Workout Update- The Biggest Loser Complete

 I finished my program on Saturday and did all workouts intended except one. But I'm OK with that since I did work out 6 other days that week. 

I'm going to take the next two weeks to play at least 30 minutes of Just Dance daily...and maybe a quick ten minute youtube workout.

I'm happy I was able to get through the program. I find it boring but usually by the time I was about to finish I would be really happy I worked out. The best thing was feeling myself get stronger as I did some of the arm and leg exercises. I really felt the difference in as little as a week and at the end of the four weeks I felt strong.  

I didn't lose anything. Finally got a scale so I can take my weight. I did take my measurements. Doubt I lost anything. But I'll keep at it. My main goal is health. 

I already bought my reward...which was a bunch of Lush stuff and in two weeks I'll be ready to start a new program. 

I did want to eat more vegetables. Which I really have pushed myself and have eaten so many veggies this past couple of weeks. Of course, I want to eat more. So I'm going to continue working on it. 

Wish me luck! 

Workout Update #1- The Biggest Loser

Two week update...because I met my last goal. Which wasn't too challenging. But I wanted to make sure I started a little slow. That way I would stick with it.

For the past two weeks I just alternated Zumba and Pop Sugar Fitness workout. Short ones for POP Sugar since I did it almost every other day except one and then a quick Dance Central routine.

Now I'm starting the Biggest Loser workout. I hate it. But it's a good workout.

I'm going to start off with four, thirty minute workouts a week.  And try to maintain it for the next four weeks. And then the other days I'll let myself play dancing games to break it up but keep the calorie burn up. It will be challenging to do the workout on the days I work, but I think  I can do it if I keep hyping myself up.

I'm not taking measurements or weight yet. I need to order a scale. An accurate one. And I need to find my tape measure. Usually I don't lose pounds but inches, which is very encouraging for me.  But for now, I'm trying to keep it purely working out to feel good about myself. 

See ya in four weeks!

Working Out...Again

I've worked out on and off for a couple years now but not regularly like I know I can. I started thinking back to what kept me accountable (way back in the day) and ...it was blogging. So I decided to start again. 

I bought a new two piece dress  set and tried it on..it fit perfectly. I felt great in it, but when I turned around.....My bottom half is getting out of control. So it's time to get to working out again and shrink some things. So I'm starting off slow. I'm not taking measurements. I just want to start off getting in some exercise everyday. 

So my plan for the next couple of weeks is to play Zumba World Party. I want to play through the countries, I started off playing through Brazil yesterday. I played Dance Central for a minutes.

Then on the days I'm not playing Zumba, I want to do a short dumb bell workout. I just search on youtube and did a short one. Nothing major. Today I did arms. My arms are probably going to hurt tomorrow 😩

. But it will be worth it. I'll probably do legs on Wednesday and Core on Friday.

So that's the goal for the next few weeks..at least until I get through all the countries. Then I will start a workout, workout. Bringing out all my old Xbox games. 

I'm feeling motivated. And this will hold me accountable. 

Wish me luck! 

Nature's Remedy Exercise Relief Wintergreen and Clove Review

I'm starting to get back into working out. I really need to drop some weight, especially since sometime next year I'm going on some sort of vacation where I need to wear a bathing suit. I've been wanting to go to Jamaica forever. Or Greece. Maybe Ghana. Or maybe a Disney Cruise. Somewhere. Anyway, after not working out for awhile there are aches and pains that happen.

I randomly found this at TJ Maxx for two dollars on clearance. Not a deal I could pass up.

A lot of essential oil mixtures come packaged in rollerball format. It's easy to travel with, also easy to apply. 

It smells like Wintergreen gum. Which is supposed to be amazing for pain relief. But it's also an oil I've read you have to be careful with. 

So after a particularly painful workout (I was just playing Just Dance 2018 very enthusiastically) my arms were on fire. I applied this. It's not immediate relief. Or it might be, but I have some chubbiness to get through. It just makes the pain go away a lot quicker. So instead of five days....my arms only hurt for two. Or something like that.

