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5 Incredible Health Benefits of Coffee

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I can’t imagine a day without coffee. The first thing I do every morning is make myself a cup of coffee. Coffee benefits are not just limited to providing a jumpstart to your day or that extra boost of energy you need to get past the afternoon slump. Coffee has other benefits. We have come up with a list of 5 Benefits of coffee.

Coffee Beans Bag Tiles

5 Benefits of Coffee

1. Coffee Burns Fat

If you look on the labels of the popular fat burning supplements you will find coffee at the top of the list. Coffee has been shown to significantly aid in the fat burning process by boosting the body’s metabolic rate.

2. Lowers Risk of Type II Diabetes

I have quite a few family members that have or are close to having type 2 Diabetes and likely so is your family. Diets are often high in white sugar and carbohydrates. Which is why my husband and I have changed to a low carb diet. Coffee drinkers tend to be less prone to Type 2 diabetes. I just learned this and now drink a ton of coffee.

3. Coffee protects the Liver

The liver is an essential organ in proper functioning of the human body. You’ll notice that we just recently shared with you 10 ways to cleanse the liver. There are quite a few diseases that attack the liver. Cirrhosis is the culmination of long-term liver deterioration in which only scar tissue remains. I think this is debatable but some say that drinking coffee may significantly lower the risk of developing this condition.

4. Reduce Likelihood of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease seems to be on the rise. Those 65 and over are most susceptible and in addition to trying to keep your brains active drinking coffee may keep the disease at bay.  Also, eating healthy and exercising can help to ward off the disease.

5. Fights Depression

I haven’t written about depression in a while, but I suffer from it daily.  yourself. Depression is marked by an overwhelming sadness that greatly affects the daily lives of sufferers. It’s been said that regular coffee intake can lessen the chances of developing depression, as well as decreasing the risk of suicide. I know that when I’m jacked up on coffee, I’m more productive, like right now I’ve had six shots today.

5 Benefits of Coffee

Coffee contains a number of ingredients and compounds. In most cases, researchers haven’t determined the specific reason for the many health benefits of coffee. However, a great deal of evidence indicates that your favorite morning brew gives you far more than energy and alertness.

Almond Roca Coffee Recipe

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Almond Roca Coffee Recipe

Coupons provided.

Today, I have a decadent, coffee-house-style drink recipe to share that you can make in the comfort of your own home. This recipe features two Pacific Northwest products – Almond Roca and Darigold – making it a local treat!

Almond Roca Coffee

Ingredients:

1 C brewed coffee
1 C Darigold Whole Homogenized Milk
1/4 C Darigold Half & Half
1/4 C Darigold Almond Roca Creamer
1 piece of Almond Roca candy
Extra creamy whipped topping
Cinnamon

Directions:

Pour all liquid ingredients into a medium pot. Place the Almond Roca candy in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, stirring periodically. Pour into the pan and cook over a medium heat until all ingredients are melted and heated through. Pour into a large mug, then add a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Enjoy!

Notes: After you melt the Almond Roca in the microwave, you’ll notice it solidifies in the pan. Don’t worry – it will melt completely as the coffee mixture heats – the microwaving is just to give it a head start. And while the chocolate and toffee will melt completely, the nuts will of course remain, so just be aware of that while you’re drinking. Finally, if the coffee sits a while, some of the candy will form a film on the top – just stir or remove with a spoon if that happens.

How to make Almond Roca coffee

Lynn, Eight O’Clock Coffee, And “The Marshmallow Candy Bar!” Recipe

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By Lynn

Eight O’Clock Coffee

When I was sent the email request to try some Eight O’ Clock Coffee I jumped at the opportunity – I LOVE coffee and they have a limited edition called “Chocolate Mint Coffee”! Now I had to try it, coffee AND chocolate! Sounded divine! And yes, it lived up to it’s expectations. It’s a little hard to describe but this is what they said: “The new Eight O’ Clock Chocolate Mint is a decadent blend of 100% Arabica coffee and cool, refreshing peppermint swirled with the temptation of smooth dark chocolate notes.”

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Sometimes coffee mixed with chocolate can become bitter but this wasn’t the case here. It didn’t taste like mocha or hot cocoa. It was coffee with a taste of chocolate and a hint of mint. Very tasty and works as a nice desert coffee or a yummy afternoon pick-me-up.

