So far I’ve created the “WellBody Ginger Green” for a local acupuncturist who wanted a decaf ginger and green tea blend.  Adding pineapple and mulberries to the mix takes the bite out of the ginger with a natural hint of sweetness.  I was recently asked to make a caffeinated version which has become the “Travelers Ginger Green”.

Another favorite is the Organic Honey “Show-Me” Rose, made with rose petals from a local farmer.  Sweet, delicate, and lovely.

Custom blends are made in small batches and will sometimes only be available seasonally, depending upon the ingredients.  Right now I’ve got some strawberries and mint calling for blending to create a taste of summer for a mid-winter pick-me-up.

As of Feb 2010, finally got Pumpkin Ginger Spice tea made from the pumpkins that I got from “Our Garden” farm in New Florence, MO.  Have had lots of compliments on it, and a few customers have made it their favorite.  It will only be around for as long as I have pumpkin to make it; then you will have to wait till next Fall to get more.

As promised, here are new photos now that I have tea in the shop!

View from entry door

Would you like to taste a sample?

So, that means Red Berries, Red Raspberry Rooibos, Chocolate Creme tea or rooibos….Cacao Chai! 

Also – Wed Evening Hours start on 2/10   Now open 4:30-8:00 pm

 I made out the entire posting last Sunday and then it disappeared in cyberspace when I lost my internet connection.  For some reason, this sort of thing has a tendency to dishearten me and I have to rebuild momentum to try again.

 So, the first somewhat significant snow we had was on Sunday 12/27, though I don’t think it was quite an inch when it finished.  Then we had slightly more snow on the following Wednesday 12/30.  Since it was a Wednesday, I could not get by the shop to actually measure it, as I said I was going to do.  Someone had guessed that day as the “snow day”.

 Since no one guessed any days in the week of Jan 4, when we got really measurable snow – I am awarding the prize of ½ oz of white tea of choice to April D., and the sampler of whites goes to Tom K.

 Come by the shop during our regular hours and pick up your tea!  (I will be emailing notices to you)

• Starting this weekend – Come in to the shop and tell us the day you think our shop in Maplewood will receive the first snowfall of at least 1”.  We will record your name and phone #/email address on a calendar in the shop.
• The person (or persons, in case of a tie) with the correct guess will win 1/2 oz of a White Tea of their choice (limited to varieties on hand – as of this posting we have 5 luscious choices – and will probably have more by the 1st snowfall!)
• All entrants will have their names entered into a drawing for a White Tea Sampler (Value of $15-20)

Clarifications:

In lieu of official measurement by a local meteorologist, snowfall measurement will be made in our front yard, using a standard ruler.

The cut-off for opportunities to record your prediction and win will be retroactive to the actual snowfall by 7 days.

 Special bonus offers (until 12/31/09):

• For $50 you get a card loaded with $60 value
• Purchase at least 3 cards with values of $30 or more and get a bonus card for yourself worth $10 or 10% of your purchase (whichever is more)

 AND

BE the FIRST Customer to PURCHASE a Gift Card ($20 or more) and you will receive your choice of FREE TEA or a coupon good for at least $5 off your next Traveling Tea purchase.

Thanks to Kristin for bringing the trio of 8 week old kittens looking for a home.  Wish I had a photo, but I think Elizabeth was going to post one on the Tenth Life site.

I wish I’d even thought to bring a camera so I could document all the comings and goings.  It was so much fun – meeting new people, catching up with old friends. 

I will take some photos of the shop this weekend, to show you how it’s filled in.  We took a count at one point and found we have more than 68 different varieties and blends of teas and tisanes (and I’ve got more coming in next week). 

The selection changes based on your requests, so keep your ideas and suggestions coming.  It makes the shop more interesting for everyone.  Look for another upcoming post for a new service – (thanks to Doug).

I had to get a temporary permit (30 days only) so I could put up a banner at least – so you can find us this weekend. Then, if I’m understanding correctly, I have to have a sign idea ready for city council meeting in less than 2 wks. All while I have to figure out shelving and best use of space, AND keep on top of my tea orders.

Of course, other seasoned business owners realize all of this. I’m VERY green – like my sencha!

So, we’re not doing fancy. It will be a lot like my booth at the market – but we’ll be dry and warm; and the best part is – I don’t have to wait till next Summer to see my regular customers.

3134 Sutton Blvd in Maplewood

The Kettle is on in Maplewood!!!

Come help us celebrate the Opening of Traveling Tea at the Wellness Center of Maplewood, 3134 Sutton Blvd. on October 31 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and November 1st from Noon to 4:00 pm.

Come Celebrate All Hallows Eve with us!

Join us to sample the wonderful teas and treats available from Traveling Tea.   And for a special treat, satisfy that brewing curiosity with a tea leaf reading by local psychic,  Loving Rose.

The Schedule:

From Noon-4 on both Saturday and Sunday we will have local psychic Loving Rose in to do Tea Leaf Readings.  The charge is $20 for a 15 minute reading. Purchase of a cup of tea is not required to get a reading.  If you’d like a cup of one of our tasty offerings for your Reading, you will get it for half the usual price.

We will be limited to 12 readings per day, so please call Kateri at 314-477-8516 for a pre-paid reservations to ensure your chance at a Reading.  Complimentary package of tea with your advance reservation!

A portion of the $20 fee for the tea reading will be donated to tenthlifecats.org, a local cat rescue organization that provides for special needs feline recovery and adoption.  Hopefully, a representative of Tenth Life will be on hand to share about the wonderful work they are doing.  We will at least have information available of some sort.

How did we choose Tenth Life?  Anita, who works with me in the Tower Grove Farmers Market booth on Saturdays, has been fostering one of their kitties until he finds a permanent home; and I love cats too.

Hope to see you there!

Wellness Center of Maplewood

Mere words cannot convey all I am feeling at taking this baby step (that feels like a giant leap) into creating a retail tea haven for you.  I will be able to offer on-the-spot tea samplings and group “Tea Tours” in a homey, nurturing atmosphere.

After I acquire appropriate furniture, individuals and small groups can have a cup of tea while they knit or read a book, or work on their thesis papers (or whatever!).

There is even a small deck and a patio area in back!  I am SO excited!!

We will open up on Halloween, special announcement to follow.   Though we are starting out bare bones (appropriate for Halloween), we will have some new tea flavors you haven’t seen in our booth yet, and lots of event ideas brewing!

Main space with nothing in it

Inside the shop, looking out