the new year is upon us

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Where did 2008 go? Friends, we'll be open our normal hours (6am-10pm) on New Year's Eve and then CLOSED on New Year's Day. Hope your celebrations are fantastic!

'tis the season...

Merry Christmas, friends! We hope your Christmas is filled with family, laughter, joy, good food, warmth, smiles...and of course, coffee! Enjoy this holiday!

The snow keeps falling...

Friends...the snow is not letting up. We've gone through one week of what the news channel is calling the "ARCTIC BLAST" and it looks like another is on it's way. Our plan is to be open our usual hours, but we may post "snow hours" on our window. If you're planning on stopping in and are unsure if we're open, give us a call @ (503) 601-4314 to check. See you soon!
Pictured: Tyler venturing out in the white stuff...the shop is under a beautiful blanket and our drive-thru is open for the adventurous folk.

the mugs are here! the mugs are here!

Get 'em while we got 'em. limited edition, handmade mugs by Kristin at Urbana. Simply fabulous, and like children in a family, all a little different.

Arctic Chill

So, like everyone else around town, we're getting ready to hunker down through more snow, wind, and rain headed our way on Wednesday and throughout the coming week. So that we can keep our life, limbs & sanity, our plan is to CLOSE AT 4PM on TUESDAY, and OPEN at 7AM on WEDNESDAY, until the weather no longer permits it! Most likely, until 3 or 4PM. We'll play Thursday by ear...keep your eye on this blog, or just give us a ring for the latest update...503.601.4314

Stay safe!

ps: these are the cookies our wonderful customer Nicole made us. she brought them a very short time ago, and now this photo is all I have left of them. for a giggle: notice the missing lower halves of the snowmen, and limb of the gingerbread dude. they came this way. she said the tin had been full, but she was stuck inside and the cabin fever set in. kinda like the donner party, but with cookies. mmmmmm. cookies.

just like the mailman...

through wind, storm, snow & hail
insomnia's open, we will not fail.

though the arctic wind is blowing,
we have tasty treats
in spite of the blizzard,
in spite of the sleet.

yes, folks, we're open. when the cabin fever sets in, come on by, will ya?

monday 6am!

Something for Everyone

GIFT BAG TIME!!!

Why shop around when you can just come here and get ‘em what they REALLY want...Insomnia! We’ve done our best to make it easy for you...three “grades” of gift bag happiness, depending on how much you love your recipient (aka, how much you wanna spend?).
For the coworker who’s name you drew for secret santa, I’d go with the basic bag, containing one our our fantastic new chocolate brown travel mugs (12/14oz, ceramic & stainless steel) and a $5 gift Card. After all, they’ve been pretty tolerable, not playing their radio above a reasonable volume and keeping their mitts of your favorite red stapler. Take care of them well for $17, bagged and ready to give.
For the Host & Hostess, consider giving them one of our sturdy travel mugs with a pound of Sleepy Monk Coffee, whole bean, or ground to order. He’ll think you’re smart and savvy for investing in a reusable, earth-friendly coffee cup, and she’ll think you’re a Georgia peach for saving her a trip to the store for fresh coffee during the hectic holidays. Yours for $24.
And finally, the bag that has it all, with a splendid mug, pound of fresh coffee, AND an Insomnia long-sleeved tee. Now that the rain is officially here, we can all use a comfy extra shirt to keep us warm and share the joy of Insomnia. Bagged and ready to give or keep for yourself, $42.
You may ask, “But what about the TEA lovers? Don’t you have anything for them?” Yes, Virginia. We sure do. Our Tea Bag (get it?) includes the above raved about mug, 4oz (which makes approx 50 cups) of Fruit Sangria loose leaf tea, AND the ever popular ingenuiTEA. If you haven’t seen it in action, come on by. Its the best way to brew loose leaf tea that we’ve found, easy to use, easy to clean, and great with all types of tea. Heck, you can even microwave it in a bind. You’ll be first on their list, for only $52.
Please note that a pound of our comforting house chai mix can be substituted in the above bags in place of a pound of coffee.
-Amy

Musicians Wanted!

