new cup o' fun

Liking Starbucks' newest words-free logo cup they rolled out yesterday. They dropped the "Starbucks Coffee" verbiage, as a result of their continued marketing expansion beyond coffee/cafes.

Thankfully, the soy latte--still comforting, liquid perfection--didn't change.

It's strange how such a minor change as a new cup can add a little pep to your step. Hmmm ... it's probably not strange, as much as it is dysfunctional.

Sidenote: Starbucks has also released a line of petites & pops. They're darling. In honor of their 40th birthday, they're selling a Birthday Cake Pop, a Rocky Road Cake Pop, and a Tiramisu Cake Pop. I like.

the bright & foamy side

I'm currently in the throes of putting the final touches on my dissertation proposal. (That's proposal, not the big enchilada/end-product/eventual orgasm.)

It's all good. Until, that is ... a textbook perfect Saturday--like the one currently doing a "Welcome, Autumn" ballet outside--taunts me. Then I become a tad distressed.

Enter Starbucks. More specifically, enter Pumpkin Spice Soy Latte (with no whip). You, my baby, are the reason I'm going to be ok.

Happy. Happy.

Yummy. Yummy.

Blah. Blah.

In the vein of pumpkins, I'll leave you with some advice from Linus in It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: "Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker."

Happy Saturday.
xo

buenos monday

Back in the saddle again.

The students are all gone (at least 'til the summer session starts), which means: I scored very choice parking.

This morning's latte was exceptionally creamy.

After a nasty, miserable, stinky hiatus, the office AC is working.

I'm feeling recharged & rejuvenated.

Despite the impending prop planes/puddle jumpers in my all-too-near future, it's going to be a good week (and gosh darnit, people like me)!

the best part of my work day

{Tea time}

It's only 1:38 and I'm ready to go home. Not the greatest way to greet a new week, huh?

beer with your fries?

If your answer is "yes" and you're in South Beach, you'll soon be in luck. In mid-February Burger King will open a Whopper Bar in the trendy Miami neighborhood (Las Vegas, NYC, and LA are next on the list):

To keep up with Miami's night life, Burger King (BKC)'s new Whopper bar will offer American beer and Whopper sandwiches around the clock, staying open 24 hours a day, seven days a week . . . .

"That adds a new element to the Burger King brand," said Tom Forte, an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group. "It also creates a different mystique for going to a Whopper Bar versus a traditional restaurant."

Mystique? I'm not sure which is worse: Eating a Whopper or having to choose between Budweiser, Miller Lite and Bud Light Lime.

Though I can honestly say I won't be rubbing elbows with The King anytime soon, I do applaud BK for their forward-thinking ways.

(as was released a few months back, Starbucks is doing the same up in Seattle, piloting a wine/beer/coffee bar)

spot o' tea

I think it's the Brit in me, but I love hot tea (and then there are those super cute knitted cosies ....). Tea is highly underrated--I don't drink enough of it. But as I tackle three weeks of preliminary exam writing, I'm rediscovering my love for this soothing hot beverage (the cool Texas temps only add to the comfort factor). No milk. No sugar. Just the calming aroma and flavor of the tea.

My favorites ... nothing fancy -- Starbucks Tazo (English Breakfast is wonderful) ....

... and just about any Celestial Seasonings (but I'm partial to Raspberry Zinger):

I'm in the market for a new kettle and found these lovelies at Sur La Table.

Le Creuset Pink Whistling Tea Kettle

Bodum Glass Stovetop Kettle

Simplex Tea Kettle