Until recently, coffee tables were something of an afterthought when it came to designing a living room that was both handsome and comfortable. Hidden in the shadow of magnificent love seats, sofas and chairs, the poor old coffee table was relegated to second place and on occasion, was omitted entirely.
This has all changed, thanks in large part to the new designs that have been turned out by manufacturers in recent years that are not only beautiful, but add functionality and warmth to the living room.
In fact, a carefully selected coffee table can actually become the focal point of the room, complementing the other pieces of living room furniture while becoming the center of attention in its own right.
When choosing a coffee table for your living room, you want to consider two main factors: style and function.
Choosing a coffee table style
The perfect coffee table complements your décor, of course. Ideally, you want to select a table that is in the same style as the rest of your furnishings. For instance, a country inspired design may stick out like a sore thumb in a contemporary furnished living room. Conversely, a stainless steel and glass table may look out of place in a home decorated in a tropical style, or one that features highly ornate furnishings. Unless you are an experienced interior designer, you may want to stick to with a table that is in the same general style of the rest of your furnishings, i.e., traditional with traditional, contemporary with contemporary and so on.
Selecting a coffee table for its function
It used to be that all coffee tables were created equally. But no more. Today, you can get a range of models, some with features that weren't even on the drawing boards a decade or so ago.
For instance, if you like to eat and watch TV at the same time, you can get a table with a top that cantilevers up and out, creating an eating area that is far more convenient and elegant than TV trays. If you have children, you may want to get a coffee table that has extra storage, so you can easily store kid's toys and games while you entertain company. Some coffee tables also have thoughtful storage areas for remotes - a big help for those who have a number of them to keep track of.
If you entertain a lot, you may want to get a larger table to hold munchies and drinks. You may also want to get something that is a fairly indestructible, so that it won't mar, stain or develop rings if your guests forget to use a coaster.
Scaling your coffee table
Scale is an important consideration these days, as larger living room furniture can dwarf older tables. When looking at coffee tables you want to look for one that won't look lost in the room, overshadowed by other furnishings. Conversely, you don't want one that takes over the room either. As you measure your room and furnishings, remember that the coffee table will be about 18" away from your sofa, love seats and chairs. It needs room to breathe and it needs room for you and your guests to move around it without it getting in the way. Most tables are 16" to 18" high, but some contemporary designs can be lower, so you want to factor that in if shopping for a modern style. Ideally, your table should be one to two inches lower than the height of the seat of your furniture. As far as length, it should be about two-thirds the length of your sofa. If you have an 8' sofa, for instance, your coffee table should be a little more than 5' in length.
These are just general rules, however, as the exact scale is also determined by the size of the room and the location of the furniture.
Color/finish is important
Finally, you want to consider the color of the piece. While you want your coffee table to complement the other pieces you have, but it doesn't have to be a carbon copy of the end tables or the entertainment center. Instead, it should stand on its own while accenting the love seat, chairs and sofa you have, as the table has much more in common with these than the entertainment center that's set away from it and has a personality of its own. Remember, you want to take the entire space of the room into account, selecting a coffee table that adds to the beauty and charm, not detracts from it.
Finally, don't rush your selection. Be sure to look through the hundreds of styles available online these days. As certain ones catch your eye, note their style, their product name and the site they were on. Then start to narrow down your choices as you consider the room, your own personal tastes in décor and the character of the coffee table that hopefully will soon become a cherished addition to your living room.
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it is coffee tables for your living room or end tables for you newly remodeled home, there are many tips you can use to make any spot both functional and beautiful. Click today and indulge your senses.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre
A Barista Story: A Kona Coffee Cup A Day Helps Students Excel
Recently, while sipping a cup of delicious cup of Kona Extra Fancy 'Certified' coffee, the barista said to the coffee patron: do you know that you are helping many students at the Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate (KSBE) in Kona excel in class and pursue their personal dreams by drinking this Kona coffee? The coffee patron replied, what do you mean?
The barista continued: not many people know the story of the Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate (KSBE). Let me share it with you, okay? The Estate was created in 1884 as a charitable land trust by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. She was the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha the Great. Pauahi's husband was a successful banker, Charles Reed Bishop. He purchased the West Hawaii "ahupuaa" of Kaahauloa and Honaunau and added it to the lands they already owned on the Big Island of Hawaii. The "ahupuaa" is a traditional Hawaiian term for the traditional land division, a wedge-shaped land parcel that goes from the seashore to the mountain slopes.
The barista paused for a minute, then continued, Pauahi was very interested in education for Hawaiians. She wanted to make sure that her estate would fund education forever. Pauahi's will established the use of her lands to generate income for the creation and operation of the Kamehameha Schools. The lands cannot be sold. Income from them goes to the schools through the long term agricultural leasehold system that is still in place today. Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate (KSBE) owns close to 300,000 acres of land on the big island of Hawaii and more than half of it is used for agricultural purposes.
The coffee patron said, this is very interesting. I did not realize there was a royal connection between the Kona beans and the rich volcanic lands where the coffee plantations are located. How many farmers are there on the KSBE lands and what else do they grow besides coffee?
The barista thought for a minute and said, about 600 farmers lease tracts from KSBE. These farmers produce Kona coffee on farms that average about seven acres each. There are about 1,200 acres of KSBE-owned land in Kona coffee production. The farmers also produce macadamia nuts, exotic flowers, avocados, vegetables and some fruits. The coffee farms are a rich and friendly natural habitat for many species of birds, butterflies, ants, insects and other wildlife.
