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My Fair Olinda turned 8 today!
My Fair Olinda turned 8 today!
My Fair Olinda turned 8 today!
How to Make a Spring Inspired Easter Nest Cake http://ift.tt/2IruRB7
How to Make a Spring Inspired Easter Nest Cake
When I asked my friend Miriam to make an Easter inspired cake I knew it would be fabulous. Her cakes always impress! You are going to love making this cake for Easter or, really, how about all Spring long?! I can see this cake at your Holiday Easter gathering, a wedding or a birthday party. There’s something about baking with someone that I love. Being in the kitchen, catching up on life and always laughter. It brings me bake to my childhood days of baking with my mom and there’s something so sweet in those memories.
I have to give all the credit to Miriam for this cake. She did all the work. I watched, took photos and relaxed into an easy conversation as she made frosting, layered and frosted the cake and laughed along at the disaster of a mess making the nest was. Miriam uses her family’s delicious carrot recipe and I can attest it’s the best carrot cake I’ve ever had. Carrot cake isn’t my favorite, but I kept stealing bites of the leftover pieces from the cakes she’d leveled off.
How to Make a Spring Inspired Easter Nest Cake Click To Tweet
How to Make a Spring Inspired Easter Nest Cake
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
2018-03-13 14:12:47
Delicious Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Makes a 3 round tiered cake with plenty of frosting.
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17560 calories
2047 g
2113 g
1015 g
154 g
281 g
4280 g
8039 g
1634 g
11 g
666 g
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
4280g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 17560
Calories from Fat 8907
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1015g
1562%
Saturated Fat 281g
1407%
Trans Fat 11g
Polyunsaturated Fat 131g
Monounsaturated Fat 535g
Cholesterol 2113mg
704%
Sodium 8039mg
335%
Total Carbohydrates 2047g
682%
Dietary Fiber 51g
203%
Sugars 1634g
Protein 154g
Vitamin A
1924%
Vitamin C
50%
Calcium
121%
Iron
138%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Does this look wrong?
Cake Ingredients Needed
4.5 cups grated carrots
3 cups flour
3 cups white sugar
3 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. cinnamon
2-1/4 cups vegetable oil
6 eggs
Optional: 1-1/2 Cup of chopped nuts
Frosting ingredients needed
16 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup butter, room temperature
2 tsp. vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
8 cups powdered sugar
Bird's Nest Ingredients Needed
20 grams (.75 ounces) Vermicilli noodles (thin rice noodles)
2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1/2 tsp. coconut oil
1 bag of chocolate candy eggs
How to make the cake
1.) Prepare 3 round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. Line cake pans with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.) In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour with baking soda, and set aside
3.) In a stand mixer, combine 2-3/4 cup flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Mix on low for 1 minute.
4.) Add in vanilla extract and oil, mix on medium-low for 2 minutes. Add in 1 egg at a time, adding each egg after the previous egg is fully incorporated. Mix an additional minute.
5.) Add flour-soda mixture. Add carrots, and nuts if using. Mix an additional minute so all ingredients are fully incorporated.
6.) Distribute cake batter into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven until browned around the edges and a toothpick inserted near the center of the cake comes out clean. Begin checking cakes at 30 minutes.
7.) Cool cakes in the pan 10 minutes, and then use a paring knife to cut around the edges of the cakes to release them from the cake pans. Turn the cakes out to cool completely on wire racks.
How to make the frosting
1.) Using a stand mixer, Combine cream cheese and butter on low for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium-high and beat 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2.) Add in the salt, vanilla extract, and 1 cup powdered sugar. Mix on medium-low for 1 minute. Continue to add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low between additions. After all powdered sugar is added, increase speed to medium-high and continue to mix for 3 minutes.
How to make the bird's nest
1.) Prepare a small bowl, that will act as your nest mold, by lining it with cling-wrap. Have a smaller bowl close by to help form your nest.
