The more pure the water, the better. If you are using water from the tap and it is full of minerals, it may affect the taste of your espresso slightly. Most average coffee drinkers won’t really notice much of a difference, but the purer the water the more the flavors of the roast will come through. In order to ensure that your shots are pulled at the correct temperature you should heat up the espresso maker. Plenty of modern espresso makers will automatically heat up before pulling shots. If your machine doesn’t preheat automatically, then run your portafilter under hot water to warm it. The portafilter is where you pack in your grounds and if it is cold then this could affect the brewing temperature. If you do heat it with water, make sure it is relatively dry when you put the grounds in it. If you have whole espresso beans and have a coffee grinder at home you can grind your beans now for a fresher taste. To ensure you get a proper grind, figure out which kind of grinder you have.  There are a couple types of grinders out there, Burr Grinders and a Blade Grinders. Blade Grinders are better for drip and French Press because they don’t usually offer a super fine grind. A Burr Grinder uses two burrs to efficiently grind your coffee beans and will be able to offer a much finer grind. If you are using a Blade Grinder, set the grinder to the highest setting for the finest grind. To see if your grind is fine enough you can do a simple test by pinching the grounds between your fingers. If a small portion clumps and stays compact between your fingers, your beans are ground fine enough. There are several types of machines that can brew espresso. While unfortunately your drip coffee maker isn’t suited for espresso, you can find reasonably priced stovetop machines.  You can get an Italian Moka pot which makes espresso in a little metal pot that heats on your stove.  If you have an espresso machine, then load it up for one shot, or a double. Most espresso machines will automatically pull a double shot, which for best results should require between 18-21 grams of grounds.  If you don’t have either an espresso machine or Moka, you can use a French Press. Ensure that your portafilter is securely locked. Then place your shot glass under the spout. For the best roast, you should pull your shots for between 22-28 seconds.

Summary: Pour the water in your espresso machine. Preheat your espresso machine and portafilter. Grind the beans. Put the grounds in your espresso maker. Pull your shot(s).


If the cat belongs to you, you need to take a close look at the reason why you need to rehome the cat. If you have any alternatives to getting rid of your cat, you should consider taking them. For example, many people believe it is unsafe to have a litter tray in the house when they are pregnant and therefore look to rehome a much loved feline companion. This fear arises from the (albeit slim) chance of picking up toxoplasma infection. However, scientists now believe the main route of infection is inadequately cooked meat rather than cat feces. If you wear disposable gloves and a mask, and clear the poop within 24 hours of it being produced the risk of infection is negligible. These simple measures could prevent the need for rehoming. If in doubt speak to your veterinarian who can advise you further on protecting your health and minimizing the risk of infection. For example, a new baby in the house may have you feeling protective and worried about how the cat will react and if the cat will sleep on the baby and smother it. This is extremely unlikely to happen but if it's something that worries you, close the cat out of the room when the baby is alone. Take simple precautions, like keep the litter tray away from the baby and wash your hands after petting the cat.  If you are moving abroad, be aware that a pet passport scheme operates widely now. Make inquiries at the embassy of the country you are moving to and ask them about the necessary protocol to import a cat into their country. Your vet can work closely with you to ensure the relevant vaccinations, blood tests, and paperwork is issued, and it's no big deal. It might be that you are moving within the country and just noticed your rental agreement has a 'no pets' clause. Before rehoming the cat, be honest with the landlord and ask if there is the possibility of making an exception. Some landlords put the clause on as a matter of routine, to protect themselves should a tenant have a destructive pet. Many landlords are open to a discussion about pets. It is especially helpful if you can put together a portfolio of documents that illustrate how well-behaved and well-cared for your pet it. A dossier containing records of vaccination certificates, vet checks, references from previous landlords, pictures of your pet doing cute things, like sleeping, can all go some way to convince a wavering landlord. Indeed, cats are hugely beneficial to a growing child. It's been shown that kids raised in a house with pets are less likely to develop asthma and allergies in later life.  Having a pet can reduce stress in owners of all ages. They can also provide love and companionship to their owners, which can be especially important to people who live alone or are house bound. Don't just abandon your cat and don't take it to a shelter unless you have exhausted all other possibilities. You have the responsibility to find it a safe and loving home where it can thrive. This may take some time and effort but you have that obligation to the cat.
Summary: Decide whether you really need to rehome your cat. Consider alternatives to rehoming. Keep in mind the benefits of having a cat. Place your cat in a great new home.