The coffee patron asked, how many students attend KSBE schools? The barista said: over 3,000 students at the main campus on Oahu but many more in the new schools added to the system financed by coffee beans primarily. The bean is definitely important to students in the Big Island. KSBE supports a college scholarship program for Hawaiian students. So, literally speaking, you can owe your future to a bean that becomes a cherry and ends up served as a cup of very fine and delicious Kona coffee.
The patron said, barista, I enjoy coming to your coffee house and drinking your coffee. You give me much to think about over my cup of Kona coffee.
Ready for a delicious Kona Extra Fancy 'Certified' coffee?
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Also visit: http://www.squidoo.com/coffee-lensography-TheGourmetCoffeeGuy
© Copyright - Timothy S. Collins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_S._Collins
The barista continued: not many people know the story of the Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate (KSBE). Let me share it with you, okay? The Estate was created in 1884 as a charitable land trust by Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. She was the last direct descendant of King Kamehameha the Great. Pauahi's husband was a successful banker, Charles Reed Bishop. He purchased the West Hawaii "ahupuaa" of Kaahauloa and Honaunau and added it to the lands they already owned on the Big Island of Hawaii. The "ahupuaa" is a traditional Hawaiian term for the traditional land division, a wedge-shaped land parcel that goes from the seashore to the mountain slopes.
The barista paused for a minute, then continued, Pauahi was very interested in education for Hawaiians. She wanted to make sure that her estate would fund education forever. Pauahi's will established the use of her lands to generate income for the creation and operation of the Kamehameha Schools. The lands cannot be sold. Income from them goes to the schools through the long term agricultural leasehold system that is still in place today. Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate (KSBE) owns close to 300,000 acres of land on the big island of Hawaii and more than half of it is used for agricultural purposes.
The coffee patron said, this is very interesting. I did not realize there was a royal connection between the Kona beans and the rich volcanic lands where the coffee plantations are located. How many farmers are there on the KSBE lands and what else do they grow besides coffee?
The barista thought for a minute and said, about 600 farmers lease tracts from KSBE. These farmers produce Kona coffee on farms that average about seven acres each. There are about 1,200 acres of KSBE-owned land in Kona coffee production. The farmers also produce macadamia nuts, exotic flowers, avocados, vegetables and some fruits. The coffee farms are a rich and friendly natural habitat for many species of birds, butterflies, ants, insects and other wildlife.
The coffee patron asked, how many students attend KSBE schools? The barista said: over 3,000 students at the main campus on Oahu but many more in the new schools added to the system financed by coffee beans primarily. The bean is definitely important to students in the Big Island. KSBE supports a college scholarship program for Hawaiian students. So, literally speaking, you can owe your future to a bean that becomes a cherry and ends up served as a cup of very fine and delicious Kona coffee.
The patron said, barista, I enjoy coming to your coffee house and drinking your coffee. You give me much to think about over my cup of Kona coffee.
Ready for a delicious Kona Extra Fancy 'Certified' coffee?
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Also visit: http://www.squidoo.com/coffee-lensography-TheGourmetCoffeeGuy
© Copyright - Timothy S. Collins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_S._Collins
Buying Promotional Coffee Mugs
Why Buy Custom Coffee Mugs?
When it comes to marketing, promotional coffee mugs are one of the most cost-effective ways to attract attention to your organization. Did you know that over 50% of the US adult population drinks coffee every single day? Maybe it's the intoxicating aroma, the rich color, or simply the ritual of pouring a cup that draws you in. Coffee kick-starts your day, caps off a great meal, and enhances conversations with friends. Whether you have a cup-a-day habit or choose to partake more frequently, there's no disputing that coffee is an important part of American culture. So what better way to promote your brand than with custom coffee mugs?
They not only have a higher perceived value than many other promotional items, but they also have a lasting usefulness that other business gifts lack. You probably have at least one imprinted coffee mug in your home or office that you've used again and again. With so many choices in styles and materials, it can be a daunting task to choose the right promotional mug for your business. Let's take a look at some of the most popular types of custom mugs.
Coffee Mug Types
Classic Coffee Mugs
The classic coffee mug is uniformly cylindrical in shape, with a handle, but it comes in a variety of sizes. A basic 11-12 ounce mug is an economical choice for those on a budget. We offer several with full color imprint capabilities.
Bistro Coffee Mugs
The stylish rounded bistro mug, modeled on the mugs from which one might sip cafe au lait at a sidewalk table in Milan or the Cote d'Azur, is a popular alternative style and nice for displaying logos with rounded edges or flowing script.
Cafe Coffee Mugs
If your logo has a crisp, modern design, choose a mug with sleek lines for a contemporary flair, like our tapering cafe' coffee mug. This category also includes 16 oz. latte mugs for everyone who needs their espresso-and-foam fix in the morning.
Camper Coffee Mugs
For those who want a nice, big mug with a rugged feel, the camper coffee mug is ideal. Shorter in stature but wider in diameter, these mugs hold 14 or 15 ounces and have a flecked finish that brings to mind evenings around the campfire.
Diner & Restaurant Mugs
Restaurants or coffee shops should opt for a vitrified ceramic for commercial use, and we offer a nice selection of promotional diner and restaurant mugs ready to take your imprint and look smart use after use.
