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Entertaining: Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice

November 21, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Every fall since we were young, a family friend with a small apple orchard has served fresh apple cider mulling in her home whenever company came over. The delicious aroma has always been heavenly. As her guests file in, she greets them with a warm mug of her mulled cider with a cinnamon stick in it, and guests young and old gather around the fireplace hearth and sip the tasty brew. Nobody knows her secret recipe of spices; she just keeps the spices and cider at a low, rolling boil for a few hours, tending to it in between greeting and serving each of her guests. Nothing beats a warm drink with fall spices after being outside on a cold, crisp day. During this season, there are lots of opportunities for entertaining ranging from formal events; family get-togethers and even informal tailgating parties and football games. A common theme in all of this is welcoming guests with a delicious drink that everyone can enjoy.

A tasty and traditional drink of the season is either Mulled Wine and Mulled Cider. Mulled Wine, originally the drink offered by generous and well-to-do wealthy households in medieval times, it has seen various incarnations over time. A combination of favorite autumnal flavors such as Cinnamon and various spices taste especially good when simmered in apple cider, claret, port, or in a signature drink of your creation. Still a popular tradition today, in the hustle and bustle of entertaining, this charming drink sometimes get overlooked due to time constraints while cooking a large meal for many guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE TEA BAGS: ALL THE TASTE WITH LITTLE WORK

To enjoy the taste of a simmered mulled drink without having to allocate excess prep time during a busy meal or gathering, consider a tasty Mulled Spice preparation to kick-start your simmered warm beverage options. These bags come eight to a box and are as easy to use as a tea bag. These bags quickly add the flavor and taste of what normally takes a hostess’ watchful eye to maintain a rolling boil on the spice steeped beverage to achieve a full bodied, evenly simmered, not too sweet mulled beverage. If you would like to enjoy being with your guests instead of babysitting the mulling process, the Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags is a great option for you.

TASTE

I was surprised at how much this tastes like the combination of spices used in my apple orchard friends’ cider recipe. A natural and healthy combination of Cinnamon chips, orange peel, cloves, allspice and pure orange oil both smell and taste delicious. It tastes homemade but is very simple to make. Unlike other commercial preparations, there is no added salt or sugar, and it is caffeine free. Add sweetener to taste.

Of course, if your family enjoys any special additions to your signature brew, you can always add in raisins, orange slices, sliced almonds, a pinch of ground ginger, cardamon, and if you prefer to go sugar-free, a vanilla pod for some sweetness. But just adding the bag directly to your brew of wine or cider imparts plenty of flavor.

And, as a side bonus, the mulled spices make the house smell delicious, warm and inviting to guests.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

USES

Traditional known to be included in mulled wine or cider, the Mulling spices can be used apple juice or other fruit juice, red or white wine, and tea to make a delicious mulled drink. The OldeTraditionSpice.com website has a whole list of recipes to choose from (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) so that the kids and designated drivers can still join in on the fun. Recipes include Hot Toddy, Hot Buttered Rum, Hot Apple Toddy, Hot Buttered Scotch Toddy, Caramel Apple Smoothie, German Wassail, Eggnog, Holiday Apply Cranberry Punch, and Spiced CoffeeLate, amongst many others. I counted about seventeen non-alcoholic recipes so the whole family could enjoy.

It is also tasty as a straight drink when used just like a tea bag in hot water. Steeping a mulled spice bag in green tea is a great way to make the vegetal taste of green tea more appealing to kids without using lots of sugar. It also adds a nice taste to ginger ale and can be served cold. Any of these options make for a nice mulled drink for kids during the festivities.

The bag can also be cut open and the contents used as a seasoning in cooking or baking. As seen in the video, the spices are a good size and not the “dust” remainders of the respective ingredients.

Each bag can be used two to three times or can be used to steep a larger quantity of liquid.

OLDE TRADITION SPICE MULLING SPICE

ABOUT THE OLD TRADITION SPICE INC COMPANY

In reviewing their website for mulled spice recipes, there was something else interesting I liked about the makers of this product. Olde Tradition Spice, Inc., does community outreach by employing Americans with disabilities for their packing process for various products. The company also stands by using natural and wholesome ingredients to create a product that tastes homemade.

CONCLUSION: I like to be able to make a tasty mulled drink, alcoholic or not, quickly and easily, whether brewed for a large group of guests or just one cup for myself. The Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice Tea Bags smell and taste delicious and smells homemade. I like the option of being able to serve mulled wine to adults and have a similar tasting mulled cider or tea option for kids or those who choose to opt out of drinking. This mulling spice is a nice treat to have tucked away to entertain unexpected guests or to quickly make an inviting beverage during the cooler season.

