Current Contest!

Email: Healthishappy@aol.com

Hey Taralynn!

I am Anahit, from Germany, and I am so happy, that I found your page! As you helped me and isnpired me A LOT, I wanted to take part on this contest! I am so thankful to you, that you inspired me, and I am sure, that I will lose 15 Kg within some months. I can make it, I am, I will be! xoxo love, Anahit

 Just got back from a 2 hour walk! I lost 5lbs in my first week with the help of your blog. Thanks so much!

- Stacie Fish

Here is a brief little biography about me: Growing up I have always been 
compared to my sister. She has always been way smaller than me, and she let me 
know it at every opportunity she got. Last year at the beginning of my senior 
year, as my sister was up to her freshman 30 (lol) I decided it was my time to 
shine, and lose the weight I had constantly dreamed of losing. With some very 
unhealthy choices, I was down 30 pounds in no time. I would get very frustrated 
bc I would gain weight back instantly and it would make me very depressed. As my 
sister started to lose all of her extra weight and more, the healthy way, I 
began to gain my back through a major binge eating disorder and a giant episode 
of depression. I hated the way I looked, and it was showing, and effecting every 
aspect of my life. My social life, my grades, my spiritual life, my 
relationships with my family, my faith in myself, and most of all my confidence. 
I am on my college dance team, and I even went so far as having a completely 
break down when we had to wear a halfshirt and I hit an all time low.  I 
stubbled upon your blog one day and it completely changed my perspective on 
losing weight through a HEALTHY lifestyle. So far I have been able to lose 10 
pounds the HEALTHY way, and although it randomly makes its appearances, overcome 
my binge eating disorder. Which is HUGE for me because I never dreamed I could 
dig my way out of that hole. 

I am so ready to make a HEALTHY CHANGE in my life through this contest, with the 
help of your inspiring story. It's not about winning for me, its about working 
to achieve a healthy goal & motivating others to do the same by making a CHANGE 
with Taralynn.

Jennifer CoxTaralynn McNitt

So I wanted to get a couple little snacks as a thank you to some friends and to the people who helped me with my presentation for my class, and my original plan was to get them a bunch of candy. But as I walked around the store I thought it would be better to get them things that would actually HELP them get through finals, not make them feel more tired. Not to mention I didn’t want any candy sitting around in my room. I’m sure they’ll get plenty of candy thrown their way during the holidays so this would be a nice gift but something a little different. Though I have no problem with people eating unhealthy foods in moderation, I saw it as a positive to make the snack packs still full of treats but ones that were a little bit more healthy. It was way more expensive but hopefully worth it. 

I gave them: Sugarfree gum, two packs of oatmeal, tea, low-cal hot chocolate, Vitamin C supplement and almonds. A small change but a good change. Thanks for inspiring me!

Winner and Her Gift From the Recipe Repeat Challenge!!

Tweet Me, Facebook Me, Link Me, or Email Me a picture of you and your favorite coffee! 

• What got you hooked?
• How do you drink your coffee?
• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe?

2 WINNERS WILL RECEIVE Retro-styled chic coffee maker from Bugatti

Contest Ends October 20th 2011!

ENTRIES!!

This is me with my favorite, homemade, French Vanilla Coffee from Green Mountain Coffee!What got me hooked: I first tried coffee in high school, when I need a little wake up call before a big test. From then on I fell in love with coffee!How I drink my coffee: If I get a plain coffee, I add 6-10 drops of liquid stevia, some unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and lots of cinnamon! If I get a flavored coffee like french vanilla or hazelnut, I simply add stevia and almond milk (if I’m somewhere where I can’t get almond milk or stevia, I just add skim milk and Splenda!)Favorite Coffee Cafe: Starbucks!! Hehe I basically love all their drinks :)) 

What Got Me Hooked?

• I’ve worked in a coffee shop for as long as I could legally work. After 5 years or so, it goes without saying that I love to drink coffee. The first time I really got hooked, though, was a night that I was volunteering at our local Relay for Life. I had set up my company’s coffee booth and was freezing cold. I figured the only way to warm myself up was to drink some of the coffee I was selling- and I’ve never stopped drinking it since! Since that day, I’ve continued to work at that coffee shop and have added another one to my work schedule. I’ll never quit! Pictured above is actually at the first Starbucks in Seattle, WA- my only request on the itinerary for our trip to Seattle last summer!
• How Do I Drink My Coffee?
• It depends on the type of coffee. Alterra Coffee (out of Milwaukee, WI) is easy to drink black. Valentine Coffee (also out of Milwaukee, WI), requires about a teaspoon of raw sugar. Although, when I treat myself, my coffee comes in the form of a skinny latte (sugar free syrups sweetened with splenda don’t taste any different than the regular ones!)
• Whats My Favorite Coffee Cafe?
  My favorite cafe has to be the one I’ve worked in for 5 years- Beauty and the Bean. It is located about 30 minutes away from Madison, WI in a very small town. We consider our boss our friend, and our customers family. When I’m not working, I can bring my dog to the coffee shop and the ladies that sit outside in the morning will watch him while I go get coffee! The community is so strong there that I actually live with two girls that I met working there!