I was also sent some K-Cups to try with my Keurig and they worked nicely, they didn’t have a chemical taste that some other coffees have, but I do prefer Eight O’Clock ground coffee that I can put in a filter. I had tried the Original medium roast (I prefer light and medium roasts) and my husband tried the Dark Italian roast, he said it was very pleasant and would drink it again! 🙂

A recipe I was given and I am definitely going to try soon as my desert treat is:

“The Marshmallow Candy Bar!” Recipe

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Ingredients:

Tbps. mini marshmallows
1 snack size chocolate caramel candy bar
Keurig Brewer
Eight O’Clock coffee K-Cup Portion pack

Directions:

Start by putting one Tbsp. of mini marshmallows and one snack sized chocolate/caramel-type candy bar in the bottom of a mug. Then, pour your Eight O’Clock Coffee over the candies. If you’re using a Keurig® brewer, simply brew the coffee into the candy-filled mug. Stir until the candy melts, and you’re done! Test before adding extra milk or sugar – it’s so delicious you may not want to add anything else!” Doesn’t that sound so good?

It is competitively priced at Walmart (where I could see it online). I haven’t seen any Eight O’Clock coffee at the grocery stores I usually go to, but I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open! Their website says the coffee is currently available at Walmart and Sam’s Club here in Washington state.

Coffee is a great Christmas gift idea, you can put a few candies and marshmallows in a mug with the Eight O’Clock coffee or just with the Chocolate Mint Coffee – it will go down very well! 🙂

 

About Lynn:

I met Lynn in MOMS Club and she has two children. One of which is the same age as my daughter and they love to giggle and play together. Lynn Hooper is also a local Mary Kay Consultant while also being a full time mom. “A lot of what the business stands for is true to my heart. Mary Kay Inc. has a foundation that donates funds to help end domestic violence and also funds research into cancers that affect women. Mary Kay also has what’s called "The Golden Rule" which means God (faith) first, family second and business third. A great principal for me and nice to know I am part of a team that believes in this too.”

Sweetening Tea & Coffee with Truvia Sweetener

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I’ve been posting Truvia recipes since blogher food and Truvia found my blog and added me to their Kitchen Cabinet. I’ve been included with five other amazing bloggers with excellent kitchen skills. We’ll be bringing you tips, tricks and fantastic recipes using Truvia sweetener and Truvia baking blend. image

Today I’m sharing how we’re using it at home other than recipes. I love to drink coffee and tea and let’s just say I like my sugar with my coffee. I also make tea for the kids and anyway I can reduce the amount of sugar I give them I’m all about it. I just learned that one packet of Truvia® sweetener provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar. So here are two ways I’m using it!!!

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I’m using it in coffee and tea and on cereal, fruit, oatmeal or yogurt, ok so that’s more like six different ways. Truvia is natural as it is born from the stevia plant. It’s a Zero calorie sweetener and great tasting. It’s great for people with diabetes and those reducing sugar in their diets and it’s Kosher and gluten-free.

The kids are quite cute as they call it the green sugar. They get so excited because I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to sweets and candy and letting them add sweetener on their own, I let them just have a single packet of Truvia sweetener (the green sweetener) and they put it in themselves.

To keep up with Truvia on-line follow them on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter and www.truvia.com/baking

 

 

I’m an ambassador for Truvia and compensated for my time, my opinions are always my own.

Green Mountain Naturals to Award Inspirational Educator with $10,000

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“Everyone has a teacher who has changed their lives for the better,” says T.J. Whalen, VP of Marketing and Sales, GMCR’s Specialty Coffee business unit. “Whether it’s your old high school Spanish teacher or your child’s art instructor, celebrating inspirational teachers who have had a lasting, positive impact on the lives of their students with a nomination in the Apple for a Teacher contest is a simple way to show your appreciation for their work.”

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I had a special teacher, no, I had several special teachers. I honestly think that teachers are one of the most important people in our society and the most under appreciated. They are doing a service for all of us. The more educated we all are the more changes and progress our world can make. I wish teachers were paid more, that schools were supported by communities and that our children were taken much better care of without a fight. I really appreciate when companies try to help out educators. I wish that more educators could be recognized and that we could all do more for teachers.

Last year’s Apple for a Teacher contest collected hundreds of nominations that resulted in one inspirational winner. As voted upon by the Green Mountain Naturals® Facebook community, Jennifer Kelsey of Camden Intermediate School in Camden, North Carolina, was named America’s Most Inspirational Teacher in 2011. Kelsey was nominated by a colleague for her hard work and astounding dedication to her students inside and outside of the classroom.

