author.travelffeine.com

Category: Le Cafe

Over the centuries cafes have been the place to brainstorm ideas, discuss life and socialize. Everyone from writers and artists to scientists could be found huddled together, dreams spilling out, and plans forming.
I hope to create a space here to provide some of that creativity and inspiration. A place to chat with you about life and all things coffee.
So grab a cup & enjoy!

  • 15 Inspiring Things to Do When You Can’t Travel

    There are a variety of reasons why someone may be unable to travel.  These include restrictions due to a new wide-spread virus (and here I thought Outbreak was a fictional movie), lack of funds, sickness, work or school schedules, and so on.  It can be frustrating when you want to travel, but can’t, so I’ve created this list of things to do when you can’t travel to keep you inspired until your next adventure. You can “travel” from the comfort of your home, with a little inspiration and a dash of imagination!

    *Given our current restrictions on travel due to the COVID-19 virus, some of these things to do will not be an option under the current shelter-at-home mandates. However, many of these ideas will work, even if you are forced to stay indoors. 

    1) Read Your Favorite Travel Blogs

    First off, I’m going to assume you’re doing that at this very moment (wink wink). However, besides reading all your favorite articles on Travelffeine (subscribe here), why not check out some other travel bloggers to inspire your next adventure. Here are a few to get you started.

    • A Suitcase Full of Books is a travel blog I recently came across. I feel that Elizabeth and I are kindred spirits in our love of literature and travel. If you’ve ever thought about planning a trip based on your favorite author or story, then check out her travels and start planning your trip!
    • Sailing Zatara is a sailing blog I heard about from a friend.  If you’re a fan of Captain Jack Sparrow and dream of one day sailing a ship around the world then Sailing Zatara has you covered!  The Whitaker family sold everything and set sail for a full-time life of sailing abroad.  They also have a YouTube channel where they vlog about their travels. So grab your eye-patch and discover what it’s really like living full-time on a boat.
    • Maybe you’ve secretly thought of moving to some tropical destination, then check out TielandtoThailand to learn what it takes to uproot and move to another country. Angela and Chris moved to Thailand in 2013 and have been living there ever since. They share their experiences as ex-pats in Thailand and also travel tips for those coming here for vacation.

    2) Read Inspiring Travel Books

    Long before I was old enough to travel on my own, I traveled the world with a single visit to my local library. I would fill up my backpack with stacks of books on almost every subject imaginable. I’d check out books on languages, biographies, and fictional adventures in far off places. Books were how I dreamed, explored, and traveled the world, all from my home in Small Town, U.S.A. They are still where I turn for inspiration and adventure. All you need to travel is a good book and a little imagination!

    Books to start your adventures at home

    • 501 Must-Visit Destinations: I love photo books like this one, and each time I visit someplace new, I look through the book to see if I can check any of the destinations off with the hope of one day seeing all five hundred and one.  Flip through its pages and let the photographs and descriptions inspire you to dream about your future travels.
    • The Lost City of Z: The book, as usual, is much better than the movie. It has adventure, mystery, scary creatures, and an exotic destination. David Grann sought to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of the early 20th-century British explorer Percy Fawcett. Percy Fawcett went on an expedition in the Amazonian jungles, never to be seen again, and Grann went on his own adventure to retrace the lost explorer’s steps.  If you love adventure, then you’ll enjoy this book and perhaps even be inspired to travel there.
    • The Log of the Snark & The Cruise of the Snark: These two books, one written by Jack London and the other by his wife Charmian London, describe their sailing adventure to the South Pacific.  Jack London wrote The Cruise of the Snark, which tells his side of their expedition, whereas The Log of the Snark is the journal of Charmian London, giving us her point of view on their journey.
    • A Moveable Feast: This book was published posthumously from Ernest Hemingway’s writings and journals from his time in Paris during the early 20th century.  It made me think of the movie Midnight in Paris (see below) and of that time in history where so many artists and writers were putting pen to paper and brush to canvas to create the masterpieces we enjoy today.  It might also inspire you to take a trip to Paris and try to recreate the spirit of that era for yourself.

    3) Watch Travel Films & Shows

    My Grandma is 96 years old at the time that I write this.  For years, she has been unable to take trips of any real distance. However, that never stopped her from “traveling.” Her favorite thing to do, as she calls it, is “traveling from her armchair.” I’d call her up and ask her where she’d traveled to recently, she’d tell me about someplace, usually in Europe, that she’s visited as she watched her favorite Rick Steves travel show or something of that nature.

    I love watching movies and shows about traveling. It’s one of my favorite things to do when I’m looking for a little travel inspiration. Here are a few of my recommendations. To see more travel movie recommendations read 32 Movies & TV Shows to Inspire the Traveler at Home.

    Travel Movies:

    • The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
      This movie is full of beautiful landscapes and cinematic shots that create that sense of awe and wonder that travel provides. Its message is to stop daydreaming about living life and to live it. Begin your bucket list adventures and embrace life now. What some may not know, is the original movie came out in 1947 starring Danny Kaye. (You can stream the 2013 version on various platforms such as YouTube or Amazon Video)
    • Midnight in Paris
      This movie follows Gil Pender, who, on a visit to Paris, travels back in time to the 1920s and bumps into writers like Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. It’s a unique story that blends the present with the past and inspires you to book the next flight to Paris and write that novel you’ve been putting off! Okay, perhaps that’s just me. (You can stream for free on Crackle, or pay to stream on YouTube and Amazon Video)
    • UP
      This is a heart-warming movie the whole family can enjoy.  It’s filled with dreams, adventures, and a message about what matters in life–our relationships with those we love. If it’s been a while since you watched it, or if you’ve never seen it before, I highly recommend you make it a family movie night and begin creating special moments right now.

    Travel Television Shows:

    • Somebody Feed Phil
      You can’t help but smile along with Phil as he shares his genuine (and expressive) love of food and travel. This is a light-hearted show, Phil is not the cranky, seasoned traveler you might be used to seeing.  His childlike joy of food and life is infectious! (you can watch on Netflix, and if you like it, you can purchase the DVD from his earlier series “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having“)
    • The Amazing Race
      In The Amazing Race, contestants compete to win the grand prize in a non-stop race around the world. The contestants compete in pairs consisting of a parent and child, husband and wife, brother and sister, and so on. Anyone who has traveled knows how stressful travel can be. The Amazing Race takes that stress to a whole new level! Plus, you get to see beautiful and unique destinations and learn about giving back while you travel too. (you can watch on Amazon Prime Video and CBS All Access)
    • Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
      Follow Gordon Ramsay as he explores the world experiencing new cultures, foods, and local experiences on his quest to create his own dish with his unique flair in a friendly showdown with a local chef. It’ll have you wanting to travel and eat all in the same show! (Currently, this is only available on Disney+.)

    4) Listen to Travel Podcasts

    Another great thing to do when you can’t travel is to listen to travel podcasts.  Travel podcasts are great for learning about a new destination, getting travel tips, and exploring travel opportunities you may not have considered.  You hear firsthand from seasoned travelers what they have learned during their years of traveling.

    There are so many to choose from, but here are a few to consider:

    • Zero to Travel
      This podcast has tips and ideas for how to travel long-term. It covers different ways to make money living abroad, as well as general tips all travelers can use.
    • Travel with Rick Steves
      In this travel podcast hosted by Rick Steves, he interviews locals from his travels, and you learn the stories and history behind the different destinations.
    • Hawaii Vacation Connection
      Learn about where to stay on the different Hawaiian islands, where to eat, do’s and don’ts of visiting Hawaii, and so much more.  If you want to take a trip to Hawaii, start your vacation planning now with this all about Hawaii podcast.

    5) Go on a Food Journey

    One of my favorite things to do when I return from a trip is to find recipes from my travels and try making them. This is a fun way to bring the travel experience home. Find a new recipe that you’ve never tried and bring some culture to your table. 

    If you need some inspiration, check out my “Recipes Inspired by Travel” Pinterest board. I regularly add to this board, so subscribe if you want to see future pins as well.

    If you don’t enjoy cooking at all, you can, of course, have a similar experience by getting take-out from a local restaurant. Try to choose dishes you’ve never tried before. This will make the experience more authentic. 

    6) Throw a Travel-Themed Party

    This idea goes well with the previous one. Choose a country for a travel-themed party and then decorate and plan a menu based on that country. In addition to making dishes from other countries, you can have your dinner guests look up facts about your meal’s country of origin. Consider creating some trivia cards for a fun party game to learn more about that destination. Discuss favorite travel memories, if you’ve visited the destination of your dish before. Make a fun night of it and pretend you’re dining in another country. 

    7) Play a Travel Board Game

    When looking for things to do at home, I love turning to old-school board games! I know in the world of technology, you have a lot of options for online video games, but there’s something so fun about playing board games.  Perhaps, I feel that way since I grew up playing them, but either way, I think it’s nice to unplug once in a while and return to the world of low-tech fun. Here are a few of my favorites:

    • Ticket to Ride
      This strategy game has a few versions. I own the original, which has you riding the rails across America trying to create the most train connections before your fellow players can beat you to it!
    • Risk
      Risk is more about world domination than traveling for fun, and depending on who you play with–it might get intense!
    • Settlers of Catan
      Catan is a great strategy game that has you trying to build a civilization and keep your fellow players from building theirs.  It has a little bit of a learning curve, but it is a lot of fun, and the gameplay changes every time you play it.
    • Continent Race
      Continent Race is a fun game the whole family can play. It is a game created by a kid for other kids. The entire family can explore the world together and learn all about the different countries around the world in this fun and educational game.

    If you’d like a mobile app to play a game on your own, try World Geography Quiz Game.  Have fun learning about countries all over the world. Learn about maps, flags, language, currency, etc. If you love travel and learning, then you’re sure to enjoy the World Geography Quiz Game.

    8) Create a Travel Collage

    Another fun thing to do when you can’t travel is to create a travel inspiration board, aka a travel collage.  Travel collages are fun to do on your own or with a friend. Your family could even create one together for your next family vacation.  

    Find some magazines, or lookup maps and photos online and print out any that spark your interest. Then find a large piece of cardboard (use an empty box), poster board, or piece of thick paper and begin cutting and pasting to create your travel dream board! 

    You can use a mixture of maps, text and inspiring photos you found online.  You can also create simple photo collages like the one I made below.  Group together favorite vacation photos and memories that make you smile then frame it and hang it somewhere in your house.

    9) Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

    Dust off your photo albums and travel down memory lane. This is one of my favorite things to do when I’m not traveling. It’s so fun to look back on past trips, whether it’s a trip to another country, a trip to the local zoo, or last year’s camping trip–it doesn’t really matter. It’s always great to see the smiling faces and remember those special moments you may have forgotten. Photos are time machines that take us to our favorite places and memories with those we love.

    If you don’t have any physical photo albums, then why not go through your digital photos and make one with your favorite moments. Google Photos has a feature that lets you create a photo book that they’ll print and ship direct to you. 

    Create a Photo Montage

    Another fun way to use your digital photos is to create a photo montage of your favorite travels.  Then have a family movie night. Even better, if you have digital movies, incorporate these into your photo montage for a mixture of photos and videos.  This is sure to be a hit with your family! 

    There are a variety of tools you can use to do this.  One of the easiest is probably Google Photos. This simple option allows you to create short montages utilizing a mixture of photos and videos. Kapwing is another free montage/video software that will enable you to drag and drop your photos and videos to easily create a photo montage to share with your friends and family. For something a little more advanced, consider trying Shotcut, it’s free and has a lot of features, but there is a bit of a learning curve.

    10) Learn a Language

    Do you want to travel to Spain, but don’t have the money to do it just yet? Why not start by learning Spanish? Learning languages is a great way to start your travels while at home. It helps create a connection with the culture of the country you plan to visit.  Plus, with technology, there are now some great (and easy) ways to start learning a new language. Even if you’ve only got 15 minutes a day, you can learn to speak a foreign language.  

    Here are some apps I’ve used for my language learning.

