product review – Something to Ponder About

Saving the Planet One Sip of Green Tea at a Time

Jul 11, 2021Jul 26, 2021 Forestwood

Eco-friendly Biodegradable Tea Bags

It’s no secret the world has a problem with plastic pollution, particularly the presence of micro-plastics in our oceans and drinking water. Did you know that some tea manufacturers incorporate small amounts of plastic into the teabags, so they hold their shape when immersed in hot liquid? That plastic ends up in our cups and ultimately in landfill.

Earl Grey Blue Flower and Japanese Lime Teabags

Other manufacturers use staples or glue to attach the string to the teabag or chlorine to bleach the bag white, for aesthetic purposes. These are all things we don’t want melting away in our morning cuppa.

If you’re anything like me, you like to support Companies that are taking the initiative to swap out plastic packaging for more environmentally friendly alternatives.

I was thrilled to find Biodegradable, 100% plant-based, plastic-free teabags in recyclable packaging from The Tea Centre. That’s good news for avid tea drinkers such as myself, who can now sip away without concern for ingesting nasty chemicals.

Biodegradable tea bags Japanese lime tea

The Tea Centre has taken care to ensure their pyramid teabags are:

Biodegradable
GMO free
Made from plant-based materials, such as sugarcane
Heat sealed without glue
Sold in Eco-friendly Biodegradable packaging – No Plastic

But that’s not the only way the Tea Centre is contributing to reducing waste. While the products from the Tea Centre range use inner wrapping that looks for all the world like plastic, it’s actually a cellulose product, called NatureFlex, made from 100% natural wood pulp, compostable and biodegradable.

Bio-degradable Teabags and cartons that are 100% Recyclable.

Customers now have the option to purchase their teabags packaged inside a fully recyclable carton. These cartons are consciously crafted from food-grade cardboard. Moreover, the printing on the package is gold foil stamping that is also 100% recyclable.

That’s more good news, right?

JAPANESE LIME TEA

Just like Japan itself, this tea was ambrosial and aesthetic. With a subtle lime flavour, it has just the right balance to to be zesty and fragrant without overpowering the senses. Served as a cool drink, the lime flavour is delightfully refreshing and that comes from someone who doesn’t generally drink Iced tea.

Japanese Lime Tea

Ingredients:

Green tea, citrus peel, lemongrass

Biodegradable Teabags and Packaging

Tea bags Green tea Japanese lime from the Tea Centre

This zingy variety of Green Tea can be sipped as both a hot brew or iced tea.

Add one tablespoon tea to one litre of cold water and refrigerate for 4–7 hours.

Strain and serve.

BLENDED IN GERMANY | GLUTEN FREE | VEGAN

Why is a Green Tea Fusion Good for You?

You may already be familiar with the healing properties of green tea. The antioxidants are a boost for our hair and skin and also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. With ingredients such as lemongrass stalk to help relieve anxiety, lift one’s mood and help to ease digestive ailments, a green tea fusion is especially good to drink first thing in the morning.

Biodegradable Teabags

Plastic, GMO and chemical free. Pyramid tea bags are 100% biodegradable.

brewing guide

Green Tea Fusion

This fusion is a zesty combination of green tea, citrus peel, and refreshing lemongrass pieces.

BLENDED IN GERMANY | GLUTEN FREE | VEGAN

The Tea Centre online

Since 1993, The Tea Centre has been offering a different tea experience and I’ve been fortunate to be gifted a sample of the teas to experience. If you love the aroma and flavour of fine tea, the tea will delight you.

I recently wrote about Glogg Black Tea. Some other warming winter tea flavours I plan to try include:

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A post shared by The Tea Centre (@theteacentre)

Linking to Natalie’s Linky

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Aromatherapy Products

Jan 10, 2021Jan 12, 2021 Forestwood

The use of essential oils for therapeutic and cosmetic use has become mainstream in recent times. With a multitude of aromatherapy products to choose from, which ones stand out from the ‘crowd‘?