2.) Break Vermicilli noodles into small pieces and place into a medium-sized bowl.
3.) Melt the chocolate in the microwave, heating 15 seconds at a time and stirring in between. Stir in coconut oil after heating 30 seconds to help create a smooth and glossy appearance.
4.) Pour chocolate over noodles and stir to coat noodles completely. Press the chocolate coated noodles into the lined bowl. Place the smaller bowl on top of the nest to help it keep its shape and place in the fridge to harden.
Assembly
1.) Prepare the cakes by leveling the tops so they are smooth and even. I recommend using a cake leveler to help you easily achieve this, but you can also use a long serrated knife.
2.) Place one cake onto a cake plate. Spread an even layer of frosting over the entire top of the cake, right up to the edges!
3.) Continue stacking layers of cake and frosting, with a generous layer of frosting on the top layer. Smooth the top of the cake with an offset spatula. Use a kitchen scraper to smooth the sides of the cake, allowing for the frosting to variate between thick and thin across the layers. Add a little more frosting in areas as needed.
4.) Set the hardened nest on the top of the cake, using a little frosting underneath to help stabilize the nest, if necessary. Fill the basket with Egg candies. Refrigerate the cake until you're ready to serve!
By Miriam Schultz
beta
calories
17560
fat
1015g
protein
154g
carbs
2047g
more
My Fair Olinda http://ift.tt/2lrgzo5
How to Make a Spring Inspired Easter Nest Cake #easter #dessert Click To Tweet
We agreed we wanted to go for the naked look and it was definitely the right choice. I like the slightly unfinished look for a nature inspired cake. This cake is a fabulous dessert for any occasion. Make it for your Easter celebration or bring it to an event. Wherever you take it you won’t be bringing any of it home with you.
Tell me, what’s your favorite Easter treat to bake up or serve?
xoxo Naomi
How to Make a Spring Inspired Easter Nest Cake #easter #cake Click To Tweet
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Get Refreshed this Weekend with These 7 Simple Ideas
The minute Sunday hits that feeling of your weekend ending before it even began starts to sink in. It’s Sunday, which means tomorrow is Monday, which means weekend over. Or it could mean you have one whole glorious day of your weekend left to soak in.
I work every other Saturday and have Mondays off so my weekends aren’t exactly traditional. My Sunday mornings start off with church and socializing. My favorite kind of Sunday is when I don’t have any afternoon plans and I can be home for the rest of the day. The introvert in me is ready for a book and some much needed downtime. I also use free Sunday afternoons to get caught up on projects, take pictures, and to write.
I can’t claim to have a routine weekend. Some weekends are chill and other weekends are spent diving into projects, socializing and having mini adventures here in Southern California. I also find I go through seasons of wanting to be low key and seasons of wanting to do all the things. Do you have a weekend routine? Set lunch plans, coffee dates, dinner out, bike rides or hikes, curling up with a good book, getting caught up on chores, picking up toys, cleaning the house, doing homework or making sure the kids have there homework done? As much as we look forward to work free weekends they seem to fill up with all sorts of things to do don’t they?
Get Refreshed this Weekend with These 7 Simple Ideas #weekendvibes Click To Tweet
Here’s 7 ideas to enjoy your weekend to the fullest and feel ready to conquer the week ahead:
Get Refreshed this Weekend with these 7 Simple Ideas:
Let me start by saying I think it’s super important to build margin into your life so that you have times of rest, renewal and refreshing. With so many demands pulling on us these days we can spend all our time busy, working, being productive, hustling and doing. Theses ideas are simple and meant to remind you to slow down and choose activities that you feel passionate about and renewed by.
Soak the Morning In:
There’s nothing more I’d like to do on the weekend than stay snuggled and cozy in my bed. Sleeping in sets the tone for the whole day. If you have the chance let you body get caught up on rest. Then try hopping out of bed as soon as you wake up. Skip setting an alarm and let yourself wake up naturally. Oddly enough when I do this I wake up at about the same time as usual. The difference is going to sleep knowing I’m not going to get woken up by an alarm. On Saturdays and Monday when I’m not working I drink my coffee slowly and do brunch just because I can.
