Rebirth of a Couch

Not too long ago as I was driving around in my Chevy pick-up, I saw an old couch just sitting on the side of the road. I suppose someone just set it outside for the garbage man to pick it up and take it away to the dump. If that was the case, I couldn't blame them; the couch was pretty run down looking. The cushions looked like they lost their fluff, the fabric looked dirty and stained from many spilt cups of coffee, and the upholstery had a gaudy pattern that included a combination of greens, oranges and purples. A much acquired style indeed, but at least the two matching pillows were included.

Since I lacked any furniture in my apartment, I figured I would give this pathetic looking couch another chance at life and decided to load it in the bed of my truck and take it home. After getting it home and unloading it, I tried to figure out what I could do with it to make it look a bit more…appealing. Of course, I washed it out as best as I could and even used two bottles of disinfectant and fabric fresheners just to get the weird thirty day old coffee smells out. Smelling like roses and mountain breeze, my new couch still needed a makeover, stat.

After a couple hours of watching home improvement shows on cable television, I decided that the easy fix-up for this broken down couch would be to reupholster the cushions and tie a fabric slipcover over the entire couch. Lucky for me the foundation and overall structure of the couch was still in good shape and I didn't need to tweak anything other than adding some touch up shellac to the feet.

Reupholstering the cushions wasn't as hard as I thought it would be; like most old couches, the cushions had zippers where you could easily take out any old fluff and re-stuff it. Seeing that the old fluff consisted of old acrylic like material, I went out and bought a natural cotton filling like the ones used in futon mattresses. I opted to use cotton mainly because I know it's durable and will last me for quite awhile.

After I was done stuffing the third cushion, I was ready to move on to slipping a fabric slipcover over the couch. I purchased an affordable one from a local fabric and home store in a solid, navy blue color, complete with tie strings at the bottom to prevent it from coming off easily. Fitting it over the couch and cushions, I was able to reinvent this run-down, decrepit looking couch and give it a new personality just by adding new stuffing and a slipcover. To top it off, I purchased two matching pillow shams for the pillows in a slightly lighter navy color and completed the look of my new couch.

Needless to say, I was quite happy that I decided to take it upon myself to give this couch another chance. Perhaps I should go driving around the neighborhood more often, maybe then I'll find a suitable coffee table and bed.

Looking for dining tables and bed frames? Be sure to visit Eco-Furniture.com!

Furniture Pieces Make Perfect Hiding Places

Did you ever notice that as a child one of the best hiding places in your home was always the closet? And if you were lucky enough to have access to an armoire or wardrobe, the possibility of not being found during the game were even higher. Still a favorite game among parents and children alike, hide and seek wouldn't be any fun if it weren't for the hiding places that your home and furniture offered.

Growing up I remember that my aunt had a large, caramel colored, wooden armoire out in the living room - a perfect hiding haven from my cousins who always tried to "seek" me. Even though she kept her television, VCR and CD player on the middle and top shelves, along with her CDs and video tapes in the drawers above and below them, I always managed to find room to squeeze myself in - right between the record player and vinyl LPs. Of course, I was a really small child and could easily fit into this tight nook. No one ever thought to come and find me in the armoire probably because it was usually locked until I came along.

Like any normal child, I learned to rely on my inquisitive nature (though some would say nosy) and searched for different spots to hide in. Sure enough, my aunt's home provided another hiding nook that my older cousins wouldn't be able to fit into - a storage bench. Located upstairs against the wall of the hallway, my aunt would store towels and other linens in the bench. Lucky for me, my cousins and I were playing Round Two of hide and seek on laundry day and I got to use the bench as the key to my winning the game. After awhile my aunt was about to put away some linens and towels when she found me during the game; let's just say that she wasn't too happy to find her niece in her storage bench.

Now that I'm a bit older, the one piece of furniture I wish I had access to then was a wardrobe. After reading the Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I thought to myself how fun it would've been if I could step foot into a magical wardrobe, walk past the coats and into another realm. Without a doubt, that would've been the perfect hiding spot! So consider this readers and parents alike, when looking at furniture for your home, do think about how it will benefit each member of your family. Consider the amount of storage space it offers, how much space it will take up in your home, the longevity of the piece, and the likelihood of your child being found if he or she were to decide to play a classic game of hide and seek with you!

