Little Woods Blog

Category: Shop News

  • March Tea Passport Subscription Preview

    March Tea Passport Subscription Preview

    March Tea Passport Box

    This collection is everything you need to welcome in Spring. Saturday, March 20 is the Spring Equinox and brings with it the promise of warmer days, green things, and time outside in the sun. Here in Iowa we’ve been cooped up all winter, eating heavy foods, and maybe endulging in a bit too much of everything we tend to endulge in.

    Pre-order the March Box

    Bright Eyes Black Tea – Lovely iced or hot and a fresh citrus pop to wake you up and energize your body.

    Spring Equiox Green Tea – a fusion of a traditional herbalist spring tonic with our sencha.

    Mint Tonic – another traditional herbalist spring/summer tonic. Drink daily for the lovely favor, enjoy the nurishing nature of nettles.

    What are people are saying about the Tea Subscription?

    I love all the cozy touches to this box. I’m so looking forward to this monthly treat.

    Emily Crawford-Margison Sep 8, 2020 | 5 out of 5 stars    

    Perfect Gift for any occasion.

    ashleymrieves1 Jan 19, 2021 | 5 out of 5 stars 

    About the Little Woods Tea Passport Subscription

    Each month three teas (about 8-10 cups of each) are selected by the blending team at Little Woods to match the seasons. A hand-crafted tea passport accompanies your very first box welcoming you on your journey with new pages to add each month. You’ll learn the origin of the blend, how to brew it, caffeine level, and a space for your tasting notes.

    • Bonus samples in each box of our other spice blends and single origin teas
    • We never repeat a tea within the same year.
    • Guaranteed one caffeine free option each month for evening sips.
    • Hand-crafted passport included with first box and additional pages to add each month.
    • All natural artisan tea and tisane blends with no oils, additives, or fillers.
    Start your Tea Adventure today

  • June Latest News and Summer Sale

    June Latest News and Summer Sale

    We wanted to check in and let you know all the latest news about the shop: re-opening, curbside pick up, and upcoming events!

    Shipping deadline is June 16th. 
    Local pick up deadline is June 19. 
    MORE INFO

    TODAY IS (unofficially) ICED TEA DAY!

    Summer is here and it’s time for our favorite summer teas… including Summer Solstice Black Tea! Celebrate it’s debut & International Iced Tea Day with all our favorite summer teas for cold brewing and icing! Get 20% off all our summer favorites now through the longest day of the northern hemisphere’s year (June 20th).
    SHOP THE SALE

    Shop Opening Updates

    Curbside Pickup Hours Expanded
    This month we are excited to welcome new and existing staff to the shop. Our curbside hours have now expanded to afternoon hours:

    • Saturday 10am – 2pm.
    • Monday – Friday 10am – 1pm/3-6pm

    Need something quick? The best way is to call during our pick up hours and see if we have it on hand. Our shop number is 515-233-3838. 

    Our schedule is still in flux and sometime we do have to step out to run an errand. If you are making a special trip to pick up, please call the shop to double check we are there. It’s rare, but it seems like some kind of jinx that anytime I step out of the shop, that’s when someone comes to pick up.

    Phone Outage
    This was a surprise. Our phone has been on the fritz for, not sure how long. While it is ringing again, we are still having issues with voicemail. If you need to get ahold of us outside of our posted curbside hours, please email us.

    To go Tea Service Coming Soon
    We are all working hard to make this happen, but we don’t have an exact date… yet. But it’s coming soon. Like this month.

    We have a few things to check off our list before we can open the doors for tea service, all of them good and we can’t wait to share them with you. ORDER TODAY

    Little Woods Herbs & Teas
    136 Main Street, Ames, IA, 50010

  • Thanksgiving Weekend Sales

    Thanksgiving Weekend Sales

    That’s right, it’s that time of year! Thanksgiving weekend sales are here starting today. Online that is. Now through Monday you can get 25% off all our seasonal autumn tea and spice blends! Here’s the breakdown of what’s going on when. We have some in shop only specials and some online only specials for our out of town friends.

    Also be watching your inbox because if you are on our enews list before thanksgiving dinner is over, I’m sending out a nice coupon for an additional $10 off a $40 or more purchase (limit one per shipping address).

