Gingerbread Latte

3/4 oz Torani Gingerbread Syrup (3 pumps)
6 oz milk
1 shot espresso

In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and Torani syrup together, whisking until frothy. Pour heated, flavored milk into a tall glass and add brewed espresso. Spoon a thin layer of foamed milk over top of beverage.

Recently, i spent a cool California winter night out with my bro Ap & sis Jessica at Coffee Bean . One of my favorite spots to attend for quiet time , blogging time , or just people watching . A habit i picked up in Germany with my bro Tamal & Johannes drinking Gluwein in Munich on the sidewalks of cobblestone streets . In any event , i was coerced into trying this Winter Dream Tea Latte by the cashier who called it , “Christmas in a Cup” . So like any other avid Christmas fanatic i tried it out & loved it ! & now i’m telling you . you must go to Coffee Bean immediately after reading this and pick yourself up a Winter Dream Tea Latte , the teabags , and if you’re like me , the candle as well ! (Recommended Pairing: a slice of their cheesecake)

” brick x brick “
hmb

"'Calm?' I'll show you calm!"

Tally:  2 lattes (Starbucks)

1 mocha (Peet’s. PEET’S!)

…so I’ve cut back 50% this week.  So I’m “fifty percent less sugar” or something slogan-worthy like that.

But this past week was noteworthy for this reason:  I rediscovered The Tea Cabinets!  Yes, two kitchen cabinets full of TEA–loose tea, teabags, tea in canisters tea in funky silk cones, even one sketchy-looking green tea in its own tiny box–in my own house.

Yes, in my own house.  In my defense, the cabinets also hold the my great-aunt’s china (rarely used) and a large jar of unpopped popcorn (also rarely used.  Microwave Jolly Time Lite Butter.  ‘Nuff said.).  But the Tea Cabinets have returned to the forefront of my addled mind, thanks to the Tall Drink of Hot Tea that is my husband.

Me (draped across kitchen counter):  Latte now.  Latte project is stupid and doesn’t take my neeeeeeeeeeeeeeds into account!  Stupid.  Can’t make brain work.  Ullrrrrrrrarrrrghammumph.

HotTea:  Do you need a latte, or do you just need caffeine?

Me:  Need a latte for waking up!  NEED!  No one has to KNOW!

HT:  We have tea.

Me:  Whwuw*&@HSmish???

HT:  Tea.  With caffeine.  Black, green, white, paisley…

(He quickly fills the teakettle and makes it boil.   It’s as if he’s done this many times before.  He adds sugar–yay!–and hands me the big mug with “IOWA” on it.)

Me:  sip sip sip

I can’t believe I had forgotten about our grand stash of tea.  I guess the last time I really drank it on a regular basis was when I was pregnant–the Stash Lemon Ginger stuff because I was concerned about my circulation.  I used to put loose tea in my hot bath.  I used to take hot baths.  I guess I always saw tea as therapeutic/day spa-ish, not, well…useful.

Black tea with sugar is very useful.

I’m going to delve back into the Tea Cabinets more next week.  I want to try those triangular tea-in-silk-bags ones.

Should I be jealous that my tea dresses better than me?

Today marks my 6-month wedding anniversary, and I just had to post a romantic gesture to mark the date. These past 183 days since the wedding have flown by, and I can’t express how thankful I am to drink my coffee with the one I love each morning! And by the way, you too can be a latte artist: Check out this DIY stencil from How about orange.

Spiced Eggnog Latte

2 Tbsp. Torani Italian Eggnog syrup
Splash of Torani Ginger Spice syrup
1 cup milk
1/4 cup espresso

In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and Torani syrup together, whisking until frothy. Pour heated, flavored milk into a tall glass and add brewed espresso*. Spoon a thin layer of foamed milk over top of beverage.

*If needed, 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee can be substituted for 1/4 cup brewed espresso.