Aye there. So this is me with my awesomely new Einstein mug from World Market that I love so much: http://backtosize.tumblr.com/post/10728250166 along with a description of the latest coffee I’m trying out. I used World Market Pumpkin Spice coffee (nom) and a cheap milk frother guy on my Almond milk. Then I added a bit of sugar, and BAM coffee! I don’t drink coffee too often, but when I do, I like to make it a little special. 
— 
Cheers,Breana Whittingtonbreanawhittington@gmail.com

kellyaryder Kelly Ryder @TaralynnsTweets http://d.pr/N4op Happy National Coffee Day! AP classes got me hooked. I had to stay awake (cont) tl.gd/dc9m0r19 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

When I was little my mom drank coffee all the time and I thought it  
was so fun and the grown up thing to do. When she finally felt I was  
old enough to indulge in this wonderful treat I immediately became  
absolutely addicted.
There are many ways I take my coffee and the major factors are where I  
am and what the season is. When I am at home there is no other way I  
will except my coffee other than in a french press. If you have not  
tried a french press add it to your list, v\because once you go french  
press never ever want to go back. Along with my french press and just  
like my mother I drink my coffee with my creamer (coconut creamer to  
be exact). When I am out I get my coffee from the one and only:  
STARBUCKS. It is completely cliche to love Starbucks but I cannot help  
it. I am even a gold  which entails having a gold card with my name on  
it. During the summer I love my double iced soy chai. The two shots of  
espresso with the sweet taste of soy and the classic flavor of chai is  
the perfect combination. When it is cold outside (which is like one  
month out of the year here in New Mexico) or when I just need an extra  
boost of energy I take my soy white mocha americano. This is a great  
boost of caffeine but the white mocha is just the right amount of the  
sugary sweet I love.
Being an avid coffee drinker I have a favorite place for every where I  
go. Starbucks of coarse is everywhere so that is an easy one. When I  
am back home I get my coffee from my favorite place in the world:  
Flying Star Cafe. This is the cutest, coolest, chicest place all  
wrapped into one. The drink to get there is the Mexican latte, so  
cinnamony and delicious. Moving away for college I had to find a new  
local coffee shop since Flying Star is everywhere in the state EXCEPT  
my college town. The new place is International Delights, ID for  
short. They have the most delicious Macchiatos in every flavor you  
could ever ask for. The best part is the yummy sesame seed candy they  
serve on the side.

And that about summarizes all my favorite coffee. I know you weren't  
expecting an essay but I just love my coffee

what got me hooked? - my momma used to always give me sips of here coffee in the morning and when I got old enough to drink it myself I immediately fell in love. It started off with high calorie, milkshake like Starbucks drinks then it grew into a nonfat skinny upside down caramel machiatto with an extra shot. haha now I have it every morning, its so relaxing and it reminds me of home :) 
how do I drink my coffee?- when I make it at home, the creamer I use all depends on the season. Right now Im in love with the maple seasonal creamer and pumpkin spice mm mmm I put two tablespoons of creamer and one teaspoon of truvia! 
whats my favorite coffee cafe?- my all time FAVORITE coffee cafe is called helios. It's in the middle of downtown Raleigh, NC on a very popular street. At night its fun to sit outside with friends drink coffee, laugh, and listen to the bands play. It's a really chill atmosphere and they don't play annoying loud music like Starbucks which makes it easy to hold conversation and concentrate and the coffee is amazing (ecspecially the caramel latte!)
p.s your truly inspirational to me, you've helped me get back on track and out of depression :) thanks girl, be blessed! 

What got you hooked?- I'd have to blame my first cup of coffee during my finals week during my first semester of college which was last Fall semester 2010. My roommates were making coffee left and right. They made some in the morning, the middle of the day, during the night. The smell was to die for. I never bought my own coffee and when I'd go to Starbucks, I always chose tea over coffee. Anyway, I finally asked one of my roommates if I could have a cup her coffee and since then, I could not stop drinking it. I'd have one usually always in the morning and I'd drink it at night if I have to stay up. All I know is that I love coffee and it's so awesome for socializing. My friends and I always catch up with one another over a cup of coffee. It seemed to become more of a social thing. 
How do you drink your coffee?- Plain and simple, in a mug, put in a packet of splenda or instead I like to add a spoonful of brown sugar. It makes the coffee have a very different sweet type of taste, and sometimes a tbsp of 2% milk. It really depends. Other than that, black coffee works for me.
What's your favorite coffee cafe?- Since I'm attending school at University of Hawaii at Hilo, I'd have to say I like Short & Sweet Bakery & Cafe. Super good coffee and sweets to compliment your cup of coffee. They have the best homemade oreo cookies. They also have the best sandwiches and bread to compliment your coffee. I can't emphasize it anymore on how good it is. However, while I'm back home in Oahu for the holidays or summers, my friends and I always go for the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf :]
Mahalo,Jamaica Agustin

Hey Taralynn! I began drinking coffee when i was in middle school. I always thought my parents and older sister were so cool when they had their coffee, and i wanted to be just like them! I drink the French Roast from Foldgers (very original) every morning, usually black. This is my favorite cup! His name is ducky. We enjoy watching Friends and Gilmore Girls with my dog, Zoey, who is just an older version of your dog! It's nice to cuddle up with a fresh cup of coffee in cold Wisconsin. When i go out to buy my coffee, i usually stop at this little shop in my town. Thank you for everything you post and say. You give great tips and advice. - Rachel
What got you hooked?
I've always liked coffee (since I was little!), but I think what really got me hooked was college. I have to wake up so early, so it really helped me to wake up and get my day started. Plus it's nice to have something warm when it's cold out walking to class.

How do you drink your coffee?
I usually drink Folgers coffee, and I'll drink it black, or I add one or two packets of stevia or truvia, or splenda. Sometimes if I'm having a sweet tooth, I'll add fat free hot chocolate. Then it's kinda chocolaty and it's really good! I'll also add a flavored coffee, like Folgers french vanilla to my regular coffee. 