For a wide selection in bedroom sets and dining room furniture, be sure to check out Eco-Furniture.com!

Coffee Basics 101 – Choosing a Great Coffee!

"I'm searching for a really great cup of coffee -- what variety should I buy?"I've been asked this question many times over the years and I always provide the same answer -- "That depends!" Early coffee drinkers used to choose their coffee for the caffeine jolt it provided. But times have changed, and in today's world, when choosing a great coffee -- it's all about the taste, and the taste depends on many things.The taste of a great coffee depends on the climate, soil and cultivation methods involved in the beans' production. Coffee beans contain hundreds of compounds that give them their flavor and aroma. The type of coffee bean you choose, arabica or robusta makes a huge difference in coffee quality and taste. Arabica beans are of a much higher-quality compared to robusta beans, which are normally used as filler for most lower-end coffees. The roasting and brewing process used on the beans can also greatly affect the taste. All of these factors, together, have an enormous impact on coffee taste and quality, and as a result, they do determine whether the coffee is really great or not.But, I also think that when it comes right down to it, the most important factor that ultimately determines whether a coffee is really great or not is whether you the consumer like it. Not everyone prefers the same characteristics in a coffee; some prefer it light and mellow, while others prefer it heavy and full-bodied. So when asking what variety to buy in order to get a really great cup of coffee, you really have to look at your own personal likes and dislikes in a cup of joe.Most people, when choosing their cup of preference, weigh the quality of a coffee by its aroma, acidity, flavor and body.1. The aroma of a coffee is basically one's first impression or "sniff" as the gases released from the brew hit your nose. Words like "earthy," "fruity" and "herby" can be used to describe a coffee's aroma.2. The acidity of a coffee is the "pleasant sharpness" you taste when you take a gulp (or a sip). Acidity is good in a coffee, in that if it had no acidity, the coffee would taste flat. A low acidity coffee is a pleasant-tasting, mellow coffee, whereas a high acidity coffee is very robust and knocks your socks off!3. The flavor factor of a coffee is the perception in your mouth of those hundreds of aromatic elements or compounds of the coffee bean. It also refers to any specific taste you notice in the coffee, such as a "nuttiness" or "spiciness."4. Finally, the body of a coffee is the impression of weight and texture that the coffee leaves in your mouth. This is known as "mouthfeel" and can often be described as "heavy," "watery" or "light."Coffee comes from three main growing regions of the world: the Americas, Africa, and Asia/Pacific. Each region instills its own distinct characteristics into its coffee. So keeping in mind the four cup characteristics described above, and your own personal likes and dislikes, you can narrow down your search by having a look at some of the characteristics each coffee variety/region has to offer.The Americas

Brazil -- smooth, sweet and spicy with hints of allspice and cloves. Complex aroma, mild acidity, medium body. Look for Santos coffees, with Bourbon Santos being the best.

Colombia -- rich, full aroma, mild with good acidity, sweet caramelly taste, medium body. Look for Excelso and Supremo grades.

Costa Rica -- the SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) grade has a good aroma, high acidity, and a fine body. The GHB (Good Hard Bean) grade has a good aroma, very good acidity and a good body. Both provide a sweet, smooth cup. Look for Tarrazu.

Guatemala -- aromatic, a soft mild flavor with a subtle smokiness, heavy body.

Haiti -- very mellow and flavorful with a mild sweetness, heavy body.

Hawaii -- the famous Kona coffee has a splendid aroma and is rich with a mellow character. Very flavorful with a hint of cinnamon and cloves, full-bodied.

Jamaica -- Blue Mountain being the best, it has a delightful aroma, is extremely mellow and sweet-tasting with a full body. High Mountain Supreme comes in second with a medium to sharp acidity and a good body.

Mexico -- wonderful aroma, sweet, medium acidity, hints of hazelnuts in the flavor, smooth body.

