Food

Cusa Tea – Premium Instant Tea

/ realmofvibes / 4 Comments

I love coffee and tea equally. Before work, I drink a few cups of coffee, and when I get to work, I drink cold tea in my infusion water bottle. I love the way it refreshes my palate and gives me the caffeine to power through my morning. I am always down to try new tea varieties…enter Cusa Tea!

Cusa Tea was created by Jim Lamancusa. He concocted the first-ever instant tea that contains only high-quality, premium, USDA Organic certified teas and fruits.

Cusa Tea

Cusa Tea comes in 5 varieties:

  • Organic English Breakfast
  • Organic Oolong Tea
  • Mango Green Tea
  • Organic Green Tea
  • Lemon Black Tea

I tried the Mango Green Tea and Organic Green Tea varieties.

Cusa Tea - Premium Instant Tea

Cusa Tea has no additives, fillers, or sugar and uses a low-temperature crystallization process to extract the essence and provide all the benefits of drinking tea.

Directions:

  • Open the tea stick and pour it into an empty 12-14 ounce glass.
  • Pour hot or cold water and watch the tea dissolve.
  • Cold water may take 30 seconds to dissolve.
  • Adjust the strength of the tea by adding or removing water.

Thoughts

I never used anything besides loose tea or a tea bag, so I was super curious to see if a tea stick would hold up to my standards.

I really appreciate that the caffeine content and tea polyphenols were listed on the box. I am caffeine sensitive so this is important for people like me to know before drinking a cup…

Cusa Tea - Premium Instant Tea

The Mango Green Tea (pictured) was fabulous! I ripped open the tea stick, poured it into a cup, filled my cup with water (just eyeballed the amount), and gave it a stir. It dissolved immediately. I added some ice cubes and really enjoyed the mango and green tea flavors. Next time, I may add some fresh mint from my garden, to add even more flavor to the cup!

The Organic Green Tea, I tried hot. Again, the tea dissolved immediately into the cup and was super delicious. Green Tea is naturally bitter, so my husband likes when I add honey.

The Cusa Teas were super simple to make and I would absolutely love to try the other varieties. I think they are great for those who love to travel, are always on-the-go, or just love tea!

Make sure you head to the Cusa Tea website to order online or see where they are located in a store near you.

Follow Cusa Tea on Facebook, and Instagram.

Namaste.

Disclosure: Two packages of Cusa Tea were sent complimentary for reviewing purposes; all opinions within are my own. If you would like your product reviewed on Realm of Vibes, please contact realmofvibesdg@gmail.com 

 

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Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

/ realmofvibes / 23 Comments

I love gluten and dairy free products that I can grab and go! I also love everything about pistachios and find freeing them from their shell super relaxing. I was happy to find a new product, Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites which include pistachios with blueberry infused cranberries with coconut and maple brown rice syrup. 

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

Each resealable bag of Chewy Bites comes with 6 individually wrapped bite size chews.

Here are the facts:

  • 100% all natural
  • Dairy free
  • Gluten free
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan
  • No cholesterol
  • 0 trans fat
  • Made in the USA
  • MSRP Pricing: 2-pack – $1.99 USD, 6-pack – $5.99 USD, 16-pack $12.50 USD
  • Available in major grocery stores and will be available on Amazon.com

My Thoughts

Holy stickiness! After you unwrap the chewy bite from the package, you feel the maple brown rice syrup on your hands. And, unfortunately, you better have a wet napkin or hand sanitizer available or you will be left with sticky fingers. Note to self: hold the chew by the wrapper to protect my hands and clothing! 

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

The chew is delicious. I love the crunch of the pistachio with the sweetness of the blueberries, cranberries, coconut and maple brown rice syrup. It’s chewy, gooey, and in a few small bites, they are gone! Bummer. I want more! 

As for health conscious, I am glad the Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites are dairy and gluten free. A serving size is 2 chews, which is 200 calories. For me, that is a pretty heavy snack so I would stick with one chew. I like how the chews contain potassium, protein, fiber, and iron. I sometimes don’t get enough minerals, and this is a great way to get a healthy amount of nuts and fruit into my diet.

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

As for each chew being individually wrapped, I hope that Setton Farms will consider putting the chews into a biodegradable wrapper to cut back on waste. I also think that the bag is rather large for six small chews; perhaps they could add more chews or cut back on some of the packaging.

The Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites work wonderfully when I am on the go – or if I come home from work feeling ravenous and need something to hold me over until dinner.

ENTER THE SETTON FARMS GIVEAWAY

Fine print: Enter to win 2 packages of Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites. The contest will run from August 28, 2017, at 12 AM until September 11, 2017, at 12 AM. Only continental US residents 18 years or older will be eligible. If you are chosen as the winner, you have 24 hours to provide your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Failure to do so will result in another winner being chosen. 

Good work, Setton Farms!

Be sure to visit Setton Farms on Facebook,  Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube!

Namaste.

