This is the Tickle Me Elmo of the adult world.

If you go into a Starbucks and see this cup, buy it!!!!  For one, it is a cool cup and is very handy for taking drinks to work, school, etc.  Two, you can sell it on Amazon or eBay for more money than you paid for it.  They are in such high demand that they are being sold online for $10+ more than Starbucks sells them for.  My mother-in-law bought me the large one for my birthday on amazon.com and she calls it the “Golden Chalice.”  She was here recently and asked me for a drink of the golden chalice.  I had no idea what she was talking about until she explained.

With the purchase of our new Espresso machine, we have acquired a smattering of coffee essentials.

In addition to coffee drinks, I have also been making Italian Sodas.  Here is how I make them:

• Fill a glass tumbler with ice
• Squirt in 1-2 T of strawberry syrup in (amount depends on preference)
• Fill with sparkling mineral water (Perrier) until almost full
• Top with milk (Coffee shops use half & half but any milk is fine)

This drink is typically served not mixed, but if you are making it at home mix it up.  Serve with a straw and enjoy!  It is so easy to make.

Starbucks DeLonghi Rialto 4500

One-Touch Super Automatic Espresso Machine

We said goodbye to our trusty Saeco and hello to a one-touch wonder.  It grinds the beans, steams the milk, and cleans itself.  We used our Saeco so much we knew we would love a newer model that would save us time.  This is so cool that, after staying with us, my mom went and bought one too.

You do have to clean the inside parts, but is very easy and doesn’t take a lot of time.  Here are the innards:

By the way, don’t you love my bronze wall tile in the first picture.

My husband made this for me this evening with our Via Venezia from Starbucks!! I think he could work at Starbucks! LOL  He even picked out that cup recently!

It was very tasty, and hopefully it will help me finish all my homework before 12am!