holiday fun

Host A Holiday Tea Party With Wissotzky Tea

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A stress-free holiday is all I want for Christmas 2019 and so far it has been so good! I spent this past weekend spreading cheer, seeing folks and staying far away from the malls. I am done shopping and now it is is time to unwind and cruise into the new year. But first, I had one more party to host just for the ladies: a Holiday Tea and Ugly Christmas Sweater Party!

It was easy to create and send the following facebook invite:

Hey LADIES!

Join me for HOLIDAY TEA at my home
* 3pm-5pm *

Enjoy Hot Tea + Small Bites + Cheer
in a casual, comfortable setting!

🎁 Please bring a gift wrapped MUG for a fun exchange 🎁

But first some selfies/usies :

Party set up was simple. In addition to the wrapped gift/mug exchange, I had a Mimosa Bar,

….a buffet style spread of Sweet & Savory Bites,

..we played a fun “Sips Tea” game, (similar to the Have You Ever drinking game and if your answer is yes then you would sip tea!)

… and there also was an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest!

👀Watch the participants model their sweaters below⤵️

Thanks to all who participated and Congratulations to Rada @simplysoutherngirlcharm for winning the contest! She received a book from award-winning blogger of The Cup of Life, Lu Ann Pannunzio, titled TEA-SPIRATION Inspirational Words for Tea Lovers courtesy of Mango Publishing and was also gifted some Wissotzky Tea‘s Simply Nana Mint Teas, which was the featured tea of the party!

I was excited to introduce my guests to Wissotzky Tea’s Simply Nana Mint Teas, an exotic mint variety that is an all-natural, delicious tea with Mediteranean origins. Nana is unlike any other variety of mint because it unleashes a subtle layer of earthiness and invigorating minty flavor in every tantalizing cup. Nana Tea is sure to awaken the spirit whether served hot or icy cold!

Here are some recipes to try with Simply Nana Mint!

Nana Mint Iced Green Tea & Honeydew

Green tea pairs perfectly with Honeydew Melon and the refreshing & invigorating finish of exotic Nana Mint and just a little touch of honey makes this an iced adventure you won’t want to miss.

How to make:

Brew two Nana Mint Green tea bags per 16oz of water

Let steep for 3-5 minutes

Remove tea bags and let chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours

Dice Honeydew and lightly coat with honey

Add to a glass and muddle slightly to release its sweetness

Top with ice and chilled tea and enjoy!

Nana Mint Iced Simply Black Tea Half & Half Sparkle

The rich and refreshing taste of our premium Black tea and exotic Nana Mint are artfully paired with sparkling lemonade to create a refreshing twist on the traditional half & half. Add fresh lemon and mint and you are ready to sip back and enjoy the warm weather.

How to make:

Brew two Nana Mint Simply Black tea bags per 16oz of water

Let steep for 3-5 minutes

Remove tea bags and let chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours

Add lemon slices and fresh mint to a classic Highball glass

Fill each glass halfway with chilled tea

Top with sparkling lemonade

Garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh mint

SobeSavvy Tip: Did you know January is National Tea Month? Celebrate and host a tea party with these easy tips that I have shared here in my previous post! ⤵️

Host A Tea Party With These 5 Quick Tips! By: SobeSavvy.com

We all had a refreshing good time and enjoyed sipping tea, celebrating sisterhood, the holidays and slowing down for a couple of hours! Hope you enjoyed my party recap & introduction to Wissotzky Tea’s Simply Nana Mint Teas. For more info, follow @wissotzkyteaofficial @wteananamint!

Let me know in the comments below which one of the Simply Nana Mint teas would you sip first?

  • Simply Nana Mint Black Tea
  • Simply Nana Mint Green Tea
  • Simply Nana Mint Herbal Lemon Tea
  • Simply Nana Mint Herbal Ginger Tea
  • Simply Nana Mint Herbal Chamomile Tea

Happy Holidays!

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Kid-Friendly Ideas For Festive Family Fun In Raleigh NC

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Hello December! We’ve officially kicked off our holiday season in our home and ready to spread some cheer. The Christmas tree is up, we’ve already started drinking eggnog and Motown Christmas songs are on repeat on Spotify. My #HeighPartyof3 (which consists of my spouse, our daughter and me) are in the Heigh-liday spirit {get it😉} and have began some of the holiday traditions that we enjoy. So today I am sharing my list of Kid-Friendly Ideas for Festive Family Fun In Raleigh,NC ~


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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES


🎄 RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL


𝙍𝙪𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙥𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙙-𝙉𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙧: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡, is now playing at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts until DEC 24th in downtown Raleigh. My family has enjoyed this live performance for the last few years now and it just keeps getting better! They’ve even added something new this holiday season to the beloved TV classic.
See all of your fave characters: Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they sing and dance their way to your hearts while teaching kids of all ages to celebrate what makes you different because its your special superpower!💪🏽❤ 🎉

SobeSavvy Tip: The fun continues in the lobby with great photo ops next to larger than life inflatables and cool photo props. Get your kids face painted before the show or shop for some holiday gifts during intermission!