Leave the T.V. Turned Off:
Try a Sunday without watching any shows or movies. Get lost in a book, blog, newspaper or magazine. Spend time stretching those brain muscles in an enjoyable way. Play games, put together a puzzle, look for a form of entertainment sans the tube. Play an instrument, listen to music and dance around the house.
Go Media Free:
Set your phone and tablets aside for a set amount of time to be distraction free. Try setting a timer and ignore your phone for that period of time. Whatever you do with the time be intentional about not being on your phone, social media or apps. I straight up put my phone on do not disturb. It feels so freeing to step away from calls, texts and notifications and just take a break. There’s so much more to life than your phone.
Soak in some Sun:
Spend some time doing your favorite outdoor activity. Take a walk or hike, go to the beach or lake, get in the pool, take a bike ride, do something active that gets your blood pumping and your endorphins going. Work in your garden, propagate succulents, sit on your patio with a cup of coffee or tea. If it’s not nice outdoor weather try a trip to a botanical garden or conservatory to get that nature fix in. At some point in your day breath in that beautiful fresh air!
7 ideas to enjoy your weekend to the fullest and feel ready to conquer the week ahead. Click To Tweet
Let your Creativity Flow:
Spending time doing your favorite hobby. Work on a craft or art project. Not particularly “artistic”? Garden, cook, try a new recipe, bake, take pictures, knit or write. Color, draw or doodle. I could get lost taking pictures for hours. Creativity means different things to different people. Do something that is a creative outlet for you.
Spend time in reflection:
Find a quiet space to sit and meditate in. Read an inspirational book, the Bible, a devotional or study. Journal, write poetry or a story. Reflect on the week behind you and set your intentions for the new week. Let your mind wander and ponder life.
Get Social:
Make Brunch, Lunch or coffee plans. Have a dinner party. Host a game night. Include friends and family in your exercise or outdoor time. Have a mini adventure and go somewhere. Make a point to gather people together, dive into conversations, laugh and be with the people you love and enjoy.
What makes you feel refreshed over the weekend?
xoxo Naomi
Take the time to slow down and choose activities that you feel passionate about and renewed… Click To Tweet
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Get Refreshed this Weekend with These 7 Simple Ideas http://ift.tt/2HtNJ1E
How to Create an Inviting Atmosphere in Your Home http://ift.tt/2ErhFtp
How to Create an Inviting Atmosphere in Your Home
I received free product in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are authentic & my own. [Read my full policy here.]
Having a happy, warm, and cozy home is the best feeling ever. A home that invites my guests in from the moment they step through the door is always my goal. From family and friends to first time visitors I want them to feel at ease and comfortable in my space. I’m so excited to share how I create an inviting atmosphere in my home. An inviting home reflects you and communicates to guests this is a place they can be themselves too. I’ve watched other women create inviting homes, felt welcomed in and put at ease by their hospitality.
What it is that makes someone’s home to inviting to us? As you create this ambiance think about what greets you when you first walk in the door. I want an inviting atmosphere in my home for my guests, but I also want it for myself. That starts at the front door and when done intentionally continues all throughout your house. I love that feeling when I first get home, that feeling that says I can be at ease. Move through out your home and really think about how each space makes you feel when you are in it. Ask yourself what makes you feel invited into a space. Today I’m sharing four simple ideas on how to create an inviting atmosphere in your home. These four tips give me all the cozy feels and I hope they’ll help you add warmth and an air of joyful hospitality throughout your home.