    Thanksgiving Day

    Black (tea) Friday

    • 25% off all seasonal teas and spices
    • 25% off all 2018 labeled spices & tea tins (in store only)
    • Debut of our Elderberry Syrup Kits in store
    • Debut of our Dafu Workshop Cast Iron Tea Kettles – that’s right they are heat safe and induction friendly!
    • Open 9am – 7pm

    Small Business Saturday

    • 25% off all seasonal teas and spices
    • 25% off all 2018 labeled spices & tea tins (in store only)
    • Free brewed tea with the purchase of a gift set (in store only)
    • Open 9am – 7pm

    Sunday

    • 25% off all seasonal teas and spices
    • 25% off all 2018 labeled spices & tea tins (in store only)
    • Open 12pm – 5pm

    Cyber Monday

    • 10% off all bulk botanicals
    • 20% off all tea and spice blends
    • 30% off all seasonal tea and spice blends (if there’s any left!)
    • Live in Ames? join in the online sale and pick up in the shop to get free shipping, please wait for email confirmation that your order is ready to pick up or provide phone number in the comments if you’d like a call when it’s ready to pick up.

    While supplies last, no rain checks, backorders, or waitlists. We’ll be listing things out of stock as quickly as they go. Please allow 2-3 business days for fulfillment of all online orders. If ordering for local pick up, please wait for confirmation email that your order is ready to pick up.

  • Recipe: Spiced Mulled Cider

    Recipe: Spiced Mulled Cider

    Every autumn I look forward to a drink that is second only to tea: Spiced Cider! And living in Iowa we have quite a few apple orchards that sell their own delish locally grown apple cider so I have ample supply. There may be a few gallons that even make their way into my deep freeze to take out well past apple season.

    Since I was a kid I’ve loved it steamy and spiced. So after we opened the shop it only took one apple picking season for me to get on formulated my own special blend of herbalism inspired mulling spices.

    Spiced Cider by the Cup

    1. Put apple cider and mulling spice (loose if you have a strainer, or in an infuser if that is your preference) into a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer.
    2. Let steep 5-10 minutes, for a stronger spiced flavor, simmer for 5 minutes.
    3. Strain into cup through a culinary strainer, or if you used an infuser to hold the spices, remove T-sac and pour into cup.
    4. Add a garnish of a cinnamon stick and/or a slice of apple.

    By the gallon: 1/2oz per 1 gallon of cider. Use a laddle to serve.

  • Refreshing Summer Tea Blends

    Refreshing Summer Tea Blends

    There is nothing quite like iced tea to refresh your body during the hottest of summer months. But don’t let yourself be limited to just tea. We’ve found many botanicals that are naturally caffeine free, delicious, and can be enjoyed as iced tea or made into a simple syrup and served like an italian soda.

    icedtea-pour

    When thinking about what makes a good iced brew, think about tart and refreshing flavors – like lemonade. We love our Bright Eyes collection of teas for just that reason. You can get it with Black Tea, Yerba Mate, or as just the straight Herbal Blend.  Cerise Citron is our Coffee Cherry Tea Lemongrass Blend. Lemongrass just by itself is also one of my favorite summer drinks. Sometimes simple is the perfect thing.

    Straight Hibiscus makes an amazing cold brew beverage and the color is a complete show stopper. There are several restaurants in town that have been using our hibiscus to make a simple syrup for cocktails and mocktails. An excellent idea that opens up a ton of options. Don’t be afraid to use tea blends for a simple syrup. Many delish cocktails have been made with our Namaste blend.

    icedtea-ontray-withplant

    Mint tea is another summer classic. Mint is fun because if I drink it hot, it will actually make me sweat, but served ice, I’m instantly cold as a cucumber. Which brings another great point. Adding slices of cucumber, lemon, or sprigs of basil or mints from the garden can bring another wonderful diamention to your summer drink selection.

    I love our Eloise Mint or Moroccan Mint Green Tea with a sprig of chocolate mint in it. It’s a fun variety I grow every year in my garden here in Iowa.

    For all our summer tea and botancial brew favorites, visit our online store. We ship quick, daily, and shipping is free for any order over $50.

    Not sure how to make iced tea out of loose leaf tea? Download our printable that shows you all the tips and tricks we’ve come up with serving iced tea at the tea bar.

    icedtea-cupgallon-web

    Until Next Time!
    Kristin M Roach

  • Little Woods’ Shop Third Anniversary

    Little Woods’ Shop Third Anniversary

    Three years. Wow. That’s first big milestone right? We are so excited to be celebrating Little Woods’ third birthday. Join us on Saturday, April 27th from 3-5pm (details below).

    IMG_1302
    from our two year anniversary in 2018

    Not everyone knows this, but Jason and I have dreamed of owning a tea shop on “a main street like the one in Ames” since we were 21 years old. That was the year he brought me back a suitcase of tea from China and we had that “wouldn’t that be neat” someday-maybe-chat. We joked it was our “retirement plan”. Well, I guess I’m retired, ha!

