It’s time for a recap of my trip to Boulder, Colorado with Celestial Seasonings!
![Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Bear_thumb[8]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Bear[6].png "Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Bear_thumb[8]")
I’m excited to share all of the fun with you today! And, at the end of this post, you will find a pretty stellar giveaway packed with items I picked out just for you guys (including some of my favorite teas, a super cute Anthropologie-esque mug, a tumbler, tea kettle, adorable potholder and more). Let’s get to it!
Visiting Celestial Seasonings
Thursday of last week was jam-packed with all things tea! Our morning kicked off with breakfast at the hotel before our group of bloggers hopped in a car and headed to Celestial Seasonings’ headquarters, located on Sleepytime Drive. How appropriate, right!?
Those of us from out of town got a kick out of the adorable prairie dogs that greeted us from the fields as we drove onto the property, but even their cute little faces couldn’t top the welcome we received from the Celestial Seasonings team.
All of the employees greeted us on the front lawn with signs and smiles. It made us feel very welcome and we made sure to thank everyone for their enthusiastic greeting! (Just FYI, Celestial Seasonings offers a free factory tour in Boulder every day of the week!)
Of course we all were especially excited to meet the Sleepytime Bear!
![Celestial Seasonings Bear_thumb[2]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Bear[4].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Bear_thumb[2]")
The famous Sleepytime Bear has a cat named Chamomile and I did my best to convince him to get a dog, too, even though I’m pretty sure Sadie wouldn’t touch that bear with a ten-foot pole. She’s not exactly the bravest little creature.
After our warm welcome, it was time to warm our bellies with all the tea we could drink. I’m pretty sure I went to the bathroom every 30 minutes when I was there because I did not stop drinking tea. I loved trying so many new-to-me flavors, including Sweet Harvest Pumpkin (sweetened with a little stevia – so good!) and Cinnamon Apple Spice.
![Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour_thumb[6]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour[6].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour_thumb[6]")
During the tasting, I truly did not try one tea I didn’t like, but there were two big standouts that quickly claimed the top prize in my eyes.
First place went to Bengal Spice herbal tea.
This fragrant tea tasted like the holidays in a cup and was incredibly flavorful thanks to cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves. I was shocked to hear it wasn’t sweetened since it definitely has a sweet flavor. I also think it would be fabulous with a splash of almond milk. I made sure to buy two packs of this tea before we left.
Second place went to the Caramel Apple Dream herbal tea that included quintessential autumn flavors such as apple, cinnamon and maple. (I picked up a box of this one, too!)
Following the tea tasting, we were ushered into the main tour room where we learned more about the company’s beginnings and the direction they hope to go in the future. Founded in 1969 by Mo Siegel, Celestial Seasonings came to be when Mo and his friends decided to bring the blended herbal teas they made in the Colorado mountains to health food stores. The company continues Mo’s passion for herbal tea and many of the ingredients used in their teas come from the same farmers Celestial Seasonings has used for upwards of 30 years.
After learning a bit about the company, we were off to the next activity, but not before I quickly snagged a bottle of Celestial Seasonings kombucha.
![Celestial Seasonings Kombucha_thumb[1]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Kombucha[3].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Kombucha_thumb[1]")
I drank a bottle of the super green tropical blend and thought it was great. I am rather picky when it comes to kombucha since I’ve tried my fair share of kombucha I have not enjoyed, so I was happy to love this one!
And then it was off to do some more tea tasting, only this time we learned a bit about the brewing process. I clearly had a lot to learn because I always leave my tea bags in my mug when I make myself a cup of tea which is a big no-no.
Here are a few single-cup brewing tips for the most popular kinds of tea:
- Green Tea: To brew a great cup of green tea, place one tea bag in your cup. Pour very hot (just at the brink of boiling) water over the tea bag. Cover and steep 3 minutes. Remove tea bag and add lemon and/or sweetener if desired.
- Chai Tea: Place one tea bag in your favorite mug. Fill with 3/4 cup boiling water. Steep for 4 to 6 minutes. For authentic chai taste, remove tea bag and fill mug with 1/4 cup hot milk or dairy substitute. Sweeten to taste with sugar or honey.
- Black Tea: Place one tea bag in your cup and pour boiling water over it, cover and steep 3 to 5 minutes, depending on desired strength. Remove tea bag. We recommend adding honey to sweeten.