After a full month and a half of bike research, riding, and waiting for another brand of bike to come into my LBS (your loss, Felt), just yesterday I took delivery of my new Jamis Ventura Race. Man, what a beautiful bike! I walked in the shop, and the Jamis was in the rack by the door. I took one look and thought, “ooh, I hope that’s my bike.” Sure enough, it was (photos of the bike are at the bottom of the post). Greg, the LBS manager, took great pains to fit the bike to me exactly. I trusted him, because he was the one who recommended a 51cm frame size vs a 54cm frame size than some other schmo “fitted” me for. The 51 was the right size, for sure, but it took a little tweaking of the saddle postion and the stem orientation to get it right. Finally, when I took for a ride around the neighborhood, I planned to ride for at least half an hour. However, within two hundred yards, I was grinning from ear to ear and I knew that the fit was perfect.  So this morning (as those of you who follow my twitter feed already know) I manned up, put on a bunch of layers for the 40 degree temperature and the 9-12 mile an hour wind, and went for a sweet twelve mile ride on Folly Beach, the island below Charleston, SC, USA where I live.

fdsa I was not out for a hard ride, just wanted to get to know the bike. Greg did a great job, and the bike fit me perfectly. Months earlier, I had ridden a borrowed bike to train and compete in my first sprint triathlon. I realize now that the borrowed bike fit me surprisingly well, but the Jamis was perfect. It was a cloudly morning, but when I reached the Washout the sun was busting through the clouds in giant rays, so I stopped to take in the view.

sf After I turned around at the end of the island, I headed back and stopped into The Lost Dog Cafe to say hi to everyone and grab a latte (hard core training ride, I’m tellin’ ya!). If you are ever in Folly Beach or Charleston, make sure to stop in to the Lost Dog for a cinnamon roll or brekkie. Tell the owner, Carol, that I sent you.

After that, it was back home, a big grin on my face from a great ride on my new bike. The frame or the Jamis has a carbon front fork, carbon back stays, and a carbon seat post, and I really think it took the bumps more smoothly than the borrowed Cannondale I raced on (I’m not talking smack about your bike, Jason, it was awesome!). All in all, it was a great start to the day. Can’t wait to ride tomorrow! Below are some photos of the Jamis that I took in my studio. Nothing great, but some fun shots.

Can’t go two feet without that morning latte? Well here’s a cool spin on those hot drinks! Enjoy!

Cheers,

The Voice of the Vixen

************CAUTION: The contents below may be EXTREMELY hot!********************

EAT ME! It sounded like a great idea UNTIL…the response… It has been humbling and hobbling.  A Celebrity Gift Guide all about food… Ok well someone had to taste all the submissions.  Sound like fun? 10 pounds later….IT WAS!

I am a Foodie, I have slimmed down since puberty when I was a moving target in the cafeteria for flying tater tots…Yes as hard as it might be to believe (or maybe not)… I was not always this “Uber Cool” .   In fact, I think the technical term is GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK and not much has changed.   But, a lethal mix of treadmill and Botox has made me tolerable…

Enough about my past and the endless hours of therapy to overcome it!   What are the celebs gifting and eating this year?   Well…(FYI let’s call this PHASE ONE) as the amazing products just keep coming!

Even my HHBFF or (Hot Herculean Best Friend Forever) Kev Sorbo has likes to enjoy…Kevin will you please get fat and ugly SOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!  Jeez!

Not soooo original, but when you look like my BFF Anton WHO CARES!

“I like to drink eggnog around the holidays” – Anton Kasabov (FYI- NEW BUZZ! – Anton is in the ubber fab  movie Tekken based on the mega successful videogame.  He also told me in a recent chit chat (he ate air I ate everything) about a  his lead in a webisodes based on a Harlequin novel called ” Secret agent bride”

Jessica Hall – Host of The Morning After… Says “stuffing”?  Now does she look like she is stands 10 fee from a carb???    Ok Jess what’s your secret

Goodies for the annoyingly healthy:

Remember those good ol’ cheese puffs – Calorie count 1 bagillion  (researched by my trusty Assistant to the Stars – Gabrielle a.k.a. “Gaby do this”)  Well for 120 calories and the taste of something that SHOULD be bad for ya’… The folks at Snikiddy (www.snikiddy.com) have come to the rescue with Mac n’ Cheese Puffs.   Move over Velveeta these are mucho luscious.   Don’t waste your time on the small bag… Think uber big!

