Wednesday, December 7, 2011

DIY Starbucks

image - flickr


The Starbucks holiday season is upon us! On the first day possible, I headed on over to my local Starbucks and got myself a piping hot eggnog latte. Even though I exercised some self control and got the smallest size, it was still priced at over $4. And I had to wait in line for 10 minutes. And they didn't even fill it up all the way to the top (my ultimate Starbucks pet peeve.)

Yummy, yes. Worth it? Eh.


A friend of a friend posted a link to some DIY Starbucks recipes from Fox News (Sasha Bogursky.) I can't wait to try them!


Gingerbread Latte

Starbucks Price : $4.75 for a grande

First make gingerbread syrup

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


Combine all ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce hit and allow for syrup to simmer. Leave uncovered for 15 minutes and then remove from fire.


1/2 cup fresh espresso

8 ounces milk, steamed


Prepare a double shot of espresso and steam 8 ounces of milk. Pour 1/2 cup of espresso into mug, add 1/4 cup of gingerbread syrup followed by the milk. Stir and serve hot.


Eggnot Latte

Starbucks Price: $4.75 for a grande

1/2 cup eggnog

1/4 cup whole milk

1-2 shots espresso Sprinkle of nutmeg for garnish


Combine cold eggnog with cold milk and steam. Add espresso shots to steamed eggnog mixture and sprinkle with nutmeg.


Peppermint Mocha

Starbucks Price: $4.75 for a grande

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

3 tablespoons powdered cocoa

3 tablespoons warm water

1/2 cup hot espresso

1 1/2 cups hot milk


Stir the water and sugar in a saucepan until sugar dissolves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and add peppermint extract. Allow mixture to simmer for 20 minutes.


Mix cocoa and water in a mag until paste forms. Add espresso and 1 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint syrup. Finally, add the milk and serve hot.


Find additional Starbucks recipes here.


I would love some feedback

if you try any of these recipes!


Monday, December 5, 2011

Gift Ideas Under $20

With all the holiday gift exchanges going on right now I thought I'd share some gift ideas. All these items are under $20. All are available at mall stores. Happy shopping!

Sea Measuring Cups, West Elm - $19




Velvet Jewelry Roll, Pottery Barn - $19 (on sale now for $16)



Brie Baker, Crate and Barrel - $19.95



Gelato Frames, Z Gallerie - $12.95 - $19.95




What is the best gift you have ever received in a holiday gift exchange?

Thursday, December 1, 2011

H&H on OKL

Best wishes to my friends/clients Heather Roberts and Helen Davis who will be featured on One Kings Lane today. Their one-of-a-kind pieces are gorgeous!

The sale starts at 6pm. Check out the preview here.