Glass Coffee Mugs
Perfect for iced or (one of our favorites) Irish coffee, glass coffee mugs look great on a desk or conference table and make an elegant corporate gift.
Travel Coffee Mugs
Anyone with a lengthy morning commute will tell you they couldn't live without a travel coffee mug! Promotional travel coffee mugs are made of a variety of materials, such as plastic, stainless steel, and even ceramic. If your promotion is aimed at commuters, make sure the style will fit into a standard auto cup holder. Perhaps the most important feature of a travel coffee mug is the lid. Lids that offer the ability to close off the drinking spout can help prevent spills and burns, not to mention helping to keep coffee hot.
Travel Coffee Tumblers
Travel coffee tumblers differ from travel mugs in that tumblers do not have a handle but rather a non-slip surface and, in most cases, a contoured shape to make them easy to hold. Like the handle-equipped variety, a travel tumbler's lid is all-important.
Stainless Steel Coffee Tumblers and Mugs
Custom stainless steel coffee tumblers and mugs are extremely popular as promotional items because of their high perceived value. A common material for travel tumblers, stainless steel is durable enough to withstand even the harshest of morning commutes. Some styles are sleek and modern, while others are rugged and feature textural or rubber accents. Stainless steel is often paired with other materials to create a unique two-tone look; the cool silver tone complements a variety of materials, including ceramic, plastic, and even leather. Stainless steel travel coffee tumblers should be double-walled or lined with a plastic liner to help keep coffee hot, and this is ideal for thermo-insulated mugs and thermoses. Stainless steel tends to be the most expensive option for promotional coffee tumbler materials, but the initial investment can pay off in repeat impressions through frequent use.
Acrylic and Plastic Coffee Tumblers and Mugs
Most people probably don't think plastic when they think coffee mug. But promotional plastic coffee tumblers and acrylic tumblers can be a great choice, especially for travel mugs. There are a wide range of color options available to suit any occasion, including effects that couldn't be achieved in other materials. Plastics are durable and can be easily cleaned, so they can withstand frequent use. Be sure when choosing a plastic or acrylic coffee tumbler or mug to look for a style with a liner, as single-wall styles are intended for cold beverages only. There are even acrylic tumblers with stainless steel liners, so you can have the best features of both materials. And unlike most other types of promotional coffee tumblers, there are recycled and biodegradable options available.
Ceramic Coffee Tumblers
A particular style of travel coffee cup has taken the promotional world by storm in recent months. Dubbed the "not-a-paper-cup," the design of this ceramic tumbler mimics the paper cup offered at most coffee shops, complete with a silicone version of the plastic lid. Double-walled ceramic keeps coffee hot and hands comfortable, and some versions even come with a reusable sleeve. Personalized ceramic travel tumblers are ideal for environmentally-friendly promotions, but are also trendy enough to suit almost any campaign.
Paper Coffee Cups
While we hope you'll opt for reusable promotional coffee mugs whenever possible, we understand that some events and businesses call for disposable (or hopefully recyclable!) cups. We offer a variety of custom paper cups to meet your needs. They're a necessity for the restaurant industry, and they can provide the perfect finishing touch to a party or corporate event when you personalize them with your message! Remember that paper cups don't have the insulating properties of most reusable coffee mugs, so don't forget the imprinted paper coffee cup sleeves. There are even reusable versions available, like our foam coffee cup sleeve!
How to Buy Promotional Coffee Mugs
When determining the best options for your promotion, consider the following:
Type. When choosing a type of promotional coffee mug, consider your message and target audience. Do you intend for your promotional mugs to be used in the home or office, where the message will be visible primarily to the end user and those closest to them? Go for a traditional ceramic coffee mug. Does your promotion target people on the go? Opt for a personalized travel mug, as it will both suit your end user's lifestyle and allow your message to be seen by everyone they encounter.
Material. Ceramic is a mainstay coffee mug material that is highly reusable and easy to clean. Stainless steel offers an upscale look and insulating properties. Plastics and acrylics expand design options. Ceramic and biodegradable or recycled plastic options are ideal for eco-friendly promotions, and imprinted paper coffee cups are ideal for large events where reusable mugs aren't practical.
Budget. If you're on a budget, custom coffee mugs are a great choice for promoting your business. For not much more than the cost of a promotional pen, you can increase the perceived value of your promotional item and ensure that your logo will be seen again and again. Smaller budgets can benefit from the lower price points on ceramic coffee mugs. Stainless steel costs more at the outset and makes a great impression.
Grow your business, connect with clients, improve corporate unity, enhance school spirit, or spread the word with a custom promotional product from InkHead Promotional Products!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Ollinger
When it comes to marketing, promotional coffee mugs are one of the most cost-effective ways to attract attention to your organization. Did you know that over 50% of the US adult population drinks coffee every single day? Maybe it's the intoxicating aroma, the rich color, or simply the ritual of pouring a cup that draws you in. Coffee kick-starts your day, caps off a great meal, and enhances conversations with friends. Whether you have a cup-a-day habit or choose to partake more frequently, there's no disputing that coffee is an important part of American culture. So what better way to promote your brand than with custom coffee mugs?
