December 2007 Archives

Coffee itself may not have changed over the years, but the average consumer certainly has a new appreciation of what goes into the production, preparation, and enjoyment of this beverage.  We have Starbucks to thank for much of this awareness, but if you would like to try a local shop with a bit of coffee education thrown in, visit Primavera Coffee Roasters in Cahaba Heights.

Primavera receives its coffee beans in burlap bags directly from the producer and roasts them on site.  The roaster sits in a corner of the shop so you can watch (and smell!) the roasting process.  You can also learn finer points of coffee, from its cultivation to the distinctive coffee-growing regions and corresponding flavors.  A tour of Primavera's packaged coffees is a geographic tour around the equator, and the roasting process is an amusement in itself.  Organic chocolate products and a selection of bakery goods are also available.

In contrast to the typical dim and clubby coffee shop, Primavera is bright, open and modern, with more room to adjust tables and seating (read:  book club or PTO committee meeting spot).  Find Primavera in the commercial development behind Miss Myra's Pit Bar B Q, a landmark establishment on Cahaba Heights Road.

Every year Jennifer Bolongaro sports an unusual piece of jewelry during the holidays.

What looks like a beautiful silver medallion is actually an heirloom sterling ornament.  Her mother began purchasing ornaments from the Reed & Barton Cross Series (now in its 37^th year) when Jennifer was a young girl.  This year Jennifer wore the 1976 edition that had also been worn by her mother.

Jennifer’s mom was onto something.  Not only does Jennifer now enjoy double duty with the ornament as holiday jewelry and then adorning her tree, she also has a sentimental heirloom to treasure.  These ornaments are versatile enough to be worn short (on a chain or sterling collar) or long on a silk cord or beautiful fabric ribbon.

This is a lovely tradition to begin with your daughter or niece.   Each year the ornament manufacturer introduces a new edition, and unlike most manufactured ornaments, a sterling ornament will last more than a lifetime and retain its beauty if stored properly.   Order online through a variety of vendors or at Argent silver shop in Homewood (the ornaments are also available at Macy’s).  After a few years, you’ll have a wonderful collection to commemorate your holidays together, and your little girl will one day have a beautiful tree full of ornaments all her own. 

Other collections to consider:

Lunt Snowflake

Wallace Angel

Gorham Cross

Sterling ornaments are generally $55 - $65 each.  You may find previous editions online for less.

Annual ornament too much of an investment?  Buy one to commemorate a special memory and wear it as your signature item year after year.