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Giraffes – Sticking Their Necks Out in the Kitchen….

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Giraffe Whistling Tea Kettle

While I collect farm-related animals in my kitchen (pigs, roosters, chickens, cows..), I have a crazy crush on these giraffe kitchen items. In fact, I’ve been picturing how they’d look among my pigs for a few days now. I’m not sure how they’d get along, but I willing to risk it.

The first giraffe kitchen product I fell hard for was the Giraffe Whistling Tea Kettle (above). I’ve had my eye on her since I first wrote about her on my tea blog. 

  • Enamel coating on both inside and outside of teakettle
  • Use on a gas and electric stove
  • Excellent heat resistance
  • 2.4 qt capacity

And how about the adorable Giraffe Paper Towel Holder (below)?  Love them!

Giraffe Paper Towel Holder

  • Antique, Cast-Iron Stand
  • Vintage-Style Decor
  • High Quality Material, including genuine solid cast iron construction heavy enough to detach paper towels or toilet paper one-handed; vintage style and antique finish resists wear, looks better with age
  • Beautiful and Unique gift idea!

Amazon even has giraffe print cupcake liners!  If you happen to prefer zebras, elephants, or farm animals (like this animal lover), you’ll find them on Amazon, too. Just go to the Kitchen and Dining Section and search for the animal or animals that populate your kitchen!


Alkaline88 Water: You Can Taste the Difference (and That’s a Really Good Thing)

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Alkaline88 Water

Alkaline88: Naturally created PH balanced water with no chemicals or additives.

I drink a lot – so much that I’ve often say it’s a good thing I don’t drink alcohol. I’m pretty sure I’d drink Otis under the table. Fortunately, I stick to tea, coffee, and coconut water. I’ve also started drinking more water lately – it’s hard to ignore all the health benefits that are associated with water. My biggest problem has always been that it didn’t do anything for me, taste-wise.

A recent bottled water I was sent to review, Alkaline88, has not only opened my mind about water, itself, it has also changed the way I look at the water I use to make tea and coffee.

Alkaline88 Bottled Water

Very Refreshing After an Afternoon of Yardwork!

About Alkaline88:

What do Miranda Kerr, Elton John, Bill Gates, Martha Stewart, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Kelly Ripa, Janet Jackson and Ray Kurzweil all have in common? They’ve all gone on the record to say that they drink alkaline water! Many athletes and celebrities including are attracted to the benefits of an alkaline diet as balanced body pH results in greater energy, more restful sleep, improved digestion and fewer colds according to some medical authorities.

Alkaline88 achieves its 8.8 pH level through a state-of-the-art, completely chemical-free scientific process.  Some people turn to alkaline water after over-indulging in alcoholic drinks or food while others use it as a part of their healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Jamie Koufman, an internationally renowned expert on reflux, and researcher Dr. Nikki Johnston studied how alkaline water destroyed pepsin, a stomach enzyme that when activated by acid causes painful reflux symptoms that can lead to cancer. According to the findings published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, July 2012, natural artesian alkaline water with an 8.8 pH instantaneously inactivated human pepsin in laboratory studies. Ordinary tap and bottled waters had no such effect.

As someone who suffers from GERD and reflux, that last paragraph really got my attention.

Naturally, if the taste isn’t there, the health benefits don’t carry as much weight with us, do they? For better or worse, that’s how it is with us foodies….  it’s all about the taste!

Alkaline88 is outstanding. It’s uncommonly clean-tasting and refreshing – yes, more so than other bottled water.

Something else I love about Alkaline88 is the fact that it comes in a variety of sizes. If (like me) you make a lot – make that A LOT – of tea and coffee, you’ll want to buy larger containers as well as the individual bottles (what they refer to as “small bottles”).

Coffee and Agatha Christie

Alkaline88 Makes Perfect Coffee and Tea

Alkaline88 is, like I said, refreshingly delicious and “clean” right out of the bottle, but It’s especially wonderful when used for….

  • coffee
  • tea
  • lemonade
  • hot chocolate

It’s also a perfect summer drink when poured over ice with a few sprigs of mint and/or cucumber slices. Fantastic!

While Alkaline88 is growing rapidly and quickly popping up in stores around the country, one sure-fire, convenient place to find it is on Amazon.

 

12 Iconic Design Objects No Kitchen Should Be Without

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The following article is a sponsored post.