Can a truffle be healthy?  Who cares!  I meeeeeeean YES!  Leave it to the Foodies at NicoBella and indulge in a “VUFFLE”  – Come on, figure it OUT!!!!  A Vegan Truffle…. (www.nicobellaorganics.com)

“Think outside the cereal box” with Me & Goji – Custom cereals for the ubbie, boobie, healthy fruitie-tuttie…  (www.meandgoji.com)

Drink Me…

Plucked from the rare Zola beverage tree in the Brazilian Rainforest, Zola smoothies are harvested fully bottled… A rare find outside of Willy Wonka’s factory.   Reality check, my tired attempt at humor.  These smoothies use a blend of delicious and powerful Brazilian SUPER-FRUITS (is that a gay superhero?) to create smoothies that keep ya’ full of energy.   My personal favorite… Berry Blend (Acai Berry and Banana) giving me extra energy to take on the universe.  Tell them Josh sent ya and it won’t get you a damn thing but tell them anyway… (www.drinkzola.com)

Personal Favorites:

My uber fab Assistant “The Gabster” was almost terminated for making derogatory statements about licorice…She has been warned.  Thanks to Panda Soft Licorice for sending me one of my all time favorite foods.   No Twizzlers™ for this guy, bring on the secret to this uber fab confection.   The best all natural ingredients cooked in a traditional Finnish nature (not sure what that means… But who cares they taste great)   (www.panda.fi)

What can be bad when you are gold, pink or fuchsia?  Add to that an uber, UBER fab box filled with wine-pairing medallions and you have a truffle of the month club that could land the space shuttle. (www.ejconfections.com)

Deans Beans – “Great coffee making the world a better place…” Bring on the dark smoking blend of Ring of Fire…Can we say active volcanic soils???? (www.deansbeans.com)

Cocoa Canard – If I was a Drag Queen this would be my new (I mean first ever drag name)…  The perfect gift for someone special who can’t resist a long line of collectible celebrity ducks … Note to uber fabs – AMAZING Belgium chocolate included. (www.cocoacanard.com) (www.celebriducks.com)

Naumes Fruit Gifts – This fresh fruit sent right to your door is a great to wash down all that chocolate, cake and cookies.  But it does not stop there…This company will match your gift purchases pound for pound to feed food banks and hungry families across the country. (www.naumesfruitgifts.com)

Auntie Anne’s Make Your Own Pretzel Kit:

Do you remember Shrinkie Dinks ™?  Well if not, you are wayyyy too young to be forgiven…Annnnnnnnnnnnway move over Holly Hobby Oven, we have pretzels to make.  The big ol’ hunka hunka pretzel that is not for the rank amateur.   Mix, twist, bake and enjoy (sounds like my last date…) Annnnnny waayyyyyyyyyyy ya gotta try these.  The original are fab, but the innamon are fan f!@#$ tastic!   (www.auntieannes.com)

Get your holiday Zen On….

I thought I was a die-hard coffee fanatic UNTILLLLLLLLLLLLLL Village Tea Company dared me to try their Cherry Me Bloom tea… I still love my Java, but this tea is what interracial beverage relationships are made of… Try an unlimited number of options at (www.villageteaco.com)

Can food be Zen? – Ah yes! I am in my zone when the celestial calories converge!  In the name of NAMAUS bring on the gratitude cookies and the Zen Crunch!  (www.zenrabbbitcookies.com) and (www.gratitudecookie.com)

Let’s Get Cookin’

The folks at American Roland Food Corp. have obviously not gotten the message that we are in a recession because the box of goodies they sent was amazing and the DVD – Yes the DVD has made me an honorary global food expert.    How do I love thee? Let me count the ways but before I do so let me enjoy some ubbie fab Balsamic Vinegar in a bottle that  is a work of art.   Bravo “Roland” and might I be in your next DVD!  Check out all the products at (www.rolandfood.com)

What do I know about anything pertaining to an extra virgin?  A whole lot after my discussion with the folks at Sitia.  So get your Greek on!  (www.sitiaonline.com)

Crab cakes… and slice of 9 layer cake.   These must have been created with me in mind – Heat the oven to 350 degrees and in 15 minutes you are “crabby” (Oh stop you know what I mean.) For an extra treat and with cries of glee from my love handles, coat the crab cakes with mayo and put them in pan… With a quick pop into the oven you are on you way to somethin’ this side of wonderful. (www.kentislandcrabcakes.com)

May I make a Toast?

