wee try x

  3. Megan Butler says

    I’m going to text you my favorite loose leaf tea when you feel ready to graduate. It really is soooo much better!!! Yum! Maybe I’ll wait till it’s not 4 am to text!!

  7. Kellie Ramer says

    I like my tea strong (and black) and I love Irish Breakfast Tea, any brand. Also Ahmad English Breakfast Tea is another favorite. It is quite strong and malty. For something caffeine free and a bit lighter I love Celestial Seasonings Perfect Peach tea.

  8. Becky says

    I hear ya on the voice. Mine has been gone for a year… Last January! It came back somewhat normal for a couple weeks, but other than that, I sound lovely. 🙂 ENTs can’t figure it out..fun times! Haha

  9. JAmie says

    You need the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf tea!! All kinds are awesome. Plus, the French vanilla powder mixed in makes a to die for tea latte. It’s true-I’m an addict. You can buy it online!

  10. Sarah says

    Happy Friday!!! Thanks for sharing the workout videos! I’ve been getting in the habit of doing something quick right after I drop my kids at daycare. Huge boost of energy! I’ll have to give these a try!

    And I’m not a tea drinker, but my bestie is and she’s all about loose leaf tea! 🙂 I’m sure you’ll learn it soon!!

    -Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com

  12. Lesley McFarland says

    Keep us posted on the tea. I have wanted to try tea in the afternoon. ….but just never really have.

  13. Shannon says

    I drink just about brand from Stash, Twinnings, Bigelow to Celestial Seasonings. I LOVE Celestial Seasonings holiday teas like Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride it taste like a sugar cookie! 🙂 Right now I’m on a big Celestial Seasonings kick and hae about 8 different flavors from green tea to herbal from them. I even have Roastaroma (an herbal coffee like tea) and Morning Thunder their black tea with roasted mate for an extra caffeine kick. I really like green and white tea the most and herbal teas are great to. My favorite black tea is Chai either straight or with some creamer. As for loose tea I do tea bags and loose leaf but really tea bags are just to darn easy and get used way more for me. Welcome to the land of tea 🙂

  14. Megan says

    I love The Republic of Tea’s Ginger Peach flavor! You can order it from their website and it comes in a cute little tin. Panera also carries these teas, so you can always try one first before being stuck with a lot!

    • Julie says

      Yes! That’s currently my fav! I buy mine at Whole Foods. I had the BEST ginger peach tea at the Neiman Marcus Cafe a couple of months ago. I haven’t quite figured it out yet, but the Republic of Tea’s is close.

  15. Cheryl says

    I’m so happy to read that you you are taking to tea! I’m a hot tea drinking gal! My favorite teas are by Harney and Sons. I order them, but you can find a select few flavors at Target and Barnes and Noble. They have wondermous flavors, including ones with chocolate blends (Florence, chocolate with hazelnut) is a favorite but only comes loose). Paris tea is another favorite (think Earl grey with black currant, vanilla, and caramel flavor); I ALWAYS have a couple of boxes of Paris on hand. They also have a Boston tea (cranberry and almond flavors), Royal Palaces tea blends, etc., ALL delightful and delicious! I also love Mighty Teas (World Market, Central Market, online); their Pear Caramel is a MUST have! Also, when I travel I always like to “collect” and pick up a box or two of teas (was in Quebec City recently and picked up Maple teas). Enjoy learning the art of tea!

  16. Haleigh says

    Oh my goodness! I was an “always coffee, never tea” person too until about a year and a half ago. I got turned on to loose leaf tea from a friend and haven’t gone back! There is a HUGE difference between tea bags and loose leaf (and I didn’t believe it until I tried it). I tried using a tea kettle on the stove, but it just got too tricky for me with the loose leaf since all teas have different temperatures they are supposed to be brewed at. Then I discovered the Breville One Touch tea maker at Williams-Sonoma. It was pricey but worth every darn penny. You can brew all your loose leaf tea at any specific temperature and the fancy little basket drops down into the water for the exact amount of brewing time needed without you having to strain out the leaves. Seriously, this tea kettle has changed my life. I can now by any loose leaf teas and make them at home in no time!

    Here’s a link to the tea kettle: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/m/products/breville-one-touch-tea-maker/?Kenshoo=2a3ac9c0-23db-2909-5b31-00001fd19890&cm_ven=NonBrandSearch&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=NonBrand_Search_DSA+Mobile&cm_ite=_cat%3Abreville%20one%20touch%20tea%20maker&gclid=CjwKEAiAkuLDBRCRguCgvITww0YSJAAHrpf-uhjLSMmtQsCa61EvOr0Kcv4tafLfGlhnQy-3iyE8yBoC4Dnw_wcB

  17. Dana Powell says

    I LOVE tea! I used to like Teavana, but then saw how it’s not really that healthy with all the additives and flavorings and then didn’t enjoy it as much anymore. My all time favorite is probably Chocolate Pu-erh from Numi with a little cream, or Vanilla Almond from Republic of Tea (or sometimes I combine the 2!). One of my favorite places to buy tea is Whole Foods, they have a ton of options. I used to just start with the sampler box like you did and then figure out what I like. It can actually be a really healthy addiction, too! 🙂

  18. Kristen says

    Love the suggestion for tea! I just started drinking hot tea, because even living in Florida I get cold ? And tea is so soothing and warm. Never having been a coffee drinker I have always had “coffee drinker envy” over my friends who linger over their coffee each morning. Keep sharing your yummy tea finds!