    • Duolingo
      This is probably one of the most popular language-learning apps.  It is easy to use and allows you to progress in your language learning from beginner to more advanced language skills. It has a ton of language choices too.
    • Memrise
      Memrise uses a variety of memory techniques to help you learn a language quickly and remember it. This is an easy to use app for beginner language learners.
    • Beelinguapp
      This language learning app lets you read books and listen to music in other languages. I’d say it’s a little more advanced than the other apps listed here, but a great way to expand your language learning.
    • HelloTalk
      If you want to practice your language skills with native speakers, then HelloTalk is a great place to start. You can chat with native speakers from around the world and begin practicing before you ever leave home!

    11) Create a Travel Scrapbook Journal

    When you get back from a trip, often there’s a bit of sadness that your travel adventures are over (at least for the moment). A fantastic way to extend your travel experience is to create a travel scrapbook journal. Go through all the receipts, and ticket stubs, and photos you have from a recent trip and turn it into a personalized travel journal.  Write notes about your favorite moments and create a customized travel souvenir you’ll cherish forever.

    Here’s a quick video by Paperchase showing you a few ideas for creating your travel journal. For more ideas on ways to turn your travel mementos into DIY souvenirs and keepsakes, check out my Travel Gifts & DIY Crafts Pinterest board.

    12) Learn a New Activity

    Another fun thing to do when you can’t travel is to learn a new activity you want to try on your next travel adventure. Perhaps you’re planning a trip to the Joshua Tree National Park, and you’d like to do some rock climbing while you’re there, take a local rock climbing class and begin learning the skill before your trip. 

    Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to scuba dive, well why not start with an intro scuba diving class at your local pool, then if you like it you can enroll in a PADI certification course and be ready for your next tropical diving adventure! 

    There are so many things you can do, even learning to run is a great way to prepare for a trip, running is one of those activities you can do no matter where you are, and it’s a great way to explore an area while traveling. 

    13) Hotel Retreat at Home

    This one may require a little effort, but I think when you’re relaxing in your hotel at home, you’ll appreciate the time it took. 

    Start by making up your bed with your nicest sheets and bedspread. Find some fresh cut flowers and put them in a vase somewhere in the room. Then get some bottled water, and maybe even move your coffee maker into your bedroom if possible. In addition to coffee, you may also want to bring in some of your favorite tea along with mugs to enjoy it later.

    Find some bath salts or bubble bath and maybe even put some fresh flowers in your bathroom to complete your hotel retreat at home.  Then hang a “do not disturb” sign on your door and settle in with your favorite book or movie for a relaxing night.

    14) Play Tourist at Home

    If you have a visitor coming to stay with you, who has never been to your town before, what places would you take them to see, and what would you plan for things to do?

    Create a list of things to do and places to see and also places to eat, basically plan out a trip to your local area and then do that!  This will be a fun way for you to travel and play tourist, and it will also give you some great ideas the next time you do have guests over to visit.

    15) Start Planning Your Next Trip

    You may not be able to travel right at this moment, but you can certainly start planning your next trip! Trip planning is one of the best things to do when you can’t travel.  It gets you excited and focused on a goal.  You can use the collage idea I mentioned above on #8 and create a vision board for your trip.  Then place it somewhere you’ll see it each day and remind yourself what you’re working toward. 

    Abbigayle on Her Luxe Travels gives an example of a fold-out travel vision board you can create and place in your daily planner or journal.

    Go to your local library, whether in person or online and look up travel guides to your intended destination, then begin writing down all the places you want to see.  You can start to create an itinerary based on your “must-see” list for that destination.  You’ll also get an idea of how long you want to stay.  Check out my Maui Itinerary and Thailand Itinerary to get ideas on how I go about planning my trips.  If you’re a complete beginner, then check out Trip Planning 101.

    Final Thoughts on Things to Do

    It is discouraging when you want to travel but can’t, no matter what the reason is.  So finding things to do that give you the experience or essence of traveling, even when you’re stuck at home, is a great way to encourage and inspire yourself during those periods. 

    Whatever you do, make sure to have fun, be creative, and be thankful for all the opportunities that surround you. It’s easy to take things for granted, especially when we’re at home, but sometimes we just need to slow down and remember we’ve got an incredible world right at our feet if only we have eyes to see it.

    Happy Travels!

  • Bean Box Delivers World-Class Coffee to Your Door

    Whenever I travel, I frequent the local cafes and experience the local coffee culture of each destination I visit.  I get excited when I discover a cafe that roasts its coffee in-house.  Why? Well, for one, it means I get to sample coffee that I couldn’t anywhere else in the world, and two, it means I will have the freshest cup of coffee possible. 

    Here in Seattle, we are fortunate enough to have many options for local coffee roasters roasting small-batch coffee creations. However, I realize that not everyone has the coffee options available to those of us living in Seattle, and not everyone can afford to travel the world sampling coffee. Now, you don’t have to! 

    Enter Bean Box. A company I recently came across while researching my Travel Gift Ideas post. Bean Box works with local coffee roasters to bring you fresh, delicious coffee from all over the world to enjoy from the comfort of your home.

    *Travelffeine is reader-supported. When you buy via links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

    Seattle Coffee Roasters

    Seattle is known for its coffee scene, and this is in large part due to Starbucks. If you live in Seattle, then you’re probably familiar with local coffee roasters such as Slate Coffee, Elm Coffee Roasters, Caffe Ladro, and Stumptown (to name just a few). However, for those of you who live outside of Seattle, you may not be aware of the massive growth of local coffee roasters or what that means for you. That’s where Bean Box Comes in.

    Bean Box is a driving force behind this new way of making freshly roasted coffee accessible to you in the comfort of your home. It is no longer only for those of us fortunate enough to live in Seattle, who can benefit from these local artisan roasters. Now, thanks to Bean Box, you can live anywhere in the U.S. and indulge in the Pacific Northwest coffee scene without traveling to Seattle to do it!

    Biscotti and Coffee Box
    Coffee + Biscotti Tasting Box

    What is Bean Box & What Is Artisan Coffee?

    Bean Box is a Seattle company started by two software engineers who loved coffee and recognized how fortunate Seattle was to be surrounded by so many local artisan coffee roasters. They saw this growing number of local coffee roasters and wanted to figure out a way to share the Seattle coffee experience with others, and now they do.

    Bean Box partners with 35 Pacific Northwest coffee roasters to make sure you get world-class coffee. The local coffee roasters work directly with coffee farmers to make sure they get the best product for their roasting needs.  Then they roast the beans in small batches, which Bean Box then samples and chooses based on quality and flavor to deliver straight to your door.  How awesome is that! You can think of Bean Box as your personal coffee connoisseur selecting only the best coffee to send your way.

    What does artisan coffee mean?

    For me, it means that each step in the process, from bean to cup, has been meticulously followed. The farmer works in direct relationship to the roaster, and the roaster works directly with the local supplier to bring you your delicious cup of coffee. 

    Bean Box explains this relationship as a “direct trade” relationship, citing Sebastian Simsch, founder of Seattle Coffee Works, defining direct trade as follows: “farmer and roaster work together to improve the quality of the coffee that gets to your cup.”  

    It means that these individuals (farmer, roaster, supplier) are working together in collaboration for the common good of each other, and you, the consumer. Every step in the process ensures you get a quality cup of coffee. Now, that’s something I can get excited about!

    Coffee and Chocolate Tasting Box
    Coffee & Chocolate Tasting Box

    No More Starbucks?

    There will always be a place for Starbucks, but I tend to look at it more like the fast-food of coffee, the corporate office coffeehouse.  Artisan coffee and local coffee roasters, they’re the fine dining of coffee, the creative-centered coffeehouse. I see a place for each, and I think everyone can enjoy both the Starbucks venue and the small-batch coffee roasters.  I mean, it’s coffee!

    However, just like you don’t always want to eat McDonald’s seven days a week, the same can be said for your coffee experience.  You want that unique, sip-it-slow experience while sitting on your deck watching the sunrise or chatting with a friend who stopped by for a visit.  That’s when you want the fresh-roasted artisan coffee Bean Box delivers to your door.

    The Global Coffee Experience

    So, now that you understand a little better what type of company Bean Box is, and what artisan coffee is, let’s talk travel.  Bean Box lets you travel the world inside a cup of coffee. I mentioned that they partner with 35 (and counting) local coffee roasters, however, let’s talk more about the coffee farmers these roasters get their coffee beans from.

    Coffee Farmers

    This is where your world travels begin.  Let’s explore Ethiopia and try the fruity flavors of Slate Coffee’s Ethiopian light roast coffee or visit vibrant Guatemala and sample a spicy dark roast blend from Middlefork Roasters. Say aloha to my favorite tropical destination and sip the nutty flavor of Keala’s Hawaiian medium roast coffee while imagining you’re in Maui listening to the sound of the ocean.  These are just a few of the many options you can try through Bean Box.

    Sampling world-class coffee from the comfort of your home is just one of the many benefits you get when subscribing to Bean Box and purchasing coffee gifts for the favorite coffee lover in your life. So let’s take a look at some of the coffee choices Bean Box offers.

    Monthly Artisan Coffee Subscriptions

    You’ve got two great options when it comes to a monthly coffee subscription.  You can choose the Bean Box monthly subscription sampler, which includes four different coffees for you to try, or you can choose the Coffee of the Month subscription, which is a 12 oz bag of that month’s featured Coffee. 

    You can customize your subscription based on your coffee preferences. Choose from light and fruity blends to nutty mediums to rich, dark espresso blends, and you can even choose decaf coffee if you want.  They have a coffee option to fit every tasting preference.

    Monthly Coffee Subscription Sampler
    Bean Box Monthly Coffee Subscription Sampler

    Bean Box Coffee Gift Ideas

    I mentioned in my Travel Gift Guide Bean Box’s ultimate Seattle artisan coffee and chocolate tasting experience, and it’s such a great gift idea that I include it here too.  There are two options to choose from, a smaller standard Coffee & Chocolate Tasting Box and the Deluxe Coffee & Chocolate Tasting box.

    Deluxe Coffee + Chocolate Tasting Box
    Deluxe Coffee + Chocolate Tasting Box

    Plus, for those of you, like myself, who love Hawaiian coffee, the Hawaiian Coffee Sampler, or the Deluxe Hawaiian Coffee Sampler will make fabulous gifts (hint hint to my hubby in case you’re reading this).

    Another great gift idea is Bean Box’s Coffee & Tea Gift Box.  I am one of those coffee lovers who also loves me some tea!  I like to say it’s due to my American-English heritage, whatever the reason, this gift box is a perfect mix of both worlds! 

    My final coffee gift recommendation is for the traveler in your life who also loves coffee. Take them on a journey through some of the top coffee-producing countries and sample the delicious flavors and aroma of each delectable roast. The World Coffee Tour is sure to be a hit!

    World Coffee Tour
    Bean Box World Coffee Tour

    Who Should Try Bean Box?

    People who love coffee. Those who enjoy variety in their coffee experience. If you like supporting local and small businesses, then Bean Box makes a great choice! 

    If you want the freshest coffee possible, short of roasting it yourself or perhaps, driving to downtown Seattle. People who want a convenient and affordable way to get a quality cup of coffee at home. 

    Those that love Seattle’s coffee but live elsewhere in the U.S. and those who want to sample coffee from around the world without ever leaving home. Pretty much, if you like coffee, you should give them a try.

    Coffee Options for Every Budget

    Bean Box has artisan coffee options for every budget and right now they’re offering $5 off your first coffee subscription order! Coffee subscriptions start at $16.50/month, so you sample four coffees for only $11.50 with free shipping!  That’s about 16-24 cups of coffee (depending on your coffee cup size) for only $11.50!

    You can easily spend $5 on a single cup of coffee from Starbucks.  Why not support a local business and an independent coffee farmer instead? Not to mention the delicious smell that greets you when you check your mailbox, or how much better fresh roasted coffee is when compared with coffee that’s been sitting on the shelf for months.  Bean Box provides quality coffee, freshly roasted and quickly delivered to your door. Really, once you try it, you’ll wonder what took you so long!

    Enjoy $5 Off Your First Box

    Bean Box Coffee Sampler

    The Benefits of Small-Batch Artisan Coffee

    Small-batch artisan coffee guarantees you’ll always get fresh coffee, and you get to sample unique and rare coffee blends. With small-batch roasting, local coffee roasters can experiment with different coffee beans and coffee roasting styles to produce new flavors. You will never get bored with artisan roasted coffee.  Bean Box delivers variety to your door.  If you subscribe to Bean Box’s coffee delivery service, you get to try a new coffee blend every month. Say goodbye to hum-drum coffee days!

