COFFEE PLEASE

All you need is this...

to have this!

so.... let's drink coffee.

Peet's is my favorite coffee. The history is worth reading, so I let their writing stand...

On the day Alfred Peet opened his first coffee store on the corner of Walnut and Vine Streets in Berkeley, CA, he quietly began a revolution in the way Americans experienced the taste and quality of their coffee – a revolution that persists to this day.

Born in Holland, Alfred Peet grew up in the coffee trade and moved to America after World War II. Appalled at the poor quality of coffee being consumed by Americans, he became inspired to open the first Peet’s Coffee & Tea store on April 1, 1966. His style of coffee was a radical departure from what was then available, emphasizing smaller batches, freshness, superior quality beans, and a darker roasting style that produced coffee with richness and complexity.

By 1969, Peet’s Coffee & Tea became a gathering place for coffee devotees, and this success attracted other artisan food purveyors to the neighborhood, which soon became known as the Gourmet Ghetto. Alfred Peet further catalyzed the specialty coffee movement when he mentored and inspired a generation of coffee entrepreneurs, including the founders of Starbucks, whom he supplied with Peet’s roasted beans during their first years of operation.

Over the past four decades, Peet’s growth has been fueled by ever-increasing numbers of coffee lovers in the San Francisco Bay Area and across the nation. With each generation of Peet’s leadership, we have remained true to the quality tenets of our founder, inspired by the same unrelenting pursuit of quality. Our purpose has not changed since 1966 – to seek out opportunities to raise the expectations of American coffee drinkers by attracting and serving those who truly love the taste of coffee, for whom a cup of coffee could only mean a cup of Peet’s.

Peets 10.95 House Blend

I usually buy the whole bean, but the ground is perfect also. illy is the smoothest coffee I have found. $13.95

Opened since 1992, Tully’s Coffee has focused on handcrafted coffees. Tully's is the last independent Seattle-pedigreed coffee company in the world.
$8.50 for House Blend

Tully's also comes in K-cups, which I use in my Breville Single Serving Coffee Maker.

Gevelia opened it's doors in 1853 when Victor Theodor Engwall started importing the finest coffees from around the world. Handcraft in Sweden, Gevalia is delivered to your door.


I hope that you have enjoyed this post. These coffees are my favorite, and I am certainly particular about my coffee.

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10). Lesson 14.
Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10). Lesson .

A GRACEFUL EXIT

When a greeting is followed by a conversation, departing requires more than a “bye” or see you.” The tradional exit is “Goodbye”, along with short conversation, such as “it was so good to see you.”

I f a person appears to ready to part, finish what you are saying and end the conversation.

Monday ~ Introductions
Teresa,
xoxo

Blue Hues ~ Beautiful Blue

Nate Bercus and Anne Coyle decorate the Rakieten home.

Elle Decor March 2010 Issue.

ENJOY!

Blue is such a tranquil color.

This changed my idea about what I want in a bathroom and ...

blue and grey wins.

I could use this closet as an office too :) ...

in a soft, quiet color...

for organizing all of my belongings.

A room for him...

~

Modern...

mixture of modern and traditional.

Blue creates a subdued area...

transforming light into a more luminous state.

I hope that you have enjoyed the beautiful photographs of these blue rooms. I enjoy my Elle Decor magazine each month, thanks to a Christmas gift subscription from my sister.

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10).
Lesson 13

Kissing, Hugging, and Other Affectionate Gestures

Among close friends and family members, it is acceptable to hug or kiss, if this is the usual custom when greeting.

Due to customs and other situations, it is best to offer a handshake only. Unfortunately, we live in a climate where sexual harassment or other situations occur. To be on the safe side, offer your hand for a handshake.

If offering kiss, to avoid bumping heads, go directly to the right cheek.

The two-cheek kiss ~ While facing the person, a kiss to each cheek is accompanied by an embrace, where close or arm touching. Be careful that you know the person and their customs before you offer a two-cheek kiss.

Air kiss ~ A very quick kiss where the persons cheek, either one or both, is nearly touched or is touched by your cheek ,and a kiss is gestured. To keep balance, participants often touch arms or hold the other’s shoulders.

Hand kissing ~ Not usually done in the United States. The woman extends her hand with palm held downward, and the man kisses the hand above the hand quickly.

To signal that you don’t want to be kissed or hugged, extend your hand stiffly for a handshake. This also works well when someone stands too close. If that doesn’t work, grin and bear it and remove yourself quickly. It may be necessary to talk with the person and let them know that they are making you uncomfortable.

Tomorrow ~ A GRACEFUL EXIT.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo

Miles Redd ~ Luscious Design

...

