Cold Brew Infusions That Taste Like Heaven

Cold Brew Coffee Infusions to Try This Summer 

If you love cold brew coffee but are looking for something exciting and new, why not try a cold brew coffee infusion? Coffee infusions offer the perfect way to switch up your daily cup of joe. From vanilla bean to espresso, there are so many delicious ways to spice up your morning or afternoon pick-me-up with an infusion. Here are some of our favorite cold brew coffee infusions for moms who need a little extra energy this summer. 

Vanilla Bean Cold Brew Coffee 

Vanilla bean is one of the most popular flavors in coffee, and it’s easy to see why. The subtle sweetness of vanilla beans pairs perfectly with the natural bitterness of cold brew coffee for a smooth and creamy treat that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed. All you need is some freshly ground vanilla beans (you can find these at most grocery stores) and your favorite cold brew concentrate. Simply add a few tablespoons of ground vanilla beans to the concentrate before chilling overnight in the refrigerator. Add a splash of cream or milk if desired! 

Chocolate Espresso Cold Brew Coffee 

Chocolate espresso is another great way to jazz up your morning caffeine fix. Chocolate espresso combines two classic flavors—chocolate and espresso—for a unique twist on traditional cold brew coffee. To make this delicious concoction, simply mix together 1/4 cup ground espresso beans, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons sugar or honey, and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Once combined, add 1/2 cup of this mixture to your favorite cold brew concentrate before chilling overnight in the refrigerator. Enjoy with or without cream! 

Mint Mocha Cold Brew Coffee 

Mint mocha is an ideal choice for those looking for something cool and refreshing on hot summer days. To make mint mocha cold brew at home, mix together 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons powdered sugar or honey, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more if desired), and 2 tablespoons heavy cream in a small bowl until well blended. Add this mixture to your preferred cold brew concentrate before chilling overnight in the refrigerator. Serve over ice with extra cream if desired! 

The Secret To Shopping For Cashmere

Helpful tips to helping you find the perfect cashmere

What Does Ply Mean? 

 Have you ever wondered what makes cashmere so special, or why it can be so expensive? The answer lies in the ply of the fabric. Ply is a measurement of how many strands are twisted together to make up the yarn. The more strands twisted together, the higher quality the fabric and the softer it is. To get an idea of what ply means when shopping for cashmere, let’s take a closer look at this luxurious fabric. 

Cashmere Quality Measurement 

Ply is a measure of quality when it comes to cashmere. The higher the number of strands in a ply, the better quality and softer your cashmere will be. A two-ply yarn means that two strands have been twisted together to make one yarn, while four-ply yarn has four strands twisted together in one yarn. Generally speaking, four-ply is considered superior due to its superior softness and durability; however, there are some exceptions where two-ply can be just as good (or even better) than four-ply! 

Tips for Shopping for Cashmere 

When shopping for cashmere, look out for two indicators of quality: ply and weight. Heavier weight fabrics will last longer and wear better over time than lighter weight fabrics, while higher plies will give you an incredibly soft finish that feels luxurious against your skin. Additionally, look out for signs that your chosen garment has been dyed correctly; many cheaper items will fade quickly after washing or rubbing against other materials – so always check care labels before buying! 

It’s also important to note that not all plys are equal when it comes to cashmere – some are made from finer fibers which create luxury garments with incredible softness and longevity. So don’t shy away from investing in something special if you really want to experience the best cashmere has to offer! 

No matter your budget or style preference, there is a perfect piece of cashmere out there for everyone – but only if you know what you’re looking for! Ply is an important indicator of quality when it comes to this luxurious fabric; higher plies mean softer garments with more longevity. So next time you’re shopping for cashmere remember these tips and find yourself something special!

Rosewood & Patchouli Soy Candle

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I LOVE a good candle. Truth be told, I’ve not always been that way. When I was a child, my mother accidentally left lit candles overnight in our guest bathroom and shut the door when cleaning up the house before bed. We woke up to a smoke filled bathroom and quite the story for the fire fighters! It took years for me to feel comfortable actually lighting my candles, rather than using them as decor. As I’m sure you can imagine, candles are far more enjoyable when you can actually burn them. This PaddyWax candle is no different!

My eye was drawn to this candle in particular because of it’s pink and gold design – it’s a perfect match for my Kate Spade desk accessories! Packaging has always been important to me, especially when it comes to candles. I’ve noticed that candles light up the room very differently depending on their structure, and I love the subtle glow this candle provides. I’ve had several candles in clear glass containers before, and switched to opaque packaging only after I realized that glass containers tend to leave the burn marks visible!

Another thing I love about this candle is its three wick design. Triple the wicks means triple the glow! Additionally, having multiples wicks that are spread out helps the candle to burn more evenly, rather than leaving you with a big melted dip in the middle of your candle.

It might seem funny to have such a strong reaction to something as simple as a candle, but all in all I can say this candle got top marks! Do you have a favorite candle you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments below so I can add it to my growing collection!

