where've you been? anything new?

My heart is heavy. I have not been posting as I should be for the last month or so.. With the new school year upon us and the wedding season almost over (at least in my circle of friends/relatives), I will have more time for research (my code word for "indulgence") and reviews.

I've missed hearing from you all, so if there is a coffee (or coffee subject) that has not been spoken of that you feel is especially note-worthy, let me know!

So on a more exciting note, to kick off the new fall season, I'd like to start a "Coffee Mug of the Month" photo contest. What's the reward? I'll post the pic of your favorite mug here on my blog. You wanted something more? Attach your "mug" to an email telling me what brew you're pouring into your favorite coffee mug and why you like it (both the coffee and the mug) - I'll let the rest of the viewers know!

send it!

kudos to caribou coffee!

Okay, so I know they are not located in the Pacific Northwest, but I had to give a real quick 'shout out' to Caribou Coffee. While en route to Michigan, we had a fairly long layover in Minneapolis, and I was really craving some coffee. Our morning had started especially early, and we were experiencing some anxiety traveling with an infant and a toddler. I passed a Starbucks, and was tempted.. but then I saw that Caribou Coffee was EVERYWHERE! Knowing that they were a Minnesota based company (we like their granola bars), I figured what could be better than to try than the local coffee? It was fabulous.. the coffee, the service - you guys were so friendly, everything. I had the caramel high rise, and I was very pleasantly surprised that the coffee had enough punch to hold up under such rich caramel.

On our way home from Michigan, we had a rediculously long layover in Minneapolis again, so of course I thought I would try out the coffee, again, and just see if I was lucky the first time. No siree.. it was just as fabulous the second time (this time an almond macchiato) - good coffee, very friendly service. You guys are great at Caribou, and I thought you deserved to know!

looking for coffee beyond the northwest..

We're going on vacation. We leave next week for 10 days in Michigan, my husband's home state. This should be an exciting time as we are going for a wedding and visiting family and friends that we haven't seen in about seven years (!!!) - but seriously, one of the first things i asked my husband about where we are vacationing, "where will we get our coffee?"

His friend that will be promising to love, cherish, and honor his bride next weekend is a fairly fresh coffee addict (we introduced him to the 'good stuff' during his vacation out here a few years back) - so he's been searching out good coffee for us.

Unfortunately, according to prince charming, the best coffee in town is on the college campus, in the library I believe.. I suppose we could go all '21 Jumpstreet' and try to blend in with the other college 'kids.' Maybe put some college decals on the stroller for our littlest one. Of course it IS summer break.. maybe we won't stand out so bad as we pull up in our minivan.

So here I am putting this question out to any Midwestern Coffee Lovers (MCL's) in the Big Rapids, Michigan area (If i'm not mistaken, I believe this is the base of the ring finger for lower Michigan).. where, oh where, will I find a good cup of joe?