Coffee Talk

Photo Credit: Erika Gregory iPhone 7s

Can I tell you how much I love a good cup of coffee?  I go from loving my Nespresso machine to loving my French Press. The french press requires a little time. So, if you are in a rush I would say to wait. It really does make a difference if you use the french press properly. 

I also enjoy going to coffee shops here and while traveling. Truth be told, I am a huge paper coffee cup freak. Many of you will remember when I was obsessed (JK) over the coffee cups at Maman NYC.

Aren't these the best?? They were even a part of our favorite things party in 2016.  The folks at Maman were kind enough to send enough cups for everyone to enjoy. If you are in the NYC, Toronto or St. Bart's area, be sure to visit. 

Photo Credit: Maman NYC Facebook Page 

I've decided to do a coffee series on the blog. One of the posts will feature several local Indy coffee houses. I'll be sharing my experience as a Baby Boomer with my  Millennial friend, A. I can't wait to try out a few places and see what she thinks. 

I'll also find a coffee house or two on my travels to share with you. Feel free to leave a comment below with your favorite coffee houses (near or far). You never know when I might be in your town.

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Coocoo for Coconuts

Coocoo for Coconuts by eegrego160 featuring Laura Mercier

Laura Mercier body moisturizer
belk.com




 Yep, I'll admit it - I am coo coo for coconuts. Anything coconut.  

  Every morning, I enjoy a big cup of coffee from my Nespresso machine along with Coffeemate Coconut Cream creamer and a sprinkle of cinnamon. At one point, I decided to only have this sweet treat on the weekend (trying to watch my sugar intake).  That quickly changed as I missed my morning fix.  Now, I just make sure to use a smaller amount of the cream and I can enjoy it everyday!

 I am not really a sweet drink adult beverage kind of girl, but if it has coconut in it, I am!  I had THE best coconut drink at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse a few weeks ago. It was the Ginger Coconut Lemon Drop. Vodka, coconut vodka, ginger liquor, ginger-infused syrup, fresh lemon juice and candied ginger make for a simply refreshing drink. I am going to start making this drink at home. It's just that incredible. The lemon juice and ginger tone down the sweetness and you still get the flavor of coconut coming through. Incredible. 

 Ok - so, I won't limit my love of coconut to drinks.  My morning routine also includes coconut.  My morning shower starts with a coconut scrub. I've been using this incredible scrub from TreeHut . I have used all of the fragrances, but tend to favor the Coconut Lime scrub. You can find this online or at Meijer and Walgreens. It's 7 bucks, but lasts a long time.

 I then use some sort of coconut scented body scrub. I don't really have a favorite. So, if you do, please leave a note below. I'd love to try it!

 I finish my routine with this wonderful Laura Mercier  almond Coconut Milk body butter.  This has to be the creamiest body butter ever. It's pricey, but again a little will go a long way. My skin is super dry and I don't use a lot of it. It's amazing.

I could go on and on about my love of coconut, but I'll stop here.

 What is your go to fragrance/flavor? Drop a not below - I'd love to know.

Enjoy your day!


*All products listed were purchased by me.

Barista Prima Party

I had my Barista Prima Party yesterday. We had such a great time tasting the various blends of Barista Prima coffee - Italian Roast, French Roast, Colombian and House blend. The coffee is a bit stronger ( a lot stronger)  than I normally drink.  Very strong, but delish.  

Compliments of Barista Prim

 All of the  coffee products were compliments of Barista Prima and House Party.  I decorated the table with white linens with  brown/pink compliments.

 I purchased Acqua  Panna water, biscotti (the batch I baked didn't look so hot - lol), shortbread cookies, rum cakes (from a friend and our recent Bahama trip), chicken salad and a fruit /cheese tray.

 I served as barista - complete with my white shirt, black slacks and Barista Prima apron. I had sample cups so that each guest was able to sample and make notes in their notebooks.

 Once the tasting was over, each guest was able to have a cup or two of the one they liked best. We had a great time chatting and enjoying the great coffee and food.

 Each guest left with the tasting pack from the party as well as a few K-cups. Two of the guests are now planning to buy one of the Keurig single serve pots.  Maybe they'll invite me over for a cup.........


Interested in hosting a similar party? Check out the  House Party website here for details.

