Coffee Books - How to Open a Financially Successful Coffee Tea or Espesso Shop

Dreaming of opening a little cafe all your own? A cute, funky coffee shop is the dream business of many, and yet so many little cafes close during their first year or two of business, because a concrete business plan wasn't in place. This book (including CD-ROM) gives you the information you need to know to make your new business a success.

Coffee Books - I Love Coffee - Book by Susan Zimmer

For the true coffee lover, "I Love Coffee" teaches you over 100 amazing and delicious drinks to make using your favorite beverage!

Decaf Coffee - Is It Really Better for Your Health?

There's always great debate about decaf coffee - is it really any healthier than regular caffeinated coffee? It seems that if you limit your coffee consumption to a couple of cups or less a day (and you don't feel any ill effects from drinking that coffee) then you're probably okay with regular coffee. But, coffee has a bad effect on many people - causing them to feel jittery, nervous or even causing raised blood pressure.

If you choose to drink decaf coffee, make sure that you're drinking Swiss Water decaffeinated coffee. This is a process that naturally removes that caffeine from coffee, leaving you with a cup of coffee that is still delicious, but without the vast majority of caffeine. (Little hint for coffee lovers: a bit of caffeine remains in any decaf coffee, so don't drink too much of even the decaf if you're sensitive to caffeine!)

Espresso Machine Cookie Jar - Too Cute!

I couldn't resist posting this one - a cookie jar that looks like an espresso machine. It's adorable! Great one for you cookie jar collectors out there.

Cool Coffee Stuff - Looks Like a Takeout Cup, But Isn't

If you want to LOOK as if you're toting a Starbucks-type takeout cup, but don't want to add another cup and lid to the landfills, check out this brilliant alternative. Makes an amazing gift for a coffee loving friend!

Coffee News - Franchise Community newspapers

Coffee News is a weekly community newspaper that is franchised according to location. If you want to combine your love of coffee and sharing interesting stories and news, then this might be a perfect home based business opportunity. You can learn more about Coffee News at www.coffeenewscanada.com . Franchises still available in many Canadian provinces, US states and international locations as well.

How a Small Coffee Shop in Canada took on the Big Boys

Love this article! A small coffee shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada took on the big boys in a very interesting (and determined) way. The Daily Grind was surrounded by bigger coffee shops, so they began to offer things that the biggies couldn't - more personalized service, and delicious, homecrafted foods. Check it out, especially if you're an independent coffee shop owner...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/your-business/grow/new-product-development/how-a-small-coffee-shop-took-on-the-big-guys/article1656452/

Interesting use of old Tim Hortons cups - Turned into Biofuel

Just read this fascinating news story about how old Tim Hortons cups are being turned into a source of fuel. Tim Hortons Cups into BioFuel It's definitely a positive step. What do you guys think about it?

Starbucks News - New Frappuccinos and Iced Coffee with Milk

Starbucks has a new take on our favorite Frappuccinos - you now get to choose how you like it! The "However you Want It" Frappuccino gives you loads of new options, like choosing a sugar free option, or soy milk instead of cow's milk. How do YOU choose your Frap?

And...I noticed on a sign the other day that Starbucks also now has an iced coffee with milk. I like that option, since frappuccinos are a bit too sweet for me (and I don't like artificial sweeteners.) I'll have to give that one a try!

Healthier Options at Starbucks - Lower Fat, Lower Calories

Wondering what to order at Starbucks that won't cause you to gain five pounds immediately? Take heart! There are some healthier options that still taste delicious. Here are a few of Starbucks drinks to try if you're being more health conscious:

• Decaf options - Trying to stay away from dreaded caffeine? Ask for decaf in any of your favorite drinks. There are a number of delicious iced or hot herbal teas that taste amazing, but are naturally caffeine free.
• Less sugar at Starbucks - Definitely order a latte, but a plain one minus the sugar-spiked flavored syrups. Order a regular caffe latte (or fat free, if you like) and then doctor it up yourself by sprinkling on some cinnamon and nutmeg. I usually also add a little drizzle of honey to sweeten, but you don't need to if you're staying away from all types of sugar. In fact, a tall regular latte (with no sugary syrups added) packs a protein punch - 10 grams of protein! Plus, lots of vitamins and calcium to build up bones.
• Vivanno smoothies - These ones also provide a wallop of protein, and include fresh fruit. Be careful if you're eating gluten free, for these ones are not!

Starbucks has also come out with a new line of healthier snack items, including gluten and dairy free cookies and healthier chips. I tried the Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato chips - they're divine! Absolutely a healthier treat option you can indulge in once in a while, and provides an impressive 30% of your daily Vitamin A.

:) So, go grab a latte -- and don't feel guilty one little bit.