Perkdup

"The Recessionistas" - A novel of the once rich and powerful By: Alexandra Lebethal "The book is set at the beginning of the economic meltdown in 2008. I think Lebenthal does a really good job of detailing the collapse of Wall Street whilst weaving in the personal stories of characters that seem like typical Wall Street people/couples. She describes the beginning of the recession and how it slowly unfolds and impacts the lives of these very financially blessed cast of characters. However, as well written as it is, I only found one character, Renee, likable. The others were a little self-centered and selfish at best and I was left feeling like I couldn’t care less what happened to any of them because they all deserved each other. Lebenthal is a very smart writer and gives a great window into the lifestyles of rich, Wall Street types, however, without giving anything away, some of the clues Renee picks up on and questions are a little weak in my mind. All in all it...

Melitta Celebrates National Coffee Day on September 29 Coffee powerhouse offers 10 tips for brewing the perfect cup of coffee CLEARWATER, Fla. — One of America’s favorite beverages is finally getting its day! September 29, 2010 is National Coffee Day , and for a nation that consumes over one-fifth of the world’s total coffee production, this is a day worth celebrating! In observance of National Coffee Day, Melitta USA, Inc. – best known for its premium line of coffee, coffee makers and coffee filters – is honoring the woman who revolutionized coffee consumption and disclosing secrets to brewing the perfect cup of coffee. For starters, we’ll be lifting our cup to Melitta Bentz , a German housewife who revolutionized coffee consumption by inventing the coffee filter and drip method of coffee brewing. With the singular goal of making coffee taste better, she devised a filter lined with blotting paper that would remove all the grounds from the brew and eliminate the bitterness caused by ...

SEATTLE, August 30, 2010 - Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) announced today the next step in building the instant coffee category with the introduction of Starbucks VIA® Flavored Coffee in U.S. and Canada stores this fall. Just one year since the launch, the Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew portfolio will now include four natural flavors—Vanilla, Mocha, Caramel and Cinnamon Spice. Starbucks is the first nationally branded flavored coffee in the U.S. to use only natural flavors and other natural ingredients and currently offers Starbucks® Natural Fusions, a line of naturally flavored ground coffees, at select grocery stores in the U.S. “We know 60 percent of our customers drink coffee with flavor, and now they will have access to high-quality arabica coffees with natural flavors as only Starbucks can deliver,” said Annie Young-Scrivner, Starbucks chief marketing officer. “The launch of Starbucks VIA® Flavored Coffees demonstrates our drive to inject innovation into the coffee category, deliver products...

If you're a two-fisted drinker like me. . .coffee cup in one hand. . .some delish in the other. . .you will want to order some of these cute cupcake toppers to impress your next coffe klatch. . .these cuties are made with top secret ingredients and are sure to impress. Perfect for Halloween! http://cupcakecaps.com/

Coffee product placement in "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps." In several scenes Shia LaBeouf was drinking Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Which brings me to the subject of coffee and movies. Am I the only one who has noticed that theaters have stepped up their coffee game? No more of the "generic" coffee being served in concession stands. At the UA where I saw this movie, they were serving Seattle's Best (TM) and the Century Theaters, proudly pour Starbucks . Now, turning to coffee and books and books that go great with coffee, CNBC anchor Maria Bartiromo has a new book out, "The Weekend That Changed Wall Street - An Eyewitness Account" which I'm reading now. And I can only hope that between the coffee and reading about the fall of Lehman Brothers, I'm able to sleep tonight. And, oh, check out "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," it's Michael Douglas doing what he does best. What an incredible actor. And one brave guy.

I'm enjoying a cup of "Cafe de Altura" coffee this morning delivered directly from Costa Rica. A friend was there for her honeymoon and brought me back a bag. Costa Rica is famous for its gourmet coffee beans. And apparently so famous that you can go into any grocery store, buy a bag of coffee, and be assured that it's going to be good. Last night, I caught one part of a 3-part special on KQED (PBS) entitled, "Black Coffee." I've said over and over again that I'm not a coffee expert, rather, a coffee lover. But this documentary really caused me to pause and look at coffee in a more serious light. In fact, I pledge here and now to become at least a coffee student. "Black Coffee" included interviews with many coffee farmers, including, farmers in Costa Rica. And now, I know, more than ever, a cup is not just a cup.

I have really enjoyed my "Mexico" Blend from Martha & Bros. Coffee in San Francisco . This independently owned and operated coffee roaster offers some of the finest beans in the market. While they call this a "light" roast, it is incredibly rich with flavor for a deep cup of coffee. Fair trade. Price varies from store to store but it's around 10.95 to 11.95 per pound. www.marthabros.com

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I had just received an Automatic Milk Frother (compliments of Capresso) for review purposes. Well, the results are in. Perfect froth every time. This thing is amazing. I now consider myself a bonafide barista (well, sort of). This is going to save me a fortune on fancy drinks and it's the perfect way to impress your guests. Instead of that cup of coffee after dinner, make it a latte. For around 59.99, you can own the Capresso FrothPro . Honestly, this is the best automatic frother I've seen for home use. And it's perfect for the office. Check it out at: www.capresso.com I'm fancy :)

Smells amazing. Light mango taste, just enough to really enjoy it. Don't be scared by the chili, it is not overpowering or even really noticible. Great fruity tea. Next up on my list of things to try: Plaintain Coconut Raw Green Bush Tea . (I pledge allegiance to The Republic of Tea) www.republicoftea.com

I decided that I would do something different this morning. Monday mornings for me are rush, rush, rush. And routine. I have the same ritual every Monday morning. And while I can't control much of what the work week entails for me, I can control my response to it. Which is why I decided to use a "pour over" Chemex (R) method this morning instead of brewing my coffee in the coffeemaker. Not only does the Chemex (R) make a great cup of coffee, it forces me to slow down and think about what I'm doing. I could make coffee in my coffee pot blindfolded. But with the pour over, I have to be more deliberate, precise, careful and measured with my actions. Careful = slower. Slower = calmer. Happy Monday!

What's better than dinner and a movie? Coffee and a good book. Anyway, tonight I'm excited to couple my cup of Pike's Place with "Star Island," the latest novel from Carl Hiaasen . "Star Island" as in Miami. Getting my "bi-coastal" groove on with something from each coast. Saturday nights are not just for parties. They're also for reading about the people who do.

I've been keeping something from you. Everybody knows that I love coffee but I've shared with few people my affinity for Coffee-mate (TM). There, I said it. I like Coffee-mate. I love a great cup of gourmet coffee, but, I can still appreciate a cup of Yuban. And that's why I'm coming clean. You don't have to tell me what Coffee-mate is made from because I already know. Don't care. And while there is no substitute for the "real thing," a little non-dairy creamer never killed anybody. Here's to you Coffee-mate. If nothing else, I owe you honesty.

Turn your smoothie into a parfait and your coffee into latte with the push of a button! Capresso Froth PRO

It doesn't have to cost a lot to taste good. I picked up this box of LIPTON GREEN TEA SUPERFRUIT at Wal-Mart for about 3.00 dollars. I don't know if the Acai berry has any "special powers" and I don't know about the tea's antioxidant claims. But it's pleasant, especially if you love blueberries, and it's soothing. Is it going to win any gold ribbons in the Tea Championship? Probably not. But I would definitely buy it again.