More espresso, Less depresso

My name is Marigrace Coleman and this is a page a little bit bout me.

I am from a small town south of Dallas, Waxahachie, Texas. In high school I was a competitive cheerleader, school cheerleader, and powerlifter! I love/hated my little town that my friends and I grew up in. There was so much drama for such a small place, I am so happy to now live in San Marcos, where I am free of judgement and accepted for who I am.

SCHOOL:

I am a sophomore at Texas State University in San Marcos Texas. I am an advertising/Mass communications major. I love my major’s classes so much, every professor is so different and spunky! Another thing I love about my major is how diverse it is, you see all different types of people coming together for one love !

After I graduate I plan to become a successful real estate agent! I know that no degree is required for this job, but I thought college could teach me a lot and help to prepare me for real adulthood.

HOBBIES:

I will write a little bit about some of my hobbies below

FRIENDS: I am not sure if this is categorized as a hobby but my main hobby is hanging out with my friends and going on adventures.

MUSIC: Music is a huge part of my life ! I love going to concerts and festivals. Music makes everyday a party for my friends and I, we are never not listening or singing.

COOKING: I love to cook for people! When I cook for people it brings me so much joy, some would say it is the way I show love! LOL

COFFEE: Of course coffee is main hobby of mine ! I am either always making coffee, or always buying it at a cute little coffee shop!

What I did and what I could have done:

Some things I would like to improve about my blog, More espresso, Less depresso, is to just grow as a blogger. I could have promoted myself much more than I did, I could have sent my link out and posted on more social media platforms. I would also like to better my writing, my pictures, and content in general. While I am happy with what I have done thus far, I will always strive to be better.

One of my favorite things about this blog was going to new coffee shops and analyzing their coffee for a reason, before I would just go and still have my opinions, but they wouldn’t go anywhere. I liked writing and reviewing coffee and their shops, this experience as a blogger has helped me to become more outspoken and descriptive in my everyday life. Sadly my time of visiting different coffee shops was cut short, extremely short and I was only able to get two blogs about coffee shops.

WordPress:

WordPress was fun and easy to work with! If I would have studied it more, I know that I could have done some really cool things. Something very interesting to me was that you could see how many views you got per post, This is a little nerve racking for me just because I worry that some people may have not liked my posts. regardless, it is still fun to know how many views I was getting. My most popular post was my first real coffee review, over Jo’s Cafe in San Marcos. I got a total of 16 views! When I found this out I was so excited that 16 people took time out of their day to read what I wrote.

Below is a screenshot of my post.

I truly miss the coffee shop vibes. I know everyone else does to. It is a place of peace, laughter and sweets!

One very important thing about coffee shops is that it is where almost every college student goes to study and do home work. For me, it has been so hard to get assignments done being in my home. I need the environment of a cute shop with the smell of coffee filling the air. I need strangers around me having small talk and focusing on their work as I do mine. I think we can all agree that not being able to go to a coffee shop to do your work has effected our focus and motivation to actually get things done.

The next thing I miss about coffee shops is that for my friends and I, it was our spot. If we were ever bored and just laying around we would all pack up and go sit at any coffee shop for hours while we figured out what we wanted to do with our day. ugh I miss that feeling so much, the feeling of seriously chillin with your friends having good conversations over a nice cup of coffee. I am sure that one day we will get back to it, I cannot wait for it!

lastly, the coffee. Most would assume that this would be first on my list but I am a sucker for a good atmosphere. I miss coffee being prepared for me, I miss having so many options, and just how tasty it is !

I miss my coffee shops and that is that 😦 I know everyone else is struggling aswell! Thanks for reading.

As we all know, coffee is important. During this time our local coffee shops have been forced to close. While this may be bad for their business, It sure is good for all of the coffee brands being sold at supermarkets, here’s why. People are bored in their homes and need their morning coffee! While most would run by Starbucks or go into their local coffee shop before work, we don’t have that opportunity. It is sad to say that we will now be making our own coffee.

In this photo you can tell that we went with the generic Folgers, and on occasion, we make Cafe Du Monde.

