starbucks reserve

March 31, 2020

Have you been to a Starbucks Reserve?

I recently visited (seems so long ago now ☹ that walking around NYC was okay) the one in the meatpacking district in New York City that opened a little over a year ago.

Though not a big Starbucks fan myself (I get my joe at Dunkin’ thank you very much!), I found my visit to Starbucks Reserve fascinating! It brings something surprising and multi-sensory to the coffeehouse experience.

On my visit, I ordered breakfast and coffee. Although I usually drink my coffee black, I could not resist trying something different at this exciting location and decided on a cardamom latte. It was a great choice! Enjoying my coffee and breakfast so thoroughly, I even ordered an additional coffee – iced (with lavender) as take-out!

It is an amazing space! Covering 23,000 square feet, it brews coffee in seven different ways, has an expanded range of Reserve-exclusive coffee drinks, elevates the coffee aroma through in-house roasting, and serves artisanal food baked on premise. In addition, on its second floor, is a full-service bar – a fun way to extend the Starbucks’ experience into the evening!

There are several Starbucks Reserve locations globally; one of the largest bars, Starbucks Reserve SODO, is located on the ground floor of the Starbucks global headquarters in Seattle. Check and see if there is a location near you or in a country you may vacationing in – it is worth a visit!

Thanks for stopping by! Please stay well and safe.

Remember, now more than ever, to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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cheers to the weekend!

March 6, 2020

Yes, it’s FriYAY! I don’t know why I get excited, based on the fact that I am working Saturday and Sunday! It just seems everyone is happier on a Friday afternoon – and it puts me in a better mood as well – work or no work!

For today’s Friday field trip, I am taking you to a brand-new restaurant – I just happened to be there for work on the day it opened. I didn’t eat anything at this restaurant – I only sampled a couple beverages.

And, since it was a new restaurant, I wanted to try a new drink! After looking over the drink menu, I had my eye on two different drinks that sounded unique and fun to try.

The first one I tried was called Violeta Magica. The reason for the ‘Magica’ was that the drink changed color! Yup! After pouring in a little added test tube of yellow liquid into the glass, the blue drink turned violet. Interesting since blue and yellow make green! But the change in acidity seemed to be the reason it made the color change. The drink tasted sweet and had a light rum base. Tasty and interesting!

Click here for Violeta Magica!

The first day the restaurant was opened, the drink was served with rocks and the next day, when some friends ordered it, the same drink was served in a more elegant glass with a floral garnish…I guess being new the restaurant was still experimenting! (The color transformation video of the drink in the rocks glass is posted on the pleasure in simple things Facebook page.)

The second drink I tried was the S’more on the Shore: Ron Zacapa 23/Dry Sack Sherry/Graham Cracker Infused Syrup/Chocolate Bitters/Roasted Marshmallow. Loved the chocolate bitters!

I hope I have inspired you to try a new drink this weekend! Whether with alcohol or without, whether you make it yourself or order something out – try something new!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. The new restaurant is Coquina in Amelia Island, Florida. I will show you more of this beach-side beauty in an upcoming post!

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half-pound cookies!

February 28, 2020

Trips to New York City always include some great eating stops – there are so many to choose from!

One great dessert place to visit is Citycakes. The unassuming storefront of this bakery is easy to miss – it is located on the basement level of 251 West 18^th Street in Manhattan.

Because it is only a few blocks from the High Line, Citycakes is a fun stop after an invigorating High Line walk! The menu here includes cakes and cupcakes, but for my daughter and I, the true hero of the shop is the signature line of cookies – weighing in at half a pound each!

Here is my pick this trip:

Though this shop may not have the finesse of a New York City bakery like a Dominique Ansel Bakery, there is definitely something to be said for a huge, delicious cookie!

As a Food Network junkie, I have seen Chef Benny Rivera from Citycakes compete on many different programs – making the shop all that much more attractive to me!

If in the neighborhood while in Manhattan, it is worth a stop to pick up some cookies! They are definitely a fun gift to bring home to someone!

(For comparison – one cookie is half a pound or 8 oz. – an entire box of Girl Scout Toffee-tastic cookies is under 7 oz. and cost $6. I used a Girl Scout cookie to compare because everyone knows it! Of course, a boxed cookie is not freshly baked!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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larios on the beach

February 11, 2020

My favorite restaurant stop while in South Beach was to one owned by a famous person from the music industry – Gloria Estefan.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan have been promoting their Cuban Heritage through their restaurants as well as through their music since they opened Larios on the Beach in 1992 in the heart of South Beach.

The restaurant offers guests the opportunity to dine on authentic Cuban cuisine served in an atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of Cuba in its heyday while enjoying the view of famous Ocean Drive.

