Teavana is Right

There's something so soothing about a good cup of tea. With its delicate flavors, comforting warmth, and mellow tenderness as it sits on your tongue, tea does wonders for the soul.

Most days, I drink coffee, needing energy to push me through when I'm running on fumes. And lattes and cappuccinos are my decadence when I want a rich treat.

But I've recently discovered truly superb tea. A new tea shop called Teavana just opened up in Santa Barbara. They have a wide selection (even better than the one at Vices & Spices--and the staff is more knowledgeable about the teas) of real quality teas, all loose-leaf and sold by the pound. They do free tastings, and I fell in love with the ones I tried. I picked up two blends. One is a blend of Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls and Rooibos Tropica. The combination has the fragrant undertones of jasmine, with hints of strawberry, citrus, and rose petals. The other blend is of Samurai Chai Mate and White Ayurvedic Chai. This more invigorating combination bursts with cinnamon, cloves, lemongrass and coconut. Both are amazing, perfect for a pick-me-up or a calm-me-down, depending on whatever suits your mood.

And so tea (like this really good tea I found) is something else altogether. It's like a warm blanket and a mother's touch for a tired heart. I brew a pot and let it steep in my pretty little glass teapot. I pour a cup and then take a sip, savoring the delicate herbal, floral and spicy tones. And my heart gives a little sigh.

Tea reminds me of rainy days and good books, of my grandmother and soft, wrinkly skin, of honey and lemon on a sore, scratchy throat. It feels feminine and lovely. Sophisticated and elegant. It feels like the perfect ending to a beloved story; a feeling like you've finally come home...to yourself.