  19. Meredith says

    I became a tea addict two years ago… If you could see my pantry! I buy Teavana tea and have a couple of favorites.. Gingerbread is one of them. David’s Tea in my opinion is the best. I have way more tea than I could possibly drink in a lifetime. Birthday Cake tea is my absolute favorite… with a little half and half. It’s so addicting. If you really get into it the Breville Tea Maker is amazing. I go back and forth between tea and coffee. I love both :))

    • Irene says

      I second David’s tea as well. I drink a pot of tea every day. Anything from green tea to rooibos. Yes Birthday cake tea is also one of my favorite.
      If you do purchase loose leaf tea down the road you can purchase tea bags and a “perfect cup” spoon otherwise you can purchase an infuser.

  21. Melissa says

    Happy Friday! The weather has been crazy in Dallas!
    I didn’t see the link to your Fox & Friends appearance. Pls post that soon 🙂

  23. Courtney says

    I have recently started to love tea as well! I was visting family in Cincy and came across a place called Davids Tea. It is amazing! They ship too! I bought a steeper and you literally fill it with water, put in a scoop of loose leaf tea, close it and wait 4-7 minutes. Then you put the steeper on top of a mug and the tea pours right into your cup. It is so easy. I was skeptical as a newbie too, but it couldn’t be any easier and the tea is so yummy!

  24. Kelly says

    Glad you have your voice back!
    I noticed the jacket and loved it. Can’t wait to see a photo of you wearing it!

  26. Jen says

    I LOVE hot tea and totally need to get back into drinking it more often! My Saturday plans just were made, a family trip to Teavana it is!

  27. Hannah says

    Fortnum and Mason have the BEST teas. My favourites are black teas flavoured with fruit, try cranberry, apple and also peach with some honey (or sugar if you so prefer) and a dash of milk.

  28. Victoria Anania says

    Since you are now into tea, I have to let you know about The Medicine Ball! Head to your Starbucks and ask for a vent cup. Using Teavana tea then ask for one Peach Tranquility tea bag and one Jade Cirtus Mint tea bag with half steamed lemonade and half hot water. If you’d like ask for a pump of peppermint and add honey. The drink is only a little over $3 and amazing! I hope you are feeling better soon!

  29. Allison says

    I’m a big fan of English Breakfast Tea! I discovered it when I was in, wait for it…England… and have been obsessed ever since! I do the loose leaf tea and it really is so easy and forgiving. 1 teaspoon per cup of tea plus one for the pot and let it steep for 5(ish) minutes! I boil the water in a kettle then add it to my teapot with the loose tea to let it steep. I drink mine with a little milk and sugar. It’s especially great for before bed because it feels more relaxing than another cup of coffee. Enjoy!

  30. Amanda Marhsll says

    I was like you when I first started drinking tea. The idea of loose leaf tea scared me for some reason and I wanted the bags. Period. For Christmas my husband bought me the Teavanna Perfectea maker and I have never looked back. You put boiling water with your tea leaves in it to brew and then you just place it on your mug. When it is done brewing, the tea comes out of the bottom and into your mug and the leaves stay in the brewer. It is the greatest invention ever. He also bought me lots of loose leaf tea so I was forced out of my comfort zone and…I LOVE IT! No random tea pieces in the mouth (which I was scared of) and its super easy! Take a look at it…best invention ever for tea drinkers. Oh and I am loving the Rev Up Energie, Earl Grey and Black Dragon Pearl at the moment- all Teavanna Flavors!

  31. Pam English says

    Republic of Tea is the best tea you will find. It’s been my fave for many years. They have a catalog you can order from , you will not be disappointed. Their British Breakfast is the best along with Travelers Chai, Cranberry Spice Hibiscus. Never had one I didn’t like. Enjoy!

  32. Colleen says

    Hi Shay! I have always believed there isn’t anything a cup of tea can’t fix. I’ve been a tea drinker since I was little because my parents would always let me have a cup with them. I still have a cup of tea with my dad every time I visit home. My absolute favorite is Twinnings English Breakfast. Twinnings also has an Earl Grey that is delicious. Enjoy!!

  33. Sally says

    I was looking through your blog a little while ago and you had posted a hand stitched family portrait from a shop in Etsy I believe. Can you point me to that list again? Thanks.

  34. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    I’ve always been a tea person instead of a coffee person. I swear, tea is addictive! Enjoy the absence of Starbucks. 😉

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

  35. Maria says

    Try Harney & Sons Paris tea! It’s my new favorite.i drink it black with one Splenda. It’s a black tea with a touch of …something. I can’t explain it. It’s just different. Lol

    Other than that, I’m a simple Twinings Afternoon Tea gal. Milk & Splenda. I like black robust teas. Just can’t develop a taste for the herbals.

    Like you, I’m trying to drink more tea. I prefer coffee.

  36. Amanda says

    Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset (found at Target) or Hot Cinnamon Spice found online or Barnes and Noble are hands down my favorite teas.

  39. Brooke says

    How do you like your kettle so far? Does it leave a mess of water all around when it boils? Just curious…

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Not one bit! I’m obsessed with it! I never knew a kettle could bring me such joy!

  40. Amy Jordan says

    I love the Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea so much that we get it in the 50 satchel bag on Amazon. My husband is an expert level tea drinker and mixes his loose leaves from Teavana. He also regularly drinks green tea and buys the bulk 7 lb bags from the Asia market. So if you like that check out those stores too!

  41. Ami G says

    I am a tea drinker. Check out Harney & Sons online. I like their hot cinnamon spice green tea, they also have hot cinnamon spice black tea.