    The Downside to Small-Batch Coffee

    Of course, if you try something you like, you’ll want to buy more as fast as you can.  That is one downside of small-batch artisan coffee.  You can’t buy it in bulk, and they may sell out of your favorite blend.  That’s okay, though, as your new favorite will be in the mail to you shortly.

    So why not give it a try? You can cancel your subscription at anytime if you decide it’s not right for you.  Also, if you’re not sure you’re ready for a subscription, then try a single bag of this month’s latest fresh roasted coffee and see what you think.  A world of coffee deliciousness is waiting to be delivered to your doorstep!

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    Stay Caffeinated!

  • 6 Steps to Overcome Fear and Pursue Your Dream

    One of the most significant blocks to pursuing a dream is fear. It’s a big reason why I didn’t fully pursue my dreams and why I was afraid to begin sharing my desire to write with the world. However, our dreams are too important to be held back by fear or anything else. In this post, I give you six simple steps to overcome fear so you can start living the life you want. These are six ways I have personally used to help me move forward toward my goals. I hope they will help you do the same.

    Step #1: Do it Anyway

    Do the thing you are afraid to fail at, even when you’re scared. To overcome fear, you must accept that it’s there and continue on anyway. Don’t wait for the moment when you’re no longer afraid, that moment will never come, you must start toward your goals while you’re still scared. Just start. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just start creating. Let your “good enough” be the starting point.

    “…if you can’t learn to travel comfortably alongside your fear, then you’ll never be able to go anywhere interesting or do anything interesting.”
    ~Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic

    Step #2: Find Your Cheerleader

    Find that person who will encourage you when fear tries to stop you.  Sometimes we need a little help to overcome fear, and that’s okay! For me, this is my husband. He tells me I can do it, and he tells me that I matter and that he believes in me.  You need to find this person for you. Besides close family or friends, find a group of like-minded people who share the same passion and dreams.  

    If you’re a writer, join a writing group. If you’re a painter, take a class and meet some other artists.  Perhaps you want to travel to Italy, then take a class at your local community college and learn Italian while meeting others who share your passion. These are just examples, but you get the point.  Surround yourself with positive voices and like-minded dreamers. It’s easy to find the negative, work hard to surround yourself with a positive support system.

    cheer for people quote

    Step #3: Talk Through the Worst-Case Scenario

    Sometimes, it’s the “what-ifs” that hold us back–the fear of what might happen or the fear of the unknown. To overcome fear, you need to talk through what you’re afraid of. So ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen if you start pursuing your dream?

    You could fail.  

    Okay, but we’ve already learned that failure can be a positive thing.  We learn from it, grow from it, and it shows we started something. Failure is a part of living.  You are alive and living if you are failing at something. 

    You could lose everything. 

    Maybe, but highly unlikely, you’ll lose “everything.” If you do, you can always start over and try again.  Focus on what is truly important: your life, your health, your loved ones, and your faith. As long as you don’t lose these things, you will never lose “everything.”

    People will laugh at you. 

    Yep, totally possible.  Are you pursuing this goal for the approval of others? Or are you doing this to feed a longing inside of you?  Is this for you or them? Do the opinions of others define you? To face our fear of what people will think, we must stop comparing ourselves and stop fearing the judgment of others.  We must also realize that we can never please everyone all the time. overcome fear be brave and willing to disappoint others

    Step #4: Start Where You’re At

    You don’t need to learn everything first, start achieving your goals now, where you’re at. You’re a beginner, so begin! Take a class, watch a video online, and research tools to help you learn and grow, but start moving forward now.  This ties into the need for perfection; you want to make sure you have everything just right, so you don’t make a mistake.  This will keep you from ever starting or ever finishing. So start pursuing your dream today with the tools you have and learn along the way. Let yourself be a beginner.

    Another important part of starting where you’re at is not looking at the time up to this point, or even the time it takes you to get to where you want to be, as a waste.  Brene´ Brown tells about her journey to attend the University of Texas and get her Bachelor’s degree.  This was a dream of hers, and although it took her almost 12 years to do it, she finally achieved her goal.  She lives by two words, “nothing wasted.” She views all the time leading up to the accomplishment of her dream as time spent preparing her for what was next.  

    So wherever you’re starting at, try not to think of it as time wasted.  Use every moment you have now, even if it’s not exactly where you want to be.  You never know how it will all tie into what is coming next. Use the time and resources you have now (Youtube, Lynda.com, Skillshare, etc.) to start pursuing your dream today. Determine to let nothing be wasted along your journey. You can start where you are, no matter where that is.

    embrace the idea that your dreams matter quote

    Step #5: Take It One Bite At a Time

    Try writing down five things you can do to start this dream of yours.  Then post these five things up in a few different places, along with some photos or quotes to inspire you and keep you focused. By creating this list, you will face your fear of starting, and you will also gain confidence in knowing that you can do this! 

    Anne Lamott, in her book Bird by Bird, tells a story about her younger brother, who was ten years old and had a book report on birds that was due the next day.  He originally had three months to complete the report but had put off writing it until the last possible day. He was distraught and almost in tears, not knowing how he would accomplish this task. That’s when Anne’s father told him, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”  

    The book Bird by Bird is about writing your first book. However, the concept applies to any big goal you want to accomplish. Every big dream starts with a small step. Step by step, you work toward achieving the task in front of you. It takes time to accomplish a goal.  It takes time to write a book or to start a business. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. (Of course, I’d never literally eat an elephant, they’re magnificent creatures!) You set goals and begin little by little, one bite at a time to accomplish your dream.

    only one way to eat an elephant quote

    Step #6: Do It For Yourself

    Don’t do this to impress anyone or even to get rich. Pursue your goals because they matter to you.  Your dream is worth your time and should be something that calls out to you day in and day out. It may not always be enjoyable, but it’s worth doing because it makes you happy and gives you purpose.  Part of the journey to overcome fear, is to let go of the fear of what others think. Sometimes, it only matters what you think about yourself.

    If you create something true to the calling you feel inside yourself, then you will not only bring yourself joy, but you will spread that joy to others. Each of us is designed for a purpose, and we need to discover what that is and then never stop.

    your dreams matter quoteFinal Thoughts

    These six steps to overcome fear go hand in hand with my article on Facing Your Fears and Starting Scared. The most important one is Step #1: Do it Anyway. If you take anything away from these steps, I hope it is to pursue your dreams now, despite your fear.  The feeling you get from actually going from dreaming to doing is such an amazing one.  You will learn, grow, and gain confidence as you take these steps to overcome your fears and pursue your dreams.  Make yourself a priority.

    Leave me a comment below or send me a message about how you’re overcoming your fears and pursuing a dream.  I would love to be a cheerleader in your life.

    Your Dreams Matter!

  • 29 Memorable Things to Do on Leap Day

    It’s Leap Year!  I am so excited for my extra day this year on leap day!  I told my husband, “Hey, we have 366 days this year!”  It might seem silly, but I think it’s very cool that I have an entire day that I didn’t have last year.  It feels symbolic of each new day we get.  

    Each day we have a whole day that wasn’t guaranteed to us the day before.  We have a chance to do better, love more fully, and to try new things.  Each leap year, we get one extra day for these opportunities.  So what are you going to do with your extra day on leap day this year?  I’ve got a list to get you started, but first, let’s go over a few facts about leap year.

    Leap Year Facts

    • Leap year occurs every year where the year is divisible by 4, except during century years, where it must be divided by 400.  So for example in 2000 it was a leap year, as it was divisible by 400, however, in 2100 it will not be a leap year as it doesn’t divide evenly by 400.
    • Leap year started in 46 BC by Julius Caesar.
    • Strangely enough, U.S. Presidential elections fall during leap years.
    • You may have seen the movie Leap Year with Amy Adams. It’s based on the Irish tradition of women proposing to men on leap day. This article I read by Irish Central states that the tradition dates back to the 5th century, and if a man refused the proposal, he had to pay with a pair of silk gloves or even a dress or coat!
    • The Chinese calendar adds a leap month for its leap years–an entire extra month! This happens approximately every three years, according to the Chinese calendar.
    • There are somewhere between 4 and 5 million leap babies in the world. In case you wondered, doctors do put the actual birth date, February 29th, on the birth certificate.  Now, there have been some doctors who have changed the date of birth certificates according to the parents’ wishes. However, it is illegal to do so.

    Well, there you have it, a few fun facts about leap year.  I encourage you to do a little research of your own, as there are a lot of interesting things surrounding this date.  Let’s go over a few memorable things you can plan to do for this year’s leap day!quote from mother Teresa seize the day

    29 Memorable Things to Do on Leap Day

     1) Do Something New

    Plan to check off a bucket list activity or try something new you’ve always thought about doing.  Go sky diving (they have indoor centers nationwide) or try indoor rock climbing.  Try a new hobby or even a new food!

    2) Have a Spa Day

    Pamper yourself this leap day.  I mean come on, it could be a whole new tradition, every year you spend leap day at the spa!  Get a massage or a pedicure or manicure — whatever makes you feel relaxed and special!

    3) Tackle a DIY Project

    Make something you’ve always thought about creating.  Perhaps it was a DIY project you found on Pinterest, how to create a memory box, or build a birdhouse, or crochet a blanket.  You’ve probably looked over a lot of projects like that and thought, “Boy, if only I had a day to do this…” Now you do!

    4) Have a Lights Out Day

    Pretend the power is out at home, and play board games all day, build forts out of couch cushions, order pizza, and dust off your Catan and Monopoly skills. Your family will remember this leap day for all the fun memories you made.

    5) Read a Book

    Pick out a book you’ve wanted to read, but haven’t made time for or perhaps a favorite classic or novel you’d love to read again.  Read the entire book on leap day!
    Mt Rainier hike

    6) Go Outside

    Go for a hike or spend the day at a park.  Throw the frisbee around or kick a soccer ball.  Here in the Seattle area, people head outdoors rain or shine.  I see them cycling in the rain, hiking in the rain, and yes, even playing sports in the rain.  Now, some of you may have snow on leap day, so build a snowman (or snow woman) or even better build a snow fort!

    7) Take a Road Trip

    Take a road trip somewhere close by, spend the day, or spend the night.  Go somewhere fun and create new memories.  Make sure to pack all your favorite road trip snacks and road trip songs, oh, and a few Mad Libs for the road too!

    8) Go to the Zoo

    Visit your local zoo and head over to the reptile exhibit to see some frogs!  I know frogs have nothing to do with leap year, but we often refer to them as “leapfrogs,” so it makes a fun play on words and a fun way to spend leap day.  The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle has this leap day article all about frogs to get you started.lion at Woodland Park Zoo

    9) Visit a Museum

    I recently wrote an article all about how to visit Seattle area museums for free.  Since writing it, I’ve decided to try to visit each of them this year.  I started by visiting the Seattle Aquarium, Burke Museum, and the MoPop (Museum of Popular Culture). It is such a fun way to spend a day and to explore a little more of my local area.

    10) Visit a Loved One

    Why not use leap day to visit a friend or loved one you haven’t seen for a while? Leap day is as good a day as any to make the most of the time you have to spend with those you love.  Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so spend your time wisely. I can think of no better way than sharing love with others.

    11) Volunteer

    Why not spend the day volunteering at your local soup kitchen or homeless shelter?  Perhaps you could pick up trash around your neighborhood and make it a family outing.  Another great idea is to find a nursing home that allows you to visit the senior citizens who live there.  So often, people living in nursing homes don’t have anyone who visits.  You could really cheer someone up with a bright smile and perhaps work on a puzzle or play a board game too.
    little car on a map

    12) Plan a Trip

    If you haven’t taken the time to plan a trip yet, why not use leap day to do it! You can set aside the time to decide where your next vacation will be.  Plan ahead to determine what it will cost and when the best time of the year it is to visit.  Here is a beginner’s planning guide to get you started.

