Home And Family USA

What is your favorite film? These days it seems like most people are intrigued by the “Harry Potter” series. As you probably already know, this series of films comes from books. Since the books were so popular, the movie industry decided to cash in on the novel’s success. At this point I am thinking it was a very wise choice indeed. Today you can head out to the local toy store and find everything from Harry Potter broomsticks to a Harry Potter trading card game. Whatever your interest may be in the lovable little wizard, you can purchase as many collectibles as you wish.

Are you interested in purchasing a Harry Potter trading card game for your child? Are they a major Harry Potter fan? My daughter is practically addicted to this story. Although she is only seven and has never read the books, she loves the films. Who can blame her, right? They are rather intriguing even to adults. My mother even purchased the Harry Potter trading card game and some other collectibles. This is funny because she is over the age of 60. I guess Harry Potter truly is for any age group. I can still recall the first Harry Potter film we saw in the movie theater. I couldn’t believe how packed it was. It was like I was sitting in “Star Wars” or something. This was definitely a phenomenon that I knew nothing about at the time. It wasn’t long before I realized that “Harry Potter” was a very big deal to many.

Who is your favorite character in the Harry Potter trading card game? Are you a big fan of Ron or Dumbledor? I know, I know - it’s difficult to pick just one. Personally I like Professor Snake. He is the sneakiest one of the bunch. I am still trying to decide if he is good or evil. Oh well, I’m sure J.K. Rowling will let us know before the story is through. Anyway, if you are interested in the Harry Potter trading card game, or maybe some of the other propaganda, then maybe it’s time to get online. There is literally oodles and oodles of this stuff if you look for it. Get it while it’s hot and before people start selling it on e-Bay for more than it’s worth. Maybe some day you will want to be a wizard as well.

If you’re a coffee drinker, you know that the morning cup of java is a ritual we can’t do without! A ceramic coffee mug is absolutely essential to the full enjoyment of this daily beverage. Nothing else will do! People have been forming clay into pleasing shapes, drying, firing and decorating the result for thousands of years, all for the pleasure of consuming the contents.

Perhaps you grab a cup at the drive through! On all other occasions, insist that your coffee is properly served! The ceramic coffee mug is fundamental to the experience. The color, texture, feel, weight shape and decoration delivers a visually appealing celebration of the full taste and aroma of your coffee.

A hot ceramic coffee mug between your hands on a chilly winter day warms your palms in a pleasing and comforting sensation. Smooth or textured, the feel of the mug is part of the sensual pleasure. A thick, heavy mug has a substantial feel in your hand and keeps your coffee hot longer. A pedestal style lends elegance, and is safe to set on fine furniture.

My collection of almost two hundred ceramic coffee mugs in every shape, size, color and pattern you can imagine, from countries around the world, borders on the obsessive. Several years ago, my husband gave me a set of four ceramic coffee mugs, silk screened with Van Gogh prints. These soon became my wake up standard, generously sized to hold a hefty jolt of caffeine, with the beautiful Impressionist images taking me to a different place and time.

On a hot summer day, I often reach for the lavender and blue floral mug from Portugal, a rounded globe on pedestal design, with its cooling, soothing, dreams of lavender fields Mediterranean inspired effect. Are you feeling blue, or stressed? A brightly colored mug, with your child’s photo, or inspirational quote, may be just the lift you need. On a gray and rainy day, my French turquoise and yellow floral over sized ceramic coffee mug and saucer bestows a romantic Parisian feel to the brew. The cheerful colors and patterns of an Italian coffee mug is always inviting, at any hour, year around. Italian demitasse mugs and saucers make an elegant presentation for after dinner espresso. Come December, bring out your Santa mugs early, to get everyone in the spirit! Your guests will feel the difference a festive presentation of after dinner coffee brings to the gathering.

Now that you’ve considered the particular appeal of the ceramic coffee mug, I hope you’ll join me in a steaming mug of java! Try the following recipe, one served in a ceramic coffee mug, and another in a paper cup or stainless mug. Then, tell me! Which tastes better?

Almost Dessert Coffee

1 TB (preferably) 100% Arabica coffee
3 heaping TB French Vanilla ice cream

Brew coffee. Microwave the ice cream about 45 seconds, or until liquid. Pour coffee over melted ice cream. Stir, and enjoy! Makes one cup.