How to Create an Inviting Atmosphere in Your Home
Use texture for warmth and definition:
Use throw blankets and pillows as comfy accents on chairs and couches. I want people to settle in. Kick off their shoes. Snuggle up under a blanket and relax. Consider placing a pillow on the floor against a chair or couch so people know it’s okay to also remove pillows. Mix and match patterns while using neutrals for balance. I like to highlight a few key color schemes and have pops of colors for accent.
I have all hardwood floors so rugs are a must for me. A rug gives the room texture as well defines areas for people to gather in. Even on carpet a rug is still a nice addition to a space. For added texture in a room use a woven basket to store extra throws in plain sight. I also rearrange my furniture depending on the event I am hosting. Open up a seating area by shifting furniture to fit all your guests in one space or create several gathering spots for people to move in and out of.
Create an inviting atmosphere in your home with these four simple ideas! #homedecor Click To Tweet
Minimize the clutter:
Nothing makes me feel more overwhelmed than a bunch of stuff. I have a lot of knick knacks, but I’ve learned that doesn’t mean they all have to be out at the same time. Rotate pieces in and out. Use select decor seasonally. Have a purpose for each item on display. Group design elements together for flow and put anything that doesn’t fit away for later. If decor elements don’t fit in your home or your style anymore it may be time to part with them for good. When entertaining do a quick declutter before guests arrive. Go for lived in, but not overwhelming. By minimizing the clutter you give the eyes a break making a space automatically enjoyable to be in.
Clear clutter from your home today in three easy steps.
Create a cozy vibe with candles:
I go around my house lighting candles to make spaces through out my home more inviting. At home alone or entertaining I love having candles light up a room. Candles make spaces cozy, happy and relaxing, don’t they? When I’m having guests over I have candles going in every room. It creates a beautiful ambiance and warm lighting. I also love getting new candles! Like this Watermill Candle by Odeme. It’s not only modern, made out of vegetable wax, it smells amazing (even when it’s not lit). I’m always looking for pieces that fit my aesthetic and my home. Odeme keeps it current with a contemporary palette and expressive design for today’s modern woman in the home and on the go. Odeme products celebrate your femininity. They know how to bring fun and fresh to the forefront with their beauty, daily carry, and housewares collections. Sign up and receive 15% off your first purchase. Plus orders over $50 ship free!
I received product complimantary in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions are authentic & my own. [Read my full policy here.]
When I’m having guests over I have candles lit in every room. It creates a beautiful ambiance and… Click To Tweet
Let your home reflect you:
I have a vintage and seascape inspired decor style with a blend of modern mixed in. I want my home to reflect and fit me. I really appreciate beach and ocean vibes paired with vintage pieces. I use driftwood, seashells and sea glass I’ve collected and hang seascape inspired art on the walls. I like to add charm to my home by creating side tables out of stacked vintage suitcases. I also display old books and vintage cameras I’ve collected. Since I want it to feel fresh and current adding in modern elements is key. To keep things current bring in greenery. Plants in your house brings a freshness and liven up any space. I love having big leafy green plants greet me right in my entry way. If you don’t know what to decorate start small. My decor is a reflection of what inspires me, what calms me, and what fires me up. For example, I feel refreshed at the beach so I’ve brought elements into my home to give it those renewing tones and feel. I love photography and antiques so I decorate with a collection of vintage cameras. My grandparent’s home is like this. Wall tapestries, pictures, art and trinkets from countries all over the world. It tells a story of them and their life. Ask yourself what inspires you, calms you, or excites you? What in your home tells your story?
Make your home a reflection of you that tells your story #homedecor #tips Click To Tweet
Have you found these tips on how to create an inviting atmosphere in your home helpful? I would love to hear how you create an inviting atmosphere in your home. Leave me a comment and share your best tip!
xoxo Naomi
How to Create an Inviting Atmosphere in Your Home #homedecor #odeme Click To Tweet
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How to throw a Classy Galentine’s Party http://ift.tt/2nHW1uI
How to throw a Classy Galentine’s Party
This event was sponsored by local businesses: Camarillo Flower Shop and Gifts, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Las Posas Emporium who partnered with us to bring you this post.