What's your favorite coffee cafe?
My favorite would probably be Starbucks or Dilworth. I like Starbucks because you can customize it, so I can get a latte made with nonfat milk so it's not as bad. And I really like Dilworth because they have yummy flavors! They have chocolate covered strawberries, snickerdoodle, death by chocolate, and a lot more! At Dilworth I usually get a flavored coffee and put one or two packets of sweetener. Sometimes I'll get hot, nonfat, steamed milk added to it.Taralynn,
First off, I absolutely love your tumblr.  I check it every day! Thank you so much for being committed to helping people build and maintain a healthy lifestyle- you are making such a difference in the world and I give you the utmost respect for it. 
I got hooked on coffee when I started living away from home at a boarding school for the arts.  Making new friends and managing my own time required a lot of energy, and plenty of caffeine! Every morning I drink my coffee black.  I love the flavor of regular dark roast coffee, but when I have a break between classes, I like to make homemade lattes and cappuccinos with unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze and sugar free Torani syrup! I look forward to low calorie coffee drinks every day. :)  My favorite coffee cafe is The Front Porch Coffee & Tea Company in northern Minnesota, where my parents grew up.  It's a log cabin in a quaint small town called Ely.  Some of my best summer memories are from The Front Porch!
Best wishes,Abby @ www.museofauthenticity.tumblr.com

• What got you hooked? Being a freshman in college brought on a whole other definition to midnight munchies so I started drinking coffee before I would pull all-nighters. I realized it not only kept me awake and focused through the night but also curbed my appetite! After a whole cup of coffee I really wasn’t hungry and if I did snack it would be on foods such as popcorn because I would be so full from it! Ever since I realized the magical effects of coffee, I’ve been addicted you could say! 
• How do you drink your coffee? I usually brew my coffee fresh with my little coffee maker in my dorm. I add two packets of coffee mate powder (30 calories) and a packet of spenda. In the wintertime, I even add some cinnamon for some flavor and spice! It’s absolutely wonderful and satisfies me completely!
• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? I usually run to the Starbucks that’s located right under my dorm if I’m in a time crunch. This hasn’t happened often because I feel like they over charge for beverages that I can easily make on my own! I even try recipes that you have posted for making coffee beverages also and after experiencing and trying those I don’t think that Starbucks can really compete! 

Hope to win! I absolutely adore your page and am extremely inspired by you! In friendship, Saba Nayani

Starbucks Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte is by far my favorite coffee! With only 60 calories and NO fat you definitely can’t go wrong with this choice. I also love how user friendly Starbucks online calorie counter is. It really helps making healthy choices easy! When I’m not getting one of my favorite Starbucks drink I drink my coffee at home with a little bit of sugar free Coffee Mate creamer (french vanilla is my favorite!) Starbucks is by far my favorite cafe because I’m a college student and don’t often have time during the day to just sit back and relax. Since Starbucks is so quick I can run in and out with my purchase or sit down for a few minutes and do homework if I have a short break. I started following you this fall when I started my sophomore year at Michigan State University and have lost 11 pounds so far! You are such an inspiration and I look forward to all the great recipes and posts that you will upload in the future!

What got me hooked? To coffee in general the smell, I love the smell of it and it started out with shakable add water coffees on the beach in Greece and then cappuccinos and they are still my greatest coffee love! You also get holiday variations which you don’t get with tea and syrups… caramel syrup…enough said its a beautiful thing.
How do I drink my coffee?I am a Starbucks (or anywhere on campus with syrup): Tall skinny caramel cappuccino with sugar free syrup.Or in Costa a caramel Costa light. Which is essentially the same with less caffeine. It makes me feel a little bit like Christmas as the weather gets colder.
My favourite Cafe: Probably Starbucks i have had some good times there form the annual Christmas trip just me and mum for coffee and mince pies to times with my best friends and grabbing a coffee first thing in the morning before the bus to university makes it the best treat of the day!
Natasha Fellow tumblr user! (ne31)

 What got me hooked?
 
I always loved the smell of coffee.  When I was little, I had three other sisters and my mom worked a lot, so even going to Walmart with her was precious bonding time.  I always looked forward to going down the coffee aisle; she would always grind her beans there, and let me push the button and lift the little flap to make sure that we got every bit of pungent goodness!  I would stand there and breathe in that smell so deeply it seemed I would die if not for that breath.  Today, when I drink coffee, it makes me feel linked to my mom.  Even as a married adult, I won’t deny that I love when there is something about me that is similar to my mother, and drinking coffee every morning is one of those things.
 
How do I drink my coffee?
 
I prefer it black.  Actually, I prefer it to be hazelnut and black.  I am super hooked on hazelnut!  However, I’m also a sucker for the holidays, so this morning I am drinking mine with pumpkin spice creamer. :)
 
What is my favorite coffee cafe?
 
My favorite coffee cafe is this little, hip, locally owned cafe in downtown Fort Walton Beach, FL (where I live).  It’s called Coffe Beanery Limited.  They roast their own beans there, and they have a flavor called “Crack Coffee” that is seriously too die for.  My husband and I love to go there and get an iced coffee and walk around the historical buildings right by the bay.
 
I hope I win! :)

Hiiiii! So this is me and my Coastal Environment to go mug! What got me hooked?? Coffee ice cream of course! When I was little that was my favorite type of ice cream and I loved it!!! I like my coffee to be flavored, usually french vanilla or hazelnut with flavored cream! Right now I drink New England french vanilla coffee with Cinnabon creamer! At first I wasn’t sure about all the flavors and sweetness in my coffee but then I grew to like it! My favorite coffee cafe is a cafe on my campus called T’Licious! They literally have the most coffee flavors I have ever seen and I love to try them!
Thanks for the contest! Your blog is such an inspiration! Ive lost 8.5 pounds so far but its hard losing the weight and being in college! The weekends definitely are the hardest because of partying but I’m trying to work on it! Thanks for all the great links and advice!
-Danielle Race
Hey Taralynn,

First of all, thanks for inspiring people like me!

Here’s the break down:

1. How did you get hooked? - Well, it just so happens that I, too, begged my parents and grandparents for a drink. According to my mom, I used to run around living room in the morning and drink out of everyone’s coffee cup once the coffee had gone cold. Since then, there was no question: I love coffee. It is so comforting, hot or cold. I drink it in the morning, throughout the day and in the evenings (alternating with some water and tea, of course).

2. I usually drink my coffee with a splash of almond, soy or rice milk - whatever is on hand. During the holiday season I’m a sucker for Pumpkin Spice or Peppermint Mocha creamer. If it’s a lighter brew, I’ll just sprinkle some cinnamon and drink it black - so good!