    Here’s a fun look at our shop pre-remodel. I don’t think I’ve ever shared this photo.

    2016-01-31 16.22.43
    BEFORE – One of our first days after signing the lease before we started to remodel. Oh that red brick wall, took about 5 coats of paint after priming it. And Jason single handedly took up that floor and laid our new one. That’s Andrea Mauton by the door with Lucy (Jason and I’s daughter, aged 2) and her son Kryztof (aged 3). The kids have literally grown up at the shop.

    After

    littlewoods-shop03hi

    littlewoods-shop02hi

    storefront-1
    This was the mock up I made in photoshop of what our signage might look like. I think I made about 20 versions before I settled on this font/layout at about 2am and sent it off to the printers.

    We blitz DIY’d our way through remodeling the space, plumbing was the only thing we hired out. A friend came and helped me build the tea bar by converting the counters we purchased from the previous renter (her husband custom built them for her). Within two months of renting the space we opened. At the time it seemed like forever, but now I know that’s a crazy short turn around for opening a brand new from scratch business.

    Some highlights from the last three years.

    So, what’s the new thing we are adding this year? It’s been something that’s been in the works since last fall… new packaging for all our blends! We are so excited to have partnered up with Rippke Design in developing new labels for our teas! They are stunning and highlight the quality blends contained within.

    littlewoods3birthday-website

    Little Woods’ Birthday Party

    • Saturday, April 27th, 2019
    • All day, but tea treats and games from 3-5pm
    • 136 Main Street, Ames, Iowa

    Starting at 9am

    • First 20 people to visit the shop will get a free sample of bulk Spring Equinox.
    • Secret prizes based on a super secret list (aka first person to buy a tea latte will get a sample size of bulk chai to take home)
    • Tea samples of the original 8 teas we debuted at the farmer’s market
    • 20% off the original eight Little Woods Blends

    From 3-5pm

    • Meet the Little Woods family
    • First 20 people to visit the shop will get a free sample of bulk Spring Equinox.
    • Complimentary tea treats to enjoy with your tea.
    • 4pm: First annual Tea & Little Woods Triva!

    See you soon!

  • Little Woods Gallery: Winter Wonderland

    Little Woods Gallery: Winter Wonderland

    intothewoodland-poster.png

    This winter the owner of Little Woods, Kristin M Roach, took a trip into her favorite woods and emerged with a new collections of works. We are pleased to debut her first public exhibition of her photographic work. Traditionally Kristin’s works use multimedia methods based in line to create emersive environments. While these photographs may be two dimentional in nature, she has successfully transformed the apothecary into a winter wonderland.

    “I enter the woods. To forage. To draw. To walk. To find myself. Into the Woodland is the debut of my first photographic series of these wanderings. The first collection of works is focused around the winter season.”

    Enjoy the exhibition until mid April 21st, after which we will rotate the works out for our Junkmail Migration Collection. 

    All framed works are for sale and prints are available to order a la carte in the shop.

    To view the full collection online, visit Kristin’s portfolio website KristinMRoach.com.

  • Debuting Little Woods Tea Catering

    Debuting Little Woods Tea Catering

    Little Woods is happy to announce the official launch of Little Woods Catering! We are now taking orders and reservations for brewed tea service for all sized groups and events. Whether you want to indulge your next book club, delight your baby shower guests, or thrill your wedding party of 100 with tea from Little Woods, we’ve got you covered. Our main goal is to provide every guest with a delicious cup of tea.


    Tea Catering Pick Up Menu

    Little Woods Catering Servings Price Cups Addon
    Insulated Tea Carafe
    1.25 liters / 42oz    		 5-6 servings $12.50 $3 add on
    Insulted Airpot
    3 liters / 100 oz    		 10-12 servings $20.00 $5 add on
    Insulated Dispenser
    5 gallons/ 640oz    		 80-90 servings $85.00 $20 add on
    Milk, sweetener & stirs
    (dairy or dairy free)    		 quart $4.00
    Honey Bear $5.50
    Snack Cups $1/per serving — choose from your shop favorites:
    Nori Maki, Stam Oublies, Chocolate Covered Ginger, Chocolate Covered Lemon Peel, Sea Salt Chocolate Almonds & Apricot

    _______________________________

    Note: special pricing applies for premium teas (aka Silver needle, pu’erh, Dark ‘n’ Lush, etc). Please note which premium tea you are interested in and we will send you a quote.