They not only have a higher perceived value than many other promotional items, but they also have a lasting usefulness that other business gifts lack. You probably have at least one imprinted coffee mug in your home or office that you've used again and again. With so many choices in styles and materials, it can be a daunting task to choose the right promotional mug for your business. Let's take a look at some of the most popular types of custom mugs.
Coffee Mug Types
Classic Coffee Mugs
The classic coffee mug is uniformly cylindrical in shape, with a handle, but it comes in a variety of sizes. A basic 11-12 ounce mug is an economical choice for those on a budget. We offer several with full color imprint capabilities.
Bistro Coffee Mugs
The stylish rounded bistro mug, modeled on the mugs from which one might sip cafe au lait at a sidewalk table in Milan or the Cote d'Azur, is a popular alternative style and nice for displaying logos with rounded edges or flowing script.
Cafe Coffee Mugs
If your logo has a crisp, modern design, choose a mug with sleek lines for a contemporary flair, like our tapering cafe' coffee mug. This category also includes 16 oz. latte mugs for everyone who needs their espresso-and-foam fix in the morning.
Camper Coffee Mugs
For those who want a nice, big mug with a rugged feel, the camper coffee mug is ideal. Shorter in stature but wider in diameter, these mugs hold 14 or 15 ounces and have a flecked finish that brings to mind evenings around the campfire.
Diner & Restaurant Mugs
Restaurants or coffee shops should opt for a vitrified ceramic for commercial use, and we offer a nice selection of promotional diner and restaurant mugs ready to take your imprint and look smart use after use.
Glass Coffee Mugs
Perfect for iced or (one of our favorites) Irish coffee, glass coffee mugs look great on a desk or conference table and make an elegant corporate gift.
Travel Coffee Mugs
Anyone with a lengthy morning commute will tell you they couldn't live without a travel coffee mug! Promotional travel coffee mugs are made of a variety of materials, such as plastic, stainless steel, and even ceramic. If your promotion is aimed at commuters, make sure the style will fit into a standard auto cup holder. Perhaps the most important feature of a travel coffee mug is the lid. Lids that offer the ability to close off the drinking spout can help prevent spills and burns, not to mention helping to keep coffee hot.
Travel Coffee Tumblers
Travel coffee tumblers differ from travel mugs in that tumblers do not have a handle but rather a non-slip surface and, in most cases, a contoured shape to make them easy to hold. Like the handle-equipped variety, a travel tumbler's lid is all-important.
Stainless Steel Coffee Tumblers and Mugs
Custom stainless steel coffee tumblers and mugs are extremely popular as promotional items because of their high perceived value. A common material for travel tumblers, stainless steel is durable enough to withstand even the harshest of morning commutes. Some styles are sleek and modern, while others are rugged and feature textural or rubber accents. Stainless steel is often paired with other materials to create a unique two-tone look; the cool silver tone complements a variety of materials, including ceramic, plastic, and even leather. Stainless steel travel coffee tumblers should be double-walled or lined with a plastic liner to help keep coffee hot, and this is ideal for thermo-insulated mugs and thermoses. Stainless steel tends to be the most expensive option for promotional coffee tumbler materials, but the initial investment can pay off in repeat impressions through frequent use.
Acrylic and Plastic Coffee Tumblers and Mugs
Most people probably don't think plastic when they think coffee mug. But promotional plastic coffee tumblers and acrylic tumblers can be a great choice, especially for travel mugs. There are a wide range of color options available to suit any occasion, including effects that couldn't be achieved in other materials. Plastics are durable and can be easily cleaned, so they can withstand frequent use. Be sure when choosing a plastic or acrylic coffee tumbler or mug to look for a style with a liner, as single-wall styles are intended for cold beverages only. There are even acrylic tumblers with stainless steel liners, so you can have the best features of both materials. And unlike most other types of promotional coffee tumblers, there are recycled and biodegradable options available.
Ceramic Coffee Tumblers
A particular style of travel coffee cup has taken the promotional world by storm in recent months. Dubbed the "not-a-paper-cup," the design of this ceramic tumbler mimics the paper cup offered at most coffee shops, complete with a silicone version of the plastic lid. Double-walled ceramic keeps coffee hot and hands comfortable, and some versions even come with a reusable sleeve. Personalized ceramic travel tumblers are ideal for environmentally-friendly promotions, but are also trendy enough to suit almost any campaign.
Paper Coffee Cups
While we hope you'll opt for reusable promotional coffee mugs whenever possible, we understand that some events and businesses call for disposable (or hopefully recyclable!) cups. We offer a variety of custom paper cups to meet your needs. They're a necessity for the restaurant industry, and they can provide the perfect finishing touch to a party or corporate event when you personalize them with your message! Remember that paper cups don't have the insulating properties of most reusable coffee mugs, so don't forget the imprinted paper coffee cup sleeves. There are even reusable versions available, like our foam coffee cup sleeve!
How to Buy Promotional Coffee Mugs
When determining the best options for your promotion, consider the following:
Type. When choosing a type of promotional coffee mug, consider your message and target audience. Do you intend for your promotional mugs to be used in the home or office, where the message will be visible primarily to the end user and those closest to them? Go for a traditional ceramic coffee mug. Does your promotion target people on the go? Opt for a personalized travel mug, as it will both suit your end user's lifestyle and allow your message to be seen by everyone they encounter.