What are the real benefits of using products with essential oils?

How are Essential Oils Created?

Essential oils are extracted from plant material using steam or water distillation. Selected plant materials are heated with steam, water or both until the essential oil vaporises. The oil then condenses as it cools.
Being a concentrated plant oil, they should be used sparingly and always diluted in some other medium, such as plain massage oil (cold-pressed vegetable oil) or unscented base cream (but not a mineral oil cream, such as most brands of sorbolene or baby oil)…Aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, should never be ingested (taken in by mouth), as they can be toxic.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

About Utama Spice Products

All the products at Utama Spice, an all-natural skincare company, are based on traditional Balinese herbal knowledge and comprise 100% natural ingredients.

The farming communities in Bali, Indonesia, produce the raw materials for Utama Spice’s natural skincare products and in so doing, support local farmers in organic farming, bee farming and seaweed farming.

The company believe: “if you wouldn’t cook with it, you shouldn’t put it on your body.”

As a graduate of the Environmental Science, it is a joy for me to discover a business, such as Utama Spice Natural Aromatherapy Products, who offer a high quality, sustainable product with a low environmental impact, one that is ethically produced in harmony with nature and respectfully for humanity.

Furthermore, I was delighted to read the products contained:

No Synthetic Oils
No Synthetic Fragrances
No Artificial Colours
No Synthetic Preservatives
No Surfactants

Aromatherapy Product Review

I found the Aromatherapy product range from Utama Spice, based in Bali, Indonesia to be a beneficial and therapeutic asset in, and around, my home. All the benefits of the essential oils are available, beautifully presented, in an easy to use pump pack.

Utama Spice Lip Balm

Being someone with sensitive skin, it was refreshing to find the Utama Spice Aromatherapy lip balms and liquid soaps were highly moisturizing, with no hint of dryness or irritation.

With all the benefits of natural ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax, infused with essential oils to lock in moisture, the aptly named WellKiss Lip Balm was a standout favourite for me.

The Tangerine and Peppermint Lip Balms were very much appreciated by my daughter, in the windy weather that we frequently experience, living here, by the coast. The whole family will be thankful for that level of protectiveness for the sensitive lip areas, come wintertime.

Utama Spice Liquid Soaps

The Man of the House found Lemongrass Liquid Soap excellent for showering and bathing and that fresh scent lingered pleasantly in our bathroom, after use.

If you are looking for something a little stronger to use on tougher cleaning jobs, Utama Spice offers an Antiseptic liquid soap which has the benefit of Neem Oil as an active ingredient to kill germs.

Body Butter Moisturizers

For those needing an intensive moisturizer for ultra-dry skin, an application of the Tropical Flower Body Butter, after showering, is an excellent remedy for cracked heels, as well as any rough spots on knees and elbows.

Moisturizing Soaps and Lotions

Lavender Liquid soap and Coconut Moisturizing Lotion with Pure Lavender Oil.

I suppose it is no surprise that the Home by the Sea overall favourite Utama Spice Aromatherapy product, was the Lavender Liquid soap and Coconut Moisturizing Lotion with Pure Lavender Oil.

Yoga Mat Energizing and Sanitizing Spray

Yoga mats can become notoriously grotty if you’re using them outdoors, so the compact size of the Utama Spice Yoga Mat Energizing Spray, was brilliant, meaning I could keep it in my handbag, for regular use after Yoga and exercise sessions.

The added bonus of knowing the essential Oil of Lemon, Bergamot, and Mint were helpful in sanitizing the mat was most reassuring, especially given the current Covid pandemic.

Three varieties of Yoga Mat Spray
Photo Credit: Utama Spice.com

Quality Control of Utama Spice Aromatherapy Products

The company maintain strict hygiene procedures to ensure the products and the raw materials are checked at every stage of production, thereby guaranteeing the highest standard of quality control to create a well-made, but still handcrafted, natural beauty product.

