Sippin’ On: BahLeaf Premium Teas

Sip this tea! BahLeaf Premium Teas is hands down one of My favorite tea brands and they will always have a place in My heart, My home, My desk at work, and in My tumbler while I’m on the go! I exclusively sipped BahLeaf Teas for the entire month of September, and now I’m here to spill the tea on everything from their history to their flavors… and which teas are my favorites and which teas are not.

BahLeaf and I met through My cousin, Symphony and it was love at first sip. She offered Me their Mango Green Tea, and I knew since that day that when I started My “Sips Tea” series, they would be the first tea company I featured. Not only did the tea taste good, it was Bahamian-owned. I called it a WIN/WIN.

So here’s the “tea” on BahLeaf Premium Teas. BahLeaf was founded and launched in 2018 by Ryan Winters. I had the chance to meet and speak with Ryan on a few occasions and I could tell that he’s serious about his business and his tea. Ryan revealed that “as a drinker of loose leaf tea for several years” he would share his “collection and knowledge of teas with friends and colleagues”. That love for tea sparked the idea of a business, and now we have BahLeaf Premium Teas. Thank You Ryan!

Tea is a staple in the Caribbean household, and in any Bahamian home, you’re sure to find a boring box of Lipton Black Tea and very little options other than Peppermint or Ginger tea. Over the years, tea company’s have widen their variety of tea flavors and BahLeaf Premium Teas has done the same. Offering tea options from 5 main types of teas, Green Tea, Black Tea, White Tea, Chai Tea and Herbal Tea, BahLeaf has a tea for anyone and everyone!

Offering tea options from 5 main types of teas, Green Tea, Black Tea, White Tea, Chai Tea and Herbal Tea, BahLeaf has a tea for anyone and everyone!

I had the opportunity to review 8 teas from Bahleaf Premium Teas in September:

My favorites were the Turmeric Fruit Medley, the Vanilla Rooibus Chai, the Peppermint and the Hibiscus Loose Tea. If you’re an avid tea drinker, like myself, and you‘re looking to make your tea life exciting, I suggest you try the Vanilla Rooibus Chai and the White Peach Tea. The Vanilla Rooibus Chai makes for a nice tea latte and the White Peach Tea makes for a nice ice tea.

Enjoying a Tea Latte at work using the BahLeaf Vanilla Rooibus Chai Tea in the BahLeaf Mug.

Although a small business, and only two years in the game, BahLeaf Premium Teas is definitely giving the veteran tea companies some competition. From the smooth, delicious, quality of the tea, to the eye catching packaging to the excellent customer service, you can tell this is a company built on values. Ryan, the founder of BahLeaf Teas, revealed that he “wanted to start more than just a tea company, but rather a brand that also valued purpose“. The name alone says it all, as BahLeaf is pronounced “Belief”.

Known, mainly for their artisanal loose tea blends, BahLeaf also offers Pyramid Tea Bags and Teaware such as their sexy tea mug. The mug gives you the perfect amount of tea. When asked about future plans for BahLeaf, Ryan spilled a little exclusive tea by revealing that BahLeaf will be launching a new line of Matcha teas. Remember that you heard it here first!

I’m excited to see what’s in store for BahLeaf in the years to come. In just two years, they’ve launched a website, been featured in local newspapers, they’re sold in two stores of one of the major grocery store chains in the Bahamas and they’ve partnered with other Bahamians to host events and non-profit initiatives.

I’ve drank BahLeaf Premium Teas everyday in September, and I have no complaints. Even my least favorite tea, the Ginseng Green Tea, wasn’t a disappointment. It simply boils down to taste and preference.

So if you’re a tea lover, or you’re opting for a healthier hot beverage or forced to drink tea due to health issues (like myself), try BahLeaf Teas and get more bang from your brew! You can shop BahLeaf Premium teas on their website: http://www.bahleaf.com or in store at Solomon’s Fresh Market (Harbour Bay and Old Fort Bay). Just a heads up, delivery is free with an order of $40 and up on their website. You’re welcome!

I’m grateful I got to experience more of BahLeaf’s teas this month. Click here to see My BahLeaf Tea haul on IG TV and be sure to check out BahLeaf Tea for your sippin’ pleasure. Don’t just take my word for it!

Thank You @BahLeaf!

Pictured is the BahLeaf Hibiscus Loose Tea in the BahLeaf Mug. Click here to follow @bahleaf on Instagram to see more beautiful brews.

#OOTD: 9.16 Lookbook

Hello Beautiful,

September rolled in swiftly and smoothly, and so did My favorite day of the year, September 16th. I’m especially grateful when I see this day because it means I’ve successfully took another trip around the sun. And that was fine with Me, since I couldn’t take a trip anywhere this year, due to the COVID-19 2020 pandemic.

