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://www.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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The Caramel Apple Dream sound yummy and perfect for fall!
I don’t think I’ve seen the Bengal Spice in my grocery storey…I would love to try this one!
I love Sleepytime. Reminds me of my mother-in-law, she always offers it before bed when we visit. After looking at their website I would like to try some of their Wellness teas. It’s that time of year for colds and tea is always comforting when you are sick!
I love the gingerbread spice!
I love the candy cane lane… It tastes like Christmas in a cup! I am dying to try the caramel apple since I am currently loving all things fall.
Such a great giveaway and perfect timing with the weather getting cooler here in Virginia. I would love to try the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin.
I would love to try the Gingerbread spice flavor
I love their holiday tea (especially Nutcracker Sweet) and I love Sleepytime Tea!
I’ve never tried hot tea before…ever. I think i would love any of the seasonal teas. I do love all things pumpkin and apple!
Their honey vanilla chamomile tea is amazing. Incredibly honey tasting. Found it a few months ago and it is by far my favorite!
I would love to try the pumpkin tea. sounds delicious!
I’ve actually toured the Celestial Seasonings factory on a visit to Boulder a few years ago – I still remember how incredible the mint room smelled (…and the hair nets they made us all wear)! I LOVE the looks of the fall-flavored teas, especially the pumpkin one! I love the Nutcracker Sweet tea and look forward to trying similar holiday teas as well.
Caramel Apple Dream herbal tea sounds awesome!
I drink sleepy time tea every night and I love it soooo much! I would love to try the peach sleepy time as well!
I love the Sleepytime Vanilla, it’s so tasty, but I’d love to try some of the holiday flavors(Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride, anyone?) and their chai teas.
I would love to try the Peppermint tea. Looks like a great dessert tea!
My favorite tea of all time is Candy Cane Lane. I actually purchased it in bulk from target last year to hoard all year since it is only around during the holiday time. I love it!!!
I don’t have a favorite tea, but I am dying to try the Bengal Spice herbal tea now.
raspberry zinger!
I love Sleepytime tea. It always helps me fall asleep when i have a lot on my mind.
My favorite is their Raspberry Zinger tea!! Lemon Zinger is also really good!
I would love to try Bengal Spice!
I usually opt for the green tea but the Bengal Spice sounds perfect for fall!
Candy Cane Lane all the way!!
I love anything “holiday” flavoured, so I would love to try all the teas in the sampler pack!
Out of all that….all I want to say is I love your nail polish!!! Is it shellac/gelish or just ordinary polish?
I love the Sugar Cookie Sleigh ride tea! It tastes just like a sugar cookie and is perfect when I want to sip on something sweet!
I want to try the pumpkin, apple cinnamon, and Bengal spice!
I am starting a new health journey and am starting to absolutely LOVE drinking tea in the morning. I would love to try the Caramel Apple Dream herbal tea!
Bengal spice, definitely 🙂
I love the chamomile, I keep a box right next to my desk 🙂
Sweet Pumpkin Harvest sounds amazing! I had no idea that made so many flavors, what an awesome trip!
My favorite is the Sleepytime Vanilla! I would LOVE to try the pumpkin!
That pumpkin tea sounds amazing! Loved this post.
I love iced Raspberry Zinger during the summer!
I would love to try the Bengal Spice! I absolutely love anything with cinnamon!
I love Bengal Spice, but I have got to try Candy Cane Lane!!
I would love to try their sweet harvest pumpkin!!!! I love fun flavored teas! What a neat experience!
I love the sleepytime tea and the country peach. Delicious!
I really love candy cane lane. I also have been dying to try Nutcracker Sweet, but have never managed to track it down before it flies off the shelves! And chamomile whenever I’m agitated and think I won’t sleep…Clearly I’m a tea addict!!
That sounds like a great tour, except for the Sleepy Time Bear (I have a fear of mascots), as I am a huge tea drinker. My favorite are the peppermint and bengal spice. Yummmm!!!
Peppermint! I can’t get enough 🙂
One of my go-to’s is the Sleepytime Tea but I would love to try the Sweet Harvest Pumpkin. Sounds delish!
My favorite is the peppermint tea!
I love sleepytime! Sounds like a fun spot to visit.
The Bengal spice sounds fantastic!
Your visit looks so fun! I love Celestial Tea the peach is my favorite, but those holiday flavors look amazing!
My favorite is the bengal spice!
Would love to try the sleepytime tea before bed!
Bengal Spice definitely sounds like a tea i’ll need to be trying soon!!