If you are a flavored coffee fan, Montana Coffee Traders offers some tasty options. My two personal favorites are the Huckleberry and Flathead Cherry, but there are plenty to choose from. The Grizzly Blend is also outstanding, plus the proceeds are donated to a national conservation group. This is coffee with a conscience too–the company is all about fair trade and sustainable practices, so you can feel good about your purchase.
No–I’m not being dirty–I swear! I first heard of Lovesac when I watched that “Apprentice” knock off show with Sir Richard Branson, and I thought they were awesome right off the bat. Even though I don’t yet own one, I had to feature them here because they are the perfect “chair” to kick back in with a book and relax the day away–something writers just love to do! There are a variety of sizes and colors, and they resemble the beanbag chair of old, but with a new, fresh look. You’ll be tempted, beleive me–this is something still on my wish list!
Still not sure? How ’bout a trip to Texas in March for the opening of the Inwood Theatre which will feature Lovesac furniture? It’s a good excuse for a vacation, and perhaps you can even write about it….
This is a great place for writers! (And we know from experience–both Joe Wallace and I have lived there.) The photograph is Pleasant Home, a grand house that is owned by the park district and open to the public. The grounds of the home are a great spot to set up camp with your laptop and write on a warm summer day. The village borders the city of Chicago to the west, so endless material for great articles is a short train ride away.
While you are in the town, visit the Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the area (there are many) and make sure you stop in at the Hemingway Museum and take the tour of the famed author’s birthplace home as well. Oak Park has a fantastic selection of dining options, and if you are looking for a recommendation, I’d say check out Mama Thai on Madison. If you want to have a drink and unwind, take your computer with and go to the Avenue Ale House to hit the rooftop bar for some great atmosphere. For more info, check out the Visitor’s Bureau or drop us a line in the comments section and we’ll be happy to give you the skinny on the best hot spots around.
Philadelphia’s South Street is a great place for writing inspiration. A haven for creatives, this street has a huge selection of stores, eateries–and most importantly–plenty of atmosphere. Although some feel that the area has become too commercialized, the people-watching can’t be beat, and there are still a lot of interesting places to check out, as well as some outdoor dining spots that are perfect for a cup of coffee and a laptop session. I went there in the summer and had a total blast. The city is a great mixture of old, historic buildings and fun, hip culture; I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it, and South Street was one of the highlights of the trip. Bring your camera–there is a lot to see there, and some good opportunities for travel writing as long as you think outside the box. And make sure you have a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich while you’re at it!
I’ve been feeling guilty that we don’t have a tea option yet available for those of you out there who either can’t do coffee or have a more “refined” palate. Here is a wonderful option–and they have a catalogue as well with a variety of gifts you can purchase if you need an elegant thank you gift or want to indulge yourself. You’ll find green teas, oolong and a wide selection of herbal teas among the items offered here. Browse away.
Keep your tootsies toasty with these totally awesome socks this winter. This is probably my favorite article of clothing and although they are not exactly at bottom of the barrel prices, they are worth every penny. Thorlos have nice cushy padding that make you feel like you are walking on little pillows. (And if you wash them inside-out, they’ll fluff right back up again for you, even if you walked a couple of miles!) Be kind to yourself and try a pair–you’ll be hooked!