French Press Fail

 {photo via:pinterest}

Do you want to know the sad truth? I have a french press and I don't know how to use it. {I told you, sad but true.}

I've read instructional articles, watched youtube videos and still, every time I make a cup of coffee, it turns out a murky brown color and tastes like dirty water. I don't need this coffee drama in the morning when I'm already scrambling between curling my hair, packing my lunch and putting together an outfit that is both professional yet 'hip'. {These are the 'woes' of my life.}
Once I even tried using bottled water and bought a fresh bag of coffee from Starbucks. My results? Dirty. Brown. Water.

What could I possibly be doing wrong? Someone please help me out. My waning caffeine fix thanks you.

Kinfolk+Quitter

Hello dear friends!

Have you heard of Kinfolk Magazine? It hasn't officially launched yet, but come July 15th, this Friday, it will be up and running. It's a "A guide for small gatherings." Please check it out. It's such a lovely project. So much so, that I am brainstorming ways to do a piece for them. Considering I have a book club meeting coming this Sunday I'm thinking it would be a prime opportunity. Thankfully my roommate and good friend has the menu set. She's going for a Mexican theme and serving dishes like:

shrimp and avocado salad

and, sangria of course.

(Images via 1, 2}

So my job will be to make the house look beautiful. {Fresh flowers and white serving dishes always do the trick for me.} And then I'll be buzzing around her  and the apartment trying to get some good photographs. Wish me luck friends.

We're reviewing Quitter by Jon Acuff. Have you heard of him? Let me tell you...

1. He is hilarious and 2. This book is worth picking up.

If you, like me, have ever felt a little lost on what you were really passionate about, what you really wanted to do, and how you wanted to get there, then read Quitter. Seriously. Half, ok the entire reason I am up right now at 6:36 a.m. righting this post is because I am putting, 'Death to the Discussion.' You know how it goes if you're trying to pursue something and you have the back and forth conversation with yourself to see if you're actually going to work on it TODAY.

But, it's no longer a discussion. I am writing. Why? Because in order to be a writer, I must actually write. You wouldn't believe how long that took me to understand. {Sad. Very, very sad. But true.}

Until tomorrow, xo.

Perks + Cake

Working in special events has its perks.
The one perk I can't help but indulge in?

Wedding Cake.

From carrot cake, to almond cake, dark chocolate with raspberry filling, red velvet and my personal favorite, pineapple coconut, I simply must have a slice of the deliciousness. I'm even willing to admit that I've had two slices on more than one occasion. {Can you blame me? No, I didn't think so.}

While I have no immediate plans of marriage, I suppose a dashing gentleman is needed for that, I do often get caught up in the vivid details of what my wedding will entail. I love the unique look of this hydrangea and rose cake from I Am Baker.  

To me, it has an elegant vintage flair. I can see myself cutting this gorgeous cake with a vintage wedding dress and birdcage veil, drinking champagne from proper champagne coupes and dancing the night away with my dapper new husband.

Until that lovely day arrives, I will continue to enjoy my fair share of delicious and beautiful wedding cakes with all of my beautiful brides and grooms. Cheers! 

70% + 30%

So it just hit me the other day that I have about three months before I move to London. Am I freaking out? Um, yeah!

There are so many things that I want/need to do before I leave. One of my top priorities is getting in shape. To be perfectly honest, I want to look like my most fabulous self while I'm there. {Can you blame me?} I want to be healthy, toned and strong. So, I'm getting in the habit now of making healthy choices. I won't reveal just how much I want to lose, a lady has to have some secrets, but I will tell you that I am dedicated to making this happen. And, because you all are my friends, I'm sure some days I will rant and rave about it here. So, thanks in advance for listening!

I post recipes and great food finds that I come across. I'm not a healthy lifestyle expert by any means, so I am relying on my Weight Watchers community for the basics. And here is the number one rule...

{Photo via:eatnexercise.tumblr.com}

Let the journey begin!
p.s. I made a delicious spinach, mushroom and cheese omelet this morning. But, I ate it too fast to take a picture. oops!

Starbucks + Gold

Yesterday was a big day for me.
I officially reached Gold level at Starbucks.
My official personalized card comes in the mail in a few weeks.
Sure, some may think it's totally silly and a waste.
But for me, it's just awesome.

{photo via: hyku}

XO,
London Lisa

P.S. In honor of Earth Day, bring your own reusable mug to any participating Starbucks and receive a free cup of coffee.

*This post was not sponsored by Starbucks. I'm just really a junkie.

Pink Goodness

{photos via:etsy}

Is it just me, or does a simple pink box make you crave a delicious baked treat? I could especially go for a red velvet cupcake right about now...although those cookies are looking pretty good right about now too...

i love breakfast

I wish I could have a breakfast like this every morning, but between getting my quiet time in, running or yoga, or simply sleeping in, it doesn't happen. 

I normally eat breakfast at my desk at work. Is that lame? Mmm, I don't think so. But, it would be nice to be able to sit down and eat a lovely and healthy! breakfast like this during the week.  

Hopefully, we can all make time to sit down, just once this week, and enjoy a lovely breakfast.

{photo credit:me}

Xo,

                                                                 London Lisa