Just a quick update on some new products out recently, and the theme is definitely chocolate.

First up, we have 2 new flavours of Senseo pods available, made by Godiva. And really, who does chocolate better than Godiva? The two flavours are Chocolate Creme, and Creme Brulee. Both are excellent, and though the aromas from both varieties are very strong, the tastes are more subtle. Chocolate creme has a nice hint of chocolate, without giving up the coffee flavour. The Creme Brulee is sweeter and has a good dose of caramel taste to it. I enjoyed them both very much, and was glad that the flavouring didn't overpower the coffee itself.

And my next chocolate item is from Mighty Leaf Tea, and their new chocolate mint truffle tea. It's a sweet tea, with a stronger taste of mint than of chocolate. I found it very refreshing, with a bright zing to it. I have a few other Mighty Leaf tea reviews on their other flavours too.

My latest coffee maker offers something a little different than your usual host of features, a bright set of touchscreen controls. The Mr. Coffee eLume 12-cup coffee maker sports a slick interface that is just smooth black when not in use. A light tap and the rest of the controls show up for use. It has a digital clock, and allows you to program brewing for a later time.

I didn't think there was anything interesting still to be added to a drip coffee maker, but I guess I was wrong. It's also easy to use, and makes good coffee too. Keep reading for my complete review of the Mr. Coffee eLume.

A personal tip today, for all those readers living in cold climates this winter. Be careful how you store your coffee equipment (or any kitchen equipment for that matter). I recently moved, and some of my boxes got mixed up. My precious coffee makers were all left in an unheated storage area for several days. I didn't think much of it at first, until I went to use one of them. Every one is damaged and no longer works.

Since I hadn't expected them to be left in a below freezing area, I hadn't drained all the water out of them beforehand. So I am guessing that even a small amount of water left in the hosing froze and burst the innards of my machines. Two of my machines are just dead, and one will work but now leaks.

Don't let this happen to you. Make sure any coffee or espresso machines are fully drained and bone dry inside before leaving outdoors. Even a few hours in a freezing car trunk could be a disaster.

Even in January, a bottle of iced tea can really hit the spot. If it happens to be all-natural and organic, all the better. Sweet Leaf Iced Tea is exactly what I'm talking about. They have tons of flavor choices, and they taste just like iced tea should.

Not only do they have iced tea, they also have a line of lemonade you might want to try.

You can also check out a few more suggestions that I have for great bottled iced tea.