Sipping Happy with TAZO Tea Concentrates

I received this product for free from Smiley360 in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and experiences are my own. You can join Smiley360 here!  #NewWayToTea

During the hot summer months, our drink of choice is definitely iced tea. Cold and refreshing, it is my favorite alternative to sweet drinks (we don't add sugar to our iced teas) and I am always looking for new flavors and drink combinations to enjoy.

TAZO just made it easier for me to have a large pitcher of gourmet blended iced tea ready to accompany dinner with their TAZO Iced Tea Concentrates line. Have you noticed these in your local grocery store?

I found my box of tea concentrate in the tea aisle. TAZO has 3 tea concentrates to choose from; Iced Passion, Iced Sangria Black, and Iced Peachy Green.

I decided to try the Iced Passion, a caffeine-free blend of hibiscus flowers, herbs and tropical fruit essences, first.

Instructions call for adding the concentrate, water and ice. Give the herbal tea a stir and it is ready to go. It doesn't get much easier than that.

The flavors took my husband back to his childhood exchange to Mexico. He remember how refreshing the  Hibiscus iced tea his host family served was.

I hadn't tried anything quite like it, but loved it! It was a great way to get away from plain old water for our last BBQ.

Of course, there are some easy ways to dress up the TAZO Iced Passion Tea Concentrate and play up the flavors already found in the tea. TAZO sent me a booklet containing a few fun recipes and I made the  Spiced Passion Tea Punch.

Spiced Passion Tea Punch

You will need:

• 3 oz. TAZO Iced Passion Tea Concentrate
• 3 oz. cold water
• 1 tsp. simple syrup
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 orange wedge
• 1 whole clove
• 1 oz. ginger beer

The result was a lovely punch packed with the flavors of orange, hibiscus, cinnamon and ginger. Yum!  I couldn't find a proper ginger beer locally, so I subbed in ginger ale and it was still delicious.

Whether you decide to try this recipe, or just want to try out the TAZO Tea Concentrates on their own, be sure to snag TAZO's  $1 OFF Coupon, while supplies last. And check out more fun ways to enjoy TAZO on the TAZO Pinterest board.

Have you tried these new TAZO Tea Concentrates? How would you enjoy this #NewWayToTea?

Cuba Libre with Homemade Cherry Vanilla Syrup - #HotSummerEats

I received a complimentary book from Quirk Books and product from Casabella to help me create my recipe for #HotSummerEats. All experiences and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the products I received.

Summer is a great time to grab a cold beverage and relax. One of my all-time favorite alcoholic drinks has been a rum and coke. But, it doesn't get any better than a Cherry Vanilla Rum and Coke!

Welcome back for another great #HotSummerEats recipe. This recipe comes from Quirk Books' Summer Cocktails. I am not very handy with the mixed drinks, but this book inspired me to try a few more things at home. With great photos and some exciting drink and cold treat ideas (the Hot Watermelon Sherbet and Lemon Love are also calling my name!), there are some great recipes you will want to check out in this book.

After flipping through for a few days, and even having my husband make suggestions, I decided on featuring the Cuba Libre... a rum and Coke cocktail staple. Of course, once I looked at the variations they suggested, I knew I would have to make it "With a Cherry On Top".

You see, right outside my living room window is the cherry orchard and right around the time the sponsor's items showed up, our orchard was in full bloom. I also was sent a lovely Cherry Pitter from Casabella.

So you can see how this was a perfect match!

This Cherry Pitter from Casabella is going to save me a lot of work this year. I have had every kind of cherry pitter imaginable and this did a great job of keeping the mess off my shirt and walls. Place the cherry in the middle and push down. All the juice and mess goes downward, into the covered end.

Be sure to check out all the other great innovative products Casabella has to offer.

So armed with a pound of fresh cherries, vanilla bean paste, sugar and water, I went about creating a Cherry-Vanilla Syrup for my cocktail. But, in truth... this syrup would be amazing for a whole host of other uses. Just use it in place of a regular simple syrup.

lll

Cuba Libre - With a Cherry On Top
from Summer Cocktails by Quirk Books

You Will Need:

• 2 oz. of rum, golden or dark
• 1 oz. cherry-vanilla syrup
• ice
• Coke to fill the glass
• 1 stem-in cherry for garnish

To make the Cherry Vanilla Syrup:

• 3 c. pitted cherries
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 vanilla beans, scraped (or 2 Tbsp. vanilla bean paste)
• 1 c. water
• 1 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice

Prepare the Cherry-Vanilla Syrup ahead of time. It can be refrigerated for up to a month.

Puree the cherries, sugar and vanilla bean seeds in a blender. Add to a small saucepan and combine with the water. Bring up to a simmer, stirring to dissolve all the sugar. Remove from the heat and strain out any excess pulp. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, cool and store in an airtight container.

