Hey Teaheads! I'm on Instagram which, I know, is different for me but totally normal for everyone else. But here's the deal, I actually post on there! I'm trying to be good about blogging but in truth, Instagram is a great outlet for a quick tea review or a listing for my store. So follow me there!! You can find me @kraftedbykobuu. You can't miss my signature tomato logo either!

I've been sampling teas like crazy and have a whole Chai-centric thing going on right now. Once I compile my pictures there will be a more detailed post. For now, back to IG! (see, I'm even learning the new lingo!)

It has arrived!! Look at it in all its glory!!

 SOOOOO AMAZING!!! Now, I haven't tried all the teas yet. I mean, I only just got the thing, but look at that selection! 

Right now I'm sipping on "White Tea with Apple and Holiday Spice" from The Steeping Room out of Texas and here: thesteepingroom.com​.

It. Is. Heaven. So smooth, so light. I've entranced everyone around me in the office. It's...magical. There are actual sections of cinnamon stick in this tea!! One of my coworkers stated that it reminded him of a delicious scotch. I'm not a scotch guy but I can definitely say that the raw/dried form of the tea smells absolutely amazing. Once brewed, it maintains that holiday-like aroma but it's not overwhelming like many holiday teas are.

The cinnamon in this is NOT overpowering at all and adds a background touch of spice to the apple and cranberry. I really can't say enough about how good this tea is. Seriously. 

The absolute best part about this tea is that it's marked as "low caffeine". So not only do you have a light and flavorful tea but you don't have to worry about jitters at all! I can easily see myself getting more of this so I can sip and watch the snow fall... Mmm.

I didn't get any kind discount code or anything but if you head over there now they're offering 10% your first purchase. Every little bit helps and the holidays are right around the corner.

Stay tuned for more updates as I make my way through this box. I'm also planning a Tea Advent heading to Christmas! Let the #Teaventures continue!

It's been a couple days since my last review so it's time for more! I've tried a couple of the teas since then and so far I have mix results. As I posted on Instagram, the Jasmine Pearls' "Black Wolf" is absolutely divine. I will definitely be buying an actual bag of that! So smooth and delicious, fruity, lovely. 

This was SUCH a great way to ease back into the day after lunch. Also, since it's a puerh tea, it's really good for proper digestion so that's an added bonus! I read on their website that you can reuse the leaves up to 3 times. I took full advantage of that and I must say, even after the third brew, the tea was just as fantastic as the 1st. You can check out their website here: thejasminepearl.com/ and their Instagram here: www.instagram.com/thejasminepearl/. 

Yesterday, I needed a real kick in the pants to get my day started so it was time for the Zest Teas "Earl Grey" which boasts enough caffeine to replace a cup of coffee. I gotta say, it was very good. I didn't get that kick right away which was actually nice. 

Fear not, this was before actually starting my work day. I don't crochet and type at the same time, lol. Anyway, Zest Tea's Earl Grey is actually quite mild in terms of the Bergamot flavor. I'm used to the overwhelming berry of Double Earl Grey by Republic of Tea so this was actually kind of a nice change. With a dab of honey, this cuppa was a very nice start to my day. Later, I felt the full effects of that caffeine boost when all hell broke loose at work....but that's another story. :)

You can check out their site here: www.zesttea.com/ and their Instagram here: instagram.com/zesttea.

I did end up trying the Cacao one, too, but I'm holding back my review for now. I need another brew attempt before I make my final decision on that one.

Well, ok, twist my arm! A month ago I got a promo code to save $10 on my first box of Sipsby monthly tea subscription. Just the first box, not the whole year or anything, but I thought what the heck.

Also, please note, this will be a series of posts and reviews on the teas and the experience but that's all, just my opinions. I was not endorsed or asked to provide my input on this box or its contents.

Today, I was able to get over to the mail room and pick up my #sipsbybox and whoa! SUCH a better experience so far than Piquant Post. Not only did it come in a nice little box, the way they've curated the selection for me specifically is totally on point. And look at the cute insert!

Opening it revealed a lovely assortment of teas that SipsBy picked out for me and I am just trying to pick out my first one. I think the best part of SipsBy is that you take a "tea test" before you place your order. From there, they decide what teas you will get. It's a journey into something both familiar and unknown. I love Earl Grey, but I've never had Zest Tea's (www.zesttea.com/) "Earl Grey" which, according to the label has "the rush without the grind" alluding to the fact that it has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

Then there's Harney & Sons (www.harney.com/) Organic English Breakfast. I think I'll have to save that for tomorrow morning! I also received two loose teas: The Jasmine Pearl Tea's (thejasminepearl.com/) "Black Wolf" and MiCacao's (www.micacao.com/) "Cacao Tea". The "Black Wolf" is a Puerh style tea so I know that post-lunch, that will work out well. The cacao tea? I've never heard of such a thing and I'm both apprehensive and excited! On the label it says "Loose leaf chocolate tea made from 100% natural cacao husks". SOLD! I'm in like Flynn.

My mission today is to try at least one if not two of the teas. I'll be posting my reviews as I get through my cuppas but I'm super excited for the cacao one!!

Stay tuned for more updates on #LeavingTheGrounds !

It's just your average Saturday. Nothing special and, decidedly, I've made plain black tea with honey. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with basic black.