3. My favorite coffee shop is a new one in my hometown of Canyon, Texas. Canyon’s a fairly small town that doubles in population during the fall and spring semesters, because it’s home to West Texas A&M University (where I went to school and now work). We have a old courthouse surrounded by a town square with antique shops, bakeries, and soda shoppe, etc. Finally, someone decided to put a coffee shop in on the square. It’s called Palace Coffee and it’s furnished with wonderful, vintage furniture. It’s so cozy and warm. They have open mic night or live bands play every weekend. Everything they serve is organic and they cold brew their coffee for iced drinks. If you haven’t had a cold brewed iced coffee, you must. It’s crazy what a difference it makes. It’s great because it caters to all ages. Students are there all day working on homework and older women are there for Bible studies in the morning. It’s such a unique place. 

This is a picture of my with my 30Rock mug, my favorite!

— 
Niki Brown
Multimedia Designer
Communication and Marketing
West Texas A&M University


Here is a picture of me with coffee in front of a Trader Joes in San Franicisco…coffee, TJ’s, and California-that was a good day!  I think I got hooked because I picked up a job at a coffee shop a couple of years ago.  I’ve tried so many coffee drinks and love them all, but my morning routine cup is much like yours…I like a little creamer and some almond milk mixed in.  I like the little coffee shops that are cozy and unique, though I also love the trendy Starbucks and Caribou drinks :)  My current flavor is pumpkin spice as well!

My mug is just a regular Starbucks mug that I got when I went to London about 5 years ago. I love it because it’s large enough for me to put two doses of latté in it, from the coffee-machine at work!

What got you hooked? I start work really early in the morning, so to begin with it was something to keep me awake in the morning. Then it became a social thing - gathering around a cup of coffee is so much fun, and it just brings out that feeling of happiness and content! Weird…

How do you drink your coffee? I know it’s probably weird, but I drink mine cold. I wait about 30 minutes till it’s cooled down, and then drink it. The only hot beverage I like is hot cocoa.

What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? Since we don’t really have a whole lot of coffee-chains here in Norway, I enjoy a local place called Mezzanin, and a Swedish chain of coffee-cafes called Wayne’s Coffee.

(Source: undressedskeleton, via undressedskeleton)

Dear Taralynn, 

I play for fun, beause I love your pages !!! :D
I’m Hélène and I’m 20.
I defniey love my coffee just black with a little bit of wrong sugar. 
But the mot important thing is to drink it in a big big mug from South Carolina, where I spent 2 weeks this summer with my big sister to visit one of my English boy ! (who is in England now :)

So, I’m sending you a pic of my coffee and I, this afternoon, after a day of school ! 
Yumyum to stay cool :)

Thank you s muuuuccccchhhhhh for your blog, it’s a great motivation for me ! 

On the first pic it’s my hair ^^ I like doing this for parties !
And sorry for my english :)

xx
Hi!

my tumblr is http://heyyyitsryann.tumblr.com/

i just figured it would be easier to email..

Still in my pj’s! Coffee is the first thing i grab when i wake up! i am a zombie without it! haha
i got hooked on coffee when i had to wake up for school early in high school my junior year.
i like my coffee with a little bit of coffee mate sugar free hazelnut 
my favorite cafe is corner bakery cafe, and they have great veggie sandwiches! which is awesome too!


-Ryann

btw- thanks for everything you do!

1. The energy that coffee gave and warmth it brought to me got me hooked! 

2. I drink my coffee with a teaspoon of coffee mate unsweetened vanilla and one 

packet of splenda. 

3. My fave coffee cafe is 711 b/c they have blueberry and chocolate raspberry 

coffee

• I’m drinking Van Houtte French Vanilla coffee with a little splash of almond milk and truvia. When I started drinking coffee I was only into the sugary sweet barely-any-coffee-flavor drinks, but now most of the time I drink it black :-p
• What got me hooked? My fiance. When we first started dating, we went out for coffee *a lot* because there wasn’t a whole lot else to do in town (and he is a serious caffeine addict). We also spent some time in England where most of our mornings included coffee on the porch of our hostel or at a cafe. 
• My favorite coffee cafe is called Bookshelves & Coffee Cups. It was a little place just a walk away from where I went to college. It was a used bookstore with a coffee corner in front by the windows. They also had an old chess and checkers set out on the patio. The owner was a super friendly older man who made up a lot of his own drinks to fit what you wanted and played guitar in the front of the building. We used to go every Wednesday to study, read, and chat. :)
•  My name is Stephanie, and my tumblr link is: http://slouchie.tumblr.com/ 
  
  ~Stephanie

• What got you hooked? I’ve been drinking coffee since middle school! (i’m 31 now) and have been hooked since
• How do you drink your coffee? Must have cream and splenda or truvia! 
• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? Sugar free hazel nut latte w/ extra shot 

Best Regards,   Sarah

1. I got hooked on coffee because my Batista cousin showed me GOOD coffee. 
2. Black:)
3. A place called the brewhah:)

Hi! This is my tumblr: http://imnotcassie.tumblr.com/ 

(:

• What got you hooked? My Grandma! She always drank coffee whenever I was over at her house, and I had some one time, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love it!
  
• How do you drink your coffee? I drink is black, or sometime I like to have a light Vanilla bean frappe from starbucks! 
  
• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? Wow, I have so many different ones, I like Java bean, or cravings, and of course starbucks. 
  

• What got you hooked? I was hooked on Iced Cappuccino’s from Tim Hortons (in Canada) as a kid, but as I grew up I got tired of the sweet, creamy coffee, so I started to drink my moms who didn’t sweeten her drinks as much. Eventually I started making my own and that’s what got me hooked!
• How do you drink your coffee? After pouring a hot cup from my french press, I add original/vanilla soy milk, or soy creamer. If we don’t have soy milk, I’ll add other milk substitutes that we have around, but if I’m at a place that doesn’t offer soy, I’ll just take the 2% milk. No sugar or sweetener (I save it for more indulgent drinks).  
• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? I found an old picture on my computer of myself and this Starbuck’s Christmas special beverage, the Peppermint Mocha. Yum! I get it half sweet with skim or soy milk so it’s a tad healthier, but it still tastes amazing, always. I can’t wait for the red cups to come back this winter.