 

 

Glam Glow SUPERMUD Mask

Is there anything better than at home spa treatments? You might say yes, but I say no way. That’s why I jumped when I ran across this Glam Glow mask on my latest trip to Sephora! I’ve been hearing great reviews of this mask for awhile now, and I couldn’t wait to get home to test it out.

As with any new product, it’s best to test the mask on a small patch of skin, away from your face just to make sure you don’t have a negative reaction. If the product burns, rinse it off immediately and by all means do not try it on your face!

After testing on my inner forearm (the skin here is similar to facial skin, so I tend to use it as my test area) it was time for some pore-cleansing relaxation. I was impressed with the thickness of the product and how easily it spread across my skin. Some mud masks can have a clay like feeling when you’re applying them, but the Glam Glow mask was incredibly easy to apply. I used the mask on my chin and across my T-Zone, but you can use it anywhere you feel you need a little boost!

I typically draw a bubble bath when I’m using a face mask, but mud masks such as the Glam Glow mask are an exception. You know the mask is ready to be rinsed off when it’s completely dried, and I’ve found that sitting in a steaming tub can delay this reaction. The Glam Glow mask tingles as it dries, which I personally love! After about 15 minutes or so, I rinsed my face and got up close and personal with my mirror to study my results.

All in all, I’d have to say I’m impressed! I definitely saw a difference in the size of my pores after using this mask, and my skin felt soft and supple. I’ll definitely be making this mask part of my weekly routine.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Though I try year round to make sure my mom knows how much I appreciate her, I can’t help but go all out on Mother’s Day. Here are my top picks for this year’s gifts:

1. A Tiffany Necklace – This gorgeous pendant necklace is quite the upgrade on the macaroni jewelry you gifted as a child. Made of Sterling Silver and incorporating Tiffany’s signature heart and key designs, this necklace is perfect for daily wear!
2. Birchbox – Why should presents be limited to one day? I love gifting Birchbox subscriptions because they’re the gift that keeps on giving! Each box includes five beauty products (think makeup, skincare, etc.) picked specially for the recipient. They’re also running a promotion for Mother’s Day right now, so hurry on over!
3. Keurig – Coffee makes the world go round. Last year my mom and I gifted my grandmother with a Keurig for her condo and she fell in love! Ever since, my mom has been hinting that she’d love to have one of her own, and I think this is the perfect occasion. I love how many options are available with Keurig – you’ll never have a problem matching your kitchen. Keurig is also running a Mother’s Day promotion so don’t delay!
4. Starbucks Cup – See above for my opinion on coffee 😉 You can never have too many mugs or tumblers. It’s without a doubt the kitchenware I buy most often. Starbucks has a fantastic selection and has even picked out some Mother’s Day favorites.
5. Flowers – No brainer! Peonies are a personal favorite of mine, but trust your heart! Daughters usually know these things 😉
6. Blush Tieks – You’ve heard me talk about my love for Tieks before, so it should be no surprise they made it onto my Mother’s Day gift guide. Blush Tieks launched just recently and are an absolutely stunning neutral. Blush Tieks have a patent finish, and like all Tieks, are made from fine Italian leather.

What are your favorite gift for Mother’s Day this year? I’d love to know! Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and happy shopping!

Glam Up Your Workspace With The Kate Spade Strike Gold Collection

To me, there’s nothing worse than an uninspired work space. Sitting down at a desk that has zero personality makes it impossible for me to get creative. Lucky for me, more and more luxury brands have been coming out with desk accessory collections, and a personal favorite of mine is Kate Spade strike gold. I thought I’d give you a peek at how I’ve accessorized my desk with these adorable pieces!

I love the way Kate Spade describes the strike gold collection:

glamorous desk accessories are a necessary luxury. the pieces in our strike gold collection–which mix clear acrylic with gold accents and a clever turn of phrase–will inspire your personal best, every hour of the workday.

I’ve always been a lover of soft colors, clean lines, and metallic accents, so this collection was pretty much made for me. Let’s talk about the strike gold pen set first. I mean, how cute are these?

I absolutely love the way these pens write, and how vibrant an accent they are against my white desk. They’re practical and adorable—what more could a girl ask for?

I’ve collected some desk accessories over the years that I don’t think I’ll ever part with, so I decided not to go crazy and get everything in the strike gold collection (even though I really really wanted to). That being said, I couldn’t pass up the tape dispenser and stapler.

It’s a bit hard to read in the pictures, but there’s actually an inscription on both the tape dispenser and the stapler. The tape dispenser says “make it stick,” and the stapler says “keep it together.” I love this little clever detail, and think it adds something really special to these already beautiful desk accessories.

Overall, I love how these pieces complement my works pace, and I think I may need to add this magazine holder next!

