Let's be Honest: Caffeine versus Comfort

Are you a coffee drinker?  If so, ask yourself whether you drink coffee for the kick of caffeine or for the comfort of the habit.  I recently asked myself the same question and I was surprised to realize that I rarely drink coffee for the caffeine and rather for the comfort and ritual it provides.

I love coffee shops often more than the coffee they actually serve. I love baristas and the ability most of them have to brew a delicious cappuccino unrivaled by the pot of coffee one can make at home.  I recently challenged myself to drink less coffee and in-particular to stop spending close to $4 per day in order to partake in the coffee experience and I have to tell you it has been a hard habit to break.

I miss my morning ritual and the extra ten minutes I buy myself before starting work everyday.  I miss my baristas who know my name and the dry cappuccinos that they so lovingly prepare. I especially miss riding my bike to the coffee shop on weekends.  And so, I have decided to not kick the habit completely, but to simply be aware of the reasons behind it and to ask myself if I really need the caffeine or comfort before stopping in the morning.  If you are looking to brew a delicious cappuccino in the comfort of your home you should try the recipe below, it will not disappoint!

Homemade Cappuccino pictured in Jonathan Adler Muse Mug
 - Brew espresso or strong coffee of your choice
 - Heat 1 cup skim milk just until boiling on stove, stirring constantly
 - For a sweetened cappuccino add vanilla or sugar at this point
 - Once milk has reached boiling point, remove from heat and whisk vigorously until froth has formed
 - Pour coffee followed by milk mixture into mug and enjoy

Let's Be Honest: Living through a Remodel

Remodeling isn't supposed to be easy or particularly fun, but it has been one of the more rewarding things I have accomplished and from my experience once the remodel is finished you quickly forget all the pain you endured.  I am so glad to be putting the endless decisions, dirt, dust, and stress of remodeling behind us and I hope this is the only full remodel we ever have to tackle.  That being said I couldn't be happier with the final result and looking back at all the pictures reminds me how far we have come in the past 9 months.  

[our bathroom remodel post demo plus endless samples and materials]

[our bathroom remodel with dry wall up and deciding on the direction of our floor tiles]

[the tiling phase of our bathroom remodel including walls, shower, and floors]

Lets Be Honest: Living out of boxes stinks!

When we moved into Barberry Lane we did so with every intention of moving out again.  We knew that both bathrooms need to be gutted and in order to save money we decided to tackle both at once which left no other option than to relocate once again.  We also planned to remodel our kitchen so unpacking all of our wedding china (which we still have yet to use) just didn't make much sense. Instead we unloaded the moving truck right into our garage and only moved what we truly needed into our house (i.e. clothes, wine, and our dog).  Fast forward 9 months and I just unpacked the majority of our boxes and moved into our newly remodeled home once and for all.  It felt so good!