Nicaragua -- good acidity and mild flavor with a hint of cognac. Look for Matagalpa.

Panama -- smooth and sweet, good acidity and mild flavor with a heavy body.

Peru -- good acidity with a mild flavor and excellent body.

Venezuela -- great aroma, smooth and mellow with low acidity, rich and delicately winey, a little on the sweet side, light body.Africa

Burundi -- high acidity with a rich strong flavor and good body.

Ethiopia -- amazing aroma of cinnamon, strawberries and fresh-mown grass, very acidic, winey, pungent, earthy flavors, spicy and complex, full-bodied. Look for Harrar - Longberry and Shortberry, and Yirgacheffe.

Kenya -- Very fragrant and floral, sometimes winey, a mild coffee with a delicate acid flavor, and a great smoothness.

Rwanda -- high acidity, strong flavor and good body.

Tanzania -- rich and mellow with a delicate acidity. Look for peaberry varieties.

Zaire -- rich, highly acidic, excellent flavor and body. Look for Kivu.Asia/Pacific

India -- spicy aroma with hints of cinnamon and cedar, delicate acidity, complex and very rich, full-bodied. Look for Nilgiris and Monsoon Malabar.

Indonesia -- rich with low acidity, spicy, strong flavor, heavy body - almost syrupy. Look for Sumatra, Celebes or Sulawesi.

Papua New Guinea -- sweet and full-bodied. Look for Sigri and Koban.

Yemen -- age old Mocha coffee - uniquely smooth and complex with a bit of sharpness, tremendous flavor, can be winey with cherry notes, heavy body. Look for Mattari or Sunani.

Once you have narrowed down your selection to a choice few, try to purchase some sample sizes and start slurping! You may discover you really enjoy one particular variety, or several different ones. Nothing wrong with having more than one favorite! Nonetheless, once you've found your favorite beans, always purchase them freshly roasted, and make sure to store them properly to maintain their freshness for as long as possible. Even a really great cup of coffee can turn into a dud if the beans were roasted ages ago, or left out to go stale.

Mary E. MacDonald is the owner of The JavaPot, an online tea and coffee shop that offers a premium line of gourmet tea and coffee, with an emphasis on organic products. You will also find more great articles, some unique coffee and tea -related gift items, delicious recipes, and product reviews. Check out The JavaPot for more details about current whole bean coffee and loose leaf tea offerings.

Hawaiian Coffee – The Flavor Of The Tropics

If you have ever visited Hawaii then you already know how beautiful and picturesque these islands are. They offer fantastic food which can't be matched anywhere in the world and the Hawaiian coffee is another thing which is highly sought after worldwide. Hawaiian coffee, also known as Kona coffee, offers a rich flavor that is addictive to the discriminating coffee drinker.

Hawaiian coffee is grown on small farms and is typically wet-processed. When coffee is wet-processed it removes the four layers that immediately surround the bean. The result is a cleaner and fruitier coffee that is simply irresistible in taste. There are now many countries that produce fine coffees that also use the wet process. One specific plant known as Typica produces a very low harvest but also produces a very desirable cup of coffee.

The tropical Hawaiian climate is perfect for producing the Hawaiian coffee that is so famous. Clouds usually protect the island from the direct rays of the sun. This, combined with the rich, volcanic soil and the right amount of moisture, provide perfect conditions for the rich, sweet taste of the Hawaiian coffee. People who love this coffee will have to pay an unusually high price in order to be able to enjoy it but most say the price is well worth the taste it offers.

If you usually buy organic products then you will be glad to know that you can also purchase Hawaiian coffee that is grown and processed organically. Organic coffee beans are picked by hand then dried naturally by the sun. There are no chemicals used in growing the organic beans. Many people think the organic bean coffee has the best taste because of the natural growing process.

Finding the Perfect Cup

If Hawaiian coffee is something you desire to drink on a regular basis you will have to find a supplier that can get the coffee for you. This type of coffee is usually not sold in local grocery stores or discount chains. There are several internet sites that offer this coffee through mail order. You can usually buy the whole beans and grind it yourself or you can purchase it already ground. If you have a way to grind it yourself you will be able to enjoy the best flavor since fresh ground coffee releases the essential oils that provide the exquisite flavor. These oils will begin to dissipate over time and the coffee will loose that fresh ground taste.