    13) Be Spontaneous

    Do something spontaneous for leap day.  Something that you don’t overthink.  You say, “it would be so fun to (fill in the blank)” and then go do it!  Look online for the cheapest flights that depart on February 29th and return a couple of days later and then fly there!  Call a friend up and say, let’s do (fill in the blank). You decide!

    14) Take a Class

    Take an art class or a cooking class.  Community colleges and community centers offer weekend and weeknight courses in a wide variety of subjects from art, cooking, gardening, and language learning. Look up their websites to see all the class options offered for leap day and then pick one and do it!
    quote about making the most of each day like each one is a leap day

    15) Spring Clean

    Okay, not everyone will think this is so interesting or fun, but it can feel so good to begin clearing away the clutter and preparing for spring.  Sometimes it can even be interesting as you may run across paperwork or remnants of hobbies and other activities you’ve done in the past.  
     
    It can be a fun walk down memory lane and even an inspiring way to start some activity you’d forgotten about in the back of your dusty closet.  Oh, and while you’re there, you may want to do a little dusting just to be thorough.

    16) Go Out to Dinner

    Go someplace new or someplace you’ve always wanted to try–splurge a little and make this a dinner to remember!  If you’ve got a fondue restaurant near you, why not make a whole evening of it and enjoy a long dinner with multiple fondue courses and great conversation! Prepare for dinner ahead of time by looking up fun conversation starters or some get-to-know-you questions. It’s always interesting what you can learn about someone, even if you’ve known them for years.

    17) Write a Leap Year Letter to Yourself

    Write a list of things you want to do over the next four years, put it in an envelope addressed to yourself, and read on the next leap day. It will be fun for you to read over what you wanted to accomplish and then see all the things you did. Perhaps it’ll become a new tradition for each leap day.

    18) Cook or Bake a New Recipe

    Cook a new recipe you found or make some cultural dish you like from your favorite restaurant and recreate it at home.  You could spend the day making the most amazing dessert or bake cookies to share with your co-workers and family. You may even want to try baking this Coffee Cake for a Crowd and then invite a crowd over to help you eat it!
    Coffee Cake with strawberry on the side

    19) Plan a Progressive Date

    If you’ve never planned a progressive date, then make this leap year the day you try it.  I’ve done this with my hubby before, and it is so much fun! You plan to eat your appetizer, entree, and dessert at three different places.  It is a fun way to try different restaurants and add a little adventure to your dinner date.  Plus, it gives you a little time between courses to make room for the next course.  It’ll be something you will remember for years to come!

    20) Go Rollerskating

    I love rollerskating.  It’s fun for kids and adults.  Plus, it’s a great rainy day activity, and here in Seattle, we love a good list of rainy day things to do! Why not dress up in the ’80s or ’90s style clothes and go retro for some rollerskating fun.

    21) See a Movie in Style

    Go to the movie theater, but plan to dress up like you’re going to the Oscar’s.  Another idea is to visit your local thrift store, where everyone tries to find the most hilarious outfit possible (think ugly Christmas sweater). Then everyone wears their newly found clothing to the movie.  Don’t forget the popcorn and snacks – really make this a fun night out!
    forever is made up of nows quote

    22) Go Bowling

    Maybe it’s been a while since you went put on your snazzy bowling shoes and threw a gutter ball.  Okay, maybe I’m the one who is great at the gutter balls, but hey, I can really rock a pair of striped shoes! Bowling is something that reminds me of being a kid. It doesn’t matter if I’m great at it or not, it’s always fun to go with friends and family. We compete and tease each other, but it’s all in good fun. Why not use leap day to show off your bowling prowess!

    23) Sing Karaoke

    It’s ironic, but singing karaoke is something many people consider to be a terrifying endeavor.  Mention karaoke, and people scatter! Maybe you’re one of those people, well why not try it for one night, what’s the worst that could happen?  I bet it’ll be fun.  Plus, you can now rent private rooms and sing with your close friends, or you could even buy a karaoke game to play at home.  There are quite a few different gaming systems that sell those. Either way, have fun with it!

    24) Unplug From Social Media

    Speaking of scary, I probably just scared a few of you with that headline right there.  Try unplugging from social media for the entire day on leap day.  Pick one of the activities on this list and do that instead of spending time on social media.  Pretend your smartphone doesn’t exist today.  You can only use it if you want to make an actual call.  You know, where you dial someone’s number and talk to them out loud on the phone.  You’re going old school for leap day!

    25) Go for a Bike Ride

    I love going on bike rides.  You feel like a kid again.  Wind in your hair, no-hands (at least for 2 seconds that is), and you feel like you’re gliding along without a care in the world.  At least that’s how I feel because I only cycle for fun and not for commuting to work.  I should ask the bike commuters I see if they still enjoy it even when their commuting to work each day.
    riding bikes in Santa Monica

    26) Run a 5k

    Lots of cities have local 5k fun runs on leap day.  See if your area has one and then find a friend or family member to run it with you.  You don’t have to set any records, and fun runs can even be walked.  This is about getting out and doing something active and fun.  

    27) Go Shopping

    Use leap day as an excuse to do some shopping.  Head to the mall or go to an antique store or a used bookstore.  Try to find a special item to help you remember your day or find a book you want to add to your collection.  Then have coffee and share your finds with a friend.

    28) Practice Thankfulness

    Take time to write out a list of all the things you are grateful for.  The people you are thankful to have in your life and all of the blessings you have.  Do you have a home?  Are you able to take hot showers every day? Do you have friends? Can you see or hear or walk?  Sometimes we all need to take time out to focus on all of the things we have.  It’s easy to get lost in the don’t-haves or shoulda couldas. Take time on leap day to remember that haves and all the accomplishments too.

    29) Do Something Memorable

    You’re probably getting the general idea from my list that I want to give you ideas to use your extra day this year to make fun memories.  Do something on leap day that you will remember years from now.  You will say to someone, “remember when we did such and such on leap day?”  And they’ll actually remember!  They’ll say, “Yes, that was so much fun. Let’s plan something for the next leap year!”  It doesn’t have to be crazy or expensive, just memorable. Perhaps even a little scary, but most definitely unforgettable!
     
    Whatever you decide to do with your leap day, I hope you make the most of it and of every day you have.  Each day is a gift, so live it to the fullest and, most of all, be thankful for every moment you have.  
     
    Happy Leap Year!

  • Coffee Cake for A Crowd: A Cup of Coffee in a Cake!

    I love coffee! So when I found this coffee cake recipe, I knew I had to make it! You see, I’m not much of a “cake” person. I tend to gravitate toward spicy and salty snacks before desserts.  When I do want a dessert, I typically choose a pie or cobbler rather than a sugary cake topped with cavity-inducing frosting.

    All that changed when I found this coffee cake recipe. Six years ago, I purchased the Pioneer Woman’s “Food From My Frontier” Cookbook, and it changed my life! Okay, that’s a little dramatic, but it certainly gave me a new reason to eat cake on my birthday! I’ve made this every year for my birthday since getting this cookbook, that’s how much I like it. I recommend you consider buying her cookbook as it has a bunch of other great recipes in it!

    However, in the Pioneer Woman’s cookbook, she makes this as a double layer round cake, and although I’ve made it this way, it’s not always the best choice when feeding a large crowd. So when my husband requested I make this for his team at work, I decided I needed to figure out a way to make this in a 9 x 13 cake pan or a 1/2 sheet. 

    A larger cake not only serves more people but I think a rectangular cake is also easier to transport. This comes in handy when the requests start streaming in for you to bring to all the group functions and holiday gatherings. It’s that good! So be prepared for this to become a new favorite!

    Not Your Ordinary Coffee Cake

    First off, let me say this isn’t your typical coffee cake recipe. You know the coffee cake you make to eat with your cup of coffee.  Don’t get me wrong. I love that kind of coffee cake too. However, this is not that coffee cake. No, this coffee cake recipe is your coffee and your cake in one delicious treat! Think of it like you’re eating your coffee rather than drinking it.  It’s a slice of coffee–coffee heaven!

    This coffee cake is for true coffee lovers. If you don’t like the taste of coffee, then this recipe isn’t for you (and we should probably talk). However, if you’re like me and you like to take slow walks down the coffee aisle at the grocery store just to smell the coffee beans, then this recipe is for you. And if you want to try another coffee recipe of mine, check out these three ways to make Vietnamese coffee.

    Soon, you will remember your life as “before this coffee cake” and “after eating this coffee cake.” It’s life-changing! Perhaps it’s the caffeine talking, but I’m pretty sure you’re going to think so too once you try it.

    Jump Ahead to Printable Recipe

    My Tips & Modifications for Making this Coffee Cake

    When determining how to make this coffee cake recipe for a crowd, I needed to figure out a way to still have a double cake layer, but without it being too thick. You’re going to want a crowd to help you eat it too. Otherwise, you may be tempted to eat the whole thing by yourself!

    A traditional 9 x 13 cake pan wouldn’t work for me as this is a double layer cake with a filling in between the layers. So I didn’t want each of the cake layers to be as thick as a standard 9 x 13 cake. I didn’t have two 1/2 sheet pans either, so I used the next closest thing I had, two 10 x 15 jelly roll pans.

    Tips: Use parchment paper in your jellyroll pans for easier removal. Otherwise, make sure to use a baking spray that contains flour and spray your jellyroll pans down good before pouring in the batter.

    I use a large cutting board to place over the cake after it’s cooled for 10 minutes in the pan, then I gently flip it over onto the cutting board. For the other layer, I do the same, but flip it onto my cake tray (I have a lid that fits over the top of this carrier, which I put on when it’s all finished).

    Final note: I don’t take any credit for the deliciousness of the original recipe. That was all the Pioneer Woman’s doing. I want to make that clear. This is my adapted version for those of you who wish to make this cake to serve more people. It’s great for birthday parties and holiday parties at the office.

    Step by Step Recipe

    Feel free to jump ahead to the printable recipe below if you don’t wish to see the step-by-step instructions.

    Step 1 Preheat the oven and Prep Your Pans:

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two 10 x 15-inch jelly-roll pans with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper make sure to spray your pans generously with a flour baking spray. Set those aside for now.

    Step 2 Add a Whole Lot of Butter:

    Place four sticks of butter in a medium saucepan and put the burner on medium-low to melt the butter slowly.  You don’t want it to boil and splatter butter everywhere.

    butter sticks in a saucepan

    Step 3 Melt Butter & Prep Dry Ingredients:

    While the butter is melting, begin measuring the flour, sugar, and salt into a large mixing bowl. (I use a 4.5-quart bowl) Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt together and set aside. Boil 2 cups of water. I like to boil the water in my tea kettle. I love using my tea kettle for boiling water. It’s so convenient!

    Step 4 Add the Coffee & Breathe in the Aroma:

    Now, add in the coffee crystals to the melted butter mixture and the 2 cups boiling water.  And stir it until the coffee crystals melt and combine with the butter and water. Then let it begin to bubble just a little, about 5 seconds before you turn the burner off.

    Coffee and butter mixture

    Step 5 Prepare Buttermilk Mixture:

    While the coffee sits on the burner with the heat off, prep the buttermilk mixture, whisking it all together, and then set aside. I use a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup for this step.

    Step 6 Mix Your Batter:

    Next, take your hot coffee mixture and pour it into the flour mixture. It’s essential to take your time and stir this together really well. When it’s all mixed, it reminds me of ginger snap cookie batter.

    coffee cake batter mixture

    Step 7 Finish Mixing the Batter Completely:

    Now add in the buttermilk mixture and slowly mix it into the batter.  This may take a few minutes to get it fully incorporated.

    buttermilk and eggs being poured into cake batter

    Step 8 Pour Into Pans & Try Not to Lick the Bowl Clean:

    Pour the thoroughly mixed batter into the two prepared jelly roll pans. Try your best to divide the mixture equally, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.

    Step 9 Bake your Cake:

    Then bake in the 350º Fahrenheit oven for 20 minutes (or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean).

    cake in the oven

    Step 10 Remove Cakes From Pans:

    Remove the baked cakes from the oven and let cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then using a cutting board or if you have a cake platter/tray gently place that on top of your cake and slowly invert the cake pan. Your cake should easily come out of the pan and on to whatever surface you inverted it on top of.

    single layer of cake baked

    Step 11 Cool the Cakes Completely:

    Let the cakes sit there and cool completely.  In the meantime, you can whip up your cream filling.