🎄 CINDERELLA


Continuing my list of Kid-Friendly Ideas for Festive Famiy Fun in Raleigh, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella! Celebrating its 36th year, Cinderella runs December 6 – 22.
This amazing production has
* a sparkle of magic ✨
*  a delightful blend of comedy and romance 💑
* elegant scenery and costumes 👗
* outstanding singing & dancing 🕺🏼💃
….and great actors to bring this timeless story to life! We loved all the modern updates and twists that were added to this classic tale, plus there is some audience interaction that everyone enjoyed!  Make plans to see #RLTCinderella for the holidays and
Get your tickets today!

SobeSavvy Tip: Stay after the show and get a chance to meet The Fairy Godmothet or snap a pic with King Darling! There’s also merchandise available to buy for your little prince or princess in the lobby. Plus, RLT is collaborating with WRAL and accepting donations for Coats For The Children.


***SAVE THE DATE & GET TIX NOW for these upcoming shows at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts:

• DEC 13th and 14th Holidays with the North Carolina Symphony |HOLIDAY POPS features the holiday songs everyone knows and loves at Meymandi Concert Hall. With falling snow, hot chocolate, carolers, and an audience sing-along, this festive concert is the perfect holiday tradition. Audiences are invited to come early to meet Santa!

 

• DEC 18th – 29th ‘The Nutcracker’ Carolina Ballet | From the moment the curtain rises, the magic of this Holiday classic is mesmerizing. Take a journey to a land of whimsical characters featuring magical illusions, magnificent sets, and beautiful costumes. Listen as a live symphony orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s famed score. The Nutcracker is the perfect story ballet for the young and young at heart.


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HOLIDAY EATS & SWEETS

🎄 SANTA BRUNCH at STIR

If you saw my Instagram story/post this past weekend, then perhaps you caught me and my Heigh Party of 3 hanging with ole Saint Nick aka Santa at STIR, located in North Hills. BRUNCH WITH SANTA at STIR is a recurring event happening every Sunday in December and is on my list of Kid-Friendly Ideas For Festive Family Fun In Raleigh because of the good food and intimate moments with Santa. Saint Nick works the room like a pro and is so kind to take photos with everyone. Enjoy $1 Mimosas 🥂 + a buffet bar filled with goodness is included with your entree! My daughter loves their avocado toast customized to her liking and I am all about the fresh seafood selections like Oysters and Shrimp & Grits! Santa was quite jolly and dapper in his suit, so get ready for your close-up with ole Saint Nick! Just take a look at these photos to see some tasty highlights at STIR! 🎅🏽

SobeSavvy Tip: While at the brunch, take advantage of the Gift Card Sale! Give $50 or more and get 20% at STIR for yourself! 🎁


🎄 DUNKIN Holiday Treats


Do you like to ride around and see neighborhood Christmas lights while listening to holiday tunes? We do and we like to enjoy it while sipping on a warm beverage and eating snacks. So we stopped in our local Dunkin for some holiday treats. My daughter and I both had hot chocolate and their new Holiday Brownie Crumble Donut, which features a vanilla frosted yeast ring donut dipped in brownie crumbles and drizzled with dark green icing. My husband enjoyed the eggnog latte with a yummy glazed donut. I think we may break tradition of leaving Santa cookies this year and give him a plate full of donuts with coffee on the side from Dunkin!

SobeSavvy Tip: Download the Dunkin app, earn DD perks and skip the line if order on the app before you go! Not sure what to get someone this holiday season, check out some of the cool merch offered by Dunkin inside the store and online or a DD gift card is always a great idea!


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Holiday Movies


🎄 ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE RALEIGH


Going to the movies is always a good idea for a family date. Make plans to see a feature film or catch one of the holiday themed films now showing at ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE RALEIGH. This is our go to theater for movies because of the Alamo Family program. The perks for parents with kids are great and you have the ability to watch a movie and eat/drink at the most comfy seats.

SobeSavvy Tip: Gift cards make perfect stocking stuffers. Give the the gift of Alamo, which is good for tickets, food, drinks and merchandise!


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There are so many fun things to do with kids in Raleigh and throughout the Triangle this holiday season. This is just a bit of what we like to do but take a look at Visit Raleigh, Facebook, Eventbrite, and Carolina Parent for more Kid-Friendly Ideas for Festive Family Fun In Raleigh, NC!

What festive family fun do you plan to have this holiday? 🎄🎅🏽🎁
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January is #NationalTeaMonth! Want to Celebrate & Host A Tea Party? Here’s 5 Quick Tips +Book Giveaway

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5 Quick Tips for Hosting A Tea Party |SobeSavvy.com

Disclaimer: Thanks to our friends at Honey Smoked Fish Company and Mango Publishing for sending product for review to facilitate this blog post. Opinions are 100% my own.

