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November 28, 2009 In Uncategorized

Who Wakes You Up?

I’m very excited to report that I get to hang out with a fellow coffee-lover as he finishes up his roasting session Tuesday this coming week. I’ve only spent a small amount of time with him in the past, but when I learned of his project; Origin a couple months ago I was excited to contact and congratulate him. I was instantly intrigued about his project. That with combination of his happy and genuine personality and two of my favorite things; Coffee and stories about where things/people come from, it was a no-brainer I’d find a way to catch up with him sooner than later to learn all about what he’s been up to.

Check out Drink Up Give Back and read about what Tom is doing. He started out as a barista some years ago. It’s neat to see how his love for the delicious brew has progressed. How cool is it that his organization is improving “…the quality of life for the farmers who wake us up every day.” Just like in a lot of our daily routine, I’m sure most of us don’t even think about the story behind how the delicious cup of java gets into our hands. Tom is helping tell the stories.

It thrills me to meet, read about or spend time with anyone who is living their passion/following their dreams in general- no matter what the subject. Even better when that person is giving back or doing good. The energy poured out into the world from someone who completely grabs the thing they love or believes in- and runs with it, is totally inspiring. 
Tom- you are one of these people. I’m looking forward to our time together!
Everyone else- I’ll report back soon on my time with Tom. I’m sure I’ll have some fantastic stuff to share!
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November 25, 2009 In Uncategorized

There’s No Place Like Home

What am I thankful for during the holidays this year? Oh so many things but to just scratch the surface for what I was able to do today:

*Stuff my face for breakfast with my family at this place. (My favorite diner in the country that I’ve written about before of course.) 
*Relax and work, not from a cubicle but in this fabulous little coffee shop.
*Have dinner with an elementary school friend at this gorgeous spot. (Yes it really looks like this. I know, it is indeed like a postcard. Exactly what you’d expect. About 3 doors down from tonight’s dinner spot is the Norman Rockwell museum. How so Vermont. 
I love snapping photos like these and acting like a tourist where I grew up. Somehow it just never gets old. Funny how all you can think about when you’re a kid growing up in a small town is how the heck to get out of there because- “ugh- it is sooo boring.” Then when you’re old enough to know better, you realize that boring small place was actually pretty perfect, totally charming and that you can’t wait to go back.
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November 24, 2009 In Uncategorized

Up And Atem!

I snapped this shot at a Caribou coffee in the airport. (Hey- I think it’s funny:) Shortly after taking this photo I got on my plane where I couldn’t stop giggling with the lady next to me because the guy behind us was snoring so loud it could’ve moved a mountain. (This guy was snoozing away before the cabin door was even closed!) Next up was the lady next to me grabbing my leg and hand as we took off because she was deathly afraid of flying, and finally out of nowhere this little voice starts belting out tunes. Beat It was her first song. Word for word. What a nice tribute to MJ from a kid thought- as I turned around to stare straight at the most adorable little munchkin singing away. She could not have been more than 4 years old. Too cute.

All of this above before 6:15am this morning.
Who says getting up at 3:30am and traveling during the holidays is a hassle and no fun? Love this stuff. I’m actually considering asking Jet Blue if I can live on these comfy couches here at the brand spanking new JFK terminal. Talk about never be bored…
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November 23, 2009 In Uncategorized

You Got That Dress For How Much?

Have something fancy-schmancy to go to? Feel like looking sassy or smoking-hot for someone? Your bank account not as fat-daddy as it used to be? Think it’s crazy to spend hundreds on a dress you might only wear one time?

Yep. Me too. Me too. Me too. Me too.
Here you can rent the runway for $50-$200. This means you can pick a dress of your dreams in your size, have it mailed to your house, wear it to any place, soiree, “thing” your little heart desires, toss it back into the included dry cleaning bag and send it right on back only spending a fraction to rent it instead of buying it.
Brilliant and perfect timing for that upcoming holiday party.
No matter what kind of girl you are (even if you are rolling in the dough) this is just a smart alternative to packing yet another LBD into your closet to collect dust. How else are you going to be able to wear that uber-pricey gorgeous designer get-up you’ve been dreaming of for cheaper than this? Bonus; consider it environmentally conscious! Several fashion-loving gals get use out of one dress. Less material used. Less waste. Love that.
Rent it, wear it, and shake your groove-thang.
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November 22, 2009 In Uncategorized

One Year Ago Today…

…I stepped off a plane in Delhi India to see “Namaste” painted across the airport wall. 

This is the photo of a little girl touching her lips and scratching at the window begging for food. It was the first scene and shot I saw on the taxi ride from the airport. Soon there after at our first stop- yep, that elephant walked by.
Lets just say this was the beginning of quite an adventure. Nothing says Thanksgiving week like the Taj Mahal, being fitted for my very own Sari and stuffing my face full of naan.
Wow. What a difference a year makes.
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November 22, 2009 In Uncategorized

I’m In Love With A Guy Named Max Brenner

No, he doesn’t know. I haven’t had a chance to tell him yet. 

I’ve written about his NYC store before and how I look forward to the day I will walk in and get my very own Hug Mug of hot cocoa. Recently I ran across a book of his called Chocolate: A love story. Between that title and what he’s put on the first page of this read, I’m convinced he is the man for me. (In case you can’t read it clearly, it says; It is so simple, you just need to really love CHOCOLATE.)
Sigh. The man of my dreams.
Dear Max,
Will you marry me? 🙂
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November 20, 2009 In Uncategorized

Spread Hope

December 7th. Leaders from 192 countries will gather in Copenhagen to help solve our climate crisis. 

Hopenhagen.
Sign the petition here. Change powered by all of us. We CAN build a better future for our planet and a more sustainable way of life. Jump on the bandwagon with me and spread the word.
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November 19, 2009 In Uncategorized

OOh! Pick Me!

It’s so fabulous when a reader/follower from here (whom I still have never met but we have become quite good pals after many months via email. Love modern technology.) sends me a link to Yokmok to try to hook me up with some free travel. Thanks G! I’m emailing them and pitching why they should sent me on some random walkabout adventure so I can write about it. I figure that eventually after sending emails, making calls, etc. to these cool and interesting companies telling them I’d be happy to scrub their toilets, carry someone else’s luggage or dance naked on the street to be able to write this for a living, travel, interview people, etc.- someone will scoop me me up and take me in. If not I’ll keep trekking and figure it out on my own, then maybe someday they’ll be asking me for a job.

A thought just popped in my head about how I got one of the most excellent jobs I’ve had thus far. I waited on a bunch of the management team for this company lunch during one of my uber-glamourous restaurant jobs. As soon as I saw they worked for Red Bull I blurted out (exact quote); “When the hell are you Red Bull people going to smarten up and give me a job anyway?” I had never even met them before.
I got a job that afternoon, and worked for them for 3 years.
So I didn’t beat out thousands to become Ms. America, qualify for the Olympics or make a million bucks but I did beat out 65 people to score the awesomely-fun job. How? By not keeping my mouth shut. I didn’t do anything special, just clearly stated what I wanted. Never hurts to ask, or in this case- lightly demand…
Quiet women (or men) rarely make history right?
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