Take  a look at my STNPOEPTTTSBFF (Sexy Take No Prisoners Or Excuses Personal Trainer To The Star Best Friend Forever) Luis Perez (in blue) of the Mega Latin Morning Show Tu Desayuno Alegre… With a Trainer like him I over eat intentionally just so I can see him  more often!

The great thing about writing your own Foodie Guide is you can do anything you want!  So cheers to JAQK cellars – The Cabernet Sauvignot was a huge hit with Celebrity Trainer to the Stars Luis Perez.   I enjoyed the playing cards that came with them since Luis was not sharing the spirits!  Craig MacLean, Master Wine Maker is my guru of all things grape o licious.   Check out the full line of wines at (www.jaqkcellars.com) Note to all – Playing cards included…Strip poker optional.

From my FBFF (Famous Best Friends Forever) at Kahlua many thanks for a bottle of Coffee Cream that could take down the Incredible Hulk…. Smooooooooooooooooooooooooth  (www.Kahlua.com)

Might not think this is a beverage but this rum cake could have been bottled.   Someone lit a match after I had a slice and I was a walking flame thrower (hold the flame jokes for someone who cares!)  Tortuga Rum Cakes are a Caribbean party for your taste-buds! (www.tortugarums.com)

Randomly Uber Fab:

Who doesn’t like a fortune cookie… But does size matter?  According to Edible Gifts it does and my BFF Tori Spelling agrees.  How do I know? ‘Cause her damn face is on my cookie!!! Love ya “Tor” and love the cookie… Buy your own personalized yummie at (www.ediblegiftsplus.com).  Say hey to Margo and tell her Josh and Tori are secretly having an affair….(NOT!)

Is your drink feeling naked?  Dress it damn you and do it with BLINNNNNNNNNNNNNG . My favorite are the edible gold diamonds but the silver glitter kinda gets me all warm and misty!  Check them out at (www.dressthedrink.com)

What is a Bodum Frother?   Get your Google on or thank me later for telling you! Like your Latte?  Like your Frothie Latte?    Well think beyond the box or cup for this matter and get a Matcha Bodum Frother and whip it…Whip it, whip it good! (www.matchasource.com) Coupon Code: FIRSTCHA

Pack your culinary bags and stay put in your dining room or kitchen with destination dinners!  Everything you ever needed (woodchips included) to experience cuisine from around the world.  Personal fave…Jerk Chicken and Shrimp BBQ! (www.destinationdinners.com)

Old is the new…NEW!  Little Debbie’s Snack Cakes…Retro never tasted so good! (www.littledebbie.com)

Are you a lover? Are you a breakfast? Are you a lover of breakfasts? Are you a breakfast lover? Are you confused? Then go to java&Co. as fast as you can for some uber-fab gourmet, pick me up, coffee infused syrups. Personal fav: Ti Rum Isu, as well as Java Spice. Loved the cute little drawstring bag it came in. (www.javaandco.com)

Got an obsession with food? No? Liar. The Art of Over Eating…Leslie Landis gave me the top ten reasons why I should be an over eater, and I agree with every single one of them. What’s the author have to say about promoting obesity? “Should anyone take the advise in my book seriously? Only if they want to weigh 900 lbs,”

(www.theartofovereating.com )

Note to self: Is there a difference between having an opinion and being opinionated? Hell yes! Am I a blogger, or am I Switzerland? Translation: I am entitled to an opinion. Two thumbs up, one smack of the salivary glands, and a really good flossing. One of my must have, must give, must get gifts for the season: 479 Popcorn. Personal Uber Fav: yes. Commitment to name one: Black Truffle White Chedder… Reason for living: Smoked Sea Salt, Caramel, Coconut Curry Cashew, and Ginger Sesame Caramel.  (www.479popcorn.com)

Don’t mean to be CHEESIE…BUT!

