My go-to Iced Mocha for Summer

  I've been trying new recipes in the kitchen during quarantine. It's been nice to be forced to get creative and use things I already own (like pantry items that have been collecting dust), but I've also stumbled upon some now favorites!
Over the last 6 weeks, as the weather has warmed up, I've paused on my homemade (hot) latte situation (though I need to test out an ice latte soon), and been sucking down iced mochas that I adapted from the Hungry Girl. 
She created this "isolation mocha" and shared it on a live video on Facebook (watch it here).  I ordered the ingredients I didn't have right away, and have been making this iced coffee drink since!  It's pretty quick to make after you make it a couple times.

Here are the ingredients you need
1 tbs. Instant Coffee
1 tbs. (or to-taste) Monkfruit Sweetener  (or other sugar/replacement preference)
1 tbs. Cocoa Powder
1 tbs. Powdered Coffee Creamer - Creamy Chocolate (you get more calorie bang for you buck with powder)
Serving size of Collagen Powder (I use this kind)
Dash of Cinnamon 
1/2 cup of hot water
Ice
1/3-1/2 cup of Milk/Alternative of your choice (I use Silk's Creamy Cashew milk)
Tumbler (I like Yeti or insulated Mason Jar Mug)
How to
1. Put 1/2 cup of water in the microwave for a minute to get it HOT
2. While water is getting hot, mix all your dry ingredients in your tumbler (get an insulated one to keep your drink cold longer later)
3. Poor the hot water into your tumbler over the dry ingredients and STIR (for about 30 seconds)
4. Fill up your tumbler up with ICE about 2/3rd to 3/4th of the way
5. Poor 1/3 to 1/2 cup of your milk choice on top & STIR

ENJOY!

 Ingredients & products I love for this drink:

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Two Months with Home Lattes!

  After a lot of research and a lot of talking, I finally got a Nespresso and Breville milk frother (both on sale!) and built a little coffee nook in my kitchen to make my own lattes at home.  I've had other coffee makers in the past that have just never cut it, and my Starbucks habit was getting out of hand.  
What I really wanted, and how I take my coffee is a shot (or sometimes two) of espresso with steamed milk (and milk alternatives). But I also didn't want a big, messy espresso machine that was too much work to maintain or too long to prepare each morning (as I'm running out the door 5 minutes late).
Many review sites later, talking to friends and trying their different machines I landed on the Nespresso De'Longhi with original pods (they are cheaper than the vertuo pods) that is slim enough to not take up a ton of space, but has a reserve of water on the backside so I don't have to fill it every time.  I love how fast the machine heats up (25 seconds!) to make my quick espresso (there is also a coffee "lungo" option).
Another important component to making a latte - a milk frother (and warmer!).  I did a ton of research on this, too, and Breville brand was the best hands down.  The Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother is as easy as a push of a button to getting the perfect milk froth. And you can make a single to a few cups worth at one time. 
Both of these machines have lived up to the research hype and my expectations. In fact, after two solid months of drinking a homemade latte 6 times a week, I grabbed a Starbucks while out running errands last week and was appalled.  The taste was bitter and almost-burnt tasting. I wasn't used to that, and must say, my homemade lattes have been super smooth.

I've tried oat milk, dairy milk and almond milk - all work well with different frothing amounts pending the milk. I even played with using chocolate almond milk for a chocolate latte. I added cinnamon and a bit of vanilla to the milk, too.

The Breville frother comes with a cappuccino and latte (or hot cocoa) blender so you can control the froth (more with the cappuccino blender). 

For the most efficient latte making (again, as I'm running out the door), I have my little station with my machines on a tray with my cups (both mugs and to-go) right above and the Nespresso original pods right below. I also keep the Nespresso bag in that drawer to send my used pods back in which they recycle. 

With your Nespresso machine, they send you a sample pack of pods. And my first order, I ordered a variety to find my favs. So far, I'm loving the Vanilo, and when I want a stronger kick - the Ristretto is their dark, intense blend.  I strongly recommend the flavored variety and best sellers sample packs for a better variety (or to learn what your favs are).