Regardless of how you drink it, Hawaiian coffee offers a tropical taste experience that coffee connoisseurs say cannot be found in any other beverage in the world.

Roland Jefferson is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, Calfornia. For free recipes, tips and resources covering Hawaiian Coffee, please visit our Hawaiian Coffee Resource.

From Green Coffee Beans To Aromatic Powder

Coffee does not exist in the form that we are used to purchasing it in at the stores. Coffee comes in the form of green coffee beans that grow on the coffee plant. These green coffee beans are then collected from coffee plantations and are sent to places to be roasted, ground and finely crushed to make the coffee powder that you are use to purchasing at your local store.

The Processes that Green Coffee Beans Undergo

There is a process that these green coffee beans must go through before they actually become coffee powder. Firstly, the beans must be picked from the coffee plantations. This is usually done by hand by laborers who get paid for each basket that they pick. Then, since coffee beans have a fruity flesh that directly wraps around the coffee bean, once they are gathered this flesh has to be removed right away. This is done by soaking the beans, scouring them and then mechanically rubbing the bean.

Once the green coffee bean is free from its fruity flesh it is then cleaned with water. This is done in order to remove any of the fruity flesh that may still be sticking to it, as well as any additional sugars that are on it. The beans are then dried by spreading them over a large concrete or rock plane where they are dried by a combination of the air and direct sunlight.

After the beans have been dried it is time for the beans to be put into categories that are based upon the color and the size of the coffee bean. Any beans that are discolored, decayed or damaged are removed from the other beans at this point.

When the beans are finally dried, they are then roasted. This process is important if you want an aromatic cup of coffee. At this time, the coffee bean will actually expands to nearly twice that of what its initial size was. It will also change color and density as it takes in heat. The color turns to yellow and then to a light cinnamon brown. At this point the coffee beans will start to crack, just like popcorn does. As coffee is grown in different parts of the world, varying climate conditions and other factors also play a role in how the beans are processed. The final product is then crushed into the savory coffee powder which we are accustomed to seeing.

Roland Jefferson is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, Calfornia. For free recipes, tips and resources covering Green Coffee Beans, please visit our Green Coffee Beans Resource.

The Popularity Of Flavored Coffee Drinks

While some people only drink coffee in order to wake up in the morning, others are very selective about the coffee that they drink. If you fall in the latter category, you should try gourmet coffee. This coffee comes from beans that have been grown around the world and then made into flavored coffee drinks, using special preparation techniques.

These types of flavored coffee are actually causing people to stand up and take notice of this beverage especially as people's tastes evolve. While they start out drinking coffee that has a lot of cream and sugar in them, over time they will put less and less cream and sugar and may even start to drink it black. With all of the different choices of flavored coffee available, maybe it is time for you to try something new.

Brief History of Flavored Coffee

In the 1990s, flavored coffee became very popular. However, this type of coffee can actually be traced back several centuries to the Turks. Over time, a lot of people have developed strong feelings about this type of coffee; either they love it or they hate it and only want to drink naturally flavored coffee.

Flavored coffee is made by adding flavored oils to the beans after they have been roasted and before they have been ground. Another way in which this coffee can be made is by adding liquid flavors to the coffee while it is being prepared, in much the same was as cream and sugar are added.

Types of Flavors

Generally speaking, there are four categories of this type of coffee. The first category includes flavors based upon spices such as clove, cinnamon, anise, and cardamom. Next, there are also some coffee flavors that are based upon fruits such as coconut or raspberry. Chocolate based flavors are the next type with the most common being chocolate mint. Lastly, some flavors are based upon nuts like vanilla, hazelnut or macadamia nuts. Crème coffees also have their share of followers; these include flavors such as Irish Creme or French Vanilla coffee.

As you can see, there are a lot of different ways in which coffee can be prepared. There are also dark roast, light roast, espresso and regular coffee. After deciding on the blend, flavor and the roast, you have the option of drinking it black or with cream and sugar added.