Tillamook can cut the cheese in my direction any time they want… These guys are 100 years of uber fab, dairylicious, pass me a slice o’ that stuff.  Note to self and the Universe… Smoked Medium Cheddar is this side of heaven and makes a mean mac n’ cheese! (www.Tillamookcheese.com)

For the Traditionalist:

Gingerbread!  Yippee what is an uber fab gift guide without one!!!!   Ok I admit it, I love biting the heads off… Wonderland Bakery makes one of the best Gingerbread men I have tasted.  Buy it, eat it, buy some more! (www.wonderlandbakery.com)

A modern twist on the goodie we love to love… RICE CRISPY TREATS known to the uber elite as Milk and Krunchies…  If you have not tasted a Rice Crispy Treat you are an alien so go  back to your Mother-ship!   Check these out at (www.milkandkrunchies.com)

C is for Cookie:

Note to all one can never have too many cookies and these are just the best of the best!

Is a Biscotti a cookie or a slice heaven?  Who cares the folks at Imperial Cookies know what they are doing.  The box of goodies the sent, fell on my foot and I am limping… But never mind that, these treats are fierce, fab and ferocious!  Personal favorite of Gaby (Asst. to ME!) Ginger Snaps.  As for Moi, Biscotti all the way! Check out all the yummies at (www.imperialcookies.etsy.com)

Park 19 Cookies has it going on from packaging to product. Do I have favorite….Yes….That would be everything they sent!  Check out the Red Velvet and Pumpkin Cake Cookie for an added treat.  (www.park19cookies.com) ENTER COUPON CODE SWEET DAY for a 15% discount code especially created for you!

I believe a brownie is simply a multi-cultural cookie and the folks at Fairytale Brownies have not missed an opportunity.  Cream Cheese, Espresso Nib, White Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Raspberry Swirl did me in and added 30 minutes on the treadmill for 2 days!   Buy them NOW…Buy them NOWWWW. Lady Chablis, From Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil (www.Planetchablis.com) enjoyed them with me and is now a big fan!  Get your own !@$%  at (www.brownies.com)

Chef Joes Cookies – Joe you are my hero! These cookies rock.  With celeb friends like you who needs friends… (www.chefjoescookies.com)   “No crumbs left behind…”

THEY SAY – “THE BEST 5 layer bars (cookie bars).”  And THEY are correct!!!  OMG these equal one week on the treadmill and WELLLLLLL worth it!

(www.sugabettensbaking.com)

Candy and Chocolate:

Ego alert!  These are in no particular order as they were all amazing!!!!

One would think…that a curry coconut truffle is just wrong.. OH NO!  As it is oooh so right. Chef Jean-Michel and his “zesty” wife Jill, bring it! All the way from France. Is trufflilicous a word? It’s my blog, so yes it is. (www.chococalibressan.com)

What no fudge….Oh please!!!!!  Check out EVERYTHING from (www.dellsfudge.com) NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! -Note to uber fabs…(Cran nut is Cran O Liscious)

Fantasia Confections knows how to take a man into a sugar coma and do it with style… They have “raised the bar” on indulgence for individuals and businesses with unique offerings and uncompromised customer service.  Blah, blah, blah the chocolate apple would make G-d himself listen to the serpent and eat from the damn Tree of Knowledge.

(www.raisingthecandybar.com) (www.illinoisnut.com)

Handmade treats Manhattan Style!  Ronnie- Sue does it uber fab with my personal favorite…Down the Hatch!   Check out all the goodies at (www.roni-sue.com) as well as( http://regionalbest.com) and (http://roni-suechocolates.regionalbest.com/detail/regional-chocolate-collection/)

Leave it to my BFF John Whaley a former investment banker to develop a personal interest in chocolate.  Not sure how he was at investing but this man can work a cocoa bean and the ROI (Return On Investment) is nothing less than pennies from heaven! www.1800chocolate.net

Cakes:

If I were a cake and my cake friends wanted me to order them a cake – THIS is the cake I would order!  Note to all – CALL THEM NOW…The Chocolate Cake is beyond words.   If you have to give a gift to someone you don’t really like – DON’T send this cake… Visit the folks at (www.wetakethecake.com) and definitely tell them Josh sent ya’

Who said uber yum can’t come in a box…Check out the healthy mixes from Naturally Nora.   Yellow cake never tasted so yellow.  Nora would love to hear from ya so check her out at (www.naturallynora.com)

More Than Honorable Mention:

The goodies just kept rolling in and all are appreciated and worth mention:

