Gour-Make It Monday Macchaito

Some months ago I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the most encouraging, intelligent, delightful woman at my best friend's baby shower.

Mary Laughead is a happily married, mother of one sweet little boy, Partylite consultant (link goes to HER website), and extremely well rounded wealth of knowledge on all things cooking. She never ceases to amaze me with unexpected simple answers to some of my silly questions. 

Sometime last week I had fallen to the Starbucks giant yet again, and I needed someone to give me the key to having my delicious Caramel Macchiato EVERY DAY without blowing my budget. 

Mary to the rescue: DIY Caramel Macchiato!

Before we go on let me just say that I would advise anyone to purchase one of those Starbucks look-alike reusable cups, because this recipe will allow you to give way to your everyday coffee desires.

Mary:

I initially found a homemade Starbucks Caramel Macchiato recipe here 

http://www.grouprecipes.com/33644/starbucks-iced-caramel-macchiato.html.

I modified the original recipe to suit my kitchen, and hopefully yours too.

The very first thing I did was gather the ingredients and hardware needed to complete the recipe.

(L-R) Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Vanilla, STRONG Coffee, Caramel Syrup, Milk (we used whole because that’s what we have in the house)

The only two required pieces of equipment for this method is a stick (immersion) blender and a tall 4-cup container. You can use a regular blender if you don't have an immersion. If you don’t have a stick blender and you spend any time in the kitchen, I’d highly recommend one – I use mine nearly everyday.  The tall 4-cup container is necessary for foaming the milk.  I tried whipping the one cup of milk in a 2-cup measuring cup and made a mess…

After gathering the ingredients (yes, I took this picture after I brewed the coffee…), I made half of the vanilla syrup recipe.  Even then, unless you’re an addict and making them everyday or throwing a Macchiato Party, half a recipe will last a very long time. 

Syrup

1 cup water

¾ cup sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then add vanilla extract. Remove from heat and cool. Store in a covered container.

 

While the syrup was cooling in the refrigerator (why you couldn’t use this syrup hot is beyond me – it went in a HOT drink…), the second thing I did was make the coffee.  I don’t have an espresso machine anymore, so I brewed strong coffee.  We brewed 7 ‘cups’ (the line on the side of the coffee pot) of water with 10 tablespoons of coffee.  This would be enough for about 6 macchiatos, so if that’s too much for you, cut it back (we’re not afraid of microwaving leftovers - yes, it’s different, but not in a bad way).  Most coffeemakers don’t want you to make less than 4 ‘cups’ of water, but you could probably try 3 ‘cups’ water and 5 tablespoons coffee.  If you’re not afraid of leftovers either, obey your coffeemaker’s request and make 5 ‘cups’ water, and 8 tablespoons coffee.  I haven’t met a coffeemaker yet that doesn’t evaporate water by the time you get the final product (and to allow for a little spillage), I make a little extra.  This also will allow you to pitch the last drop with grounds in the bottom. 

When we finally got our son to bed, we made the macchiatos – a reward for a full day of potty training.  Measure out the syrup(sugar mixture you just made 4Table spoons), coffee, and caramel syrup(your own desired amount).  Put in a 16 oz coffee cup & stir together. 

Next, I microwaved the milk(8 ounces) for 5 minutes on 40% power level.  I rarely use full power, especially for liquids (except water) because I don’t want to boil over.  When it came out, it was about 180°F.   

Then, I put the stick to it. 

Notice, I held the stick at an angle – this helps make the foam.  When I thought it was foamy enough, I stopped.  It ended up being 160°F.  Add to the coffee cup, and give a slight stir with a spoon.

Think you might like it iced? 

Here are the condensed instructions for both cold and hot macchiatos. 

Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato

• Time 5 minutes
• Serves 1

---

• Vanilla Syrup
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh espresso
• 8 ounces milk, steamed with foam
• 3 to 4 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 4 small ice cubes and (optional) whipped cream

How to make it

---

• You can use vanilla syrup from a bottle or from Starbucks for the drink or make your own vanilla syrup following this Top Secret Recipe:
• HOT Caramel Macchiato
• Simply combine 2 cups water and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, then add 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Remove from heat and cool. Store in a covered container.
• To make your coffee drink, add two tablespoon of vanilla syrup to a 16-ounce glass. Add 1/2 cup fresh brewed espresso followed by 8 ounces of steamed milk.
• Add 3 to 4 tablespoons caramel sauce to the drink. Stir before drinking.
• NOTE: Iced Caramel Macchiato
• Same ingredients, plus some small ice cubes and (optional) whipped cream:
• In a pint glass or iced tea glass (we're assuming 16 oz), add vanilla syrup and fill about 3/5 of the way with cold milk. Add ice almost to the top and pour espresso (2 shots would be typical) over the top. If you've done it right, the espresso will mix in only about halfway down without stirring. If adding whipped cream, add it here. Drizzle the top with caramel and enjoy.
• Makes one 16-ounce drink (grande size).