    Step 12 Whisk Together the Delicious Cream Filling:

    Fit a whisk attachment to a stand mixer and add the cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, and heavy cream to a large mixing bowl. Beat this all together until it is light and fluffy.

    whipped creamy cake filling

    Step 13 Spread the Creamy Filling Over the Bottom Cake Layer:

    After your cakes are thoroughly cooled, place your bottom layer on a cake platter (if you haven’t already done this), and spread the creamy filling all over it. I use a big spatula for this part. 

    single layer with filling on top

    Step 14 Add the Top Layer of Cake:

    Then invert your cutting board or whatever surface you’re using over the bottom cake layer and gently lay the top layer of cake on top of the creamy filling. It should now look like some giant delicious cookie sandwich or cake sandwich. 

    cake with creamy filling no frosting

    Step 15 Make the Icing:

    Melt three sticks of butter in a large saucepan. Then add the 1/4 cup instant coffee crystals. Stir together with a whisk, then add in the half-and-half and whisk together good. Now add the 8 cups powdered sugar and 4 tsp vanilla. Whisk the icing until smooth.  

    whisked coffee icing

    Step 16 Frost Your Cake & Try Not to Eat All the Leftover Icing:

    Let it cool for 5 minutes, then gently begin pouring it over your cake, making sure to cover the top of your cake evenly.  I let mine drip all down the sides of my cake. If you want, you can always take a knife and try to spread it around the sides of the cake.  No matter how it looks, you can be sure it’s going to taste amazing!

    Step 17 Eat Cake!:

    Considering that as I write this, my birthday is only two days away, I think an early piece of cake is in order! However, I’ll try to wait at least until my hubby gets here.  In the meantime, I’ll grab some graham crackers, spread them with a little leftover cream filling, then drizzle with some icing and top with another graham cracker.  I just made the best graham cracker sandwich ever!  Try it with your leftovers.

    Warning: This coffee icing is addicting. You may want to hide it from yourself, so you don’t devour it all in one sitting.

    slice of cake

    Best Ever Coffee Cake

    5 from 1 vote
    This delicious coffee cake is made with actual coffee!
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 25 minutes
    Cook Time 35 minutes
    Resting Time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
    Servings: 20 slices
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Cake Batter
    • 2 cups butter (4 sticks)
    • 6 tbsp instant coffee crystals (3/8 cup)
    • 2 cups boiling water
    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 4 cups granulated sugar
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 4 eggs
    • 2 tsp baking soda
    • 4 tsp vanilla extract
    Cake Filling
    • 2 8-oz packages cream cheese softened at room temp
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 2 cups heavy cream
    Coffee Cake Icing
    • 1 ½ cups butter (3 sticks)
    • ¼ cup instant coffee crystals
    • ½ cup half-and-half
    • 8 cups powdered sugar
    • 4 tsp vanilla extract

    Method
     

    Cake Batter Instructions
    1. Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
    2. Spray two jelly roll pans (10 x 15 inch) with a flour baking spray or line with parchment paper.
    3. Melt the 4 sticks of butter in a medium saucepan.
    4. Add the 6 Tbsp of instant coffee and then add the 2 cups boiling water.
    5. Let this mixture bubble for about 5 seconds, then turn off the heat.
    6. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Then pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
    7. In another medium bowl, mix together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the ingredients in the large bowl and stir together. Mix until fully incorporated.
    8. Pour this batter into the two jelly roll pans, dividing the batter equally between them both. Bake for about 20 minutes.
    9. Take the pans out of the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then turn the pans over on to a clean, prepared surface, and remove from the jelly roll pans. Gently peel off the parchment paper (if used) and allow the cakes to cool completely.
    10. While the cake is cooling, begin preparing the filling.
    Cake Filling Instructions
    1. Fit a stand mixer with the wire whip attachment. (A hand mixer should work too)
    2. Add the softened cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, and heavy cream to a large mixing bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, then set aside while the cake cools completely.
    3. When the cake has cooled completely, move it to your cake holder or cake stand. Then spread the creamy filling over the bottom layer.
    4. Gently add the second layer of cake on top of the filling.
    Coffee Cake Icing Instructions
    1. Melt the 3 sticks of butter in a large saucepan and add ¼ cup instant coffee crystals. Stir together.
    2. Add the half-and-half to the saucepan and whisk together. Then turn off the heat.
    3. Add the 8 cups powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk together really good to create a smooth icing.
    4. Let the icing cool for 5 minutes. Then gently pour the coffee icing over the top of your cake. Make sure you pour it so it covers the entire cake and drips down over the sides.
    5. Enjoy this delicious cup of coffee served as a slice of cake. Coffee and cream all in one bite!

    Notes

    *TIP: If some of the cake peels off with the parchment paper, don’t panic, you smooth it back on with a butter knife. However, you’ll cover with filling and icing later so any small patches won’t be noticed.
    *When frosting the cake, you can try to smooth the icing along the sides for better coverage. However, I find pouring it and letting it just drip down works best as it is hard to smooth after it begins to cool on the cake. So you have to act fast!

  • 20 New Year’s Resolutions for Travelers

    It’s that time of year again when we put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard to write out our New Year’s resolutions.  I enjoy making New Year’s resolutions as a way to re-focus on my overall life goals and to create memory-making opportunities throughout the year.  

    You may not complete all of your resolutions, but if you try, you will accomplish some of them, and some are better than none. I hope this list gives you some ideas to add to your New Year’s resolution list and create unforgettable memories for you and those close to you.

    20 New Year’s Resolutions for Travelers

    New Year’s Resolution #1: Take a road trip.

    Who doesn’t love a good road trip?  I grew up taking road trips with my family, and I still love taking them as an adult.  Plus, there’s a whole lot less of “he/she’s touching me” and “do I need to pull the car over?” as an adult. This one is totally on my list this year. I’m itching to take a long road trip.  It’s been a while, and I am ready!

    Whether you’ve got months or just a long weekend, plan at least one road trip this year.  Load up with your favorite snacks and drinks, and don’t forget to bring your favorite playlist of all the songs you love to sing along to.  Then hit the road!

    New Year’s Resolution #2: Take a solo trip.

    If you’ve never traveled anywhere by yourself, make this year the year you do.  You will learn so much about yourself, and you will gain a better understanding of who you are and what you enjoy. There are so many reasons to travel, and a solo trip is one that will enrich you and return you a more confident individual. Trust me on this, but a solo trip should be on everyone’s bucket list at least once in their life.

    two roads diverged poem by robert frost

    New Year’s Resolution #3: Play tourist at home one weekend a month.

    So many people travel around the world, but forget to play tourist at home.  Make a list of all the places where you live or within a day’s drive that you want to see and then take one weekend a month to begin to explore the area close to your home.  I bet you’ll be amazed at the memories you create when you look at your home through the lens of a tourist.

    New Year’s Resolution #4: Get outdoors more.

    Try a new hike you’ve never done in your area, or plan an overnight backpacking trip. Go camping with your family and friends, and create some memories in nature.  I love the feeling of being outdoors; it can be just the thing to reset and refresh your spirit. 

    go outside quote john muir

    New Year’s Resolution #5: See the top 10 attractions in your state.  

    Do a little research and find out what are the top 10 attractions in your state and then plan to visit all of them by the end of the year.  So for my state, Washington, it might include Olympic National Park, the Space Needle, Lake Chelan ferry, Mt Saint Helens, the San Juan Islands, the Columbia Gorge, Pike Place Market, Grand Coulee Dam, the North Cascades, and Mt Rainier National Park.  

    You’ll need to research your state and then create your own list. Have fun visiting areas of your state you haven’t seen before.

    New Year’s Resolution #6: Visit the closest National Park to where you live.

    If your state does not have a National Park, then choose the next closest state that does.  Here in Washington State, we are incredibly fortunate to have three national parks. Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park.  Choose whichever park you haven’t been to, or whichever one you’ve visited the least.

    see new things New Year’s Resolution #7: Plan a family camping trip.

    It is so much fun to get a group together for a camping trip.  My hubby and I try each year to take our nieces and nephews camping. The kids look forward to it each year, and the cousins get a chance to make memories together. We hike and play games and tell ghost stories around the campfire.  These are the moments that life is truly about. My advice is to go somewhere with no cell signal for the best possible experience.

    New Year’s Resolution #8: Learn a language.

    Make this the year you begin learning that language you’ve always wanted to learn.  Maybe you’re planning an international trip, then take this opportunity to learn the country’s language before you get there.  There are so many great resources online and apps for your phone to help you begin learning and make it fun! Start learning with Duolingo or Memrise. Carpe diem! (That’s Latin for seize the day!) 

    New Year’s Resolution #9: Start planning your next big trip.

    You know, that dream trip you’ve been putting off, start planning it this year.  Maybe you won’t be able to take it this year, but you can begin planning it, getting excited about it, and saving up for it, so perhaps next year will be the year you take it!

    totravelistolive

    New Year’s Resolution #10: Start saving for your next trip.

    Set a budget for your next trip and begin saving for it. Setting a budget for your trip, whether it’s that big dream trip that happens next year or a shorter trip you take this year, a budget will give you a goal and keep you focused. Make a jar labeled “trip fund” and begin putting all your spare change in it. Remind yourself that you are working toward a goal. 

    New Year’s Resolution #11: Make a list of ways to save.

    So now that you’re planning your next big trip and you’ve set a budget, the next step is to create a list of ways to save.  So maybe that list will include eliminating your daily Starbucks, bringing lunch to work three times a week, eating out only once every other month, no shopping for extra things you don’t need, switching to a card that gives you cash back rewards for your purchases, and so on. Brainstorm some ideas to save and then begin putting your savings toward your trip budget.

    you are never too old to dream

    New Year’s Resolution #12: Post inspiring photos and quotes.

    When you’re planning a big trip a year or more in advance, it can be hard to remember why you’re doing it.  So, I suggest you print out some photos of your intended destination as well as inspiring quotes and place them around your house on the fridge, the bathroom mirror, and maybe some at the office too.  

    Create daily reminders of where you are going and why you are sacrificing and saving now. Plus, people will ask you about these photos and quotes, and then you’ll get to tell them all about your big trip, which will also get you excited and motivate you to stick with your plan!

    New Year’s Resolution #13: Stretch yourself–go somewhere new!

    Pick someplace new you’ve never been to, preferably someplace you might not usually choose.  Go a little outside your comfort zone and explore a destination and culture you are unfamiliar with.  Do you always go to beach destinations? Why not try a city next time. Only travel to the U.S. or Europe, plan a trip to Asia.  Never go anywhere new, pick someplace new and go!

     New Year’s Resolution #14: Try a new experience.

    Try zip-lining, rock climbing, or skydiving–you decide.  Perhaps it’s something you’ve thought about trying for years, but just haven’t got around to, or maybe you’ve seen classes at your local REI that you want to take, whatever it may be, try something new and create fun memories doing it.try new things and be curious

    New Year’s Resolution #15: Take advantage of long weekends and holiday breaks.

    Utilize any long weekends you get throughout the year by planning trips and turning them into mini-vacations.  Perhaps, you have a three-day weekend, plan ahead and book a cheap flight someplace 5 hours or less from where you live or rent a cabin and enjoy a little solitude for the weekend.  Use these opportunities to create memories. You only live once!

    New Year’s Resolution #16: Start a travel journal.

    A travel journal is a fantastic way to document your experiences and bring home your own DIY souvenir. Fill it with receipts, ticket stubs, pictures from travel pamphlets, and your memories. We always think we’ll remember those special moments, but the truth is, over time, we forget a lot.  

    By creating a travel journal, you can preserve those memories for you to read about for years to come. You can also use your travel journal as a space to write about any future trips you want to take. Write a travel bucket list in it and check them off as you travel to each destination.

    New Year’s Resolution #17: Pretend you’re on vacation at home.

    One thing I love to do while vacationing in Maui is to get up in the morning and drink a hot cup of coffee on the lanai while enjoying the view. So at home, when the weather is nice, I like to pretend I’m on vacation, by occasionally drinking my coffee out on my “lanai” (also referred to as a deck but lanai sounds so much more interesting). 