So assemble the drink, Add ice cubes to your glass, then add the rum, the cherry-vanilla syrup and then top off with Coke. Garnish with a cherry and then kick back and relax. Enjoy.

Connect with Quirk Books on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube to find more great titles like Summer Cocktails.

Be sure to check out all the amazing sponsors, and learn more about the giveaway prizes in my #HotSummerEats Sponsors and Prizes Post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Staying On Top of It All and Using Emergen-C

I received this product for free from Smiley360 in exchange for my honest review. You can join Smiley360 here!  #EmergenC

I have been crocheting up a new motif this week, little shamrock's in preparation for St. Patrick's Day. Believe me, I can use all the luck I can get!

We just got back from our annual early Spring break vacation. With the planting season coming it isn't easy to get away when the school calender schedules the break. Instead we duck out after parent teacher conferences for a little fun at a nearby water park.

It is a tradition we all look forward to.

This year the baby was starting to get sick on our last day. Then we all went down, one after another, like dominoes. If you have small children, you probably have experienced this yourself. No matter how many times I request small hands be washed and everyone cover their mouths when they cough, we still share each and every germ that goes around.

Ugh.

Since we have already played this game with my family of 5 twice since the school year began, I decided to do something to take myself out of the line of fire. Besides wiping down every surface in our house with disinfectant wipes, I started taking Emergen-C Vitamin Drink Mix. I think my immune system needs all the support it can get.

It was my Mom who always reminded me to eat my vegetables, eat plenty of fresh fruit and take extra Vitamin C this time of year. Moms know these things, right?

Well, I don't like swallowing vitamins or supplements, I would rather get 1000 mg of Vitamin C in drink form. And I am excited to say there are 3 new flavors for fans of Emergen-C.

From the original formula I was sent three flavors; Super Orange, Strawberry-Kiwi and Coconut-Pineapple. This was my first time trying the Strawberry-Kiwi and Coconut-Pineapple flavors, the Coconut-Pineapple won me over.

If you are new to Emergen-C, you can check out their website for more information about all the good stuff Emergen-C contains. You can also find out more about their complete product line and flavor options.

I am  a fan of the Emergen-C Immune+ formulas, too. Seems like the perfect thing for me to incorporate into my day this time of year.

Now with the Emergen-C Immune+ Warmers, I have a new warm drink to enjoy while the kids nap. Perfect to keep me warmed through and it tastes like my favorite berry infused herbal teas. I like to pair a mug of Berry Medley  with a good book or my latest knitting or crochet project.

So, you could say to increase my luck this year, I am holding tight to those lucky shamrocks... and enjoying my favorite flavors of Emergen-C. When it comes to my immune system, I might not have a choice to always be surrounded my little walking germ magnets, but I can support my immune system with a simple fizzy drink - Emergen-C.

Want to try it for yourself? Grab a free Emergen-C sample while supplies last. Or click here for a $1 off coupon for Emergen-C: http://bit.ly/14e40TG

Connect with Emergen-C on Facebook and @EmergenC Twitter for upcoming promotions and product announcements!

Do you use Emergen-C? What flavor would you like to try?

Get Rewarded for Rocking Low Calorie Drinks with Platinum Points!

This low calorie drinks shop for #PlatinumPoints has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. 

Okay, I am not the only person to say it, but it often goes unsaid. Water, day in and day out, glass after glass can get a little.... boring.

Yeah. 8 glasses of water a day is my goal. Seems like I am always running here or there and forget to drink. So I grab a soda... I grab a coffee that would be more accurately described as sugar and milk with an afterthought of caffeine. But what I really should be drinking is water. I know that and also know all those other tempting drinks give me unwanted calories that I am currently trying to avoid.

Ah, but my sweet tooth calls...

So I am working hard to rock the low calorie drinks and have found a way to even be rewarded for my sweet changes. With a little help from Crystal Light and some sweet motivation from #PlatinumPoints and Miranda Lambert, sipping my way to my daily water goal has never tasted so good!

When hitting the beverage aisle at my local Walmart I noticed something different about Crystal Light. Not only was it not in the large powder packs of my past, but the flavors were more my style. I grabbed liquid drops in both Strawberry Lemonade and Strawberry Green Tea. The selection of flavors available is great.

Green tea and strawberry? I think I have found my new daily favorite.

And keep reading to see my favorite Crystal Light mix-ins to kick up the low calorie fun another notch!

These little liquid squeeze packs are perfect for me to take and use throughout my busy day. In fact, since they are so small and don’t need refrigeration, I can slip one into my purse and add a little low calorie flavor to my day as needed.

