Perkdup

I love San Francisco. You never know what treasure you'll find. And when you least expect it, out of nowhere, up pops a simple pleasure to put a smile on your face. I'm ashamed to say I had no idea that Specialty's Bakery (home of arguably the best brownie on the planet) now has an Intelligentsia Coffee store inside its location on Pine Street. Imagine my delight when I discovered it during lunch today. I was so excited that I couldn't wait to get off work and rush in before they closed to pick up a bag of Late Harvest, Finca Matalapa, Los Inmortales, El Salvador . Intelligentsia's website describes it as: Dense and anchored in character, this Late Harvest selection brings flavors of homemade cherry cola and cranberry. Fudge and Tootsie Roll pair with a tart acidity and marmalade snap. The finish is buttery and long. I'll be the judge. Morning can't come fast enough! (Stay tuned for my review)

Since it's Saturday, I get to have my morning coffee in bed. I'm watching all of the coverage of "Hurricane Irene," praying for my family and friends on the Eastern Seaborg. At the same time, I'm enjoying breakfast in bed which happens to be a Nimble Bar by Balance Bar (Yogurt Orange Swirl). It's made especially for us girls. Nutricious and delicious and good for you. "Nimble" is fortified with rich antioxidants, beta-carotene and 10 mg of FloraGLO(R) Lutein. www.balance.com

Stumptown Coffee Roasters make Mondays not only "do-able," but make me want to "Do It!" Their latest offering NICARAGUA FINCA LA AMISTAD does not let you down. It picks you up. Way up. I wanna touch the sky! Stumptown says: "An enticing aroma of nutmeg and hazelnut melds together with flavors of vanilla wafer, caramel, butter and chocolate malt in the cup." I say, "Bring it!" I think my cup is dancing. Now stop smiling at your mug and get those kids off to school! (A direct trade coffee) www.stumptowncoffee.com

It's a gloomy Wednesday morning and I'm feeling pretty good. Even though my coffee is blue. Marmelade Blue Haiti Coffee. I actually never knew that coffee was one of Haiti's best kept secrets. A secret to me anyway. This gourmet coffee not only tastes good, it's being grown and sold for a great purpose. Haiti Coffee is working to rebuild the Haitian coffee industry in order to help Haitians redevelop their agricultural heritage. With every purchase of this delicious Haiti Coffee , a portion of the profit goes to helping the people of Haiti. A good cause. A good cup. It's a win/win. Marmelade Blue is a medium roast with a smooth body. Sort of reminds me of another "Blue" Coffee. Can you guess which one? Haiti Coffee's Marmelade Blue is being roasted by Humboldt Bay Coffee Company. For more information on Haiti Coffee: 1-800-276-7440 www.haiticoffee.com Do something good for yourself and for the people ...

You know I love coffee. I also love news. Newspapers, television news, internet news. More news. More better. But this CBS mug has special meaning. My friend is moving to New York in a couple of weeks and she was having a yard sale. I went to the sale to say goodbye to her and her husband and what should I spy but a CBS logo mug. I said, "You can't sell this! This is a collectible. I mean it's part of your past!" She and I met many years ago when we were both working for the local CBS-affiliate. I worked in - what else? News. She worked in programming. Anyway, after about three minutes of my convincing her that parting with the mug would be sinful, she handed it to me and said, "Here." So, every time I drink from this cup, I'll think of her and all the memories we shared at that special time in our lives when we were young and excited and working in an industry we both loved and when news was really newsworthy. Enjoy yo...

They're sweet. They're salty. They're sweet and salty. And delicious! Balance Bar introduces Sweet & Salty Chocolate Almond and Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter from their "Bare Flavors" collection. I'm practically addicted to the Sweet & Salty Chocolate Almond already. And if you love peanut butter - well, I guess you know which flavor you'll enjoy. Don't skip breakfast. Balance your day with a nice cup of coffee in one hand and a Balance Bar in the other. Suggested Retail Price: 1.69 (Certified Kosher Dairy) www.Balance.com

How "K"ool is that? Good News! Now you can enjoy the great taste of Dunkin' Donuts coffee in your Keurig Brewer at home. Bad News! Dunkin' K Cups are only available for purchase in Dunkin' Donuts stores. So, if you're like me and don't live anywhere near a Dunkin' Donuts store, better hit the road! www.dunkindonuts.com