Taralynn, you’re awesome and you continue to inspire my every day! I wish you all the best <3Love, Monica from http://www.peacecoffeeandfeathers.tumblr.com

what got me hooked: i've been drinking coffee for as long as i can remember. its my special treat when i wake up in the morning. my favorite to kind to make is the house blend Starbucks brand. it always warms me up, especially on chilly fall mornings that we've been having lately. :)
how do i drink my coffee: i drink my coffee with 2 splendas and 1 tablespoon of skim milk.
my favorite coffee cafe: i hate to sound cliche but i have to say Starbucks. i love all of the seasonal flavors they have. pumpkin spice latte has to be my favorite this time of year.
Thanks TaralynnxoxoEm.


Hey girl!
First off, I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your dedication to running such an inspirational blog.  I've learned so many great things, and I love that you have a page for us non-meat eaters!
Attached is a photo of me and my favorite coffee.  Having a delicious cup of coffee in the morning is my favorite part of the day!  When it's cold in my bedroom, and rainy outside, and I reaaaally don't want to wake up, I think of my coffee, and it gets me motivated.  My mom and I buy our beans from the local Farmer's Market.  It's the best to enjoy my coffee while supporting the local economy!  So the cup you see in the picture is my favorite cup.  I bought it at Starbucks a few years ago, and I love it to death because it's so big!
I've recently begun to use the honey my mom and I buy at the Farmer's Market, as well, as a sweetener instead of sugar (because I recently found out that sugar is refined with animal bone char.  So gross); so I take my coffee with non-dairy creamer and a bit of honey!  
As for your third question, if I'm in a hurry I'll always stop at a Caribou over Starbucks, but if I have a little time I LOVE to go to Chazzano Coffee.  It's a small cafe near where I work that has a plethora of different beans to choose from, from all over the world.  Not only is the selection fantastic, so is the service.  If the owner is there, he will give you a tour of the shoppe himself.
So that is my spiel, and I hope you've enjoyed reading. :)
Have a lovely day,Ashley
Monique Davison 
Hey Taralynn! This is my entry into your coffee machine competition :) 
My favourite coffee which I order each and every time is the Hazelnut skim latte from Gloria Jeans Coffees. I LOVE this coffee because it's rich and smooth and the hazelnut gives it the sweetness and flavour without me needing to add anymore sugar (I'm a sweet tooth!). I believe the best way to drink your coffee is in a comfy chair with someone special and to savour every bit.

Light Grande Caramel Frappichino from Starbucks
No whipped cream of course!

That's how I drink it and where I get it :p

I got hooked when I was extremely  tired on the way to work and had an extra few 
minutes. I don't really like normal coffee, but I know that some of the drinks 
at Starbucks aren't the healthiest.. I ended up trying the light Frapp though 
and loved it.
It tastes like dessert, but at about 120 calories, doesn't make me feel bad. I 
just have to try to get  a little more active after drinking it.

Here is my Cinnamon Caribou Coffee! 
I love chai but also love lattes, so I decided to mix about 3/4 french roast coffee with 2 - 4 Tbs almond milk + 2 - 4 Tbs Milk (I use more or less of chai+almond milk depending on what mood I'm in) added one packet of Stevia and some cinnamon and i love it :)

What got me hooked? the energy it gives me in the morning!
How do I drink my coffee? Usually in my favorite caribou coffee mug, with milk, sugar free Chai concentrate, almond milk, cinnamon and stevia
Favorite Cafe? It's definitely "The Ugly Mug" since it's the closest coffee shop near my apartment and campus. Plus it's a locally owned business, the service is amazing and employees are always so kind!

Thanks Taralynn!

this cup is usually filled with 5 shots of espresso and a some silk light soy milk. my tumblr is goingbacktothin, 

Hey girl! My name is Allie, my tumblr url is tinkerbell-pepper.tumblr.com!- I got hooked on coffee because of my roommate! I’m a freshman in college and she would brew it all the time, so I decided to have some. So I did, like… every day :)- I like my coffee with just creamer, no sugar or anything :)- My favorite coffee cafe is a little shop down the street from my dorm, its called Common Grounds, it smells amazing and is a great place to go and study, that I take advantage of quite frequently!

Victoria Vilardi 
Hey Taralynn! I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 3, believe it not. What got me hooked was when my dad would serve me a very miniture cappuccino in my Aladdin mug with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The steamed milk was, and still is my favorite. I love this stuff! I drink mine about twice a day black, no sugar and a dash of cinnamon! The taste of coffee is too perfect to me to hide behind other flavors :). And I’m a starbucks girl. Living in NY, you literally can’t get away from them lol. But, nothing beats a fresh brewed cup from home! Thanks for giving me the drive to lead a happier and healthier life! ♥

• What got you hooked?

I would say that my love for books is what got me hooked on coffee. One of my best friends in high school and myself would go to Barnes and Noble any chance we got and browse for hours. Inside was, of course, a Starbucks, so we would browse the books, order coffee, and sit at a table and look through the books we grabbed to see if any were worth buying. That I would say started my love of coffee. I started loving the Caramel Frappacchinos. But when I started college in a smaller town, I started going to a local coffee place and noticed the quality difference of fresh coffee beans. I became obsessed and very reliant on coffee. I would get a coffee at the coffee place on waking (usually an iced caramel latte or mint mocha if hot with 4-6 shots of espresso) and rely on that to keep me full and awake (I didn’t sleep much 0-4 hrs per night) until dinner. Let’s just say I spent a lot of my day shaking from the caffeine buzz and lack of food and sleep. At this point I was addicted, hooked, what have you! BUT after I transferred schools, I had to switch coffee places. Luckily this new place had opened up locally that was 24 hours! Perfect for my college schedule! I would get off of work and stay there all night hanging with friends, working on homework, meeting new people, and drinking coffee. Still extra shots, still iced caramel lattes or mint mochas, but I had started eating, and I was averaging about 4 hours of sleep every night at least! The coffee addiction increased between the 24 hour coffee place and the coffee cafe at the school. But I loved it and still do. It is a major part of my life, almost its own entity in my life, people associate me with coffee. So I am very grateful for books and friends, they led me to coffee and now coffee is a part of what keeps us together.

