As a blogger, I am always reminded that we should write about what we love. Today, I am thinking about rolling with that idea and sharing some of my favorite things that I use/think of/talk about everyday.

As a member of the wedding industry, I find myself having lots of coffee dates. Mix that with the fact that I have a mom who works for Starbucks, I work crazy hours and need a caffeine boost on a daily basis, and the fact that coffee just tastes good and you an explanation for the major love I have for the creamy treat. I will be the first to admit that I spend WAY TOO MUCH on coffee and coffee related products. Just in case you share the same love of coffee that I do, here are a few of my absolute favorite ideas, tips and thoughts.

Disclaimer: I am in no way paid to mention any products or services. I seriously just love them enough to spread the word.

1. Starbucks Via. Instant coffee has always had a bad reputation for being a not-so-tasty replacement when you are on the run or don’t feel like making an entire pot. These little via packets are a godsend! Instant, delicious and easy to tuck into your purse are just a few of the reasons why I love it. But, in the summertime, I find myself wanting something cold and the Iced Via is an excellent solution. Mixed with a little sweetness (since we all know how hard it is to dissolve sugar in cold liquid) and poured over ice, this is my new favorite. I mix either packet with some caramel sauce, hot cocoa mix, or another delicious addition and can drink these all day. Plus they save me a lot of money, since I don’t have to stop at the local coffee shop on the way home. As long as you have a bottle of water, you have an instant fix for your caffeine cravings. Oh, and there is also a mug that makes it even easier to enjoy on the go!
2. Too Hot Mamas. This past weekend I went on a little vacation (more on that later!) and we decided to make a stop at a little fruit market for some fresh Michigan grown deliciousness. While browsing the shop, which had everything from Cherry Pie to handmade dolls,  I found one of my new favorite treats. Too Hot Mamas is a local company (you all know how much I love my Michigan made products!) that offers the best handmade and hand-packed drink mixes that I have ever had. Today, I had the pleasure of having my very first cup, which soon turned into my very first THREE cups. Love. I highly recommend the Pumpkin Spice Chai, which at first taste reminds me of cozy sweaters and falling leaves. This would be the perfect addition to a Welcome Bag or a favor for wedding guests!
3. Tea Kettles. I am an instant gratification kind of girl, so it is no surprise that the wonderful whistle of a tea kettle brings a smile to my face. There are so many tea kettles that I would love to get my hands on (look here, here and here), but my trusty Chantal gets the job done. Oh, how I love her.
4. Biggby Coffee. Yes, another Michigan staple. I am a HUGE Biggby fan.Honestly, it is my favorite coffee shop to visit. (Don’t tell my Mom!) I try to get there as often as I can and they are always coming up with amazing new drink recipes. My favorites right now? Banana Bread freeze, which is a frozen banana & chai mixture and the Butter Bear, an amazing caramel & butterscotch latte. Plus, they have a frequency card, so it turns my coffee expeditions into a game of points and free drinks. You can also visit their website to create your own Biggby recipe and possibly win some rad prizes.
5. Tips of the day. Don’t freeze your coffee, this is a common misconception and it dries out your tasty treat. Also, try to grind it right before use for the best flavor. Planning on serving it over ice? Add less water or more coffee beans to the brew to compensate for the melted ice you will have in your glass.