February 27, 2008

Queen of Beans Birthday party

When my sister turned 50, and being well known as a coffee bean Queen, it was only natural to give her a big party!! She goes to Dunkin Donuts daily (by the way, here in Massachusetts its good)! So I decorated the room in orange/pink colors, and baloons too. I sprinkled real coffee beans on each table, the centerpiece was cans of coffee with flowers. I made her a lovely pair of coffee bean earrings, necklace, bracelet to match. We gave out the ceramic coffee mugs from DD to all the guests. We had a blast, and everyone was really "hyped up" all night!!

 

Cleo's reply: 

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY,

QUEEN OF BEANS!

 

Here's a virtual doughnut to you for stopping by and letting me know about your hilarious DD birthday bash! I'll be putting this on the main page soon, too, under my Rachel Ray DD article! Thanks for sharing. I LOVE all the clever coffee-themed kitch you thought of doing for her, too. What a great sis you are!

Java joy to you and your java-loving siste.

And from one Queen of coffee beans to another: Happy Birthday, girl!

Cleo Coyle

February 24, 2008

Hello from Germany

I just stopped by to say hello from far away. Sitting here with a coffeehouse mystery and a cappuccino and enjoy this evening. I love the coffeehouse mysteries and I'm sad that they are not translated in german so far. I would love to sell this great books to my german customers in my bookshop. On the other hand ... it's good to improve my english. ;)

 

Cleo's Reply:  HOW THRILLING to hear from Germany! Well, not the entire COUNTRY of Germany. Just you. Thank you for stopping by my "virtuall" coffeehouse here on the Internet. I do hope you enjoy the book - and also your cappuccino!

Here's another one for you, in thanks for stopping by!

Come on back anytime!

Joy to you,

Cleo

February 18, 2008

Wedding Flowers

I'd show you the flower arrangements I'm thinking I'm going to use, but I don't think I can post pics on here, if you want to see them just let me know how.

 

Cleo's Reply: Hi again, Chelle. Send it as an attachment in an e-mail to VillageBlend@aol.com and I'll post it below THIS post! How cool!

February 17, 2008

Weddings, California, and Coffee

Hi Cleo,

Haven't been on the site in awhile, I've been busy getting ready for a trip I'm taking to California in March, I also just got engaged last Monday.

You wouldn't believe what I found at a store called Winners the other day! it was a set of about 8 different coffee scented body washes. Imagine smelling like coffee blends all day? lol I found these giant coffee votives too they look exactly like a votive but about 20 times bigger. I wonder if they have coffeeopoly too lol.

Chelle from Canada

 

Cleo's reply: WOW! You got engaged on Monday! Whohooo! Congrats, Chelle. Here's a virtual champagne toast to you and your honey!

 

CHELLE'S GETTING MARRIED!

 

 

Wishing you blessings and every good thing! Let us know how the wedding plans go!

—Cleo

February 16, 2008

Land of a Thousdand Hills Coffee

Hi Cleo,

I'm really thrilled that you enjoyed the coffee & have featured the Akadugudu Blend as your "February Pick"!

I love the Dark roast which is also smooth, rich & without bitterness. There is a brand new "East African Blend" which features Rwandan & Tanzanian Fairly Traded beans. I've ordered it by phone but don't see it on the website yet. It's exceptional (as all their roasts are). Their mission to help Rwandans is very close to my heart. Thank you for choosing them!

Have a great day & Happy Belated Birthday,

Karen from DeLand, FL

 

Cleo's reply: Thank you, Karen! The East African Blend sounds great, too. You're the best for letting us all know about this wonderful place to "Drink Coffee and Do Good" LOL!

 

Click on the logo below to go to the
Website we're talking about
(where you can purchase the Rwandan coffee that I feature this month on the Home Page)

 

 

And Karen, if you should notice those rare chocolate-covered espresso beans going up on their Website before I do, post again to let everyone know they're available again!

Warmest wishes,
Cleo

February 15, 2008

My favorite coffee

Well I have mentioned one other time, that I work at a coffee shop, so I get to experiment with whatever I want...so far my favorite is espresso, steamed milk, white choc., caramel, and vanilla...yummmm Moose Coffee & Gifts which is where I work in my spare time...is located in Houston, Missouri. We have coffee, tea, smoothies, food (an Itallian Beef sandwich people crave) , along with homemade candles, crafts, and a line of Melissa & Doug toys with a train set up for the kids to play while the parents enjoy their drinks. Oh did I mention wifi for people to come in to work and browse...What a job, I love it!!! If any of you are out this way, please stop in and see me. 