    Be green! Please note: to reduce waste, we do not offer disposable tea boxes. All tea is brewed into reusable insulated servers. We also encourage our tea customers to use their own mugs whenever possible instead of paper cups.

    Tea Catering Request Form

    Please fill out our catering form to tell us about your tea catering needs, and we will get back to you soon to coordinate your service. Thank you for supporting your local artisan tea shop!

    [contact-form to=”info@littlewoodsherbal.com” subject=”Tea Catering Inquiry”][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Phone” type=”text” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Group Size” type=”text” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Event Type” type=”text” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Date of event” type=”date” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Notes” type=”text”][/contact-form]

    Pickup and drop off only, and a refundable deposit for supplies will apply. To inquire on availability, please fill out the form above. If you’re looking for a next-day pickup, the best way to reach a Little Woods is to call them directly at 515-233-3838.

    Catering cancellation policy: Unless otherwise communicated, confirmed catering orders will be charged the full service fee if not canceled at least 48 hours before the event. Beyond that, orders canceled within 5 business days will be charged 50%, at least 5 business days notice is required for a full refund.

  • Holiday Happenings at the Shop

    Holiday Happenings at the Shop

    holidayopenhouse-fb

    Every holiday season Little Woods gets into the spirit with a mix of live music, social fun, tea sampling, and -of course- sales! Here are all the fun things happening around our shop in Downtown Ames, Iowa. Any sale discounts will also be reflected online. Go to the bottom of the list for holiday special hours and closures too. Happy Holidays!

    Mingle on Main
    Thursday Evenings thru Christmas, 5 – 7pm
    Free brewed tea w/ Tea Tin Purchase

    Holiday Tunes & Tea
    Sat. Nov 24, Dec 8, Dec 15, 11am – 1pm
    Live piano with Elizabeth Zimmerman
    Add Holiday Tea & Tunes to your Facebook Event Calendar.

    Black Tea Friday Sale
    Friday, Nov. 23, 9am – 7pm
    All black tea 20% off

    Small Business Saturday Sale
    Saturday, Nov. 24, 9am – 7pm
    All Tea Blends 20% off
    Stocking Stuffer Sale: 2 for $6
    prepackaged tea blend samples.

    Holiday Open House
    Saturday, Dec. 1, 1 – 4pm
    Stocking Stuffer Sale
    Holiday Tea Debut
    Tea of the Month Release
    Meet the Little Woods Family
    10% off EVERYTHING
    Add Little Woods’s Open House to your Facebook Event Calendar.

    Christmas Eve Tea & Cookies
    Monday, Dec. 24, 10am – 2pm
    Stop by for Complimentary Tea and Cookies with the Little Woods Family

    Holiday Special Hours
    Thanksgiving Eve: 9am – 4pm
    Thanksgiving: Closed
    Christmas eve: 10am – 2pm
    Closed Dec. 25 & 26
    Closed Jan. 1, 2019

  • Tea Debut: Oasis & Cerise Citron

    Tea Debut: Oasis & Cerise Citron

    On Friday in the shop, we stocked the shelves with our two newest blends. Andrea and I were both smitten with coffee cherry tea and quickly envisioned blends that would play off its earthy cherry notes.

    oasis11web

    Oasis is a delicious combination of coffee cherry tea (cascara) by coffee flour, coconut flakes, elder berries, and indian sarsaparilla. The elder berries add a depth of flavor and round out the bright cherry note. When hot, the steamy scent of the coconut flakes carry you into the tea and lingers on the tongue. The sarsaparilla lends a creamy vanilla quality to the entire mouth feel. It’s a warming cup of tea that take cream and sugar well or stands alone with ease.

    coffee-cherry-tea-on-tray_low

    cerise_citron-1

    Cerise Citron, “lemon cherry” en francais, was inspired by the tart side of the coffee cherry tea. A fresh lemongrass scent is layered with lemon balm and sumac – a surprising citrus flavor. The brewed cup ends with a twist of spices and non-traditional tea botanicals like galangal root and pink peppercorns. Not spicy, just a touch to open all the flavors. We love it iced and cold brewed with nitro on tap.

    STOPBY~1

    The first batch of both blends are small lots, but we’ve ordered in ingredients to blend more and have it on the blending schedule for late next week. If we run out, we’ll take back orders with everything shipping on the 20th. First come first serve for the time being. If you are local and aren’t sure when you can make it in and want to reserve some, order online and select local pick up.

    And remember, now through Sunday night, Coffee Cherry Tea, Cerise Citron, and Oasis are all on sale, 20% off.

    Until next time