time for tea.

Starting my morning drives to work I often wonder what my choice will be between coffee and tea. Usually coffee wins, only because I need that morning wake up jolt to get myself in gear. Recently, I have come to enjoy and love the ritual of tea and its soothing, healing properties. In the same way people share conversation and laughter over a cup of coffee, tea drinkers have their traditions of 'afternoon tea' and much of the same. In the evenings I have been enjoying a cup of tea and have found that it is a good ending to my days ... a peaceful, uninterrupted time I can grab a book; read and sip, & it gives me a solution to my local honey collection that's been sitting in the cabinet :). The process of tea is what draws me in; first you have to boil your water (which takes time), then you have to steep your tea 3-5 minutes, wait for it to cool and then enjoy. Soething about taking a few minutes to sit and be silent and wait is calming. It's in those few minutes that my heart beat a little slower and my mind takes a break from running. Tea is good for all kinds of things ... and I learn something everyday. Some teas are recommended for cardiovascular health, weight loss, cognitive and bone health, and in general a prescription for good health. Take some time to get to know tea, give it a try!

new line from Republic Tea Co.

Republic of Tea is so good! No matter what I've gotten from them I have always enjoyed it. They know tea! 

We've recently started carrying more Rooibos tea from them with really nice, eye-catching labels and the tea is pre-bagged in a unique tea tin full of information and great descriptions as to what is in the tea. Which is really helpful especially if you are searching for one particular herb that isn't carried in bulk. This new tea line is geared towards getting you ready for your New Year's Resolution workout or replenish what you used after you are finished. They all have weight loss herbs in them and refreshing herbs to help recover. So encouraging and helpful! 

 We are carrying Get Hydrated, Get Restored, Get Burning, Get Active, and Get Limber ... 

What's in them ... I wondered the same thing, so let me tell you!

Get Hydrated- an organic green rooibos (naturally decaffeinated) mixed with Hibiscus, to boost refreshment and re hydration  dates (which replenishes the potassium and electrolytes), with black current and rose-hips extract to add even more electrolytes and antioxidants. If ever a tea was "cool" this would be it! 

Get Restored- After a hard workout we need something to help rebuild. Detoxify, balance sodium and potassium, take in essential nutrients  A base of organic green rooibos combined with Ramon nuts (known for potassium) and chicory root (which aids in a quick recovery). Milk Thistle seeds help support detoxification, carob balances blood sugar, and grape seeds to give you a boost of antioxidants protection! ARE YOU READY?

Get Burning- Are you feeling sluggish? This spicy herbal blend will rev up your internal engine! "Spicy" increases the body's metabolism and resistance to stress. This tea also had an organic rooibos tea base with Holy Basil (which increases energy and stress), Cordyceps (a Traditional medicinal herb used by Chinese athletes to boost energy and endurance, and the KICK of chili peppers. This tea stimulates the body with spice.  

Get Active- Exercising should be a part of our daily habits ... some of us are disciplined and some of us are NOT! This tea is designed for both parties. An organic green rooibos base with Holy Basil (which is rejuvenating and helps the body adapt as it copes with physical stress) and Licorice root and Maca root (these 2 support the endocrine system). The endocrine system keeps all our systems in balance! A great start to any workout! 

Get Limber- We all need a little assistance when it comes to taking care of our joints. This tea helps reduce inflammation  and allow joints, ligaments, and muscles to stretch more fully. Another organic green rooibos based tea with Turmeric (an anti-inflammatory) Cat's Claw and Yucca extract (which is great for relieving sore joints), and lastly Ginger Root (which helps reduce post-exercise inflammation). This is a 5 Star team of goodness you must try pre-exercise.  

and it's gone ....

Where has all the time gone?

Everyone says that time flies, especially here under the blanket of great drinks, customers, and satellite radio :) ... but really as cliche as it is time has flown by and another year faces us all.

I was walking through the shop the other day and semi-reflecting on the year 2012. What we did good and bad, hoping that we remained true to what we do and giving people quality customer service and great coffee & drinks, what 2013 was going to look like ... all these things rolling around in my head- I am excited! With every new year there are new opportunities and faces we get to meet, our town in thriving and growing (and so are we). We have such an amazing connection working at a LOCAL coffee shop with our customers and the rituals they following in pursuing coffee. We get to see sides of people's lives and be in the epicenter of change and conversation, meetings and engagements, learning and trying new thing ... it's really kind of neat! We are constantly growing and are challenged by the people who come in here.

We've had a great year! Coffee Times has had a great year. :) We've accomplished exactly what we should have; connecting with our community and loving coffee. We've shared our lives with you and let you share yours here. We appreciate that! We hope that this next year we can do a lot of the same and more. New products, new events, and new inspirations!