DIY Peppermint Foot Soak

I’ll be the first to say, I love wintertime. I love the snow and getting to wear boots and cozy sweaters daily. That being said, winter is always really tough on my skin, so I make sure to take extra great care of it during the colder months of the year.

I think our feet are one of those things we forget about often, opting to focus more on our face or hands, but in my opinion during the winter there’s absolutely nothing better than a rejuvenating foot soak.

I’m sharing one of my favorites today, and it’s incredibly easy to make.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup powdered milk
• 1/2 cup epsom salt
• 2 TBSP loose peppermint tea
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
• jar or container

For the loose tea I simply opened up a few peppermint teabags, which works perfectly! Once you’ve collected all the ingredients just mix them all together in a bowl and voila!

I like to store the powdered mix in small mason jars, and I think of them like single servings. When I want a soak, I just pull one out and mix it with hot water. The peppermint smell is so relaxing, it makes for the perfect pre-bedtime ritual.

These also make great gifts—just look how cute they are all packaged up!

 

Stove Top Room Scents

Fall is easily my favorite season. Sweater weather, an abundance of honey crisp apples, the incredibly vibrant foliage and that unmistakable smell of fall. It’s hard to explain, but there’s just something so cozy about fall that I knew I wanted my entire house to smell like it.

As much as I love candles, I wasn’t really interested in going the pre-packaged, artificial route. And really, why should I when so many of the notes in those candles are the same fruits and spices I already have in my kitchen?

Inspired by a few things I found on Pinterest, I decided to try my hand at making my own stove top room scents.

Here are three recipes that will have your house filled with a delicious aroma in no time. For all of these, you’ll want to 2 to 3 cups of water brought to a boil. Add your ingredients to the boiling water and then reduce to a simmer over low heat. Note: there are no measurements for any of the ingredients. You can put in how ever little or much you’d like depending on your preference.

Citrus Autumn Spice

• Orange slices
• Apple slices
• One or two sprigs of pine
• Cinnamon sticks
• A few dashes of ground cloves, ground allspice and ground nutmeg

Fall Getaway Potpourri

• Lime slices
• Blueberries
• Vanilla bean
• Coconut extract or flakes ( I use both because I love coconut!)

Calming Citrus Mint

• Lemon slices
• Rosemary sprigs
• Mint leaves
• A few drops of lavender oil

This couldn’t have been easier to do and my home smells absolutely delicious! I’m excited to dream up scent combinations for other seasons, but for now I’ll be enjoying these cozy fragrances of fall.

Clip Lens Review

Over the holidays I participated in a white elephant gift exchange with some friends, and part of the gift I picked was this 3-in-1 clip lens. Now, let me just preface this post by saying that this is probably the cheapest phone lens set you can buy. These are not high quality lenses by any means,  but I figured I’d test them out and let you know my findings anyways. If you’re interested in high quality phone lenses, check out Moment.

So here goes. The set comes with three lenses: macro, wide, and fish eye. Also included are lens caps and a carrying pouch.

The lenses are easy to attach and using the clip on is super straightforward. You simply screw on whichever lens you want to use, and clip the lens over the camera on your phone.

Now for the fun part! Here’s a normal photo with no lens (left) versus one with the wide lens (right):

I was actually pretty pleasantly surprised at how this came out, and how little quality loss/distortion there was with the wide lens.

Here’s a normal photo with no lens (left) versus one with the fish eye lens (right):

As you can see the fish eye lens is true to its name, and like all fish eye lenses there’s lots of distortion, but again minimal quality loss.

Here’s a normal photo with no lens (top) versus one with the macro lens (bottom):

I was actually most surprised by the quality of this lens. It allowed me to get in very close and get a good image with lots of detail.

Overall, for less than $6, this product is actually better than you would expect. For the occasional picture taker who wants a few fun lenses, it’s not a bad buy. It could even be a great gift for a tween or teen who’s just getting into photography and wants to play around before investing in more expensive equipment.

As for me though, I’ll be sticking with my big-girl camera 😉

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day Heart Pie Pops

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I’m getting in the spirit with these adorable pie pops! My friend is throwing a Galentine’s Day party on Monday, and I’ll be baking a fresh batch of these babies to bring with me.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your favorite pie dough
• 1 large egg, with a splash of water
• your preferred flavor of jam
• Lollipop sticks (make sure to get the oven-safe kind)
• Heart cookie cutter

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Make sure your dough is rolled out nice and smooth, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out hearts using the cookie cutter, and spoon jam into the center, leaving a decent amount of room around the edges. (I recommend using a slightly larger cookie cutter than the one I used.)

I chose to make some pie pops and some mini pies. Make sure to add the popsicle sticks before the jam and the top heart.

Use a fork to press the edges of the heart together to seal. You’ll most likely have some jam spilling out—just embrace it!

The last step isn’t pictured, but you simply brush the dough with the egg wash and stick them in the oven for 20-30 mins. The egg wash helps them get nice and golden. And there you go!