Homemade Coffee Syrup for Valentine’s Day

If you read along with Carin and I at all then you know of our love of lattes. Every single work decision we’ve ever made has occurred either during a long walk or over a couple of cardboard cups from a local coffee shop. No lie.

But I’d often stare at the price of those cups and mentally slap myself. I have an espresso machine. And unlike most, I actually know HOW TO USE IT. (Admittedly I make a huge mess every time.)

coffeesyrup2

One problem, I hate how all the store bought syrups taste.

So after some internet searching I decided to make my own vanilla syrup. Fortunately it was SUPER easy. (If you’ve ever made simple syrup then you can do this.)

coffeesyrup1

Simple Vanilla Coffee Syrup

  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 t vanilla syrup

Bring the water to a boil. Dissolve the sugar in the water. Add the vanilla syrup. Let cool.

Once cooled I poured the syrup in a cleaned out wine bottle and printed up a label.

coffeesyrup4

 I’ll let you take a moment and think about the price of those syrup bottles in the stores or at Starbucks. Right.

coffeesyrup3

And what a great gift for Valentine’s Day to give to the coffee lover in your family.

A few internet searches and you can easily find the recipes to make caramel, raspberry or whatever kind of syrup you desire.

coffeesyrup5

Makes me look forward to working on the computer today. Almost.

coffeesyrup6

YUM!

signature1

 

 

 

Local Love At The Rabbit Room & Talulah’s Fancy

This past Sunday myself and a friend attended the 3rd annual Mad Hatter Tea and Brunch at the the beautiful Rabbit Room restaurant located in the Lower Mill in the historic village of Honeoye Falls. Tamara Stopinski of Talulah’s Fancy is the creative brainchild behind this unique event.

This being my first time attending I wasn’t sure what to expect when the invitation encouraged coming in costume. I’m not a costume, dress-up kinda girl (seriously, Halloween has always been one of my least favorite holidays for that very reason…weird, I know!) But, let me tell you how cool it was seeing women dressed in hand-crafted hats and outfits straight out of Alice in Wonderland garb. The imagination that went into some of these costumes was spectacular.

Once I took a break from people watching I turned my attention to the menu. The Rabbit Room is known for their amazing food using local ingredients and vendors. Their impeccable attention to detail is refreshing. After feasting on our champagne, lunch and delectable desserts we headed upstairs to an open house of local artisans including Talulah’s Fancy shop and studio where she creates her beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. What a treat to see all of this local talent!

I tried to capture the day with some pictures taken with my phone. I was so bummed that I left my camera home, so these pictures don’t do the event justice, but you get the idea.

rabbitroom1

 The Rabbit Room at the historic Lower Mill in Honeoye Falls.

 rabbitroom2

 

 The menu was great…everything sounded so good!

rabbitroom9

 

I had the Monte Crisco with fresh fruit and roasted potatoes while my friend had the Parisian gnocchi.

Both were to die for!

 

rabbitroom8

rabbitroom7

I had to hold myself back on wanting one of everything…truffles, chocolate cake, mini eclairs..and there was more that you don’t see!

rabbitroom4

There were so many people who were dressed up in such cool costumes, but honestly I felt a little funny taking pictures of them. When the table next to me asked to take a picture of this girl I piggy backed on the opportunity. Again, this picture does not do her justice. Her costume was really clever with lights and all!

rabbitroom6

Amy E. Colburn was one of the local artists who really captured my attention. I fell in love with her vintage inspired letter plaques. How cute would it be to spell out your childs name or special word? She’s incredibly talented and offers a variety of artwork. Be sure to check her blog, and Etsy shop for one-of-a-kind work.

rabbitroom5

Tamara Stopinski of Tululah’s Fancy next to her gorgeous hand-crafted jewelry. She also up-cycles vintage fabrics to creates one-of-a-kind dresses, and jackets. She has definitely found her passion! Be sure to check her blog for upcoming events as well as visit her at the Lower Mill .

rabbitroom3

 

It was such a fun afternoon filled with great food, people-watching, live music and very talented local artists.

Next year I’ll be back…this time in costume!

 

signature1

Valentines 2013

Can you believe we’re ready to celebrate another holiday?

Wow, time is flying (yipee…we’re that much closer to warm weather!).

Valentines is one week from today.

For my family it’s all about what we’ll be eating.

The only “rule” is that it must include pink heart-shaped food.

Check out our menu for the day:

 

A terrific way to start the day…adorable heart shaped pancakes and strawberries.

 

Source: google.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

If I can sneak these sandwiches into my girls lunch boxes, I’m totally doing it.

I realize my 7th grader may give me some serious grief when she gets home from school.

 

Source: google.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

 

Perhaps some milk and cookies will get me off the hook for sneaking in those heart sandwiches.

  

Source: ehow.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

  No matter what shape or color, meatloaf and mashed potatoes is everyone’s favorite meal in my house.

 

Source: google.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

And, what better way to end the night.

 

Source: google.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

 

And…this for the adults :) .

 

 

Source: forbes.com via Yby5 on Pinterest

 

 

Looks pretty good huh?

How do you celebrate Valentines?

Do you go out for dinner, stay in?

Making pink heart-shaped food?

 

signature1