  42. Lana B says

    Teavana is one of my happy places, but I also love me some Starbucks! You can love both, no shame! In some Teavana stores they will brew you a cup of whatever you want, hot or cold, and you can try just a cup first, rather than buying a whole lot of loose tea! The Kona Pineapple Blueberry something they make, hot or cold, is amazing, especially for a tea newbie. Not sure how sweet you like your tea, but I love their rock sugar – natural, and a little goes a long way! Also, anytime you get a headache, try a cup of Blackberry Sage tea from Republic of Tea (these are tea bags–very easy!). I promise, it helps!

  43. Amy says

    The Teavana Oprah Cinnamon Chai tea is amazing! It’s a little taste of fall (and I know how you love that!) all year round. They sell it at Starbucks too and it’s a cup of joy. Highly recommend! 🙂

  44. Karen says

    Okay, Shay, about the tea thing!! Harney and Sons (I know you can get at Target, for sure) is my absolute favorite! And the one called Hot Cinnamon Sunset is a DELIGHT! Seriously, promise me you will try that brand and that kind at least once!! 😉 It’s a black tea, so if that’s too much, their mint and other flavors are great too. And the little tea bags are the cutest, which doesn’t hurt!

  45. Fiona says

    I am obsessed with FitnessBlender, I’ve done a few of their programs and I just turn on Spotify or Youtube, have the music going and am still able to follow along! Glad you like their workouts! Nice that it’s free!!! Happy Friday!

  46. Melissa says

    Are you drinking decaffeinated tea? Or herbal? What is driving your switch from coffee to tea? Just curious!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’m doing both! Right now, I’m experimenting. On cold days, I would drink up to four cups of coffee…but now, I’m doing tea instead and yes, a lot decaf. i don’t know…i just felt compelled to make the switch to hopefully reduce my caffeine intake.

  47. Jamie says

    Hi Shay! I have read your blog for a while now and just love hearing about your adorable family and all the amazing recommendations you make. So today I decided I need to share my recommendations with you!! I have never been a coffee drinker but in the last year became obsessed with tea, thanks to Teavana. I too was so intimated by the loose leaf, but just do it, its so easy and so good. Get a Teavana Starter Kit, which comes with a Perfecto Maker, Rock Sugar, and a cute tin with tea in it. The awesome people at the store will show you how to do it, it is a piece of cake. I LOVE their Beach Bellini tea, and during the holidays they had a White Chocolate Peppermint tea that was AMAZING!!! So hope you give it a try!

  48. Natalie Clark says

    Yay for Fitness Blender! I blogged about my workout routine earlier this week and Fitness Blender was mentioned many a time! I agree about the music, so I’ve gotten to where I play the video on my computer or my phone and then play a tv show I’m watching on another device (my tv or computer depending on what I’m using). It makes it go by faster for me and it makes my husband laugh!

  49. Christine says

    TEA RECOMMENDATION!
    I have been obsessed with Teapigs Licorice and Peppermint tea, teapigs has aptly named it Sweet Treat. At first I was put off by the name (I do not like licorice one bit), but what the licorice does is make it sweet! No need to put any honey, sweetener, sugar… NOTHING. SOO GOOD!!!!

    link: https://www.teapigs.com/tea/liquorice_and_mint.htm

  50. Rebecca Jo says

    Loose leaf tea is a little bit more work. I really like Mighty Leaf – they have some great loose leaf in lovely silk bags that are delicious. Actually, I just got some loose leaf tea in nice silk bags at TARGET!!! I think it was a Target brand. & it was a peach flavored black tea – probably one of the best teas I’ve ever had.

  51. Shannon Gyarmathy says

    Hi Shay! I have a loose leaf tea tip for you – Mr Coffee makes an iced tea maker that functions just like a coffee maker that uses loose leaf tea! You can get it from Walmart or Target – my family has had one my whole life and we are big tea drinkers! The tea brews hot, so you’d need to add ice or put the pitcher in the fridge for iced tea. I also suggest going to Blue Mesa Grill in Frisco and buying their loose leaf tea by the bag. It’s a peach passionfruit tea that is SO delicious!! It’s my absolute favorite!

  52. Jessica says

    I quit drinking coffee about a year ago because it was making me feel terrible and switched to tea… life changer! I do drink loose leaf and find it much cheaper and not very complicated because I have the tea pot from teavana that strains it into your cup. (I don’t do fancy water temperatures though.) Every morning I drink a cup of plain peppermint tea that I buy in bulk at my health food store. It’s wonderful! I also enjoy any kind of green tea. I’ve gotten to the point that Starbucks doesn’t even appeal to me anymore and I just want my Yeti full of tea all day long!

  53. Sonia Patel says

    There is a tea company called David’s Tea which is HUGE in the northeast and worth checking out when you’re in Boston or NYC next time – and they do ship! They have this one tea called Cream of Earl Grey which is INSANELY delicious because it has a natural creaminess to it and, with a splash of milk, it is really yummy. They are loose leaf, but the easiest method to brew loose leaf is just to put this in your cup, add the loose leaf tea, add your water, and when it’s done brewing, just take this out. Easy peasy and it’s easy to clean which are three words that I have to hear when I buy anything – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013HXX6OI/ref=s9_acsd_simh_hd_bw_b3P1Y1T_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=0J36R9MH8DA5D41FT5Z3&pf_rd_r=0J36R9MH8DA5D41FT5Z3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=412675db-59f4-40e5-9a12-e391bb8b399a&pf_rd_p=412675db-59f4-40e5-9a12-e391bb8b399a&pf_rd_i=3118176011.

    Also, if you HAVE to use tea bags, Republic of Tea is amazing, especially their Good Hope Vanilla Rooibos tea. I swear it tastes like vanilla ice cream and its decaf so it’s a really nice evening treat.

    • Sonia Patel says

      Apparently David’s Tea is also selling sachets now – so you have to try the Cream of Earl Grey. I promise you’ll love it!