• How do you drink your coffee?

When I drink drip coffee, I drink it black with nothing added. When I drink espresso drinks, I drink caramel lattes (skim milk), cinnamon lattes usually, but there is always the day I get something different (like a mint mocha). I also drink Iced Toddys with either espresso or chocolate flavoring. Delicious!

• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe?

Currently, I love a local place called Black Sheep Coffee. I have been going to BSC for 5 years since the place I went previously moved and then closed. I have gone through a lot of coffee places—Starbucks to Common Grounds (in Spearfish, SD) to Sankofa (Sioux Falls, SD) to Black Sheep (Sioux Falls, SD) with random other coffee places mixed in. But what I love about BSC is that they roast their own beans, many of my friends have worked or work there, my age group spends there days there, so you are always running into someone, and they have coffee tastings.If I have to pick a favorite chain coffee place also, my favorite would be Scooters coffee. 

Hey! I read your blog everyday and I’m finally getting around to enter this contest! Haha. I think this is a great idea.
 
What got me hooked to coffee?
     My family and my community! I live about 100 miles north of Seattle, so coffee is everywhere where I live. My parents have always been coffee drinkers. Some of my very first memories include sitting at the dining room table drinking coffee with my mom and dad. I’ve loved the taste of coffee since I was little. I have a picture of me when I was about 3 in barney footie pajamas holding a cup of black coffee! 
 
How do I drink my coffee?
     My favorite drink is iced coffee with nonfat milk. Today I got a little caramel drizzle in it as a treat (you can see it a little bit in the picture). If I ‘m not getting iced coffee I’ll usually get a nonfat vanilla latte or a skinny caramel macchiato!
 
What’s my favorite coffee cafe?
     Starbucks! We have two starbucks in my town, we call one the “Old Starbucks” and the other the “New Starbucks.” When I’m going on coffee dates with my friends I usually go to the new Starbucks because its more lively. The workers are loud and fun and the music is usually more upbeat there. When I go for coffee by myself to have me time or to do my homework I go to the Old Starbucks, where its more mellow. The workers are so sweet at the Old Starbucks! That’s actually where I am right now. Starbucks is so special to me because it holds so many memories for me. Before the Old Starbucks opened up, my parents, sister, and I would drive about fourty minutes to go to the one nearest to us. When it opened I was in the first grade. My dad got me from school and said “Mom called. Starbucks is open, let’s go!” We would go after school as a family at least twice a week. I’ve had countless meetings with my friends at Starbucks. So many memories of family, holidays, laughter, new friends, tears, crushes, and heartbreaks are forever held in the two Starbucks in my town. They’re like home to me!
 
Thank you for reading this and for creating your blog. It’s so inspiring and it helps me keep on a healthy track everyday!
 
Love, Keriann Ashley-Chase

• What got you hooked?
  staying late to read for exams… i started off with add-water shakable coffee wich is very strong,and
  decided that filter coffee was the best for me.it smells great and it’s really light.
• How do you drink your coffee?
  when i make the one in the picture i drink it black,or with a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavour.recently i  
  discovered one with hazelnut and vanilla flavour so i add a little bit of skimmed milk and it tastes 
  like nutella,with minimum calories=)
• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe?
  i mostly chose black filter coffee,but when i used to go to starbucks my favourite was 
  one with hazelnut syrup and mocca..i don’t even know if they still have this:P:P

What Got Me Hooked:

I come from a family of coffee drinkers, so my coffee addiction was inevitable. I started to drink coffee regularly when I was 16 for some extra energy before early morning skating practice. I still enjoy my coffee before skating, but what I really love about it is the ritualistic experience that surrounds it. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee, the cute mugs, the time spent chatting over a cup of coffee with friends or family. It breaks up my day and gives me something to look forward to. It is truly one of the simpler things that make a big difference to my day.

How Do I Drink My Coffee?

I like to keep my coffee simple so I usually take it with two tablespoons of almond milk and a pinch of vanilla powder if I’m in the mood for something a little sweeter.  

What’s My Favorite Coffee Café?

My favourite café is this espresso bar called Zaza up in Toronto. Not only do they have the best authentic Italian coffee I’ve had outside of Italy, but the shop proprietor is absolutely hilarious! Whether he’s singing while making your cappuccino or prancing around the shop giving all the ladies double kisses, there is never a dull moment when you are at Zaza!

Hey Taralynn, I’m Alix!
First of all, I Love your tumblr! I’ve lost a 6 lbs this month and still counting using your blog for guidance and motivation! Thank you so much! 
I’ve been addicted to coffee for as long as I can remember! I love the way it tastes and I love the way it makes me feel! The first memory I have of drinking coffee is with my great grandmother who has since passed. As a young child (4 or 5) I would go to her house to play and she’d make a pot of coffee, pour us both a cup. She’d take hers black while I took mine with some cream, sugar, and a couple ice cubes. In high school I opted for a Starbuck’s grande mocha frappacino with carmel drizzle. During my Freshman and Sophomore years of college I opted for other calorie packed drinks, snickers mochas, white chocolate mochas, something to satisfy my sweet tooth and keep me studying for hours. When I got pregnant I would drink caffeine free variations of these drinks, all in all decisions that helped me gain a whopping 40 lbs. However, a lot has changed since then! When I had my twins last year I decided that I wanted to be healthy for their well being and mine! They just turned one year old the 5th and I can say now that I’m more than 100 lbs less than I was the day I had them and over 40 lbs lighter than I was when I found out I was pregnant! 
Currently my favorite coffee drink is an iced coffee/espresso blend with a little skim milk and some flavored sugar free sweetening syrup! (Currently caramel) It’s delicious and keeps me going!
My favorite coffee cafe is Black Sheep Coffee Company, it’s a locally owned fair trade company with some of the most amazing espresso and eclectic environment, customers, and baristas. Plus, their back patio is PERFECT. It’s .6 miles away from my house (I google mapped it) so it’s the perfect motivation I need to get out of the house and exercise. Pushing a 50 lb stroller up and down hills really works your glutes!

