friday favorite - cuppies and joe

Melancholy mornings like the one we had today make me want to do one thing - go to Cuppies and Joe.

(Having a little girls night at Cuppies before it opened.)

They opened in 2008 and have been nothing but successful.  Not only are their drinks delicious (frozen hot chocolates, peg teas, and mochas - my favorites), but their cupcakes and cookies are incredibly yummy.  I was never a cupcake person before they opened, but these cupcakes were like nothing I'd ever had.  Some of my favorites are Neverland, Mary Poppins, and Bippity Boppity Boo.  Their chocolate chip, sugar, and oatmeal scotchie cookies are heavenly as well.  Basically, with whatever you order, you'll leave full and happy.

(Colt and I have spent/will continue to spend many a night at Cuppies.  This picture was taken sometime within the first few months of them opening.  We are some of their biggest fans, no doubt about it.)

 

(Colt and I doing a little music one evening.)

Although their treats and beverages are amazing, we all know it's more than just those things that keep us coming back.

It's the environment.  It feels like you're just heading over to meet a friend at their house for dessert because, well, that's exactly what it is ... a house.  Each room has its own color and character.  Is it a purple room kind of day?  Or a book nook kind of day?  You choose!

It's the process.  Thinking you'll just pop in, grab what you want, and be on your way?  Well, it probably won't happen like that ... not because the service is slow, but because you're not only paying for quality products to enter your belly, but for a chance to slow down.  It's not about yelling out orders and getting people in and out and on their way like every Starbucks in NYC.  While waiting in line (and there will be a line), you should talk to your friends who are with you, take a looksy at the artwork and other items for sale, and start scoping out the place for the perfect spot to sit. 

It's the people.  The Diefenderfer family is close to my heart.  I've known them for as long as I can remember.  We grew up together in church and have so many fun memories.  Katie and I became best friends in middle school and now, we get to play mommy together.

(Katie and I at her wedding in September 2010.)

The twins were always so totally cool and I would have never imagined that someday, I'd actually get to be their real friend.  (Funny how huge a 5 year difference seems until you all become adults!)

I love those girls and, of course, I love their parents.  They are extremely kind and hospitable people.  Knowing who is behind Cuppies and Joe makes it even more wonderful.

So, I feel like it's kind of an understatement to say it's one of my favorite places to spend my time.  If you're in the mood for all things tasty, fun, cozy, and joyful, then head on over to Cuppies and Joe.  The hours will fly by and you'll start thinking you might just sleep there for the night.  Although your toothbrush will not be sitting in the bathroom and you're not really allowed in the kitchen, you'll still feel very much at home.