So, a large portion of the country seems to be in the midst of the snowpocalypse. It is cold here and there was even ice on the roads this morning where puddles remained from the rain but the sun is shining and it is a bright, 37 degrees. I should start a fire in the fireplace but that will mean going downstairs and actually doing it. Potentially risking none of the kids being willing to go outside and get wood. Being cold.  Nuh-Uh.

My bedroom, where I am working right now, has a southwestern exposure with windows on the south and west walls that stream in light about this time of day. Light and … heat. This is about the time when the dog and both cats find their way to my room and find a sunbeam to sleep in. Leave that for the warmth of a real crackling fire? Umm… no. Not right now. I just switched on my hologram fireplace and am watching the dancing, albeit fake, flames.

However, whether you are sitting by a fire or not Zhena Tea Fireside Chai is a cozy way to spend the afternoon. It conjures up visions of overstuffed chintz, warm wool afghans, and leather chairs. I am quite sure that Badger from Wind in the Willows would no doubt sip Fireside Chai on any afternoon.

The tea is red. Have I mentioned how much I love the color red? I do. Love it. Adore it, even. The scent is delicate. In fact, although I loved the tea I had to use two tea bags and steep an unreasonably long time to get the intensity of flavor that I was looking for. Be warned, you may want to steep it, or double tea bags or both if you like a strong tea. Read More – Zhena’s Fireside Chai

This is perfect for telling ‘em how you really feel. Clark Gable has that special charisma that is just too …well… smirky..charismatic… and just plain sexy. Even when he says he doesn’t care…Find this mug on Amazon

Image: via Amazon

So, for Valentine’s Day I thought you might like something other than the normal stuff.  If you are looking for romantic Valentine’s Day drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) then check out some of these links. I have places an asterisk * by the ones that are alcoholic.

To me, sitting down and sharing a conversation over a cup of coffee is just about the most romantic thing ever. So maybe your significant other doesn’t drink coffee? Well there are plenty of other things to sip and chat over.

This may be the oddest hot beverage ever but Kyrie loves it. It is simple, warming and really good. Kyrie (6) likes it as much as hot chocolate. There is really no trick to it…

Just bring 3/4 cup milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream to just boiling. Once it forms bubbles on the sides remove it from heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons  of brown sugar, 1/4 tsp almond extract,  and 1/2 tsp vanilla. Whisk it until the sugar dissolves and it is foamy on the top.  Sift grated chocolate, or nutmeg over the top or top with whipped cream.
Is that …read more

One of my favorite places to get flavored coffee, especially for the various holidays, is Kaffe Magnum Opus. They always seem to have an amazing array of unique flavors… for those of us who like flavored coffees.

I decided to head  over there to see what was available. Check out these flavors!

Almond in the Mood For Love – almonds, chestnuts
Apple of My Eye – apples and cinnamon and spice. I am totally not sure about apple flavored coffee though…
Caramel Smooches – Caramel and vanilla with a bit of brown sugar
Chocolate Cherry Kiss – Yep, chocolate and cherry
Dark Chocolate Ecstasy – all …read more

7-11 is hoping to donate over two million dollars to charities with it’s Coffee Cup with a Cause campaign. The company announced that it is launching the campaign this month and will run it through-out 2010. During the campaign 7-11 will introduce 20 oz coffee cups that have been designed by celebrities in the entertainment and sports industries.
The proceeds from these cups will benefit the individual charity chosen by the celebrity that designed the cup. The cups can be filled with any hot beverage from 7-11. You can choose your charity by choosing your cup. 7-11 plans to donate at …read more

Can you identify with this sentiment? I can.
Last night I had way too much coffee. I ended up with a coffee hangover this morning… pounding head..dry mouth… Woke up with the thought… “I. Need.Coffee. Now.”
How much is too much? Apparently I had a quart and a half of coffee at a restaurant I was at. I will tell you about it a little later but the coffee was so amazing I could not stop…AND it was french pressed.
Anyway… check out today’s coffee mug…available at Amazon:

After I posted this…I remembered that it was Sunday. I took the weekend off and went …read more

Ready for a romantic breakfast? Perfect for Valentine’s Day… I love these his and hers Valentine’s  mugs from Amazon.

image: amazon

I think that if you are going to buy bagged tea Celestial Seasonings is on the top five list. I have rarely…RARELY been disappointed with the flavor in their tea. I love the artwork on the boxes AND the flavors are generally unique and unusual.
That appeals to me. In fact, that has appealed to me since my first sip of the Morning Thunder Tea back in the 1970s.

Tangerine Orange Zinger tea is a perfect breakfast tea or a tea to take a break with in an afternoon, preferably with a pice of chocolate cake. The orange flavor is delicate but …read more

According to some researchers taking a coffee break after you learn something may help keep it in your head.
God knows, most of us need all the help we can get.  I think that for me it would mean taking a coffee break every three or four minutes, which actually doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. The question is, though, what type of coffee break are they talking about?

If I am going to take a coffee break, more than likely it will mean a specialty coffee in one of my special cups. I will want to add a cookie or …read more