Meet Cameron’s Fans Amber Shemanski & Holly Hamblin!
We have a lot of really great Cameron’s fans out there, and it’s been a while since we first introduced you to one of them (here’s looking at you, Brian) so we thought it was time to get back to it.
Meet Amber Shemanski & Holly Hamblin!
This cooler weather has many of us wanting to settle in with a good book and a mug of coffee, something that Holly (@hollyslittlebookreviews) and Amber (@bookncatsncoffee) know a thing or two about! They’ve been actively sharing their love of Cameron’s with the Instagram world for several years now, and if you need a book suggestion, they’ve definitely got you covered there too!
First, tell us how you two know each other!
Amber: We met a little over 4 years ago when I joined the staff where Holly was working. Our book and coffee obsession made us instant pals.
Holly: We bonded over our love of books and, of course, coffee. Even though we no longer work together, we chat daily and get together for tons of coffee dates 🙂
When did you first try Cameron’s?
A: Oh my gosh, how long ago was it? Years. My sister was living in Saint Paul at the time, and being the coffee junkies that we are, we were all about trying as many local roasters as we could find on store shelves. Needless to say, I found a favorite in Cameron’s and continue to shamelessly force it down the throats of all coffee drinkers I know. (You’re welcome, Holly.)
H: I actually first tried Cameron’s years ago, but Amber rekindled my love of Cameron’s by encouraging me to try Velvet Moon… I haven’t looked back.
What’s your favorite Cameron’s Coffee, and how do you like to brew it?
A: The two that I always fall back on are the French Roast and the Roastmaster’s Blend. My ideal cup is freshly ground, brewed in the French press, served black.
H: Some of my favorites are Velvet Moon, Organic French Roast, Woods & Water, and Organic Roastmaster’s Blend. If I have a relaxing morning, I love to French Press my coffee, but on quick mornings I’m super thankful for Cameron’s EcoPods in my Keurig.
Where do you like to enjoy your first cup of coffee?
A: Sitting on my couch with the neighborhood waking up through the front window.
H: I like to have my first cup of the day relaxing in my kitchen, but most days it’s while running out the door to get to work or the kids to school.
Holly, how old are your kiddos?
H: I have two kids, Everett (5 yrs old) and Rory (3 years old). Both have been taught how to freshly brew mom a cup of coffee on the Keurig (with help carrying the hot mug once it’s done of course) 😉
What does your ideal Saturday morning look like?
H: Waking up before anyone else in the house with nowhere to be, sipping a cup of French Pressed coffee, wrapped in a warm blanket with my current read on our comfy couch.
A: I’m curled up on the couch under a cozy blanket, my cat is lounging in my lap, there’s a steaming fresh mug of coffee on my end table, and a book in my hand.
Amber, tell us about your cat!
A: The “cat” part of my social media handle stems from my obsession with our furbaby. I found Nacho in the parking lot of a popular taco joint 16 years ago. He got his name because our order from that night was missing the nachos, but I had a cat instead. (I couldn’t make that up if I tried.) He was only 3-4 weeks old at the time, and he’s been my constant companion ever since.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Read. And then read a little more. (I read a LOT.) Hubs and I also enjoy checking out local breweries and discovering new craft beers.
H: I am a complete book addict, so most of my “me time” involves reading or book centered fun (i.e. book shopping, author events, conventions). When my little ones are home, they are usually keeping me busy with silly games, art projects, or adventures to their favorite places.
What are you reading right now?
H: I’m currently reading Muse of Nightmares by one of my all time favorite authors, Laini Taylor.
A: I’m currently finishing up Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman for a buddy read Holly and I co-host on Instagram. Not only is it a perfect seasonal read, but her ability to create such amazingly developed characters is an absolute treat.
Do you have a favorite book of all time?
H: I honestly don’t think I can pick and all time favorite book! But the Harry Potter series will always have a special place in my heart, and my favorite classic is definitely Great Expectations.
A: Picking a single favorite book is probably as difficult as asking a parent to pick their favorite child. Impossible. So here’s one of my favorites: Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. An oldie, but a goodie. A dark twisted tale of a (literally) self-made carnie family, that’s filled with such an incredible amount of love. I am always at a loss when trying to come up with the words to describe how this book made me feel, so I usually just shove it at people and say, “Here. Read this. It’s the best.” 🙂
Since you’re both such big fans of our coffee, is there anything else you’d like to tell the Cameron’s team?
A: My love of Cameron’s has officially reached a level that has resulted in friends apologizing to me when they offer me coffee at their house and it *isn’t* Cameron’s.
H: This past spring my family and I attended the Cameron’s Warehouse Sale and had such a blast! We came home with fantastic coffee for our home and our friends and met so many wonderful Cameron’s employees. I love that Cameron’s has so many wonderful people on their team working toward important things like being conscious of the environment and working directly with farmers while still producing the most delicious, fresh product.
