Sippin' Into Spring

Spring is finally here! It's time to trade in our snow boots for rain boots, our plaid print for floral, and our hot cocoa for tea. Oh, you're not a tea person? Well, prepare to change your mind :)

I've loved tea since I was a little girl. From throwing elaborate tea parties for my stuffed animals as a little girl to soothing sore throats as an adult, it seems tea has found its way into just about every stage of my life. And today, I'm excited to introduce you to a little tea company that I'm sure will win you over just like it did me.

I first connected with Shalese a few months ago. I was in the midst of launching my blog just as she was working on starting her new company, Sip Teahouse. Little did I know -- the thing that drew her to start a tea company was the same thing that sent me on my quest for health and motivated me to start my blog: those pesky little things we call "hormones". Just like myself, Shalese had been back and forth with doctors to no avail, and had turned to nutrition and spiritual wellness for help. She began meditating and adding tea to her daily regime, immersing herself in the world of herbs. Ultimately, she was able to rid herself of all the symptoms that had brought her to the doctor in the first place. Pretty cool, right?

Sip Teahouse currently offers five different teas. Each is handcrafted (down to the tea bag!) in Houston, Texas. And when you order, you're not just getting tea ... Shalese takes the time to handwrite a personal note to each customer that places an order. "I want every customer to feel a connection to Sip," she says. "As I am learning and growing, I’d like my customers to feel connected so we can learn and grow together."

I was lucky enough to be able to try each of her teas, and let me tell you, they do not

disappoint! Each flavor is unique, from the smell to the purpose it serves. "The Unwind", pictured here, was definitely the debutante of the bunch. With vibrant colors and a beautiful floral aroma, this tea just called to me. But she's not all looks! The floral taste was lovely -- subtle but not at all bland. Made of Chamomile, Lavender, Roses, Rosehips and Pink Peppercorn, this soothing medley had every muscle in my body relaxed.

The next one I tried was one of Sip's most popular blends, called "Purify Me Baby". The ingredient list really caught my eye on this one: Green Tea, Orange Peel, Cinnamon, Ginger, Senna, Cocoa Nibs, Fennel, Pomegranate Arils and Natural Flavor. And it looks just as interesting as it sounds! The thing I loved most about this tea is that you can really see the ingredients ... the little chunks of orange peel, the cocoa nibs ... it's just such a fascinating blend! And oh, the aroma -- ya'll, this stuff smells straight up like dessert.

The blend called "Send Me Flowers" has a rather unimposing appearance, but pull it out and take a whiff and you'll see why it's one of Shalese's best-sellers! I just sat there smelling it for like five minutes, trying to pinpoint what it smelled like. Eventually I gave up and looked at the ingredients. The main ingredient is Shatavari, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have to Google that to figure out what it was. Turns out, Shatavari is a species of -- wait for it -- asparagus. Who knew something related to asparagus could smell so delicious?

Feeling a little nostalgic for winter? Sip's "Winter Apple Bliss" just might do the trick. Usually, I need milk and sugar to drink black tea, but that definitely wasn't the case here. The flavor of apple in the tea sweetened it just enough! I loved that the cinnamon added a little spice to it as well -- felt a bit like drinking hot apple cider. The name might feel Christmas-y, but I would totally drink this bad boy year-round.

I always leave the best for last, so it's no surprise that I saved Shalese's favorite for the very end. "It’s nearly impossible for me to choose my favorite tea from this collection," says Shalese. "I love them all! However, I can say my daily morning routine includes the Sunshine. The Sunshine has organic guayusa, which is said to have as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. However, it won’t have you feeling jittery, and doesn’t make me bloated like coffee does. It’s actually an awesome mood enhancer as well. It’s my go-to when I get to work, helps me wake up and perk up my spirit for the day."

I can totally see why the "Sunshine" blend is Shalese's fave ... it just might be mine too! I'll admit, I'm always wary of anything (especially teas) that claims to replace coffee. Coffee alternatives tend to leave me feeling jittery and teas with lots of caffeine tend to taste bitter to me. But after trying this blend, I'm honestly not sure I'll ever drink coffee again! Far from bitter, the apple and raspberry notes in this tea really stand out. It's bright, fruity, and oh-so-pleasant to smell. I just might pitch Shalese on a Sunshine perfume blend ;)

Have I tantalized your taste buds enough yet? If you're ready to start sippin', I've got the perfect chance for you! This week, I'm giving one lucky winner three of Sip's most popular blends: Purify Me Baby, Sunshine and Send Me Flowers. But you'll need something to "sip" them out of, right? The winner will also get a beautiful mug from Brooklyn-based ceramist, Evan Hagan. His self-described "decorative-functional" pottery will have you filling your cabinets with his beautiful work.

Want to win? Check out my Instagram (@guruofnothingblog) this week! You'll have five separate chances to enter. Click here for the official rules.

Happy Spring!