Roland Jefferson is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, Calfornia. For free recipes, tips and resources covering Flavored Coffee, please visit our Flavored Coffee Resource.

Life After Dairy

My friend Katy has recently cut dairy products out of her diet, but it's not because she has "trendy food intolerance". These are her thoughts and feelings.

It's lunchtime again, and here I am on campus trying to decide what to eat - again. The University boasts numerous eating establishments, but even so the choice usually boils down to a filled baguette or chips. It's for this reason, despite the 'canteen' tray rail and the polystyrene cups, I end up in 'The Downs', the slightly healthier (but still serving chips) caf? on Sussex campus.

Mmm, what lovely treats are in store for me today? Well, the pasta is out, so is the korma, the selection of flans and all of the desserts.

You may be wondering what all the fuss is about and why I don't shut up now and order some chips. Well as it happens I don't eat dairy products. I'm not a vegan, I don't have radical ethics and I won't breakout in blotches, or have a seizure. It's just, for reasons that will be explained, I don't do dairy.

To be fair I could just gobble down a portion of chips, a jacket spud with beans or a salad but I like food, and good food at that. I like to eat a healthy and varied diet and I want a choice of more than 2-3 dishes, one of which is always chips.

So I wander over to the soups to see today's line-up: vegetable, carrot and coriander, courgette and cream of chicken. Nearly every day I come in here and nearly every day I ask if any of the soups are 'dairy free', and every time I get the same grumpy response, "Huh, I'll just go and check for you," says the canteen worker, as she trundles off to ask the chef. I don't really understand why they don't label the soups with those handy little 'V's or green ticks. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one in the university's population of 10,000 who avoids dairy products.

She returns. Apparently the only soup without dairy is the vegetable. The cream of chicken was blatantly out of the question from the start and the courgette did have a distinctively 'milky' look to it. As for the carrot and coriander that was definitely dairy-free last week I remember, because I asked.

For as long as I can remember I've suffered from a constant runny nose, regular colds, sore throats and catarrh. As a child I had eczema and at the age of 15 I came down with glandular fever, which knocked me out for a good two weeks and continued to tire me for several years after that. My immune system has taken quite a battering, and since starting university the constant drinking and lack of sleep hasn't helped.

So when I decided to spend the summer in Brighton, I wasn't very surprised when severe hay fever took hold, making me sneezy, runny, itchy and generally pretty miserable.

Having suffered a similar fate for many of her young years, my grandmother decided enough was enough, and sent me off to a top allergy specialist residing on Harley Street, London. As I was used to being fobbed off by NHS doctors who'd tell me I had been suffering an unlucky number of colds, on one occasion tonsillitis, and having being prescribed nasal spray after nasal spray (which just make you sneeze even more) I was quite looking forward to my 'private health' experience.

I wasn't disappointed. Dr X was very interested in my case, which was very refreshing. (It's amazing what money can do). I explained my troubles, my symptoms and past prescriptions, and for Dr.X it all fell into place. Apparently, already prone to a runny nose and hay fever, my immune system had never really recovered from the glandular fever, and something in my diet had been suppressing my recovery. I was to have a blood test that would hopefully highlight the 'problem' foods. I would then cut them out of my diet and with luck reap the benefits.

That brings us more or less up to date. Nothing was extremely conclusive, but I was encouraged to stop eating all dairy products, including whole egg. So I did. Four months down the line and I've only suffered one cold so far this winter, avoiding the annual 'freshers' flu' that knocked out all my friends. I'm definitely less runny and sneezy, hardly itchy at all, oh yes, and I've lost two stone. This is obviously an added bonus for someone who has been on a diet since learning the meaning of the word.

What's the catch I hear you cry! Well, quite obviously a dairy free diet rules out milk, cheese, butter, eggs, yoghurt and all the foods that contain them. Yes that means chocolate, cakes, creamy sauces and dressings, selected pastas, breads and biscuits. But there are a large number of foods that one would never imagine contain dairy and an even larger amount that quite frankly shouldn't. For instance, many canned soups, pastas and sauces contain milk or egg pasta and practically all pre-packed sandwiches are made with butter or mayonnaise. What has shocked me the most since carefully studying the ingredients list of everything I eat is that some processed meats contain milk or milk powder.