Christmas Open Mike Night/ Fundraiser

So the holidays are here, and we are very excited to announce that our first Christmas Open Mike Night will be held on DECEMBER 20th, from 8-11pm. All participants have 10 minutes to entertain the crowd with their best renditions of, well...whatever Christmahanakwanzaka songs they have! Please sign up now so Evan can begin his magic in preparation of this fantastic night. As usual, all songs should be family friendly and squeaky-clean in content. Contact Evan through myspace, coming by the shop, calling 503-601-4314, or emailing insomniacoffeecompany@yahoo.com. We can't wait to hear from you!And since its Christmas and all, we thought we’d take the opportunity to plug one of our favorite local organizations that night, as well as taking cash (or check!)donations, and food for The House of Ruth. In case you aren’t aware of this amazing organization right in our backyard, The House of Ruth is a nonprofit home for young pregnant women in their time of need. They have been changing lives for over ten years now, giving hope to girls who have never had acceptance, love, or a sense of belonging before. These wonderful women leave with full hearts and a better understanding of how to break cycles of abuse and addiction, giving them the chance to change their lives, and the lives of their children. I can’t say enough good things about what their staff is doing, and this is a great chance for the community to come out and show their love and support to the girls in the home, and the wonderful people who make it all possible. Financial contributions are always welcomed, but please keep in mind that there’s a long list of other things they can use: Paper towels, dish soap, laundry soap, diapers, canned food items, pasta...you get the idea. For more on exactly what they can use right now, please go to www.thehouseofruth.org.
As always, our music nights are free of a cover charge...but consider bringing an extra buck or two for THoR. If everybody does, it will really add up-wouldn’t that be awesome?
-Amy

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Friends, Insomnia is the place to get your holiday fix. Cozy up next to our Christmas tree with a warm Gingerbread latte... Delve into a book under our over-sized snowflakes with the popular Mele-Kaliki-Mocha... Gaze at our stockings, hung with care, while sipping on a Caramel Apple Cider. It's up to you!

MUSIC TONIGHT 7-11

Mia & Jonah...& Evan!
If you missed Mia and Jonah last month when they played, now’s your chance to experience their fantastic mellow folk/power vocals/bluegrassyness live and in person, with our very own Evan singing back-up on a song or two! They will be onstage this friday at 7pm, followed by Tristan Ellingsworth from 9-11(he’s great too-so stick around after M+J).
Check out their website for a listen...www.miaandjonah.com
-Amy
ps-this photo was taken in our living room after their jam session...and no, the kid’s not in the band. he’s just a groupie.

Java Rock cafe & Little People, Big World

Just a reminder (and for those who don't know) tonight Brian Roth is playing for Java Rock Cafe and the filming of "Little People, Big World" is happening! Let's pack it out, folks-it'll be awesome! Brian is playing from 9-11...See ya there!
-amy

Insomnia's New Mug

Just in time for Christmas shopping, our new mug has arrived! It's ceramic/stainless steel and is the perfect size at 14oz.
Your friend asks: "What's that you have in YOUR hand?"
You say: "Only the finest in coffee mug-ware...an Insomnia mug!"

Project night...

So, Ladies & Gents...you are aware that Christmas will be here before you know it? If you’re like me, there’s a list as long as my arm that I “intend” to finish. This includes everything from addressing envelopes for Christmas cards, a couple unfinished scrap booking projects that would make fabulous gifts if I only completed them, to a-HEY! Wait a minute! NO PEEKING! Sorry, you’ll just have to take my word for it, folks. All that to say, if you’d like some company and good coffee while you make a dent in your holiday “to do” pile, come join my pal Kim & I on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 6-10pm. We will be hanging out at the shop & having a grand social time with you & anyone who’ll join us! All are welcome...just try to pick a “to do” that doesn’t require a TON of space (or newspaper on the floor, or a lot of hot wax, glitter, or, well, you get the picture). We hope to see you there!

A fun thought aside...if you have a favorite Christmas cookie or dessert recipe you’re willing to share, bring a few copies and we’ll pass ‘em around-we can all use a recipe box update every once in a while!
-Amy

Halloween at Insomnia...

