Chocolate Covered Strawberry Tea

I love chocolate covered strawberries so when I got this tea strawberry chocolate flavor from The Republic of Tea I was very intrigued. I mean this isn't a usual flavor that you see and it could taste overly sweet and artificial. A chilly morning seemed like the perfect time to try this out. When I popped in the tea bag, a delicious aroma soon began rising out of the cup. This tea steeps for quite a while and it suggested to be served with a splash of milk. I didn't have that, so I tried it just as is. There was a fair amount of natural sweetness from the strawberry and it most definitely had a chocolate note in the background. It was surprising at how similar it tasted to the real thing. If you are looking for a different tea flavor or for something new, this is a great tea to try. It was a pleasant surprise for a chilly Monday morning.

Pumpkin Perfection

I have gradually moved away from ice cream and become an avid gelato lover. However, the pumpkin ice cream from Trader Joe's made me stop and think. It is silky smooth, creamy, rich, and dreamy. The pumpkin flavor isn't artificial tasting and is complimented perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg. It is tastes exactly like the pumpkin pie, but doesn't make you feel super full afterward. The pumpkin is present, but not overwhelming and the spices make you feel warm and cozy. This is definitely a decadent ice cream, but so yummy and definitely something you don't want to miss out on! Make sure you stock up on this seasonal flavor. Plus, it would be perfect to serve at Thanksgiving and who doesn't love a super easy dessert?! Be sure to pick some up today!

Holiday Heaven

There is just something about a candle that makes an ordinary moment become extraordinary. I don't know if it is just taking a moment to stop and appreciate the scent or if it's the flickering glow of the flame, but either way it's pure magic for me. There are no words to describe my excitement when the holidays roll around and out comes the spiced chestnut candle from Williams Sonoma. Before you even open the box, you can smell the wonderfulness through the box. It comes in this beautiful frosted cocoa colored holder and the candle is a beautiful cream color. The scent of this candle is a tiny bit woodsy and spicy, but light. The best part is that even when you blow out the candle the scent lingers. It doesn't smell super manly and is actually a nice break from the usual super sweet scents. I know that Williams Sonoma does kitchen things right, but they sure know how to do holiday candles as well! If you haven't had the chance to experience this candle, you need to pick one up immediately. They don't last long and you will never want to blow this candle out.

"Bogle"ing My Mind

Sauvignon blancs tend to be more acidic and spicy. They have more of a zippy herbal taste, instead of the fruit flavors. I found this one from Bogle vineyards in Sacramento at Whole Foods. It's pretty acidic and has lots of herbal, earthy flavors, making it a perfect pair with fish and cheese. As a wine to drink by itself, I prefer something with a bit more fruit to it. However, I am sure that with the right foods, it would be much better. That's the great thing about wine...some are meant to enjoy with food and some are better by themselves, but either way there is something for everyone and everything. If you prefer less fruity wines, then this is a great option. No matter what it is, give it a try and take a walk on the wild side.

Holy Enchilada!

Frozen meals are convenient, but most of the time they aren't very filling. Most seem to make me even hungrier, so I have just kind of given up on them. However, a trip down the frozen food aisle at Trader Joe's changed my mind. I saw these black bean and corn enchiladas (which are also dairy and wheat free) and they looked surprisingly good. There are two in the package, but one was filling enough for me. If you eat both of them, that would be a meal or you can serve it with rice or a salad for a complete meal. They were filled with chopped zucchini, black beans, and corn and topped with a mild mole type sauce. Don't worry, they aren't spicy, but they do have a ton of flavor.  Next time you are in Trader Joe's, be sure to pick these up for a quick and easy meal.

Wine of the Week

Wine is something that always intrigues me because you can never know all about it and there is always something new. I am very new to the wine world and still don't know what my favorite grape is or have a favorite brand. I don't know how to creatively pair wines with food, but I am definitely working on it. Every time I go to the grocery store, I always browse the wine aisles, even if I am not buying (I like to see what's out there). I was walking through the wines at Whole Foods and decided that it was the time to buy. This bottle immediately caught my eye because it had two of my favorite things on it...pink and high heels! How could I not try this?! Allegro is a moscato wine that is basically like drinking sparkling grape juice with alcohol. It's super sweet and beyond easy to drink. It's a great dessert wine or if you are just getting into wine. It's just a fun, playful, and great for girls night wine. It was reasonably priced and perfect for a relaxing night at home.