It’s time to gather your ladies and celebrate your friendships. I love dressing up, catching up and having lots of yummy food to gather around. Bringing friends together is one of my favorite things to do especially when it’s just us girls! My friend Debora Dahl and I teamed up to host a luncheon and share some ideas for a classy Galentine’s Day party with all your girlfriends. Of course we believe in celebrating our ladies all through out the year. How could we turn down the opportunity to throw a party all about Girl Power! What is Galentine’s Day, you ask? Oh, it’s only the best day of the whole year! To quote Leslie Knope, Galentine’s is all about ladies celebrating ladies. Thanks to Leslie (Amy Polar’s character on Parks and Rec) Galentine’s has been going strong since 2010. Single or married gathering all your fabulous lady friends for a Galentine’s Party is a Valentine’s must. We also partnered with local businesses in Camarillo for our flowers, dessert and party favors. We love building relationships in our community and supporting small businesses.
How to throw a Classy Galentine’s Party:
Invite all your ladies:
Set a time and date and invite your girl friends to celebrate your friendship. I love gathering my ladies together. This party is a wonderful way to love on each other and cherish those relationships. This girl’s only celebration is a time to remind each other just how awesome you all are. So be to share how much your friendships mean to you. From heartfelt toasts to laughter all around the table our time together was lovely. Thank you ladies!
Choose your theme:
Oh the options. Classic, cutsie or classy? How do you decide? As much fun as a classic Valentines theme can be, I also love an opportunity to set an elegant tone. Don’t get us wrong, we love pink and red. Truly we do. We had a few touches of pink and red sprinkled in, because how can you not? But, this party is all about girl power! We chose to create a sophisticated setting centered around a beautifully set table, blue and white china and pretty pops of color thrown in. We asked all the girls to show up in dresses and made a fun photo shoot out of it.
Fabulous Fresh Flowers:
Flowers are always number one in my book. They make an event. Flowers instantly add elegance to a room. We collaborated with Camarillo Flower Shop and Gifts for our gorgeous flowers. They created three lovely arrangements for our party. We loved partnering with a local flower shop in our community. They were amazing to work with and their flowers made our table so classy. Camarillo Flower Shop and Gifts is located at 77A Daily Dr. in Camarillo, California, visit or call Jeannie and her team today and gift an arrangement to that special someone in your life.
Serve Sweet Treats:
Of course we needed to indulge our sweet tooth and include a sugary treat. Our delectable tiered cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes was beyond delicious. Two layers of red velvet cake topped with their signature frosting made with velvety cream cheese and real butter. Topped off with a pink flower pom for the perfect wow factor. To say our ladies were delighted over it is an understatement. We also served an selection of assorted flavors of their bundlets. Sending the ladies each home with one as well. Nothing Bundt Cakes has locations nationwide and we are lucky enough to have two local bakeries, run by local owners Tom and Terre, near us. Visit their Ventura location at 1794 S. Victoria Avenue, Suite A, Ventura, CA 93003 and Thousand Oaks location at 1610 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite D, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
Darling Party Favors:
Sending your guests home with a memento, gift or party favor is a wonderful way to express your thanks for attending your event. I love this little moment of surprise and delight for my guests when I hand gifts out. For our party gifts we partnered with The Las Posas Emporium and gave each friend their choice of a heavenly scented candle and soap. Visit them for gift and card selections galore! You won’t have a hard time finding gifts to express you love for all those gals and guys in your life! Curt keeps the store filled with fabulous gifts for both men and women. Be sure to stop on by the Las Posas Emporium at 528 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010 for all your Valentine’s needs and more.
Tell me do you celebrate Galentines? How would you celebrate this ladies only holiday?
xoxo Naomi
Thank you to Camarillo Flower Shop and Gifts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Las Posas Emporium who collaborated with us to bring you this post.
