COFFEE

I love a good cup of coffee in the morning. But it has to be good. And when at home, it's always made in one of two of my french presses (although I did just buy a new stove-top espresso canister - my old one was used long and hard and eventually died). I'm beginning my search for a local fresh roasted coffee. But in the meantime, my amazing in-laws sent me one of my favorites: Dark Roast from their coffee shop (Java Central) in Westerville, Ohio. It came in a care package we got just a few days ago. They have their own roaster, and he does an amazing job - I adore both the dark roast and the Highlander Grogg!

Soda Stream - welcome to my kitchen

During our trip across the country we stopped in Denver and stayed with one of my favorite people, Kate. She introduced me to the Soda Stream. I'd seen it before and was skeptical that it was something I'd want to buy. Then I tried it and fell in LOVE with it. So when we got our new kitchen set up, this was my first purchase. I never have to buy soda water again! BUT it gets better - the company makes all kinds of concentrated liquids you can add to the soda - you can make your own tonic water, for instance. Or you can add your own fruit juices - heck, anything you want. But I was once again amazed when I saw that Soda Stream has a Red Bull knock off - and then I tried it and nearly fell to my knees in rapturous devotion. See, my hubby and I love a refreshing Vodka & Red Bull with lime & cranberry. It all started back with the restaurant Red Star Tavern in Columbus, OH that is sadly no longer there. They would make VCR cocktails - vodka, cranberry, red bull with lime. It's a favorite of ours, and Red Bull is damn expensive. BUT NOW - we can make our own for a fraction of the cost. Seriously...I'm floating. But the Red Bull aside, I love this new kitchen gadget!!

Watermelon Juice

I know, I've already mentioned fresh watermelon juice.  And I'm making a special drink that uses watermelon juice this weekend when Lori & Chrissy come out for a visit (drink is called the Zig Zag).  But I couldn't resist making some fresh juice for the weekend - especially considering the end of my graduate studies on Saturday!!  Besides, aren't these photos pretty?  The juice is fantastic - and goes perfectly with vodka.  I made a watermelon cosmo - of sorts - and it was delicious!

The Juice Press

I finally stopped into The Juice Press today - they've been there for a while now, and after swimming some laps at the Y during my lunch, I needed something to tide m over until dinner.  I popped in a immediately loved the place.

The vibe is fun and the menu is outstanding - I settled on #8. life force protein-c which is made up of:  "plump and delicious blueberries, hemp protein powder, one of our top secret fruits, camu camu berry, agave nectar, and coconut water."  And since my hubby has a bit of a cough, I also thought I'd treat myself to a shot of cold-pressed ginger.

The ginger was great.  I'm still feeling it.  It went down good despite the spicy flavor...and now, ten minutes later, I'm still feeling it.  WHEW!  I think you can tell I'm actually a little flushed in the photo.  :)  So I'm sucking down the life force protein-c!!

My (Weekday) Morning Java

Last summer I got a Keurig coffee brewer for the office.  I hated making an entire pot of coffee and having so much left over if I was the only one drinking it.  And I also hated whiny people complaining that we didn't have any decaf - so we'd have to make a pot for them.  Screw that, coffee has caffeine - deal with it.

So enter the new coffee maker.  I buy these cute little "K-cups" that are available in all kinds of different brews by all kinds of different coffee producers (including Seattle's Best...Caribou...and lots more).  I've been pretty pleased with Tully's brand - especially this Italian roast.  It perks me up in the mornings - exactly what I need in this office!

And fyi - during the weekends I still usually have a cup of coffee each morning.  However I always have some fresh roasted beans on hand, that I grind right before use, and I always use my french press.  French press coffee at home = weekend to me.  :)