Ah well, I'm not complaining. There are plenty of foods I can eat and for the first time I am enjoying guilt free consumption of those traditionally 'sinful' foods. Yes, chips are back the menu, along with those richer fruits such as olives and avocados. I enjoy the odd packet of sweets, quite a lot of dried fruit and if I ate any more houmus I would turn into a chickpea.

I feel healthier and fitter that ever before and I have never been so comfortable with my size and shape. I've definitely got used to black coffee, butterless toast and mustard instead of mayo. It's true that many shops and restaurants are yet to catch up, a drag to have to check every label and, often, say no to old favourites. As for all the people who assume I just have another 'trendy' food intolerance, that I've gone all 'Geri Halliwell' on them, well I have to explain that it's all I the name of health and that it really is working.

As for all the cynics who can't understand how on earth I could do it I can only say there is life beyond dairy.

Davinos Greeno works for the ethical directory which sells fairtrade shoes plus we have Ethical Company Articles for you to read or publish.

Coffee Tables - The Centerpiece Of A Rich Teak Wood Furniture Arrangement

How many times have you sat down on a sofa, and realized that the coffee table was out of place with the rest of the teak wood furniture? That it was either too high to be comfortable, too low, too small, width or length wise, or perhaps too large. Finding a coffee table that really works is not the easiest thing to do. In fact, it's one of the most difficult pieces of furniture to fit into your décor.

There is no right standard when it comes to coffee tables, there isn't a standard height, width, or length when it comes to coffee tables. It's as easy as choosing the one that fits you the best. However, there are tons of ways to get it wrong. It doesn't matter whether you are getting an outdoor coffee table or getting a coffee table to suit your teak wood furniture arrangement, there are some serious don't's when it comes to picking a coffee table. First, check the room's dimensions or the dimension of your outdoor space.

Coffee tables are designed to be the centerpiece of a seating arrangement so keep that in mind. An outdoor coffee table is no different, you're going to want to cluster a teak wood furniture design around it and you're going to want to make sure there is enough room to move around without your outdoor coffee table from detracting from the space. Small space, small outdoor coffee table; large space, large outdoor coffee table. Don't turn your outdoor coffee table into a place to store things - that isn't the point of an outdoor coffee table.

An outdoor coffee table is designed to bring attention to your teak wood furniture or outdoor room, so your outdoor coffee table should have something attractive placed on it, if you have to have something placed on your outdoor coffee table. When purchasing an outdoor coffee table, keep in mind what it's going to be used for. Also make sure it matches the rest of your teak wood furniture pieces. An outdoor coffee table should be some place that can be used to place drinks and perhaps small plates of snacks. An outdoor coffee table is not a dining table, you don't want to have it too high. An outdoor coffee table is not a Japanese style table, you don't want your outdoor coffee table to be an ankle biter. Take a little time and figure out exactly what you need in your outdoor coffee table before you invest the money in a product you might not be happy with.

Our selections make it easy for you to enjoy classic teak furniture, a known facet of prestige and fashion. Teak wood furniture like coffee tables, folding tables, dining tables are the classic alternative for patio furniture and will always be a memorial purchase. Who deserves it better than you? Your friends will envy! - Enjoy your selections: Teak Wood Furniture

Tips for Quick and Easy Iced Coffee

Coffee is a fantastic drink at any time of day, during any season of the year. That being said, a steaming hot cup of java isn't always welcome once summer rolls around. Don't let the summer heat deprive you of your favorite beverage when you can switch to iced coffee!

During the warmest months of the year, iced coffee makes for a refreshing change of pace. While most cafes and coffee shops serve these cold concoctions, you may be wondering how to get iced coffee at home. Here are my tips for serving up delicious iced coffee without having to break a sweat:

• Get ice.