Kitchen trends and fashions come and go but some designs stand the test of time. Whether you are furnishing a new kitchen, updating your appliances or utensils or simply refreshing the space, think about the impact that even a few carefully chosen objects can have on the overall impact and feel of your kitchen.

Far from advocating clutter, we subscribe to William Morris’ famous maxim that you should “have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 objects of desire that are sure to enhance any kitchen. Each one is a perfect fusion of functionality and style and a design icon with its own history to prove it.

If you are after an instant injection of style credibility to your kitchen, you may need to go shopping…

Dualit Toaster

Designed in Britain just after World War II by the entrepreneur Max Gort-Barten, the toaster’s iconic design is as fresh now as it was when it first came onto the market. The German-born designer received a CBE for services to the British manufacturing industry in 1989.

SMEG Fridge

As popular now as it was when the colourful retro styling was considered cutting edge design in the 1950s, this original Italian design is now widely available in array of up-to-date colours to fit in with any kitchen design.

Duralex Picardie Glasses

With a design dating back to 1927, these quintessentially French bistro glasses have become a staple in homes all over the world. Different sizes and colours have since then been produced.

Mason Cash Bowl

Mason Cash were established in the 1800s and the ceramic mixing bowl with its unique design has stood the test of time. So much so that your mother or grandmother probably has one in her kitchen.

Brabantia Bin

Another design icon, this sleek, stainless steel bin originates from a small factory in Holland. The first range of solid pedal bins was launched in 1955, and they’ve been at the forefront of kitchen waste ever since.

Bird Whistle Tea Kettle

This 1984 design landmark by Michael Graves sports a moulded plastic bird that makes the stainless steel kettle whistle. Clever, funny and stylish, the kettle still sells over 100,000 units every year.

Le Creuset Casserole Dish

With a design going back to 1925, Armand Desaegher and Octave Aubecq joined forces to create a porcelain enamelled cast iron pot, and the first of many Le Creuset cooking dishes was born.

Juicy Salif Lemon Juicer

Designed in 1988 by Philippe Starck for renowned Italian kitchen utensil manufacturers Alessi, this citrus press is a visually striking centrepiece and perfect example of postmodernist design.

KitchenAid Mixer

The classic Kitchen-Aid branded mixer was launched in 1919 according to a design by Herbert Johnson. Manufactured in the USA, this kitchen food mixer now has annual sales of over $20 billion around the world.

BiMoka Express

Invented in 1918 by Alfonso Bialetti, this Italian stove top coffee maker has a sleek geometric look that has made it a design that is recognised the world over.

Peugeot Pepper Mill

Developed by Jean and Jean-Pierre Peugeot in the 1840s long before the French company became famous for making cars, this classic design can still be found in homes and restaurants everywhere.

Brown Betty Teapot

Finally, no English kitchen would be complete without a proper teapot, and they don’t come more traditional than this one. Originally made in Stoke on Trent in 1695 from red clay, tea made in a Brown Betty Teapot as considered to be the best – and possibly still is.

Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer working together with luxury, bespoke interior designer Middleton Bespoke, who were consulted over the information in this post.

Foodie News: Have You Ever Heard of Tulsi?

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Tulsi
One herb has been revered for thousands of years for the following benefits:

  • Balance
  • Support Immune System
  • Lifting Mood
  • More energy
  • Less stress

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil is a powerful adaptogen that provides balance to the body and is a legend in other parts of the world as a health-supporting herb.

Here in the west, Tulsi is largely unknown. The graphic above (from the Organic India Blog) shows why Tulsi is the most important herb most of us have never even heard of.

While I, personally, have never tasted it, word is that Tulsi Tea is delicious.

Click here for even more information about tulsi.  You can order tulsi tea online by clicking the link.