I’d love this coffee maker, it’s so cute and it’d save me tons of money from buying coffee drinks all the time. I think it’d help me in my weight loss goals (coffee helps me curb my appetite!) Plus I’m constantly sleep deprived, being a full time college student and mother of twins is a very tiring job that requires lots of energy! This is the first internet contest I’ve ever entered and I really hope I win! Either way, I love your blog Taralynn, keep up the good work! I’ll keep you posted on my healthy living overhaul! I’m hoping to make 15 lbs by Christmas so wish me luck! 

a) What got you hooked?I used to be a tea-only girl, but then I slowly started drinking coffee over the past couple of years. I never learned how to make it myself, so I would only take it if I was somewhere where I could get it made for me, or even better—for free! :) Last year, during my Sophomore year in college, I studied abroad in Perugia, Italy, and that’s when my coffee obsession hit me like a truck! Over there it’s coffee all day, everyday, and I couldn’t help but become a caffeine-fiend! Ever since, I’ve been a coffee bean! 
b) How do you drink your coffee? I am kind of a coffee snob now, my favorite brand is illy espresso, an Italian brand. It’s pretty expensive over here, about $12-15 for a can, but one goes a long way and it’s absolutely worth it for the best coffee in the world. :) I use a Mr. Coffee espresso machine to brew the coffee, which I can drink straight or, my personal favorite, in cappuccino form (which is why it looks frothy in the picture!). I prepare a mug with a packet of brown sugar and a fourth a cup of cold milk. I then steam and froth a cup of milk, pour it into the mug, and once the coffee is finished, I add it to the mug. Give it a swirl and voila! Perfetto! 
c) What is your favorite coffee cafe?My favorite cafe is in Perugia, and is actually underneath the university I attended! The last ten minutes of every hour would be time for a coffee break, where all the students would run down to get a cafe latte during the pausa (break). I tried tons of different places, but this was always the best. Cheapest and with the most delicious drinks. I miss it every day!
Anyways, thanks for the inspiration girl! It really helps the rest of us!
Brigid Goss

— 
Ciao!
Brigid Goss
Hi Taralynn! I’m Leah, and this is my entry for the coffee contest! (leahpetruska.tumblr.com)

• What got you hooked?  

I got hooked on coffee when my grandma bought me my first Frappuccino from Starbucks in 6th grade. She told me how grown up I looked in a coffee shop, and since then, I loved everything about getting coffee and feeling like one of the adults. 

• How do you drink your coffee?

I drink my coffee black! I became so hooked on coffee that drinking specialty lattes was not only fattening, but expensive! My favorite coffee brew comes from Kaya Coffee House, a local cafe in my college town (pictured in the photo!). They have a “Mind, Body and Health” brew that is loaded with antioxidants — they also have delicious brews for every season! Right now, they are brewing Caramel Apple Spice and it’s to die for! No cream or sugar necessary for me :) 

• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe?

Like I said, my favorite cafe is Kaya Coffee. The whole place is so comforting. They have open mic nights on Mondays and “Coming Out” night once a month for college students. They are always playing music like Fleet Foxes or Bon Iver, that just give it a peaceful and relaxing environment. They handwrite everything (like their menu I took a picture of!) and recycle all their materials! This is my go-to place for studying or meeting with friends. :) 

What got me hooked? The smell of a fresh pot in the morning when my mom was 
getting ready for work, and waiting to have breakfast together. I guess 
originally I did not like my first sip, but I learned to add more sweetner in 
order to enjoy the hot comfort.
How do I drink my coffee? I like it with milk and stevia. Prefer to have it 
after my breakfast, while catching up on e-mails. I like a regular in the 
morning, but a specialty type in the afternoon.I have purchased two second hand 
machines trying to froth milk(both were broken). Thats why I need this one:)
What's my favorite coffee cafe? Our closest one is starbucks an hour and half 
away. My daughter and I shop and stop there for a chai latte and vanilla bean 
skinny. Other than, that we have to create our own with davinci sugar free 
syrups. coconut and chocolate together make a tasty macaroon flavor.mmm

First of all, if it wasn’t for you and your blog I would nor have the motivation that I have now. This is my coffee (my favourite beverage!) contest entry. What got me hooked?Not really as to what but to who, my wonderful mother is a coffee drinker and always shared her coffee with me when I was younger (whenever they were decaf of course!!), the aroma and taste reminds me of her whenever I settle down with a nice hot cup. Now not a day goes by without one How do you drink your coffee?I love mine with coffee mate and sweetener to save on the calories… This is me drinking my own home made iced coffee,since its already summer here (with less then 50 calories!) from a cute jar. I make the coffee the night before and store in my fridge for the next day. Great grab n’ go idea!What is your favourite coffee cafe?This little coffee drive through called Rocket Fuel near the uni I go to. They have the most amazing low fat caramel latte that is to die for every 8am class!! Lots of love,Kimberly.(thebeachbebe.tumblr.com

Hello Taralynn! My name is Brittney (sexyzero.tumblr.com) & this is my entry for your contest.

• What got you hooked? - Autumn mornings with my grandparents! They always had coffee!
• How do you drink your coffee? - Usually with Stevia & Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup! Or my Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe!
• What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? - Starbucks - OF COURSE!

here is a link to my post: http://sexyzero.tumblr.com/post/10807999081/ingredients-2-cups-of-fat-free-milk-2

- or in text w/ pictures attached -

ingredients:- 2 cups of fat free milk- 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin (low cal, low fat)- 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract- 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice (cinnamon optional too)- 1 cup of strong brewed coffee- stevia to taste (i used 4 packets total)
directions:1. in a small pot combine milk, pumpkin, & three stevia packets & stir on medium heat until steamy.2. remove from heat, stir in vanilla & spice & whisk until foamy (its better to rub the whisk in between your palms)3. pour 1 cup into a mug, & 1/2 cup of coffee, & stir.4. (optional) top with whipped cream & sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, or cinnamon.MAKES TWO SERVINGS.PER SERVING: 97.5 CALS, 14.5 CARBS, 0 FAT!!!, 8.5 PROTEINadapted from thekitchn.com altered by sexyzero.tumblr.com

Thanks!!!

