Tea Review: Teapigs LM

National Tea Day 2017

Lanie, Melody, both

What better way to celebrate than with a tea review?!
Today we're looking at one of the blends we picked up at the Coffee and Tea Festival - Philly in the fall. It's from Teapigs.

Teapigs: Liquorice Mint

This is one of the most unique blends we brought back from the festival in November. It's an herbal infusion and naturally caffeine free.
Cute box.

You bet! This is the size you can get in the pick a mix. A great way to try different blends.
Each pack holds two tea temples.

I'm going to drop this in the tea pot while we wait for the kettle. What does the box say?

It's a note from Louise. 

"What's special about this tea? Pure liquorice root with whole peppermint leaves create a naturally sweet and refreshing drink that is irresistibly moreish. Get ready to be wowed." Then there is a desctiption of the tea temples. 

Oh, and the steeping instructions! Yay! One tea temple per person, water 212°F, brew 3-5 minutes.
Great! Water is ready!
Looks lovely already.

Yeah.
[timer beeps]
Done!
Look how the leaves expanded to fill the temple!

Cool!

The color is really nice.

It smells wonderful!

First Sip - Plain
This is how I had it at the festival, plain. It was really good. Hmmm, this is different. Still tasty, and sweet.

Yes, the mint and the liquorice root blend nicely. I'm not sure which flavor hits me first. I think maybe the mint.

Second Sip - Table Sugar
It really doesn't need any sweetener, but I want to try a few just to see what happens. I get the mint stronger.

But the liquorice stays with you more after. It's more like candy now.  Maybe too sweet.

Third Sip - Turbinado Sugar
Hmmm, the turbinado sugar adds another flavor to the mix. Not bad; kind of rounds off the edges the table sugar created.

Yes. I see what you mean. I'm still getting a lot of liquorice in the after taste.

Fourth Sip - Honey
Okay, this changes it even more. No edges here. Very minty.

No, it's kind of rich. But I'm still getting a really strong liquorice flavor.

Well, it is first in the name. (giggles)
But Gramma Enne wouldn't touch this.
No, and it is different than what I tasted in November.
[Lanie, goes to Teapigs website and reads more]
I think I have it. We set the timer for 5 minutes. Looks like we should have set it for 3 instead.
Oh, yeah! That would make a big difference.

The Teapigs Liquorice Mint blend is tasty and refreshing.

And can be too strong if you're not careful.

Have you had tea today? What blend was in your cup? Would you try this blend?

Xyra's Notes

• I really liked this blend in November, not quite as much today. It was too minty for me.
• Looking forward to trying the second temple and only steeping for 3 minutes.
• Was tasty with a vanilla cupcake.
• It has great potential to be very refreshing.

We raise our cup to you today! Thank you for stopping!

Best wishes,


#CTFPhilly
#Teapigs

Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl, Coffee and Tea Festival Philly, or Teapigs. The tea reviewed was purchased for our collection. the review is unsolicited and comprised entirely of our own honest opinions, thoughts, and words. All links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required to enjoy the post. Should you be so inclined to try this tea on your own, the links will point you in the right direction.

Easter Fun 2017 II

Carrot Bowling Plus

Grace, Haley, Kaya, Kirsten, Lanie, Lea, Melody, 2 or more

Bowling for Carrots

This is a good spot.
I'll set up the pins.
Where is the ball?
Here! There are two.
[Miscellaneous chatter and laughter]
Go, Kaya!

You can do it!
[Kaya rolls the ball, pins clatter, ball rolls back]
Yay!
Woo hoo!
Good job!

Oh, don't take the ball, Bijoux!
[laughter]
[More turns taken; each have a chance to bowl]
Wow! That's fun!
Yeah, but it's getting hot.
Let's head out back.
Yeah!
Grab the basket!
[Everyone packs up the carrot bowling game and heads to the back porch. Melody and Grace grab the basket and stuff from the living room, Haley, Kaya, and Kirsten stop for a drink and snack before joining the others.]

Out Back

Ooo, let's do this.
I'll help.
We want this one.
You bet!
[Opening packages, bricks spill, Haley, Kaya, and Kirsten make it to the porch]
That's cool!

Just put the last brick in place.
The wheelbarrow is adorable!
Check out the magnifying glass...it really works!

Super cool!

Is that tic-tac-toe?

Yeah. Neat, right?
You bet. What are the pieces?
Bunnies vs. hamsters! (giggles)

I'll play winner. 
Great idea!

The tulips are starting to open!

They are really pretty. I think the red are my favorite. (giggles)

How did I know you'd say that? (giggles)

We had a lot of fun on Easter and hope you did too, whether you celebrate the holiday or not, we only wish our readers and followers the best.

What was your favorite photo?

Best wishes,

Easter Fun 2017 I

Fun in the Sun

Haley, Kaya, Lanie

Carrot Bowling

Hey! This carrot game looks like fun.

What is it?
Bowling, I think.
Cool! But I don't think it will work in the grass.

True.
Let's get the others.
Come on pups!

Have you been bowling? Did you like it or not?

See you later,

Movie Questions

Movie and Book Help

Grace, Haley, Kaya, Kirsten, Lanie, Lea, Melody, 2 or more

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Skimming Internet lists of books and movies we almost always see The Secret Garden recommended.

Last night we noticed The Secret Garden was playing.
The 1993 version, with Maggie Smith.

So we turned it on. Even caught it from the very beginning.
But we didn't finish watching it.
Nope.
Couldn't get past the terrible behavior of almost all of the characters.
That got us thinking. How close is this movie to the book?
If super close, why do people fall in love with this book?
We also noticed the book has been translated to film, big and small screen, several times. Is one version better than the others?
We checked IMDB and goodreads, but couldn't find the answers. What are your thoughts on The Secret Garden? 
Please help us decide if we should try watching it again or if we should add it to our to read list.
Thank you for your help! We're looking forward to your comments.

Best wishes,