Affogatto Snap Out of This Happy State

It doesn't take much to enter a state of bliss. Sometimes bliss comes packaged in a run, sometimes it comes packed in the simplest form, like a single coffee bean.

When stress levels go over the roof, it's the little things in life that keep me sane.

{This is me, bribing supermodel Phoebe with a super surprise treat if she behaves on the shoot.}

{Good girl, Phoebe! Now let's go reward ourselves with ice cream.}

The Ingredients to a Happy State:

1. A productive day
2. (Wo)man's best friend
3. A cup of good, strong coffee
4. A scoop (or two!) of Häagen-Dazs Caramel Biscuit and Cream

{Down to the last creamy dollop.}

{Welcome to my view.}

{Don't you just wish this screen is a Scratch & Sniff?}

{And this is how you do bliss.}

{Do not disturb. Slow melting in progress.}
{Mmmm...}

An affogatto (Italian, "drowned") is a coffee-based beverage or dessert. It usually takes the form of a scoop of vanilla gelato or ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso.

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One Caffeinated Christmas Wishlist

I have to make a wishlist for a Yuletide Ball Kris Kringle this weekend. That being said, I was also asked what my New Year's resolution would be. It got me thinking back to the sacrifice I did for lent. Give up coffee for 40 days and 40 nights. And since I've been so well-behaved then (that excludes being little miss crankypants, by the way), it's only fair that I ask for a few caffeine-infused gifts on my wishlist, dontchathink? ;)

1. The One At The Office Canteen

Is it so weird that I want one of these beside my bed? You know, like a personal fridge? My 2 week old discovery-- the Nescafe vendo machine. I'm absolutely addicted to it. For a vending machine spit-out, the cappuccino and latte are surprisingly good. And unlike that other coin-eating machine, you'll always leave the slots with a perk!

2. The One That Looks Like An Apple

Keurig Mini Brewer

My friend, Bernie*, has one. It's so cool. The coffee comes in easy-to-use single serve pods which makes it so convenient and economical. I want one on my work table. Besides, it matches my Mac already.

Step 1: Open lid

Step 2: Insert pod

Step 3: Pour H2O

Step 4: Push BREW

(Wait 3 minutes)

Step 5: Experience pure bliss...

3. The One That Makes Me Go Ooooh~

Alessi's Geo-Proust Drip Coffee Maker

I am irrevocably in love, love, love with this. I've decided I want mine in mosaic (there's a shiny black one). I press my nose up to Alessi's window every time I walk by. Sometimes, when no one is looking, I even drool.

4. The One That Isn't A Knock-Off

I've been using the regular almond essence (that comes in that tiny green bottle) to flavor my coffee, and it works just fine. Still, it's nice to indulge in authentic barista mode every now and then. One soy latte with almond, please!

Orgeat (OHR-ZHAT) is an old English word related to the Italian "orzata", meaning almond.

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And last but not the least...

5. The One With Good Times With F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
A daily dose that keeps me sane. Good friends, good times.
* The one as the Caramel Macchiato with whipped cream on top (See #2).
I hope everyone gets to cross something off their Christmas lists. Happy holidays, readers!
P.S. Here's hoping I win in next year's costume party (just like I did Halloween 2008). In the meantime, winning a Starbucks treat from NomNomClub.com would be an awesome filler.

Cafe Scientifique: Caffeine for the Cranium

{Beans are brewed in Cafe Scientifique}

Something good is brewing in Manila, and it doesn't smell like your usual coffee. If caffeine and conversations are your thing, then you should definitely try going to a Cafe Scientifique session. More like informal gatherings than school-like lectures, this movement started in cafes in UK, and are now being held in bars, restaurants, or any place outside the traditional four corners of the classroom. Intrigued by the featured topic, "Can Passion be Brewed?", I had my first taste of the forum at Kape Isla in Serendra yesterday.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I got there, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that free coffee and snacks would be served upon registration. I've been to Kape Isla a few times before, and I've always liked their concept of featuring different coffee brands from around the Philippines. The cafe was just as cozy, albeit a little too dark for my taste. The seats were arranged ala lecture style to face the speaker.

The open forum started with Dr. Emi Liwag, a cognitive scientist, giving a short introduction on how we (people/Pinoys) perceive passion. Pretty soon, the audience were actively participating as well. Some pleasantly inquisitive (or as one commented, safe in a gray area) and some a little more passionately than others. The afternoon was spent listening to people of different personalities and professions contribute their tw0-cents worth. As Mitzi Borromeo, Cafe Scientifique's facilitator would say, "There's no such thing as a stupid question". A melting of the minds. It was interesting, enlightening, and clearly too engaging to fit into a mere 1-hour (maybe a bit more) session. Unfortunately, my question was posed too early in the program (it was to be tackled in the second part, until time eventually ran out), so it wasn't discussed as in-depth as I would've liked. Context clues were inferred from other viewpoints though. So, all good. More than enough insights to keep me awake at night. The other culprit would probably be Kape Isla's yummy and STRONG iced coffee (with a slight hint of chocolate)- just the way I like it.

Some of the passionate minds I met over coffee talk: Marge, an industrial designer who is involved in The Mind Museum. Coolness!; Eric, an architect with a secret passion. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. But do remember us little people when you make it big; Ging, an events moderator who is passionate about teaching kids how to really, really read good (Sorry, I couldn't help injecting a little Zoolander humor... It's really, really amazing what she does though.)

Oh, and my two-centavo question: Where does passion stop and obsession begin?

Two cents, anyone?