I woke this morning and decided to meet up with an old pal I haven’t seen in a while, Mr. Stove Top Oats.
This bowl was the standard oatmeal / oatbran combo with 1/2 a banana cooked in and topped with Zaydie’s Almond Blueberry Granola, sunflower seeds and TJ’s Sun butter! It’s funny because all the almonds and blueberries have been picked out of my granola at this point, but it still tastes sweet, nutty and delicious.
In other news, I received the coolest gift for Christmas from one of my best friends who spent the majority of 2009 working in Estes Park. Both items she gave me- a mug and loose leaf tea, were from Colorado.
I’m a sucker for pretty mugs so I absolutely adored this gift.
And the tea she gave me is from The Tea Spot, a Boulder, CO based company that was founded by a cancer survivor drawn to the health benefits of tea during her recovery. Their line of full leaf teas include organic and Fair-Trade Certified™ estate teas and hand-crafted signature blends. The company is committed to clean, sustainable, and fair manufacturing standards and 10% of every sale is donated in-kind to cancer wellness and community programs.
She got me The TeaSpot Red Rocks, Rooibos Loose Leaf Tea With Vanilla & Almond Bits, as it was a favorite of hers while in CO.
It’s a caffeine-free, South African red rooibos tea with vanilla, and small pieces of almonds. I love naturally sweet teas and I think it’s so cool that this one has bits of real almonds. The tea is relatively sweet on it’s own but I added a couple drops of SweetLeaf Stevia and the extra sweetness completely enhanced all the flavors. I’m excited to have this tea on hand as it will be perfect when I’m craving something sweet after a meal.
Here’s the description from The Tea Spot website: Our blend of naturally caffeine–free South African red rooibos, vanilla, and almond bits is an herbal delight! Rooibos is full of antioxidants and healthy minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and fluoride. It has a wonderfully smooth flavor, and is a great cold buster as well as thirst quencher. It brews into a dark red liquor and has a naturally sweet, earthy scent, reminiscent of pipe–tobacco. You cannot over–steep this tea (the longer the better!) and it is fantastic by itself, or with cream and a bit of sweetener. Red Rocks is the perfect, healthy, all-around herbal tea – a favorite amongst athletes and as mom’s choice for children.
I know I’ve seen The Tea Spot Tea at one of the organic grocery stores that I go to but I can’t remember which. From looking at store locations on the website it looks as thought they are in many Whole Food’s locations so that is probably were I have seen these cute little tins before. After trying the Red Rocks flavor and loving it, I’m excited to try out some of the others, particularly the Climber’s High, Holiday Spice Rooibos, and Meditative Mind. They even have one for all you Twilight fans- Organic New Moon Darjeeling. 
On a side note, my uncle who was sick passed away. Isaac and I will be attending the viewing tonight, staying the night with my Dad, and attending the funeral tomorrow. With that said, posting may be sporadic.
- Brittany
PS. What are your plans for New Year’s this year? Our plans are still up in the air and we really don’t have many options. Perhaps you all can inspire us with your ideas?!?
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
That mug is very cute. So sorry to hear about your uncle – your family is in my prayers!
Because all of our friends live out of town, my husband and I usually stay in for New Years. We drink champagne and make fondue. As a bonus to that tasty treat, if friends drop in unexpectedly we have a fun meal to share with them!
Love that mug and the tea sounds tasty!
We’re probably staying in for New Year’s this year. Maybe we’ll think of some fun night-in things to do?
I’m afraid I am no help with the New Years plans. I don’t have any official ones yet, besides a possible/ly lame party.
I love your mug… So cute and modern. I am so sorry about your uncle.
So sorry to hear about your uncle – I will be thinking about you and your family.
Oooooohh that oatmeal looks AMAZING~
I love the new mug, very pretty.
I am very sorry to hear about your uncle
your family is in my prayers girl.
As for new years, we are supposed to head to Sullivan’s in the Fan however after being sick all week I don’t know what the deal will be… we have prepaid so I’d hate to miss it but I want to stay healthy for the cruise!
So sorry for your loss! You guys will be in my thoughts.
Yay for the Colorado shout out! I’m from CO, went to school in Boulder – and LOVE this tea…the real bits of almonds are the best news. I also love Estes Park and that mug is adorable! I loved reading about my home state from your perspective.
I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Hooray for CO. I visited Denver and Boulder while on spring break in college and loved it! I want to come back.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your uncle. Many thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
For new years, we are keeping it low key this year. Just going to our friends with some sushi, wine and The Hangover. Should be a great time!
Have fun, whatever you guys decide to do.
Haha, I am SO guilty of picking out all the goodies from the granola box…but you’re right–it still tastes good without all the fruit and nuts:)
oooh I love mizter stovetop oats….and was wondering where he was yesterday morning!
the granola? notsomuch
yet now Im thinking that could be because the HUSBAND picks out all the goodstuff!
yum yum yum! i have that exact same tea and i LOVE it. rooibos is my favorite tea by far, and the tea spot’s version is simply amazing! hope you have a great new years love!
That tea sounds wonderful! I’m a big fan of naturally sweet teas too. I love snuggling up with a nice mug of hot tea
and your oats look lovely! Hope you have a nice new year, we’re going to a wine lounge for some eats and live music, hopefully it will be fun!
What great gifts! Boulder, CO is one fun place. They having amazing things there, I just love to visit!
Sorry to hear about your Uncle. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family!
Your stove top oats look fabulous!
I’m so sorrry about your uncle. My prayers are with you and your family!
Awesome post! This tea sounds delicious and I love the story behind it. I will look for it at Whole Foods, or I will find some online. Your friend sent you such a great gift! Very thoughtful. Sorry to hear about your uncle.
As far as New Years….I am in Grand Cayman with my family. We will go out for a lovely dinner and then knowing me I will be in bed waaayy before midnight, until the fireworks wake me up
Happy New Year!
So sorry to hear about your uncle. I know a cup of tea always makes me feel better, especially our Red Rocks. Add some milk and a touch of agave or honey and you’re all good…Let us know when you are back in Boulder and I’ll hook you up with some samples of our other teas…