Ashley...is that a skeleton hand in your hair?
Amy pretends to love corporate coffee.
Is that Dr. Horrible? Or is it David?
80's Runner Evan...hit the Highway!
Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett made an appearance...
secretly it's Debbie and Reba!
Tyler sports the Interstate on his chest.
At Insomnia, we don't need many excuses to don costumes...Halloween brought out our creativity. Good participation, team!

November's Artist

We are excited to announce this month's artist: Jade Sheldon. Come by to check out her creative, colorful pieces. Or read about her at www.myspace.com/jadeymcjaderson.

Little blurb in the Oregonian.

Friends, we popped up in the Oregonian again this past Sunday. (Oct. 26, 2008) Here's the clipping showing one of our fun customers (bottom left corner). Thanks for your support, Tasia...now, you're FAMOUS!

Andy Carson with Good Day Oregon!

Andy Carson just paid us a visit this morning! So fun! Hopefully you were able to catch the segments on KPTV12 during the morning news...if not, we're trying to compile the recorded segments to post online.

Thanks, Andy, for spending the morning with us. It was a hoot to hang out and get to know you. You're definitely a pro. Oh, and we're glad you liked the mochas!

Fox 12 At Insomnia Coffee

Insomnia's OPEN MIC NIGHT!

Okay, y'all. We're finally opening up an OPEN MIC NIGHT! Come by the shop to fill a slot on the list!



Here's the fine print:
All songs must be original. You have a total of 10 mins on stage. (This must include set-up and take down) Because this is a family environment, you must restrict all off-color or rude behavior. This stage is for artists with something to share. If not all the slots are filled please ask for any availability a week in advance (july 11th).

****There will be 2 mics, and hook-ups for guitar****

Thank you!

The Dessert Menu is Unveiled!

Finally, the Dessert Menu is available just in time for the summer crowds! Come on in to see what we have to offer...

Here's a glimpse:

Insomnia has SHIRTS now, too!

If you've always wanted to be stamped with our logo just like our paper cups...you finally can! We now have shirts so you can sport your favorite coffee company around town. Here's a glimpse:
Front


Back

Yes, it says "coffee snob quality without the attitude!"

The shirt comes in two organic colors...olive and dark smoke. Our sizes range from XS-XL. Come pick one out soon! :)

What? An Insomnia MUG?

Yes, you heard right! Insomnia now has their own travel mug! Just got 'em today so they're available right now. Now you can take a piece of us home with you...but don't expect us to do your laundry and dishes.

It's our BIRTHDAY!

So we're gonna have a PART-AY!

Here's the dealy-o. We're throwing a bash this weekend to celebrate our being around for a year. This Friday and Saturday (April 11th and 12th) we'll be raising our mugs and pastries in jubilation!

We're even holding a drawing each day for new Insomnia merchandise. You'll have to come check it all out!

Anniversary Cake!

Who gets cake on their anniversary? WE DO!

Tyler's rad sister-in-law, Tiffany Light (of Portland's Pearl District Via Delizia fame) created a masterpiece to help us ring in our birthday. So delish!

Let's see, it was chocolate with buttercream icing, layered with chocolate ganache. Otherwise known as HEAVEN! :)



I know, I know...you wish you coulda had a piece. Sorry it's all gone. We're fat and happy. ha ha ha! Thanks Tiff!

We're such SLACKERS!

An apology is necessary. We've slacked off in our blogging duties. All this excitement building about our one year anniversary has swept us away, working on many other projects. It won't happen again. *blushing*

Summer Miller

Brandon Crittendon

Kyle Stuck

Mug Shots

We have the best customers! Several of our patrons agreed to pose for "Mug Shots" which feature them and their favorite "regular" drink. Obviously the mobster names are fictional to protect the guilty...guilty of loving INSOMNIA!

Travis Ehrenstrom & Lindsey Pool

2008, The Year of the Rat.

In honor of the Chinese New Year, our month's art display is Chinese Brush Painting. The collection, "Brushstrokes for Balance" by Candace Faith Fruge, graces our walls and provides beauty and education for our customers. Candace has compiled a binder with the history of the art and information on Chinese traditions of their Zodiac calendar.
Come on by, sip some organic coffee, enjoy the art and learn from other cultures!