Best reusable coffee cups

Did you know that each year, over 2.25 BILLION disposable coffee cups are thrown away in the UK alone?! That is one heck of a lotta cups that are ending up in our landfills. And if you think about it, it's not just the cups that end up in the bin, but the lids and, most often, the cardboard sleeves that go around the outside. 

All in all, that's a load of rubbish!! 

One of the reasons that I designed the super cute, yet oh-so-functional, Couva Cup Covers is that they are kinder on the environment. For each cup cover, just think of all the cardboard sleeves that are being saved from the dump. And they fit on mugs OR take-away cups... how great is that?! 

Now, I'm not saying that we're embarking on making Couva Reusable Cups (yet!!), but I thought I would point you lovely people in the direction of some great options if you are in the market for a cup that you can use for your favourite brew again and again and again... 

Check out this lovely article in The Guardian that gives a great overview of 5 of the best cups on the market. 

Personally, I've never used any of the ones mentioned, but I would love to hear if you have.
Or do you have another favourite brand of cup that you just CANNOT be without? If so, please share! 

www.couva.co.uk

Keeping up with technology...Instagram here we come!

I think that it's fair to say that for many creative-types, modern technology can be a little overwhelming. Personally, I find it difficult to keep track of all of the different platforms and remaining sufficiently active and present on each... 

 Facebook (www.facebook.com/CouvaCoffeeCouture)

Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/couvacc/)

Twitter (@couvacc) 

Etc.....

Etc.....

I often feel like I'm missing something, and only JUST keeping my cyber-head above water! 

Well, Couva is now embarking on the world of Instagram. I think it's going to be a great fit for us to show you all the wonderful things happening with us and share all the things we love. 

Check us out... Find us at "couvacoffee" - we'd love you to "see" you there! 

For now, I'm going to get back to work... It's a hard life!! 

www.couva.co.uk

Happy Canada Day!

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Happy Canada Day to everyone!! 

Although we've been in the UK for the last 9 years, hubby and I still consider ourselves very much of the Canadian persuasion. For the last 8 years, Canada day for us has meant, Tim Hortons coffee and street hockey in the middle of Trafalgar Square in London. But, alas, the festivities were cancelled this year. 

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To mark the BIG day, we're going to indulge in all the delights that we can think of to make us feel a bit more "at home". 

If you feel like bringing a bit of the "Great White North" to your day, check out these delicious recipes to get you in the Canadian mood! 

 Iced Maple Frappe

(makes 2)

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Make 180ml of strong black coffee. While it is still hot, stir in about 25g caster sugar until it dissolves, and then stir in 2 tbsp maple syrup and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Leave to cool, and then chill in the fridge until you are ready to serve it. Meanwhile, whip about 200 ml of whipping or double cream until it makes soft peaks. If you're feeling really decadent, you could add in about 1 tsp of sugar and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract to the cream before whipping. 

When you're ready to serve, put the coffee & maple mixture in a blender with about 12-15 ice cubes and blitz until pale and frothy. 

Pour into two tall glasses. Spoon on some of the cream, and drizzle each one with a teaspoon of maple syrup. 

The perfect drink for a hot sunny July 1st! 

Maple Cream Coffee

(makes 2)

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In a small pan, combine 3/4 cup of whipping or double cream and 1/4 cup of maple syrup. Warm over medium heat until it is heated through, but don't boil it. 

Pour into 2 large coffee cups or mugs, and top up with your favourite brewed coffee. Top with a few dollops of freshly whipped cream. Delicious!