I’ve always loved growth charts.  To see how one grows and celebrate with your child as he or she gets bigger.  Growing up, our growth chart (for my sister and I) was on the inside of the door that led to our downstairs.  I loved it!  It was so fun to be measured and see how much we grew in a years time.  I can’t wait to celebrate with our little guy as he gets bigger.

I searched Etsy for a growth chart (as I love to support the handmade makers when I can).  I found my favorite, but asked that no name be put on it and it to be in neutral brown colors (in case we have more than one child, I can track them both on the same growth chart).  I’m very impressed with what I received.  It is very professionally done.

Jason helped me get it hung today behind the door in the nursery.  Just wanted to share with you the latest addition to the room.  We’re hoping to videotape the room in another couple of weeks and post that on my blog as well, so stay tuned.

Yes, I’m on a Starbucks kick (poor child of mine with some caffeine).  About 7 weeks into this pregnancy, the thought of or smell of coffee would completely disgust me.  I didn’t even want to be in the room while Jason was drinking it and certainly don’t get near me and talk to me with coffee breath.  Bleh!  For the past couple of weeks, coffee has started to sound good again.  I’ve been limiting myself, but have enjoyed the tastes I’ve gotten.

This past week we went to Starbucks.  They have their Pumpkin Spice Latte out for this year.  It was in the afternoon and very hot, so I wasn’t in the mood for a hot drink.  I figured my only option was to go for one of their Smoothies or a Frappuccino.  To my surprise, I found out that any of their coffees can be made into an iced coffee or a blended coffee.  Iced is obviously just a cold version of the hot drink with ice in it and the blended is more of an ice cream like drink (in my opinion) with crushed ice in it and a thicker texture.

So, what did I do?  I got a Blended Pumpkin Spice Latte (tall is plenty big).  It tasted SO amazing (I think I’m in love)!!!  If you haven’t tried this yet, and like cold coffee, try this with your favorite coffee blend at Starbucks and see what you think.  YUMMY!  I want one now!

Starbucks has rolled out their new instant coffee (well, they have a bit more of a sophisticated name, it’s called “Starbucks VIA Ready Brew”!).  The VIA instant coffee comes in two flavors, “Columbia” (medium roast) and “Italian Roast” (extra bold).  They are sold in a 3-pack or a 12-pack.  The 12-pack is a much better value, but the 3-pack is so cute and would make a great stocking stuffer.

These instant coffees come in a tiny packet (very easy to tote around).  All you do is add 8 ounces of hot water to the instant coffee, stir, and wahlah….you have coffee.  Jason and I tried the Columbia coffee this morning and both thought it was good.  Starbucks is known for strong flavored coffee and these instant coffees live up to the Starbucks taste.  While these instant coffees are cheaper than getting a Tall regular coffee at Starbucks, Jason and I both agree that we still like our many flavors of Keurig Coffee with our home single cup brewer (and costing much less).  These are certainly fun to try and are a great small something to add to any gift.

On a side note, Starbucks is hosting a Taste Challenge October 2-5, 2009 and you can stop by any store to do a taste test. When you do so, you’ll receive a coupon for a free brewed tall coffee on your next visit.