“Overall, my motto during this process has been and continues to be, Thank you for believing in the power of education,” says Kelsey. “Upon receiving the grant money from Green Mountain Naturals® last year, we were able to fund a number of wonderful projects in my school and in the district. For example, we took each of my students and their families on a field trip to Washington, D.C. This truly was a trip of a lifetime for many of my students who have not traveled out of North Carolina or neighboring Virginia.”

Helping in the search for America’s Most Inspirational Teacher is as easy as saying the ABCs:

A. From September 28 through October 19, 2012, fans are invited to nominate a teacher that has inspired them or their children at the contest tab on the Green Mountain Naturals® Facebook page.

B. An expert panel, including Kristen Doyle of Dine & Dish, Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr., Superintendent of Southington, CT Public Schools, and last year’s Most Inspirational Teacher, Jennifer Kelsey, will review entries and narrow it down to the top five finalists.

C. Five teacher finalists will be announced on November 5, 2012. The finalists will win a Keurig® brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup® packs. The nominated teacher will also receive the opportunity to donate a prize package to a school of his/her choice, including: a $1,000 Apple® gift card, Keurig® brewer, and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup® packs. If your nominated teacher is selected as a finalist, you will receive a Keurig® brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup® packs.

D. Green Mountain Naturals® Facebook fans are then invited to vote for America‟s Most Inspiring Teacher, who will receive a $10,000 grant to his/her school of choice and a one year’s supply of Hot Apple Cider K-Cup® packs from Green Mountain Naturals®. If your nominated teacher is selected as the winner, you will receive a finalist nominator prize pack plus a $100 Apple® gift card.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/GreenMountainNaturals for more information and to nominate someone today!

Green Mountain Naturals® is a harvest of family-friendly drinks made with fruit – the kind you’d find overflowing from baskets at your local farmers market. Hot Apple Cider from Green Mountain Naturals® puts a new spin on a familiar favorite. The fresh, juicy goodness of sweet orchard apples is captured in convenient K-Cup® packs. Within seconds, you get a warm, comforting mug with a hint of brown sugar and just a touch of cinnamon flavor. Green Mountain Naturals® is part of the family of brands in GMCR’s Specialty Coffee Business Unit.

 

I’m a Green Mountain Keurig Coffee Ambassador and happy to share this announcement with you.

Green Mountain Coffee® K-Cup Portion Packs at Church #YourPerfectCup

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At church we have brewed coffee on Sunday morning but during the week there is hardly ever brewed coffee available. Everyone that works there comes and goes quite frequently so the reception desk and a few other positions are the only ones that are there every day. I’ve been volunteering at the reception desk and helping the preschool leader with planning and you all know about my coffee addiction. I have a cup of coffee every time I go in there and I’m afraid of drinking all the coffee. So this month I’m taking my Green Mountain Coffee® K-Cup Portion Packs sampler pack that I received being a Green Mountain Coffee K-cup portion pack ambassador to church. Then I won’t feel so guilty about drinking all the coffee. Next I might have to start taking my own creamer in too.image

At least I can take me new Keurig® travel mug with Contigo AUTOSEAL™ Technology with me so I don’t feel guilty about using the paper cups at church (I love the Contigo brand, we’ve used their cups for hot and cold drinks with the kids in the past. ). I don’t know why I feel guilty, I guess in a way I feel like I’m incorrectly using something that I didn’t pay for myself. LOL, I know I’m kind of crazy like that.

 

Green Mountain coffee offers over 200 varieties of specialty tea, coffee hot cocoa, iced beverages, fruit brews and more patented K-cups. It would take quite a long time to try every one they offered if you started today and only had one a day. I haven’t tried them all yet but I’m looking forward to trying to. How many have you tried and what’s your favorite?

I’m a Green Mountain Coffee K-Cup Ambassador

The Best Organic Coffee I’ve Ever Had Portland Roasting Coffee Company

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As you may know, I’m a huge coffee drinker. My kids love to drink coffee with me too. Of course, they don’t get coffee they just get milk.

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Portland Roasting Coffee Company sent me some organic coffee claiming they make better coffee than Seattle. I’ve had Organic coffee before and just didn’t like it. I’m not really sure what about it wasn’t tasteful but I decided to give Portland Roasting Coffee Company a chance to impress me and impressed I am. It’s bold and tasty coffee. So tasty that I’m able to drink it with just vanilla creamer. Mostly when I have coffee I drink it with extra flavored creamer and lots of it. It wasn’t needed with the organic coffee Portland Roasting sent me. I’ve been drinking it and wondering what I’m going to do when I run out. I suppose I’m going to be ordering some more as soon as I run out. That or see if I can find it up here in the Seattle area. It’s really good coffee!