It works immediately for neck pain though. 

Ingredients:

Fractionated Coconut Oil, Wintergreen, Copaiba, Camphor, Peppermint, Clove Bud, Frankincense. 

I really like it. And if I could find where to buy more or get them in different combinations I would definitely pick up a few more.

Random:

I love this song and was so excited when I found a live version with all three artists. I LOVE Gerald Levert-he is always so entertaining to watch perform. And I LOVE Johnny Gil. Johnny is the man. And Keith Sweat- I love love love his music even though his voice is kinda whiny. Together? Epic. 

Harley Pasternak Hollywood Workout Light Body Toning Workout Complete

I did it!

via GIPHY

Another program down! I think this makes the third one I've done. Not sure. But I did  ALL 25 workouts. The program was five workouts a week, for five weeks, 25 minutes each.The first couple were hard to get through, I don't think my body had ever been so sore Thank you 8 pound weights. But I persevered.

Then there were days when I just didn't want to. I needed an extra break. Like four days would have been more manageable. But I was able to convince myself that once I started it would go fast. And besides didn't I want to go through the entire program and not miss one? I did. I really did.

At times it was boring. Harley says the same thing every workout, and you basically you the same exact workout rotation every week.They really should have recorded him saying more. But its the workout that counts.

I don't think I lost anything. I didn't get on the scale. I don't think my clothes fit THAT much better. But my arms look better, as do my legs and booty. And I'm stronger. And I got my heart pumping. Heart health is extra important and I like knowing I gave it a workout each week. So that's a five week program for the win.

I'm going to take a week (maybe week and a half break) and play some Just Dance for some Cardio and then I will start the next program! Your Shape Fitness Evolved here I come!

Harley Pasternak Hollywood Workout for Kinect

I think this is my third go around with this program. I think. I know for sure I completed it once before. I did the light body toning. Five workouts a week for five weeks. I'm just not ready to move to the next level since there has been so much time in between the last time I completed on. S o I picked the light body toning again.

I like it because I always feel stronger at the end of the program. And although it's boring, it is something I can usually get through with a whole lot of coaxing myself on. I'm already a week in, with one more workout this week, which I plan to do after this post. 

I don't think I've ever been in so much pain the day after my first workout. I only have eight pound weights- since I was borrowing 3 and 5 pound weights and they have since moved out the country. I really should buy a pair because the 8 pounders are killer for me. Especially with reps as high as 25 and 30. Many times I have to put them down somewhere in the middle of the set. So yeah, after the first workout EVERYTHING hurt. I could barely move without wanting to cry out. But a bath and a lot of eucalyptus oil later I'm feeling a lot better. Except my hamstrings today because I got into some deadlifts yesterday. But they don't hurt nearly as much as earlier this week.

I havne't gotten on the scale. I probably will tomorrow. And maybe take my measurements-because I'm really hoping to lose inches on my and waist and arms. Not necessarily pounds. 

I've been eating...kinda healthy. Not much junk food. A lot of salad this week-but I've been going a little crazy with dressing. I found bomb sriracha-ranch dressing for $2 in Aldi's and I need to pick up like 5 more bottles before it goes off sale. 

Anyway, off to work out I go. And I will prolly update in about 4 weeks when the program is done. Wish me luck!

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The Biggest Loser Workout Program Complete

Another program complete! This one really seemed to fly by...which is a good thing because I'm not really a fan.

I chose the three four program with focus on core and arms and legs. Mostly this worked my legs. My thighs were always sore, except maybe the last week of the program when I had gotten used to it. And I only did the program 4 times a weeks although I could have done it more, but with the four I was more likely to make every single workout and not skip. I also liked being able to do a dance workout on days I didn't do this, which is nice for getting in some good cardio-although I didn't do it as often as I could have!

I managed to drop a couple pounds. I would say 8, but I don't think it was due to this. It was some walking I did in the beginning of the program.  I guess this helped to maintain it.

