SweetLeafJacqui’s SX Picks
By Danny on Mar 14 Filed In SXSW Add a Comment
SXSW is so much more than just the time of year when guys in Austin wear more skinny jeans and hair gel than girls. It’s an incredible festival that helps jump start careers in the entertainment business.
As a girl who has two homeslices trying to make it big in both music, love ya Miss Amy D, and movies, Mr. Jeff Baker, I really appreciate how important this festival is to the lucky participants.
Now who do I want to see? Some new and some old. While perusing the SX website I stumbled across Allie Moss:
Her sweet voice just makes me want to sip a cappuccino and tap my foot. But when I’m ready for some energy, you will be able to find me at Matt & Kim.
Until I find better live performers, or they slap me with a restraining order, I will not miss a show in Austin. I am also super psyched to see Questlove and everything else at the Rumbler Lounge, as they know how to throw a serious par-tea!
Now when it comes to fuel for the festivities, I will leave you with three suggestions. Tacos, tacos, tacos. Grab a breakfast taco from Taco Deli or another local hotspot for some protein in the morning. For a refreshing lunch, check out Wahoo’s for a seafood taco, and for dinner I recommend you hit up Torchy’s. All of their tacos are delicious, especially if washed down with a Mint & Honey.
Charla’s SXSW Picks
By Charla on Mar 11 Filed In Austin, Texas, Events, SXSW, Sweet-Spot, Uncategorized Add a Comment
Today marks the start of the SXSW Interactive conference and being a total nerd, I must admit, I’m stoked to attend for the second year in a row. I’ve only planned 3 out of 5 days so far (took about 3 hours), but I’m really excited by the content this year. For instance, how could anyone pass this up?
A Conversation with Paul Rubens
Don’t remember who that is? Maybe this photo from way back will jog your memory bank from childhood.
That’s just one example of hundreds upon hundreds to choose from. I don’t know if you’ve looked at the schedule, but it can all be a bit overwhelming. And, that’s not even taking into account all the after conference hours parties, UNOFFICIAL happenings, film or music.
I have a feeling that the best interactive party is going to be See the World with Gowalla. The party is taking place Monday (March 14) at 9:00 sharp at the Belmont. If you hit this party last year, you know already that it was a happening time. This year will be even better with Matt & Kim and Flosstradamus keeping the party people on their toes.
Here’s the skinny on how to get a wristband into the show: During SXSW Gowalla will be giving away around 600-700 “Priority” wristbands randomly to those checking in around town on Gowalla at SXSW. Those with wristbands will be let into the party first. Then Gowalla will fill the remaining space with SXSW badge holders, first come, first serve. So, be sure to start checking in around town on Gowalla. Besides, that’s how you’ll find the Sweet Spots!
Stay tuned for more updates and sweet happenings throughout the week! You can follow me @SweetLeafCharla @SweetLeafTea and @SweetLeafDanny for the play by play.
Where are you headed during SXSW? We want to meet up!
South by Sweet Spot!
By Danny on Mar 9 Filed In Austin, Texas, SXSW, Sweet Contests, Sweet-Spot 1 Comment
By now, you’ve probably heard that this little event called SXSW is taking over Austin in a matter of days. BUT, have you heard about South by Sweet Spot? It’s only the locations of the BEST shindigs and happenings taking place around town March 11-20th.
During this special week of March, we’ve teamed up with Gowalla Inc. to bring you some fun and great prizes!
So, how do you get in on the action?
We’ve picked a handful of “Sweet Spots” around town that Gowalla users can check in at to win some exclusive pins and tasty prizes. These “Sweet Spots” range from local Austin businesses and super fun events happening during SXSW (all just happen to showcase our delicious teas) to our magical roaming Sweet Leaf Tea Van.
Wherever you see Sweet Leaf teas, there’s a good chance it’s a Sweet Spot so check in on Gowalla because you may unlock a limited edition SXSW pin or even better, one of our sweet prizes. The first time you check in at a participating location on, or after, March 11th you’ll see a screen that lets you know you’ve checked into a Sweet Spot. Also, be on the look out for the Sweet Leaf Tea Van because it’s the sweetest of Sweet Spots and we’ll have it loaded up with tea, good times, and limited edition swag. Look for the van and then check in at this pin! (Yeah, it’s a mobile Gowalla spot. No big deal.)
Be sure to follow the @SweetLeafTea ‘m and our blog for updates of where the Sweet Leaf Sweet Spot VAN will be next!
Gowalla users are eligible to win:
- One of 150 Limited Edition South by Sweet Spot T-shirts (Redeemable at the Gowalla Airstream between 9:30am to 8:30pm) Click here for their location!)
- A SWEET care package from Texas loaded with Sweet Leaf TEA, T-shirt, and Stubb’s BBQ Sauce and Marinade!
Check into 3 Sweet Spots and you’ll be entered to win:
- Sweet Leaf Tea Backyard BBQ Party for you and 20 of your friends
On top of that Gowalla is tossing out 2,000 virtual cans for pick-up across town!
Check out all the Sweet Spots below! The more you check-in the better your chances are of winning!
