AS SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG
A Cup of Coffee by the Fireplace – A Simple Luxury
One of the things I truly admire about life in the USA is the beauty of the changing seasons. Each one paints the world in its own unique colors, offering something new to marvel at. Spring arrives with cherry blossoms, singing birds, lush green grass, and vibrant tulips. Summer brings the cheerful buzz of hummingbirds and plans for sunny adventures. Autumn enchants us with its kaleidoscope of leaves in golden, red, and orange hues. Then comes winter—a season of frosty air, crisp mornings, and a special kind of magic that invites us to slow down and find warmth indoors.
At home, our fireplace becomes the heart of the season. Though it’s more of a fire stove, it transforms our living room into a cozy retreat. My husband and I love sitting by it, wrapped in blankets, watching a favorite movie together. But there’s something even more special about the quiet moments spent next to the crackling flames with a cup of coffee in hand. On those freezing winter mornings or lazy weekend afternoons, that warm mug feels like pure comfort.
Coffee is undoubtedly my go-to companion by the fire, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the magic of a rich, creamy cup of hot chocolate. Both drinks have their own way of making winter feel like a celebration.
The truth is: every season offers its own treasures to embrace. It’s all about pausing to notice the beauty and finding joy in the simple pleasures—like the luxury of a warm drink by the fireplace on a cold winter’s day.
A GOOD BOOK AND A FLAVORFUL CUP OF COFFEE
A Good Book and a Flavorful Cup of Coffee: The Perfect Pair
There’s something truly magical about the combination of a great book and a steaming cup of coffee. For me, it’s the ultimate recipe for relaxation and inspiration. Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes, and writing has become an equally fulfilling passion. In fact, I’ve published two books on Amazon: Reshaped on the Potter’s Wheel and Intertwined Lives. (Curious? Click on the book title to learn more!)
No matter the genre—thrillers, romance, or self-help—a good book has the power to transport you to another world. Pair that with a cup of strong, black coffee with just the right amount of sugar, and you’ve got an unbeatable duo. Occasionally, I’ll add a splash of French vanilla creamer when I’m feeling indulgent. It’s the little things that make life sweeter, isn’t it?
I can sit for hours, completely immersed—page after page, sip after sip. The same is true when I’m writing. As I work on my current novel, the ideas flow, fueled by the warmth of coffee and the quiet energy of storytelling. There’s something about the ritual of writing with a cup of coffee beside me that keeps the creativity alive.
One thing I know for sure: few moments in life are as satisfying as savoring a bold cup of coffee and diving into a great book. It’s not just a pastime—it’s a way to recharge, dream, and connect with stories that inspire. What’s your favorite way to pair coffee with a good read?
CULTURAL SURPRISES
Cultural Surprises: How American and Brazilian Traditions Collide in Everyday Life
I’ve had the privilege of living between two rich worlds—American and Brazilian cultures. Through our journey together, my husband has been introduced to so many unique aspects of Brazilian life, and I can assure you he’s loved every bit of it! But as with any cross-cultural relationship, there are some eye-opening moments that remind us of how different our everyday norms can be.
Take our wedding trip to Brazil, for instance (and yes, I filled a book with all the hurdles we encountered—click here if you want to know more about the book I published!). One morning, room service delivered a breakfast spread to our nuptial suite, complete with coffee, pastries, and a pitcher of steaming hot milk. My husband was taken aback; he’d never heated up milk for coffee before and found it quite strange. He quickly asked the server for cold milk instead. As a Brazilian, I couldn’t help but laugh at the surprise—here, we love our coffee with a dash of warm milk to maintain that hot, comforting temperature. In contrast, many Americans are perfectly content pouring cold cream or milk into their coffee, a habit that seems so simple yet stands out as distinctly American.
These little cultural differences remind me how fascinating our world is. Experiencing them firsthand only deepens our appreciation for the intricate, beautiful ways our lives intersect. And I believe, with each little discovery, we get to bridge the gap just a bit more between our two cultures.
And If you want to learn more about how my husband and I met and our lives became intertwined, click on the picture or on the link below to explore my book “Intertwined Lives“.
A CULTURAL BLEND
Black Coffee vs. Coffee with Cream – A Cultural Blend
For us Brazilians, coffee with milk is known as “pingado.” The name itself is quite playful; it means adding just a “drop” of milk—just enough to give the coffee a lighter color, but not enough to mask its bold flavor. Personally, I’m not a big fan of pingado, but plenty of people swear by it, especially for a comforting morning pick-me-up. In Brazil, coffee without sugar is uncommon; most people prefer it sweetened, finding black coffee too intense. However, I do know a few who enjoy it black, savoring its natural bitterness. It’s rare, but it’s a choice that’s becoming a little more popular, especially for health-conscious folks.
