Mindless Monday

This is starting to become a thing. Every Monday morning I roll out of bed and shuffle to my light filled office (at home east side of house). and take a conference call or catch up on 35 emails. Then I unglue myself from my chair. Why is that so hard when really who wants to work on Mondays? AND then I go to the kitchen and make coffee, do the dishes and then turn around and inevitably something I have baked over the weekend is right there to go with my coffee. So sugar, though not really a good thing for me, is my friend on Monday's morning. If it helps me conquer this day, then why not. Enjoy your Monday.

2013 Retrospect

This year I feel like I've grown so much, I think the ALT Summit really kicked it off in January. What an inspiring 3 days with such supportive bloggers. I was inspired and it really pushed me this year. I'm excited to go back next month and see where it takes me in 2014. While I am certainly looking forward below are a few of my favorite projects this past year.

Meeting Kei & Molly. Their story and work was really inspiring to pursue what you love.

Hosting our Fall Tasting. This idea was spurred on by a class I took with Bing and AltSummit. It was an online class and well it gave me this idea, which Felicia and Deborah were on board with. I think we'll be doing this again soon.

Part of this was hosting a Coffee Tasting, this was super fun and great working with Stumptown Coffee, I can't wait till the next one.

I finally got to write about some of my Italian adventures from forever ago here.

I loved my weekly visits to the Santa Monica Farmers Market and was inspired to make new things just by what was in season.

Slice Chocolate Gluten-free almond cake 2.jpg

Oh and this Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Cake....wow I love this cake.

I loved this trip this year to California Lake Country. I am so in for doing this again. Was a beautiful place to visit.

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Kiss Cookies got a lot of mileage on Pinterest this year.

I had a great time learning to make Candied Orange Peels, I can't wait to try this with a few other citrus fruits.

Seriously I am almost finished with the Cuba tale. This is one of my favorite posts, Cuba a Bittersweet Tale, on this trip, because it was all about my Dad. I still cry when I read it, so does he.

Those are a few of my favorite things from 2013. I'm looking forward to new adventures next year and hope to check off a few things from my goals list. Enjoy!

Coffee Brewing

Last month I finally got my act together and looked at a few of the monthly newsletters I get and decided to find something that I've wanted to do, but never make the time for.

So l decided to visit Tom's Flagship store in Venice for a free coffee brewing demonstration, brief video of one of the pourings. This was right on the heels of our My Life Simply Sweet event and the maiden voyage of the coffee tasting. So I was super jazzed about what to do next.

Guess what, I was the only one who showed up. Seriously, I got a private brewing session for free. I love this store by the way. A few years ago my manager gifted all of us a gift certificate to Tom's. I love that he always gave a gift that gives back. The flagship store in Venice is cool. It's got a cafe in the front with all their shoes, sunglasses spread on the side and in the back, now they also have there Marketplace merchandise. By the way they make more money on cafe sales then the merchandise, go figure. This store has been set up as a community place so coffee sales are ok with them.

At this location there is outdoor seating in the back, right next to places to try on the shoes. Plus a cool area for your dogs to chill, cause that's how we do in Venice. One afternoon when I went in and walked out back to the patio. It was like things were moving in slo-mo that day. Everyone was super quiet, and seriously looked like they were high. In the middle of that were a few suits, as in men dressed in suits, having a serious meeting, but all whispering. I was thinking what the...is going on. That didn't deter me, actually intrigued me.

So I made sure to show up for the brewing session. Tovara the manager at the store and coffee expert showed 3 ways to brew coffee using a few different pour over methods. I learned so much (rinse the filter, blooming the grounds, and there is an app to help you out so you know how long to bloom and brew). I can't wait to have a demonstration for a few friends. My favorite was the Chemex. For one, the coffee tasted great, and two, the Chemex is super cool and pretty to do the whole process. SB thinks I'm nuts and won't have the patience for it. It's all about the art people. ART!

So tonight is Coffee Tasting at Tom's Flagship store. This time I roped in a few friends to join me. Should be a fun no matter what, time to enjoy.

The Range Cafe

Everytime I go to Albuquerque this place is a must visit. It's in the town of Bernalillo (pronounced Burn-a-leo). It's a great cafe that has been cloned through out the city of Albuquerque, but the original is the best. The food is good, nice American fare with a touch of New Mexico.

Often when you order your food here, burritos, tacos, burgers and eggs the question always comes, red or green? Chili that is. New Mexico chili is fantastic. I usually go for the green its roasted just right with a smokey flavor, really it goes with just about everything.

The coffee is perfect her, just black, no need for sugar or cream and I love both. SB and I always take home a bag of beans of the Range and Blue Lightening blend of coffee, to have at home. I have to say though my favorite part of this place is the ambience, it's eclectic and warm.

It's in a building with an old soda fountain. Art on all the walls (much of which was donated by local artists), colorful chairs, plates and fanciful decor.
It always makes me happy when I go here.