Material. Ceramic is a mainstay coffee mug material that is highly reusable and easy to clean. Stainless steel offers an upscale look and insulating properties. Plastics and acrylics expand design options. Ceramic and biodegradable or recycled plastic options are ideal for eco-friendly promotions, and imprinted paper coffee cups are ideal for large events where reusable mugs aren't practical.
Budget. If you're on a budget, custom coffee mugs are a great choice for promoting your business. For not much more than the cost of a promotional pen, you can increase the perceived value of your promotional item and ensure that your logo will be seen again and again. Smaller budgets can benefit from the lower price points on ceramic coffee mugs. Stainless steel costs more at the outset and makes a great impression.
Grow your business, connect with clients, improve corporate unity, enhance school spirit, or spread the word with a custom promotional product from InkHead Promotional Products!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Ollinger
Cool Coffee Tables for Your Home
If you are shopping for a new coffee table there are a lot of great options available to you today. You can find tables with storage that not only are great looking and can become an elegant focal point for your living room but they also help to provide a little organization for your CD's, magazines, or other pieces you might want nearby but organized.
If your house usually gets many visits from friends, relatives, and other guests, then cool tables are a must. Generally because they make great conversation pieces, and second, it makes your house something worth remembering. Don't you just love that?
With modern designs, modern architecture, and modern interior styles, there are a lot of choices to pick from when it comes to cool coffee style tables. Basically there is always one for everybody. For the ones with that classic taste but wants a bit of twist to it, you can have chessboard style tables. Some kinds may come with large chess pieces too! If you're into the whole techie stuff, cool coffee tables such as those designed to look like iPods and iPhones are available, and there are even some that come technologically enhanced with touched screen applications with just a click of a button.
It can be a plain table at one time and turn into an interactive piece of machine in the next. For the ones who love to have something different or who want to bring the beach to their homes, there are also fish tank coffee style tables!
So basically the top portion is clear glass which serves as your table, and the supposed hollow area in the middle is the fish tank. Its maintenance is no more, no less just like any other ordinary fish tanks out there.
So which of the cool coffee tables do you want?
If you're looking for some creative looking coffee tables check out coffee tables with storage for a variety of different styles of tables including some very cool ottoman coffee tables - a great storage solution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tiffany_Fleur
If your house usually gets many visits from friends, relatives, and other guests, then cool tables are a must. Generally because they make great conversation pieces, and second, it makes your house something worth remembering. Don't you just love that?
With modern designs, modern architecture, and modern interior styles, there are a lot of choices to pick from when it comes to cool coffee style tables. Basically there is always one for everybody. For the ones with that classic taste but wants a bit of twist to it, you can have chessboard style tables. Some kinds may come with large chess pieces too! If you're into the whole techie stuff, cool coffee tables such as those designed to look like iPods and iPhones are available, and there are even some that come technologically enhanced with touched screen applications with just a click of a button.
It can be a plain table at one time and turn into an interactive piece of machine in the next. For the ones who love to have something different or who want to bring the beach to their homes, there are also fish tank coffee style tables!
So basically the top portion is clear glass which serves as your table, and the supposed hollow area in the middle is the fish tank. Its maintenance is no more, no less just like any other ordinary fish tanks out there.
So which of the cool coffee tables do you want?
If you're looking for some creative looking coffee tables check out coffee tables with storage for a variety of different styles of tables including some very cool ottoman coffee tables - a great storage solution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tiffany_Fleur
How To Prepare Hot Coffee Correctly
Coffee is a well known drink which is highly preferred beverage that many people love. Everywhere you go it does not matter which city it is, coffee is widely drunk by so many people. It definitely has become a social symbol for all age groups and due to this it has developed into many different flavors, forms and presentations so much that you could not believe it is indeed coffee. Though the modern iced coffee drinks or blended drinks have been introduced, Hot drink is still more popular. In spite of the numerous adaptations and flavors that have come up not too long ago, black hot coffee (with or without cream or milk) is still one of the greatest beverages all over the world.
How To Prepare Hot Coffee
Temperature
The right temperature is required if you want to fully appreciate the palatable taste. You might risk of scalding your tongue if the water used to brew or mix the coffee is too hot, and you drink it immediately. What you have to do is wait for hot coffee to cool a little, this can be tricky because it may cool too much and therefore decrease its taste. If you let it stand in an open container for over 30 minutes the flavor deteriorates and in the end it gives you a bitter taste.
The best temperature for brewing coffee is just off the boil. Meaning this puts the water or the coffee mixture at around 195 degrees. For extracting the correct flavor from the beans that you use, this is the right temperature . This is if you brew your coffee without the brewer or drip coffee maker. The term just off the boil means after the water has reached a rolling boil; you should quickly take it off the heat and wait for around two minutes before serving. It is perfect for drinking slowly. You must exercise care when you are drinking just served drink because in many cases, this is scalding hot and it may burn your tongue.
Ideally, serving coffee at 165 - 175 degrees is the right temperature. This is sufficient enough to keep the flavor of the coffee. Letting it stand can lower the heat, however at the same time when it is left standing for too long, the flavor of the brew will be compromised. So be careful, you have to wait for it to stand so that over standing will not occur. If you use cups it cools faster than brewed coffee in a carafe or an air pot. The air pot is the best way to keep you brewed coffee since it is airtight and it prevents the coffee to cool quickly.