Thanks so much to my sweet friend Mary for helping with 

BOTC's VERY FIRST GOUR-MAKE IT MONDAY!

I'll update when I know how much I actually save by making my own, but because i have all of the ingredients but the caramel already in bulk, I'd go so far as to say it will be saving me about $3.79 a day! ;)

Enjoy your Gour-Make It Monday.

Court

Finally Photos

My Dad was so kind to allow us to borrow his camera.

My husband always takes great photos, so I decided I'd try my hand at it. 

Here are the photos that I took.

Playing at the World's Fair Park

Walking to the Sun Sphere

The wind was blowing. A LOT!

My girl always has the MOST intense faces!

I told him to make a "laughing face".

Already doing her make up!

Nothing like a chubby girl in a short dress and fancy shoes!

If only daddy hadn't been behind us, but then again we wouldn't have gotten the smile!

Pretending to be Tarzan!

Thinking of framing this one!

And this one!

We LOVE a camera and cute kids at this house! 

I'm seeing a tutorial involving some photos and a belly cast. hmmm

Courtney

Coming Back to The Heart of Worship

My entire life I've been connected in a deep way to my churches. 

August 1965 …Revered Robert Souders began his 37 year tenure as the Senior Pastor. At this time the membership was at 56, by the time he retired in 2002 the membership had reached 1,764.

When I was born St. Matthew UMC in Belleville, IL was my home church. 

My grandfather was the minister there and until he retired from there, I always felt a deep connection to the building and people. I would go nearly every summer to stay with my grandparents and did all things church related for my age group! I went to summer camp, and most times 2 or 3 services on Sundays. Some of my closest friends in my childhood were from that church. 

After we moved to TN we attended Calvary Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, and then on to Fairview UMC in Maryville, TN. We started Fairview when I was 8 or 9 and I got involved in Youth, Nursery work, Youth Choir, and any other area I could. I spent a LOT of my time at church through middle school and high school, but in spite of that I never really felt "truly connected" to "my" church. 

Then we moved to Summerville, SC. and found Bethany UMC.

This is really a sketch of Bethany. It is a BEAUTIFUL church!

The instant connection we felt was so amazing. We didn't have to try at all. We immediately felt committed to going EVERY Sunday and joined in on Wednesday night activities. I had never in my life felt more welcome. Sure I was welcome at St. Matthew, but it was like I was in the royal family. Everyone knew me from the time my mother announced her pregnancy. 

This time everyone knew me because they seemed to want to! We were greeted by nearly every person that passed us in a hallway. Our children were instantly made family in their respective nursery classes. My son got a spot in the preschool, and my husband and I volunteered to lead recreation for VBS and later went on to teach 3rd-5th grade Bible study in the fall. 

The the unthinkable happened and we moved. 

Since then I have been stubborn. Judgmental. Unable to allow any church to measure up. 

In college I fell in love with Matt Redman's song "Heart of Worship".

The story (and I'm loosely telling it here) goes that there was a church divided. Some members wanted contemporary praise and worship music, and some wanted ONLY traditional Hymns. People were up in arms and ready to leave the church, and the song was penned to remind the congregation that the music wasn't to please them, but rather to worship God. 

I read some posts the other from another blogger that I truly admire. She was so frustrated with having disappointment in her church. WHY can't a church be a place where everyone is accepted? Why can't there be something for everyone? Why do congregations and clergy want to sink tons of cash into a fancy facility instead of helping with a real need? This surely can't be what God has intended for his people in HIS church. 

One thing I've learned is this: Churches are operated by HUMAN BEINGS. As such, there is a good chance that no matter what church you attend, there is bound to be something that will disappoint you. There is bound to be some financial decision or music choice you don't approve of, and though this is terrible, someone will accidentally be overlooked and/or pushed away. There will be times when NONE of the ministers messages seem to be directed at you. (I LOVE when I feel like a sermon was written for me, but shouldn't I be okay if one time it might just be for someone else?)

Standing in judgment of ANY of these things is not our place. What we are going for is simply and most entirely to WORSHIP. To honor HIM with our most humble offerings and praise. The point of going is NOT to soak up as much of him as you can, but rather to give as much as you can to HIM! It is in GIVING that we receive anyway, so it would stand to reason that, like most things in life, you will get out of ANY church, what you put into it. 

