Wine With Wanda

Sip Away the Winter Chill with Palais des Thés

Cocooning at home with a hot cup of tea is one of my tried-and-true strategies for surviving the winter chill. However, I still want my hibernation to have a dash of style, so this season I'll be sipping plenty of Palais des Thés.  Lately, I've been warming up with their N° 25 Cinnamon and Orange Limited Edition Tea ($21). This fragrant and spicy tea heats you up with a festive combination of cinnamon sticks, orange peel, pieces of almond, and vanilla petals on a base of green tea. It smells absolutely heavenly and the taste is an instant pick-me-up. Palais des Thés N° 25 Holiday Teas are also available in a base of Black, White, Rooibos, and Green. Steep, sip, and savor!

Ooh La La: A Trio of Lovers' Tea from Palais des Thés

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and for many people the holiday causes some stress. Whether you're perfectly paired, single and satisfied, or hoping that Cupid brings love your way; take time out to relax and reflect on romance with a special cup of tea from Palais des Thés. Their limited edition Valentine's Day gift set, Les Amants Miniatures, makes it easy to chicly pamper yourself or someone special.  Priced at $27, the Lovers' Tea set includes 3 tins of loose tea - Green, Rooibos, and Black. I treated myself to a cup of the black tea this morning - it is an exclusive blend of apple, cinnamon, and vanilla, warmed with a hint of ginger and this sultry blend definitely perked up my taste buds. I especially enjoyed sweetening it with the adorable sugar hearts and starting my day off on a romantic note.

Escape with a Cup of Tea: Win Two Traveler's Tins from the Republic of Tea

Ahhh, who doesn't love to escape with a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Not only is tea good for you and delicious but it can calm your nerves, ease a tummy ache, and be the catalyst for great conversation when shared with friends. Tea is always a big part of my journeys. Not only do I travel with my own tea for a taste of something familiar when I am far from home but I love trying new teas and even visiting grocery stores to pick up a few boxes of the local favorites.

Republic of Tea pays homage to the tea-loving-traveler with their Traveler's Tea Tins collection. Each compact tin contains 6 unbleached, round tea bags in an airtight container. (Once emptied, these refillable containers can be used to hold more tea or as a great container for change, earrings or cream when traveling.) Seven lucky Black Dress Traveler readers will each win 2 Republic of TeaTraveler's Tea Tins. (Each tin has a retail value of $4.75). Each winner will receive a pair of tins selected by me from the following teas: Get Relief (herb tea for digestion), Get Charged (herb tea for energy), Get Happy (herb tea for lifting your spirit), Get Passionate (herb tea for the libido), Get Heart (herb tea for cardio health), Get it Going (herb tea for regularity), Get Clean (herb tea for detoxing), Get Growing (herb tea for hair, nails/bones), Get Some Zzz's (herb tea for rest), Get Relaxed (herb tea for relieving stress), Get Wellness (herb tea for immunity), Get Soothed (herb tea for scratchy throats), Get a Grip (herb tea for PMS/Menopause) and Get Maternal (herb tea for pregnant/new moms).