It's not my favorite workout game for the XBOX...but I don't hate doing it as much as I hate doing something like Nike Kinect.

And now...I'm taking a week off before I start another Harley Pasternak workout. That one really gets results so I'm looking forward to it. The only things I'm not so hype about is it's five days a weeks. But I'll get through it!

Workout Programs:Nike+Kinect to The Biggest Loser

It's June. About that time that I really get going on the workout. I don't know what it is about Winter but I almost always drop off. I will still play Zumba and Just Dance and other games like that, but just not do the programs I'm supposed to be doing. So that means no squats, no weights, just cardio..cardio, cardio.

Like the Nike Kinect. I really kinda hate that workout- only because I really can't modify the things I can't do. And I don't seem to be getting better at a lot of them. So that's why it took me months and months. I finally just decided I needed to get it over with. The crazy thing is I only had a week and a half. So I finished it up...and now I'm done and on to a completely different program.

I didn't take measurement before hand- and they would be a waste since there was such a big break in between, but it's done.

And now I'm moving on to The Biggest Loser. This one is more manageable-although boring. Which is why I'm only doing it four times a week for less than 20 minutes. I did about two before I took off on vacation. Followed up with 20 minutes of Zumba. Not so bad. I can dig it. So for at least 4 days a week I know I will be working out for 35 minutes. And I would like to add walking on the weekends. That way I get my sun in!

I'm shooting to lose 12 pounds this summer. My lying scale tried to tell me I was already down 8 pounds. I guess all that walking in Vegas and trying not to eat so much junk in the restaurants. I really missed my kitchen! Except a little pastry shop they had in the hotel we stayed out.

I got a strawberry one...and a creme brulee. But the strawberry was my fave! One day...I will learn to make these! 

I really shouldn't be talking about them on a working out post though...ahh well!

Anyway, I guess I will be updating in about 4 weeks! Wish me luck!

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Fitness Update: My Fitness Coach Program Complete

It has actually been almost a week since I finished the program. Well, not really a true program. Just about fifty or so workouts. It doesn't have a true time limit. Your'e just supposed to stick with the program everyday for the rest of your life. But I need variety. Cause variety is the spice of life!

The program features different workouts that focus on flexibility, yoga, upper body, lower body, and core. I just rotated them all evenly. You can also pick the time ranging from 15 minutes to over and hour and a half. I mostly chose the 15 minutes, occasionally the 30 minute because those fifteen minutes could be grueling. Then I would pop something like Just Dance in to burn additional calories. 

The yoga was especially challenging and that's definitely where I improved the most. I would use things like a step bench, stability ball, and hand weights. They do have different location backgrounds and music. But they all kind of...suck. I prefer my own music. But if you must listen to it, the house music was the best. 

The exercises aren't very easy to follow. She doesn't really explain them very well. And sometimes it's hard to imitate a move and keep your eyes on the screen at the same time. I had to use outside sources to check yoga poses because I definitely was not doing them right. 

It's an old game. But it could definitely use a lot of improvement. 

The best thing about it is the variety. You don't do the same moves everyday. It's enough variety to keep me occupied for about a month or two.

I didn't lose a pound (in fact i probably gained). But that's my fault. I've been eating turnovers. Apple Turnovers,  Strawberry and Cream turnovers in homemade puff pastry dough made with lots and lots of real BUTTER. So yeah. 

But that's OK. I definitely got a little more fit, a bit more flexible, and gave my heart a good workout. 

My total on the game is 60 workouts. Next time it comes around I think I will go exclusively for 30 minute workouts and complete about forty. 

NIKE Kinect workout program coming up next. Think I'll start next week!

New Workout Program: My Fitness Coach

I've been doing a horrible job of working out. I've been playing Zumba every now and again but there is no substitute for squats and picking up the hand weights. I usually start a new program every couple weeks because I rotate exercise games. It was time to pick up Nike Kinect again, which is a hard program. I really just did not want to do it. So I put it off, and put it off some more. Then the Wii was found. Yes, I still like playing the original Wii!  But it had been lost in the move for over a year. 