Hi, my name is Leslie. My favorite color is purple, I like to dance like no one is watching and I am a tea lover. I decided to start a new tradition to celebrate the holidays and welcome the New Year by hosting a tea party in my home. You can find me enjoying tea anytime of the day not only for wellness but it also it provides me with moments of serenity. Sipping a cup of tea encourages you to focus, slow down and relax because you don’t want to drop hot water on you, right?! This time, I wanted to catch up with a couple of friends and invited them over for an intimate gathering of just ladies enjoying tea together. The holidays/New Year and the fact that January is National Hot Tea Month are just some of the many reasons to celebrate! Throwing a holiday tea party was so fun and easy to do. Here are my 5 Quick Tips for Hosting a Tea Party:

1. SEND THE INVITE

Facebook is a great way to make a quick invite to guests, track RSVPs, set reminders and communicate with invited guests. I sent the following customized invite:

The mug exchanges were so much fun! Everyone got a chance to take home a new mug to enjoy during tea time. My friend who loves to shop local, gifted me a beautiful, handcrafted mug from Gather. I just love it!

2. CHOOSE A THEME/BUY DECOR

I chose to do a holiday theme as it paired well with the time of year. Also, I love being festive and spreading cheer! My local thrift store was the perfect place to buy decor like matching tea sets, mugs, saucers, cloth napkins, tier stands, a red table runner and this cute sleigh which served as something to hold some of my tea bag selections.

3. PLAN YOUR TEA MENU

Although, I planned to have a variety of tea on hand (along with Mimosas), I created a poll on the Facebook invite page to ask guests: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF TEA(s)?

Since I received a variety of answers, I decided to serve an assortment of teas like earl grey, english breakfast, mint tea, lemon lift, hibiscus tea and more. My personal fave of the day was Ginger Tea from NC’s own KimBees !

4. SERVE SAVORY & SWEET EATS

Sandwiches and Desserts are mainly what I served to nibble on while we sipped our tea. I also had a crab balls and coconut shrimp from BJ’s as an appetizer. World Market is my jam for entertaining especially when you want foods that are quick and delicious. For the tea party, I grabbed the last Amaretto cake (another customer put me on to how amazingly good these are..and she was right!) and I randomnly found these macaroons while in line at Ross. I served it on a cupcake stand along with some crackers, cream cheese and pepper jelly.

For my savory bites, I was excited to partner with Honey Smoked Fish Company and introduce guests to their delicious and nutritious Honey Smoked Salmon! It is perfect for entertaining because it is fully cooked & ready to eat, fresh and flavorful straight out the vacuum sealed package. Serve it with olives,cheeses, peppers, capers, toast points and you have the makings of a perfect charcuterie board.

There are so many ways to enjoy this superfood protein which comes in four delicious flavors: Original, Cracked Pepper, Chipotle & Lime, and Cajun Honey. One of my favorites for entertaining is using it in a deviled eggs recipe. It was a crowd pleaser when I served it as an appetizer for my last Get Hooked on Honey Smoked Salmon at home tastings. After realizing I did not have enough eggs to pull it off this time, I made an egg salad instead and combined it with Honey Smoked Salmon to make a Honey Smoked Salmon Egg Salad Sandwich.

Here is my recipe:

INGREDIENTS | Chopped hard-boiled eggs, Original Honey Smoked Salmon, flaked with a fork, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, onion powder, paprika,salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS | Mix ingredients together. Spread on whole wheat or rye bread. Cut into 4 squares. Enjoy!

SobeSavvy Tip: Visit their online website >>HERE to see recipes and all the benefits of getting creative using the Superfood ingredient of Honey Smoked Salmon! Take a look at these fun facts!

5. GIVE “TEA-SPIRATION”

No matter what I am hosting at home, I like to give guests a thank you gift. Just a little something to take home and remind them of the wonderful time we had together. This time everyone received a book from award-winning blogger of The Cup of Life, Lu Ann Pannunzio, titled TEA-SPIRATION Inspirational Words for Tea Lovers.

This book is “steeped in wisdom” and aims to create a quiet movement where one can experience devotions, comfort, inspiration and the simple joys of life while reading and sipping a warm cup of tea. It is such a unique gift for women as we all need to be reminded to slow down and relax from the daily grind.

My friend and tea partner in crime has already made TEA-SPIRATION book a part of her daily ritual! Love it!

#SobeSavvyGiveaway | Do you love tea or know someone who does? I would like to gift you a book of your own to keep or share!

•Enter to win (1) TEA-SPIRATION Inspirational words for Tea Lovers book. Comment below in this blog post your favorite tea! Bonus entry if you comment on this Instagram post also! ⤵️

Winner chosen by random.org on Wednesday Jan 9, 2019 at noon/EST!

Good Luck!