Find Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice at http://OldeTradtionSpice.com. And stay tuned to Style Chicks, as we will be featuring our favorite recipes made with Olde Tradition Spice Mulling Spice in the next few weeks, ranging from Mulled Wine to amazing Spiced Green Tea recipes!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcmQtqXxSRM[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Islands Miracle Essential Oil Diffuser

September 29, 2016 · Leave a Comment

ABOUT Essential OIL DIFFUSERS

Essential Oil Diffusers are a quick and easy way to add an aromatherapy element to your at-home spa day, to soothe a stuffy nose or a dry cough, or cleanse the air after cooking. A diffuser can remove pet smell from the house, freshen linens, and infuse the air with warm, inviting scents when guests are coming over.

THE ISLAND MIRACLES OIL DIFFUSER DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

This diffuser is an attractive piece with a fresh, light, modern look.

The Island Miracles Oil Diffuser has an attractive leaf pattern that allows the glow of the colored light to show. The light is enough to serve as a nightlight but it not too bright or glaring. There are several colored light shades including green, aqua, yellow, orange, red, magenta-pink, and bright soft white. There is an option for continuous color rotation or to select one color, or no light at all, just the diffuser mode.

The plug is hidden in the back of the device to keep the cord out of sight. The design is modern but feminine and suits several decors. It would look good in a kitchen, bath, bedroom or spa services office such as massage therapy or day-spa.

There is amply-sized water well that is easy to wipe clean. There is a soft sheen to the sturdy exterior of the device.

Island Miracles Oil Diffuser

Islands Miracle Essential Oil Diffuser

HOW TO USE THE ISLAND MIRACLES OIL DIFFUSER

Fill the diffuser with water to the “MAX FILL” line seen clearly demarked on the inside of the fill receptacle.
Add 3-6 drops of your desired essential oil.
Plug in the diffuser.
The Island Miracles Oil Diffuser is very easy to operate. There is one large, simple button on the front of the diffuser, press it once to turn it on. The colored light will appear and will change from one color to the next.
To select a color, wait until the desired color appears in the rotation, and press the button once.
To run the diffuser without the colored light, lightly press the button for the third time.
To shut the diffuser off, press the button a fourth time.

Diffuser set up is easy, although instructions are included if necessary.

RESULTS

The Island Treasures Oil Diffuser scents the room very quickly by dispersing the oils into the air with a micro-fine mist of steam moisture. The steam is a fine enough mist to absorb into the air without leaving the room damp, as some humidifiers can do, yet it adds enough moisture to help soothe a dry cough or make a dry room more comfortable. The scent is not overpowering, it just takes a few drops of oil, and the mist is consistent without spurting or leaking. The diffuser is quiet, the only indication that it is on is the optional colored light and the light stream of steam, there is no noise. I like this feature for using the diffuser while trying to get restful sleep.

POTENTIAL ESSENTIAL OILS TO DIFFUSE AROUND THE HOME

Lavender Oil, Ylang-Ylang, and citrus oil scents are soothing and helpful for restful sleep, spa-day, or making a long soak in the tub more luxurious.
Chamomile promotes a stress-free environment
Peppermint Oil is invigorating, improves mental clarity, and can eliminate the cook odors of fish or other strong food scents. Diffusing Peppermint Oil is also a natural way to deter pests such as bugs and mice without being harmful to children or pets.
Lemon is a favorite scent that makes the house smell clean and inviting with a fresh scent that is not overpowering
Eucalyptus Oil is very helpful for congestion due to allergies, colds, or respiratory issues.
Tea Tree Oil is useful when there is an illness in the house; it is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It can help eliminate airborne virus and bacteria. It is also very helpful for deterring mold and mildew in basements and bathrooms, especially in the shower.
Lavender, Peppermint, and Frankincense have anti-spasmodic properties that are useful for some people with respiratory issues. If you have known medical issues, consult a doctor

Various other diffusing oils including lemongrass, cinnamon, bergamot, and orange, amongst many others, can be used with the Island Miracles Oil Diffuser. Island Miracles also has their own line of Essential Oils that can for use with the diffuser; we will be reviewing the Island Miracles Essential Oils in a future post.

Islands Miracle Essential Oil Diffuser

CONCLUSION: The Island Treasures Oil Diffuser is an attractive piece with a modern floral leaf design. It is sturdy and well-constructed. I really like the silent feature and easy clean-up. The one button use makes it easy to use and adjust without too much fuss. To me, these are standout features.

Suitable for all-season use, it is particularly useful in dry winters when forced air heat can make a room feel stuffy, and no fresh air reaches the room, making the air feel stale. The diffuser makes a thoughtful gift for someone in a new apartment or dorm.

