Buy One Get One Free #TeavanaOprahChai at Starbucks #sponsored #MC

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Starbucks. I received a promotional item and a gift card to facilitate my review. 

Last week, I met up with my friend Candice in Brooklyn; it's been too long since I've seen her so I made my way into the city to spend some girl time with her.  We walked around her neighborhood, and of course had to stop for some coffee and tea at Starbucks.

I've heard about their new Oprah Chai from Teavana (a store that I love to visit, especially when treating myself to a special loose tea--last summer it was Blueberry Mojito) and was curious about it.  Candice and I spent quite a while talking (a lot about our kids, naturally) as well as the deep stuff like life goals.  I won't get into personal details, but she's had a hard year and I'm so impressed with how confident and grounded she seems, despite everything she's gone through.  Go CanCan!  What doesn't kill us...well, you know.

I only wish we lived closer so we could let the words flow over a tea or coffee break more often, especially in winter, when a Starbucks and a hot drink is often the highlight of one's day.

About that tea: the Oprah Chai is Oprah's signature blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black tea and rooibos which stemmed from her daily tea ritual.

Oprah worked with teaologists to develop the blend, but what's most intriguing about it is that with each purchase, Starbucks donates a percentage to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, which benefits youth educational programs.

I love chai tea and was eager to enjoy it at Starbucks as well as brew the loose tea at home.

I found that my home brew was heavy on the cinnamon, which I liked, but I would have hoped for more of a balance of masala spices.  Still, it was yummy especially blended with milk and a little honey.

The Starbucks barista made it better--its spices were more harmonious.  And that foam is a nice touch, something that I can't pull off at home.

Who knows, maybe the tea sold for home brewing is heavier on the cinnamon, or maybe I just got an odd batch.

On Mother's Day, May 11th, Starbucks is having a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE deal on the Oprah Chai; when you buy yours, hers is on the house.  It's a great excuse to take your mom out to celebrate and spend some special time together.  I'm sure she'll just think you're thrifty and aware of great deals, not cheap.  :).

Tea has always been a conduit for connection and conversation, and who better to connect with than a mom (not necessarily you're own!).  Visit Steep Your Soul for tips, information and inspiration on making space for pause and reflection over a cup of tea.