Coffee contains one of the world most addictive drugs in the world, second to nicotine, caffeine; it gives you just the kick you need to get your day started or to get that motivation to finish school, or house work. With this being said EVERYONE needs coffee, and the only way to get it right now is by going to the store and grabbing the generic coffee ground brands. I know that at my house we are making multiple pots of coffee per day.

While it is unfortunate that we don’t get to taste that sweet nice cup of coffee from your favorite shop, it has done my family and I well to learn new things and how to make different kinds of coffee. I know my sister has been really into the whipped coffee off of tik tok, Im not so sure what I think about it yet! What about you?

Although I did not have much to say today, I wanted to let my readers know what was on my mind! That is, the coffee industry has been impacted, shops are not getting business, the store bought coffee brands are, the reason for this is, quarantine! Thanks for reading!

Today I will be reviewing another coffee blog called Sprudge. From taking a look at their content, I am shocked at how much there really is to explore in and about coffee! I left their website with new thoughts and ideas, And that is something I just love about supporting and reading others blogs!

What is Sprudge? This website seems to be a professional blog all about coffee, and sometimes wine! Through their website you can learn about what coffee is, where to get coffee, what questions to ask while ordering a new coffee, but most importantly, this blog is interactive with all ages. This is important because it allows as many views as possible. As you can see from the screenshot above, Sprudge offers things like podcasts and even job opportunities. I’ve loved lurking on this website, and am looking forward to seeing new feed!

Why everyone should explore blogs? I am so glad that I came across this blog. I think this is going to help me as a future blogger! I can get more ideas and find new ways to attract more than just coffee lovers to my blog. Sprudge stands out, I have been researching different coffee blogs and when I came across this one I was set on what I wanted to read for the next couple of hours. I know that’s lame but when you have found something that encaptures everything you are interested in, including funny videos, it is special. I one day hope to incorporate as many things as Sprudge does.

Also a PSA, Before I started my coffee blog, I did NOT do my research on coffee, or blogs for that matter. This is something I wish I would have done. I started with no knowledge in this department, just a fun idea about something I loved. If I would have explored other blogs like Sprudge, I would have a bit more insight on the coffee world and what all it has to offer. Overall, this blog gets a huge thumbs from me! If you have made it to the end of my post, I really encourage you to go check out Sprudge and explore the options!

Due to the recent outbreak of Covid-19, I have been sent back to my hometown, and am now quarantined in my house. This post will be about the coffee that my family and I make and drink each morning! From the photos you can tell that we really, really love coffee! My house is like a big coffee bean, the smell fills the air and cups! I hope you can enjoy todays blog, even with it being in-home.

I will be discussing the following:

• Coffee quality

• The atmosphere

COFFEE QUALITY- In my house we brew Folgers original coffee. While this brand is not the best, its the cheapest and has always been our go-to! My parents drink their coffee black but I insist on having a hazelnut creamer, no other flavored creamer will do, or at least with Folgers original. lol. also, around here, we only drink it hot!! My parents and siblings collect coffee mugs from all over the world, we have cups from Japan to Alaska, to Guatemala! I swear driving coffee in a forge in cup always makes it better, or maybe that’s just me !

THE ATMOSPHERE- I wanted to include “The atmosphere” because this is something that has made coffee so important to me. As you can see in the photos we have little sayings like “coffee anyone?” or “Coffee and friends make the perfect blend”. These little quotes go to show that my family and I believe coffee is something to be shared and chatted over! We are constantly pouring cup after cup for each other and our guests. Each morning we typically congregate in the living room and watch the news together and talk for a couple of hours before heading off to school, or work. As of lately, coffee is followed by several movies and shows!

Today I will be discussing the following:

• The Coffee
• The Patio space

Before I go into detail about North Street’s coffee and patio space I would like to let you guys know a little bit more about this place. I actually stumbled across North Street on my way to Jo’s Cafe, my previous blog post highlights Jo’s, you should check it out! Anyway, North Street caught my eye because of its outdoor space! As you can see in the photos above, it is beautiful. While This sweet spot serves coffee, it is actually a beer and curry restaurant, with great food and service!