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Full disclosure: Setton Farms sent me 2 bags of Pistachio Chewy Bites complimentary for review purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you would like your product, business, or service featured on Realm of Vibes, visit my Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com

Get Your Elements – Real Food for Real People

/ realmofvibes / 52 Comments

After completing the Whole 30 late last year, I discovered I had food intolerances to dairy and gluten. As most of you know from my previous posts, I partake in a mostly dairy and gluten free diet. Unfortunately, I find meal preparation to be one of the most difficult things about eating clean, so I appreciate any quick fix foods that are compliant with my intolerances and make me feel as fabulous as I really am. I am also training for a half marathon, so eating healthy is very important to me during my training.

Enter Elements, a company selling real food, in a bag.

WHAT? Real food? In a bag?

I have to admit, I was super skeptical getting a bag of freeze dried food in the mail. Little did I know that freeze drying only removes the water and leaves the vitamins, micronutrients, enzymes, and taste of the actual food behind.

Get Your Elements

Get Your Elements

Elements bags also have a 2-year shelf life and don’t require a microwave or stove top. All you have to do is tear the bag and add 1 cup of very hot water. Seal the zipper and shake well. Wait 12 minutes, open the bag, stir, and enjoy!

Need a bowl? Tear the bag at the lower hash-line.

So, what’s in the bag of Elements?

  • Fresh herbs
  • Sensational Spices
  • Delicious Taste
  • Self-Respect

 

Get Your Elements Review

Freeze dried deliciousness

 

What’s not in the bag?

  • Preservatives
  • Artificial Colors & Flavors
  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Processed Sugars
  • Shame
  • Guilt

 

What I Sampled

  • Broccoli Cinnamon Pork
    • Thoughts: Delicious. I love the combo – pulled pork is tender, the broccoli and squash are cooked perfectly, and you definitely taste the cinnamon. This was the easiest pulled pork and vegetable recipe I have ever made, and certainly tasted the best! 
  • Tuscan Chicken Pomodoro
    • Thoughts: Take me to Tuscany! I love the balsamic vinegar flavor throughout. There was a little excess water after 12 minutes, but it didn’t impact the dish. The chicken was soft and tender, and the tomatoes and onions were covered in the delicious herbs and spices. This was super yummy; my Nonna would be proud!

Other Elements

  • Maple Mustard Pork
  • Sesame Garlic Chicken
  • Chipotle Turkey Scramble

Thoughts

Elements are super simple to make and absolutely delicious! I love eating clean, and in 12 minutes I have a hot, delicious meal that fuels my body for or after a long run. I never would have imagined freeze dried food would taste so good!

Elements are great for anyone on the go who wants to eat well – perfect for busy moms, athletes, people who work long hours…or if I am on a long hike!

Elements has the perfect amount of calories, protein, carbs, and fats! Each bag is anywhere from 270-310 calories, just the right amount for a meal!

Get Your Elements Review

Kickstarter

Elements is on Kickstarter! One bag of Elements retails for $11.99 USD. During the Kickstarter campaign, you can get your Elements at a cheaper price, depending on how many you would like to purchase. Make your pledge today!

Elements Giveaway

Rules: Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the continental USA. Winner must provide name, address, e-mail, and phone number within 24 hours of the close of the giveaway or another winner will be selected. You will receive a sampler pack of Elements ($60 value) at the end of their Kickstarter Campaign. Giveaway begins on 8/14/17 at 12:00 AM and ends 8/28/17 at 12:00 AM.

Enter the Elements Giveaway!

Make sure you visit Elements on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Namaste.

Disclosure: Two bags of Elements were sent complimentary for review purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you are interested in having your products featured on Realm of Vibes, fill out the form on the Contact page. 

 

 

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Take a Hike (with These 6 Items)

/ realmofvibes / 21 Comments

This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission which helps sustain Realm of Vibes. Thanks for your support.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind, and find my soul.” – Unknown

I started hiking about seven years ago. When I met my husband, he took me to several state parks in New Jersey. My husband grew up in the country, so he had all the gear required for an easy to moderate hike. For example, he had hiking shoes while I wore regular sneakers. He had hiking pants where I wore leggings. He wore a backpack that carried necessities like food and water, and I carried a hand bag with my cell phone and wallet. (Little did I know there was no service in the middle of the woods and that there were no purchases to be made).

After blisters and bitching, he took me shopping for some hiking gear. The gear I have collected in the past seven years has gotten me through shorter, easy hikes as well as long, strenuous hikes like Cascade and Porter Mountain, two of the 46 High Peaks. I hope the gear helps you as much as it has helped me…

Hiking Boots

I have two pairs of hiking boots.

  1. Merrell Women’s Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

These boots are not lightweight, but waterproof, and give me my ankles the stability they need to get through a strenuous, super rocky hike. I wear these for a more difficult, moderate hike.

