Coffee House Coffee Without the Coffee House

Most anyone who meets me for the first time very quickly realizes how much I love coffee. They will see me with a travel mug in my hand pretty much everywhere. My husband has teased me from time-to-time that the mugs are an extension of my arms. He's kind of right.

Coffee, in my opinion is good made in several ways, but my favorite and to me the most flavorful kind in made with a French Press. It's bolder, richer, more flavorful, and a lot more good things! So when I got the chance to try out the French Press Travel Mug from MIRA Brands I was excited!

The travel mug is made of stainless steel with a high quality insulation, and double walled. You can pour boiling water inside and you will not feel the heat on the outside, except right at the top near the lid. And even there it is only slightly warm. It will also keep cold drinks nice and cold for some time too. I honestly have not tested how long it will stay hot or cold because I drink the contents before I can figure it out.

The Mug holds 12 ounces of water, but when you add the grounds to the mug and then the water only about 11 ounces actually fit. It didn't come with instructions, but the general rule is 1-2 tbsp of coffee per 6 ounces of water. I tried the 2 tbsp the first time and liked it well enough to continue using that measurement. When I pour in the hot water I let it brew for 5 minutes and keep the lid of the mug on without depressing the plunger to keep it hot while it brews. After 5 minutes, I slowly depress the plunger till it can't go any farther, just as I would my full-size French Press.

I do have a few small complaints about the mug. One is that if I want to add cream or sugar it's not easy. I have to pour it in through the small opening I drink from. From there I can't stir it very well since the only thing that fits in the opening would be a small stir stick or straw.

The other complaint is that the drink hole opening does not seal shut. It does snap open so it doesn't flap around while you are drinking from it, but I do wish that it would seal shut to keep the heat in a little longer.

The bottom of the mug has a nice silicone base that keeps it from slipping around wherever you set it. It can be washed by hand in the sink or all parts can be washed in the dishwasher.

Overall I like the mug and will be using it on the go and in the house (I have tendency of leaving my mugs around and then forgetting about them to find them later cold).

You can purchase your own MIRA Brands French Press Mug HERE!

The reviewer has been compensated with receiving the product free in order to bring you an honest review. All opinions are those of the reviewer.

The Minister's Wife's 10,000th Facebook Fan Celebration!

I am celebrating 10,000 amazing Facebook fans, and as a thank you, I am having a big giveaway for all of you! It is so exciting to see some of the wonderful prizes below that you can win.

Enjoy the celebration! There will be 10 winners! YAY!!

Grand Prize: ZINK hAppy Smart App Printer™

Second Prize: Sleep Number® CoolFit™ Foam Contour Pillow

Third Prize: MIRA Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale

Fourth Prize: Country Bob's

Fifth Prize: Country Bob's

Sixth Prize: Almondina Brand Cookies Sampler Pack

Seventh Prize: Bulu Box One Month Subscription

Eighth Prize: Boogie Wipes Gift Basket

Ninth Prize: Kentucky Made Wood Salad Tongs

Tenth Prize: 4 Exclusive Comics From Rick Jones' Collection

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ZINK hAppy Smart App Printer™

ZINK hAppy Smart App Printer™  hAppy is the portable, Wi-Fi®, app-accessory that allows you to print directly from smart phones and tablets. Just download the free ZINK Design & Print Studio™ app onto a smartphone or tablet (or use a 3rd party compatible app); load a ZINK zRoll™ (photographic-quality ZINK Paper in roll form), design, and then wirelessly print to the hAppy. It’s compatible with iPhone®, iPad®, and iPod touch®. hAppy is also compatible with Android™ smartphone and tablets and Amazon Kindle Fire™ tablets.

Take a look at this video to see how it works. It's amazing and so much fun!

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Sleep Number® CoolFit™ Foam Contour Pillow

Like memory foam but concerned about its hot reputation? You'll love our CoolFit™ Foam bedding. A breakthrough in sleeping comfort, gel technology enhances memory foam to create a cool, comfortable sleep experience. In addition, an exclusive wave design lets air flow freely through zones that move as you do. Hypoallergenic. 300-thread-count cotton cover. Also available in classic shape. CoolFit Memory Foam Contour Pillows are made in USA of imported materials. 

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MIRA Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale

The MIRA Kitchen Scale is the ultimate kitchen tool that not only looks great and works like a charm, but also makes your life in the kitchen so much easier! The perfect replacement for measuring cups. Use one container and the TARE feature to measure out all ingredients for a recipe. Sleek looking scale that occupies very little drawer space. Looks great when left on the counter.