National Coffee Day '12

Source: flickr.com via Erika on Pinterest

Today is National Coffee Day............Isn't that exciting? Maybe it will be after you have your first cup of morning wake up. I am enjoying my cup of Green Mountain Coconut coffee with Coffee mate Coconut Cream right now. It is simply delish. Next cup - Wolfgang Puck's Hawaiian Hazelnut.


Here are a few coffee facts and be sure to keep reading for all the coffee freebies and deals you can get today!

• Originally coffee was eaten. African Tribes Mixed Coffee berries with fat - creating energy balls!
• The coffee bean is actually a seed inside a bright red berry.
•  20 - 30% of coffee sales are made up of flavored coffees.
• The top flavors for American coffee drinkers are: Chocolate, Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut and Cinnamon.
• Hawaii and Puerto Rico are the only places in America where coffee is grown.

Source: modernhepburn.tumblr.com via Erika on Pinterest

Now - what you have been waiting for - the FREEBIES and DEALS:

Dunkin Donuts: Their deals vary based on each franchise. Stop  into participating U.S. DDs this weekend for a $5.99 pound of coffee (+appl. tax). Limit 2 per guest. 8oz limited time offerings excluded. While supplies last. Limit 2 per guest. 8oz limited time offerings excluded. While supplies last.
 
Caribou Coffee - In honor of National Coffee Day, Caribou is debuting a new flavor called Amy’s Blend. On September 29, you can try the new blend with a FREE small size, a 50 cent medium size, or a $1 large size.

Krispy Kreme - Receive a Free 12 oz cup of coffee from our participating shops in the US and Canada on Saturday, September 29, 2012 on National Coffee Day. No purchase necessary.


Enjoy your coffee!

A Coffee Party

Source: tr0pical-dreams.tumblr.com via Erika on Pinterest

I signed up to host a Barista Prima Coffeehouse Coffee Party via House Party. I hope I am selected to host one of the parties. I have a ton of ideas for my party if selected.

 

Source: dineanddish.net via Martyna on Pinterest

One of the questions they asked was "What is a favorite coffee memory?" I have several, but mostly enjoy drinking coffee at home in my office while writing for my blog. Do you have a favorite coffee story? I'd love to hear it!



Also, if you'd like to sign up to host a party, you can do so here. Good Luck!

Coffee Talk

Source: pinterest.com via Colleen on Pinterest

 My poor little 3 year old Tassimo coffee maker has brewed it's last cup of coffee. Of course, I had a little warning. So, I did a little research and found a new love.

 When I first purchased my Tassimo, I was in coffee making bliss. I am the only one in our house who drinks coffee. It really was a waste to make a pot of coffee - when only one cup was being consumed. So, the single serve Tassimo was perfect for our home.  The only thing I found missing was the variety.  Seems I can only find a few different types at the grocery or at BB&B.

  I noticed that the Keurig Machines had a much better variety. They even had ones that you could put your house coffee in. I love Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut coffee and that have a K-cup for it!  It was really a no brainer when deciding on a new coffee maker. Keurig all the way.

  Today is the first day in our home and I made my very first cup of coffee - Wolfgang Puck's Breakfast in Bed. It was delish. I love  the bright blue display light and the choice of coffee sizes. I am also loving the brew time setter. I can have my coffee ready when I walk in the morning. Added bonus? Hubby can enjoy his Green Tea from the machine as well.

 I am planning on having a dessert party for Christmas and can not wait to make the girls their favorite coffee.

DO you have a single serve coffee maker? Which one? Pros/cons?

My cup for Joe

Anyone who knows me well knows that I have a thing for coffee mugs, cups, etc.  I've had all kinds. I say had because I donated quite a few when we moved last year. I kept some of my favorites - mostly from Starbucks. Last year, shortly before we moved, I was viewing a wedding photography website and found the perfect coffee mug for me. The mug was used as a prop in a couples engagement photo shoot. I had to have it, but where could I purchase it? I emailed the photographer - hoping that she would respond and really hoping she would know where the couple purchased the mug. She did and she did!  Guess where? Ok - times up. The bride to be purchased it from CRATE and BARREL.  So, I let my fingers do the walking and ordered up a set of four for our home. The mugs are HUGE.  The typewriter print of "coffee" on the mugs makes me smile. I used the first ones for display and cringed when someone reached to use one. I know, I know. Anyway, I then purchased more so we could actually drink and use them - LOL. They also have the matching creamer and sugar containers. I honestly could spend a few hours in Crate and Barrel.  C&B did not disappoint with these items.