—Melissa in Houston, MO at the Moose

  

 MOOSE COFFEE & GIFTS

 

Melissa works here at:

Moose Coffee & Gifts
Houston, Missouri
725 S. Sam Houston Blvd.
Houston, Mo. 65483

Click here to read the wonderful article about the Missouri coffee shop (pictured above)
by Kathy Richardson in the
Houston Herald

 

Cleo's Reply: Hi Melissa! I'm also featuring your post on the Home Page. Check it out! (Scroll down, center column).

I remember your post from last month and you mentioned how excited you were to be working and Moose Coffee & Gifts! So great to "see" you back at my virtual Village Blend!

Melissa is also a kindergarten teacher, by the way! She posted last month to say hi. Thanks for stopping by again, Melissa! If I'm ever near your shop, you can be sure I'll stop in to say hi and sample a delish cuppa! 

  

Wishing you java joy,

—Cleo Coyle

February 10, 2008

Coffee....and more coffee :)

Two coffee links I think you will enjoy: www.motherfools.com www.coffeefool.com Mary T.

February 10, 2008

Ground hog day

Just logging on to your site and I noticed the groundhog day article. and I realized that I must be a grown up...sigh. Even in my early twenties, as a new young mother, I paid attention to such things as groundhog day. Excited to see what the groundhog would forcast. I felt that as a young mother I was capable of being more connected with my children, remembering their excitement as the day neared. While the end of winter doesnt mean much to us californians, except we get to get rid of those pesky sweaters and break out the sun dresses...Still it was something I looked forward to. But this year, inspite of the young children all around me, inspite of the drawings of groundhogs on my fridge (I thought they were bears or something) and inspite of my three boys yammering on about it (insert image of me nodding absently, saying yes dear and patting them on the head as I cook dinner), I some how completely missed the big day. I am so busy making lunches, getting children to school and doing my secomd job (the one that gives me a paycheck) that I missed the excitement. And what worries me is...this is a perfect indicator that I am trying so hard to raise my children, that I stopped being a kid with them. I guess I really am a grown up....crud! Time to have another cup of coffee...the sun is shining in california and I have sent them all outside to play. Or maybe I will let the laundry sit, finish my cup of joe and go sit on the swing with them. Remember what it is like to be a kid again.

—Davida in california.

 

Cleo's reply: Great post, Davida! Hello again!

 

February 5, 2008

Happy Birthday?

Its your birthday. Mine is Tuesday, February 5th (31 sigh). My mother got me a french press for my birthday (gave it to me on Saturday so i could have coffee for the weekend). I have to say, never again will I drink dripped coffee. Its amazing...the best ever. I went out and bought another press for my desk at work. Of course...I have yet to perfect how much coffee to use...if my jumping speech pattern, shaking hands and inability to concentrate is an indicator. I joked with my sister (the cop) saying "now I know what its like when a druggie gets ahold of some good stuff" Generally my coffee needs sugar and cream in it, to cover up the bitter taste, and still you feel the film on your tongue afterwards. But I have been drinking it black all weekend, drinking in the smells and flavor and novelty of it all. I am totally hooked Regards, Davida in San Francisco

February 3, 2008

Happy Birthday!!

Hey, Do you get groundhog on your birthday? Sharon (yes THE Sharon) told me it was your birthday. She has lent me the books and I really like them. Hope you are having a great 29th, and GO GIANTS!!

—Jim

February 3, 2008

Go Giants !!!

I wss hoping to see the Packers..but I will be pulling for the Giants...to beat NE..someone has to ..Sunday in the SBowl. !! Found this link...new to me.. but interesting and fun. www.coffeehousetalk.com Really enjoyed the Dead Man's Library.. and looking forward to F Fatale..and of course..Fr Pressed !!! on to the day..with a cup or two..of Jamaican Me Crazy coffee.

—Mary T.

February 3, 2008

Having coffee in the Haunted Bookshop :)

Hi Cleo, I hear that you and Alice Kimberly are close pals. :) While I just love your Coffeehouse mysteries, I would really enjoy reading a new Haunted Bookshop mystery while sipping my whipped cream topped espresso. Maybe you could let her know about that. :) Thanks. Susanne

February 1, 2008

Happy Birthday, Cleo!

I hear that it's your birthday soon. If you ever get to Durham, I'll take you to the Magnolia Grill for some of their coffee in situ. Your #1 fan in Durham.

January 30, 2008

Muffins

Do you have any easy to make coffee muffin recipes?