•  Large easy to read display offers three weighing options: grams, pounds or ounces. 
•  Easy-breezy stainless steel platform on food scale wipes clean with little effort. 
•  Accurate measurements in 1g/0.1 oz increments. 
•  Precise and consistent readings make MIRA digital food scale the perfect digital food scale for Weight Watchers members. 
• TARE function ignores plates and dishes; weighing only the food inside. This makes the Digital kitchen scale versatile. 
• 2 year manufacturer warranty. 
•  Measures up to 11 lbs / 5 Kgs. 
•  Long-lasting lithium battery included for instant use upon arrival.

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Almondina Brand Cookies

Almondina® is the inspiring success story of a man whose great loves include both music and wonderful food. For generations his family loved his grandmother Dina’s most secret cookie, which she called Petit Gateau Sec. Yuval Zaliouk, an internationally known symphony conductor and gourmet chef, always had a special place in his heart (and stomach) for this exquisite, crispy wafer with the delicate flavor of roasted almonds and the natural sweetness of plump raisins.

This all-natural, crispy almond cookie has no cholesterol and no added fat, salt, or preservatives. It is wonderfully crunchy and does not have to be dipped. It is a delightful accompaniment for coffee, tea, soft cheeses and fine light wines. The rush to eliminate fat from gourmet foods too often has also eliminated most of the flavor, a fact which is in sharp contrast to this enticingly delicious cookie.

Since the introduction of the classic Original flavor, eight more distinctive variations have been introduced, all of which continue to be packed with roasted almonds. A recent innovation, Chocolate Cherry, combines the almonds with dark chocolate and plump cherries.

You can purchase Almondina® Cookies HERE !
Connect with Almondina on Facebook and Twitter

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Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce

In 1968 Country Bob perfected the sauce of his dreams. After years of giving the sauce to friends and family he began to sell it in 1977. The reaction was overwhelming just as it is today. Almost everyone who tries Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce becomes a lifelong user. And why not, it is the perfect complement to practically any meal set on your table.

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Bulu Box Monthly Subscription

Bulu Box is the best way to discover health, nutrition and weight loss products. Each monthly sample box is filled with 4 to 5 premium products selected to help you feel your best. Look forward to a new mix monthly for both women and men that include: vitamins, weight loss, energy, protein, digestion, sleep support, fitness DVDs, healthy food utensils and more. Earn an easy 50 points ($5) or more each month by reviewing, sharing and completing short surveys. Use your Reward Points to purchase full-size version of the products that work best for you! Subscriptions are 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

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Boggie Wipes

In this gift basket from Boogie Wipes you will receive 1, 90 ct canister of Fresh Scent Boogie Wipes, Kandoo Wash Your Hands, Kandoo Foaming Hand Sanitizer 8.4 oz and 1.7 oz, Boogie Wipes Gentle Saline Mist, Kandoo Detangler, 30 ct Great Grape Scented Boogie WIpes, and a Boogie Wipes t-shirt all in a fun green storage basket!

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WOOD SALAD TONGS 

Brilliantly designed handmade one handed wood salad tongs. Designed and crafted in Kentucky.

The unique design makes it easy to serve pasta, steamed vegetables, hot bread and salads with one hand. Great for buffet lines! Steam heat and pressure have been used for centuries to bend wood into useful shapes like chair backs or musical instruments. Each pair of tongs is hand steamed and bent into shape until cool to create distinctive springs. These springs keep the tongs open for the user, and allow them to fold flat for storage.

 Handcrafted from reclaimed domestic hardwood, each tong is 11" long x 1.5" wide.



 WHO IS KENTUCKY MADE & MORE?
 Kentucky Made & More is an online retailer of high quality, sensibly priced items for gifts or personal use. We specialize in products handcrafted in Kentucky and the surrounding areas.
Visit us at www.KentuckyMadeandMore.com or at one of the various events we participate in.

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Rick's Comics

I told my wife that I'd like to be part of the celebration by contributing some of my prized possessions: comic books. Here's my package of four color wonderment:

Power Man and Iron Fist #72 [1981: Months before, Iron Fist's foe, Chaka, was imprisoned. Who has now taken on his identity? The new Chaka is murderous and without honor . . . the original [and repentant] Chaka begs his brother, and Power Man and Iron Fist, to stop the imposter.

Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs [1987]: The magazine sized extra length adaptation of the Disney cartoon film classic, this golden anniversary edition includes a Snow White poster!

Spider-Man #1 [1990]: The hottest new comic of that year, written and drawn by Todd McFarlane, this comic had a total print run of around 6 million . . . which ultimately drove the value down, since it was in no sense rare. Well, a couple of the later printings are valuable, but this is the first printing, pretty common, but still . . . a cool bit of comics history and a nice Spider-Man cover [unless you dislike spiders, as Lois does, because the art includes about 3 dozen of them]. Sealed, bagged newsstand edition.

