Morning Coffee Makeover

I'm kind of terrified of boiling-hot liquids, a fear that resurfaces with every trip to Starbucks. I like the coffee (especially the new, much-hyped-but-indeed-delicious Pike Place blend), but the temperature at which they serve it seems, to me at least, rather dangerous. I usually wait at least 10 minutes for it to cool before taking a sip, and I employ those cardboard cozies they have to avoid hand scalding. I just saw that an artist named Jacqueline Dufresne has come up with a chic, imaginative alternative to those standard-issue paper sleeves, made of handknit cotton—which ends up looking like a cute little scarf for your to-go cup. I love it when something so basic and utilitarian gets a designy makeover. Coupled with a Starbucks card, this would make a really sweet gift for any caffeine-addicted friend.