Oh, lattes. Your frothy physique, roasted personality and mutable sweetness is just what this girl needs to get a day off to a pleasant start. Yet, my hankerings are slipping into the afternoon too. My light wallet can only take so much. And, my dear Nils can only sleep through so many A.M. sessions of steaming milk. Something must give.

My salvation rests in this humble post. In preparation for writing about holiday teas, I stalked Web sites for the latest and tastiest loose leaves. After the tins and sample bags strolled in from chilly travels, I resumed relishing the steamy water pour over fragrant blends, maybe followed by a splash of vanilla syrup, drizzle of honey or a spot of milk. Ceremonious calm. Nils slept soundly without interruption of steaming milk and its familiar alarm. My hankering for espresso inched toward the 3:00 P.M. hour rather than saluting me first thing in the morning. And, the best part? I was treating myself to lovely teas while also bringing the scoop to you. The best of both worlds? I'd say so. And, my calm, no-tap-tapping-the-day-away-leg agrees.

I either purchased or I requested samples of the following teas. In both instances, I selected these lovelies after scrunity of each company's offerings. After much tasting, I offer you my notes. (Also, when I'm through with my samples, I like to purchase dainty containers that I spruce up with labels and fill with the blends for my fellow tea enthusiasts.)

I also want to share that the pictures of Double Rooibos, Double Green and Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea were taken by my Lady. She and I have fallen in love with photography at the same moment in our lives. There is nothing like sharing a hobby with your mama. Normally, we could talk for hours about everything. Now, we send each other notes enclosing photos we've taken. We save photos on our cameras and click through each other's portfolios offering slight commentary and many compliments. She prefers to shoot her betta fish (she even expressed interest in my setting up a blog for her betta fish interests, gasp!), pets and wildlife. Over last weekend, however, she joined me in styling and shooting these teas. Isn't it wonderful when familial paths cross so unexpectedly?

Wakey, Wakey Teas

Kusmi Spicy Chocolate

A bold-bodied black tea flavored just right with dark chocolate (think, just-out-of-the-oven brownies with toasty edges), orange rind and a pinch of cinnamon.

The Republic of Tea Lucky Irish Breakfast
(Certified Kosher & Gluten-Free)

The quintessential morning brew---bold, brooding and most reliable when a quick sweep of sleepy residue is necessary.

Mid-Day Revival Teas

The Republic of Tea Jasmine Jazz
(Certified Kosher & Gluten-Free)

Offers an aromatic delight of Jasmine flowers and slight baby powder as well as clean green tea flavor and a floral finish.

Rishi Tea White Tea Rose Mélange

Seriously, is tea allowed to be this beautiful? I feel a sunken guilt each time I toss the leaves after brewing. Graceful rose, jasmine, mint and lemon season musky aromas and tastes.

Kusmi Tea Green St Petersburg

A very whiffable tea reminding me of sweet cherry pipe tobacco with a vegetal edge. Its medium body carries the heavy flavors of nuts, cherries, caramel and grass.

The Republic of Tea Organic Double Green Matcha Tea
(USDA Certified Organic, Certified Kosher & Gluten-Free)

A puff of Matcha (fine ground green tea powder) coats each bag. After a brief steep, the bits swirl around the fragrant brew of vegetal and grassy tea.

Calming Teas/Tisanes

Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea

Ever since my gal, Sierra, gifted me with a few bags of this tea, I haven't been the same. It's intense for a decaffeinated little bugger. Rich in peppermint and cinnamon aromas, it's like sipping a gazillion melted candy canes at once.

Rishi Tea Organic Jamaica Red Rooibos

I swear that energy is derived simply from the feisty citrus and berry aromas of this caffeine-free red tea. Hibiscus lends a tart hand while waltzing with blueberry, strawberry, cherry and schizandra berry.

The Republic of Tea Organic Red Rooibos Tea
(USDA Certified Organic, Certified Kosher & Gluten-Free)

Like it's green tea cousin, this tea blends leaves and ground powder of Rooibos, a South African herb. The musky aroma soothes as does each sip of the smooth, honeyed and slightly citrus brew.