If you only get involved where to feel "connected", and only stick around where you are "comfortable", you just might be missing the purpose he has for you in the worship portion of your life. 

For me this means that I have to let Bethany off of my pedestal and allow a new opportunity and a new church into my life. My year in Summerville was no doubt God filling needs in my life and firming my foundation to pass along when the opportunity arises. 

"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about YOU. I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it, and it's all about you. It's all about you Jesus."

Get back to the heart of worship! 

Courtney

Sunny Saturday Knoxville Style

Today we decided to get outside. 

First we picked up my sweet niece and nephew and headed over to the World's Fair Park. 

Not my photo, but I'm waiting on Hubby to upload. 

The World's Fair came to Knoxville, TN in 1982. That year my older brother was born and the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series. An all around fantastic year! 

We did go up into the sphere. I'm NOT a fan of elevators and there was a sign inside that said: 

"Jumping in this elevator WILL shut it down causing you to be stuck for up to an hour with possible fines".

I made Brad hold Evelyn Claire because she kept trying to push ALL of the buttons and I CAN NOT get stuck in an elevator. Seriously! 

After the Sphere we had a picnic lunch

My gorgeous girl NEVER turns down food!

Soaking up the beautiful sunshine!

And then we headed on over to good old Marble Slab. 

Our order went like this:

1 Peanut Butter Milk Shake

One small cup - birthday cake ice cream with m&ms

one medium cup - vanilla ice cream with a LOT of sprinkles (that was later spilled in my car)

One cone of some cream blend with oreos and cookie dough. 

One small cup - swiss chocolate and peanut butter with cookie dough

Needless to say the poor girl helping us will probably need some sort of arm band after our insane order.

Tonight we got some silly photos of the Super Moon and hung out with my husband's family. 

Hope your Saturday was sunny and fun too! 

Court

watered down...

With all of the events of the past weeks I've been thinking a lot about water. Too much, too little, and what happens in between.

A tsunami hit Japan. I hope I'm fine to say that most of us feel that a tsunami that devastates land and life is considered too much water. No going home because it has been swept away. No need to wash your car because it is under water. Water water everywhere, but none clean to drink. Please don't think I am criticizing our maker or his infinite, sure plans. I'm simply trying to show a comparison to my next scenario. A couple of years ago I lived in Houston, TX. and we were suffering a drought. No car washing, lawn watering, swimming pool filling, etc. in an attempt to not waste the clean water in the city's supply. 

Water is the most important thing on earth as things go that pertain directly to what will keep our human flesh alive.

If you are sick, push fluids. I.e. drink WATER! If you are hot, drink water. If you need to cook, use water.  

This brings me to wondering how much water, real or metaphorical, is the just the right amount for us. 

I hears a man in KLOVE yesterday talking about the watered down beliefs. He said: "Non believers will always be put off by the gospel. Nobody likes to feel guilty, and when facing sin, people get offended. What is even more offensive to them than that though, is when a believer waters it down" . 

I think in a lot of cases the "watering down" happens for two reasons. The first is in an effort to not smother someone with our beliefs. Two people with different opinions can respect one another so long as one side doesn't feel it necessary to try and change the mind of the other side. Nobody wants to lose someone that they value as a friend, so the sugar coated version suits them best in regards to their outward display of their beliefs and faith. The second reason to water it down is for those who are just not sure. Maybe they believed following a trend among friends or family, but when it gets down to the nitty gritty they just don't know for sure. 

I can see where a non-believer would be annoyed here. Have you ever asked someone why they don't believe in God? I have, and the response was sure. Not only will they say why confidently, but they will also not consider that you might be offended to hear about it. Why too, would they ever be compelled to listen to your side of the discussion when you're not even sure enough to be able to own it and live it without watering it down. 

Everything is best in moderation except for Jesus. Need him, crave him, love him. Don't over water down your faith to accommodate others, or you will drown your own seed. Don't neglect to water the people you meet because that is our purpose. Go out into the world sure of what you know and believe and share it accordingly. No need for a judgmental tsunami your beliefs, but definitely a steady daily showering of love, compassion, and life by example. 

I certainly don't want to ever be the person who pushed someone away for any reason, but I'd rather it be that I came on too strong, than because someone saw me say I loved him, but I watered him down too much in my daily life to convince anyone that my feelings were true.

Courtney

Giving of me Graciously

Willing Wednesday Time...

As you can see, after combining the blogs, I have made wonderful Wednesdays the day that I will focus on "Giving of Me Willingly". Today I'm focusing on giving "graciously". 

