The Reader Digests | Coffee, Coffee, & More Coffee

Someone asked me earlier today how I can fit all the things I have going on into my schedule. I would love to say I am Superwoman, but the truth is I just get very little sleep. I do homework after my kids go to bed and usually turn in around 1 a.m., sometimes later.  Then I get up and go to work the next day.

So, how do I do it? It's coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.  I spend an inordinate amount of time (and money) at Starbucks. It's like "Cheers", except sometimes I get a little embarrassed that everybody there knows my name. And they only serve coffee and tea - at least, for now.

However, I remember the first time I went into a cafe. It was so intimidating. All those weird names for coffee - lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos. What does it all mean? When I was a new coffee drinker, I wished someone had told me how to order

courtesy of cornerofthecafe.com

coffee, because there were many times I got something that just wasn't good. I hated holding up the line trying to figure out what I wanted (and doesn't it seem like they are getting longer?). I am no coffee snob, but I also don't want to look silly trying to order a cup of coffee.

So here's a little U.S. coffee menu explanation (If you were in Italy it would be a different ballgame, plus you would say caffe!):

Espresso - finely ground coffee served in shots.  More concentrated and darker than regular coffee.

Cappucino - Foamed and Steamed Milk over Espresso.  Dry means less milk, more foam.  Wet means the opposite.

I love you too!!!

Latte - Espresso with  steamed milk.

Mocha - Espresso with steamed milk and chocolate.  It can be white chocolate as well.

Machiatto - Espresso with a small amount of steamed or foamed milk added.  Baristas at many cafes use this drink to make designs, or latte art. Some also add caramel or hazelnut, to make flavored macchiatos. 

Americano - Espresso and water.  This is similar to a cup of brewed coffee. 

I'll end this post with some interesting coffee caffeine facts!

• Espresso drinks usually have less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee.

• Light roast coffees generally have more caffeine when brewed by volume, and there will be no difference in light or dark roasts' caffeine levels if brewed by weight.  This is because caffeine is lost in the roasting process, and the more the bean is roasted, the more it expands.  The light beans are smaller after roasting, therefore can be packed in at a lower volume.

Want to learn more about coffee?  Check out our coffee book collection!

The Wanderlust Librarian | Staycation

Staycation: having a vacation at home/ close to home. 

Rena's definition of a staycation: Enjoying your personal home space independent from the normal chores and doldrums of keeping your house clean and functional.

Delightful readers, I hope your Thanksgiving was spent with loved ones 

and friends! I didn't stray far from home, in fact, my family and I went to San Jose to have dinner with my brother then came back to town.

picture courtesy of BBC America

Upon coming home on Thanksgiving night, a friend had text messaged me about shopping online. What's that? Shopping online? In my pajamas? Readers, I did it. I shopped in my pajamas. I bought lots of things from the comfort of my bed while watching re-runs of Doctor Who . Imagine the satisfaction of shopping at home, avoiding crowds, wearing slippers and having my packages delivered to my doorstep!! Shopping achievement unlocked! 

Picture from www.keurig.com

I woke up on the morning after Thanksgiving feeling accomplished. For the first time, in a long time, I made myself a cup of coffee. Being that I'm the only one in my house that drinks coffee, I made use of my coffee maker. I'm posting a picture of it here because I bought it cheap from a person that never used it! I use it all the time now (admittedly, my house smells amazing when I make coffee).

I'm also ready to decorate for the holidays. My family took turns suffering some kind of weird flu over the Thanksgiving holiday, so it was nice to have a day when I wasn't sick in bed or tending to my daughter while SHE was sick in bed! My cute bell wreath is up on the front door, so it gives a delightful jingle when I open or close the door. 

Make your staycation fun with these suggestions:

• Make your bed - somehow a clean bed equals maximum relaxation. It's like comfort is waiting for you! 
• Watch your favorite movie.
• If you love to cook, make something in the crock pot. The crock pot gives you the luxury of slow cooking and letting warm, happy food smells go all over the house all day. 
• If you decide against the crock pot, I suggest making cookies. It'll let warm, happy cookies smells go all over the house. 
• If you decide against cookies or the crock pot, get some takeout and let someone else cook for a change. 
• Don't do laundry. Would you do laundry on vacation? Exactly. Laundry can wait a day!
• Warm beverages: cocoa, coffee, tea... ALL make for maximum comfort.
• Board game night is fun with friends or family. Make the most of your home and invite people on staycation with you!
• **My favorite suggestion** Take your blanket and throw it in the dryer for about 30-40 minutes before bedtime. When you take it out, it'll be toasty warm! Beware, it'll put you right to sleep. Feel free to thank me later! :D

Adventure is out there, but home is where you hang your hat! Have a productive and relaxing holiday season! 

-Rena the Bloggess