    I sit out and sip my coffee and enjoy the view of my trees and watch the hummingbirds coming to drink. I pretend that I have nothing better to do and try to soak in the quiet moments often lost in our day-to-day business.

    Maybe for you, it’s sitting out on your patio, or having a BBQ and putting fun umbrellas in your drinks, or perhaps it’s planning a fancy dinner with a tablecloth and a full set of silverware all laid out pretty-like. Infuse your moments at home, with a vacation-spirit. At least, until you get to go on vacation–then go on vacation!

    grand adventure with friends

    New Year’s Resolution #18: Take a trip with a friend.

    Taking a solo trip is a unique experience, and as I mentioned, it is very enriching, but taking a trip with a friend, is also something so rewarding!  It can often be hard to find time between everyone’s schedules to plan a trip with a good friend, but with some planning, you can make it happen this year! It doesn’t have to be some big trip (but it could be), you might plan a weekend getaway.  Make it fun, make it silly, and make memories to last a lifetime.

    New Year’s Resolution #19: Take up a new hobby.

    This is a fun one to do, as it gives you a chance to enjoy some activities at home, that perhaps you only relegated to vacations before.  For example, this past year, I wanted to return to Maui and do some SUPing; however, plans never entirely lined up. So instead, my husband and I purchased a couple of inflatable SUPs and a kayak and started SUPing at different lakes around our area.

    Maybe it wasn’t Hawaii, but it still put me out on the water and in the sunshine, and I smiled.  I laughed, I breathed in the fresh air, and for those moments, I might as well have been on vacation.

    Some ideas: SUPing (stand-up paddleboarding), kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, mushroom hunting, coffee tasting (that could be a hobby!), fishing, and so on.  These are just a few ideas, and I’m sure you’ll come up with some of your own.

    New Year’s Resolution #20: Pick a recipe from your travels and learn to make it.

    I love trying new food when I travel, and when I return home, I typically have had a favorite dish during my travels that I decide I need to learn to make at home.  I’ll get back and begin researching how to make Japanese curry, or Thai glass noodle soup, or Chongqing chicken, and so on. 

    It’s fun to try making new things, and it is also a way of enjoying the memories of your travels over a delicious meal! You could plan a dinner party, make your special dish, and then share fun memories and photos with your dinner guests about your travels.collect memories not things

    Conclusions on your New Year’s Resolutions

    Whatever New Year’s resolutions you create, I hope you will focus on creating memories, simple moments, and fun adventures that will enrich your life and your relationships.  We all need to do a little more unplugging and a lot more connecting with this amazing planet and each other.

    Your New Year’s resolutions don’t all have to be huge and grand, it’s about building in time for experiences, and stories your children will tell their children.  That’s what life is really about. Time is a gift; let’s do our best to use it wisely. So pick five to ten resolutions to focus on this year and then have fun making memories!

    Live while you’re still alive.

  • Facing Your Fears and Starting Scared

    Have you ever wanted to start something new? Maybe you dreamed of becoming a published author, or starting your own business, traveling, or _________ fill in the blank, but something always kept you from doing it. I know how you feel, I have been there many times. 

    Typically it is fear that keeps us from starting our dreams. “Dream” is just another word for a goal or aspiration.  It’s something you long to do, something that gets you excited and makes you smile when you think about it. It’s also what probably scares you.  Facing your fears is the key to realizing your dreams.

    I will cover four of the most common fears that keep people from starting down the path to their dreams.  These are four fears that I struggled with and how I faced them. I say “faced” them because they are still there.  

    On some days, they are up close, face to face, toe to toe with me, and on other days they are far off in the distance.  One thing to know, though, is that fear is a part of life, courage helps us to face it and move forward in spite of the fear. It takes courage to face your fears and start scared, but I promise it’s worth it!

    4 Fears That Keep You From Starting Your Dreams

    Fear #1: Fear of Failure

    The fear of failure is typically the one that keeps most people from starting something new.  We often fear failure because we fear what others will think of us when we fail. Atychiphobia is the psychological term for fear of failure. It is a common reason why people do not start things, whether that’s a dream, a career, or a new relationship.

    Failure is often attributed as a personal attribute; i.e., I failed; therefore, I am a failure.  This is entirely wrong. We must rewire our brains to see failure as a positive tool. If we are failing at something, then it also means we are trying at something.

    facing your fears and pursuing your dreams

    Sara Blakely, the (now) billionaire and founder of Spanx, had an idea for a legging that would help women feel more comfortable and confident in their clothing. People told her that the idea was stupid–thankfully, she didn’t listen. She had an idea that she thought was good, and she wasn’t willing to give up on it. 

    In his book The Storyteller’s Secret, Carmine Gallo explains why Sara didn’t quit: “Sara’s father had taught her about the power of failure. At the dinner table, Sara’s father would ask, ‘What did you fail at today?’ He would be disappointed if she didn’t have anything to say. Failure meant she was trying new things.”

    This is how we all should look at failure. Perhaps we should exchange our fear of failure, for fear of not doing new things, and then determine to start something new. I discuss some quotes from Thomas Edison on my post about not giving up. He also knew a thing or two about failure. It took him 1,000 unsuccessful attempts to invent the light bulb.  He understood that failure is the pathway to success.  

    Michael Jordan quote on failure and not quittingFear #2: Fear of Imperfection

    Facing my fear of imperfection was vital in my journey as a writer. I want things to be “perfect” before presenting them to the world.  So, for over ten years, I put off starting my blog. I started several books, but never finished them. My need for perfection, my fear of failure, and fear of what others thought kept me from pursuing my dream of becoming a writer.

    done is better than perfect

    Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic gave me the approval I needed to start by letting go of perfect, and telling myself good enough is good enough.  Gilbert states that “Perfectionism stops people from completing their work, yes–but even worse, it often stops people from beginning their work.” 

    Perfectionism is the killer of both beginning and finishing. I know it was with me. Gilbert said a favorite saying of her mother was, “Done is better than good.” Most people don’t finish what they start, and completing something as “good enough” is better than not finishing at all.

     “A good-enough novel violently written now is better than a perfect novel meticulously written never.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert

    That is what I needed to read at that moment.  I wrote my first blog post, and let me tell you it was and is far from perfect.  Although I have yet to achieve perfection, I learn with every post I create. And you know what? I started my dream, and I have finished post after post since then.

    I know this may sound like settling for mediocrity, but it is the difference between doing nothing and doing something.  The difference between starting your dream or living in fear–face your fears and start scared. Let go of the need for perfection, and you will feel free to be you. Good enough is a great place to start.

    being brave not fearless bear grylls

    Fear #3: Fear That It’s Already Been Done 

    This is another fear I wrestle with.  I mean, what is something that I could write that someone else hasn’t already written? It may feel like you have nothing new to offer, but just by you being uniquely you, that is something unique that people need to hear.  

    You have a voice, and you have a story. I know that not everyone wants to be a writer, but say you want to paint, or you have an idea for a business–don’t let the fear of what’s already been done keep you from offering the world what is in your heart. Your gifts and talents are unique and worth the effort.

    “Most things have already been done–but they have not yet been done by you.” ~Elizabeth Gilbert

    Fear #4: Fear of What Others Think

    Oh, this is a big one.  We are social creatures, and therefore, we care about the opinions of others.  Our mistake often comes in caring more about what others think about us than we think about ourselves. Rachel Hollis says it best in her book Girl, Wash Your Face, “Someone else’s opinion of me is none of my business.” 

    The truth is, you’ll never be able to make everyone happy or have everyone like you.  Accept that. You also need to see your value, and not find your value in the approval of others. This is your life.  Just think back to the story of Sara that I mentioned in Fear #1, had she listened to the people who told her that her idea was dumb, and gave in to her fear of what others thought, she wouldn’t have become the successful businesswoman she is today.

    And finally, when it comes to facing your fears of what others think, it might be comforting to know that most people are too busy thinking about themselves to think about what you’re doing. 

    Brene Brown Quote on true belonging

    Facing Your Fears Means Accepting Fear As a Companion

    Elizabeth Gilbert states in her book Big Magic that “Creativity is a path for the brave, yes, but it is not a path for the fearless…Bravery means doing something scary.” She goes on to say that “your fear will always show up–especially when you’re trying to be inventive or innovative. Your fear [is] triggered by your creativity.” So she says that if you “want creativity in [your] life…then [you] will have to make space for fear, too.” 

    I hope as you begin the first steps toward facing your fears that you will recognize that fear is along for the journey, but it does not have a say in where you go and what you do. So start that new adventure, create the life you’ve always wanted, don’t wait to be fearless, start scared. Start now.

    If you have a dream or goal you’re starting this year, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or in an email. I would feel honored to cheer you on!

    Go From Dreaming to Doing!

  • Creative Travel Gift Ideas to Fit Any Budget

    Do you have a traveler in your life that is hard to shop for? Or perhaps you’re the traveler, and you’re doing a little shopping for yourself.  Whichever the case, I will share a few of my favorite travel items as well as other excellent travel gift ideas that are sure to make the perfect gift for the traveler and adventurer in your life.  I include travel gift ideas for every budget, including some great DIY gift ideas and smaller items that would make great stocking stuffers! So start making that wish list!

    Favorite Travel Gear Ideas

    Portable Charger/Power Pack/Power Bank

    Portable chargers, also known as power banks, are invaluable when you’re traveling, which is why they make a perfect travel gift! I used mine for a two-month backpacking trip through Europe, and it kept my phone charged for all-day navigating using Google Maps.  Plus, I could also use it to charge my Sony Alpha a6500 mirrorless camera. 

    You’ll need to know the charging requirements of the traveler who will use the gift.  Meaning, will they only want to charge their cell phone with it?  Will they want to charge a camera or tablet with it?power banks

    If your traveler is only charging their cell phone, then something like this 10000mAh portable charger with Type-C input and output would be a good option.

    However, if your traveling needs include charging a camera or tablet, then I’d choose something with 24000mAh or higher, such as this portable power bank.  Make sure you know whether their devices use USB Type-C adapters or not and purchase accordingly.

    Here is a solar-powered option for the hiker, camper, or motorcyclist in your life.

    Also, note that power packs typically require you to charge them overnight, so plan ahead.  I charge mine while sleeping and simultaneously charging my smartphone.  This system worked great for me.

    Universal Power Adapter

    This would make a great travel gift idea for that traveler who is planning their first trip abroad.  A universal power adapter like this one should take care of your traveler’s power needs during their around the world travels.

    pile of travel adapters
    With just the one universal travel adapter, I can eliminate all the rest.

    Travel Shoe Bags

    As a traveler, I love having a shoe bag! I use it to put my dirty shoes in when I switch shoes during my travels.  The shoe bag keeps the rest of my luggage from getting the dirt and grime off my shoes.  Let’s face it streets are dirty, and I have stepped in all sorts of liquids, and otherwise— trust me, your traveler will thank you!

    Packing Cubes

    If you’ve never used a packing cube, you may wonder how you got by without them.  I especially love using these when traveling with a backpack.  I don’t want to rummage through my bag digging for all the loose items, these packing cubes solve that problem.  

    In addition to the regular packing cubes, you can also purchase compression cubes to fit even more!  However, be aware that although you may have shrunk the size of your items, they still weigh the same.  Perhaps someday they’ll create a weight-reducing sack, and if so, will they come in women’s dress sizes?

    travel organizers and packing cubes
    Shoe bags on the left, small mesh travel organizers top right, and packing cubes lower right.

    Re-usable Travel Liquids Bottles

    Say goodbye to buying new travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bottles every time you take a new trip.  These reusable travel bottles are so easy to fill and re-use over and over again!

    Headphones

    I have two different headphones that I use for traveling. I don’t always take both, as the noise-canceling ones are bulkier, so when limited on space and weight, I leave them at home. However, the Sony Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones do fold down and come with a protective carrying pouch. They are great when you want to block out the noise on the airplane or enjoy some relaxing music during your long flight.

    The second pair I take and used throughout my 2 1/2 month backpacking trip in Europe are these lightweight sleeping earbuds. I am a side sleeper, and I needed some soft and small earbuds that would allow me to turn over in the night and not cause ear pain the next morning.  The ATECh Sleeping earbuds fit that bill! 

    bluetooth noise-canceling headphones
    These are my Sony noise-canceling headphones.