Islands Miracle Essential Oil Diffuser

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find this great Oil Diffuser here.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTf_es2dTzU[/embedyt]

ABOUT THIS POST

NOVICA Handcrafted Floral Reverse Painted Glass and Wood Framed Wall Mirror, ‘Purple Summer Garden’

May 1, 2016 · Leave a Comment

I am a huge fan of jewel tones. Rich, vibrant, saturated jewel tones. This is one of the reasons I love this small mirror from NOVICA.

Purple Summer Garden is an intricate and whimsical piece. It employs the reverse painted glass technique where the design is painted in reverse on the back of the glass and then displayed from the front. This technique makes the colors seem more vibrant, combining the visual qualities of painting and stained glass.

I find the versatility of this piece fascinating. I recently moved some art out of my office as were in the middle of construction and I didn’t want anything to get accidentally damaged. As I looked around at the bare walls I started considering a dEcor reboot and wondered if Purple Summer Garden would fit in somewhere. I realized that it would work with any direction I chose to go, as the colors fit with both lighter and darker schemes. While the purples and coppers are deep and saturated like autumn colors, they also take on the beautiful colors of a summer sunset. It wasnt until I realized that did I recognize how well named this piece is: it truly is reminiscent of a Summer Garden under the August sunlight as it ebbs towards twilight. Light blue dragonflies dance around the blossoms surrounding a clear and true diamond shaped mirror.

The back has a sturdy hook to securely hang the item and comes with the artists story and his thoughts on the piece in a lovely NOVICA booklet.

This is indeed a small piece: My biggest problem with this mirror is that people are so captivated by it that they inevitably touch the glass so you may have to clean some fingerprints off of it every once in awhile! But that is a small price to pay for a piece that garners so much attention.

The artist, Gelacio Giron, is located in Peru and trained as an accountant, and started pursuing his craft during school. He enjoys sharing Peruvian artistry with the world through NOVICA, and enjoys the thought that you and I are decorating our homes with his pieces. He works with his brothers in his workshop to bring us his stunning works.

NOVICA Handcrafted Floral Reverse Painted Glass and Wood Framed Wall Mirror, ‘Purple Summer Garden’

NOVICA Mohena Wood with Bronze Leaf Round Starburst Wall Mirror ‘Cuzco Sun’

April 24, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a showstopper of a decorating piece? NOVICA’s Cuzco Sun Bronze Leaf Round Starburst Wall Mirror is your shining answer.

NOVICA Bronze Leaf Starburst Wall Mirror ‘Cuzco Sun’

Its worth a few words as to the sizing of this mirror. This is considered the Medium Size of the design at 18 However, the depth and striking appearance of the mirror draws the eye far more than a larger and less detailed mirror would. So if you want to place the mirror as a centerpiece among other items, the Medium is the right size. If you want a stand alone large piece for a wall, then you might consider the larger version. But truly do not underestimate the impact of this mirror. As with all decorative pieces, think about the impact more than the specific size.

This gorgeous 18 mirror comes from Peru and is made of Mohena Wood, a Peruvian hardwood, and is intricately covered in bronze leaf. One of the things I love about this mirror is that the bronze leaf is a definite bronze color with indirect natural daylight, but takes on the most beautiful gold color at sunset, just as the sun does itself. The artist has truly made a study of light!

I chose to put it on the mantle above the Living Room fireplace as we have other bronze items around the fire and because the vibrant color of the piece is so striking against the dark wood. The mirror would look good against any background, but I think the depth of the detail especially lends itself towards a darker, richer wood background. It was a bit of a toss up for me between the Living Room and the smaller Dining Room fireplace mantle, but the grain of the wood in the Living Room and the grain of the Mohena Wood looked sharper to me.

The mirror itself is 7.8 but appears larger. It is an exceptionally true mirror and shines vividly. If you are looking for a central vanity mirror you might want to look for a piece that has a larger mirror, however the reflection is excellent and stands by itself as a good mirror apart from the incredible craftsmanship of the frame.

The ARTIST

The piece was made by Jose Marcos Luzalde Rosales, who taught himself his craft starting at 17 in his neighbor’s workshop. At the ripe age of 18 he decided to go out on his own and became known (with good reason, as you can see) for his incredible work. He has delighted in preserving Peruvian Woodwork Artistry for 35 years now, and thanks to NOVICA, we can delight in his work as well!

I absolutely adore this mirror. It adds light and depth to the room and has drawn gasps from anyone who has seen it.

Find this incredible piece at Amazon.com.

NOVICA Bronze Leaf Starburst Wall Mirror ‘Cuzco Sun’

I received this item at a discount for review purposes. If you have any questions about the mirror, leave me a comment below!