Now that its found I thought I would do four weeks of My Fitness Coach. It uses hand weights, a stepper, and a stability ball. All optional, depending on if you have the equipment. I had done about 7 workouts on the game previously. It's mostly like a personalized workout DVD that picks workout based on your fitness level, but it's a lot better because the exercise varies everyday. Plus they have different categories you can select based on what you want to do that day. They have Cardio, Yoga, Upper Body, Lower Body, and flexibility. And you can pick your time, 15, 30, 45 minutes etc

I've already started and done 3 workouts. And I am feeling it. But glad to be really working out again. 

I haven't taken measurements or gotten on the scale in a long time. I might need to do that one of these mornings. I'll definitely update once I've finished the program. Wish me luck!

Your Shape Fitness Evolved Toning Program Complete

It's been a long time since I've done one of these. But I went traveling at the end of December and wasn't really getting my workout in. About three days ago I popped my Your Shape in and got to it. About three routines later, I finished the program.

I am so happy to be done because it's probably the game that I procrastinate the most on. It's a toning program and I was thinking it would have full body toning but nope! You basically only work your legs. My legs are very chunky- but now they are very strong. And that's from various workouts but this hasn't hurt. I struggled for days trying to do the single leg squat and it wasn't until I did a bunch of squats and lunges that I was able to complete that portion.

One thing I hate about it is if you can't do a specific exercise, you repeat and repeat and repeat. Which can cut motivation down very quickly. It made me dread the game even more than usual.

I haven't been on the scale because my eating habits have been horrible....I'm still hoping I haven't gained. But I KNOW I haven't lost anything.

The last time I played I was at 9284 calories burned. That number is now 13799. Not bad!

Next time I pick up this game I will be doing the sculpting program. Hopefully that works out a little better. I will probably start a new program next week. In the meantime I will be getting some cardio in with Zumba and the treadmill.

Wish me luck!

New Workout Program: Your Shape Fitness Evolved Toning Program

Two weeks later and I'm finally starting a new program. I would have started sooner but I ended up getting sick. So I took about a week and a half off. Then when I started feeling better I just did some Cardio by playing Just Dance. But of course, I don't want any of that muscle I worked so hard to build to just disappear so I started the toning program. 

I only started yesterday. I did two blocks and pulled a muscle almost immediately. But I went ahead and finished out two blocks.  Which is about twenty minutes. I've noticed that since I last did a block I'm able to successfully complete the single leg squats about 60% better than what I was doing before. 

I'm not sure how long the program is because it's basically a mystery. The game doesn't tell you. I advanced previously to the advanced level pretty quickly. But it can go on for weeks and weeks. I'm just going to stick with 2-3 five days a week. And I'm skipping today and just doing a Zumba routine.   

I'm kind of disappointed already though, because this program only seems to focus on toning the legs. It completely neglects all other parts of the body. Not sure why they developed it that way, but I'll have to pick up the weights and try to work my arms when I'm watching TV or something.

All in all, I'm already ready to be done with the program- but I shall persevere and will update whenever I am finished.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! The last time I was on the scale I had lost two pounds which gives me a 15 pound total. Now if I can lose another 9 pounds in the next couple of months I will be deliriously happy! Maybe by the end of January? We shall see!

Wish me luck!!

Workout Program Complete Harley Pasternak for XBOX

 I changed up my blog a little bit, it's been looking the same for the past two years-maybe longer. And I decided it was time for a change. I wish I new more about web design...but at the moment that's the best I can do. I'm pretty happy with it though! 

Anyway, this post is about another program...complete! This is the second program I've completed on this game. Instead of light body toning, I chose red carpet ready. It's pretty much the same thing but the reps are a bit higher. This program definitely kept challenging my body but at the same time I could feel my body getting stronger and I had to up the weights I was using for some exercise. 