Sweet Spot locations/times/dates/rsvp info is as follows:
- Sweet Leaf Tea @ Sweet Leaf Tea HQ – 3601 S. Congress Ave. - 3/11-20/2011 – All Day
- Auditorium Shores @ Auditorium Shores – 950 W. Riverside Dr - 3/11-20/2011 – All Day – INFO
- Wholefoods @ Wholefoods HQ’s – 525 N. Lamar Blvd - 3/11-20/2011 – All Day
- PureVolume House @ Coppertank Event Center – 504 Trinity St - 3/11-20/2011 – All Day — RSVP
- Good Capitalist Party @ Union Park – 612 West 6th St - 3/12/2011 – 6:00PM to 9:00PM — RSVP
- Austinist Presents: Gonna Get Down VI @ the Mohawk – 912 Red River St - 3/16/2011 – 11:00am – 5:30pm – INFO
- EventBrite at Empire Auto @ Empire Automotive – 604 East 7th St - 3/16/2011 – 1:00PM – 6:00pm — RSVP
- Music by the Slice @ Home Slice Pizza - 1415 S. Congress Ave – All Day – INFO
- Rumbler Lounge @ Peckerheads – 402 E. 6th St - 3/16-20/2011 – 12:00pm – 8:00pm — RSVP
- Sweet Leaf Tea Van @ ROAMING - Where ever their’s fun!
Tell your friends, win some prizes, see some great bands, and have a good ol’ time. You’ll find us at the Sweet Leaf Sweet Spots!
Danny’s SXSW Picks
By Danny on Mar 8 Filed In SXSW Add a Comment
That magical week in March is right around the corner, and I am stoked. Sweet Leaf is part of a ton of great parties with lots of good music flowing in. (More deets on Sweet Leaf’s Parties to come very quickly!) With that being said, I have some SX picks that I’d like to throw out there for y’all!
Don’t Miss!
DON'T MISS
The Austinist: Gonna Get Down VI at the Mohawk on Wednesday from 12 – 6pm. This is a day party that has been part of my SX experience for the past 3 years. They ALWAYS have bands that turn into my favorites after watching them, plus the sound at the Mohawk is incredible. Some of my favorite artists I’ve seen/learned about in the past include Toro y Moi, Kevin Devine, Washed Out, and Yukon Blonde!
This year is no different with the Windish Agency jumping on board! Be sure to catch the Givers (2:15) and Cloud Control (2:00pm). You won’t be disappointed.
Good Cause + Good Times!
Yumm!
Music by the Slice, presented by Home Slice Pizza, is an amazing 3 day series (3/17-19/2011) that takes place at, where else, HOME SLICE. Great pizza, music, and people. Their SX party is one I always try to attend. They have A+ bands and THIS YEAR all the profits from the events go DIRECTLY to Urban Roots, a sustainable farming program for young Austinites. Be sure to purchase some delicious pizza and a tasty Sweet Leaf Tea to help out a great organization!
Make sure to catch Telekinesis! at 4:40pm on Saturday the 19th. They are a fantastic band with great sounds that I have been a fan for a couple of years. Check them out playing MXTS in 2009!
Hip HOPPPP!
Our friends over at Knuckle Rumbler always throw some fly gigs, with the FRESHEST beats in town. Stop in on Friday the 18th and check out Das Racist, they’ll make you bounce.
Have some bands or parties you think are better? Hit us back in the comments section.
Sweet Leaf Lemonade Poached Pears w/Vanilla Bean Ice Cream #LemonadeSnacky
By Guest on Mar 4 Filed In Organic, Sweet Consumers, recipes, teasnacky 7 Comments
By Guest Blogger: Claud in the Kitchen
Claudia here from Claud in the Kitchen – I’m a foodie who loooves her Sweet Leaf Tea. Mint and Honey, although you have my heart, I decided to give Lemonade a go when creating this easy and oh so perfect ending to any meal.
Admittedly, I have a huge sweet tooth (and I don’t believe those who say they don’t!), but I also do my best to cook healthy meals and eat right, so I’m huge a fan of low fat ice cream or froyo for dessert. It’s just as satisfying as the real deal and to spice things up, you can easily pile on the fruit. Combine two of my favorite things, and tada – this fabulous concoction was born.
Lemonade Poached Pears w/Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
· 2 Bartlett Pears
· 1 – 16 oz. bottle of Sweet Leaf Tea Lemonade
· 2 tbsp Honey
· 1/3 Vanilla bean, sliced in half length-wise
· Low-fat vanilla bean ice cream or frozen yogurt
Instructions:
1. Wash, peel and halve pears. Pour Lemonade into a small sauce pan, add vanilla bean and honey. Place pears in liquid and bring mixture to a boil.
2. Once the mixture reaches a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until pears soften.
3. Remove pears from liquid and set aside to cool. Raise the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 more minutes until mixture begins to caramelize and turn brown. Remove from heat immediately.
4. Assemble the desserts by placing half a pear in a small dessert bowl with 1-2 scoops of ice cream. Drizzle with caramel. E-N-J-O-Y.
Notes:
I experimented with both Bosc and Bartlett pears. I’ve read that Bosc was preferred for baking since they hold and don’t turn to mush, however the Bartletts (which I had read were not best for baking) were too pretty and ripe to pass up. The Bartletts actually took less time to cook, turned out to be much more flavorful and had a spice that was to die for. So, I came to the conclusion that although Bartlett’s might be better for baking, it is likely because there are typically other ingredients involved that need more cook time and thus, they do just fine when poaching since you determine when they’re ready. Bosc left, Bartlett right.
If you’re using a medium sized sauce pan, then use 2 bottles of Lemonade. Note that it may take longer for the liquid to caramelize if you go this route and you should probably double the honey.
Keep an eye on the caramel! It burns very quickly, so don’t go above medium heat and as soon as it gets brown and bubbly, remove pronto or it’ll be too late.
I bet a sprinkle of cinnamon or some granola on top would be a great addition!
Give it a try. Heaven. Promise.
Cheers!
Claud
