Personalized Coffee Mug Makes A Unique Gift

Next time you are looking for a cost effective and easy gift for a relative or friend, consider the personalized coffee mug. Here are some customization ideas and options that are worth trying out.

The Photograph

Putting a picture on a mug is always a great idea. You can find a mug with a picture on it you like or you go that extra step to create your own personalized coffee mug containing a photograph that is special to you or someone else.

Today it couldn't be easier to put your own picture on a personalized coffee mug. Today is the digital age. You can simply upload your favorite picture to one of the websites specializing in personalized coffee mugs. This is a convenient and affordable option for just about anyone.

Not Only Pictures

Why limit yourself to the mugs in the store with generic quotes on them? You can put whatever you like on that mug! Have some favorite song lyrics? Perhaps a little Shakespeare? The options are limitless when it comes to putting words on a personalized coffee mug. Again, many websites will help you layout a thoughtful design for you words. Choose something special for yourself or for a friend or coworker.

Artwork Makes The Ultimate Personalized Coffee Mug

If you really want to go all out on your personalized coffee mug then try integrating some original artwork. There are many home kits readily available online or even in local stores that allow you create art and insert into a mug with a viewing window. This is ideal for young children or anyone with a creative side and can make an excellent present for a parent or grandparent that will appreciate the effort put in by a cherished child.

For a higher quality personalized coffee mug you can even go to a pottery studio. Her you can construct your own mug or simply decorate a studio-made mug. This is an excellent option for those who want a completely unique and quality piece of art to give as a gift. Not only is a personalized handmade coffee mug an attractive pieces but it is useful too. For a listing of pottery studios in your area check the internet or you local phone book. You could also enroll in a pottery class at your local community college for the opportunity to create your own personalized coffee mug.

June 27 2009 | coffee | No Comments »

Preparing A Perfect Cup Of Espresso

Sometimes you just want to stay in and make your own cup of espresso instead of heading out to the local coffee house. Not only that, but making it at home is a lot less money since sometimes a shop charges insane amounts for just one cup.

Probably the first and most important thing to remember is that you need to start with the highest quality and most fresh ingredients as you can find and afford. One recommendation that I have always used is to try to only keep beans for about one week.

When you are grinding beans for your next brew, only grind the amount you need for that time. If you grind too much and then use it later, the coffee will not be as fresh tasting. Grinding releases oils in the beans that give you all the flavor. The fresher the grind, the better the espresso. If you can, also use a burr grinder because they will give you a much better grind to extract the flavors from.

When buying your beans, it is important to choose lightly roasted beans. A lot of people make the mistake of using the dark roasted variety. If you use a dark roast bean you will find that your end product will be very bitter.

There are many excellent espresso machines available in many different department stores, specialty shops and online websites. Do some research on all the different machines available and read reviews as well. After you are confident in what you need and can afford, make your decision.

When you have aquired your chosen espresso machine, it may take a few trys and experiments to get the right brew but with some patience and practice, you will soon be making that perfect cup. Remember that the process is pretty much the same no matter what machine you use. You can even look on youtube for some excellent tutorials.

June 25 2009 | coffee | No Comments »