Cinnamon Coffee

Y'all know I am a big coffee fan and I drink a lot of it.  I don't do K-cups that much anymore, I like my coffee a little stronger and I also don't want to be limited to one cup.  I brew about a half of a pot every morning for myself.

I had seen people talk about putting cinnamon on their grounds before brewing but had never given it a go.  I was feeling a little adventurous this past weekend and decided to give it a try.

I brewed it with cinnamon everyday since, it has definitely become my go-to.

Super simple just sprinkle a little cinnamon on your brewed coffee and brew like normal.  It lends a subtle spice, my husband even said nutty, taste and takes away the bitterness of the coffee.  It's a win for me.

I'm not using any fancy cinnamon, that's Dollar Tree cinnamon right there.

Have you tried this in your coffee?  What other spice combos have you used??

Taste Test: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

It's September and Starbucks pumpkin spice is back, fall is pretty much here right??  I had to try out the new Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew to see what all the fuss is about.

Starbucks website says it is made with cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup, topped with pumpkin cream cold foam and sprinkled with pumpkin spice.  I am a big fan of the cold brew cold foam drinks so I had high hopes for this one.

First of all don't be surprised to find it orange, I happen to love the fact.  First sip I am a fan.  It is not too sweet and not overly spicy or cinnamony.  The pumpkin cold foam is just subtly pumpkin but it has a really good flavor.  Overall if you like Starbucks iced coffee and especially if you are a fan of their seasonal drinks I'd say it is worth a go for sure.

Have you tried this one yet?  Let me know your thoughts and your favorite Starbucks drink!

Friday Favorites

Back on that Friday Favorites grind, I love sharing my favorites!  Hope y'all enjoy seeing what I have been loving as much as I enjoy talking about them.

Checkered wallet: No I haven't gone crazy and spent hundreds of dollars on a wallet...this guy is less than $20!!!  I have been using it for a while and am a big fan.  The quality is great and it is such a great dupe for the designer version.  They also have different color options, don't miss out on this one!

Tenille Arts and Tyler Braden: New music!!  My husband and I went to a concert last week and Tyler Braden was the opener.  He is super talented and has such a great voice.  He only has three songs on spotify right now but I'm a fan of all three.  I also recently discovered Tenille Arts and LOVE her voice!  Easy to listen to and she has some really great songs, my favorite of the moment is "Raindrops, Dirt Roads" and "Run Out of You".

Agent Carter: We recently saw Avengers End Game and I needed more Marvel in my life.  I have been wanting to watch this show for a while and I finally jumped in.  I'm a big fan!!  Peggy Carter is Awesome!  I love the time period clothing, hair and setting.  The story line is great and I love seeing Avenger tidbits in it.  It's girl power without bashing boys.  Everyone is great!

Folger's Breakfast Blend: I like to try out different coffee blends every once in a while, this is my new favorite.  It has a great flavor but no bitterness.  It pairs really well with my coconut creamer of choice.  I'm a fan!

St. Moriz Self Tanner: I needed a self tanner to use for Disney and I decided to give this one a try.  Y'all know I am a pale red head and I got the dark shade.  I was really nervous that it was going to turn me orange or super dark.  It was really great, not overly dark and stayed relatively well.  I used the mitt and it was really helpful for getting an even layer.  If you have never used a mitt to tan before I HIGHLY recommend it.  

Shop the Post:

Starbucks CSL Review

I'm always down to try out new Starbucks coffee creations.  This Cinnamon Shortbread latte sounded too good to miss out on.

Their description is: "Rich espresso with buttery vanilla shortbread sauce, topped with a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg.  It's shortbread made sippable."

I got mine with nonfat milk which is how I typically order my lattes but I still get whipped cream.

There is a definite cinnamon flavor and you really do get a buttery, rich bakery taste.  I would say it is a cookie in a cup and I'm a total fan.  Tastes like a holiday drink and I'm completely fine with that.

If you aren't a fan of cinnamon you probably won't be crazy about this drink, so keep that in mind!

 

Have you tried this one yet?  Let me know your thoughts!

