National Coffee Day

A little taste of my coffee brewing collection.

National Coffee Day... what exactly does that mean? Well for coffee addicts like me that means once a year we get to show up at coffee joints around the country and get a free cup of joe. Seriously though if you didn't know about it, yes there is such a thing as a "National Coffee Day", and yes some chains and local coffee houses are offering a free cup of coffee to celebrate.

Most people who read my blog if they know anything about me (besides the fact that I'm Greek) they know this one thing, I love love love love love coffee. This makes perfect sense of course because we Greek's perfected the art of coffee drinking, along with inventing  drama (acting), politics, and the windex. I laughed out loud when I visited Greece one time and on a tour of a park near the Acropolis the guide told our little group that Greek's invented drama and politics. I was thinking to myself "so that explains why I'm an actor (besides a recording artist) and highly opinionated about politics." 

The art of coffee drinking masterfully blended with drama can be wittnessed at any Greek Diner. I can almost guarantee you that somewhere in there is a table full of Greek's chatting away full of passionate talking and hand gestures. So I guess the genes carried on in Greek Girl because ever since I can remember I have loved coffee. I love the smell of it brewing, I love the taste of it, and the feel of a cup in my hands. No it doesn't help me to write better songs, or remember my lines, I just like it. What can I say? Everyone has something. Besides there have even been studies that suggest it is good for your bones/health so that's a thumbs up in my book.

Now I do have my favorites and it really depends on the day, time or situation as to what kind of coffee I'm in the mood for. My absolute favorite hot coffee ever is Dunkin Donuts. Second is McDonald's, yes they have very good coffee, and the best part is a large is only $1.08 - can't beat that!  My favorite iced coffee is Starbucks. At home I have all kinds of ways to enjoy a good cup of joe, I have a Keurig, where I can brew my Dunkins. There's also a regular drip coffee pot, a french press and one of my personal favorites my Nespresso Espresso Machine. If you've never had a Nespresso I highly suggest finding a store near you and going to get a sample cup. It brews the espresso at the optimun tempature so the taste is always perfect, and they are known for the creme on the top, it's just perfect! Nothing else to be said. Another little treat I got turned onto while visiting  Greece was Nescafe'. Yes I did just say that I like instant coffee. See in Greece it is very popular (so much so that they even sell these at McDonald's there), iced Nescafe'. It's Nescafe' in a large cup, milk, half and half, or both and sweeten to liking. Then you have a Yummoliscious iced cup of happiness!

No matter what your favorite cup of happiness is, today is the day to think about how something so simple can bring a little happiness and smile to your face. Stop by your favorite place to get one and think of all the other coffee lovers out there who love it just as much as you do. I know that participating Dunkin Donuts and McDonald's are offering a free cup, for any other places that are just check online. So raise your cup and happy sipping!

Here's to celebrating hot cups of happiness all day long!

Blessings, Love, and Music ~
Ava xo
www.avaaston.com

What are the affects of drinking coffee

Nothing is more amazing than a cup of fresh diner coffee.

Some say it helps build strong bones, others say it weakens your heart.  Still others argue that coffee helps lower blood pressure.  Whatever the real answer is, to me the affects are life changing.  You know how Superman has his kryptonite?  Well coffee is the exact opposite for me.

Confused? Well if you are the Greek Girl, the affects of coffee are similar to the affects of the blood running through your veins.  Or no different than jet-fuel to an aircraft.  Neither the jet nor the Greek Girl can get off the ground without either.  Now, I know what you are thinking, "You're not that addicted to coffee are you?" - Ahh... yes, yes I am.  If there were such a thing as a 12-step program for coffee-oholics, I would be a candidate, not that I would ever go to one.  Just the thought of standing there and saying, "Hi, my name is Ava Aston and I am addicted to coffee" as if it were a bad thing doesn't sound like something I could ever utter in all seriousness.  I see the word addiction here as a negative.  I am also addicted to breathing and that's not a bad thing.  What I feel my relationship with coffee is, is more of a lifestyle, or as my manager Mr. Bricks would call it a "love affair".  Coffee to me is like my centuries worth of Greek heritage all brewed up into one little 8 oz. diner mug that I can enjoy one slow sip at a time.

So in honor of my addiction I will share the affects coffee has; on the Greek Girl through a collection of images.

Here is where it all began: My Dad. Here he is at home in Greece and he's as Greek as they come. Notice all the coffee cups on the table. Enough said.

Now, sometimes my dad adds a little Ouzo or Sambucca to his. I tried this once. The affect was, me making a horrible face and spitting it out.  Let's just say, it's not how I roll. This is a part of my coffee heritage I don't mind neglecting. Besides, I think the alcohol kills the enzymes in coffee that keep me so young and my skin looking so good. ;o)

How does the Greek Girl start her day? Coffee in Bed of course.  The affect, helps make the day go great.

Here is a glimpse into my coffee stash. The great thing is that I have choices. The affect this has on me is I have to make a choice. I don't like making choices especially first thing in the morning. Do I do espresso, k-cup, drip or french press? Then it's a matter of what mug because of the size of the coffee drink I have. Then it's a matter of what flavor. See what I mean? Decisions.

Now once I am up and out and ready to go, I have my coffee to go. This way, I can enjoy my home brew out and about. The affect this has on me is I can't get the door for the car. Can someone get the door please? My hands are full of hot magic and this amazing Michael Kors purse I got at TJ Max. Which was probably where I was headed when this was taken.

Now, before I head out I happen to check the mail. Here I see Mr. Bricks sent me some coupons for Dunkin Donuts! Woo-Hoo! The affect of this is obvious, the Greek Girl is happy. Now not only am I gonna find some deals at TJ Maxx but I am also gonna save on my next 3 cups of Dunkin Donuts. Not quite a record deal but you did ok this time Mr. Bricks.

Here I am at Dunking Donuts clutching my large cup of happiness like Smeigel from Lord of the Rings and his Precious. Yes I did use one of Mr. Bricks coupons. Affect of this was pure elation. As you can see by the smile on my face.

Now, I know this looks really, really bad on so many levels, but bare with me on this. I can explain. The affects of drinking a hot cup of starbucks is what can help me get through a trip to the Palisades Mall. Being that the mall is so big I need that extra dose of caffeine. But because Starbucks Coffee is so strong I needed to sweeten and dilute it with a frozen yogurt. The affects of this are that I can get out of the mall unscathed with treasures in my clutches.

Then when the day is almost done and it's time for me to unwind it's best served in the form of a decaf Nespresso Cappuccino topped off with whip cream of course. The affect this has on me is called heaven in a mug. It allows me to unwind after a long day of shopping and stuff.

Blessings, love & Music ~
Ava xox :D
www.avaaston.com