 

 

Cleo's reply: Hi there! YES! I have muffin recipes to share. Great idea. I'll be sure to put a good one in my next newsletter, which will be going out in Feb. Stay tuned!  --Cleo

January 28, 2008

I like coffee and tea

I like coffee and tea also (chai and jasmine are my favorite teas). I have a Starbucks near me and I usually get the drip coffee but sometimes I treat myself to the caramel machiatto (did I spell that right?!). I like to read your books at the coffeehouse because you always make me want a cup (and you make me laugh too)! Thanks for writing. Take care, Jen

 

Cleo's reply: Hi Jen! Thanks for posting. And you almost spelled macchiatto correctly! (Two c's) Click here to read more about the drink itself. (I'm also glad that my books make you laugh. I'm writing to entertain, and I'm very glad to hear it's working!) Cheers and java joy to you...

--Cleo

January 28, 2008

Hi Cleo! Superbowl 08!

Just found out about your site. Very interesting information here! I'm looking forward to superbowl next week also. I like to look at the commercials too. Will be pulling for the Giants because I am in NY state like you. And old friend of mine lives near Boston and she will pulling for Patriots. Should be an interesting game! Keep writing the Coffeehouse Mysteries I really enjoy them and am looking forward to your new one coming soon. --Andi

 

 

Cleo's reply:  Hi HomeStateGirl Yep. Go Giants! Thanks for posting AND for reading! Come on back to my virtual Village Blend anytime. Here's a virtual plate of brownies for stopping by.

Cheers, Cleo

January 21, 2008

Sunday greetings from frigid Appleton WI

Thanks for the cuppa ..am having a cup of chestnuts by the fire right now...and am hoping the Packers have enough left for another win.It will be below zero with dangerous wind chills says the weatherperson. Glad I will be cozy and warm inside...with a few cups of java... and I will be reading the Ghost and the Dead Man's Library..loved the Dead Deb book. Great reads.

 

Cleo's Repy: Thanks, Mary! As I told you in my e-mail to you recently, I though Green Bay played their hearts out. Those athletes were amazing in that frigid temp. Amazing game! I would have rooted for the Packers in the Super Bowl. Now that the NY Giants have won, I think you can guess which team I'll be pulling for come game day. (I always tune in to the Bowls for those wild commercials, too.) Glad you liked Dead Deb! The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library was a lot of fun to write, too, and is a tribute to Edgar Allan Poe.

If anyone's curious about the 3rd Ghost novel (I write these with my husband under the pen name Alice Kimberly) click on the picture. It will take you to Amazon where they are presently including a "Search Inside" features so you can read a bit - the book starts out with a short prologue in the 1940s (where you meet the "ghost" when he was still alive and working as an investigator - hard-boiled PI Jack Shepard).

Then the book moves to the present where you'll meet the main character of the series, Penelope, a young window who owns a bookshop and solves crimes as an amateur sleuth (ala Miss Marple) with the help of the hard-boiled ghost of Jack, the PI who was gunned down fifty years before in the building that now houses her shop.

Thanks again for posting, Mary!

—Cleo

January 20, 2008

Through the Grinder comment

Loved the book, which a coffee drinker/lover friend of mine gave me. I will look for the others in the series. However, being myself an avid tea drinker, I have a comment on a passage in the book. When Clare visits Seth Todd, she is offered some Darjeeling, which he claims to have purchased in Chinatown. Very doubtful!

Darjeeling tea MUST be grown within strict boundaries of an area of West Bengal in India in order to be labeled Darjeeling. China does not produce any Darjeeling. Chinese people far prefer their own teas, mostly greens and oolongs, though they do produce a few black teas, which they incidentally call 'red' tea, due to the brewed color. It is unlikely that you would even be able to find a Darjeeling in a small Chinese import store in Chinatown. Other than that, I enjoyed the book immensely and look forward to reading the others in the series.

Capi

capiiii@aol.com

 

Cleo's Reply:

Hi Capi (love your name/nickname). It's great to hear from tea drinkers or anyone passionate about what they enjoy.  You certainly know your teas! (If you don't yet know about author Laura Childs'Tea Shop Mysteries, you should definitely check them out. They're wonderful books!). To answer your comment, let me take you to a great little store in Chinatown...

 

 TenRen indeed offers any type of tea or ginsing you can imagine, including Darjeeling, which is grown in India.

 

 The reason for Seth mentioning getting his favorite Darjeeling in Chinatown is simpy this: the area of Chinatown in New York City is packed with tea drinkers and tea lovers (it has something like 150,000 residents!), so tea shops are located there that offer the finest, freshest teas of all kinds, not just from China.