• Tillen Farms – Maraschino Cherries (www.tillienfarms.com)
• Moonstruck Chocolatier – (www.moonstruckchocolate.com)
• Alter Eco – Go green with some good ol’ dark chocolate (www.altereco.com) and track your green thumb at (www.fairtradecertified.org)
• Macrobar (A vegan product) (www.gomacro.com)
• King Arthur Bakery Sticky Buns (www.kingarthurflour.com)
• Plum Orgnanics – Mild Flavors for little palates (www.plumorganics.com)
• Breads and Moore – Peach Cobbler in a jar – (www.breadsandmoore.com)
• Esmeraldas Milk (Chocolate from Ecquador) – (www.originalbeans.com)
• BUILT – My BFF’s Jennifer Garner, Tina Fey and  Halle Berry love these gourmet getaway lunch totes (www.builtny.com)

PHASE TWO ON THE WAY!!!!!!!!

Christmas is almost here!!!

Doughnut: Thank you Boo Jie Jie for the chew sticks!

This morning I awoke to the sound of rain on the roof. I curled up and went back to sleep for another hour or so since there’s no cozier sound than rain against the window. Ahhh, I love the weekends!

Once I got out of bed, Ryan and I leashed up Sadie for a chilly walk in dreary Orlando. It actually felt like winter! Brrr. Our chilly walk prompted cravings for a warm breakfast. Cinnamon sounded tasty and I wanted to try to make French toast strips out of Joseph’s lavash bread.

French Toast Strips

I used egg whites and lots of cinnamon to dip the lavash strips in before placing them on the griddle. They smelled and tasted phenomenal. Of course I topped them with yummy syrup.

Yum, Yum

After breakfast, Ryan and I headed out to put a dent in our Christmas shopping. We arrived 20 minutes before the stores opened (we figured they’d be open by 9 a.m. – not so!) and wasted time wondering around the shops.

Since it was cold outside we stopped by Starbucks for some hot beverages. I ordered a skinny caramel latte.

Hot and Delish

After Starbucks we wandered into Le Gourmet Chef where I think I ate my lunch in free samples! Yikes! They had so many different foods and dips to try and I couldn’t resist any of them. I even took several handfuls of animal crackers to enjoy while I browsed.

I loved just about every thing I saw in J. Crew, including these pj pants:

J. Crew PJ Pants

Every year on Christmas Eve, my family gets new pajamas. I love this tradition because going to sleep in my new Christmas pj’s makes me feel extra festive. Plus, it’s fun to have something to open before all the Christmas madness begins in the morning. Needless to say, I always take extra time looking at holiday pajamas in the stores.

After stopping in several more stores, Ryan and I headed toward the car.  I dropped Ryan off at home before heading out to a shopping center near our apartment for a little more shopping. My shopping stamina exceeds his by just a little.

We bought some (hopefully great) gifts for our loved ones.

Shopping Success

On my way back from my second round of shopping I got a call from Ryan with a special request: the new eggnog milkshake from McDonald’s. Since neither of us have ever tried it before, I swung by the ol’ McD’s and picked up a small shake.

What’s your favorite kind of milkshake?

Eggnog Shake

This seasonal shake was g-o-o-d! I think eggnog is very tasty and this shake replicated the flavor really well. YUM.

Hope you’re all enjoying the weekend so far!

If you follow me on Twitter, then you’re probably aware that I had a very odd weekend last week.  I did not end up going to see a doctor, so I’m going to hypothesize that this is what happened to me…

I went to a charity dinner on Saturday night – the food was homemade food (not catered), and it was ethnic food as well.  It was delicious.  And then afterwards, I went to Starbucks and ordered a latte.  While I was there, my friend bought me a polar bear cookie.  That night when I was sleeping, I received a text message at around 3-3:30 AM, which woke me up.  Oddly, I couldn’t fall back asleep because I felt kind of nauseous and I had a piercing pain in my stomach.  I just gave up trying to fall back asleep, and ended up throwing up 3 times that night.

By my final episode of throwing up, it was around 8 AM, and I called my friends in desperation, texting them to see if anyone else got sick from the banquet, etc.  Everyone else was fine.  But my friend offered to pick up some Pepto for me, since he has a car.