That being said, my hamstrings and just my legs in general are looking great! Less dimples...and they just look stronger. The back of my thighs (hamstrings) have really tightened up. And my biceps feel so much bigger and are definitely stronger. I'm really liking the way my arms are looking- although I still have a lot more work to do. You work on your abs pretty much every workout....I'm not sure I notice a difference there. I was able to do more ab work without being totally exhausted, I just don't see the results. But that's fine! 

I managed to complete all 25 workouts. You work out 25 minutes a day, five days a week, for five weeks. I made every single workout! 

I'm really happy I completed the program. And I'm ready to move on to another game. While I love the results I hate how repetitive the workouts are. He says the same things over and over again and you do the same things week after week. Not one new exercise. Even the warm ups and cool downs are the exact same. 

I did get on the scale a couple weeks ago. I only get on it every so often because I don't want to focus on the numbers. I want to focus on becoming more fit. I did lose two pounds though so now I'm down 13 pounds since July 2014. 

Not bad. 

I'm going to take a week to do Zumba, Just dance, and Dance Central, then I'll start the toning program from my Your Shape Fitness game. Wish me luck!

New Workout Program: Harley Pasternak for XBOX

I have started yet another workout program. And hopefully I will see some results! The last time I did this program I lost 3 inches off of my body but I seem to be at a standstill.

I should probably up my protein intake. I know I'm not getting enough but I'm not sure what to eat to fix it. I refuse to drink protein shakes- most of them have unsavory additives. Plus I would rather eat real food than take some sort of supplement.

I eat way more veggies that I used to...I could probably still eat more, but veggies are expensive!

I still drink a ton of water, rarely drink juice, and I drink a lot of unsweetened green tea.

I've already completed three out of five of the workouts. I was expecting something different from the light program. I chose medium this time and it's kind of the exact same thing-maybe higher reps. 

The workout is not very difficult...probably because there isn't a lot of cardio. You warm up with a bit of cardio, then work your arms, abs, and legs for three sets. Then some cool down cardio. Actually the cool down cardio isn't that relaxing. And I really wish it had a stretching segment because if it's not included I tend not to do it.

I'm already sore, pretty much every except my legs. Overall, I'm enjoying the twenty five minute workouts. Actually, I think I'm just starting to enjoy workout out.

I'll report back once I've completed the program. Hopefully I'll have lost an inch or so!

The Biggest Loser: Program Complete

Another four weeks have passed and I have finished another program. And a book (A Feast for Crows-Game of Thrones). At times I loved and hated the program....much like the book. If you watch the show and dislike Cersei, she's even less likable in the book, but her chapters were the only ones I actually liked from the book- besides Arya, Alayne/Sansa, and Jamie. 

Anyway, let me stop getting sidetracked and tell you about this program. 

It was four weeks. The first week I did six days a week...and the last three were 5 days a week. My sessions were 30 minutes and included box fit, yoga, and circuit training.

I like the yoga...it's probably my favorite and I definitely noticed improvement from session to session. I also love the box fit, it tones your arms. The circuit training is something that I used to absolutely hate. Now depending on how I feel that day, I really love it- or I wish I hadn't started it.

I didn't lose any weight...well maybe a pound but I'm sure I gained it back because I was eating a little junk food every now and again. I did tone up some muscles. Underneath the chubbiness my muscles feel rock hard. Awhile ago I used to talk this guy that had really really nice arms. Well, his whole body was pretty nice. I loved to touch his arms....although I used to control myself because I didn't want to come across as a complete creeper. Anyway, my muscles kind of feel like his (underneath the chubs)!

And my legs...I have a new muscle popping out that was never there before.

And I improved my stamina on a couple of the exercises.

One thing I should mention, this game makes a different part of your body sore every week. My workouts were supposed to focus on the core but to be honest I feel I worked every area EXCEPT for my core.

I'm quite proud of myself and will be starting another program next week (Harley Pasternak for XBOX). Wish me luck!