THE COFFEE– North Street has some tasty coffee, While it is more on the strong side vs. sweet, it is very enjoyable! When my friends and I visited for the first time we automatically assumed it was a coffee place, but come to find out they are brand new to the coffee business! In this case they do not offer a lot of drinks but like I said, the few that they do, are excellent. Another plus to North Street is that they use paper straws! This is something important to me and most of San Marcos! Thank you North Street.

THE PATIO SPACE– As you can see in the photos above, the outside space is absolutely stunning. You can sit outside at all times with full service, and I mean WI-FI too! The staff will greet you, as-well as check up on you during your time spent there. This Patio space is where you want to be wether you are hanging out with friends, or studying with friends. This patio welcomes children, adults and animals!

Jo’s cafe will be the first coffee shop that I review! I will discuss the following:

• The Environment
• The Staff
• the Cleanliness
• The COFFEE

THE ENVIRONMENT– Jo’s environment is easily inviting for all. They offer indoor and outdoor seating. This is perfect because on the rainy days you can stay inside, and on the warm days you can sit out and soak in the sun!

The inside of Jo’s is kind of mix match, but it works. All of the walls are covered in aspiring artists paintings and drawings, which you can buy, I love this because the locals are always buying the art, creating a new wall look for the guests that come in weekly. My favorite place to sit is on the big bouncy couch. My friends and I gather around that area to laugh and relax. The other areas inside are still comfortable, with lots of natural lighting. The inside is a great place to get studious or to get stupid with some friends.

The outside of Jo’s has some seats in the sun and some on the patio, that has slight overhead sun protection. They have a couple of dog bowls where you can feed and water your animals. Also another great thing about outside is that there an intercom that is connected to the outdoor speaker, this way you don’t have to keep getting up and checking on your order. When I sit outside of Jo’s it is just so calming and beautiful! It’s a great area to really enjoy your time.

THE STAFF– Since I have been going to Jo’s for so long now, I recognize most of the staff. They are all so sweet and interesting. You can tell they all get along by the way they laugh and make jokes while working. This creates a really friendly and safe feeling for the guests. They do a great job of running the place and getting orders out on time. Although Jo’s may be small, they are busy! This little cafe gets so much business because of how well it is operated.

THE CLEANLINESS– While the original build is a little bit on the older side, the team does a really good job at keeping the place picked up and tidy. The trash is constantly being taken out while other staff is picking up and wiping down tables. This is good to see because I know that I am sitting in a clean space that is looked after by the staff.

THE COFFEE– Lastly, I will talk about their coffee. Jo’s currently has my favorite coffee, every drink you get, will be good. Personally, I order the iced Carmel macchiato, this coffee is actually not on the menu but they always try and make it for me anyways. I love this because they only have about 5 baristas and they all put their own twist on my drink! The coffee is smooth, tasty, and very sweet, but that’s how I like it.

Hello coffee crew, my name is Marigrace Coleman and I am here to share my love of coffee with my fellow San Marcos residents. I Am a Freshman at Texas State University, with hopes to pursue a career in real estate. I am studying Mass communications and Advertising. With this field, I always find my self in the books; and what better place to study than in a trendy coffee. 

For me, coffee is so important. When I think of home I think of my family and I, having our morning coffee in robes by the fire. We drink countless cups and laugh all morning. This routine has carried into my college experience with my besties and I couldn’t be happier. My friends and I go to coffee shops at least once a day!

The reason I call this blog, More espresso, Less depresso, is because I truly feel that coffee lifts you up to be the best version of your self! Here, I will review and rate coffee shops in the San Marcos area. Each shop will be reviewed in a different way, one week I may review and write about the actual coffee, while on other posts I might rate and write about the outdoor space in comparison to competing shops. This site will be fun and tasteful, so If you or your friends love the bean, join my team!

The photos on this page will change as time goes by. The coffee on the left will be reviewed first, and the coffee on the right will be posted the following week. I do this so that you guys can get some insight on what’s ahead. I hope you were able to learn a little bit about me and my obsession for coffee. Thank you for reading.

You can catch me having fun at your local coffee shops.