  54. Steph says

    You are so inspiring! Perfect house, perfect kids, perfect family! How do you do it all? … and you keep a career! I strive everyday to be able to be more like you, but I don’t know how you do it on such little sleep and without a nanny, cleaning service, etc! Keep it up, mama! Thanks for the motivation everyday!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Hahahaha! Not perfect, positive :). I like to look at the glass half full. Far from perfect, just optimistic :).

  55. Dara says

    Do your Hudsons stretch out? I bought a pair a few weeks ago and returned them because after wearing them for half a day they were so stretched out they were falling off! They were a different skinny style – the Krista.

  56. Kerrie says

    I am team loose leaf all the way. I use this gadget. It takes out all the guess work. Just fill one side and it is the perfect amount for a good moderately strong cup of tea. I use my Keurig for the hot water and use the largest cup size.

    https://www.amazon.com/HIC-Infuser-Stainless-Steel-Carded/dp/B000I1ZZ24/ref=sr_1_11?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1484318715&sr=1-11&keywords=tea+infuser

    I just like the flavor better. Once I found that gadget I never looked back.

  60. Lara M says

    It’s likely not in stock anymore but I LOVE Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Rooibos tea. I always buy a few containers of it when it’s out in the fall to try to last me as long as possible through the next year. Also, if you are ever around a Publix grocery store, try their Lullaby tea. Very soothing! I always drink it when I’m sick. As a general flavor recommendation, I love ginger peach tea. I haven’t graduated to loose leaf tea brewing yet but I am hoping to branch out soon!

  61. Erin Ressler says

    I am more of a tart tea drinker, nothing too sweet. When I need an afternoon hot beverage and don’t want caffeine I always go for Tazo passion tea. It is delish!!!!

  62. Ashley says

    Good morning! I love the Teavana loose leaf tea! I used it when I was in college (aka not domestic at all) and as soon as I mastered how to make it, it became a staple in my every day routine. For me, tea bags don’t give enough flavor so I end up adding a bunch of sugar/lemon/etc. “Brewing” the loose tea gave it a lot more flavor in my opinion. Hope you enjoy it either way!

  63. Katie says

    The Tazo green ginger tea is one of my favorites!! You can find the teabags in most grocery stores or Target. At Christmas time the Tazo Joy tea is the best, too!

  65. Jenn says

    Try David’s Teas! They are gorgeous looking, delicious tasting and all around awesome!! You can find them online and they do have small shops (in bigger cities). My favorite one right now in my rotation is “snow day” Have a great weekend!

    • Jenn says

      Oh and don’t be afraid of loose teas – all you need is a scoop and a strainer for your cup – easy!

  66. Caitlin says

    Pop sugar offers a lot of free video workouts you may enjoy! They vary in time length and targeted areas of focus ( abs, thighs, butt, arms etc!)

  67. Adrienne says

    World Market has THE BEST selection of teas!!! There’s a whole wall of tea and coffee choices. The Republic of Tea Vanilla Almond is my favorite. It is the closest substitute I’ve found for a tea I tried while sitting in a cute British teashop just outside London with a friend on a rainy day. It’s a delicious tea and brings back good memories!

    • Adrienne says

      Oh and sidenote, World Market also has great tea accessories. Everything from diffusers and saucers to really cute storage boxes for your tea bags!

  68. Karen At Home says

    Omg, that cheesecake looks delicious! I hear you on the weather, layers it is 🙂 Have a great weekend!

  70. KayVonne says

    I am a tea drinker and broke my Starbucks tea addiction in 2016 by going to Teavana and told them I wanted to start making my own and I wanted it to taste just like Starbucks black tea :). They were very helpful and provided an instruction sheet on loose leaf measurements, etc. I only had to refer to the sheet a time or 2 and now I make it by memory. My favorite is Teavana’s black English Breakfast tea. i mostly drink it iced and a little sweetened but it is also is very good hot.

  71. Shelley K. Watson says

    Hi Shay,
    I just received a Teavana gift set for Christmas with a box of “The Jam” berry teas. So far, I really like it. I, too am a BIG coffee drinker and I’m trying to make the transition to less coffee and more tea. BTW- I’ve been reading your blog for over a year and stay inspired and motivated by your work ethic and balance. Keep up the good work!

  72. Rebecca Alig says

    I’m a huge fan of green tea for all the health benefits. My favorite is the Tazo Zen green tea but I also love Bigelow Green Tea with peach- it’s a great afternoon “snack”! For decaf, nothing beats mint tea- Tazo’s mint medley is great- with a squeeze of honey, it’s also perfect to soothe a cold or sore throat!

  73. Hannah H says

    I’m a tea newbie too and I’m obsessed with Teavana! For loose leaf tea get the Perfect Tea Maker($20) and put two tablespoons of the tea in it. After you do that, pour your boiling water into the tea maker. It’s super easy and actually kind of fun! :). I love Teavana’s gingerbread tea, pumpkin spice brûlée,and for ice tea blackberry mojito! They are all so good!!! Thanks for sharing your blog!

  74. Lacey says

    You have to try Match tea!! It is so good and my new obsession…I love tea, a little coffee, but mostly tea! I buy it at Teavana. It’s so healthy for you too. More caffeine than coffee so I only drink 1 cup a day usually with breakfast. It’s a powder that you mix with about 1/2 cup boiling water and half cup vanilla almond milk…well, that’s how I make mine but you can leave out the milk if milk in tea isn’t your thing! You should google it 🙂

  75. Ella says

    On the tea front, I like Herbal teas. Try Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger & Blueberry. We make them in bottles and the kids drink it hat, warm, cold.