Tulsi Benefits

5 Fast Facts About Stevia

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Stevia Infographic

 

  1. There are more than 250 species of the stevia plant. Like apple varieties or wine grapes, each type of stevia has a different taste based on its molecular make up and the terroir of where the plant was grown. Most stevia brands harvest a variety of stevia species, blending them together through the production process along with filler ingredients. That’s one reason most stevia brands have a bitter aftertaste. Instead, shop for stevias that only harvest single stevia species and sources its finest leaves.
  2. Stevia is 350 times sweeter than sugar. One grain of stevia does not equal a grain of sugar. In fact, the extract from stevia is up to 350 times sweeter than a grain of sugar. That’s why stevia brands must add filler ingredients to serve as bulking agents that level off the high level of sweetness. Look for ingredients labeled USDA organic and Non-GMO verified to ensure you are getting the highest quality stevia choice for your food and beverages.
  3.  Stevia is ideal for baking, unlike most sugar alternatives. Stevia isn’t just for sweetening your coffee, tea or cereal. Unlike other sugar alternatives, stevia extracts are pH-stable with a very high melting point – similar to sugar. That means there are stevia blends ideal for baking – great news for diabetics seeking more cooking and meal preparation options, and for anyone who loves to bake but is trying to kick the sugar habit.
  4. Stevia is a highly self-sustaining plant. Stevia is a member of the sunflower family – it does not require a lot of water to thrive and is very self-sustaining. It’s a small shrub – typically no more than three feet tall and can grow in climates ranging from arid to humid. It’s a very drought tolerant plant with little need for extra inputs.
  5. While stevia is ideal for diabetics maintaining blood sugar levels, some studies have suggested stevia may also reduce blood pressure. Stevia is already widely known as an ideal sugar substitute for diabetics and others seeking to maintain healthy sugar levels as it does not induce glycemic response when ingested. Studies have also suggested replacing sugar with stevia may be linked to lowering blood pressure.

Being a true Southerner, I love my tea like I love everything else – as sweet as I can get it.  Same goes for coffee.  Unfortunately, sugar comes with unwanted calories and artificial sweeteners are… well.. artificial.

Who wants to put anything artificial into their bodies?

That’s why I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Stevia.  You can actually use less Stevia than sugar in tea (or coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider.. told you, I love things sweet..) and enjoy just as much sweetness.  Personally, I think it’s even better – and that, coming from Madame Sweet Teeth, is quite a statement.

Founded in 2008, Pyure Brands is a privately-held leading innovator of healthy sweeteners and one of the largest and fastest-growing independent stevia companies in America. Under the direction of Founder Benjamin Fleischer, Pyure has successfully established itself as a pioneer of sweetening solutions by introducing the first USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified stevia and erythritol to the market. The company’s commercial stevia extracts and blends provide the reduced-calorie sweetening solution for more than 300 food, beverage, and personal care products. In an effort to help further health awareness, Pyure donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations and foundations that have a focus on diabetes education as well as other social and environmental causes. For more information, please visit www.pyuresweet.com or find the brand on Facebook.

Irish Himself and Herself Coffee Mugs (Love These!)

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Himself Irish Coffee Mug

I was, as I often am, on Amazon earlier. I’m one of those people who goes ALL OUT when it comes to decorating for holidays, special days, and seasons. For some reason, I don’t have an awful lot of St. Patrick’s Day decorations and Amazon was trying to help me sort that out.

Amazon’s so good to me.

One of the first things that made me say, “How can I NOT order that?!” was the Grasslands Road Celtic 10-Ounce “Himself” Irish Coffee Mug, Gift Boxed (above).

Naturally, I had to find out if there was a “Herself” mug and… BOOM!… there surely is (the Grasslands Road Celtic 10-Ounce “Herself” Irish Coffee Mug, Gift Boxed is pictured below).

I told you Amazon was good to me.

Herself Irish Coffee Mug

 

  • Gift boxed
  • Stoneware, Dishwasher and microwave safe
  • Message reads: Himself OR Herself
  • High gloss finish with relief pattern Celtic knotting

Click through either link or image for more information.

Le Creuset Colorful Combinations for the Kitchen

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When it comes to colorful kitchen items, I’m nothing if not obsessed. Whether it’s bright kitchen towels, tea kettles, dishes, or even pans – the more color I’m surrounded by, the happier I am.

You can only imagine how in love I am with Le Creuset – their penchant for all things colorful is as strong as my own.

The tea kettles, Round French Trivets,honey pots, and pans shown here are just a few of the ways they show off their peacock ways.

   

Click through any of these colorful beauties for a closer look. You’ll find that there are tons of colors for mixing and matching. Le Creuset has jelly jars, garlic keepers, pitchers – and, quite frankly, even things you may have never heard of. They also have a lot of these gorgeous kitchen items in white (“Dune”) which is stunning in and of itself.