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A Beginner’s Style Guide to Food Photography http://ift.tt/2G87J9G
A Beginner’s Style Guide to Food Photography
I’ve loved taking pictures for as long as I can remember. I grew a much deeper appreciation when I took a Black and White Film Photography course in College. The joy of capturing moments and still lifes has never gone away for me. I started taking pictures of my food in earnest while on the Whole30 challenge. It started as a way to chronicle and share my journey on Instagram. It turned into a passion to use my photography skills to artfully capture my plate. The interesting thing about photographing food is that you are taking pictures of both the food and the setting. So today I’m sharing a beginner’s style guide to food photography with you.
A Beginner’s Style Guide to Food Photography
Lighting:
As with all photography advice I must start with the most quintessential element of them all. Lighting. Natural lighting to be specific. Natural lighting is your friend. However, the key is for the light to be indirect. Harsh direct lighting on your food is not your friend. I recommend shooting were you have a good source of beautiful, natural lighting streaming in. Or even take your food outside as long as shade is available.
I generally take pictures of breakfast because I am taking advantage of the morning light. In the summer, when the days are longer, dinner gets featured as well.
Styling the Food:
Go for a variety of color: I’m not saying you can’t go for a monochromatic color scheme, but it doesn’t really pop when it comes to shooting food. Here’s an example of how I build a plate. Let’s say I make poached eggs. Start with a bed of leafy greens, spinach or kale go great with eggs. I usually use white plates so the green creates a nice contrast between my plate and eggs or a piece of meat. Otherwise I have white on white and it’s hard to define the food against the plate. Next I add a nice vivid pop of color from a cherry red tomato or an orange sweet potato. Last to go on the plate is a sliced apple or a side of mushrooms.
Give it a little layer: Remember that bed of leafy greens we just talked about? I love layers in photography. They bring in texture and contrast. So don’t be afraid to stack your food and let things overlap.
Cut into it: Take a few shots of your untouched food first just in case. Then grab a fork or a knife and cut into it. I do this especially if I’m shooting eggs. Which, you may have figured out, tends to be the star of my food photos. I like eggs. Sorry, not sorry. It adds interest if you take a bite and leave the fork in the photo. Like someone is actually eating the food. And I do by the way… eat the food.
Slice and fan things out: You can never go wrong taking fruit and veggies, slicing them up and fanning them out. You can even get fancy and make strawberry or avocado roses.
Drizzle over it: Back with that texture and contrast. Plus it just looks pretty. I love drizzling almond or cashew butter over a sliced apple or a sliced banana. Tastes delicious too!
Sprinkle seasoning or a garnish on top: Creates layers, dimension, texture and contrast. This can be done with things like spices, dressings, seeds, nuts and herbs.
Now, don’t worry, this isn’t a check list. Feel free to try these tips out individually or together in whatever combination you decide. Food photography, like any other photography is an art! Apply basic techniques and enjoy the styling. Before you know it your aesthetic will start to shine through.
A Beginner’s Style Guide to Food Photography #foodphotography Click To Tweet
Add props to the picture:
Now that you have a beautiful plate of food focus on the surrounding. Here’s some ideas of “props” to bring into your photos: Plants, flowers, glasses and/or mugs, silverware, napkins, books, Also try using your hands. I love bringing in that human element.
I layer smaller plates on bigger plates, use cutting boards and trays, kitchen towels, even cookie racks in my pictures.
When it comes to adding props, work with what you have on hand. See a running theme of succulents in my photos? It adds a pinch of my personality because I love succulents. And plants are pretty.
Getting the Shot:
Figure out your style. I tend to focus on a shot from above angle most of the time. My food photography is generally for Instagram so I’m usually thinking in terms of those little squares. I also use my iPhone for 99.9% of my food photography. However, when shooting for the blog I like to work with my DSLR, so for this post I did a photo shoot with my Canon, so I could share a variety of angles with you! What do you think? Do you prefer food shots from above, the side or a mixture of both?