Utama Spice Customer Service

Utama Spice maintain a supportive and friendly culture with its customers and shipping is prompt, with tracking options for orders at no extra charge. With a flat rate of $10 shipping, (free for orders over $100-AUD), the location is no barrier for customers worldwide.

If you have any issues with your order they will go above and beyond to make sure you are completely satisfied.

Discounts and giveaways are offered to customers who subscribe to their website.

Utama Spice Products Product Review Recommendation

I am very happy to commend their products to you and was thrilled with their products. I will be ordering more supplies.

Online Store – Utama Spice Products

It you wish to order, you can find the Utama Spice store online.

Please note that I received no monetary incentive for this review. It is the unbiased and honest opinion of StPA.

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A Gift for All Ages – Puzzle Review

Dec 18, 2020Jan 12, 2021 Forestwood

Ever tried to find a perfect Christmas or Birthday gift to span across various age groups. A gift to give a family of young and old? An educational and learning gift that challenges the mind and engages the receiver for more than 10 minutes?

Books are great but not everyone likes reading, or the same genre. Then there is edible gifts but choosing an appropriate food means you now have to factor in gluten free, dairy free, lactose free and vegan options. Too many families have food intolerances that must be considered. It is too hard.

Enter the 1000 piece Jigsaw Puzzle from Shannxi Toy Manufacturer.

Puzzles are excellent toys for fostering the development of logical thinking and intelligence. Puzzles are not only educational, but essential in children’s intellectual development as they promote spatial awareness and understanding of shape relationships. These three dimensional skills are especially important in creative pursuits, design or engineering careers.

Shannxi 1000 Piece Balloon Puzzle

I was kindly gifted a wonderful Jigsaw puzzle from Toy Manufacturer Shannxi Classical Trade Co. Their jigsaw puzzles are made of thickened paper, are strong and durable, and suitable for ages 7 – 107 years of age.

The puzzle in a box complete with separators for sorting the various styles of puzzle pieces. It defintiely helps to sort the light blue from the dark blue when it comes to placing sky tones.

As it happens, my neighbour is somewhat of an expert in jigsaw puzzles. At 91 years young, she is fit and sharp minded, something she attributes to her love of completing jigsaw puzzles.

Peg is the authority so here is what she thought of the puzzle:

Review of Shaanxi Hot Air Balloon Puzzle

Likes

Border is easy to figure out and complete
Two puzzles in one – the reverse side is printed as another puzzle
Template Mat included, is a great reference tool and can be used as a sorting mat
The puzzle is a lot of fun
Reverse side gives a clue for difficult areas of similar color
Puzzle box has separators to categorize and sort pieces – very useful and a great idea
Design will please most adults
Fosters patience and hand dexterity and great for those prone to arthritis in the hands
Puzzle can be completed by doing one section at a times due to dual printing on both sides
Constructed using high quality wood and paper pieces

Peg’s Dislikes

The blue sky was tricky and required perseverance to complete
The pieces were hard to retrieve once inserted in the puzzle. ie. if they are inserted in the wrong place and are changed. A small piece broke off from the printed underside of the puzzle piece when it was switched around.
The design could have benefited from some smaller balloons in the distance for higher visual interest.

My Recommendations

I am very happy to recommend this product for children and adults.
The puzzle is challenging enough to engage and adult and child for many hours.
It has the therapeutic advantage of being great practice for fine motor dexterity and hand control.
It is educational in the sense that it uses the mind to compute shapes and spatial relationships.
Delivery was timely and email communication with the company was without problem.

Shaanxi also have fully customized options and 3 D puzzles for your enjoyment.

If you are interested in purchasing a Jigsaw puzzle for Christmas or that special gift, Jason and the team will be happy to assist you with various delivery options to meet your personal needs.

Shaanxi Classical Grain Trade Co. +86 15829369901

We chat: +86 15829369901

Email: 982067068@qq.com