Right This Instant

Oh how I love a strong cup of hot coffee in the morning. I mix it with just the perfect amount of Hazelnut flavored fat-free creamer and two packets of sugar, thankyouverymuch.

When I go to Starbucks, I let them mix it up for me in the form of a triple grande skinny hazelnut latte. Mmmmmm! That is my regular drink.

When my favorite Starbucks Barista, Jessica, handed me some samples of their new "Jiffy Brew", I was skeptical to say the least! I've had instant coffees before and they taste.....well.....instant. Coffee connoisseurs might all agree that the difference can be tasted! I am here to tell you that I tasted the instant coffee by Starbucks and it tastes pretty darned good. I tried the extra bold and really liked it. It doesn't do much for getting that fresh-brewed coffee aroma in the kitchen. It could very well be the solution to those mornings when you're out of beans! Keep a stash of these on hand!

Try it!

Passion Shower

Yesterday, the weather was lovely. The air was warm. I had to meet a client at
Starbucks and a venti Passion Tea sounded really yummy.

I love how pretty and sparkly clear Passion Tea is in the clear plastic tumblers while rolling around with ice cubes. I paid for my order and began to herd my gaggle of children out of the store. I held my prized beverage with the fingers of my right hand stretched over the top of the cup. I held my pinkie finger out to offer to my toddler while we strolled through the parking lot. Just as i opened my mouth to speak, I felt the lid pop off of my drink, and the full cup of refreshment fell to the black pavement. I stopped dead in my tracks and when the plastic met the pavement, my beautiful, sparkly red tea splashed up and out of the cup and all over me, then ran like a river down the incline of the parking lot. I picked up the plastic vessel. Then I told all the kids to go ahead and get into the van.

I was determined to have my tea. I walked back up to the counter at Starbucks. The girl who served me earlier saw me and recognized me and said with a smile, "Uh oh!" Then she saw my empty cup on the counter.

Our conversation went like this:

Barista: You need a refill? It's only fifty-four cents!

Me: Oh, really? No, I'll pay for the whole thing!

Barista: You must've been thirsty! No! Really! Refills are only fifty-four cents.

Me: Welllll...I am! But I...(interrupted)

Barista: Oh no! Did your little guy spill it?

Me: As wild and crazy as he was in here, one might think that he did, but actually, I spilled it.

Barista: Oh! Well! Then, it's FREE!

Me: Seriously?

Barista: Oh, SURE! Oopses happen! Yeah, there won't be any charge.

Me: Wow! That is awesome! But seriously, I'll pay for another drink.

Barista: (laughingly) You had a Passion Shower?

Me: Yeah, actually! I guess I did! It was quite refreshing.

Yay for Starbucks' "Oopses Happen Policy"

An Outing

The lighting is fantastic!

If he tosses in a nickel, does that mean he gets five wishes?

He's pretty sure he DOES get five wishes. I wonder what he wished?

Tempting fate at the outdoor waterfall. He dipped the toe of his shoe into the water.

Even more temptation! Running on the rocks! No matter how much I threatened that he might fall in, he could not stop running.

TThis snap pretty much sums it all up. a trip to Starbucks, a trip to the bookstore and a recent purchase, sunshine, photographs, comfortable blue jeans, cell phone, relaxing, happy kid playing...

....life is good.

I just love falling water.....

...and shadow play....

I love Park Meadows Mall. I absolutely LOVE the lighting inside the mall. The light and the warm, rich wood and ironwork all play together really well for a treat for the eye. It really is a beautiful mall. I think not everyone goes there just to see the lighting...LOL

Sometimes, when I feel a need for inspiration, I love to just go there to hang out, get a coffee and people watch. Lately, though, I've had Little Bit in tow and his energy level is at an all-time high these days...he is constantly on high. His favorite thing is to make wishes at the water features. The water features in this mall are really lovely. They look like an outdoor setting. Well, one of the features IS outdoors in the open air part of the mall.

Knitting and Coffee

I snapped this with my camera phone as a coffee tag. The project is a beret while still in WIP stages...I am proud to announce it is now complete and....on my head as I type! Now to knit up the matching mittens!!! Ahhhhh coziness!

Ahhhhh!

We awoke this morning to find mama nature had given us a little gift. That's right! It was snowing. What a beautiful sight. When I realized that I had to get out in it, that beautiful gift felt like more of a curse. After two trips to the high school, one failed trip to the post office and one successful trip to the post office and one trip to drop Amanda off at work, I was more than ready for a steaming hot cup of STRONG coffee.

I was out and about a few days ago and saw somewhere that we had 45 days until Christmas. I looked at that and stopped dead in my tracks! "WHAT?!?" I thought, "Wait a minute! I haven't even decided on a card design yet! How can this be? I need more time! I'm not ready for the Holiday Season!" A couple of the radio stations started playing Christmas music today. After the snowfall and a little dose of Christmas music, I think I could easily be ready soon. I guess I don't have much choice! Like it or not, the rush is quickly about to begin...or has it already?

Thoughtful Thursday Five

happy healthy kids
my new blog is wonderful ... it has all the features i wanted
our new kitten is adorable and makes us all smile and laugh
life and new possibilities
time to be creative
Bonus thankful "thang" COFFEE! COFFEE! COFFEE! Sweet and hot!