My apartment building is pretty damn ghetto, so the buzzer system hasn’t been set up yet (even though it was promised to me that it would be many months ago), so whenever I have a guest, I have to go downstairs and open the door for them.  So when my friend arrived with the Pepto, I walked down the stairs (BIG MISTAKE), and I started to feel really sick.  I just thought to myself, “get the medicine and rush back upstairs to throw up in your own apartment!!!”

After my friend dropped the Pepto off and left, I was really dizzy and wobbling around at them time.  I assured him I was fine, because I really had no clue what was happening to me.  I tried as best as I could to get to the elevator, and I was able to press the up button, and stumbled into the elevator.  The next thing I knew, I was thinking “damn that hurts”, because I had just crashed my head/face into the elevator doors while I was fainting.  Odd.

A while later, the elevator doors opened because no buttons had been pressed, and that jolted me awake.  I realized I was still on the first floor, so I pressed my floor’s button.  I was really confused.  But what confused me even more was that when the doors opened onto my floor, I woke up only to find myself on the ground again.  I had passed out again.

Freaking out, I just told myself to get myself in bed asap, so I stumbled back to my apartment.  I then later woke up in the hallway right in front of of my door.  I had passed out a third time.

Anyway, I meant that to be a short summary, but it ended up being long, so I’m sorry!

So I think because I hit my head the first time I fainted, I may have suffered a very mild concussion, because I spent the next 2 days in bed feeling incredibly dizzy.

I’m completely fine now, but here are the pics I took of the bruises on my knees!  They were painful.  Seriously though, what a weird weekend.

shmexy.

Eggnog is really REALLY? really REALLY? really REALLY? good and real.

However yesterday my friend bought me an eggnog latte at Starbucks and it SUCKED MY AND YOUR BALLS. This could have to do with the fact that I don’t like lattes. When it comes to coffee, I’m only into espresso.

The thing is, when someone says they’ll buy me a coffee, I always decide to get something I wouldn’t normally get, even though I know I’d prefer a double espresso. I need to change this.

But you don’t care. What do you care about all this?

The point is, I fucking love eggnog. My dad used to get it a lot when I was younger. I don’t think he drinks it anymore. I guess he’s so over it.

Should I get some eggnog? I’m not sure. It’s one of those things I say I love, but when it comes down to it, why would I spend $3 on a jug of eggnog when I could spend $2.69 on a 48 oz. bottle of V-8 at Target?

Honey Vanilla Tea Latte

1 oz. (2 Tbsp.) Honey Vanilla syrup
1 cup brewed black tea  (we suggest Mighty Leaf Organic Breakfast & Two Leaves Organic Assam Breakfast)
1 cup milk

Pour hot brewed tea into a glass or mug and add Torani and milk. Stir gently.

Today I went to a communications lecture at school. I was sooo excited because Andy Cohen from Bravo was speaking and he has my dream job! When I got there there were pizza boxes opened, caesar salad on the table, dressings on the side, and big delicious bread rolls in a basket. It was lunchtime and I was starving but luckily I came prepared with my skinny vanilla latte. But, what if I hadn’t had my coffee? I’m not sure if I would have eaten one piece of pizza or not because I was soo hungry!

What do you do in these types of situations? Would you have splurged for the five or so points and had one slice of pizza? Or would you have waited the hour until you could get real lunch?

What is the fascination
Why do we come here
To escape
To live differently
If it was about enjoying a cup of coffee we would just sit at home

So what is it that makes us spend time in a coffee café

It’s not one kind of person or another
We’re all different
A group of kids
A young couple – are they talking or arguing
The off shift employee doing a crossword puzzle
The man in the corner working hard on his computer
The job interview at the center table

We have become a Starbuck’s nation

Life revolves around the barista’s
It’s no longer the front porches
The backyard deck
The neighbor’s garage talking cars

It’s the Grande, skinny, vanilla, double shot latte
I’ll take one to go

© 2009

New custom blend coming just in time for the New Year!!! Novo Coffee in Denver is supplying samples within the next week. We will be blending and cupping four different variations before making a final decision on the “Ano Novo” blend. All net proceeds will go to charity. Be very excited and tell your friends!

