This is the basket that I’m donating to the Hands On Museum’s Night of Lights Gala. It includes two bags of coffee from Vienna Coffee Company, a handmade ceramic mug by Alex and Lisa Lapella, and a handknit coffee cozy by me. The Night of Lights is a wonderful event and is the main fundraiser for the Hands On Museum, so I really encourage you to go.
A couple of weeks ago, Allison Alfonso interviewed me for the “Meet Your Neighbour” column that runs in the Press on Mondays, and the article was published today! She did a wonderful job and I am very grateful for it.
I am only able, however, to knit one sweater per month. I wish I could knit a sweater a week as she has me quoted, but I am far from that amazing. Haha.
I’ve also created a new window display to highlight that we do art, framing, and coffee. It was so fun to do and I love how it turned out. I just wish that I could take a picture of it without all the reflections in the glass!
I’ve been working to get everything just right for the grand opening on Friday. Here is the new cafe area in the front window of the gallery.
So, the really big news is that I have acquired a wonderful espresso machine! (It’s a La Pavoni from the PUB series, if you’re interested.) It was love at first sight, and ever since it’s been installed I’ve had so much fun using it - especially when it comes to creating new drinks!
Johnson City Press video about the upcoming First Friday exhibit, which will feature 10-12 body painted models (including me - I will be painted with a coffee theme!)
The interview with Ren Allen is great - she’s such a talented make up artist and an awesome, awesome lady. It’s definitely not a First Friday to miss!
At the The Rocks - Aroma Festival 3000 coffee cups were filled with different amounts of milk in coffee to make a giant mona lisa.
I’m running a special on Iced Coffee for First Friday. A 16 ounce cup is only $1.50 and is an excellent way to cool off while getting a caffeine boost!
I’ll also have ice cream sandwiches, ice cream drumsticks, and frozen lemonade available to help you cool off on a hot July night!
The French press is truly the best method of brewing coffee. One of the first items I purchased for the coffee bar was a press, so I could offer that option to my customers. This article has some handy hints for brewing at home.
One of the best parts about working in a coffee bar is getting to know your regulars. The regulars aren’t just customers - they become friends who brighten my day whenever they come in for their usual.
My day got off to a fantastic start, because one of my first customers today was a regular from my days at the Books-A-Million cafe, who went on to become one of my regulars at Starbucks. They had heard that I had started the coffee bar and came to find me! It’s good seeing old friends again - and making new friends too!
