GEAR LOVE: COFFEE HOME & AWAY

Home&Away cups. Taken by PKSenagore November 4, 2017. All rights reserved.

​TRY USING OR GIFTING A DOUBLE-DUTY CERAMIC MUG There’s something about an ‘away’ cup of coffee or tea that can take away from my enjoyment of that hot beverage.  A single-use paper or, shudder, Styrofoam container with a plastic top is the least appealing but does serve an important purpose on the road, when a non-disposable portable insulated version isn’t available. A stainless-steel mug has a hefty feel to it but in cold weather, drinking from one seems to magnify the chilliness of the day. Plastic or poly-resin mugs don’t recreate the cozy experience of a ‘home’ ceramic cup for me either.
 
Several years ago, I was generously gifted with a tall, handle-less, ceramic travel cup that helped me to enjoy home-brewed coffee in the car. Because it’s breakable it isn’t practical for all purposes and situations, but works for days when I drive to a favorite long-run course, an errand or appointment destination, or an airport pick-up/drop-off.  It was my daily companion when I commuted 100 miles, each way, to and from work.
 
The secret to making it my cherished and familiar travel buddy? I use it every day at home too, minus the travel top cover! Because I love the way it keeps my coffee warm as I rush around the house in the morning. The tall and narrow shape allows me to partially fill it, as many times as needed, without the beverage cooling too quickly. It happens to be a Starbucks™ cup, but any ceramic brand would work.
 
If you’re a runner/walker, a ceramic Home & Away cup can be a self-reward for accomplishing a goal. It can serve as a piece of ‘equipment’ to encourage taking on a challenge that requires an early start. Or a thoughtful gift to another runner/walker.
 
The least expensive of these items are not branded or are plain.  The upcoming holiday season is a good time to find special gift versions of ceramic cups especially from Starbucks. There is a traveler collection that will appeal to those who love a certain US state or city. Other collections tend to be costly, especially if there is gold/metallic or crystal embellishment.
 
It was difficult to pick just one favorite design from the traveler collection to post. Virginia has a snowy seasonal look, so it was chosen. Search a bit if you’re looking for something that might be more special to you or the person being gifted. There’s a “Material” drop-down box on the linked page that lists most locations honored with a custom look.
 
Try enjoying your coffee at home and then take it on the road in the same mug, if you like a ceramic cup.  It’s my favorite way “to-go” to my away running course.
 
RUN HAPPY!