  76. Danielle Vincent says

    I could talk tea for days!
    World market sells one by republic tea (I think??) and its vanilla almond. So good! And pure leaf sells one similar and it’s black tea and vanilla and it reminds me of the vanilla almond.
    Teavana has one that’s seasonal but it’s raspberry limeade. Delicious!
    Granted, I do iced tea but the taste is the same 🙂

  77. Kristen says

    Republic of Tea makes good teas and Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Is amazing (& caffeine free so it’s good at night). I have Teavana’s loose tea infuser thing that you put over your mug and the tea strains out and it’s so easy! All of their teas are good too! I like gingerbread with a truvia packet and a splash of almond milk right now 🙂

  79. Stephanie Y Amor says

    You can go to Starbucks and get the “Cold Buster” tea mix next time you are feeling sick.
    Venti cup, 1 bag of Peach Tranquility, 1 bag of Jade Citrus Mint, half hot water, half steaming lemonade, 1 pump of peppermint. You can add honey to soothe your throat. Amazing! I drink it even when I am not sick because it is so soothing.

  80. Alisha says

    So glad you are starting to enjoy tea! Living in Colorado I feel obligatory to tell you to try Celestial Seasonings. My favorites are Mandarin Orange Spice, Apple Cinnamon, Mint Magic and Candy Cane Lane. They offer awesome free tours with tea samples at the headquarters right outside of Boulder,CO, awesome place to visit if you are here on vacation. My new favorite after visiting London is Fortnum and Mason. You can order internationally or selected flavors are at Williams-Sonoma. Happy tea drinking!!

  81. Stephanie Forbes says

    I am addicted to tea as well! I love the loose teas, especially the “dessert teas” from Teavana. This year, I am resolving to (try to) eat less desserts, and these teas have been the ticket to that! The loose teas are VERY easy to deal with and I know you could do it! My favorites are White Chocolate Peppermint (seasonal), Tiramisu Black Tea and CocoCarmel Sea Salt. These sweet teas don’t contain much sugar and completely fill the place of a sweet treat after a meal!!

  84. Barbara says

    I always enjoy reading your Friday posts! My girls (both adopted from China) love tea . We will be heading to our favorite Chinese supermarket to buy CNY envelopes and house decorations and they have some great tea options. From your coat pic, I am going to guess you may be going to the Elin Hilderbrand author weekend. Wherever you go, hope it is a wonderful time.

  85. Tonya says

    One of my favorite teas is Twining’s Nightly Calm herbal tea. I love it any time of day!

    Our inaugural Scarf Exchange was a huge success. We had 17 amazing ladies attend. Everyone loved it and had a wonderful time. We decided it will be an annual event! ?

  87. katie greenlaw says

    I have been skipping the Starbucks for tea lately, too! My OBSESSION is Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea. It’s a black tea that I can NOT get enough of. A little spicy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of cinnamon. Amazon carries it, as well as lots of nicer grocery stories and even some Targets 😉

  88. Marie Claas says

    Starbucks is the parent company of Teavans. That’s probably why you found them next to each other.

  89. Kara says

    Not new to tea… I became an addict back in college when I studied for a semester in London. Earl Grey is my favorite. I have a lot of different kinds I like, but most often find myself drinking The Republic of Tea’s Decaf Earl Greyer. I generally drink tea at night, so I like that they have a Decaf option. It’s not the easiest of tea’s to find, and I hate to pay shipping to order direct from The Republic of Tea, because it cost almost as much as the tea. I have found it at our local Whole Foods (the one at Stacy and 75).

  91. Clare says

    I have been drinking tea (along with coffee) for years. My absolute favorite is Darjeeling. Is has the most delicious and simple flavor. Tastes great with and without milk. Try it, you’ll love it!!

  92. Heather S says

    That coat is giving me life!!! You MUST purchase the Breville One-Touch Tea Maker from W&S. So quick, no messy clean up and various water temps for when you get into loose leaf teas…which you will love!

  93. Beth Graves says

    My youngest daughter (16 years old) is a huge hot tea drinker. She has recently started drinking loose tea and loves it ! She has that cute Mana-tea infuser that looks like a manatee and hangs on your mug! Super cute and fun! I was also wondering how you are feeling about your mattress now? We are about to be on the hunt for one and we just are not sure which way to go! Love your blog and your sweet little family!

  95. Chelsea Barnhart says

    Peppermint tea! Sounds odd, but it’s delicious. Some peppermint teas are more of a sweet mint and some are more menthol-peppermint. I love both! You said earlier in the week you just enjoy a hot drink and that is exactly how I am too.

  96. Kelsey says

    I love tea! English tea is my favorite! You should look into the Beachbody workouts online, I’m obsessed! That cheesecake looks delicious too.

  97. Cat says

    you might like revelation wellness..they have a video subscription, but also a podcast where a trainer walks through a workout routine while meditating on a section of verses from the Bible. Training your spirit and body in one!

  99. SMD @ Life According to Steph says

    I love the yogi teas – honey lavender is my favorite! It’s at most groceries, target, and of course Amazon. I’m a coffee AND tea person too.

  100. Amy says

    Please help! Does tea give you (readers can answer this too) the same boost as coffee? As a mom to 2 babies under 2, I drink coffee for the caffeine boost to give me bursts of energy, not for the taste. Does tea do the same thing or do people just drink tea for the taste and/or the fact that they like a warm drink? I know that tea is healthier, but I don’t think I can give up the energy boost that coffee gives, not at this crazy stage of my life. I need more info! ?Thanks!

  102. Holly says

    Aveda has a tea that is INCREDIBLE! And it comes in bags! Try it, it’s called “tea|the”. They serve it to you at Aveda salons as well when you are getting a treatment, that’s how I was introduced to it! I also enjoy the Tazo brands you can get at the grocery store (and their chai lattes!) Enjoy!