Nike+Kinect Second Program Complete

On Monday I completed my second Nike+Kinect program. It was kind of a surprise because I thought I had two more sessions but I definitely completed it. I'm not complaining though because I kind of hate it.

I took my measurements before I started the program and I didn't really lose much if anything.  I'm not sure about weight because I'm not getting on the scale for awhile. 

That being said for not really getting much in terms of results I did work pretty hard. The first week I did five sessions but because it puts a lot of stress on my joints I had to knock it down to three sessions per week and do other workouts the rest of the week.

I really hate that it never adjusts to exercises I can't do. Such as burpees...or mountain climbers in the correct way. It won't substitute anything if you absolutely cannot do the exercise. And the warm up is ...too much. I say that because one of the warm up exerices is hopping on a square on one foot. Way to much stress on my joints. But that's not necessarily going to be true for everyone.

I do love the technology that it includes. 

But I hate that you pretty much do the SAME exercise from program to program. It gets very repetitive very fast.

That being said I have improved my "athleticism" with this game. And it does give your heart a good workout because it really get's your heart rate up there!

I'll probably do it again....one of these days but I'm not looking forward to it. Net week I plan on starting The Biggest Loser game I have and see what that one does for me. I think this will be my third program I've started but I never stick with it. 

Fitness Update

I started a new program nearly three weeks ago...

Before I started the program I took my measurements but not my weight. I started off trying to do the program five times a week and met my goal the first week. By the time the second came around I had to cut it down to three times a week. It's just way too hard on my joints unfortunately! I do other things to get a little cardio in like play a dancing game etc.

It's definitely the hardest workout I own...but I'll talk about all of that once I actually complete the program. 

The good news is that I did find the scale and I lost 8 pounds. I don't know exactly when because I haven't been on the scale in forever.  My total weight loss is 11 pounds. I'm pretty excited about that! 

Anyway just thought I should update that...hopefully it encourages me to keep going! 

Your Shape Fitness Evolved Cardio Program Complete

Two fitness posts in a row...why not? I have had this game for a while now and have burned almost 10,000 calories on it. Go me!

I rotate my games often...which is why I haven't played this one as much! 

Basically you take the test and based on your fitness evaluation it flags personal training programs that can help you reach your goal. The first one I chose was a Michelle Bridges routine....and after a couple months completed it. I don't remember much about it (except it was boring) so maybe one day I will do it again and do a review.

Second time around I chose the cardio program. There are three different levels. I started out as a beginner....and eventually progressed to the advanced. The problem is there is no measurement for when you hit the next level. It just seems to happen randomly which isn't very motivating to me. I like to know I have to do beginner for 6 sessions and move on and so on and so forth.

The next problem is that it is very boring. It picks two exercises like the leg curl or side step and you repeat the same exercise 5 more times on the advanced level and 3 more times at beginner. 

Another thing I thought I would be doing a bunch of different exercise but it basically has about four routines....of the exact same exercise.

The good news..it's exhausting. I would do about three sets and be complete exhausted. The cardio program also builds quite a bit of muscle. The moves aren't pure cardio...it has you squatting and lunging all over the place. Not much upper body workout though. 

It does have a calorie count that's not the most accurate. Sometimes I burned a lot more...sometimes I burned a lot less.

At the end of the program- which I did sporadically. It was so boring I could only tolerate it about once a week and I definitely would abandon it for long periods at a time, my leg muscles are stronger and solid. I can do more of the cardio routine and take much less breaks. 

I found this vid on youtube in case you are curious what it ends up looking like.

It's not a program I would be eager to try out again. There are a couple more programs I am interested to try out. I think I will start on the toning program next just to see what it offers in terms of that. Plus the more muscle you build the more calories you are burning, even at rest.

I Work Out!

High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Stroke, Colon Cancer, Diabetes.

Pretty scary, huh? These are all a part of my family history. And I don't want any of it. So I've been trying to make lifestyle changes.I've been pretty good with the working out for awhile now. And slowly but surely changing some of my diet.