Mr. T and the T-Force #1 [1993]: Yes, that Mr. T, leading a group of youths determined to tackle "real problems of the streets" with cleverness, courage, and the inimitable awesomeness of Mr. T -- who had a heavy amount of input in the stories, and swore that his character would never use guns. Artwork by Neal Adams. Sealed, bagged edition, includes trading card.

Fun stuff for you. And for Lois, the joy of knowing that 4 more of my 3500+ comics are out of the house. Especially the one with all those spiders. Total estimated value: $10.00

Thanks to all the sponsors of the giveaway and all the bloggers who have helped to promote it!

ZINK hAppy
Sleep Number
MIRA Brands
Country Bob's 
Almondina Cookies
Bulu Box
Boogie Wipes
Kentucky Made and More
Rick's Comics

And the following blogs:
ReviewsSheROTE, Cummins Life, CasaMoncada, The Cheshire Cat's Looking Glass, Detroit Mom & Her Views, Here We Go Again, Ready, The Stuff of Success, What The Buzz Is All About, Krazy Kat Freebies, just plane and simple, Java John Z's, Our-Wolves-Den, My Best of Both Worlds, Holiday Contest and Sweeps, Confessions Of A Mommy Of 5, Deliciously Savvy, Peanut Butter and Whine, Gloria's Bits and Pieces, Frugal and Coupon Crazy, Central Bargains & Giveaways, Michigan Saving and More, A Small Village, One Sassy Geek, Simply Sherryl, Mami's 3 Little Monkeys, Cassandra M's Place, Heartbeats~ Soul Stains, My Silly Little Gang, My Devotional Thoughts, and Davids DIY

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms and Conditions:
Open to US Continental Residents only. Must be 18 or older to enter. Limit one entry per household/address. All entries will be verified. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification if no response, then another winner will be chosen. Contest ends at 12:01 AM 8/10/14. The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for the delivery of the prize. The company sponsoring this giveaway is solely responsible for the delivery of the prize to the winner(s). The Minister's Wife Stamps and Saves is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails or physical mail. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, Instagram, or any other social media. Void where prohibited by law. Prizes may take from 4-6 weeks for delivery.

MIRA Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale Is A Welcome Addition To My Kitchen!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Sometimes in your kitchen you run across things that you need to weigh, especially when you buy in bulk or are on a specific diet. Having a good kitchen scale becomes a necessity then. I was able to test out the MIRA Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale recently and it is wonderful! My husband is a diabetic and we need to measure some of his foods carefully. This scale made it very easy for us!

Here's a little about it from the company:

• Large easy to read display offers three weighing options: grams, pounds or ounces. 
• Easy-breezy stainless steel platform on food scale wipes clean with little effort. 
• Accurate measurements in 1g/0.1 oz increments. 
• Precise and consistent readings make MIRA digital food scale the perfect digital food scale for Weight Watchers members. 
• TARE function ignores plates and dishes; weighing only the food inside. This makes the Digital kitchen scale versatile. 
• 2 year manufacturer warranty. 
• Measures up to 11 lbs / 5 Kgs. 
• Long-lasting lithium battery included for instant use upon arrival.

They are so right about how easy it is to clean and wipe up. It didn't matter what I spilled on it, everything wiped off easily and completely, keeping the scale looking neat! It's also compact and light weight, making it easy to move around and use. I remember having a huge, bulky scale years ago and this is so much nicer! It's also so much nicer than those flimsy plastic scales you find out there. You know the ones that look like they will fall apart wit the first thing you put on it and have those bobbling up and down spring measurements.

The large platform on the MIRA Stainless Steel Kitchen Scale is wonderful! So many kitchen scales have those little bowls or small platforms you need to balance a plate of something on to weigh anything, and then it is difficult to read the weight..  The larger platform on this scale accommodates many sizes of containers and dishware without obstructing the view of the measurement or jostling things to balance it for weighing.

The digital readout is so easy to see. The window is about 1"x2 1/4", making it super visible and clear. Even with my bad eyes there was no need of squinting to see what the weight was.

It took only a short amount of time for me to see what all the functions were on the scale too. The "button" for operating it is so easy to use. The scale comes with clear and easy instructions, which I love. The one function I was super impressed with was the TARE function. Before you turn the scale on you place a bowl or plate on the scale. When the scale is turned on it automatically zeros out and you can weigh things. It will only weigh the food you place in the container on the scale and not the container! No balancing it to zero hoping you get it right. The scale does it for you!

This is one kitchen appliance I am glad to own now. All the other scales I have tried are no match to it. I highly recommend it!

You can purchase the scale HERE!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.