Today marked the true launch of my apartment coffee pop-up, and boy, was it an adventure getting everything just right before my friends arrived.

First up, the baked goods. I whipped up some delicious bagels, following a recipe from my buddy Alec out in Los Angeles. They were a labor of love, requiring an overnight dough prep and a morning of boiling, seasoning, and baking. Alongside those, I decided to showcase my beloved banana bread recipe, crafting both a large loaf and a mini version for that extra visual appeal. Topped off with a bowl of mandarins, the spread was set.

Next, it was all about the coffee. I opted for two 12 oz bags of beans from 'Stumptown', choosing their 'Holler Mountain' blend for its organic goodness and caramel notes. Thankfully, dialing in the grind size and shot pull times was a breeze with these beans.

With the food and brews sorted, it was time to spruce up the apartment. Out came the Dyson and Swiffer, banishing any pet hair, crumbs, or dust. Chairs were arranged, windows thrown open, coasters laid out, and lights switched on. Ready or not, here we go.

Guests started trickling in at noon, prompting a flurry of activity as I ushered them up and juggled incoming orders. Mental note for next time: delegate someone to handle the elevator duty—I've got drinks to make! This time, I had everyone fill out cute little Guest Checks with their name, order, milk preference, and toppings, which was a real lifesaver amidst the hustle.

As folks settled in, the compliments on the food and drinks started pouring in, and I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and joy. Seeing friends from different parts of my life mingle and hit it off was pure magic—they're the heart and soul of who I am, and watching them connect was a real treat.

I won’t go into the details of any of the discussions, since this was a safe space for people to talk about whatever they want, personal or otherwise. But I will say, the dialogue flowed effortlessly, and as 3 pm crept closer, it was time to bid adieu. Hugs were exchanged, jackets slipped on, and with that, the apartment returned to its quiet state. Until next time, my friends.