There many people who drink coffee not only for mornings, but large number of people have extended the practice of taking the dark beverage after meals or during late afternoon. Some heavy drinker even drink hot or cold coffee at night after dinner.
Hot coffee can be a gentle stimulant for some drinkers and become necessary for many other coffee lovers.
To know more about coffee-gift-baskets-as-gifts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fatima_Edris
How To Prepare Hot Coffee
Temperature
The right temperature is required if you want to fully appreciate the palatable taste. You might risk of scalding your tongue if the water used to brew or mix the coffee is too hot, and you drink it immediately. What you have to do is wait for hot coffee to cool a little, this can be tricky because it may cool too much and therefore decrease its taste. If you let it stand in an open container for over 30 minutes the flavor deteriorates and in the end it gives you a bitter taste.
The best temperature for brewing coffee is just off the boil. Meaning this puts the water or the coffee mixture at around 195 degrees. For extracting the correct flavor from the beans that you use, this is the right temperature . This is if you brew your coffee without the brewer or drip coffee maker. The term just off the boil means after the water has reached a rolling boil; you should quickly take it off the heat and wait for around two minutes before serving. It is perfect for drinking slowly. You must exercise care when you are drinking just served drink because in many cases, this is scalding hot and it may burn your tongue.
Ideally, serving coffee at 165 - 175 degrees is the right temperature. This is sufficient enough to keep the flavor of the coffee. Letting it stand can lower the heat, however at the same time when it is left standing for too long, the flavor of the brew will be compromised. So be careful, you have to wait for it to stand so that over standing will not occur. If you use cups it cools faster than brewed coffee in a carafe or an air pot. The air pot is the best way to keep you brewed coffee since it is airtight and it prevents the coffee to cool quickly.
There many people who drink coffee not only for mornings, but large number of people have extended the practice of taking the dark beverage after meals or during late afternoon. Some heavy drinker even drink hot or cold coffee at night after dinner.
Hot coffee can be a gentle stimulant for some drinkers and become necessary for many other coffee lovers.
To know more about coffee-gift-baskets-as-gifts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fatima_Edris
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Coffee
Whichever blend of coffee you prefer or whatever type of equipment you are using to prepare the coffee the objective is the same. To release the coffee oils and soluble coffee compounds into solution in the final beverage.
Not all the soluble compounds are desirable particularly tannin so it is important to brew the coffee is just the right manner to produce the perfect cup.
Although it is possible to extract as much as a third of the mass of coffee from the grounds the optimum amount is about 20%
There are six important factors to consider when making fresh coffee.
1. The coffee grind - By this we mean the particle size of the coffee grounds. This varies typically from largest to smallest thus: coarse, medium, fine and espresso (or very fine)
Over-extraction can occur if the grind size is too small for the method and equipment used resulting in a coffee being bitter and too strong. If the size is too large then under-extraction will occur resulting in a weak wishy-washy coffee.
Typically one would use a coarse grind for a coffee pot, medium grind for a cafeteria (French Press), medium to fine for a typical filter drip machine and espresso grind for an espresso machine.
2. Freshness and quantity of coffee - Coffee beans should be stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight and ideally kept in an airtight container. The coffee should be ground to order as ground coffee will lose some of its subtle flavors and aromas if is left exposed to the atmosphere for very long.
It is vital to use the recommended dosage of coffee depending on the equipment being used. Using less coffee but increasing the brewing time will not result in a standard brew but create an over-extracted drink. Using more coffee than recommended but a quicker infusion time will result in an under-extracted coffee.
3. Temperature and water quality of the water - Always use fresh cold water to start off the brewing process. Ideally the water should be filtered to remove unwanted taints and odors and be very slightly hard.
Water should be used that has just come off the boil and be approximately 95-98 degrees Celsius for optimum extraction of coffee. Too hot can scald the coffee and too cool will result in under-extraction.
4. The infusion time - The length of time that the hot water is in direct contact with the coffee grounds is crucial in producing the perfect cup. In reality this is determined by the equipment being used to brew it, so always follow the manufacturers guidelines.
As a rough guide however consider the following.
10-30 seconds for espresso grind 3-6 minutes for fine grind 6-8 minutes for medium grind 8-10 minutes for coarse grind
5. Brewing method employed - Basically there are three different methods employed to make coffee. These are steep & strain, filter infusion and pressure infusion.
Steep and strain simply involves putting hot water in contact with coffee grounds in a pot or container until under extraction has occurred. The resulting brew is strained to isolate the coffee liquor.
Filter infusion is common in many applications and uses a filter basket filled with coffee grounds that has hot water added from above. The infusion time is relatively short as the water infuses briefly with the coffee until the liquor passes thought the basket into a flask or container below.
Pressure infusion - Hot water is forced under high pressure though a small tablet of compacted grounds to produce an individual serving of coffee. This is the standard method of producing espresso.
Again it is imperative to use the right method with the correct type and grind of coffee.
6. Cleanliness - Coffee contains oils that will leave a tarry residue on equipment that can contaminate and spoil the taste of subsequent brews. Daily washing and cleaning of equipment is an absolutely vital part in producing the perfect cup.
Have fun - producing a great tasting cup of your favorite coffee should be an easy and enjoyable task.
For more information about coffee and coffee making equipment visit http://www.cafebar.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fenton_Wayne
Not all the soluble compounds are desirable particularly tannin so it is important to brew the coffee is just the right manner to produce the perfect cup.