- Herbal Tea: Place one tea bag in your favorite cup. Add boiling water and let steep 4 to 6 minutes. Sweeten if you desire – we recommend honey!
Another quick tip: Squeeze the tea bag before removing it from your cup. Why? Tea leaves can absorb up to seven times their weight in water and compressing the bag enhances color and flavor.
Following our tea tasting, we sat down to a lunch that included fresh salads, salmon and sweet treats before it was time to slip into our marshmallow suits and head off on the factory tour.
![Celestial Seasonings Tour_thumb[10]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Tour[10].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Tour_thumb[10]")
![Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour_thumb[2]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour[6].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour_thumb[2]")
During the tour, I chatted with our guide about the holiday teas which are some of my all-time favorites. (I’m looking at you Candy Cane Lane!) He told me that the inspiration behind their Nutcracker Sweet tea came from an 11-year-old girl on one of their factory tours. She was a ballerina and said they should make a holiday tea and call it “Nutcracker Sweet.” This eventually led to more favorites like Sugar Plum Spice.
![Celestial Seasonings Holiday Teas_thumb[1]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Holiday Teas[3].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Holiday Teas_thumb[1]")
No trip to the Celestial Seasonings factory is complete without a visit to the Mint Room, so we made sure to spend some time in the incredibly aromatic space where all of the mint is stored before we were done.
![Celestial Seasonings Mint Room_thumb[1]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Mint Room[3].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Mint Room_thumb[1]")
Our day at Celestial Seasonings concluded with a happy hour that included tea-infused cocktails.
My favorite was the Until Next Time cocktail made with vodka, chamomile simple syrup, lemon juice, egg whites and strawberry puree. It was fantastic!
![strawberry tea infused cocktail_thumb[1]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/strawberry tea infused cocktail[3].jpg "strawberry tea infused cocktail_thumb[1]")
And now it’s giveaway time!
Before we said goodbye to our friends at Celestial Seasonings, we were each given a gift card to use in the Tea Shop toward a giveaway for our readers. I obviously wanted to include some of my favorite teas, but I also added a few extra things that I hope you love!
![Celestial Seasonings Giveaway_thumb[1]](file:///C:/Users/Julie/AppData/Local/Temp/WindowsLiveWriter1286139640/supfiles127DD2B4/Celestial Seasonings Giveaway[3].jpg "Celestial Seasonings Giveaway_thumb[1]")
This giveaway includes:
- Celestial Seasonings Holiday Tea Sampler Pack (Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Spice, Sweet Harvest Pumpkin, Nutcracker Sweet)
- Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Herbal Tea
- Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra Tea
- Alba Botannica Hawaiian Body Cream
- Alba Cherry Lip Balm
- WoodWick Candle in Bakery Cupcake (This smells amazing!)
- Festive Mug
![Aroma Gourmet Electric Kettle_thumb[1]](https://i2.wp.com/pbfingers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AromaGourmetElectricKettle_thumb11.jpg "Aroma Gourmet Electric Kettle_thumb[1]")
- Aroma Gourmet Electric Digital Kettle
- Celestial Seasonings Tumbler
- Celestial Seasonings Teas with Altitude t-shirt
- Cute Potholder with Embroidered Towel
To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment below telling me about your favorite Celestial Seasonings tea or the kind of Celestial Seasonings tea you’d love to try!
I will randomly select a winner on Friday morning. Good luck!
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I love all of the Zinger teas! I would drink them with my mom all winter long when I was growing up. Also, the Sleepytime is tasty! Mmm. ^_^
I am a huge fan of Celestial Seasonings! Just bought sugar cookie sleigh ride and cinnamon apple spice – so delicious. The peach passion one was my favorite over summer. 🙂
– Leah
I’d love to try the nutcracker sweet!
My absolute favorite tea is raspberry zinger. I could have it every day, three times a day and never get sick of it I’m sure. I would love to try the caramel apple though, it sounds perfect for this time of year!
They don’t have many options in the store here, so I always opt for the multi-pack with different fruit/berry flavors. The blueberry is my favorite!
I’m so glad they are still making Nutcracker Sweet! It’s my favorite holiday tea. Plus the story behind it is cute 🙂
Curled up on the couch with a good book and fire going I would love to try the Caramel Apple Dream flavor! It seems like the perfect tea for the Fall season!