So there’s a snapshot of how I plate my food and style my food photos! Did you find these tips helpful? I’d love it if you shared your favorite tip below.
xoxo Naomi
A Beginner’s Style Guide to Food Photography #foodphotography Click To Tweet
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When Generosity Pays the Giver Back the Biggest http://ift.tt/2B3WvPI
When Generosity Pays the Giver Back the Biggest
I had an amazing experience and lesson in generosity over Christmas. It all came down to a ten dollar bottle of wine. The plan for the day was simple. I hit the road around 11 a.m. for an hour drive to my brother’s place in Los Angeles to celebrate Christmas together on the 23rd. Thankfully it was an uneventful and almost traffic free drive.
We did brunch, exchanged gifts and then headed downtown to do a little last minute Christmas shopping. I cannot remember the last time I went shopping this close to Christmas Day. There’s a reason I avoid stores around the holidays. Crowded isles, impatient people and long lines? No, thank you!
So here we found ourselves shopping among the masses and, yes, waiting in long lines. It just so happens a quick dash out of line to grab one more item led to letting someone else go in front of us. She was quiet and seemed distracted. In fact she was hardly even thankful we let her go in front of us.
As the cashier rang her up, he asked for her ID to go with the bottle of white wine she was purchasing. Unfortunately she didn’t have it with her. In her mid to late 50’s, she grew frustrated even flabbergasted that she needed her ID. Honestly she was obviously of drinking age, but no, the store policy persisted. So she turned to us for help, could one of us “lend” an ID? I felt immediately uncomfortable with the idea, but began to pull my ID out anyways. I know, I know, what’s the big deal?
The cashier under 21 himself had called another associate over to authorize the purchase of alcohol and she stood firm that the person buying the wine had to have an ID. “How much is it,” I asked the cashier? Ten dollars and change. Done. I’ll buy the wine.
This was perhaps one of the most rewarding moments of my whole year.
Surprisingly one of the most rewarding moments of my whole year. #showkindness #begenerous Click To Tweet
This lady who had been aloof as we’d stood in line and even seemed indifferent when we had allowed her to go ahead of us in line was transformed. She looked at me incredulously, unbelieving I would buy her wine. In a gush of appreciation tears filled her eyes as she told me she was going to cry. She shared with me how her daughter was away for Christmas and hugged me. She thanked me again and again, wishing me Merry Christmas with more thank yous, before we parted ways. Her gratefulness at such a small thing has remained with me. It wasn’t the money or the wine, but the moment of two strangers brought together in kindness and gratitude.
We never know what our moments of kindness or generosity will lead to. Now who do you think received the greater gift? I’ll give you a clue. It was me. And all for a ten dollar bottle of wine.
xoxo Naomi
How a ten dollar bottle of wine made my year in the most unexpected of ways Click To Tweet
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Good Coffee as Explained by a Barista http://ift.tt/2CTJUDM
Good Coffee as Explained by a Barista
Today’s guest post author is barista, blogger and fashionista Lindsey of The Filipino Grigio. Lindsey is, among many things, a wonderfully creative soul. A true artist, smart, vivacious and adventurous. She writes, dances, does theatre, has impeccable fashion and oh she knows how to make really good coffee. I went on my first coffee crawl with Lindsey and we’ve shared many deep conversations over a cup. When it comes to the question of what is “good coffee,” naturally I turned to Lindsey to break it down for us. So without further ado I present: Good Coffee as Explained by a Barista.
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In a world What is “good” coffee? You might know us by our exterior signaling: the minimalist café spaces, impossibly attractive tattooed baristas, and of course latte art. But what makes the coffee sold in these aesthetically pleasing establishments so special (and expensive)? Is it flavored? Magical? Blessed by the holy breath of a Buddhist monk? And why can’t I get caramel in my latte anyway?