What got you hooked?

the doctor diagnosed me anemia 6 months ago and i used to be a huuuuge fan of tea, but since tea is a horrible thing for people who have anemia i decided to try with coffee i used to love the smell of coffee, but completly hate the taste so i added some skim milk and i ended up loving it.  

How do you drink your coffee?

I add 6-10 drops of liquid stevia and some skim milk

love the decaffeinated one it taste exactly like the normal. there’s no difference and in the summer i drink my coffee with some skim milk and one tbps of ice cream it’s delicious.

What’s your favorite coffee Cafe?  Starbucks! I usually get Mocha frapuccinoor a  nonfat decaf latte.

p.s thank you taralynn for helping me to reach my goal i used to be 186 pounds and right now i’m at 170! still on the overweight category but i feel completly happy about myself and the healthy life style that i’m on right now and i’ll still working to reach my goal.

and it’s all because of you and your advices. you have made a huge impact on my life<3 you have no idea, not even the slightest one idea of how grateful I am to have met you, even through the internet haha. :) 

p.s2 sorry for the english o:

greetings from chile :D

xoxo

What got you hooked? I didn't like coffee when I was younger, but when
I tried a caramel machiatto at Starbucks, I was hooked. Most mornings
I start off with a nice hot bowl of oatmeal and a latte or a cup of
green tea, the oatmeal and coffee/tea give me the perfect boost of
energy for my morning workout. I recently graduated from college, but
when I was off at college I used to grab a cup of coffee on the way to
class or after a workout session at the campus gym. Coffee is not only
a great way to start the day its also a great drink to enjoy after a
long day of school/work.

How do you drink your coffee? I always order decaf because caffeine
makes me jittery, and I usually order my coffee with nonfat milk or
sometimes soy.

What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? My favorite Cafes are Starbucks and
Peet's Coffee. At Starbucks I usually get either a tall nonfat decaf
latte or a tall decaf skinny vanilla/caramel latte. At Peet's I love
their Soy lattes! and they have delicious vegan chocolate chip
cookies.


Love your blog!


Sam

http://samsart.tumblr.com/
&
http://imasugaraddict.tumblr.com/

Getting up to do work for grad school has gotten me hooked on coffee.

Late nights make for tired mornings. I drink my coffee with sweet &

low (or some other artificial sweetener) and creamer. I'm on a

ketogenic diet (I've lost a bit of weight :)) so I stay away from

carbs and sugars. I find that my morning coffee is best paired with

your frozen greek yogurt and jello mix combo! My favorite place to get

coffee is Porto Rico Importing Co - they have the greatest blends and

varieties here in NYC. I'm super excited about the study that just

came out that claims that coffee reduces your chances of depression!

I'm definitely going to keep drinking coffee. I attached a quick shot

of me sipping some fresh brewed cafe! Really excited about this

contest, thanks for doing it! :)



Jessica

Hey Taralynn!!
My name's Katie, I'm 20 years old and I love coffee! I make it in my green french press, I love it with a splash of almond breeze. I started loving coffee when I started college and began to drink it everyday. My favorite cafe is a local place called Beans n Screens where local artists can show off their art and you can sit with friends and have some coffee.

You're definatley and inspiration girl!
Katie

Hello Taralynn :)
First of all, I'd like to thank you for being such an amazing inspiration to me. It is very true that being healthy is happy and I've more motivated now that I've ever been because of your blog. 

Well, talking about coffe. I work in The Coffee Museum here in Santos (in Sao Paulo State aka Brazil) and there's impossible to work in such a place and not be hooked about coffee but my "addiction" started last year because of college. I had to read a lot because I'm a Translation student, so it was the only thing that kept me focused. 

I own a ordinary coffee machine at home. However, the Museum Cafeteria is amazing so I usually get my coffee there. I have my Stevia sweetener always with me for this reason. My favorite coffee is a lighter version of Mocaccino coffee, using Stevia sweetener, light cocoa powder, skim milk and coffee, of course.
Hope you'll like it.
Sincerely,
Bianca.

Hello! 
First off, I just wanted to thank you for doing this. Everything you do. Dedicating so much time to this site as well as your others helping all of us out & giving us tips. I have lost 75 pounds & you have been one of my greatest motivations to keep going. & the recipes & tips you post have helped a lot!
Anyways! Here's my entry!

What got you hooked?: I never understood the whole craze with coffee, my parents are both coffee lovers & whenever we went out to eat anywhere, they had to have coffee. Then I started my weight loss journey the beginning of this month. Coffee became my best friend. I liked it before. But now it was just different. I usually have about 2-3 cups a day. It curbs my appetite if I'm ever up late & reduces any unnecessary late night snacking. & I drink it every morning after breakfast so it gives me an energy boost. Specially before working out. I don't think I would've had as much energy to work out like I have had, had I not fallen in love with coffee.

How do you drink your coffee?: There's two ways I drink it. If I'm out & about I stop at Mcdonald's & get myself a small coffee. With two creams & one splenda. If I'm at home or happen to want some other flavor. I go to a gas station & they usually have the creamer shots. I add one packet of Truvia, & 3 tbsp/3 shots of coffee mates Skinny white chocolate mocha, or any other flavor I might have decided to try.
What’s your favorite coffee Cafe? My usually go to place is Mcdonald's. It's an every weekend breakfast stop for my parents & when I join them I usually have a coffee & carry a VitaTop with me. 

my tumblr is: http://its-hidden-in-the-scars.tumblr.com/
 I figured email would be easier...
<img src="http://media.tumblr.com/