    Refillable Water Bottle

    During our trip to Thailand this year, we purchased some collapsible water bottles, much like these bottles on Amazon. It was an eco-friendly cafe in Bangkok that had great coffee, but that’s beside the point.  We found them to be so useful during the remainder of our travel in Thailand, and since then, we continue to use them when traveling.  

    They are great because you can collapse them and save space when you don’t have any liquids in them.  So they’d be perfect for carrying through security and then filling up with water before boarding your flight – thus saving a bunch of money on airport bottled water.  REI also has a lot of great choices for collapsible water bottles.

    I love my Yeti mug, it’s not compact like the above collapsible water bottles, but it is great for keeping your morning cup of coffee hot and is perfect for camping or road tripping in the U.S.

    collapsible foldable water bottles

    Laundry Washing Bag

    This one is on my travel gift wish list. It would have come in so handy during my travels over the years. The Scrubba Wash Bag is a new version of the old-fashioned washboard but in a bag.  Just put your soap in (shampoo will do the trick), add water, then your dirty clothes, now seal the bag up, and begin rubbing and scrubbing! When you’re finished, you empty the dirty water, rinse your clothes with clean water, and hang to dry.  Voila!

    The Scrubba Wash Bag can also double as a dry bag, perhaps for those overnight kayak camping trips or to keep your electronics dry when traveling.

    Local Adventures

    Why not encourage your traveler to be a tourist at home or perhaps create some memories together by visiting the local museums in your area.  Most museums offer gift cards and annual passes for purchase.

    Another great gift idea is to give them a gift card for an annual pass to your State Parks or buy them a National Parks pass.  These are perfect for your outdoor adventurer! I have three passes that I use for hiking, camping, and when I stand-up paddleboard or kayak here in Washington state.

    For those of us living in Washington State, we have a few options for recreational passes:

    Travel Gifts for the Coffee Lover

    If the traveler in your life is anything like me, they want to make sure their coffee needs are covered, whether they’re at home, camping in the woods, or traveling around the world. I wrote this post previously that goes over how I make French Press coffee while traveling. However, there are a few other options that would also make great gifts for your traveling coffee lover.

    Single-Serve Coffee Makers

    Travel French Press

    • The travel-sized French Press, as well as the Java Press mug, are two I recommended in the article I mentioned above.
    • This AeroPress coffee maker comes with a tote bag, and you can make a cup of espresso or add water for an Americano.
    • The Brew Buddy is a simple and lightweight option that is great when you are backpacking or motorcycle camping. Just put over a mug, add your coffee, then fill your cup with hot water and wait until it reaches your desired strength, remove brew buddy and enjoy!

    Travel Coffee Mugs

    These collapsible coffee mugs can also be used to eat oatmeal or soup or any other liquid items you might travel with or eat while on the go. I love them for backpacking and motorcycle traveling.  They are a real space saver!

    These insulated coffee mugs will keep your liquids hot for up to 6 hours or keep your cold beverages cold for up to 12 hours.

    Coffee and travel passport

    Coffee From Around the World

    What better gift to give your coffee-loving traveler than coffee? Here are a few ways your traveler can sample coffee from around the world.

    For the traveler who loves both coffee and chocolate, check out the ultimate Seattle coffee and chocolate tasting experience. You can also try their World Coffee Tour Tasting Box for a coffee trip around the world. Bean Box is a local, Seattle based company that works with small-batch coffee roasters here in Seattle to create and hand-pick these unique coffees for coffee enthusiasts everywhere!  Consider gifting a coffee subscription to the coffee lover in your life.  They will love you for it!

    For even more great gift ideas for coffee lovers check out this post for more gift ideas for the coffee lover in your life.

    Travel Gifts that Give Back

    Trades of Hope

    I love purchasing handmade gifts from local artisans or artisans around the world.  It is something I enjoy doing while traveling, and also at home.

    By purchasing a gift through Trades of Hope, you can buy beautiful gifts made by women in countries such as Thailand, India, Haiti, and Peru, to name a few. You’ll give your traveler a unique gift and also make a difference in the lives of women from other countries!  Trades of Hope helps women out of human trafficking, poverty, reuniting women with their children, and giving them a life of hope.

    Trades of Hope caters to the female shopper, so you may or may or not find a travel gift for your traveler if they are a man; however, it never hurts to look! And with each purchase, you’ll receive a card with the name of one of the women you are helping and a little about her story.

    Travel Clothing

    Scarves make great gifts for travelers.  I love packing a scarf when I travel as they are lightweight and so versatile!  Use them as a cover for your head, or wrap them around your shoulders and wear them like a shawl. For someone like myself, who loves to pack light, they are a go-to item for me.

    scarves from Trades of Hope

    Travel Bags

    Trades of Hope also has some great bag and purse options for your traveler.  They have everything from wallets, day bags, to overnight bags. 

    travel bags travel gift ideas

    Sseko Designs

    Sseko Designs is another company where your gift gives back by providing women in Uganda an income and an education. Sseko’s products are ethically sourced using only local materials.  The women are paid a fair wage with benefits, and Sseko also offers a matching tuition fund.  

    With every product you receive from Sseko, you also receive the name of the woman who made your product.  You can look that woman up on the Sseko website and learn more about her goals and what she is studying for.  Pretty great, right?

    Travel Shoes

    One of the items I love from Sseko is their ribbon sandals.  These sandals are very durable, and there is even one woman who has run over 200 miles in hers!  Now, I’m not running in mine, but I do use them for walking around and sightseeing. You can customize them by changing the look of your ribbon. The ribbons come in different colors and designs, plus you can change the look of your sandal by moving the ribbons in different positions (great videos on Youtube of how to do this).

    travel ribbon sandals from sseko

    Travel Bags

    Sseko also has some excellent travel bag options for both men and women to choose from.  They have high-quality genuine leather bags as well as beautiful canvas bags that will make great options while traveling. 

    • The convertible tote would make a great travel gift! It can be worn as a cross-body bag or as a backpack!  Using this as a day bag allows you to wear it on your back when you’re out sightseeing, but then, when you visit a museum, change the strap configuration, and now it looks like your everyday purse.  A lot of museums don’t want people to wear backpacks inside the museum, so they force you to check your bag.  Well, now you don’t have to!

    DIY Travel Gifts

    Do you have a talent for making crafts?  If you enjoy making sentimental, one-of-a-kind gifts, then these DIY travel gift ideas are perfect for you!

    Tonya at Travel Inspired Living shows how to make these fun DIY Photo Coasters using photos from your latest vacation or from the traveler who you’re creating this for.
     
    Krista from The Happy Housie created these DIY map magnets using simple materials you can find at your local craft supplier.  As a lover of all things map-related, I think they’re such a fun gift idea for the traveler in your life.  You could even create these, so the map shown in each magnet is from a country or place your traveler has visited.
     

    I made this DIY project using Ashlea’s instructions from Heart Hook Home.  Ashlea’s DIY World Map instructions are so easy to follow. Even a non-crafter like myself was able to create my own push-pin map to record where I travel. 

    travel map with push pins
    My finished push-pin travel map. I need more pins in more places!!
     
    This DIY Travel Shadow Box from Bethany at The Southern Couture is a great way to preserve a favorite travel memory.  I love how she used sand and shells from her beach vacation. However, you could do so many things with a shadow box.  Place your favorite photo inside along with museum ticket stubs, metro passes, cafe receipts, and so on. There are so many fun options!
     
    If you’re a scrapbooker, Boredart.com gives some creative examples of DIY Travel Scrapbook pages you can create. Use these to record your travels or give to the traveler in your life to inspire their travel journaling.
     
    No matter what you create, your gift is treasured for the love and time you put into creating it.

    Stocking Stuffer Ideas

    If you’re shopping for Christmas gifts, here are some items that make perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite traveler.

    • Eye mask: An eye mask is invaluable when flying and sleeping while traveling.  As a light-sleeper, it really helps when I can block out the surrounding light.
    • Washi Tape: I love having washi tape to attach souvenir tickets and receipts or photos and maps to my travel journal for safekeeping.  The great thing about washi tape is that you can safely remove the items later without any damage.
    • Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans: I love carrying these in my day bag during my travels.  They give me that little bit of pick me up when I’m on the go. Of course, I also like the taste!
    • Buff Headwear: I love my travel buff, I’ve used it for multi-day backpacking trips as well as international travels. Use it as a scarf, headband, hat, and even an eye mask should you forget yours.
    • Moleskin Blister Kit: Unfortunately, blisters, can often be a part of traveling. Whether you’ve spent too many hours sightseeing or hours hiking in the mountains, blisters can quickly ruin a trip fast!  Moleskin blister dressings have you covered!eye mask with travel journal

    Additional Travel Gift Ideas

    Here are a few more miscellaneous travel gift ideas to ensure you’ve got plenty of options!

    Feel free to forward this to that special someone who has a hard time finding your gifts.  There’s no shame in giving a little help to the gift-buying challenged.  I think we all fall into this category from time to time.

     

    Note: Travelffeine is reader-supported. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. And as always, all opinions are our own. Thank you!

     

    Have Fun Shopping!

  • S’mores Brownies: Eat s’mores anytime of the year!

    If you’re like me, one of the best parts of camping is at night when everyone sits around the campfire and roasts marshmallows, make s’mores and tell stories. And of course, I love it when the kids try s’mores for the first time.  It’s love at first bite.  I think that’s how you’ll feel after you try S’mores Brownies too!

    boy eating s'mores for the first time
    My nephew trying s’mores for the first time.

    History of S’mores

    According to Wikipedia one of the earliest published recipes for s’mores was in the 1920s and it was called “Graham Cracker Sandwich.”  Can anyone say “boring?” In 1927, the Girl Scouts published a recipe called “Some More” and in the late 1930s, the conjunction s’mores was used in a summer camp cookbook. By the 1950s it was a regular term used by cookbooks, including the famous Betty Crocker cookbook.

    I know when my family goes camping, there is always someone who loves to say “can I have s’more please!”  The thing is, the only time I really eat s’mores is when I’m camping. They’re messy and even when I’ve tried them in the microwave, besides being messy, they just don’t have the same toasted flavor you get from the campfire ones.

    S’mores Brownie Recipe​

    So when I found this recipe for S’mores Brownies, I knew I just had to try it! And guess what? It was A-mazing! It was s’ mores without the mess and without needing a campfire.  I am not sure if this is a good thing or not, considering my husband and I ate a whole pan between the two of us!s'mores brownies with glass of milk

    I changed the original recipe just a little and I think it really works!  I made notes below on where I tweaked it and my tips for making these gooey and delicious treats!

    S’mores Brownies

    These gooey treats are sure to make you say YUM! No campfire needed.
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 26 minutes
    Servings: 12 people
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 box brownie mix Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines brands work well.
    • 3-4 tbsp water (amount will depend on the boxed recipe)
    • 2 large eggs
    • ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
    • 2¼ cups mini-marshmallows
    • 1 pkg graham crackers (8 individual crackers) crumbled
    • 2 bars Hershey's chocolate broken into small pieces

    Method
     

    1. Make the brownie mix according to the box instructions. Spread in a 13×9 cake pan.
    2. Bake in 13×9 cake pan for 11-14 minutes (10 minutes less than the lowest recommended time on the box).
    3. Take the pan out of the oven. Layer remaining ingredients in the following order: sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top of the brownies, then crumble graham crackers on top of marshmallows and finally sprinkle the broken chocolate bars all over the top.
    4. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes.
    5. Let cool completely and then cut into squares for eating.
    6. Try not to devour the whole pan by yourself!
    Here’s a quick overview of my changes to the original recipe:
    • I baked these in a 13 x 9 pan rather than the 9-inch square pan listed in the recipe.  This made them chewier. And by making the brownies a little thinner, I think it helps the flavors meld together better.
    • Instead of baking fully and then broiling, I baked the brownies for 10 minutes less than the brownie box called for.
    • Added extra marshmallows.
    • Sprinkled on the marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate in layers, then baked for an additional 12 minutes.
    • I let the brownies cool completely before cutting and eating. I loved these cold, but you could also reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer warm.