Although it is possible to extract as much as a third of the mass of coffee from the grounds the optimum amount is about 20%
There are six important factors to consider when making fresh coffee.
1. The coffee grind - By this we mean the particle size of the coffee grounds. This varies typically from largest to smallest thus: coarse, medium, fine and espresso (or very fine)
Over-extraction can occur if the grind size is too small for the method and equipment used resulting in a coffee being bitter and too strong. If the size is too large then under-extraction will occur resulting in a weak wishy-washy coffee.
Typically one would use a coarse grind for a coffee pot, medium grind for a cafeteria (French Press), medium to fine for a typical filter drip machine and espresso grind for an espresso machine.
2. Freshness and quantity of coffee - Coffee beans should be stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight and ideally kept in an airtight container. The coffee should be ground to order as ground coffee will lose some of its subtle flavors and aromas if is left exposed to the atmosphere for very long.
It is vital to use the recommended dosage of coffee depending on the equipment being used. Using less coffee but increasing the brewing time will not result in a standard brew but create an over-extracted drink. Using more coffee than recommended but a quicker infusion time will result in an under-extracted coffee.
3. Temperature and water quality of the water - Always use fresh cold water to start off the brewing process. Ideally the water should be filtered to remove unwanted taints and odors and be very slightly hard.
Water should be used that has just come off the boil and be approximately 95-98 degrees Celsius for optimum extraction of coffee. Too hot can scald the coffee and too cool will result in under-extraction.
4. The infusion time - The length of time that the hot water is in direct contact with the coffee grounds is crucial in producing the perfect cup. In reality this is determined by the equipment being used to brew it, so always follow the manufacturers guidelines.
As a rough guide however consider the following.
10-30 seconds for espresso grind 3-6 minutes for fine grind 6-8 minutes for medium grind 8-10 minutes for coarse grind
5. Brewing method employed - Basically there are three different methods employed to make coffee. These are steep & strain, filter infusion and pressure infusion.
Steep and strain simply involves putting hot water in contact with coffee grounds in a pot or container until under extraction has occurred. The resulting brew is strained to isolate the coffee liquor.
Filter infusion is common in many applications and uses a filter basket filled with coffee grounds that has hot water added from above. The infusion time is relatively short as the water infuses briefly with the coffee until the liquor passes thought the basket into a flask or container below.
Pressure infusion - Hot water is forced under high pressure though a small tablet of compacted grounds to produce an individual serving of coffee. This is the standard method of producing espresso.
Again it is imperative to use the right method with the correct type and grind of coffee.
6. Cleanliness - Coffee contains oils that will leave a tarry residue on equipment that can contaminate and spoil the taste of subsequent brews. Daily washing and cleaning of equipment is an absolutely vital part in producing the perfect cup.
Have fun - producing a great tasting cup of your favorite coffee should be an easy and enjoyable task.
For more information about coffee and coffee making equipment visit http://www.cafebar.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fenton_Wayne
Iced Coffee Nutritional Value - Learn the Facts
Drinking iced coffee blends will not add a ton of nutrition to your daily intake. Brewed coffee by itself is almost calorie free and contains no cholesterol and no fat but adding things to the coffee like whipped cream, sugar or even milk adds fat, cholesterol and calories. For instance, a dollop of whipped cream (15 milliliters or 1 tablespoon) on the top adds 5 grams of fat and 50 calories. There is no nutritional value there. Adding just a tablespoon of sugar also adds 50 calories but adding a tablespoon of milk that is fat-free is only 5 added calories. If you were to order a cafe latte espresso with regular milk added you are looking at 11 grams of fat and about 200 calories but this drink with milk that is nonfat reduces the calories to 130 and takes away the added fat. All this makes a big difference if you are watching your weight or trying to lose weight.
Cappuccinos that are blended and then iced are a very popular drink especially in hot weather. A drink like this usually has sodium and sugar added to enhance the flavor. The hot version of the blended cappuccino has 45 percent less sugar and 68 percent less sodium. The icing of the drink dilutes the flavors so this is probably why so much sodium and sugar is added. If your weight is a concern then a better choice is decidedly a basic coffee drink without adding sugar.
Drinking a medium black cup of coffee will not destroy a diet because there is no cholesterol, or fat and about five calories but there is something called caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee removes most of the harmful caffeine but there are still other factors to consider while drinking coffee. Black coffee has the highest amount of caffeine (330 mg) plus sodium (10 mg). Caffeine is actually a drug that spikes energy. A burst of energy is a good thing at times but at what price? When the coffee is black there are no extra calories but the coffee itself is then in a pure form and contains 330 mg of caffeine. If caffeine is your consideration then a cafe au lait with nonfat milk in equal proportion to coffee will cut the caffeine intake right in half. Unfortunately this means the added milk takes the calories up to 130, with 18 grams of sugar, 5 grams of cholesterol, 5 fat calories and a whopping 150 mg of sodium. Using 2 percent milk instead of nonfat milk adds 55 fat calories, 25 grams of cholesterol and 60 more calories.