In the United States, coffee culture leans heavily towards cream, with sugar often optional. It took me a while to adjust to the cream-in-coffee trend, but now, after years here, I’ve grown to appreciate it. Yet, every once in a while, nostalgia creeps in, and I find myself craving black coffee with just a touch of sugar, enjoying it alongside a classic slice of bread with butter. It’s a simple pleasure that reminds me of Brazil and the mornings spent with family.
But at the end of the day, regardless of whether you add sugar, cream, milk, or nothing at all, coffee is universal. Its rich aroma and energizing effects make it one of humanity’s greatest creations, a beloved ritual that transcends borders and preferences. Coffee—whether it’s black, with a hint of cream, or sweetened with a touch of nostalgia—is always there to perk us up and bring us together. And that’s the magic in every cup.
And here is my favorite coffee creamer: Nestle Coffee Creamer Mate – French Vanilla
MAKE YOURSELF HOME
Coffee and Guests: A Warm Welcome, Brazilian Style
In Brazil, there’s no better way to welcome a guest than with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. It’s not just an offer—it’s a given. When you visit someone, you won’t hear, “Would you like some coffee?” Instead, they’ll confidently say, “I’m going to make us some coffee”—or in Portuguese, “Eu vou coar um cafezinho para nós.”
It’s more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of hospitality and connection. If someone doesn’t offer you coffee when you visit, it’s safe to assume the relationship might be on shaky ground!
When my husband and I traveled to Brazil for the first time to meet my family, this tradition took him by surprise. Everywhere we went, we were greeted with food and drinks. It’s not just polite—it’s mandatory. After a few days, he admitted, “I can’t eat anymore food! Everywhere we go, they feed us!” I couldn’t help but laugh. For us, this is second nature—we don’t even think about it. But for him, it was a lot to take in.
Contrast that with my first cultural shock when visiting his sister in the United States. She was lovely—kind, welcoming, and polite. We had a great conversation, but…I wasn’t offered so much as a glass of water! I was stunned. In Brazil, this would be unthinkable, even disrespectful. I kept my cool but couldn’t help feeling insulted.
Over time, I came to understand that this difference wasn’t about rudeness; it was cultural. In the U.S., unless you’re explicitly invited for a meal, offering food or drinks isn’t a given. It’s just not part of the social norm.
This experience taught me an important lesson about cross-cultural relationships: our habits and traditions are deeply rooted in our upbringing, and they don’t always align. But the beauty of these differences lies in the learning. When we step back, observe, and embrace each other’s perspectives, we grow.
So whether it’s coffee in Brazil or a casual chat in the U.S., there’s always something to learn—and something to appreciate.
NOTHING BEATS A STEAMING CUP OF COFFEE
Nothing Beats the Comfort of a Perfect Cup of Coffee
There’s something truly magical about a good cup of coffee. It’s not just a drink—it’s a moment, a ritual, a source of comfort. Whether it’s the first sip in the morning that awakens your senses or a quiet afternoon pick-me-up, coffee has a way of making everything feel just a little bit better.
From its rich aroma to the way it warms your hands as you cradle the mug, coffee is more than caffeine—it’s a companion, a motivator, and sometimes, exactly what you need to turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary.
For many of us, coffee isn’t just about the flavor or the caffeine boost—it’s about connection. Whether you’re sharing a cup with a friend, catching up at your favorite café, or simply stealing a quiet moment for yourself, coffee has a way of bringing people together and creating memories. It’s a small luxury that reminds us to slow down and savor life, one sip at a time.
Savor every sip and make the most of each cup of coffee. Slow down and enjoy your life.
Cherish your friends and create lasting memories, but value and enjoy your own company too.
WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee: The Irresistible Aroma That Owns the Morning
Is there anything more captivating than the smell of freshly brewed coffee? For me, it’s pure magic—like one of those cartoon moments where a character floats through the air, hypnotized by the scent of something delicious, completely unaware of their surroundings. Whether it’s the bold aroma wafting through a cozy Starbucks or the unmistakable scent of a fresh pot at home, coffee has a way of making its presence known.
In our two-story house, coffee isn’t just a morning ritual—it’s an unintentional wake-up call. When my mom visits, my sister comes along to help and keep her company, staying upstairs in the guest rooms. My husband and I are early risers thanks to long commutes, and since I’m always the first one up, my day starts with the sacred task of firing up the coffee maker. Prepped the night before, it’s ready to do its magic with just the push of a button.
As the rich aroma fills the kitchen, it doesn’t stop there—it creeps up the stairs and into the bedrooms. My sister always teases, “The smell of coffee wakes me up at 5 a.m. every day!” And honestly, who can resist? While she usually drifts back to sleep after we leave, it’s hilarious that no matter how quietly we tiptoe around like church mice, coffee betrays us. Its bold, inviting scent announces our presence, loud and clear.
There’s just something extraordinary about the smell of coffee. It’s more than a wake-up call—it’s a warm hug, a moment of connection, and the first spark of energy to face the day. So, whether it pulls you out of bed at dawn or simply invites you to linger a little longer at your favorite café, let’s agree: the smell of coffee is simply superb.