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This was part of my fancy pants Christmas treat: a Marks & Spencer Christmas bundle with chocolate, tea, and shortbread in a Marks & Spencer reusable shopping bag (It’s weird, but that was almost my favorite part…one can never have too many tote bags).

I fished and twiddled online a bit, but M&S appears to be a little closehanded as to the type of tea in these bags, but my first thought as I sipped was, smo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-th! Not very philosophical, but apt: not a bit acidic, not heavily malty—as “medium” as you can get, but in the most refined and elegant way!

Well, Merry Christmas all, whether you’re pulling out all the celebrational stops or passing the day quietly—ours is leaning toward introspective and broody, and that’s OK. More time to rest, read, rock, and sip. (We did, however, hit the local Waffle House for breakfast this morning—it was busy, with all the wait staff in full blinky-light Rudolph regalia.)

The lovely and gracious ashmanra slipped a couple bags of this lovely tea into an envelope for me, and it was yesterday’s afternoon treat. I don’t see any notes about what kind of black tea is used for the base, but it’s beautifully balanced and smooth. Just enough rose for you to know it’s there; very elegant and understated. I steeped the cup in a plain old mug, but I’m sure a fancy teacup would’ve doubled the pleasure.

Found it in town—jingle my bells and mistle my toes! As Teeccino is a little pricey, I don’t usually break it out except for special occasions or sub-zero weather. Since it’s just chillish and damp, I’m calling “being able to find this without having to order it” a special occasion.

Never had it? The same coffee-like chicory base Teeccino has perfected, with enough cacao to make it taste like a bar of unsweet baking chocolate. With milk.

Yeah, we caved…just like half the metro population who weren’t at work today, we ran a couple of legitimate errands, then tootled about aimlessly, bemused at the traffic and the number of people still scrambling around shopping for no good reason. (I’m one to talk—I grabbed a handful of no-good-reason things, too.)

But a small dose of silver bells and crowds running home with their treasures is enough—it’s good to be back at our shabby house on Turkey Creek watching the cats sleep.

While doing so, I’m really relishing a cup of this chai adaptation by Twinings; a stray teabag that must have come from Christmas elves; I know I didn’t buy a box. The addition of apple gives it a spiced cider feel; mild and drinkable without milk.

After a pleasant recent experiment with chamomile and vanilla, a conversation on LibraryThing’s Tea group page mentioned cambric tea, which is really just warm milk with a nominal sploosh of tea in it.

Inspired by both, I threw a bag of Honey Vanilla Chamomile into a mug of milk and warmed it in the microwave. Sweet and gentle and tranquilizing enough I may not make it all the way through “Scrooge.” (The 1970 musical; Albert Finney and Alec Guiness; mandatory viewing at our house.) Wake me up in time for my favorite song from the whole thing, “Thank You Very Much.”

I don’t remember buying a box of this recently, but there’s a ton in the tea chest, so I’d best get to sipping. Nothing new to say about it, just cinnamon/vanilla goodness on a green/black base. Bigelow’s recommended steep time is just 2 minutes, but in this case, they know what they’re talking about—keeps the green tea from becoming obnoxious.

Tomorrow is Tea and Cocoa Day with my Sunday kiddos. Must remember to tuck in a few bags.

Part of a novelty trio from a friend that came in cute little corked glass test tubes. The entire assortment is called “Morning Tea Mix,” which surprises me a little because there’s nothing morning-y in this blend at all…lemongrass, lavender, and the like are nightcaps. However, the addition of redbush, oat, and grape elements give the blend a fruity, cereally base that’s a nice offset to the herby stuff. Enjoyed it greatly.

I don’t generally choose EG for myself; this sachet was a little trinket from a work friend, but a welcome one. I’m a silvertips fan, which is one of the base teas, all of which actually take some precedence over the bergamot. Made for a nifty little morning break!

Haven’t written about this one in (literally) years, but it’s a pantry staple at my house for medicinal purposes, whether it be stress, colds and flu, or a case of “just one more bite of Cheryl’s chocolate chiffon pie” at the work Christmas feast. (I’ll let you guess which one it is tonight.)

Other than that, comments from my very first review are still apropos:

… boy, this stuff will cure whatever ails ya because it’s:

An immuno-modulator that balances and improves the immune response of the body in fighting antigens (disease causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, microbes, allergens etc.) and maintaining health

I won’t get radiation poisoning either.

So here’s to good health, a better day tomorrow, and not glowing in the dark.

Know how little sample packets sent by friends get woodged down in the bottom of a container? I un-woodged this morning! I am a roo lover and this mix of sugary, boozy flavors blends in nicely. A previous note from Michelle mentions that this resembles butterscotch. Absolutely.