Easy Iced Coffee

Iced coffee is one of my guilty pleasures.  I don't know about you but it isn't in my budget to buy them regularly.  I figured out how to make a pretty good homemade version.

The night before I prepare coffee with sugar.  I use the Keurig but you could also brew a pot and make a larger supply.

After it has cooled I put it in a jar, cover and place in the fridge to cool overnight.

In the morning I get a new jar and fill it with ice cubes.  I like to freeze leftover coffee and use in my iced coffee so it doesn't get watered down.  Fill up the jar with your cold coffee.

You can drink it like it is but I prefer to add a little creamer.  This Toasted Marshmallow Mocha is a new favorite.

You can use almond milk, coconut milk, or whatever creamer you want to switch up the flavor.  You could also add in flavored syrups for an extra coffee house flavor.

Five Things Friday

It has been while since I have done a Friday favorites and I missed talking about things I have been loving.  

Dunkin Donuts Maple Pecan Iced Coffee: I have a love hate relationship with Dunkin Donuts coffee.  I have only had a few that I really love, most of the time they are way too sweet.  I had a coupon and decided to give the new fall flavor a try.  Guys I am obsessed!  It was delicious!!  I am a big fan of Starbuck's Toffee Nut and this is really similar.  I will for sure be getting quite a few before they disappear for the season.  Have you tried this one?  What's your favorite Dunkin drink?

Cinnamon Quick Bread Mix: I found a box of this on clearance and thought I would give it a try.  We made it for breakfast over the weekend and y'all this stuff is delicious!!  I went back and bought all they had, such an easy treat!

Dote App: I have heard all about the Dote App on youtube and just decided to give it a try.  Run down, Dote is like a mall on an app.  You can add things from all kinds of different stores (forever 21, Revolve, Sephora, DSW and then checkout all together.  You only have to enter your credit card info once...it's almost too easy.  Use my code: BMEOL for $5 off!

Peplum Denim Jacket: If you follow me on instagram (or in real life) you know I love this jacket.  A denim jacket is such a classic choice but add the peplum ruffle hem and it gives it a feminine update.  I have been pairing it with everything. 

Leopard Espadrille Mules: These shoes have been on my wishlist since they came out.  I almost bought them several times and something held me back.  Last week I went thrift store shopping and found them brand new in my size for $5!!  Guys that's why I love thrifting!!  I have been wearing them on repeat lately and honestly they are worth the $25, they are super comfortable and I love how they look.  Don't be afraid of the animal print, it goes with everything.

What have you been loving lately?

Starbucks Cold Foam Cascara Cold Brew Review

I had heard and seen so many people talk about the new cold foam drinks at Starbucks and figured I would give it a go.  Honestly, I didn't have high expectations.  I felt like it was gimicky and was going to be weird...I was so wrong!

I got the Cold Foam Cascara Cold Brew Iced Coffee and it was delicious!!

Starbucks describes it as: "Sweetened cold foam flavored with Cascara syrup (subtle notes of dark brown sugar and luscious maple) atop our bold, smooth Starbucks Cold Brew, and finished with just a hint of vanilla syrup."

The flavor was delicious, not too sweet but with a deep rich flavor.  The foam was a really good addition.  The only problem was that the foam sits on the top and you end up with a cup full of foam at the end.  It might help to mix it when you are close to the bottom so you don't end up with only foam.  

Overall I am definitely a fan and will be trying it again!

Have you tried the new cold foam drinks?  What did you think?

Instagram Roundup

Happy Memorial Day!

On to a new Instagram weekly roundup...there's a pretty great deal posted below btw.

Yes to all the iced coffee!!  I love the Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato and of course the White Toffee Iced Coffee (don't know what that is?  Check out my post here).  

What's your go to Starbucks order?

Y'all know I love a good deal and when I find one I want to share it.  I picked up these sandals for less than $20!!  Check out my blog post to see more.

Shop the Look:

These camo sneakers add a fun touch to an outfit (and they are pretty affordable too).  A few other favorite things that crossbody and cardigan are my go-tos.  I'm just a little sad that I had to put away this cardigan for the summer...anyone else feel me?