    So there you have it.  S’mores without the mess that can be cooked any time of the year!  Please let me know in the comments below if you try the recipe and what you thought.  I’d love to hear from you!

    Happy Baking!

  • Vietnamese Iced Coffee Made Three Ways

    I like to sample the local caffeinated beverage of choice when I’m traveling and although I have yet to visit Vietnam, I tried Vietnamese iced coffee at a Phở restaurant and it was love at first sip! So I decided to learn to make these at home since I liked them so much.  Below I give step-by-step instructions for how you can make this delicious Vietnamese Iced Coffee at home too. 

    In addition to the original Vietnamese iced coffee recipe, I have also included instructions for two additional drinks you can make using variations of this recipe. Soon you will be able to make Vietnamese Iced Coffee, Vietnamese Coconut Iced Coffee, and a delicious Vietnamese Affogato. 

    Jump Ahead to Printable Recipes

    A Quick Overview

    Vietnamese iced coffee or cà phê sữa đá as it is called in Vietnamese is a strong, bitter robusta coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice.

    It uses a special Vietnamese Coffee filter also called a phin. The phin has three main parts: the brew chamber with drip tray, the spreader, and the lid. The brew chamber is where you put the coffee, the spreader is placed on top of the ground coffee and the lid is placed on last after the hot water has been poured over the grounds.

    You can purchase the Vietnamese Coffee Filter/Coffee Maker on Amazon.  And in case you’re not ready to buy one just yet, I will also include tips on how to make this recipe using a French press. So let’s get started!

    Vietnamese phin parts
    From left to right the parts are as follows: lid, spreader, filter and drip tray.

    Vietnamese Iced Coffee Step-by-Step Instructions

    This Vietnamese iced coffee recipe is simple to make.  The thing that sets this recipe apart is the type of coffee you use.  Purchase a medium-coarse ground robusta coffee for best results. Robusta coffee has a strong bitter flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetened condensed milk.  If you want to learn more about robusta coffee, this article does a great job of explaining the differences between arabica (most common) and robusta coffee beans.

    My personal coffee preference for this recipe is either the Trung Nguyen coffee brand or the Cafe Du Monde brand. You can use a French roast as a substitute if you can’t buy the previously mentioned brands. However, you must use a strong flavored coffee. 

    Step 1

    Boil water. The best temperature to use for this recipe is approximately 200º Fahrenheit. I use this tea kettle to boil water and love that it has different temperature settings! I also recommend for all of the following recipes, that you pour a small amount of hot water in your glass or mug and swirl it around.  This will prevent your hot coffee from cooling down too much as it won’t be going into a cold glass.

    Step 2

    Prepare a heatproof glass or mug by adding 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk to the glass. You can put more or less sweetened condensed milk based on how strong you want your coffee. The purpose of this step is to offset the bitterness of the Vietnamese coffee.

    glass with sweetened condensed milk
    I typically use about 1/4 inch layer of sweetened condensed milk.

    Step 3

    Add 3 tablespoons (you can adjust to your personal taste) of medium-coarse ground coffee to your Vietnamese coffee filter.

    Vietnamese coffee filter with coffee
    Give your filter a slight shake to even out the layer of coffee grounds.

    Step 4

    Place the spreader (see below photo) on top of the coffee and gently press down and give it a slight turn. This is also referred to as tamping. When you tamp coffee you compress it and give it an even layer, this produces a stronger brew. 

    It is important to note that the tighter you pack down the coffee the longer your brew will take.

    Vietnamese phin filter
    I’m holding the “spreader” in the top photo, then I place on top of the coffee before adding in the hot water.

    Step 5

    Place the coffee filter with spreader over the glass of sweetened condensed milk. Then add a small amount of the hot water to the brewing chamber. (Approx. 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons)  Wait about 20-30 seconds for the coffee to “bloom“. This causes the coffee grounds to swell and expand.

    Step 6

    Fill the brewing chamber with hot water to just below the top. Then place the lid on top. Watch as it begins to brew.  It will take 3-5 minutes to finish brewing. (How firmly you packed your coffee as well as how course your coffee is, will affect the brew time.)

    Vietnamese phin filter over cup
    It’s fun to watch as the coffee drips down into the glass creating the contrasting layers.

    Step 7

    Once all the water has dripped thru, you will have a beautiful layer of coffee and sweetened condensed milk. Stir the coffee and milk together. Pour over ice and enjoy!

    Vietnamese coffee with sweet milk
    Look at that beautiful layer of coffee and sweetened condensed milk!

    How to Make Vietnamese Iced Coffee with a French Press

    If you don’t have access to a Vietnamese Coffee Filter, you can use a single-serve french press to brew your Vietnamese iced coffee instead. Add 3 tablespoons of coffee to your French press and then add about 3/4 cup of hot water (don’t forget to prime the glass by first swirling a little hot water around in your french press prior to adding the boiling water and coffee).  Let sit for approximately 3 minutes. Then pour into a glass with sweetened condensed milk, stir and add ice.

    You could also use the smallest cup setting on your Keurig K-cup machine (mine is 4 oz) and brew a French roast blend or if you have a re-usable K-cup you could fill it with a Vietnamese coffee.  Then mix this with the sweetened condensed milk and add ice.

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    Vietnamese Coconut Iced Coffee Step-by-Step Instructions

    This version makes a creamy iced coffee with a hint of coconut flavor. To make this coconut iced coffee you will follow the steps above for making Vietnamese Iced Coffee, but with a few adjustments.

    Vietnamese coconut coffee ingredients
    Here are the supplies I used for this recipe.

    Step 1

    Brew your coffee as instructed above thru step 6 (Do not add the sweetened condensed milk to the glass in step 2 of the iced coffee instructions).

    Step 2

    While your coffee is brewing, in a blender mix together 1 cup crushed ice, 3 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and 1/4 cup coconut milk (I stir my can of coconut milk first, so the thick cream and “water” mix together). Blend until a creamy mixture is achieved.  

    creamy coconut mixture for Vietnamese Coconut Coffee
    The mixture will look something like this prior to place it in your freezer.

    Step 3

    Place this mixture in the freezer for about 1 hour.

    Step 4

    After about 1 hour your mixture should be more like a soft-serve ice cream texture.  Scoop this out and add to your now cold coffee.  Enjoy!

    Vietnamese coconut coffee
    This creamy coconut flavored “ice cream” mixed with the rich coffee is YU-mmy!

    Vietnamese Coffee Affogato Step-by-Step Instructions

    This variation is the simplest of all.  We’re taking the standard Italian Affogato, which is at the basic level, just brewed espresso poured over vanilla ice cream, but instead substituting the rich flavor of Vietnamese coffee.

    Step 1

    Brew the Vietnamese Coffee as instructed in the Vietnamese Iced Coffee Recipe thru step 6 (Do not add the sweetened condensed milk to the glass in step 2 of the iced coffee instructions).

    Step 2

    While your coffee is brewing, take your favorite brand of vanilla ice cream and place two scoops into a glass.

    Tillamook Vanilla Ice Cream
    Tillamook ice cream (and cheese) is a favorite choice here in the Pacific Northwest.

    Step 3

    When your coffee has finished brewing, pour the hot coffee over the scoops of vanilla ice cream.

    Enjoy this easy and delicious dessert!

    *Optional: Add shaved chocolate on top or try a sprinkle of cinnamon for something different. If you really enjoy a strong coffee flavor, I recommend trying this with an espresso ice cream for a real pop of coffee.

    Vietnamese coffee affogato
    Dessert or drink? You make the call!

    Recipe Tips

    Purchase a Vietnamese Robusta style coffee for the most authentic version.  You can find the Trung Nguyen brand at your local Asian market or online.  Many grocery stores carry the Cafe du Monde brand if you are unable to find Trung Nguyen.

    You can use a French press as explained in the above post to make this recipe if you do not have a Vietnamese coffee filter.

    For the coconut iced coffee recipe, try to find a good brand of coconut milk.  This will make the difference for that coconut flavor.  You may need to try a few brands to find your favorite.

    If you do not have a blender you can serve the coconut coffee over a glass of ice instead. Just mix together the coffee, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk and pour over ice.

    Happy Caffeinating!

    Printable Recipes Below

    Vietnamese Iced Coffee (cà phê sữa đá)

    5 from 3 votes
    Quick and easy recipe to make Vietnamese iced coffee at home.
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 4 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Vietnamese
    Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup hot water (200° F)
    • 3 tbsp medium-coarse ground coffee (preferably Trung Nguyen or Café Du Monde Coffee)
    • 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (adjust according to taste preferences)
    • 1 cup ice cubes

    Equipment

    • Vietnamese Coffee Filter (phin)

    Method
     

    1. Boil Water.
    2. Add sweetened condensed milk to heatproof glass or mug.
    3. Place the coffee filter on top of the glass of sweetened condensed milk.
    4. Add the coffee grounds to the filter, give a slight shake to even out coffee grounds. Place spreader (filter press) on top of the coffee. Push slightly and give a small turn to tamp down.
    5. Add 2 tablespoons of the hot water to the filter, pouring on top of the spreader.
    6. Wait 30 seconds to "bloom". Fill the coffee filter with remaining water to just below the top.
    7. Place the lid on top of the filter and wait about 4 minutes for coffee to brew.
    8. After the coffee has finished brewing, remove the coffee filter and stir together the coffee and sweetened condensed milk.
    9. Pour over ice and enjoy!

    Notes

    Please see the instructions in the above post for using a French Press to make this recipe if you do not have a Vietnamese Coffee filter (also called a “phin”).

    Vietnamese Coconut Iced Coffee

    5 from 3 votes
    A delicious, creamy iced coffee with a hint of coconut!
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hour
    Cook Time 4 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Vietnamese
    Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tbsp medium-coarse ground coffee (Vietnamese Robusta coffee is preferred)
    • ¾ cup hot water (200° F)
    • 1 cup crushed ice
    • 3 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
    • ¼ cup coconut milk (mix together the coconut cream and water first)

    Equipment

    • Vietnamese coffee maker (phin)
    • Blender

    Method
     

    1. Boil water.
    2. Place the filter over a heatproof glass. Add coffee to filter and gently shake to create an even layer of coffee. Place spreader (removable filter insert) on top, push down and turn slightly to tamp.
    3. Add 2 TB of the hot water to the filter and wait 30 seconds for the coffee to expand. Then add the remaining hot water to the filter and place the lid on top.
    4. While the coffee is brewing add crushed ice, sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk to a blender. Blend until soft, creamy consistency.
    5. Place mixture in the freezer for approximately 1 hour. After one hour the ice mixture should be a soft ice cream-like texture. Spoon this mixture into your cold coffee and enjoy!

    Notes

    If you don’t have a blender you can serve over ice. Stir together the coffee, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk and pour over ice.  Add a little shredded coconut for a flavorful garnish.

    Vietnamese Coffee Affogato

    5 from 3 votes
    Enjoy this Italian treat served with the rich flavor of Vietnamese coffee.
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Servings: 1
    Course: Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • ¾ cup hot water (200° F)
    • 3 tbsp medium-coarse ground coffee (Vietnamese Robusta blend is best)
    • 2 scoops vanilla ice cream

    Equipment

    • Vietnamese Coffee Filter (phin)

    Method
     

    1. Boil water.
    2. Place the coffee filter over a heatproof glass.
    3. Add coffee to the filter, gently shake to even out the coffee. Place spreader on top, push down and turn slightly to tamp.
    4. Add 2 tablespoons of the hot water to your filter and wait 30 seconds to let the coffee "bloom" or expand.
    5. Fill the filter with the remaining hot water to just below the top. Then add the lid to the top of the filter and wait about 4 minutes for the coffee to finish brewing.
    6. Add two scoops of a good quality vanilla ice cream to a heatproof glass. When the coffee has finished brewing, remove the filter and pour hot coffee over ice cream and enjoy!

    Notes

    Use a Vietnamese robusta style coffee for best flavor. Trung Nguyen brand or Cafe du Monde coffee make for great choices.  Also use a good quality vanilla ice cream with lots of flavor.  Feel free to add some shaved chocolate on top for some extra flavor.