My Constant Companion WW

Wrap, cozie, sleeve, or collar?

Whatever you call them, a coffee sleeve is a wonderful green item that you should consider using. Besides being eco-friendly, they are practical!

• They keep protect your hands from steamy hot or icy cold beverage containers, depending on the cup contents.


• They are reusable. No more disposable sleeves. There is nothing to throw away. They reduce waste!

It has been said that 1.1 billion disposable sleeves are tossed away every single year in the US alone!

• They are fully easy care! Toss them in the washer and lie flat on a towel to dry.


• They are portable. Carry them folded flat in your pocket, purse or glove box, ready for use with your next coffee trip!

Besides the sleeves that I sell on my Etsy shop, you can find lots of creative styles in other Etsy shops! Take a look, buy one you like and use it consistently! Join the cause to reduce waste and save a tree!

Seattle and Occupations . . .

I've been gone for a couple of days. Took a little trip to Seattle for my husband's job interview. We have family up there, too, so I visited and had a great time. We also looked around for an apartment, to see what the costs would be if we moved. Now it's time to wait . . . second interview will probably take place next week, meaning another trip north.

In the mean time, I need to get to work at my occupation--creativity!!! I've got lots of "anything bags" to list on Etsy, some more new jewelry for my design shop and I'm working on some awesome coffee cuffs--a wholesale line for brick and mortar stores. I have a box of cuffs ready, but have not designed the display card holder yet. Also, my husband and a friend are making some display stands from some handsome looking wood. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

Morning Coffee

"Rooster's crowing, it must be almost dawn. I better get up, so much to do today!" As Abby's feet hit the rag rug on the floor, Sasha only squirmed and repositioned herself on the bed.

"Come on, Sasha, Let's go down and get your breakfast--busy day ahead."

Downstairs Abby crossed the living room and entered the big country kitchen, going straight to the pantry for expresso beans and cat food. After preparing Sasha's breakfast and setting it on the floor for her, Abby set about to make the world's best (at least, Abby's best) latte to start her day!

"Now for my 'simulated' breakfast. Sasha, I really learned a ton, from Shirley, since she became a barista! Let's see now, proper grind, lighter to the finger touch than sugar grains, seven grams worth; cold whole milk for me, I need the protein; and of course, sugar free syrups, which I should always add first to prevent curdling. But not today, though. My breakfast is a Cinnamon Roll Latte. And I don't have any sugar-free Cinnamon Syrup!"

Cinnamon Roll Latte
Pour 1/2 oz Cinnamon Syrup in your cup
Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
Stir
Add your expresso
Fill with foamed and steamed milk
Top with whipped cream
Dust with powered cinnamon

Enjoy!

Quick facts about our Coffee culture:*
1. Gourmet coffee became a social beverage in the 90s because the ten year total of teetotaloers was up by 28%. We started drinking mochas, not martinis.
2. Seattle is the expresso capital of the world with gourmet coffee sales reaching 40% of the total coffee market share. National average is about 30%
3. Why do we say "coffee beans" when coffee comes from berries? Because each berry has two beans.

* Facts from Espresso, Quick Reference Guide by Phillip Janssen (you know, an old fashioned BOOK :)

Iced Coffee!

It's been exceptionally hot here in the Pacific Northwest lately and the heat is expected to continue for the rest of the week. How about making an iced coffee! I usually have some coffee left over from my morning pot. We then end up pouring the remainder down the drain when we are finished. So, recently, I have starting saving it for my afternoon iced coffee! Here's my recipe!


Fill a tall glass 3/4 full with crushed ice
Add cold coffee to the 3/4 mark
Add milk to the top
Then add your favorite coffee flavoring to taste!
(I prefer sugar-free vanilla)
Stir with a tall spoon and ENJOY!


Of course in the heat, your glass will sweat profusely, just like all the people are doing! You will need a coaster to save your table or desk top from getting wet! I have lots of cute fabric coasters in my shop and I'm running a "BOGO SALE" -- buy one get one free sale. Buy one set of coasters and get another free with your purchase! Essentially, that is HALF PRICE!

Save the second set to give as a hostess gift or to add to a brides gift basket for a shower!

Mocha Latte Creativity!

I've been wanting to use this picture for some time, I guess today is the day! I recently was visiting my son and his family. My daughter-in-law fixed me a mocha latte. I was busy chatting, drinking my coffee, and playing with my grandchildren, when I realized that I had set the cup down on the rug and it was an interesting study in shapes! I grabbed my camera and took a few shots, in-between taking pictures of my family of course, to preserve the moment for future creativity! Maybe it's the mocha lines or the burgundy and moss colors, but I was struck by the sight. It inspires me, and will be the genesis of a new design, I know!