  103. Aubrey says

    I’m a tea purist. If it’s artificially flavored or sweetened, it’s not for me. Loose leaf Earl Grey for fancy (Fortnum and Mason) and Earl Grey bags for every day (Waitrose brand is my fave, but you have to have a British fried act as your supplier). Nick prefers Darjeeling, so we always have that on hand too. And while I love the look of my stovetop Le Creuset kettle, I use my electric kettle every single day. It’s just so much easier.

  104. Angela Ellingson says

    I love the workout ideas! You inspired me and I just worked out! Feels great! I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to get motivated to just do it. Thanks for the motivation!

    I’m a new tea drinker too! I got a beautiful teapot from my hubby for Christmas. He thought I’d be able to put it on the stove, but since it’s ceramic it’s just for steeping the tea. So, I’m in the market for a tea kettle, but there are so many to choose from. What kind is yours? I’m excited to read back through the comments for tea ideas.

  105. Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says

    I’m glad you’re feeling better, Shay!!

    I love green tea and I actually don’t even get anything fancy… I just buy the Lipton green tea bags from the grocery store, steep them in hot water, and add a spoonful of local honey. If you ever have any allergy problems, get some local honey… it is working WONDERS for me! And it tastes good. AND you support local business by using it. Win win win! Have a great weekend!

  106. Paula says

    Do not be afraid of the loose tea leaves. Just jump in. I PROMISE you’ll not regret it. I recommend trying 2. Good ole Green & and something comforting & warm. Really it is easy. I LOVE Teavanna!

  107. Ashley says

    Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice is the best! I love it after a meal to satisfy my sweet craving.

  108. kali says

    Have you tried Yogi tea? Their Bedtime tea is the first one I’ve found that I feel like I can drink without adding any sugar! Win!

  109. Laura says

    One of the most underrated and best tea is green tea with brown rice!! The rice adds a slight sweetness and it really turns the green tea into a new flavor! Must try! Everyone I’ve shared with has loved it. You can find it in asian markets or places like Whole Foods and Amazon.

  110. Marissa Mills says

    Hi Shay. Love your blog. ? I am a BIG tea drinker. I LOVE the smell of coffee but have never liked the taste. I would label myself a “tea junkie” and will drink it hot or cold. But always a little sweet. ? My favorite two brands at this moment are Taylors of Harrogate and MightyLeaf.com. I found both of these brands when traveling and now order online. My favorites are green tea with jasmine and chamomile citrus. But I have a tea drawer with lots of variety! ?? I have used loose leaf in the past but really prefer (and now always) just use bags. Just makes my life easier and less messy. Welcome to the tea club ?

  111. Erin Miller says

    Loose leaf tea freaked me out as well, until I bought one of those cute infuser mugs. It has a little metal mesh cup that fits right into the top of a mug. You just scoop the tea into that, pour hot water over it, let it steep, then take out the metal cup and voila! You have perfect cup of tea. A small French press also works well for loose leaf tea. Every other kind of infuser didn’t work well for me and I ended up with bits of things floating in my tea. Yuck! At Teavana I am obsessed with their Peach Tranquility tea…and I’m not a peach girl. This one is soothing, light, fruity and just a tiny bit sweet.

  113. Julie says

    I do coffee most of the day and switch to tea after dinner. Love these:
    http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/creative-tea-infusers/
    My favorite loose tea right now is:
    http://www.teavana.com/us/en/tea/wellness-tea/rev-up-wellness-tea-33048.html
    I’ve also been looking for a really long time for a superautomatic espresso maker, but can’t decide which to choose. They’re super expensive, so have decided to up my coffee game with a moka pot. It’s for my late afternoon pick me up https://www.amazon.com/Original-Bialetti-Stovetop-Espresso-Patented/dp/B0000CFSS5

  114. Emily A. says

    Hot tea: Tetley tea (Black English tea bags that can be bought at your nearest grocery store- sold in a box), a splash of milk and a packet of Splenda. So good. 🙂 I like to do two tea bags.. but one is good, as well! Also, I have an electric kettle and loooooove it.

  115. Ashley Cook says

    I like the tea sachets from Harney and sons. Hot cinnamon spice, Paris, and green tea with coconut are always in my kitchen. And they come in pretty tins (I currently house box tops in an old tin), you can buy them at Target, and sometimes they have a 30 percent off cartwheel deal.

  116. Sara says

    I was never much of a coffee lover but have always loved chai lattes. I gave up caffeine when I was struggling with fertility a few years back and drink only tea now unless I’m allowing myself a special treat. Two recommendations. 1. Any type of mint tea. I love it warm in the winter and then I add ice in the summer and it’s so refreshing. 2. Sleepytime tea is great before you go to bed.

  117. Desiree | Beautifully Seaside says

    You just reminded me that I wanted to buy a tea kettle! I used to have one before I move to this house, but I don’t know what I did with it. Oh and when I met my husband I lost my voice and a week later when it was back he didn’t recognize me on the phone, because he hadn’t heard my real voice! LOL! Hope you have the best weekend! XOXOXO

  118. Darcy Sexson says

    If they still have it, Teavana’s Pineapple Kona Pop is my favorite tea EVER! It has to steep for a while (leave the tea bag in the water for at least 5 min) but it is so, SO good! Especially if you like pineapple. 🙂

  119. Christie says

    Try Yorkshire Gold tea! Since you’re such an Anglophile, you’ll appreciate it’s greatness.