I already switched to wheat instead of white on most of my food choices. I drink a ton of water....and now when I drink tea I rarely add sugar. And I hardly ever drink juice. Maybe once a month-if that!

And I've been logging my calories for the last 149 days. I use my fitness pal and if you want to add me my user name is roxstar201289. We can encourage each other.

I do need to up my vegetable intake and I am currency working on it. One step at a time. I love fruit though so I eat a ton of it! Probably more than I should.....

 But like I said, I have been upping the workout. I have a drawer full of fitness games that I love playing but lately I've been wanting to switch it up a little bit. So now in addition to the fitness games I've been picking a workout on youtube to do!

The have some great workouts and best of all-completely free. I've tried pilates, yoga, african dance, bollywood, and they have many more to choose from! I think I'm going to try Tae Bo next.That looks like fun. 

In order for me to stick with something I need a lot of variety...I still do my fitness games because it's more interactive...and I do have a lot of variety but sometimes you want to try something completely different.

I only do resistance training once a week- I really need to do more but I hate resistance training! You ever noticed the people with the best bodies weight train- a lot? 

 One big mistake I was making was not stretching afterward. My "games" don't tend to have a stretching portion so I tend to skip out on it..but since my muscles have been tight I found a nice stretching routine on youtube that really helps out. Which reminded me I really need to work on my flexibility.....

Some changes I've noticed? I have muscles in my legs. My legs are SUPER chunky....but I've noticed a change in the muscles and how they feel! My arms too...still flabby on the bottom but more toned overall. It's crazy!! 

Anyway, I'm going to continue on with the working out and hopefully update a little more often-maybe give some reviews on the different games I use.

Stay Healthy! 

Tea Time: Teavana CocoCaramel Sea Salt

Not so long ago I posted a huge haul with all the stuff I got from Teavana.

I finished up the Slimful Chocolate Decadence Oolong Tea (it was ok with milk and sugar) and was very eager to open up another.

Teavana says:

This chocolatier-inspired infusion combines the distinct tastes of sweet and salty. Buttery caramel, decadent chocolate, a hint of cream and a light sprinkling of sea salt satisfies any craving. 

A lusciously creamy blend of caramel and chocolate with a hint of sea salt

Somehow I chose another Chocolate one. In fact they look pretty similar. The Coconut piece look very similar and when I first opened them they smelled very similar. I really didn't like the smell...but as it mellowed out it smells a lot better now. Kinda like dark chocolate.

I was disappointed to find that the ingredients from last year differed a lot from the ingredients last year. I saw someone had pistachios in it before. Bummer!

So brewed it according to instructions and got prepared to taste melty chocolate, with ooey gooey caramel, and just when you fall in love with the sweet, a bit of salty hits you. At least that's what it would taste like in my mind. 

First thing thing I noticed was the murky brown oily water. Not very appetizing but I could forgive if it tasted good. 

Which it didn't. It's tastes like licorice...with some faint chocolate. I hate licorice. So I really didn't like this. In fact, I brewed up a lot for my mom-who did like it. I still have a little bit left. The only think I like about it is the fact that it makes me not want to eat anything. It kills my appetite because of the licorice.

I find sometimes I can salvage a tea by adding sweetener  but it doesn't really help.

In case you do like it, it's not a tea that goes far. It loses flavor quickly so you won't be rebreeding the tea and since it's quite heavy you don't get as much as you would a lighter tea so it disappears quickly.

The ingredients are..interesting. It has red pepper and when it brews you actually see rehydrated red peppers in it. Theres no actual tea in it, which I miss because I like the taste of tea plus all the supposed benefits that go along with drinking it.

Ingredients:

Cocoa kernels, carob pieces, chocolate flakes (sugar, cocoa mass, cocoa powder), coconut chips, liquorice root, anise seeds, artificial flavoring, marigold petals, red bell pepper, sea salt CONTAINS COCONUT AND MILK

Overall, not for me. I'll be opening up the Pumpkin Spice Brûlée Next! Hopefully that doesn't disappoint.