The instruments that make up this unusual wall hanging include those used by the Miami Sound Machine.

Gloria grew up in the kitchen with her grandmother and developed a love of cooking. Gloria and Emilio opened Larios on the Beach, in honor of both Gloria’s grandmother and their beloved Cuban Heritage.

Larios on the beach became their flagship restaurant as they expanded the vision by opening Bongos Cuban Cafe in Orlando, in Florida’s Downtown Disney in 1996 then Bongos Cuban Cafe at The American Airlines Arena in Miami, Bongos Cuban Cafe at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL and Bongos Cuban Cafe at Miami International Airport.

A fun photograph of Emilio adorns the wall in the dining area at Larios on the Beach.

Estefan Hospitality also grew with the addition of the historic Cardozo Hotel on 1300 Ocean Drive in 1993 and in 2006 Costa D’Este, an award winning 4-Diamond property in Vero Beach. It was named one of the top ten celebrity owned hotels in the world and is in Travel and Leisure’s top 100 list. Its cozy oceanside restaurant, The Wave, was voted Diner’s Choice Winner Best Overall, Best Ambiance and Best Food on OpenTable.

Gloria herself developed the crest that represents the brand. Inspired by the Cuban Crest, it has the sun representing the Gloria Estefan Foundation, which has already donated millions of dollars to many diverse causes, a dolphin and a flamingo both Florida treasures, an American and Cuban flag laying side by side representing their dual patriotic nature and the Bongo man, logo for the Bongos Franchise.

The crest is surrounded by the Hibiscus and the Palm, native to both Florida and Cuba and is crowned with a pineapple, the symbol that sits high atop both Bongos Cuban Cafe Miami and Orlando. The ribbon under the pineapple reads “to serve mankind”, which is something Emilio and Gloria love to do and was chosen by Gloria both for that reason and as an inside joke that they dare anyone to guess. Winner gets a free drink!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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the perfect white santa mug

November 26, 2019

You take your life – or at the very least, the well-being of your car – in your hands when parking at our local Walmart. I never go to the store for that reason! I am way too particular about my car to chance a nick or ding in it by parking in the Walmart lot!

Well, recently I was driving through another town and happened to see a Walmart ahead – noticing the parking lot was roomy and well-marked – so very different from the one at my local store! As I got close, I remembered hearing someone tell me I was crazy not to buy cereal at Walmart because it was a full dollar less than the grocery store. Remembering this, as I got closer to the store, I pulled in! I thought I would pick up some of that bargain cereal and maybe some bulk paper goods.

Well, I was so glad I stopped! As I walked down the main aisle headed for the cereal, I saw all-white Santa mugs! Perfect for my neutral holiday palette! In addition, they were less than $3. a piece! Wow!

I had to let you know about this fabulous find!

Because it was a cold, rainy day, as soon as I got home, I christened one of the mugs with some peppermint white hot cocoa!

I hope you are inspired to shop somewhere out of your comfort zone this holiday season – you never know what you might find!

Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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apple pie fudge

September 24, 2019

Recently, while in Mystic, CT, I bought some ‘flavor of the day’ fudge which happened to be the flavor of apple pie. “Interesting.” I thought. I figured fudge is like cheesecake. You start with a basic recipe and then alter it according to taste. I can honestly say I never thought of making apple pie fudge, but it sure sounded very seasonal. It tasted seasonal as well – very much like an apple pie!

About a week after I had tasted the apple pie fudge, I decided to try making some myself. I knew mine would taste just as good based on seasoning alone. I only use Penzy’s brand seasonings because no other brand is as flavorful! (So, if you decide to make my recipe and you don’t use Penzy’s, you may have to adjust the seasoning!)

So, I looked at as many fudge recipes as I could and adjusted by adding apple pie spices and some apples. I decided fresh apples would be too hard so opted for the apples from canned apple pie filling.

I was planning on making a gingersnap base, but without any artificial color, the fudge was very light in color and that made me decide to put the gingersnaps on top instead to add a little variety in color.

I think my apple pie fudge came out better than the inspiration fudge! Try it yourself or be inspired to come up with your own flavor!

Apple Pie Fudge

3 cups sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp allspice
½ cup canned apple pie filling
3 cups white chocolate – chips or broken into small pieces
18 gingersnap cookies, crushed into small pieces with a rolling pin

Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

Measure out ½ cup of apple pie filling. Cut the apples into small pieces and remove most of the ‘liquid.’ Put into a heatproof bowl with the chocolate and set aside.

Heat butter, cream, sugar and spices in a large pan over medium heat while stirring often.

Bring mixture to a rolling boil and continue to cook, while stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.