Miles Redd was brought up in the southern city of Atlanta, Georgia, and later moved to New York City to attend the University of New York.

After graduating, he worked for John Rosselli, who gave him a hands-on education in art and furniture. He later worked for the well known decorator Bunny Williams, learning much about antiques.

In 1998, Redd opened an office in Noho. He has earned a reputation for being one of the most talented decorators of our time. He has my vote. I believe that Miles Redd dreams in color!

He has won many awards and received much recognition for his work. I know that you will agree with me when I say that his work is admirable and glamorous.

The colors that Miles Redd uses in his palettes are bright, opulent colors.

The mixture of animal prints and emerald green and reds adds personality to the room.

Laquer is almost a trademark of Redd's.

The blue laquered walls adds such depth to this entryway.

This room is drenched in red richness.

A mixture of modern and traditional.

Such a beautiful, subtle room.

Such a warm and relaxing decor.

Redd on a more airy note.

Massive statement.

Blue and gray ~ tranqil mix.

I want this bathroom...

and kitchen.

A lively mix of tastes.

A childs dream room.

Sheer tranquility.

A perfect place to relax after a hectic day.

Thank you Elle Decor for such a beautiful visit into the world of Miles Redd!

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10).
Lesson 11

Greetings at Home

The best place to learn and practice greetings is in the home.
Good morning, hello, etc.

Standing… or Not.

Rising to greet someone who just entered a room is a time-honored display of respect. There are times when this is difficult, especially if your lap is full – or if it is inconvenient when other co-workers are walking in and out of offices and cubicles.

Stand when someone older than you arrives, you’re meeting someone for the first time, or someone who is traditionally shown this special respect (religious leader or person of high rank.)
Host and hostesses should go greet guest when they arrive, but once the party starts, it is not expected.

When someone leaves the table it is not necessary for the other diners to stand when they return. You must judge all situations: If standing in a crowded restaurant or theater disturbs other patrons, stay seated, but standing to offer an elderly or infirm person a seat, whether at home, dinner, or a train or subway is courteous and humane.

Old rules about males rising while females remain seated are outdated, because women now often stand, offering their hands when greeting others.

(I disagree with men not standing when woman returns to her chair, but this is the choice of each person.) Many men at least partially stand.

Tomorrow ~ Lesson 12, Handshaking.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxoI love this bathroom. Miles Redd leaves nothing undone.

Great Summer Fashion Finds

...

No one needs to go outside in the spring without an umbrella...This T3 Umbrella by Tory Burch is $45.00.

Tory Burch Sunglasses. $250.00.

I bought these pants and they are the most comfortable pants I own. Jackson Sleek Wide-Leg Pant by Banana Republic for $79.00.

Another great J. Crew buy for $128.00, this Sayre Suede Ballet Flat is versatile.

Every women needs a casual watch to wear with her spring garb. Timex for J. Crew. Military Watch, $150.00.

This Loulie Ruffle Tank by J. Crew is $88.00

White shorts are one thing that every well-dressed girl needs. These J. Crew 7" Chino shorts are a great buy at $39.50.

This J. Crew Faceted Raindrop Ribbon Cluster Necklace will finish the perfect outfit. $135.00.

The Tissue Garland Tank by J. Crew is a bargain. Get one in each color for $42.50.

Since black and white and animal prints are my weaknesses, these Christiane Calf Hair Ballet Flats by J. Crew are perfect. $228.00.

Will look great with the leggings also. Sheila McCartney for Neiman Marcus. Knit Zebra Dress, $235.00.

These leggings from Spanx are the best I have found. $28.00.

Linen-Cotton Crested Jacket by Ralph Lauren, $398.00.

Wayfarer Sunglasses by Ray-ban. $139.00. A steal for such quality.

I have had fun looking through the latest fashion finds. I hope that you will find something to enjoy in my selection.

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Embracing Etiquette with Teresa continued... see introduction post (1-29-10). Lesson 12.

HANDSHAKING

A handshake symbolizes both welcome and good faith, as when business people seal a deal. Either sex may offer their hand first.

A firm, not limp or crunching handshake that is perceptible but not pumping. It is proper to release your grip after a few seconds, especially after the other person releases their grip. If you have a strong grip, adjust to the grip of the other person’s grip.

If you raise your hand and the other person doesn’t respond, lower your hand and forget the handshake, even though offering your hand is correct. You can sense when a handshake is appropriate. If someone has their arms full, of course a handshake is out of the question.

For International rules on handshaking refer to that section, “Basic International Courtesies.”

Tomorrow ~ Kissing, Hugging, and Other Affectionate Gestures.

See you soon,
Teresa
xoxo