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This is a very well balanced Organic Mexico. Starting with a spiced honey aroma, this coffee tastes of chocolate and light citrus with a smooth, velvety body. A creamy finish closes out this pleasing organic.

Another great reason to love Portland Roasting is they are carbon-neutral, and they have been since 2007. Through his work on the SCAA Sustainability Council, Portland Roasting founder, Mark Stell, is leading the charge to help roasters worldwide join his company in adopting this business model.

A pioneer of direct trade, Portland Roasting nurtures longstanding relationships with coffee producers while supporting projects at their farms and in their communities. Portland Roasting abides by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals as a framework for these projects. In 2008, Stell launched Walk for Water PDX, a fundraiser for Water for All in which participants walk more than three miles with a bucket of water in tow, simulating what women and children in developing countries do every day. Proceeds from Walk for Water fund water wells in developing countries.

Krispy Kreme Coffee Doughnut Pairing Suggestions

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I love doughnuts, I love them almost as much as I love pizza, especially when the doughnuts are hot and fresh. In fact, the fresh ones I eat and eat and eat without realizing how many I’ve eaten. I’ve recently found that I’m not alone when it comes to having such a rampant sweet tooth. Coffee on the other hand I have not always been a big fan of. My husband turned me into the coffee addict that I am and when it comes to coffee, I still prefer coffee with my cream and sugar mixture. My sweet tooth is un-satisfy-able at times.

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So when Krispy Kreme asked us to try the coffee straight up with the doughnuts I was skeptical and apprehensive. Even though they were giving me such wonderful doughnuts all I could think of was I have to have my sugar. I never thought the doughnut would actually provide the sweetness itself.

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House Blend pairs with the blueberry cake doughnut

Dark Roast pairs with the Raspberry filled doughnut. The coffee really did enhance the flavor of the doughnut.

House Decaf pairs with the original doughnut. It’s strange but the house blend and the house blend decaf taste different and it’s meant to be that way. Of course, I drink coffee for the caffeine kick not for the taste, but I do prefer to drink coffee that I enjoy. Did you know that we add sugar to bad coffee, so if you start out with good coffee you don’t need sugar or in my case you don’t need as much.

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My favorite coffee is the Krispy Kreme Dark Roast coffee blend out of the three we tasted. I liked the dark flavors and enjoyed it just a tiny bit black, which for me says a lot about the coffee. Now I’m off to the store to find myself some more Krispy Kreme coffee grinds to use in my Keurig My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter. They only sent me home with the House Blend.

 

Travel and expenses were covered by Krispy Kreme.

EIGHT Tips For Brewing Up The Perfect Celebration Eight O’Clock Coffee

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Eight O’Clock Coffee has been celebrating the holidays with American families for over 150 years, and this year they want to make sure that they are included in your family’s holiday traditions. Available in 11 different delicious varieties, Eight O’Clock has some tips to share with your readers on how to alleviate some of the stresses of holiday entertaining.

EIGHT tips for brewing up the perfect celebration:

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1. Be your own ‘brewista’. Create a coffee house vibe and offer guests tasty toppings like cinnamon, cocoa, nutmeg, ginger and flavored creamers.

2. Coffee can be enjoyed any time. Break tradition – hosts don’t have to wait until the end of the meal to begin brewing. Welcome guests to a warm, cozy home filled with the fragrant aroma of coffee. Visitors won’t be able to resist a cup the minute they remove their coats.

3. Open before the holidays. Don’t wait until the night of your soiree to unveil that brand new French press. Play it safe and test out new coffee makers and brewing gadgets long before company comes.

4. Create delicious dessert dishes using coffee ingredients. Create chocolate and coffee-flavored cupcakes, a coffee crumb bunt cake or a batch of coffee brownies and perfectly pair with a cup of your favorite coffee.

5. Coffee to go. Stock up on holiday-themed to go cups with lids and send guests home with a fresh cup of Eight O’Clock Coffee for the road – a must for visitors with a long ride ahead.

6. Don’t forget the decaffeinated. Make sure you have options – be prepared for caffeine-conscious guests.

7. Coffee for large parties. If brewing coffee in a high-capacity urn, consider storing and serving coffee in carafes after brewing. Carafes keep coffee hot and fresh, while urns may “burn” your brew over time.   

8. BYOC – be unique and bring coffee. While most partygoers bring wine, you’ll be as distinct and tasteful as your gift of Eight O’Clock Coffee.

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner, Michael.

All rules can be found under giveaway rules.