Nonetheless, the week of 9.16 was eventful. The night before, I went LIVE on Instagram for My new virtual talk show called “What’s Tea?”. The day of I had a photo shoot on the beach. And, the night of, My sweetest loves surprised Me at dinner. In true Virgo fashion, I had outfits on standby for each occasion. Coincidentally, they were all bought locally, in the Bahamas, from Bahamian clothing boutiques or Bahamian brands.

Here’s what I wore…

Look 1: “What’s Tea?” LIVE on Instagram

“Social Distancing Queen” Graphic Tee from @shop.thingszee

Leopard Print Skirt from @potpourritoo

Black Suede Mules from @johnsshoes

Look 2: Bahari on the Beach

The Annona Swimsuit from @baharibahamas

The Fatima Earring in White from @clwdesigns

“Money Talks” Sunglasses from @mitseyewear | Shop Now and use code: BLQRZE for 10% OFF

Look 3: Surprise Dinner

The Naked Zebra Dress from @runwaytoparris

Neon Pink Mules from @johnshoes

Gold Hoop Earrings from @prettypersuasions

#OOTD: Wild Thoughts

Like most of you I’ve been vibing to Dj Khaled’s Wild Thoughts featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller. Its my jam for the season and my mantra for Summer 2017 “…all I get is Wild Thoughts. Wild, wild, wild.”

Summer is the perfect season to get a little wild with your style!

Its the time when hair is being cut and/or colored, nail polishes are brighter and makeup is bolder.

This summer I’m being drawn to this neon greenish yellow color. So I was super excited when one of my favorite clothing stores, JaDazzles Clothing & Accessories, had the most sexy but stylish dress in my favorite color for the summer.

The dress is a body con dress so it hugs all the right curves. It’s above the knee but not exactly a mini, which I like because it’s sexy without being too revealing. The oversize ruffles on the sleeves are trending this year as well.

Although I wanted to wear this dress to another function a few weeks back, nothing is before it’s time. Its a good thing I didn’t wear it because I later got invited to the L’Oreal Awakening Relaunch Event held at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort and the dress was perfect for the cocktail attire event.

Here’s what I wore:

Lemonchello Ruffle Dress

Colorful Ankle Strap Heels

Colorful Earrings

Michael Kors Bracelet

Michael Ring

Rose Gold Apple Watch

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OOTD: Classic Red and Black

Hello Beautiful!

In March of this year I visited Nashville, and for the first time, I had a hard time finding clothes for Me.

You may not know, but most businesses (especially clothing stores) tailor their inventory to the likes of their consumers and the Forever 21 at the Opry Mills Mall in Tennessee was no different.

Nashville has a boho-chic meets country style, and I’m a city/island girl, so I was having trouble finding clothes that fit my personal style. The selection just wasn’t Me.

That was until I went looking on the clearance rack!

There, I found me the cutest velvet, baroque print, red and black mini skirt for $4.00! Yes, you read right… $4.00.

I was so excited to wear it as I loved the way it looked on Me. So when I decided to attend the Island of the World Fashion Week show this month, I figured it was the perfect occasion.

Here’s what I wore:

A Black  Back Out Body Suit

A Black & Red Velvet Baroque Mini Skirt

Black Strap Up Tassel Heels

A Black Suede Clutch

Minimalist Michael Kors Jewelry

Kick OutDanceRed and BlackMichael Kors JewelryDueces242BlqRzeStep Upiphone6sMelaninClutch 2Legs100 Top Bahamian BloggersFashion Blogger in the Bahamas

Look out for more pics and my experience at the Islands of the World Fashion Show this Thursday!

Xo,

Conesha

 

Nassau Gal in Nashville!

Hello Beautiful!

If You’re reading this, it means I made it back home safely from my trip to Nashville, Tennessee, USA and I have lots to tell you!

So let’s get started…

I visited Nashville, Tennessee for the first time last month for 4 days and 3 nights. The primary reason for my trip was to attend one of my friends’ and high school classmate’s wedding.

My excitement mostly came from me knowing I was going to visit a new state for the first time. I love first times!

Once I got to Nashville I quickly found out one of the reasons they called it music city. There was a gentleman in the airport Lobby, singing and playing guitar. I knew right then Nashville had character and I loved it!

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Shortly after, I hopped into my airport shuttle and headed to my home, away from home for the next 4 days. I stayed at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport – affordable, lots of perks, and good reviews!

There are a few hotels close by the airport in Nashville. If you’re thinking of visiting Nashville, I suggest you stay in one, as most offer free transportation to and from the airport and daily complimentary breakfast. That was two of the main reasons why I stayed at the Embassy Suites.

One thing I’ll say about staying in the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport hotel, the higher up the room, the better the view but the lower the floor, the better the wi-fi.

After I got all checked in and dropped off my luggage it was time to LYFT to the Mall. Comment below if you use LYFT in the USA. I want to hear about your experiences with the service.

It was another first for me using LYFT and I liked it a lot.

