Adventures In Shopping

Trader Joe's has opened; right here in our home town! This has been a highly anticipated addition to a local shopping center and the traffic volume surrounding the event came as no surprise. I waited to visit, giving time for the novelty to wear off. It hasn't. The shoppers continue to flood the store, and the parking lot out front is full; but then, 'tis the season! I decided to go for it. Here are a few highlights from my shopping adventure. Brussels Sprouts on the stalk! I've never seen them sold this way before; I didn't buy any, but couldn't resist a photo. My normal shopping routine at Trader Joe's is to grab and go, specifically  Joe's Joe coffee beans. But then, that's when I was visiting the Capital City and I had grandchildren to visit and little time to waste! Now that we have our own store I can enjoy a bit more browsing, and even though I bought coffee last week I was more adventuresome with one of my selections.

This seasonal coffee didn't disappoint! The spices contained are peppercorns, cinnamon and cloves;
this Wintry Blend  is the perfect late-afternoon pick-me-up on a cold and blustery day.

But the coffee wasn't the best thing I found, oh no.
I am in love with this cider, I've been savoring it every evening by the warm mug-full.
Oh. My. Goodness.

Life is Good!

In An Instant

I'm probably the last person on earth to try these little packets of ready brew coffee by Starbucks. It's most likely because I remember what instant coffee used to taste like! These bear little resemblance to that big jar of Nescafe that was a staple in the kitchen cupboard when I was growing up. Using instant coffee was standard operating procedure back in the day, perked coffee was reserved for company and special occasions. I believe it was the advent of Mr. Coffee in the mid-1970's and the drip coffee maker that changed all that. The only similarity between that jar from days gone by and these packets is the instant part! Some days just call for caffeine... and quickly! I'm all set now, this is good stuff. Life is Good!

Summer! Grab It...

 ...and slow it down! I don't know if you've noticed that this summer seems to be whizzing by, but I sure have. I stood behind a family in the check-out line at Target yesterday who had a cart full of school supplies. Wow! Even though the days are rocketing toward fall the outside temperature is still screaming  hot and steamy SUMMER! I have been making pitchers of coffee concentrate and keeping them in the refrigerator for iced coffee whenever I need a cooling pick-me-up. The recipe is here and, I'll tell you honestly, the concentrate fixed in this manner makes an excellent cup of hot coffee too! I have filled a mug half full of the concentrate and topped it off with water before heating it in the microwave, it is every bit as fresh-tasting as if I had just prepared it. I doubt that my 'fridge will ever be without a jar of this cold-brewed coffee concetrate in it from now on.

On the cleaning and organizing front: I have persevered with my resolution to clean out one thing a week, be it small (a drawer) or large (a closet). For some reason our junk drawer in the kitchen wasn't content occupying space within its own confines and, over time, spread into the drawer next door!

I had been serious about cleaning them both out last week, it was one of those tasks that hung over my head like a dark cloud and seemed so much larger than it actually was.

Here they are: clean, neat and organized... and, after only one hour! What was I waiting for? 
 All the more time to enjoy these fast-flying summer days; 
grab hold and hang on, it will be gone before we know it.
Life is Good! 

Coffee On Tap

Of all the perks, when sailing the seas, I believe that coffee on tap is among the very best. Sure there's food galore, and sights and entertainment, but I wonder if this one simple luxury isn't all too easily overlooked and/or under appreciated; not by me! Just think about it... a never-ending supply of fresh, hot, coffee ready when you are. As far as I know this endless supply of coffee requires no maintenance whatsoever; whenever I presented my empty cup I was fully rewarded. I'm looking for the perfect spot in my kitchen for installation. A girl can dream, can't she?

Life is Good!

Grab A Cup...

Today there's a requirement before blog-reading. You will need to go, right now, and grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage. Got your cup? Good. Click here and sit for a few minutes, relax and let the message fill you up while sipping your coffee, tea or cocoa. Aren't you glad you did? Oh, and the good news keeps on coming! The winner of Ami Simms' book is: Liz A.; Congratulations! How Not To Make A Prize-Winning Quilt will be in the mail to you right away. Thanks to everyone who entered by commenting on Tuesday's post. Now, rinse out your cup and have a great day!
  
                  Life is Good!

Caffeinated, One Cup At A Time!

My son has this one-cup, stove top, coffee maker at his house. I was there yesterday taking care of my grandson; before he left for work Kyle demonstrated how to fill the base reservoir with water and put a scoop of ground coffee in the funnel, he invited me to use it during my stay. I decided to try it out during the little one's nap time to fuel me through the remainder of the morning. It was fast and the fresh brewed coffee was delicious. I'm going to look for one of these, it's more economical (and less wasteful) than the pod-style one cup brewers; and, easily, just as quick.

Plus, it's as cute as it can be!

Life is Good!

Stocking Up

I love this coffee from Trader Joe's, I stock up on it whenever we visit the Capital City as we don't have a store locally. My husband understands, he doesn't say a word when I leave the store with six cans at a time; in fact, I might be influencing his shopping habits. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I would like a box of Chamomile tea, he's always looking for things to do during the "wait" time when his mother has her hair done; there's a store nearby her salon that carries my favorite brand. He came home empty-handed though, when I asked about the tea he told me that he had ordered it. Oh? Yep, it came in this week. A case each of two different types! Tea anyone?

Life is Good!

Card Carrying Convert

My son and daughter in law gave me a Starbucks gift card for my birthday. Kyle explained how much I would enjoy stopping for a coffee when I was out running errands. It's a place I rarely frequent since I only like plain, black coffee; it has always seemed wasteful to me to spend extra money on a cup of coffee at a place like Starbucks. That was my rationale before I tasted this. Now I am a walking advertisement, and already dreading the day that my gift card runs out! Oh, wait... I can reload it online! The holiday season has never been sweeter.

Life is Good!