   

When I first began ogling the different beauties, I was thinking of my own kitchen.. then I started thinking what excellent gifts different color combinations would make. Can you imagine someone on your list opening up colorful gift after colorful gift?!

     

One more thing I have to show you – look at the adorable Le Creuset Magnets below. Oh, yeah, I have to have them too.

Le Creuset Magnets

THE Best Drinking Glass is a Drinking Jar

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There’s enjoying a glass of iced tea, and then there’s enjoying a glass of iced tea! My aunt has always had a great little collection of glass jars with handles. For as long as I can remember, when any of us have tea (or Diet Dr. Pepper or.. egads!… water) at her house, it’s in one of these great little jars with handles.  The one pictured here is one of a Libbey Country Fair 16-Ounce Drinking Jar with Handle, Set of 12 (available on Amazon).

My aunt’s tea was (and is) always so good, too. She never sweetens her tea, and even though I usually prefer sweet tea, her’s always tastes great to me.  I’m convinced she has some sort of a little secret that only aunts are privy to.  At any rate, she got me hooked on drinking jars with handles.

For one thing, I prefer drinking out of glass because plastic sometimes tastes like dish washing liquid.

Never a good thing.

I’m also convinced, in my strange little brain, that you’re able to get glass cleaner than plastic.  Does that make perfect sense? No. Do I have any proof of my assessment? Of course not.  But the fact that it “feels” cleaner to me is more than enough reason for me to choose glass over plastic.

The advantage these glass drinking jars have over a lot of other glasses is their thickness. They don’t break as easily, which is a huge advantage to someone as accident prone and clumsy as I am.  Even I can carry one of these babies around the house or yard without the scenario ending in 1, 3, or 26 band aids.

Click through the link above or the image to the right for more information.

Tea With Mother Canvas Print: For the Delightfully Off Beat Tea Lover

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Tea with Mother
Tea with Mother
Buy This at Allposters.com

You know how certain kitchen gadgets, handbags, golf clubs (I’m guessing on this one), sandals, coffee mugs,  dishes, etc. just seem to have had you in mind when they were made. The ones that get right to the core of your being and scream, “You know you want me! You can’t possibly live without me!”  Happens more than I care to think about right now, but the art print above doesn’t just scream at me, it does something far more effective.

It leans in and whispers, “We were made for one another.”

They (experts who know about these things) say that art, more than anything else speaks to us.  Apparently we see something in the art that’s in front of us that resonates with our being – speaks to us… whether it’s screaming or whispering on the lean.

I’m not sure what my great love for this delightfully off beat art print says about me (and less sure that I want to know) but I love it with every ounce of my being.  Look at their eyes as they nurse their little cups of tea. Absolutely priceless.  I think the fact that it’s so deliciously different and unexpected is what draws me to it.  When we think of tea and tea lovers, we often tend to think of a certain “stereotype” – those who are so buttoned up and buttoned down that it’s a wonder they can move.

Tea lovers and drinkers today are a different breed. We’re the ones who know our Starbuck’s baristas on a first-name basis.  We know the health benefits of tea and green tea. We love to experiment with different herbal teas and infusions.  We don’t just march to the beat of a different drum than the old tea drinking stereotypes, we hide their drums just for the fun of it.  There’s something funny about watching those top buttons snap off!

Click through the wonderfully eccentric art print above for a closer look. Seriously, this one’s such a treasure I want one in each room.

Double Wall Tea Cups – In Fun Colors

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Double Wall Tea Cup

These beautiful Double Wall Cups are from The Republic of Tea – so you KNOW you’re getting tea cups from people who know their tea! These beauties are available in several colors, but I chose to flaunt the orange ones because they’re so fun and, somehow, just look like summer to me.

The other colors available are red and lime green. Each time I visit the website, I like a different color the best. Last time my favorite was the lime green… when I first saw them, I wanted the red mugs in the worst possible way… and today? You got it, I’m all about the orange ones.

I’ve been playing the shopping game long enough to know what play this one calls for. Order each color.

And the crowd goes wild!

Product Description:

The Bodum Canteen Double Wall Cup is a fun new way to enjoy tea. Hot or cold, the double walls of the mug make sure the temperature stays the same a lot longer. This mug is made from white porcelain and is surrounded by a non-slip silicone sleeve. Sip and Get Active!