Shop the Look:

Been taking advantage of nice weather when we can, we have been getting quite a few thunderstorms and they aren't done yet.  P.S. if you haven't tried the Free People Dani Swing tanks out yet, go try one on.  They are super comfy and the perfect basic top, also for Free People they aren't outrageous.

Shop the Look:

Last picture was one I took on my way out of the gym.  They have really pretty trees set up outside and the light was hitting them just right that afternoon.

If you aren't following me on istagram, check me out here.

Five Things Friday

It has been a while since I have done one of these and I have missed it!  Check out what I have been loving this week (longer than that really).

Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour: I was really surprised by how much I loved this album.  It is easy to listen to and I love her voice, plus the songs are really good.  Some of my favorites are "Space Cowboy", "Slow Burn", "Love is a Wild Thing" and "Wonder Woman" but I can listen to the whole album and I like every song...that doesn't happen often.

Braided Booties: I showed these in my shopping haul and I have been wearing them nonstop.  They are so comfy and the perfect spring transitional shoe.  I am seriously obsessed with them and so glad I got them!

Prints: If you haven't picked up on it yet, I love personalized things.  I saw these fun state/city prints at Signet Sealed on etsy and fell in love!  They are like a collage of the state and I am all about them.  Sarah, the creator is adorable and sent three of her pieces for me to check out.  I picked three places that we have lived in/close to.  I love all the details and am so excited to display them.

Coffee: Coconut and coffee, two of my favorites.  This coffee was raved about by one of my coworkers and I finally tried it.  It is my favorite!!  Not an overwhelming flavor and you still get a coffee flavor.

Wireless Earphones: These have been a long time coming, I had a cheap pair that was more trouble than they were worth (which wasn't a lot).  These are awesome!  I have been wearing them to the gym and love not having to deal with a cord.  Also the battery lasts all week.  Definitely recommend and they were super affordable!

Let me know what you have been loving!

Instagram Roundup

It's the last day of April...can you believe it?  I know I can't.  Welcome to another weekly instagram roundup.  If you are new this is something I have started recently showcasing my instagram pictures from the week, describing in a little more detail and providing shoppable links if you are interested in any of the products.  

If you aren't following me on instagram, check me out here!

 I have been wanting snakeskin boots for a while and I finally pulled the trigger on these beauties from Amazon.  They are super comfy and pretty neutral.  I am obsessed with them!!

In case you missed my post, I found my new favorite Starbucks drink.  Y'all it is delicious!

I love a good personalized piece of jewelry.  This one is my favorite new addition to my collection.  I have a bar necklace with our wedding date and I love it so I knew I had to have this circle one!  My husband and I have been talking about couple tattoos of our wedding date...I'm liking this design.

 

Two coffee pictures in one week...yep sorry not sorry.  This one was actually taken a while back in a hotel.  Always enjoy relaxing and enjoying coffee in a comfy hotel bed.

How pretty are those flowers??  I spotted these at a vendor booth at the Atlanta Market and had to snap a picture.  This would be a really cute idea for a baby girl's nursery.

Random Target mirror selfie because why not?  Super glamorous dirty mirror, stylish carpet and a background of socks...you get what you get.

New Favorite Starbucks Drink: White Toffee Iced Coffee

Thanks to Wendy or thetrendyschoolcounselor on instagram I have a new favorite Starbucks order and I am OBSESSED!!

I am a big fan of the Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato, if I get Starbucks that is pretty much my choice but this one is just as good and cheaper (which is always good).

I call it the White Toffee Iced Coffee.  

How to order:

Iced Coffee, no classic syrup, add white mocha and toffee nut to your liking, light cream

I like to actually taste the coffee so I don't want it too sweet my syrup breakdown is:

Tall: 1 pump White Mocha, 1 pump Toffee Nut

Grande: 1 pump White Mocha, 2 pumps Toffee Nut

Venti: 2 pumps White Mocha, 3 pumps Toffee Nut

If you like it sweeter add a pump more of syrup or add more cream.  I love the creamy rich flavor of the White Mocha and the Toffee Nut adds depth, it is my new favorite.