Click here to go to TenRen's online site.

Click here to go to TenRen's page where Darjeeling is offered on line as well as in their Chinatown store.

I hope that answers your query. Chinatown's a wonderful place to explore. It's filled with amazing sights, smells, and tastes; and for a tea lover like you, it's got to be a great trip to make someday.

Warmest wishes,

Cleo

And in appreciation of your stopping by, I've made you a virtual pot of tea! (See the Village Blend serves tea, too!)

January 20, 2008

Great coffee

Have you tried Joffrey's Coffee (www.Joffreys.com) out of Tampa FL? Their Jamaica Me Crazy is to die for... Looking forward to your new book...

Thanks, D

 

Cleo's Reply: Thanks to you D for sharing the info. I activated your link for anyone who wants to check out this roaster and coffee seller located in Tampa www.Joffreys.com 

And here is the link for your FAVE, Jamaica Me Crazy. Or site visitors can click on their logo below to go to the site.

 

 

 

Joffrey's looks like a great place to order coffee. I appreciate the info they have on the site about the roastmaster and their single origin list looks delish.  I'll try Joffrey's out myself in the near future!

Here's virtual muffin for you D for taking the time to stop by my virtual coffee house and post. Come on back anytime.

Java joy to you,

Cleo

 

 

January 19, 2008

Love the Information

I enjoy reading your books and learning so much about coffee. I was surprised by your definition of "Carioca" in Decaffeinated Corpse. I lived in Brazil and only heard that term to refer to someone from Rio. Am interested in your source for the definition you gave.

Thanks for the books!

—Lisa

 

 

 

Cleo's Reply: Hi, Lisa! Thanks for stopping by and posting. When Clare uses the term "Carioca" in the book, she's not talking about the term as an etymologist (or giving a dictionary def); she's conveying how the fictional character of Matt defined the term for her (and if you've been reading the series, you know Matt's the eternal boy!)...

I first heard about a "Caricoca" from an acquaintance who liked to go to Rio for Mardis Gras. It came up again for me when I heard a man on a travel show (a Brazilian) who defined himself as a "Carioca," extending the term beyond a hospitable person from Rio to mean a philosophy of living (which coincided with Matt's philosophy, so I thought it was hilarious and made a note of it). 

     FYI...here's a site that has some fun with the term...

http://www.ipanema.com/rio/basics/e/people.htm

    I hope that helps explain the mention in the book. It's really all about Matt and how he sees the world, and, of course, it's meant to be taken lightly. Thanks for writing, Lisa! I hope you'll keep reading the series. I appreciate every new reader and everyone who takes the time and effort to stop by and post.

Warmest wishes to you,

Cleo

 

January 19, 2008

Love to see your coffeehouse!!

Hi Cleo - not even sure how I got to your site awhile back but I certainly have enjoyed your newsletter. I LOVE coffee houses and hope to own and run one some day I love the homey ones in old buildings or houses that just have the ambiance and character. I imagine yours to be like that. Do you ever put up pictures of your coffee house? I haven't tried any of the novels yet but that may be on my New Year list of things to do. Thanks again for the great site - always look forward to getting it. - Patti

 

Cleo's Reply: Thanks, Patti! Your post amused me because you've found me another way other than my books. At the moment, my coffeehouse is totally fictional. If you read the Coffeehouse Mysteries, you'll see that they're all about a woman named Clare who manages a century-old coffeehouse located in the historic district of Greenwich Village, New York. After writing five books, I decided to create a "virtual" version of Clare's Village Blend by creating it online. Someday I DO hope to open a coffeehouse. And when I do, you can be sure I'll post a photo and address on this site!

Thanks for stopping by the site and your kind words about the newsletter. I'm just gettig started in the virtual world, really, and I'm still learning a lot!

Java joy to you, Patti! Here's a virtual latte art pour for you!

—Cleo

 

January 19, 2008

Fireplace and movies

I have a tv fireplace also....got the dvd at Walmart over the holidays....fun to have. One movie I would suggest....a good one.. Under the Tuscan Sun...with Diane Lane. and Overboard for fun...Goldie Hawn. Both have been on tv a lot of late. Enjoy !

—Mary T

Appleton WI

 

Cleo's Reply: Don't you just love the fireplace DVD? It's the next best thing to a real one and you don't have to clean it, either!

GREAT movie picks, too! I'll add them to the MOVIE list under my 2008 Resolutions.