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Downton Abbey Movie Watch Party & Inspired Food Contest

  All the characters that you know and love from the series are back together in the new Downton Abbey movie! So, I had to gather all my favorite characters in real life for a watch party upon receiving my copy of the Downton Abbey DVD from Walmart (also available on Walmart.com).
The story in the movie picks up where the series from TV left off.  And just like from before, the plot thickens around meals, at the dining table and over tea it seems! Since my favorite combo is a movie and food, I thought adding a food dish contest inspired off of the movie would be a fun addition to the watch party! 
The rules were simple. My friends coming over for the Downton Abbey DVD watch party could choose to bring (and participate) in the contest. I created and pre-shared the score card, so that they could optimize their dish selection for the best chances. Other than that, you just had to bring over any sort of dish (app, side, dessert, etc) inspired by the Downton Abbey cast and time period.
Once everyone arrived, we first judged the looks of the dishes and then dug in! Our plates were full with all the British inspired goodness. It was fun to try some new dishes and everyone really got into the spirit over the excitement of the movie.

The scorecard:

We started with English cheese and crackers!

The contestants and their dishes:

 We had such an awesome variety of dishes. In addition to the English cheese ;), we also had "downstairs" beef Wellington, cucumber tea sandwiches, lemon bean cake (made with actual cannelloni beans!), Dutches potatoes and berry scones. 

And, I really loved all the food. 

And after the movie, we finalized our votes and added it all up. We had a winner for each category and an overall winner.

 The overall winner was my friend, Angela with her "downstairs" beef Wellington dish. They were really good! She went with the theme on downstairs vs. upstairs since they were made with ground beef instead of sirloin. ;)

But the real winner of the night? The Downton Abbey movie! 

Head to Walmart and purchase the new release of Downton Abbey DVD today (and don't forget to pick this up for a gift!)
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment , but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #DowntonAbbeyAtWalmart  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

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Relaxing Girlfriend Time

 

  After a whirlwind summer, start to fall and fresh jet lag from Italy, my good friend and I wanted to hang out and catch up, but also craved something low key and def needed some relaxation. 
So... what did we do?
First, we started out with massages at Massage Heights, where I got my first ever hot stone massage - and it was wonderful!  The heat from the stones help muscles to relax, releasing muscular tension while also helping to increase circulation through the blood vessels and the lymphatic system, getting rid of your body's toxins.  But the TLDR version is: It felt so good, especially for sore and extra tense areas. I carry my stress in my shoulders, upper back and neck - so they were able to concentrate in that vicinity, which was amazing.

We almost did a couples massage, but decided to save the chit chat for a dinner following and went to our own rooms. But Massage Heights has both single and couples rooms with locations all over to find one convenient for you and your situation.

After coming out of our hour of bliss, we pulled ourselves back together and headed to Houlihan's in Fairway to try out their new seasonal menu.  I really enjoy Houlihan's in general, definitely their happy hour, but their seasonal menus always have some delicious and surprising items that I love to try!  
The current menu might be my fav yet - and good news, if you fall in love with something, like I usually do, there is a good chance they'll move it to the main menu (which they do for popular items).  The grilled chicken nachos and the ding dong martini were my two favs from this season (and I've already had that martini again since).
And yes, that is a real Hostess Ding Dong on that drink! Talk about a fun(ny) surprise and delight! And tasty. Not sure I've had one of these since 6th grade, but I'm not mad about reintroducing myself to this little delight in my 30s!

(bonus for left overs!)
So, do yourself a favor, grab a girlfriend (or many), and plan a date to relax, catch up and enjoy - especially during this crazy holiday season! 
Outfit details (for those that have asked about these shoes on IG - they are also VERY comfortable and holding up great! Love them):

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Welcome to Kansas City, True Food Kitchen!