This may seem obvious, but you need ice to help you make iced coffee. If you don't plan ahead by freezing some cubes, you won't be able to make iced coffee when you want it. While plain old frozen water will do, I prefer freezing several of my favorite Keurig coffee brews in an ice cube tray. When combined with your freshly brewed coffee, these coffee cubes won't water the drink down.

• Brew coffee.

Next, brew your favorite coffee variety. While you're welcome to use a regular drip brewer or instant coffee, I prefer my Keurig single cup coffee maker. To make a cup of coffee in less than a minute, all I have to do is pop one of the K Cup portion packs into the machine and press a button. This allows me to brew multiple cups and different flavors very quickly – which means I can pour the fresh coffee over the coffee cubes and start drinking iced coffee that much sooner!

• Mix things up.

Once you've poured your freshly brewed coffee over your frozen coffee cubes, you can either drink it straight or add a splash of your favorite liquor. I recommend the flavors of coconut rum, Irish cream, butterscotch schnapps or crème de menthe. If you're in the mood for extra flavor but don't want alcohol, try adding a few drops of vanilla or adding some Italian-style flavored syrups.

• Try something different.

If you'd like a more slushy drink, skip the hot coffee. Simply throw a cup of the frozen coffee cubes into a blender and give it a few pulses. Don't over do it with the blender or you'll end up with soup. Pour the crushed coffee cubes into a mug and serve with a straw or spoon.

Another fun idea is to create a coffee dessert by freezing your favorite brew in an ice pop mold. If you don't have an ice pop mold, freeze plastic spoons into the coffee cubes you make in an ice cube tray. Once your coffee pops are frozen solid, remove them from the tray and enjoy. Be careful not to consume your chilled treats too quickly – it might be the first time you get brain freeze from your coffee!

About the Author:

R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major organizations in the education, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries. She lives in New Jersey with her dog and two cats and enjoys rock climbing and ornamental gardening.

This article is copyrighted by CoffeeCow. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part and may not be posted on other websites, without the express written permission of the author, who may be contacted via email at coffeecow@ CoffeeC goes to great lengths to provide the highest quality products, the fastest service, and the deepest discount prices you will find on single cup coffee makers, regular, decaf, and flavored coffee and tea, and a full line of Keurig coffee supplies. Developed by coffee professionals with over 35 years of experience in fulfilling any coffee service need, CoffeeCow offers all the coffee conveniences for your home or office.

Contemporary Bedroom and Living Room Furniture Makes Living Luxurious

If you're a regular jet-setter like myself, I'm sure you'll agree that one of the greatest perks is that you get to stay at luxurious, upscale hotels where you get preferential treatment and cocktails galore! But I have to admit, hob-knobbing with rich socialites, showing up to Red Carpet events and texting every celeb I know on my T-Mobile Sidekick 3 can get pretty monotonous. That's why after a hard week of partying I say there's really no place like home, and my home has to be just as glamorous as the hotels I've been slumming around in.

It's true that they say clothes make the man, but so does his home. Take for instance, my bedroom furniture. I'm the ultimate fan of low-profile platform beds; not only are they easy to fall into after an exhausting day of shopping on Melrose Ave., they're uber contemporary, just like me. Plus, it's made from sustainably harvested hardwood - hey, I care about the environment too, y'know. And with its matching low-profile dressers and nightstands, 100% Egyptian cotton with 1500 thread count linens and pillowcases dyed in Swan Song Blue, my bedroom five-ups any four-star hotel suite!

Oh, and I HAVE to tell you about my lush living room. It's fabulous - all my couches and loveseats feature plush cushions with thick welting along the edges so that my cushions won't lose their shape and firmness. These "nap couches" as I like to call them are PERFECT for crashing into after spending four hours at the salon getting multi-dimensional highlights. Ooh, ooh, ooh, you wanna know what else is so fetch about my living room? My cocktail table - it MATCHES my platform bed! Don't think I had it specially made or anything honey, it's part of the same collection!

So there you have it folks, even full-time jet-setters need a place to call home - just as long as home makes any fancy hotel look bang-up at best.

Looking for bedroom furniture and coffee tables? Visit E