(For anyone who hasn't read the list yet, scroll all the way down the home page. One of my resolutions this year is to BE AMUSED. Laughter boosts the immune system, after all. So LOL as often as possible! My list of funny movies will hopefully help with that resolution!)

I'm not a huge football fan, Mary, and I don't know if you are, either, but I want to wish your Green Bay Packers luck today, too. It's going to be really cold for the New York Giants. Whoever wins, it should be a good game!

Warmest wishes to you on this cold January day! Here's a virtual steaming cuppa for you to warm uppa!

—Cleo

 

 

 

January 17, 2008

Thank you SO much!

Dear Cleo,

Thank you so much for picking me as the New Year's Day coffee drawing winner. The coffee arrived today and I am getting ready to try it now. I have never had Kona coffee before and can't wait to try it, especially after hearing so much about it.

Thanks again!
Kelly

 

Cleo's Reply: You're very welcome, Kelly! You can thank fate, too, because these drawings are totally random. I number every address on my Email list then my husband (Marc) picks a number at random from a bowl. (Real sophisticated, huh?!). Anyway, I'm so happy you subscribed to my newsletter--so thank YOU.

Happy Kona Drinking!

—Cleo

January 17, 2008

matt/quinn

Hey, saw a commercial over the holidays about no one has loyalty or commitment anymore and we just trade in for new. I know Matt cheated and I don't know what I would do, but again did Clare forget what she fell in love with Matt to begin with? Guess you have figured I am rooting for matt!

 

Cleo's Reply: LOL! I hear ya! Matt is a great guy in many ways. Clare knows he is, too. So, believe me, no matter what you read in the coming books, don't count Matt and Clare out just yet. There's a lot of ups and downs in store for them both!

I loved hearing your thoughts on the ongoing Matt versus Quinn debate. Everyone seems to have an opinion. Some think Mike Quinn is better for Clare, some want Matt to reconcile with her, and some wish Bruce could come back (from Through the Grinder)! Then there's always Jim Rand--from Murder Most Frothy. It makes my day to hear opionions on the matter! I always say the characters themselves will tell me what's going to happen, and I have no doubt as the sleuthing adventures of Clare Cosi continue the characters will have A LOT to say about it!

Warmest java wishes to you!

Here's a virtual latte art pour for stopping by my virtual coffeehouse. (The heart is in keeping with your romantic advice post, don't you think?)

Stop by again anytime!

Cleo

January 17, 2008

I Love the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries

Dear Cleo,

I just love your Haunted Bookshop Mysteries and can't wait for the next one. Penelope reminds me of a grown up Nancy Drew! I just discovered this website and am thrilled that you have another series under a different name. I'll start reading the Coffeehouse Mysteries while I wait for The Ghost and the Femme Fatale.

—Amy

 

Cleo's Reply: What a great post! Thanks for the very kind words, Amy. I love writing about Penelope and Jack (the hard-boiled PI ghost who haunts Pen's Rhode Island bookstore). 

For anyone who wants to PRE-order The Ghost and the Femme Fatale, click here. It will be published in May 2008, and I'll be posting the cover soon.

For anyone new to this site, let me explain!

I not only write the Coffeehouse Mysteries under the name Cleo Coyle, I also write mysteries under the pen name "Alice Kimberly" (both of these mystery series I write in collaboration with my husband Marc).

The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries (by "Alice Kimberly") center around a small, independent bookshop in Rhode Island. A young widow named Penelope, who co-owns the shop, solves murders with the help of the ghost who haunts her store.

This ghost happens to be the spirit of a private detective who was gunned down in 1949 in the building that the bookstore occupies.

The gumshoe's  name is Jack Shepard. He's hard-boiled in the tradition of Chandler and Hammett, while the young widow is much more prim, a more typical cozy heroine. One reviewer described the Haunted Bookshop series as Philip Marlowe meets a young Miss Marple, another reviewer described it as Mike Hammer meets Jessic Fletcher.

 

To read more, CLICK HERE and the link will take you to Amazon's page for the first book in the series, The Ghost and Mrs. McClure, where there are description of the plot, and you'll get a sense of whether it's something you'll enjoy or not.

There are three books so far in my "Haunted Bookshop" series: The Ghost and the Dead Deb (#2); The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library (#3); and a fourth coming in May of this year, The Ghost and the Femme Fatale (#4).

 

 

Cheers, Amy!

And thanks again for reading and for posting. I hope you'll come back again and again to visit my virtual Village Blend!

--Cleo Coyle