  Opening TOMORROW on Tuesday, March 27th, True Food Kitchen on the Country Club Plaza at Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania, where Plaza III used to be. And you are going to loooooove it! I got to be a part of the soft opening with a full blown meal last Friday, and I was blown away. 
First, by the space... it is beautiful and I can't even figure out how it was ever Plaza III. It's like night and day. I love the bright, airy. open concept with a fresh color scheme balanced with neutrals. I see this spot being a great brunch, lunch and dinner environment - whether on a date, with friends or colleagues during work.
Second, and probably more importantly... the food could not be better (check out their menu). It's interesting, healthy and tasty with a wide variety to suit everyone's diet preferences and flavor cravings (ones you didn't even know you had!). Their philosophy is about food making people feel good (not worse) without giving up flavor or satisfaction. Part of their core team includes a doctor of integrative medicine, who believes delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand (read more about it). 
I'm so glad this now exists in Kansas City. They've been around - are in lots of other places, too (check their locations out) - so make sure to give them a try!

It's not just their food that is amazing, their drinks are incredible! They have a wide variety of freshly juiced and concocted non-alcoholic beverages, as well as cocktails.  I got the hangover Rx juice, and my friend got the Juniper Rose cocktail.  Both we so tasty, and came adorned with fresh plants.

After getting our drinks, we started with some appetizers - which is one of my favorite parts of any menu because I love to taste a lot of things and snack. We decided on their kale guacamole (includes cilantro, grapefruit, and per the name - kale) and charred cauliflower (which includes a surprise of dates!).

I was blown away straight from the get go. YUM basically sums it up. I wasn't sure how'd I like the gauc, as I've tasted other restaurant's versions mixed with fruit, but this was subtle and added interest I loved. The cauliflower dish can't be missed. It was so good at every bite. I was surprised by the sweet inclusion of the dates with one bite and then pistachios the next, loving every bite.

Our main dishes were perfection. I had the turkey burger - which very well might be my favorite version ever had, - with sweet potato hash while my friend had spaghetti squash, tomato and mozzarella dish (it was like a pizza bowl). We were both very happy! :)

I wasn't sure how I was going to eat another bite by the time dessert came... but somehow I managed. Really the first sniff of the flourless chocolate cake with non-dairy ice cream did it for me. And the key lime pie moose atop crushed almonds and topped with strawberries were very refreshing.  I will dream about that cake though...

The entire staff was so friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming, and I'm in love with the entire philosophy of True Food Kitchen. Even from the very beginning, walking in entering past the growing herbs at the front. You already get a sense for what you are about to experience before you even open the door.  The menu is very easy to understand what you can/can't eat based on your diet with tons of gluten free (most of the items!), vegan and vegetarian options. 

Big thanks to True Food Kitchen for having us out to be part of your opening. We are SO glad you are here, and I look forward to bringing my family and more friends again.

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A Simple Morning Waffle Bar & Netflix!

  Instead of movie night with popcorn, we turned a Sunday morning into waffles and Netflix!  You would have thought I just filled our house with Legos, LOL dolls and puppies when I broke out the Eggos and Reddi-Wip for a waffle bar. It's moments like this that makes me remember that it's the simple things in life that bring so much joy to children. 
The waffle bar allowed for each kid to choose their own waffle kind and top it however they wanted. I love when I can give my kids the freedom of choice.  And I also love when we can all find a fun show that has a positive message and instills inclusion, problem solving and friendship. Nora got us all hooked on "Spirit Riding Free" on Netflix,  and it was the perfect morning compliment to our Sunday waffle bar party.  The series is about a girl named Lucky who moves to a new town, makes new friends, and has new experiences, stepping outside of her comfort zone. And shows how she has all she needs within herself!
We often make our own waffles, but I have to tell you... shopping at Walmart for Eggos allowed us to purchase multiple varieties for more options, and gave us more time to spend together eating and watching Spirit (check out these show-themed activities!).  The Eggos toast to golden perfection in just minutes, and are warm, fluffy and delicious! I also really excited my kids with Reddi-Wip as part of our spread, and I personally was excited to try the non-dairy version made with high-quality coconut cream.  Reddi-Wip uses less hydrogenated oils than other frozen whipped toppings, so that makes me feel good.
After this sweet morning, I vow to do more surprise and delight type things with my kids more often. Celebrating the everyday and spending time together.

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #AddSpirit2Breakfast http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

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