When Truvia contacted me about trying the new sweetener I was pretty stoked.

I have used stevia a long time. I just am not into chemicals and I don’t trust the FDA.  Well, truthfully I don;t trust the government, medical personnel, or most others that have been corrupted by"the establishment".  Yes, I am a throwbback from the 60s.

Anyway, I am glad I didn’t trust the FDA because there are alot of reports coming out about nurtasweet, aspartame, and even splenda which was the golden ticket to weight loss ten years ago.  Stevia has always worked great for me.

The thing is that it is hard to use in baking and there is a funny aftertaste if you use too much.  So, I always used it in coffee, tea and protein shakes and left the rest ot sugar, honey, agave, and other sweeteners.

Truvia is a combination of stevia and Erythritol,a sugar alcohol that does not effect blood sugar. It does have like 3 grams of carbohydrate so you will need to be careful if you are on low carb, it may or may not effect your carb count depending on how it reacts with your body chemistry.

Truvia has 0 calories, 0 fat, 0 sodium and the Erythritol is in such a small amount it should not cause the gas and bloating that it can cause in large amounts and on it’s own.

This is good stuff.  I gave it the ultimate test.  I poured it into my hand and licked it.  I loved it in coffee and on various foods…I honestly did not try it in baking because I did not feel like opening all the packets to get the right amount.

The Truvia is about double the sweetness of sugar.  Coca-Cola and Pepsi are going to be using it in some new products so watch for it.

They have a e-club you can join and I bet that you can get coupons if you do.

images: Marye Audet

Post from: Kettle and Cup

 Teavana is introducing 25 new teas this season. The image is the Azteca Fire that I reviewed last winter.

I can’t remember when I have ever seen a company come out with so many new flavors and combos at once. It is almost overwhelming.

I think that Teavana has the largest tea selection that I have ever seen in one place, especially when you add in the fact that they will mix different teas together to make unique combinations for you.

To add to the sweetness they are running coupon deals all month. Here is what they say:

Buy 1LB. or more of any combination
of the new teas listed for a particular
week and save 20% off your entire tea
purchase. One per person. Valid at all
corporate Teavana locations. Coupon
cannot be combined with other discounts
not good on previously purchased
merchandise – Not Redeemable for Cash

This week’s coupon which ends on November 8th lists the following teas:

Kamiya Papaya Oolong (oolong)
Imperial Açaí Blueberry (white)
Sour Cherry Serenade (black)
Fruta Bomba (green)
Bangkok Lemongrass (rooibos)
Tarocco Ruby Orange (herbal)
Emerald Bamboo Forest (white)

If you get one of those then you will save on your entire order, either online or in one of the many Teavana Stores.

I have been happy with all of the teas that I have tried.   The White Acai Blueberry sounds good to me.  I am almost out of LUSH and the LUSH store happens to be not far from Teavana at Northpark…..

What looks good to you?

image:maryeaudet

Post from: Kettle and Cup

Quick! What is better than getting an awesome cup of coffee?

Getting an awesome cup of coffee cheap, of course!

As I was browsing I came upon Retail Me Not, a site that has links coupons, and this area was nothing but coffee coupons.

PARTY TIME!

So I wondered if that was all and did a net search….

Bingo!

1. Scroll down the page, there are Peets, Starbucks, and other coffee coupon codes here.
2.  Free shipping codes on various coffees and teas.
3. WebbyPlanet has several coupons and codes.
4. Any Coupons has a bunch but you will have to scroll through.
5.  Free Coffee Samples from various places.
6. Rogers Coffee and Tea
7. Boca Java
8. Carolina Coffee and Tea scroll to the bottom for coupon offers
9. Coffee for less
10. Mighty Leaf Tea

There ya go…have a great time!

Image:Morguefile 

Post from: Kettle and Cup