  120. Ruth says

    Hi Shay
    I’m in Australia and there is a great tea company called T2. They have an amazing selection of teas. They also sell the cutest tea cups and pots and all sorts of everything tea related. Glad you joined us tea drinkers!! Xxx

  121. Gina says

    My all time favorite is Twinings Lady Earl Grey with a splash of French vanilla almond milk creamer. It very fruity & fragrant. It almost smells like Fruit Loops! Haha! So good & addicting!

  122. Mikalee says

    Hi Shay!! I’m so happy to read you are becoming a tea lover! I have two recommendations: Bigelow Green Tea with Blueberry and Bigelow I Love Lemon. The green tea with blueberry has some caffeine so I like it in the morning and afternoon. The I love lemon is an herbal tea so I like that one at night. Happy tea drinking! 🙂

  123. Eden says

    Because you love Paris… I would recommend “Paris” from Harney and Sons. PS I love your blog!!

  124. Jillian Rosmon says

    I love me some hot tea! I am not that adventurous with tea, I love Twinnings English Breakfast tea or Yorkshire Gold tea. They both come in bogs or loose. I bought some Alice in Wonderland Official Unbirthday tea from Disney World when I was there, but I have not been brave enough to try it. haha. If/when you go to loose tea, I will suggest you invest in one of these little guys. My friend gave me one for my birthday one year, and I love it! Keep us updated if you end up coming across some delicious tea!
    http://www.target.com/p/fred-friends-manatea-tea-infuser/-/A-16604432?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Seasonal+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Seasonal&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9009988&gclid=CjwKEAiAkuLDBRCRguCgvITww0YSJAAHrpf-RXJnq-9hILIk5nurBk5dvsScED8Lo_kAR1AShmPi5RoCNxrw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

  125. Adri says

    I really enjoy peppermint tea. It’s nice to drink something warm in the evenings without having to worry about the caffeine keeping you up all night. I add a little honey and coconut milk and it’s delish!

  126. Elizabeth says

    I love Tevanna. I go in there and they let me smell all the teas and help me put flavors together. I am a fruity tea person and the blueberry bliss is wonderful.

  127. Charise says

    Tazo passion tea!! I used to get passion tea mixed with lemonade from Starbucks, but the tea by itself is sweet enough to not need the lemonade. Target sells it in two different boxes…there’s one that’s got bags for just single cups and then a box that’s got larger bags to brew a larger amount at once. It’s amazing!

  128. Vienna Vance says

    My mom raised me in a tea-obsessed household so I know quite a bit! Loose leaf tea, honestly, is only for true tea connoisseurs and most people can’t taste a huge difference. If you like green tea, I would also recommend jasmine! It’s great either hot with honey or iced, depending on the wacky weather that day. 🙂

  130. Mindy says

    Hi Shay! I love keeping up with your blog and reading your adoption updates. Such an inspiration. I wanted to share this book that Usborne Books just released titled “Babies come from Airports” because it is a cutely illustrated story about adoption! Thought you may enjoy reading it with your sweet kiddos. Here is the site for reference: https://shop.bydesign.com/UsborneBooksAndMore/#/shop/detail/675574 At the end of this short video clip it will show you some of the pages of the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvpA6Mo4-sM
    God bless!

  131. Kim says

    Try the peach flavor.. you will be addicted! They serve it hot at Starbucks or you can buy it at Teavana!

  132. Caroline says

    Hi Shay, I know you love England so I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite British teas! Twinings is a must–they have loads of flavours but my top picks are Ceylon (a delicate black tea) and Lemon & Ginger (a bit spicy). Tetley’s English breakfast is another classic and popular tea… However, my all time favourite is Fortnum & Mason’s Royal Blend. It is the quintessential British tea, and trust me, you’ll feel like royalty drinking it! 😉

  133. Samantha says

    The yogi Egyptian licorice tea is amazing. I am not a big tea drinker and it has a wonderful sweet taste that lingers. Hope you try it- so good.

  134. Kathleen says

    I will have a fitness blender workout running on my iPad and a show going on the TV. That way I can multitask and feel extra productive! Also helps the workouts go by faster!

  135. Mary Jane McNeill says

    Hey Shay!! You are slowly slipping into the loose tea realm!! All you need is a tea ball. That’s it. I have a cabinet FULL of Teavana tea…so much that I have set a reminder on my phone for 4:00 every afternoon to sit down and have TEA TIME. And this is after my two cups of morning coffee. I will never drink all of this tea in my lifetime! I bought that same box of bagged teas, plus the other box that was on sale at Christmas, intending to give them away. My daughter did get the other box, but as for the bagged tea: Merry Christmas to ME!!

    Teavana flavors to try: Samurai Chai Matte and Maharaja Chai Oolong. Delicious as singles or a combo. You’ll LOVE them!

  136. Merideth says

    Hi Shay! This may have been mentioned already, so if so, I’ll just re-emphasize…I love teas by GoodEarth (I think that’s what it’s called; I’ll check later, and if I’m wrong, I’ll post a correction)! The Sweet and Spicy comes in both caffeinated and decaf versions and needs absolutely nothing added to it. It’s been my perfect intro to tea! You can find it at some supermarkets but definitely at Sprouts and Whole Foods. Enjoy!

  137. Taylor says

    I love Moroccan mint tea! Also when you are sick the “breathe easy” pack is fantastic! Glad you’re feeling better!

  138. Hope says

    The teavana perfectea maker is so easy to use with their loose leaf teas…. Their “dessert teas” are my favorite!

  139. Tina@GottaRunNow says

    Teavana is a fun store that I like to visit to try some new flavors. They had a peppermint white chocolate that was so good. Plus, I’m a fan of Fitness Blender workouts, too! Have a great rest of your weekend!