2. Oboz Women’s Sawtooth Low Bdry Hiking Shoe

I have a new found respect for Oboz. My husband left my Merrell’s home by accident on our latest Lake Placid trip, so I had to purchase a new pair of hiking boots to do Cascade and Porter mountains. Oboz are lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.

Hiking Socks

No more blisters or sweaty, nasty feet! I wear Smartwool Women’s Hiking Light Crew Socks. These are a game changer!

Hiking Pants

I purchased the Columbia Women’s Saturday Trail Stretch Convertible Pant which is super casual, comfortable and converts into shorts. These trail pants are also stain and sun resistant. I feel that they resist sweat much better than leggings and move more comfortably and easier than jeans.

Hiking Backpack

My husband and I wanted a unisex backpack as we usually alternate the pack throughout the hike. We selected the Gonex Polar Trekking Daypack. It has a 40L capacity, comes with a waterproof cover, and easily holds everything we need for a day hike. The straps are easy to adjust and it fits both my husbands tall, muscular build and my shorter stature without issue. 

Water Bottle

I bring plenty of water when I hike. The most important thing is that the vessel in which the water is held keeps the water cold. For that reason, I use the Contigo Autoseal Chill Stainless Steel Water Bottle.

Food

Often times, when my husband and I reach the summit, we enjoy a few snacks. We sit and take in the scenery and acknowledge what we accomplished on our way to the top. (We also snap a few pictures!) I enjoy a few different snacks including Chocolate Chip Clif Bars, and Chomps 100% Grass Fed Beef Jerky Sticks. These give us enough energy to get back down the mountain.

Final Thoughts

I hope that next time you go on a hiking adventure, you remember to bring some of these items with you.

If you hike, what is your favorite item to wear or bring? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Namaste.

Take a Hike

 

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Hello Fresh Food Subscription Review

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I am a woman who is easily tempted by a coupon code. I am also that woman who orders her groceries online because setting foot in a supermarket, although a necessary evil, is not my cup of tea. Most of the time, I don’t feel like being creative with dinner, so after I was able to secure a coupon code for Hello Fresh, three dinners for two people came to $40. What a steal!

Food subscriptions are a new rage. Hello Fresh is a food delivery service that ships dinners right to your door. You can choose from the Classic (meat and fish), Vegetarian, or Family plan for either 2 or 4 persons.

Our Classic Carnivore menu consisted of:

  • Juicy Lucy Burgers
    • 840 calories
    • 10-minute prep
    • 40-minute total time
  • Zesty Crusted Catfish
    • 650 calories
    • 5-minute prep
    • 30-minute total time
  • Gremolata Strip Steak
    • 880 calories
    • 10-minute prep
    • 40-minute total time

These are the 3 meals we chose out of 8 offered options.

Hello Fresh is packaged in a cooler box, so I didn’t have to worry about rushing home from work to find spoiled food. Everything is neatly packaged in recyclable cardboard. I like how Hello Fresh keeps all of the different meals organized.

The first meal I made was the Jucy Lucy Burgers. I was happy I had the additional ingredients on hand (olive oil and sugar). The burger was cooked perfectly and Jason kept raving about the dressing on the arugula salad. However, I did have quite a few pots, pans, and bowls to clean up, which makes for a fun after dinner chore.

The second night we had the Zesty Crusted Catfish, which was deceivingly filling. I love roasted broccoli and jasmine rice (staples in my home). I rarely have catfish which was a nice treat. The panko breading was crunchy and flavorful with the included fish seasoning.

The third meal was the Gremolata Strip Steak. I love strip steak! Cauliflower mashed potatoes is also a great way to include vegetables into my diet. The pesto on top of the steak really added flavor. I would absolutely make this again!

 

The Good:

  • I didn’t have to think about dinner. It was nice to grab a box and get to work.
  • Each dinner was tasty and flavorful. Jason and I really enjoyed the variety.
  • The variety offered is plentiful. I love adding different meals to my nightly menu.
  • You won’t spend more than 40-minutes preparing a meal.
  • Good portions.
  • Easy to follow, step by step directions with pictures.
  • Cost effective with a coupon.

The Bad:

  • I used more pots, pans, bowls, and utensils than usual.
  • The calories are a little high. (I try to stick around 500 for dinner).
  • No leftovers. (I usually have leftovers for lunch the next day).
    • I could order the 4 person option to solve this problem.
  • Expensive without a coupon code

Verdict

I would absolutely use Hello Fresh again, especially on crazy busy weeks where I don’t have enough time to order groceries online or get to a supermarket. I would also use them if I am in a “dinner rut” and want some new ideas.

Hello Fresh, you certainly made dinner much easier!

Sign up HERE to get $40 off your first box!

Namaste.

PS. This is not a sponsored post. I wanted to share my experience with Hello Fresh with you. All opinions within all of my posts (whether sponsored or not) are my own. If you would like to have your product/brand/service on Realm of Vibes, please visit the Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com. Realm of Vibes is also looking for guest bloggers in the lifestyle niche. 

 

for busy people who love to eat

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