I spent some time looking at the definition of "gracious" this morning and the definition I felt best described what I'm talking about said: "characterized by.....generosity of spirit."

How often do you give? In any avenue? I give of my time, attention, labor, love, care, etc. at my home to my children and husband on a minute to minute basis. I give of my talents to my customers and always try to provide the most personal and top quality products. I give to my friends when I have the opportunity to pay something forward, and I give to charities, the offering plate, and any time I see a need that I can fill. 

Now that you've thought about where you give, think about HOW you give. The bible is very clear about having a giving spirit and sharing it freely. It is clear on where your heart should be when you give. I know there are those who give to be thanked, but there are also those who give out of the goodness of their hearts, but with out the generosity of their spirits. 

We all know that in giving we receive so much more, so why do people sometimes feel burdened by their giving? Are you tithing because you feel "obligated", or because he gave it to you and giving back to him what is his is the least you can do? 

When you do a favor for a friend, is it because "that's what friends do", or is it because your heart wouldn't let you allow someone to need if you have the means to give. 

For me this is so much deeper than money. Its more about time and attention, really. I want to be the type of person who, when I offer to help someone, I make sure that I really seek out what would be most helpful to them. Not just giving in the way I think will solve their problems. I want to insert my heart into their needs and really hear them instead of putting my own band aid on their need leaving them the same or worse than when I found them. I want to give with GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT, and not based at all on my own thoughts and desires. 

Take some time when approaching areas that you are giving and make sure you are truly helping. If your friend has an emotional need, don't just buy them a gift to represent sympathy. Go. Sit. Listen. Comfort. Give generously of you SELF. 

If someone is suffering financially, don't take them on a shopping spree, or treat them to a night out to "relax". Give any financial efforts you have (even the tiny ones) to the real problems. Don't change one night. Change their future. 

If someone needs Jesus, don't ONLY live as a good example. Give verbally and TELL them about Jesus. 

I'll leave you with a small story that I may have previously shared, but it fits. 

I believe that as my brother's keeper, I am compelled to step in with generosity of spirit any time my brother is in need. This is especially true of parents and their children.

A coworker's daughter was beginning to get into trouble in school. In 10th grade she was making the wrong friends and her grades were falling. Instead of punishing her or motivating with gifts or threats, my coworker gave her daughter the very best gift I have ever witnessed a mother in this situation give. She gave her daughter graciously of herself with generosity of spirit. She pulled her daughter out of school and quit her job to immediately homeschool her. They focused on the school work, but dove deep into their mother/daughter relationship. She carefully instructed her daughter on their family values and beliefs. They got more involved with their church together and my friend saved her daughter. She left no stone unturned and held nothing back, expecting only the faithfulness of the Lord to bless her generosity and giving by healing whatever was going wrong in the life of her daughter. 

Give of yourself willingly with full generosity of spirit. This life is fleeting. Do what you can for one, what you wish you could do for all. Paying it forward will result in the same from whoever you help. 

Happy Willing Wednesday

Court

Midnight inspirations make me a...Yo-Yo?

My sweet friend Sarah was up late last night like me and feeling crafty. Her inspiration, inspired me. 

Felt (but you can use anything) Yo-Yo Flower

Super fast, and you can probably make a TON of them without ever leaving your house for supplies. 

You Need:

Needle and Thread (Some say to use special kinds, but regular works just fine)

Scissors, Felt (or fabric of some sort), 

a circle to trace (you'll want it about twice the size you want your flower to be), 

a button or something to put in the center, 

and an ink pen or fabric pin. (Doesn't matter, won't show!)

I chose a couple of buttons because I wasn't sure what the flower would look like finished. This is my first time Yo-Yo-ing

First: Trace your circle. 

And cut it out...

Then grab your needle and thread.

First you'll want to make a knot in your thread (double knot for felt so it doesn't slide right through) and then sew one stitch into your felt a few times and make a knot so it won't move from that exact spot. 

I just realized my circle is terrible. It's 7a.m. and still dark out. What do you expect from me people? Only 3 hours of sleep here! ;)

 

Next stitch all the way around the circle. Don't worry...it won't stay bunched until you pull the thread.

Pull the string to make a small bag or in my case a garlic clove. 

While pulled tight, push bunched top down into the center:

Use remaining thread to stitch it down through the back and make a knot to hold in place.

Apparently I'm also cold because my silly ring won't quit sliding. Oh well.

Choose a button... add said button:

Now, you may be wondering if this will be a bow. Not this time but it could very easily be. All you'd need to do is hot glue it to a lined alligator clip or unlined clasp clip. 

I'm going to use about 99 more of these for another project. 

Stay tuned!

Court