  141. Nicole says

    You mentioned how you mindfully eat, that you’re able to not work out as much because of your clean diet – my question is, do you ever eat too much? Do you ever wake up and feel bloated or just blah if you aren’t able to work out? You seem to always have such a healthy balance with food, diet and exercise and I always love picking your brain about it because it helps shed a realistic approach of what’s healthy. 🙂

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I mean…sometimes. Sometimes, I over indulge but I don’t beat myself up about it because it’s not that often.

  142. Heather says

    I LOVE Teavana and my addiction to tea knows no bounds! If you want to try loose leaf tea, I’d highly recommend getting a coffee press! I use it every time I make loose leaf tea. Super easy! Just scoop a tablespoon (or so – depending on how strong you like it) which about 8 oz of hot water. Press and done!

  143. Sarah P says

    A friend recommended Tazo Wild Sweet Orange and I can’t get enough of it. The citrus is the perfect pick me up when I feel so ready for a mid-afternoon nap but am at work. It tastes and smells so good! I highly recommend it!!

  144. Liz Wedekind says

    As an avid tea drinker, I am SO obsessed with Bigelow brand tea and my absolute favorite of theirs is Raspberry. It gives such a slight hint of raspberry and it is absolutely delicious at any time of the day. Lemon Lift is also a great choice as well.

  145. Lauren says

    Oh no you have crossed over to the dark side! Don’t forget there are scientifically proven benefits to drinking coffee. I mean, tea is nice and definitely has many health benefits… but I mean, it’s just not the same.

  147. Nicole says

    My husband and I are big tea drinkers and I HIGHLY recommend the Breville electric tea kettle. It boils water to the perfect temperature for the type of tea you are making. It also is great for when you graduate to loose lead tea ? We use ours many times a day!

  148. Crystal says

    Shay, I love your diamond “X” ring in the picture above. Is it the BaubleBar ‘Mason’ pave ring from Nordstrom? (I googled to try and find it before asking) Ha. Thanks! 🙂

  149. alyssa says

    Congratulations on crossing over to the wonderful world of tea! The absolute best tea I’ve found is Harney and Sons English Breakfast. You really can’t go wrong with any English Breakfast. Bigelow or Twinings also make great EB. As much as I love tea (and I drink enough to sink a ship), I can NOT go into Teavana. The smell gets me every time. WE call it the “stinky tea store.”

  150. Lizzie @ This Happy Life says

    Yay for getting your voice back just in time! You are making me think it would be a good idea for myself to also switch to tea for some times of the day. I’m guilty of drinking way TOO much coffee but like you, I really think it’s just me wanting something hot/warm to drink. Thanks for the info on Teavana!

  151. Elizabeth says

    Celestial teas are great for night time, and any Republic of Tea teas are great for daytime! I mostly drink loose leaf now, so if youre willing to give it a try I would suggest ordering some from The Tea and Spice Exchange or Capital Teas- both you can get online, and there are so many good flavors. Blueberry Black tea from The Tea and Spice Exchange is my ultimate favorite tea of them all. its amazing hot or iced!

  152. Ana says

    Mmmmm, love me some tea! I personally love any black tea, but my favorites are Golden Monkey and a Guatemalan brand called Té Chirrepeco my parents bring from home (you guessed it, Guatemala) when they visit me.

    Also, I have a question for any McKinney locals. I am actually relocating to McKinney by mid-year and I was wondering if there is any such thing as a McKinney forum I could join where I can get information on places such as insurance agencies, best apartment complexes, employment agencies, etc.? I feel I am being led to that city and I’m taking a huge leap of faith here but I want to be somewhat prepared if that makes any sense. 😉

  153. Kitti says

    We Russians do love us some tea… current obsession is with Harney & Sons teas… Earl Grey Supreme, Paris (w/cream & sugar), and Peppermint Herbal. Also, mint majesty at starbucks is delish. Love curling up with either jasmine pearls and earl grey creme from Teavana, both loose. I use the little stainless personal tea brewing bauble for loose tea rather than brewing a whole pot. I have also used my bella kettle in hydrangea print for about 5 years, adorable addition to any kitchen.

  154. Jennifer D. says

    I just bought a travel mug with the built in basket for loose leaf tea from Teavana this weekend. It was 60% off! (I have no prior experience with loose leaf tea.) It’s super easy. Just put your tea in the basket, add hot water, and let it steep for however long is suggested. When you purchase loose leaf tea they give you a sticker telling how much to use and how long to steep it. The white chocolate peppermint tea is amazing!

  155. Tiffany Stegall says

    I totally forgot to comment here the other day! ? I wanted to tell you that Stash peppermint is a great tea for your rotation… and as a bonus my 6 year old loves it, too, so she gets to have tea when I do, and ohhhh how she loves that. (It’s decaf and is good for tummy troubles, too!) The pumpkin spice tea from Bigelow is really good, as well. I used to use the keurig to run a cup of hot water for the tea bags but I finally got an electric kettle and I feel the same way about it as you do your regular kettle. It is ????. Boils much faster than the kettle and the water stays hot for a long time. If you ever decide to use the loose teas you can run it through the keurig as well if you have the filter insert. While loose is good, I have just decided that I am a bag kinda girl. ? Hope you enjoy your new hobby!

  156. Kayla says

    You can order loose leaf tea bags on amazon – I keep them handy because there are so many better options when it comes to loose leaf vs. bagged tea. You just scoop some loose tea into the tea bag, put it in your cup and you are good to go, so easy!

  157. Leanne says

    I drink a lot of tea, cold or hot, does not matter. By far the best quality of tea I have found is Piper & Leaf out of Huntsville, AL. The best kind I have had is Briar Patch Brew. Yummy.

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