Bonus a venti comes out to less than $4...which for Starbucks is a steal.

If you try it let me know what you think!  Let me know your favorite Starbucks drink or concoction you have made up.

Rae Dunn Mug Dupes at Walmart

I have always liked the simple style of Rae Dunn, cute messages on a coffee mug?  What's not to like?  These mugs are affordable but hard to find.  I stumbled on these Rae Dunn inspired mugs at Walmart and fell in love!!

They are less than $3 and hold A LOT of coffee!!

They had four different designs at my Walmart but I am hoping they come out with more!

I wanted them all but ended up picking up this Blessed one.  It is one of my new favorite mugs!

What I bought on Amazon

I have been really enjoying watching Amazon hauls on youtube, there are so many things available I like to see what people pick out.  Here are my most recent purchases:

1. Computer Glasses: I have been eyeing (haha) these glasses for a while now.  I have heard so much about how staring at a computer or phone sends blue light to your eyes which can be damaging after extended exposure.  I have only had these for a few days but I like them so far.  They are definitely yellow tinted but they seem to block out the blue and they are really lightweight and comfy. 

2. Phone Case: For those of you who don't know I have an Android phone, my husband and I are on the GoogleFi plan.  I like my Android just fine but there aren't a lot of cute cases...this is about as cute as I could find.  The gold is fun and with a popsocket I can add some character.

3. Headphones: I have been wanting a pair of wireless headphones ever since my husband got a pair for Christmas.  They make it to much easier to listen to music at the gym, no annoying cords.  These were on a great deal and they are working out perfectly!

4. Coffee: I have talked about this coffee before, it is my absolute favorite!!  Great flavor but not bitter.  I usually pick it up at Publix but it was actually cheaper on Amazon.

5. Cassette Adapter: Going old school, I still have a cassette player in my car (I do have a CD player as well so not that old).  I recently discovered my old iPod and wanted to play it in my car on trips.  All my old cords were broken so I figured I would give this one a try.

Interested in more Amazon finds?  Check out my favorite page!!

Starbucks Toasted White Chocolate Latte Review

I'm pretty sure coffee is my love language...buy me coffee and I'll love you forever.  Seriously though coffee is my favorite.  Holiday coffee now that is another level, I have been a fan of the Chestnut Praline Latte from Starbucks for years but I just may have found a new favorite.

  

Starbucks released a new holiday drink this year the Toasted White Chocolate Latte.  They proclaim it is caramelized white chocolate topped with whipped cream and candied cranberry sugar.

I am a fan of the basic white mocha so I figured I would give this one a whirl.  

I ended up getting mine with coconut milk but everything else regular.

If you like the white mocha you will love this one!  It is very similar but has a deeper, richer flavor.  The sugar topping didn't really add anything as far as flavor goes.  I really enjoyed this one.  It was sweet but not too sweet and the flavor paired really well with espresso.  Definitely a new favorite and possibly my number one...

Have you tried this one?  What did you think?  What is your favorite Starbucks drink?  

Eggnogg Latte Recipe

If you follow me on instagram you know my love for coffee.  Americano, cappuccino, latte give me all the coffee!  I love to go to a coffee shop and pick up a cup but that definitely adds up.  Today I'm sharing my recipe for a homemade eggnog latte.  I love eggnog but if you aren't a fan you could just replace it with milk and add flavored syrup.  

What you need:

- 2/3 cup eggnogg | my favorite is this Southern Comfort kind

- 1/3 cup milk | we had coconut on hand but your can use whatever you want

- 1/2 cup strong coffee | I used a K-cup 

- pinch of nutmeg 

- Optional 2 Tbsp sugar

What to do:

1. Measure your eggnog and milk (and sugar if wanted) and mix together.  Pour into a mug and microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds.  

2. Froth your milk and eggnog mixture.  I like to use a frother for ease but you can also pour the milk into a jar/cup with a lid and vigorously shake for 30 seconds until it has doubled in size and you can see the froth.

3. Measure your coffee.  I typically use a dark roast k-cup and make it on the smallest setting.

4. Top with nutmeg and enjoy!    

This is one of my favorite holiday treats!