Well it turns out, the coffee industry has developed in waves. Much like the waves of feminism, coffee made significant leaps and bounds in three distinct periods. Let me give you the SparkNotes version. The first wave was the idea that coffee could be a drinkable, commodifiable beverage at all–much like the Folgers that your great aunt makes for Bible study (you know it’s true). The second wave was the development of commercial, “specialty coffee”, i.e. Starbucks. Coffee houses developed into a social experience and with that came an expanded, individualized vocabulary for coffee (latte, cappuccino, americano, etc).
“Good Coffee”, as Explained by a Barista
So then what’s third wave? Essentially “third wave coffee” is a corner of the coffee industry that pays meticulous attention to the farming, buying, roasting, and preparation of coffee. The idea behind this is that coffee can be enjoyed for its natural properties.
A third wave shop essentially takes out most of the marketing-forward individualization of coffee and lets the bean speak for itself. It’s why a third wave shop will likely incorporate a vanilla latte on their menu but stop short of carrying caramel or hazelnut–their intention is to get you to enjoy the bean for the sake of itself. It’s sometimes compared to the wine industry. Wine connoisseurs enjoy wine for it’s nuanced tastes and develop palates that can taste the difference between a grenache and a bordeaux. Like wine, coffee is grown all over the world and has endless different varietals–all with unique flavor profiles.
For example, Ethiopian coffees grown from the heirloom varietal are famous for having delicate, floral tasting notes with a light, tea-like mouthfeel. I know, it all sounds very intimidating, but there’s absolutely no harm in asking! That’s what baristas like me are there for. Ask any third wave barista what their favorite coffee brewing method is and if it’s not busy, you’ll probably spark an informative debate behind the counter on whether the Chemex or Kalita is better for pour-overs (pffb, it’s the Kalita).
Third wave baristas love to nerd out over their product knowledge–you’ve just got to push the right buttons.
BONUS: A crash course in milk-drinks So I bet you’ve got your Starbucks lingo down to a science. Triple shot soy milk venti mocha extra hot with an extra pump of chocolate? I feel you dude. However, third wave shops–on top of having intimidating, minimalist vibes–tend to have a shockingly distilled menu. It’s cause for confusion–much like when Netflix decides to take all your favorite TV shows off and replace them with original comedy specials. Just as good, but the language’s a bit different. So here’s a crash course in milk drinks, as typically defined by third wave coffee.
Espresso – 30g of face-melting goodness. Confusingly enough, when ordering “a shot of espresso”, know you are asking for a double shot, which forms the base of all milk drinks below.
Macchiato – a shot of espresso with just enough steamed milk added to fill a demitasse cup (roughly 4.5oz).
Cortado (or Gibraltar) – equal parts espresso and steamed milk. Served at a slightly cooler temperature than a cappuccino and in a 5oz gibraltar glass. Legend goes that Blue Bottle baristas invented these as a way of knocking back ‘spro on the fly behind the counter, hence the cooler temp.
Cappuccino – A six-ounce milk drink of espresso and steamed milk. NOTE: traditionally, a cap is defined as ⅓ espresso, ⅓ steamed milk and ⅓ foam in a 6oz vessel. However, the milk used in specialty shops today is specifically engineered to give a dense, thin layer of foam instead of a fluffy pillow-foam, so that ratio is being used less and less often. Besides, less bubbly-foam just means more latte art.
Latte – espresso and steamed milk served in a vessel over 8oz.
Flat white – Traditionally, a cappuccino or latte served without fluffy pillow-foam. Wildly popular in Australia. Today: cappuccinos and flat whites are generally one and the same, much to the delight of many an Aussie tourist.
Americano – espresso diluted with water (can be any size). Roughly the strength of a 12oz cup of coffee. Called a “long black” in Australia.
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You can connect with Lindsey at The Filipino Grigio and on Instagram: @filipino.grigio
Now that you versed on the finer points of third wave coffee, read this post to plan out your own ultimate coffee crawl!
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