Whether it is a squeeze in my water bottle, or an addition to my water while eating out, I love being able to control what my water tastes like.

The Crystal Light liquid has transformed my morning water glasses into something delicious.

And as for those sweet rewards? Well, Crystal Light has teamed up with Miranda Lambert to create #PlatinumPoints where you can rock the low calorie water enhancers and your love of Miranda Lambert for some sweet rewards.

Look in the electronics department of your local Walmart for a special in-store display with details, or head over to the Platinum Points Loyalty Program to get started. Get yourself registered and check out the complete list of ways to earn points. 

Welcome to Platinum Points! Earn rewards by purchasing Crystal Light products! At the end of the program, we'll randomly select one winner. All purchases must be made by December 31, 2014, receipts submissions must be submitted by November 15, 2014, and points redemptions must be submitted by January 15, 2015. See Official Rules for details.

Since nothing makes me feel better than to relax with a sweet beverage and listen to some good music, I picked up Miranda Lambert's Platinum CD and mixed up a simple Crystal Light Strawberry Lemonade. 

I rock the Strawberry Lemonade by replacing my usual ice cubes with frozen fruit. They keep my drink cold and are a low calorie treat to eat after my drink is gone.

And if I am not listening to music, my rare moments of downtime (during those rare toddler naps, or while the older kids are at school) I try to browse craft and sewing books to be inspired for my next big project. Right now I am getting ideas for birthday parties and holiday celebrations. I just adore adding a personal touch to my parties.

And I like personalizing my Crystal Light, too! Here are ideas for putting your own spin on your favorite Crystal Light flavors without adding a ton of calories:

• Frozen Berries
• Frozen Melon Balls
• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Fresh Basil Leaves
• Substitute Coconut Water for the Water
• Cucumber Slices
• Lemon Slices

So after stocking my purse and pantry with my favorite Crystal Light flavors and getting some new tunes, I already have several hundred points to put towards some fun Melissa Lambert swag. Neat, right?

And I am happy to report that getting my daily water hasn't been a chore. In fact, it has never been sweeter! 

What is your favorite Crystal Light flavor? How would you personalize your glass?

Mixing Up a Pineapple Coconut Splash 5-hour ENERGY Afternoon

This post was sponsored by 5-hour ENERGY® with samples, a gift card, information about the "Yummification" video contest , and an additional gift pack provided by the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®. All opinions and experiences are mine alone.

Busy mornings, usually are followed by even busier afternoons around here. While the kids are down napping I like to mix up a refreshing drink and take a moment to relax before the house comes alive again and the chorus of "Mommy!", "Mom" or "Can I have a..." starts back up.

Though I have never been an energy drink sorta gal in the past, I have a little mix that always hits the spot. I like to call it my Pineapple Coconut Splash! ... if you haven't guessed, the "splash" is my favorite Pomegranate 5-hour Energy flavor.

I just love the sweetness from pineapple juice, and I like refreshing coconut water. Pairing those with a 5-hour Energy... with the caffeine equivalent to a cup of premium coffee, it is a nice way to prepare to face the latter half of my crazy days. Besides helping me feel alert, 5-hour ENERGY contains a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids, and essential nutrients

Mix and pour over ice.

Simple right? Well, simple is oh, so good!

If you think you have a drink as good as my Pineapple Coconut Splash, or even better,  submit your drink entry in the 5-hour ENERGY® Yummification Contest. One grand prize winner will receive $50,000!

Information about the “Yummification” Contest:

The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® announced the launch of the “Yummification” video contest, where entrants can win a share of $100,000 for creating a video of their favorite way to mix a 5-hour ENERGY® shot with an everyday beverage.  The contest will be judged on the creativity of the video and the taste of the creation

·         Drink creations must follow the approved/non-approved ingredients guidelines (i.e. no caffeinated beverages or alcohol)

·         To enter the contest, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form; “Like” 5-hour ENERGY® on Facebook, then create and submit a video that is no longer than 60 seconds showing an original combination being made, tasted, and named (creativity counts!)

·         One grand prize winner will receive $50,000, and the following prizes will also be awarded:

o   Second Prize (1): Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000)

o   Third Prize (1): Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)

o   Fourth Prizes (10): One Thousand Dollars ($1,000)

• Entries must be received by August 19, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EDT to be eligible.  No purchase necessary.  US residents only.  18 years and up   
• To enter, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form or “Like” the 5-hour ENERGY® page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/5HourEnergyShot and follow the instructions to click the contest tab

 For official rules, visit 5houryummification.com and you can also connect with the brand on Twitter.

Giveaway Time!!!

I also have one (1) additional gift pack to give away to a lucky reader. So, you can start thinking about how you plan to "yummify" your favorite 5-hour ENERGY. Winner must be 18 or over, U.S. address and respond to claim their prize.