Calories that are burned depend on the weight of the person, the amount of time spent exercising and the type of exercise. For instance, a person who does some regular dancing for ten minutes and weighs 150 pounds will burn 52 calories while a person who weighs 300 pounds doing the same exercise and time will burn 102 calories. It stands to reason that the larger person burns more calories for the same movements. The person who carries twice the weight burns twice the calories because when they move they are moving so much extra weight it is like doing isometrics plus aerobics. A thin person needs to add weights to burn more calories while the heavy person just has to move their body. Taking a casual stroll for 10 minutes at 150 pounds will burn 28 calories but the 300 pound person will burn 57 calories. If that walk is brisk, then the calories burned off will increase about 6 percent.
So with your iced coffee, if you want to add a dollop of whipping cream or a tablespoon of sugar to enhance the flavor, you will need to take about a 12 minute brisk walk if your weight 150 pounds to burn off the extra calories. If your pleasure is to indulge in a cafe latte espresso with whole milk and weigh150 pounds it will take 25 minutes of high impact aerobics to burn off the extra calories.
Another consideration about drinking iced coffee is that coffee has a high acid content. This makes the digestion of coffee difficult and it should not be combined with meals. Besides the health problems that too much caffeine in your diet will cause, there is also health related problems when the acid content of the foods you ingest are too high. The worse part of drinking coffee is that too much has the potential of causing problems with the body's absorption of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the food that is ingested or the supplements taken. The body will steal what it needs in the way of nutrients and vitamins from bones and vital organs in an effort to balance itself. The depleted organs will then be subject to disease.
The nutritional value of coffee is the same whether it is served hot or cold. A simple brewed cup of coffee has only about ten calories and no fat. However, most iced coffee lovers enjoy adding other ingredients that make an iced coffee high in calories plus adding sugar and fat. If you are on a weight loss program, an iced coffee with all the trimmings is like eating a meal, calorie wise. The bottom line is if you do choose to indulge in your favorite iced coffee treat, remember it is not the innocent cup of coffee you may have thought.
http://healingfoods.biz
Learn about Healing Foods and how they make your body healthier. Detailed information on the nutritional value and how each food can fight off diseases.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_L_Lee
Cappuccinos that are blended and then iced are a very popular drink especially in hot weather. A drink like this usually has sodium and sugar added to enhance the flavor. The hot version of the blended cappuccino has 45 percent less sugar and 68 percent less sodium. The icing of the drink dilutes the flavors so this is probably why so much sodium and sugar is added. If your weight is a concern then a better choice is decidedly a basic coffee drink without adding sugar.
Drinking a medium black cup of coffee will not destroy a diet because there is no cholesterol, or fat and about five calories but there is something called caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee removes most of the harmful caffeine but there are still other factors to consider while drinking coffee. Black coffee has the highest amount of caffeine (330 mg) plus sodium (10 mg). Caffeine is actually a drug that spikes energy. A burst of energy is a good thing at times but at what price? When the coffee is black there are no extra calories but the coffee itself is then in a pure form and contains 330 mg of caffeine. If caffeine is your consideration then a cafe au lait with nonfat milk in equal proportion to coffee will cut the caffeine intake right in half. Unfortunately this means the added milk takes the calories up to 130, with 18 grams of sugar, 5 grams of cholesterol, 5 fat calories and a whopping 150 mg of sodium. Using 2 percent milk instead of nonfat milk adds 55 fat calories, 25 grams of cholesterol and 60 more calories.
Calories that are burned depend on the weight of the person, the amount of time spent exercising and the type of exercise. For instance, a person who does some regular dancing for ten minutes and weighs 150 pounds will burn 52 calories while a person who weighs 300 pounds doing the same exercise and time will burn 102 calories. It stands to reason that the larger person burns more calories for the same movements. The person who carries twice the weight burns twice the calories because when they move they are moving so much extra weight it is like doing isometrics plus aerobics. A thin person needs to add weights to burn more calories while the heavy person just has to move their body. Taking a casual stroll for 10 minutes at 150 pounds will burn 28 calories but the 300 pound person will burn 57 calories. If that walk is brisk, then the calories burned off will increase about 6 percent.
So with your iced coffee, if you want to add a dollop of whipping cream or a tablespoon of sugar to enhance the flavor, you will need to take about a 12 minute brisk walk if your weight 150 pounds to burn off the extra calories. If your pleasure is to indulge in a cafe latte espresso with whole milk and weigh150 pounds it will take 25 minutes of high impact aerobics to burn off the extra calories.
Another consideration about drinking iced coffee is that coffee has a high acid content. This makes the digestion of coffee difficult and it should not be combined with meals. Besides the health problems that too much caffeine in your diet will cause, there is also health related problems when the acid content of the foods you ingest are too high. The worse part of drinking coffee is that too much has the potential of causing problems with the body's absorption of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the food that is ingested or the supplements taken. The body will steal what it needs in the way of nutrients and vitamins from bones and vital organs in an effort to balance itself. The depleted organs will then be subject to disease.
The nutritional value of coffee is the same whether it is served hot or cold. A simple brewed cup of coffee has only about ten calories and no fat. However, most iced coffee lovers enjoy adding other ingredients that make an iced coffee high in calories plus adding sugar and fat. If you are on a weight loss program, an iced coffee with all the trimmings is like eating a meal, calorie wise. The bottom line is if you do choose to indulge in your favorite iced coffee treat, remember it is not the innocent cup of coffee you may have thought.
http://healingfoods.biz
Learn about Healing Foods and how they make your body healthier. Detailed information on the nutritional value and how each food can fight off diseases.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_L_Lee
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