No matter what's going on around us, the world keeps running and we still need our daily coffee to fuel us through the day. But what's worse than having an amazing home brewing method and not knowing how to use it? I can't think of anything. So, we're here to help you get that perfect cup of coffee from home with a V60.

Written by Alyssa Telecky

​Community on the Corner

Artistic and welcoming, Two Charming Finches cafe sits next to the train station on Blackwood street in our little suburb of Mitchelton. If you’re looking for a comfortable spot for a meeting, study spot, or casual conversation, this spot is a lovely option. A selection of beverages and brunch foods are offered, in a trendy yet family friendly atmosphere. The owner, Mia, of New South Wales, opened the cafe in December 2017. 

The cafe’s vintage vibe is comfortable and well put-together; mustard yellow chairs around simple wooden tables, simple art and greenery stand out against the dark wood floors and white walls. Small plants in colorfully painted pots line the railing of the patio outside, simple vines wind around the ceiling beams and colorful furniture invites you to relax and enjoy a quiet morning cuppa. 

The coffee served at Two Charming Finches  is a blend from Wolff Coffee Roasters: a mix of Brazilian, Guatemalan, and Mexican beans. The soy flat white I ordered arrived with latte art--a small heart (but I observed the barista creating more detailed rosettas as well). Not a coffee fan? Milkshakes, juices, soft drinks, and tea are offered as well. Pastries are fresh and warm in the early morning and served promptly on colorful dishes. For those who prefer vegan and gluten free options, there are multiple choices: I can recommend the blueberry-chia muffin and banana bread. 
Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a restroom out back, and free wifi are conveniently provided during open hours, 6:30am-2pm on weekdays, and 7am-2pm on weekends (the cafe is closed every Tuesday). The prices are very reasonable. A shelf in the corner holds children’s books and toys with a couch and coffee table near by for families who stop in.

Care for the environment and the community is evident at Two Charming Finches (even the cafe’s name represents the owner’s love of animals and nature). Mia and the staff appear well-acquainted with the community, addressing many customers (including myself) by name. Bringing a personal takeaway mug is recommended to lessen waste, and a discount is given for those who do.  A local middle-schooler’s drawings are featured and sold on a shelf inside. The cafe’s active Instagram page advertises that there will be a Jumble Sale in June with proceeds benefiting brain cancer research, in memory of Mia’s sister. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about getting there and dancing in the rain,” is some encouragement written on the wall behind the front counter. From businessmen to young families, the people of this neighborhood will find their experience at the corner cafe to be a positive one.

In Brisbane where we live it is winter - and it is cold. So we thought that now is the perfect time to introduce some new WARM drinks. While you sit in the comfy couch in our café and you listen to mesmerising jazz music it is really a perfect time to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with ekstra whipped cream and marshmallows. So why not try one of our four new variations of that popular winter drink: 

BIRTHDAY BONANZA - white hot chocolate with vanilla and sprinkles - a sweet party in your mouth
BERRY DELIGHT - berry tea mixed with hot chocolate - people say it tastes like cherry ripe
SALTED CARAMELLO - caramel, sea salt and chocolate - do I need to say more?
SPICY AMIGO - hot chocolate with chilli and a tiny bit of milk - (we secretly call it the heart starter)

We definitely have something for everyone! 

Each month, we release 10 creative prompts that we hope inspire and encourage the creative community around us. Whatever your craft may be, let one of these prompts inspire your next piece of work - and then show it to us! We'd love to see :) you can tag us in the picture of your creation @the_meeting_place

In case the picture of the ten isn't loading, here are the prompts:
1. My cup overflows
2. Unorthodox weapon
3. Alone
4. Waterworks
5. Sage
6. Round Three
7. Favorite flavour
8. Fresh
9. Monochromatic
​10. The last thing that made you sing

What are some of your favorite occasions that call for some coffee?

It's that time again!
At the beginning of each month, we release a list of ten prompts to serve as a launch pad for your creative endeavors. We love encouraging the creative community with caffeine, and we love exploring new ways to support them further.

Come in for a cuppa and spend a little time with these prompts, whatever your medium may be. And be sure to tag us in your finished products - we would love to see! ( Find us on Instagram @the_meeting_place)

Happy creating :)

We’re launching a new creative initiative!

THE WHY
We love it when artists come in to sip a cuppa while they brainstorm, sketch, or hack out a rough draft. We believe that many a brilliant idea has been born with a cup of coffee nearby, and we want to encourage pursuit of the creative - which is why we have created “The Ten.”

THE WHAT
“The Ten” is a series of 10 creative prompts that will be posted on our blog at the beginning of each month. Our vision is for this simple list to serve as a launchpad for new work within your craft (or a new craft altogether!) whether it’s dancing or sculpting, writing or sewing, painting or composing - whatever it may be.

THE HOW
Skim through the list, and interpret the prompts for yourself. Treat it as a creative exercise or let it turn into a whole project - it’s entirely up to you.
We would also love to see your work when you're done, so if you post a picture, be sure to tag us! @the_meeting_place

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​In case the picture isn't pulling up for you, we've listed them here:
1. Childhood delight
2. Bright orange
3. The last time you couldn't sleep
4. Our solar system
5. Something you should dust off
6. Risk
7. A box of something
8. Opposites attract
9. "Pick one."
10. Transition