How to enter: Just leave a comment below on this post telling me what you would mix with your 5-hour ENERGY or where you plan to enjoy yours. 

Good luck! Giveaway ends 8/21/2014.

Almond Milk Recipes - Mango Lassi Drinks and Frozen Treats

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. I had fun creating Mango Lassi treats with #SilkAlmondBlends

Summer has just started in the Kruse household. In fact, it started out with a birthday, and the smiles haven't stopped yet. I have decided  the ultimate recipe for Summer success this year is a line-up of great afternoon snacks. I need cool and refreshing treats to re-energize my kids after a long day of play outside. These little taste testers approved and I am excited to share two of our favorite almond milk recipes, Mango Lassis and Frozen Lassi Cream Pops with Blueberries.

After college I worked and traveled around Asia for 3 years. It was hot, but I quickly learned that every country I visited had it's own treat to help cool off. In Japan I enjoyed Matcha (green tea) shaved ice with sweetened beans and condensed milk drizzled over the top. In Malaysia and Singapore I enjoyed treats such as cold Sugar Cane Juice and Mango Lassis.

I thought it was about time to introduce my kids to the joys of mango.

The only issue is we are a house divided. My husband and youngest son can have dairy, my two older children and myself are dairy free. I decided to explore our lactose-free options with Silk.

Now, if you are looking for a dairy free alternative to milk in your recipes, Silk has you covered. I started drinking the Silk Soymilk in college and really enjoyed the texture and flavor. Over the years people have offered me other products, but my heart (and stomach comfort) belong to Silk products and I definately can't go back to diary since I am lactose intolerant.

There are some new exciting products you may have noticed on the shelf right now. Silk Almond Coconut Blend and Silk Almondmilk Protein + Fiber are both available at my local Safeway and I knew they would be perfect to pair with mango. Almondmilk is definately gaining popularity with the non-dairy crowd and I was thrilled with the taste.

So, while shopping I also grabbed Silk Almondmilk and my mangos.

Mango Lassis are a really fast and easy drink to make. You can think of it like a healthy Mango milkshake... but these are dairy free!

Mango Lassi (Dairy Free)

You Will Need:

• 1 c. coconut yogurt
• 1/2 c. Silk Almond Coconut Blend + additional if needed
• 3 fresh mangos, sliced and peeled
• 1 Tbsp. simple syrup*

Put everything in the blender and puree till creamy. Add additional Silk Almond Coconut Blend to dillute as needed. The Lassi should be thick and smooth.

*Create symple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heating till all the sugar is dissolved.

After making the Mango Lassis my kids declared, "hey this mango stuff is really good, Mom!" So I decided to surprise them for their afternoon snack. Around here we affectionately refer to it as "popsicle 'o-clock" After my kids have been playing in the dirt or running around outside they are hot and thirsty. I usually reward them with fresh fruit popsicles. Today though, I swapped out the seasonal strawberry for Lassi Cream Pops with blueberries.

These are sweet and creamy enough to please the kids... but Mommy gladly snagged the last frozen treat from the popsicle maker when the kids weren't looking...

Of course you can make this recipe with regular popsicle molds, or paper cups and popsicle sticks, but I use a quick freeze maker because it freezes my pops fast. I really don't have time to think hours ahead of time. And my children are rather impatient waiting for their treats.

"Are they done yet, Mom?" Gets old really fast.

Of course, you could throw any fruit peices in these. We just happen to have a whole field full of fresh blueberries to pick. I also happen to think that blueberries and mango go really well together. Both have fresh flavors, but the blueberries add a little hint of tart to the sweetened mango and coconut flavors.

Lassi Cream Pops with blueberries (Dairy Free)

You Will Need:

• 1/2 c. mango puree
• 2 Tbsp. Silk Almondmilk Protein + Fiber 
• 1/4 c. simple syrup
• 1/4 c. coconut yogurt
• 1/4 c. Silk Almondmilk Protein + Fiber
• 2 Tbsp. simple syrup 

In a small bowl whisk together the mango puree, 2 Tbsp. Silk Almondmilk Protein + Fiber and 1/4 c. simple syrup. In another bowl whisk together the coconut yogurt and remaining ingredients. Put a few fresh blueberries in the bottom of your frozen treat mold. Alternate adding the yogurt and mango mixtures to the mold. Add a few more blueberries along the way and freeze till solid.

Enjoy.

My kids are already talking about the next time I make them Lassis. Luckily for them, I wouldn't mind making them again next week. They were really fast to whip up, and tasted so yummy.

And all the Lassi inducing laughter from my kids made my day. Isn't summertime the best?

How do you plan to stay cool this Summer?