Nashville has a mall called Opry Mills, similar to the Sawgrass Mills in Broward and Franklin Mills in Philadelphia. I didn’t spend much time in the mall as this wasn’t a shopping trip but I would love to go back when I return again.

 

Later that night my friend and I went to UP, Rooftop Lounge. It’s a chic little spot that offers a nighttime view of Downtown Nashville, and an angle of the Nashville skyline which is so beautiful in the night.

I ordered a fruity Sangria with red wine, and some Nashville Hot Chicken tacos with ranch dressing. The waiter raved that their tacos were rated #3 in the city of Nashville, and I quickly tasted why! They were very spicy, filling and delicious.

 

The next day was my friend’s wedding, and even though it rained hard in Nashville that day, it was a beautiful ceremony and reception! It was held at this cabin style auditorium that was different from anything I’ve ever seen in the islands. As if the actual auditorium wasn’t handsome enough and the location in the woods such a beauty, you should’ve seen the bride and groom and their bridal party! So beautiful, so stylish!

The night ended with a peach spritzer, lots of dancing and a dead cellphone. Hence why, I don’t have a lot of pictures of the fun.

 

Now, we’re on the third day! Day 3 was the adventure day and I was ready! But this day turned out to be more of an adventure than I expected.

In preparation for Nashville, I googled “things to do in Nashville” and Instagram searched “Nashville Attractions”. So when I got to Nashville, I already had 3 things I wanted to see and do in mind!

BlqRze’s Nashville Must See List:

  1. Kelsey Montague Wings
  2. Statue of the Greek Goddess Athena & the Parthenon Replica
  3. The Nashville Zoo

The only thing I didn’t accomplish on this list was visiting the Zoo. But that’s okay because it was replaced with quality time with old and new friends, and I did something I always wanted to do but never thought I would… RIDE A MECHANICAL BULL!

My travel buddy and I got a LYFT to the Nashville Gulch area. Our driver dropped us off opposite a lifestyle merchandise store called “Two Old Hippies”. Don’t you like the sound of that? Nashville has a hippie vibe to it. Very free-spirited.

Two Old Hippies is on the corner of 12th and Pine in the Nashville Gulch Area, and its made of red clay brick, as is a lot of buildings in Nashville. The brick wall made for an awesome back drop and right there I had a photo shoot (lol).

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Not far from there was the Kelsey Montague Wings #WhatLiftsYou Wall Mural, and I was in all my glory! However, we weren’t the only ones there to get lifted. There was a line to take pictures in front of the wings, and we humbly waited our turn.

This day was a beautiful day in Nashville! The sun actually shined that day and the weather was pretty consistent.

One thing about Nashville, the weather is bi-polar. Its hot, then cold, then rainy, then cloudy. One of our LYFT drivers said. “There’s a saying in Nashville. “If you don’t like the weather here right now, just wait 30 minutes.”” Oh, how true that saying really is!

 

After we left the Wings, we headed to the Parthenon on a $2.00 bus ride through Downtown, Nashville.

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece. It sits as the centrepiece in Nashville’s Centennial Park . Inside is the real treat though!

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On the second floor of the museum is a 42-foot statue of the Greek Goddess Athena. She was a sight to see! The gold, the details, the artistry of her was something I will never forget.

 

Later, we caught up with our newly married friends for food. One of our friends is strictly Vegan, and took us to a really popular vegan spot in Nashville called The Wild Cow. Here’s where the real adventure came in.

I’m a picky eater and the complete opposite of vegan, but I opted to try it for my friend. Remember, I like first times… and this would be my first time eating Vegan. Let’s just say, it wasn’t my “taste” but the vegan wine was divine. I liked it!

 

By this time, everyone was tired but not too tired to experience some real honky-tonk underground bars, and in my case mechanical bull riding and karaoke.

Although I can’t remember the exact names of the bars we visited, I do believe we were in the Lower Broadway area in Down Town Nashville. I enjoyed the live Country Rock music, and as shy as I am, I got up on staged with my new friend and sang Patti Labelle’s Lady Marmalade karaoke style! Another first!

Lastly, I mounted the Mechanical Bull. It was bigger than I expected and a little uncomfortable at first. But once I got on good, it was time to ride! First time baby and I actually stayed on longer that I thought I would!

To see a short clip of me singing karaoke and riding the bull, head over to my Instagram page here, @242blqrze. Be sure to  follow for more pictures and videos of my travels, and comment below to ask me any questions you may have about my experiences.

 

The next day it was time to go back home and I was sad to leave Nashville.

Honestly, I didn’t have Nashville on My Places to Go list, but I’m happy my friend gave me a good reason to visit and experience it.

I didn’t get to eat the famous Nashville Hot Chicken, nor visit the Zoo! So I will be back there soon. Maybe the next time I go, I’ll see you there!

See more pictures from My Nashville trip below:

 

Xo

Conesha