My favorite is Mint Magic.
I love their Nutcracker Sweet tea!
Great giveaway! I also love Candy Cane Lane.
I love all of the holiday flavors, especially Candy Cane Lane!!
I’m a big fan of their sleepy time tea.. But also love the lemon zinger!
I love Celestial Seasonings! I would love to try the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin or Bengal Spice…yum!!
I love Sleepy time Tea and Cozy Chamomile.
Bengal Spice is my fave too!
Oh my gosh tea!! My husband and I are tea-a-holics! I love Celestial Seasons – their Candy Cane Lane tea is my FAVORITE, I eagerly await its return every holiday season! And I am now on the hunt for Bengal Spice.
I LOVE Bengal Spice!!
My favorite Celestial Seasonings tea is Black Cherry Berry. Especially iced; it tastes like fruit punch!
Gingerbread Spice all the way! I haven’t tried it, but it sounds like Christmas in a cup!
Nothing beats Sleepytime Tea, it’s part of a relaxing bedtime routine!
The Cranberry Vanilla Wonderland sounds fantastic!!
I truly love Celestial, my favorite is their Sleepytime! Is it possible to enter the competition if I live in Sweden? I guess this might not be the case but I would love to try some the products you picked out!
What a fun trip! I would love to try Gingerbread Spice! Thanks!! 🙂
I have never tried Celestial Seasonings tea but always see it at the store. I would love to try the Bengal Spice or any of the holiday flavors 🙂
I love Bengal Spice!! An all-time favorite! There are just so many others, too!! Love them all! Love the CS boxes, too!
The Sleepytime Tea is a go to favorite of mine. I always enjoy a cup during the week right before bed. I love teddy bears too so the adorable little bear on the front of the box makes it feel like a warm hug from a cuddly friend 🙂
Havent tried any flavours since im not from USA, but would love to try some!!
Ooh I want to try the Nutcracker Sweet! It sounds like just the thing to curv a sweet craving during this season!
I love fall and winter flavors!!! I’d love to try the Bengal Spice tea; it sounds amazing!
I love lemon zinger! My mom drinks it all the time too! So many good memories of sharing tea with her.
I currently adore the Sleepytime tea, but after this post will be on the hunt for the Bengal Spice!
I would love to try to the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin tea – I love everything pumpkin and it sounds like the perfect fall treat! I hope I win 🙂
I would love to try the Holiday Sampler pack!! That looks absolutely delicious!
I love the Vanilla Sleepy time tea..What a great giveaway!!
I love the sleepytime tea! Can’t wait to try some others.
I’ve loved Raspberry Zinger since I was a kid!
Of course I’m all about pumpkin right now but I think the Cinnamon Apple Spice sounds delightful! Looks like I need a “mom’s day out” trip to Boulder for a tour 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your visit to Colorado.
Although I drink Sleepytime the most often, my all-time favorite is their Sugar Cookie that comes out around Christmas time. Soooooo delicious.
Definitely taking the tour next time I’m out in Boulder, so cool! I really enjoy their chair tea but would love to try the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin 🙂
I love Celestial Seasonings! Their Vanilla Herbal Tea and Cinnamon Apple Spice are my faves, but I really want to try the holiday pack now!
I just discovered Celestial Seasonings Honey Vanilla Chamomile and it has quickly become my favorite tea. As a lover of all things fall, I would love to try the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin!
I love Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra Tea… Especially during the cold winter months to warm me up before falling asleep!
Those holiday flavors sound fantastic! I would most like to try the Candy Cane Lane… yum!
love to try the chai ! and sweeten it with soy milk !
My favorite CS tea is Sleepy Time.
Would love to try some of their seasonal teas. Sweet Harvest Pumpkin & Candy Cane Lane sound so tasty!
I love the Sleepytime and Honey Vanilla Chamomile teas!
I LOOOVE the peppermint! Its my all time fav! But I would love to try their pumpkin spice! What an awesome blog post! I want to go to Colorado just to do this tour!!!
OOh I would love to try the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin! I went to a tea Plantation in Charleston and loved it! visiting the Celestial Tea Factory would be a great trip as well!
You have me wanting to try the Bengal Spice. I’m going to look for that one on my next trip to the store. Thank you.