Remove from heat and pour immediately over chocolate chips and apple pieces. Stir until chocolate is melted.

Pour into the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the gingersnap pieces over the top and press down lightly to set into mixture.

Refrigerate overnight. Cut into small pieces to serve. Tastes best when eaten at room temperature. Store with a lid in fridge.

Thanks for stopping by. Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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s’mores for dinner

September 20, 2019

Well, I didn’t actually have s’mores for dinner…they were dessert to my dinner of a fabulous cheeseboard and a glass of Napa wine!

Connecticut has had some cool evenings this week – perfect fire pit weather!

On today’s Friday field trip, I hope to inspire you to enjoy something unconventional for your next meal. Maybe some Ferris Acres (my favorite ice cream spot)…or, Trader Joe’s yummy cinnamon bun spread on apples! Don’t rule out ‘cake for breakfast!’

Have a fabulous weekend. Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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summer tablescaping

June 4, 2019

It is crazy how few photos I’ve taken recently. I must have set a personal record for the fewest number of photos taken in the last few months. So uncharacteristic of me!

I really noticed it when I got home from the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck this past weekend. I had a wonderful day with fabulous friends. Normally I come home with tons of photos to put up for you to see. Not this year! In fact, I took only a few photos the entire day! I guess hanging out with the fabulous friends got in the way!

When I looked through the few photos I had, they were all related to table settings. I always say everything runs in themes with me and it certainly is true. My takeaway from the fair this year is to ‘summerize’ my tablescapes!

I love all the cool arrangements created by Cutlery Couture. They put flatware in little burlap pouches with pretty coordinated designs and ribbons…aren’t they super! The green herbs are my favorite motif!

I am also inspired to think about adding some embellishments to existing napkins. Look at these black and white napkins with an embroidered bee…it inspires me to do something similar. I would like to do some with ladybugs!

I hope the few photos I am sharing from the Country Living Fair this year are inspiring you to come up with some cute summer tablescapes like it did for me!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. I won’t forget to share ‘after’ photos of the dresser in an upcoming post!

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a tuscany themed shower

May 24, 2019

Why was a Tuscany theme extra special for the bridal shower I helped organize? Tuscany was the location of the proposal!

The bridesmaids, mother of the bride, mother of the groom, and myself got together for planning (and some good eating!) meetings months ahead of the shower date. The mother of the bride had the place and theme decided, so we ran with it!

Of course, a couple things just pop into your mind when you think of Tuscany! We decided to use lemons, and all things wine as reoccurring décor items.

The maid of honor, an artist, created a beautiful painting of the proposal as a gift to the bride. The painting was front and center on the day of the shower – we used it on the mantel above the spot where the future bride opened her gifts. The maid of honor also created a beautiful handlettered sign “Showered with Amore” that greeted guests as they arrived.

I created table signs, naming each table after an Italian wine. The guests picked up a table card strategically placed on a cork in a crate of grapes. The same type of graphic was used to tag the favors – a homemade Tuscan spice mix created by the soon-to-be bride’s mom. I used the same theme/colors in creating a ‘bridal bingo’ game. Another favor, created by the matron of honor, was a cluster of grapes styled from chocolate candies…so cute!

The mother of the future groom had saved corks from the entire time of her marriage – she had A LOT – and we used these in our decorating…and, in our games. One of the games was “Guess How Many Corks in the Jar.”

Can you believe I found a dress in a lemon print fabric? It was an Anne Klein Dress at an original price of $119. that I bought off-season at T.J. Maxx for $29.99!

The best part of the shower, of course, was getting together with old friends and meeting new friends who will be a part of the upcoming wedding day. The bride-to-be looked absolutely fabulous! If the shower day was any indication of how she will look on the wedding day – bellissima!!

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few photos from the Tuscan themed shower created by ‘our team.’ We all had a blast – the reason I didn’t take as many photos as usual! I hope you are inspired to use some of our ideas in your own party planning!

Thanks for stopping by! Remember to take pleasure in simple things. Ciao, Jackie

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time will tell

May 21, 2019

Hello friends! I had a super busy weekend…my favorite part was attending a bridal shower on Saturday. Not only was I a guest, but I had the opportunity to help with the day…a true honor!

I had planned to share some photos of the day with you, but you know what? I never even had the chance to download the few photos I did manage to take!

I will share on Friday! You know I love a good theme and we had a good one for the shower!

Have a great week! Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

P.S. Why did I post a photo of my bedside table? I don’t know except for the fact that I have been wondering lately if others have as big a problem with digital alarms clocks as I do…I need an old school alarm clock!

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summer tablescaping

a tuscany themed shower

time will tell