Almond Milk in Coffee

   I have made a switch recently. Actually, I have made a similar one before but decided to take it a step further. A few summers ago, I stopped eating meat and dairy that had hormones and antibiotics in it. I also began eating whole foods and reduced the amount of items that I ate that had preservatives in them. I dropped 8 pounds in two weeks! And, I felt great! So why almond milk? Why not non-dairy creamer? Once again preservatives, plus non-dairy creamer reminds me of a Organic Chem Lab experiment. So, I have the two milks side by side this morning, two percent and almond, and this is what I see.

                               2%               Almond 

           Calories       130                   35

           Sat. Fat           3                   2.5

         Cholesterol    200                    0

           Sugars           12                    0

           Calcium         30                   45

           

Plus, Almond Milk has 50% Vitamin E, 25% Riboflavin, 50% B12, 4% Magnesium and Manganese, 10% Zinc, and 2% Copper. Very important elements for people who suffer from mild fibromyalgia. The only areas that Almond Milk falls short on is protein and potassium. Which are readily available in other sources of food. So far, it is a delightful switch for me. 

Source: The Great Awakening

Starbucks has a new mild flavor!

  They did it again! Starbucks has introduced a light flavor blend that is perfect for early mornings! As much coffee as I drink, I prefer a very mild Breakfast Blend in the mornings. The more bitter brews I prefer in the afternoon or as a dessert coffee. 

  As usual, I was out of coffee at home. When I went to the store, there was this gorgeous new package! Starbucks Blonde. BLONDE?!?! Meaning light? I lovingly snuggled my pound of Blonde Willow Blend and immediately brewed a cup despite the fact that it was already 7 PM. 

  The blend is very delightful! I know a lot of people who complain how dark and bitter the normal Starbucks brews can be. If you fall into this category, give the new blends a go!

Olive Garden and Coffee

So good! I almost forgot to take a picture of it before drinking! 

 Back in May, I had the opportunity to stop in to Olive Garden twice at Valley View. I have been to Olive Garden before but it had been awhile since I had taken a really good look at their menu. I had completely forgotten that they served specialty coffee! Right down near the drink listing is a small listing of their offerings. I know, they would like to sell more of the liquors and wines from their full bar, but why not highlight these delicacies as well?
  On the two separate occasions I had a hot mocha. It was perfect every time. No liquor flavorings that Sheetz likes to use or some of the other coffee shops that I have been to that no longer exist. This was the real deal. Pure. Simple. Mocha. With whip cream. And a mini biscotti.
  So the next time you happen to be at Olive Garden, surprise your waiter and order an espresso or a mocha!

CUPS A Go Go!

  My favorite coffee hangout has expanded! Now this is month old news to the locals, but I finally had time to stop by there recently. Previous to Michelle Bennett obtaining the space, several coffee shops had opened and closed in the same location. Michelle knew that in order for the expansion to be successful she would have to do something different. She added a drive-thru! Now coffee lovers can get their favorite CUPS to go! Another issue, location. Having the extension mere minutes down the road is a boon to both storefronts. Then she added a third leg to this success wheel, she hired the person who runs Kneadful Things as a manager to make delicious goodies for everyone! And they cater!

  The general structure of the building has not changed much since the last time I was in there before CUPS expanded. One thing that they learned from their Grandin location, add lots of outlets for computer users! They also added their own "Leave Your Cup" shelving unit and some of the bobbleheads found a new home. Now I wish I could talk her into a Salem location!