Perkdup

What do I always say?  It's the little things that mean the most. Like the fact that when I tweeted Green Mountain Coffee Roasters weeks ago just to say "Happy Friday," and let them know how much I was enjoying their Fair Trade Coffee, I had no idea that I would go to my mailbox yesterday and find this cute mug with my little ole tweet on it! And even if they hadn't sent me this keepsake, I would still tell anyone that Green Mountain is one of the best coffee roasters around.  Because not only do they roast superb coffee, they consistently promote fair trade.  Now that's something to tweet about! So, as I sip my Sunday brew from my Green Mountain Coffee twitter mug, I invite you to explore the world of Green Mountain Coffees at: www.greenmountaincoffee.com Because I believe in "spreading the word." And please follow me on twitter @accutype Here's to Sunday mornings, special cups and fair trade coffee!

Did Santa fulfill all of your holiday coffee wishes? If not, don't worry.  The day after Christmas isn't just the day to stock up on decorations and cards for next year, it's the perfect day to score big savings on your favorite holiday blends, mugs and coffee equipment.  Often the prices after the holiday are better than the "Black Friday" sales which happen before. Most coffee shops and retailers are offering markdowns of up to 50 percent and more on holiday coffee and tea blends, mugs, gift sets, brewing equipment and much more. This year, I didn't get one single coffee-themed gift, which might be a first. You know what that means?  Time for me to hit the stores in search of coffee-inspired bargains. It's going to be a long day.  Better have another cup! Happy Boxing Day!

The perfect holiday gift for the serious coffee lover.   Hipsters, take note, the  Aerobie® AeroPress® Coffee & Espresso Maker is the ultimate device for creating and enjoying the perfect cup of coffee or espresso.  No sediment in sight. Delivers a smooth cup in a matter of minutes.  Literally. And at under $30, you don't have to spend a fortune to make great coffee at home or at work. Available online at Aerobie , or at retailers nationwide, including, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Amazon . The perfect New Year's Resolution.  Foolproof, delicious brew. Fine print: Aerobie(R) provided me with a free AeroPress(R) for the purposes of preparing this review.  Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

San Francisco artist, April Walters, has released the "Donuts of the Bay" calendar featuring 12 months of the best the Bay Area has to offer (in donuts, that is).   Just in time for your holiday giving.   Available for $20.00 on Etsy !

I can't remember where I first learned about Klatch Coffee .  I think maybe on twitter.  I mean isn't that where we get our news these days? Anyway, I'm trying as many holiday roasts as I can fit in this year.  Not the "usual suspects," but micro- roasted lots. I'm fairly certain I've had this Reindeer Blend from Klatch before, but I don't remember what it was like.  So, I ordered a bag to see if it was as good as the other Klatch Coffees I've had. The first thing I noticed was that the beans were lighter than I expected.  It's been my experience that "holiday" roasts, are usually darker.  However, I could smell the freshness the minute I opened the bag.   I grind it up and brew it in my automatic drip because I'm too lazy to do a pour-over this morning.  And while I'm drinking my coffee and checking my emails, I realize that half the cup is gone.  And then I think, 'Oh, wait.  I'm supposed to be writing

Remember, the Chia Pet?  Well, this is far more practical and useful. This little guy secures your tea bag string allowing you a way to squeeze and hold your tea bag without dripping?  Don't tell me that dripping tea bags are not a problem.  We all know they are. And while this might not be an absolute necessity, I think it's a must-have for the office tea-drinker or the girl who loves gadgets (that would be me).  Perfect stocking stuffer. I tried it and it really works. Mine even came with a double-wall glass mug!  But you can buy the "TeaBag Buddy"* all by itself. Come on, you know you want one! The Tea Bag Buddy is an innovative new item that creates a solution to the tea drinker's most common problems. It provides a convenient way to secure the tea bag string while covering the mouth of a tea pot or mug, trapping steam to keep tea hotter when brewing for optimal flavor and temperature.  ( from Primula Products ) *Patent Pending

Every day feels like a holiday when you wake up to Weaver's. Corny?  Maybe.  But, it's true.  I don't drink Weaver's nearly as often as I should.  Although, I do enjoy it at least once a week at my favorite breakfast place.  But that's not the same as enjoying a hot cup in the comfort of your own home in your pajamas on a cold December morning. The Weaver's Coffee 2013 Holiday Blend is superb. Rich, dark, full-bodied, smooth with chocolate undertones.  100% Organic Fair Trade Certified(TM). You're going to want to pick up a few pounds for your favorite elves, co-workers and of course, yourself. Whichever holiday you're celebrating, do it with great coffee. 16.95 a pound (whole bean or ground) Order from Weaver's Website: www.weaverscoffee.com Or, pick up a bag at any Northern California Whole Foods And, while you're enjoying your coffee, check out this cool video Weaver's made!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9AS

On Saturday, I purchased a half pound bag of Jamaica Blue Mountain (that's right, the good stuff) from Catahoula Coffee Company .  I thought since it was Small Business Saturday, I should support my local roaster. Wow.  What a nice surprise this morning when I brewed it.  Honestly, it made Monday morning feel like it was a Saturday.  This stuff is so smooth and delicious, that before I knew it, I was dressed and bouncing out of the house with a big smile on my face.  Smiles and Monday mornings don't usually date around my house. Anyway, at $20 bucks for a half pound of JBM, this is a bargain.   This coffee is so good that I didn't want to get out of the car at the train station.  I wanted to turn around, go home and make another pot.  However, since good coffee is expensive, I think I made the right choice to hustle into the office.  Takes money to drink this. It will sell out quickly, so better order today - before you miss out!   www.catahoulacoffee.com

If you missed out on this cutie last Christmas, fret not! I'm giving you a second chance to put this in your hot little hands (get it, hot little hands?) This is the Starbucks 2012 reusable mug sleeve in RED.  The perfect stocking stuffer for yourself or a coffee loving friend. *No purchase necessary. Click here to email me and let me know you want it and it's yours! *Submit your name before midnight EST on December 13, 2013