Perkdup

Big Mike is on the road again. I walked into the house Saturday afternoon and I swear I could smell the beans from the door. And they were still in the bag - unopened in my kitchen! He brought me the "Purgatory Blend." The next time I'm in Minneapolis, I will have to add "Hell's Kitchen" to my list of places to eat. Mike says the food is amazing and I can personally vouch that the coffee is to die for (pun intended). If you're not close to Minnesota, you can order online at: http://www.hellskitcheninc.com/

I'm so enjoying the quiet of the house this morning. Everybody is sleeping in except me and my pooch. Coffee with family and friends is great, but sometimes it's nice to just experience a cup in solace. Gives me time to reflect on what I'm drinking and clear my head without distraction. No television, no radio, just Puffy at my feet. Today's choice - Mocha Java or the Catahoula Coffee spelling "Mokka Java." I love everything Tim roasts but this is one of my favorites. Catahoula describes theirs as: "A cornucopia blend of beans from the birthplace of coffee; Ethiopia, Yemen, and Java (Indonesia). Bittersweet chocolate finishes with spicy fruits mixed in the cup. There is an exotic complexity with a supple sharpness up front." Here's to a great day and Mocha "No Jive" Java.

My sister went to Seattle this past weekend and when she called and said, "Hey, what do you want me to bring you?" I said, without pause, "Seattle's Best!" Even though you can buy it in the grocery store, there are no cafes near me and there's something about getting it straight from the source that makes it just taste better. My all-time favorite Seattle's Best roast is "Henry's Blend," not too light and not too dark - just right. Henry is one of the coolest cats I know. www.seattlesbest.com

Brew Over Ice K-Cups® "A whole new way to enjoy your Keurig Brewer. Just in time for backyard barbecues and parties by the pool! Your Keurig Brewer* now makes delicious, refreshing iced coffee and tea at the touch of a button. Our new Brew Over Ice K-Cups® contain more coffee or tea—the perfect amount to create a cool, breezy brew. They’re specially designed to brew directly over ice." www.greenmountaincafe.com *(Keurig Brewer Not Included with Cup)

"I love this Chai! I'm kind of a chai sampler (meaning I'm picky about my chai), and I love a good, spicy Chai. I've never been to India, but friends who have, told me to try a chai at this particular Indian restaurant in Berkeley. They said that it was as close the real thing as they had had in Northern California. So I did. Anyway, this chai, was very close to that one that I had tried in Berkeley. It's made with ground black tea and spices and dissolved into heated milk. It was delicious and creamy, with just the right amount of spice and heat (spicy heat). I could taste each spice (I think? The spices aren't listed but I could venture a guess…) Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg or cardamom? And the black tea used has a nice subtle flavor. I'm hooked." "Smooth and creamy beginning and ended with a splash of spice. It was evenly balanced between bitter, sweet and spicy." http://tipuschai.com/ (Reviewed by Stephanie and Stephanie - no re

Starbucks New Natural Fusion Flavored Coffees www.starbucks.com

Green Mountain Coffee® Special Reserve Guatemala Chimaltenango "Ojercaibal, a small town in the department of Chimaltenango, means "old market" in the indigenous Kaqchiquel dialect. Most producers here grow coffee on small plots next to or near their homes so they can carefully monitor every stage of its development. While Chimaltenango is a small, remote area west of Guatemala City, coffee producers there have benefitted from exporters and roaster-buyers who recognize the quality of their beans. With the price premiums their coffee generates, the producers have been able to build classrooms for the village school and provide clean water for the whole community." As welcoming as the friendly face on the package design. Gareth said it best: "Awesome. Very smooth, but somewhat rustic." www.greenmountaincoffee.com

I love this mug! Perfect for coffee, tea, lattes and more! Hand-painted. It even comes with a lid for travel. (Pictured: Green Tea Latte) Available online at: www.communitycoffee.com

"Las Hermanas is a co-operative of women in Nicaragua. Each woman farms her own small plot of land, as well as processing and milling the coffee themselves. Over the years, membership of the co-op has allowed these women to share knowledge, training, agronomical practices, as well as building strong social and health networks." It's so good. And a "shout out" to the nice lady at Peet's who convinced me to try it. (Limited offering) www.peets.com

Green tea is all the rage. Everybody is ranting about the great things it does and when I read that Yogi's Green Tea Rejuvenation helps with the aging process, well, I'm down with that! I had a cup this morning. Not only is the taste pleasing, it smells amazing. Good for the body and spirit. I may even take up yoga. "Fight the effects of aging while enjoying the smooth taste of our Green Tea Rejuvenation. Formulated with cat’s claw, revered as a healing herb for centuries by the Ashanica Indians of Peru, this herb is now known by herbalists as a source of antioxidants. To further boost antioxidant benefits, we add delicately stimulating organic green tea. Lemongrass and spearmint add refreshing flavor, and natural peach adds a light sweetness. So, when you want a healthy boost, relax and rejuvenate yourself with a cup of this delicious tea."* *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any dis