–The Hounds

When I started reading Karen Armstrong (The Bible: The Biography) I started doubting everything I believed. Not that she intended that. But it made me think of how we fashion God and how maybe that is what the Jews did. I think I said this part in another post, but Yahweh wasn’t special to them, he was another god in the pantheon of Gods. I do believe in God. But I think I have come to a place where sometimes I question if he is listening anymore? See, the typical answer would be to say ‘yes,her is!’, but to be honest, this is reductionistic. God can’t be bound by our ideas of him. He is not responsible to us, yes, maybe for us, but there is a difference. And what of world poverty, people getting raped, world hunger, road rage, disease, and doctrine and dogma could quite easily fit into those categories. I know I am ranting, but am just sharing. I haven’t done this in a while on here, but wanted to share because I thought it was time and got inspired to. So is God there? sometimes I think he is. other times it seems like he is having a coffee break. but, i think i have fashioned my version of God to assert his presence by “answering prayers” or giving me things is a better way to say it. Prayer wasn’t supposed to be about me getting presents from Santa, it was about connecting with the Divine. Like Phyllis Tickle talks about an old church practice she is bringing back and practices called the divine hours, and I love the idea and I love the church disciplines and I try them and I can’t seem to stick with them, then a part of me feels guilty because then, at times, I think if I do more of these, then maybe Santa God will give me what I want, and than I will know he is there. Like the other day, I tried this Zen meditation trick and ended up getting dizzy. Some might say that is ‘because God didnt want you to do that’, I would disagree with this wholeheartedly, it might be because I could be having an early onset of diabetes or something (I eat a lot of sugary crap day in and day out). But, I think we reduce God to a tyrrant when we think he is making us pay for our sins, which is faulty theology, because the cross took care of everyone. Every one of our sins. I am sometimes disillusioned by all the cliches that are running around through the halls of churches and in Starbucks conversations, the Jews disliked cliches, they thought it limited God. I do too. So, where is the real God, the one behind the cliches?? The one I can find standing waiting to grasp me and hold me and love me for who I am. It seems that because of us (the bible authors included), the God of ’scripture’ left the building long ago, once we decided to follow a book, some doctrine, dogma and perceptual truth rather than Him. I think words in general tend to be quite reductionistic, even if we have the best of motives. I think my blogpost is reductionist, but I am not claiming a doctrine here. I am just trying to being honest about my journey. I know I am ball of contradictions, I know this all too well. I am fine with them, they make wonderful companions for the journey. one contradiction sits and complains all day. another one, while sipping on a latte, sits and wonders about life, why we’re here, what is love? and who is God? another one, and he is a sarcastic guilt-driven one who thinks life might be about the answers, and tries to argue with me about how we might need some structure to make this all make sense. and then there is this new contradiction who has just turned up on the scene a few years ago….the one willing to ask all the questions, trying to recapture the child within, trying to see God if he is there…and on his terms…i am always fighting me…maybe not now, as I write this…but God is so much more than all of this…I know he is…but I wish I knew where he was, because he isn’t anywhere to be found because I have yet to hear him answer my prayers and give me what I want? God, where are you?

I have an addiction to Egg Nog Lattes. Every year it starts my holiday season. Here’s my recipe for homemade Egg Nog Lattes.

I make mine with a Starbucks Barista here but you can also make this with a stovetop pot and espresso maker like this.

Egg Not Latte

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Egg Nog

1/4 cup Milk (Skim/2% etc.)

2 tbsp. Espresso (may need more or less with stove top version)

1 tsp. Brown Sugar

1 Drop Vanilla

Nutmeg

Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Put brown sugar and vanilla in mug. Set aside.

2. Mix Milk and Egg Nog together in carafe/pot. Steam Egg Nog mixture to 140 degrees and then froth by slowly lowering carafe to allow dense foam to form on top (Stove top: Whisk till frothy) until the temp. reaches 150 degrees and remove from heat. Set aside.

4. Place espresso into portafilter(espresso holder) press down with back of spoon or tamper till the espressos firmly packed in and place group in place on espresso machine. Start running shot (a perfect shot should take between 18 and 23 seconds)

5. Put espresso shot in mug with sugar/vanilla mix. Pour Egg Nog mix into mug with a spoon holding back the foam, leaving 1 inch to scoop foam on top of latte.

6. Sprinkle with nutmeg and/or Cinnamon.

Serves 1

Enjoy!

I substitute light Egg Nog to be more health conscience and place a Candy Cane in the latte to be more festive.