Lavender Festival

As you all know, I try to read the AAA magazine, Westways, as soon as it comes in.  In the back of every issue are events coming up around California, separated by county, for the following month.  When I saw the Lavender Festival in last month's issue, I knew we should go to it, even if it was all the way in Ojai.
Ojai is a cute little town in Ventura county, about an hour from our house.  To get there, take the 101 North, to the city of Ventura, then take the beautifully winding mountain road (highway 33) all the way there.  We took a different road going in because we were in Simi Valley.  That takes you through flat farmlands, endless orange groves, and around a sandstone quarry.  Stunning mountain and valley views all the way to Ojai.  The only downside was on our ride in.  There was some kind of bicycling event and all these people were riding in the road, not in a single line like they should, and due to the curvy roads, we had to wait until I could see clearly to pass in the oncoming lane.  Other then that, the drive was probably my favorite part.
The little town of Ojai is filled with boutique shops and relaxing hotel properties.  It's rumored that other then a few gas stations, Ojai city laws prohibit chain retailers so they can keep their small town charm and support local business.  We parked in front of The Arcade, a long strip mall type place with side alleyways to other stores and restaurants.  The Arcade has been there since 1917.  Right across the street is Libbey Park, where the Lavender Festival was being held.
You couldn't see it because of all the vendor booths, but this park was pretty big.  The weather was nice for most of the morning but by late afternoon the humidity came in.  Blah.  We hadn't eaten so we headed where the food smells were coming from.  There was a large lack in food options so we went with what we saw.  Teen Challenge has a booth that was selling taco salads and lavender lemonade so we got two salads and split a drink.  The beef for the salads had been in a crock pot all day, mmmmm... Slow cooked is so good, and the salsa was made from scratch.  But the real winner here was the lavender lemonade.  Slightly floral, not too sweet or bitter, and so refreshing.
We walked from booth to booth checking out all that the vendors had to offer.  Most were selling jewelry and handmade arts and crafts.  Several booths were selling fresh lavender bunches, which also meant bees.  We tried to avoid them but came across a vendor with a whole box of them.  Their company sold items made of bee's wax like candles, chapstick, scented wax for warming (like Scentsy), and body lotions.  The bees were more exciting then the product but I guess they just didn't have anything that was my style.
We continued to check everything out and came across a booth that was selling aprons.  Doesn't sound interesting?  Well, she is Jeri Boeing of Jeri's Whimsical Purses and Aprons.  She doesn't have an Etsy profile or anything, but she goes to all the events in Ventura county to sell her adorable, well made aprons, purses, bibs, and tote bags.  I was drawn in by an interesting skeleton and roses apron she had on a bustform but someone snatched it up before I could decide if it was a necessity to buy.  Her aprons come in kids and adult sizes and are reversible with big pockets on both sides.  This sweet senior citizen was quite knowledgeable in what the people wanted.  She drew me in with her different Star Wars and Star Trek aprons but I ended up leaving with just a small token for a friend of mine.  Adult aprons, did I mention, handmade, were going for $25 dollars.  She also takes requests.  Below is only one rack of what she was selling.
Off to more booths!  In the middle of the event was the Ojai Raptor Center.  They are a rescue and rehabilitation center for birds of prey.  The had about 4 live birds there but the only one we could really see was this little girl owl in the photo below.  She was attacked by something but they didn't know what and it left her eyesight all messed up.  I don't remember the name but it was something along the lines of a Screech Owl.
There were a lot of hippies, really, in tye-dye, with flower headbands, incense, and everything.  We picked up an ornament for our collection, a slice of tree with lavender flowers painted on it.  To our disappointment, they only had one coffee vendor there, and she didn't have anything that looked good or was lavender themed.  So we figured we would look elsewhere.  In our information book, they gave a list of places that if u mentioned the Lavender Festival, you could get a discount or a lavender themed something.  One place was a bar/Bevmo kind of place that was offering a lavender cocktail but when we went in and asked they said they didn't have anything like that.  Boo.
After we left the festival, we walked a few doors down for coffee at the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company.  It was a quiet little cafe on the corner of a street with a big welcoming red door.  They offered everything you could think of on their two giant menu boards..... Except anything lavender.  Oh well.  I ordered an americano and we looked around as we waited.  Fresh flowers on each table, but no lavender, a half stocked bakery case, which is a good sign for that late in the day, and a window to the boutique clothing shop that they shared a wall with.  Coffee came up and it was perfect.  I added some cream and sugar and we took it to go.  The neighborhood is cute even if we didn't get to see everything.  Occasionally, the husband and I did get a creepy we shouldn't be here after dark vibe, but I'm sure it was just our imaginations.  We hit up that bar I mentioned before, Ojai Beverage Company (quite the city of creative names), also known as OBC.  They had lots of taps and plenty of drinks to choose from.  We got a couple of drinks and then headed home through Ventura.  We got to see the beach as we passed by and caught a couple of raindrops on our car.  I would suggest making this a day trip.  Check out the locally grown foods and oils, pick up an art piece by someone from the town, and check out the endless mountain views.

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Blog...

As I was prepping to write a descriptive and enchanting blog about today's coffee and Lavender Festival, I received a call from my dad.  Earlier today, he told me he had taken our 15 year old cat to the vet because she wasn't acting like she was feeling well.  The doctor said she was dehydrated and to give her fluids, and if she didn't perk back up, that she may not make it to the end of the week.  Dad took her home, per doctor's orders, and let her rest.
She was ok until later this evening when she started panting and meowing.  My dad took her to the emergency vet and they rushed her back.  The doctor came out to my dad a minute later and said that her heart had given out while they were shaving her arm to put in the IV.
She was a fun cat and when I lived with my dad, she would help me with my college homework by laying on my notebook and after my late night shifts at Target, she would greet me at the door and follow me into the bathroom until it was time for pets and bed.
When my dad called me this morning to say he was taking her to the vet, something told me to go see her.  We were going to meet my dad at the vet but he had already headed home so we met him there.  The cat was in the carrier still so we took the lid off and I got on the floor to pet her.  She had some stuff on her nose and mouth, so I wiped it off a bit and ended up spending about a half an hour on the floor with her.  Petting her and talking to her.  She seemed content by the time the husband and I headed out to the Lavender Festival.
As I grieve for the lost of my long-time friend, I have a cup of mint medley tea.  I asked the husband for something calming and this is exactly what I needed.  Spearmint, peppermint, and lemongrass.  Soothing and comforting.
My loving friend lived a long and happy life and I'm glad I got to be a part of it.
Taffy, you will be missed. Xoxoxo

An old giant hair tie turned her into a flower and a clown.  In the center, she is posing with her BFF, Tazma, who passed a few years ago.

Discount Store Coffee Does It Again

Upon perusing the local Dollar Tree the other day, we came across this caramel macchiato instant coffee, among some other flavors, like French vanilla and espresso, from the same company.  I enjoyed the 99 Cent store instant cappuccino so much, that I had same thought of, why not?  At only a dollar, what's the worst thing that could happen?
A friend of ours came to visit so while he and the husband played Magic the Gathering, I made my drink, added a dash of cinnamon like the directions suggested, and had a seat.  Rachael Ray magazine, October 2014 issue, and some old albums on the player, I was ready for the relaxing.
The taste of fake caramel was almost unnoticeable because the coffee had a good flavor.  No instant coffee leftover grit.  However, the box came with 5 packages (a better value the the one serving coffee from the 99 Cent store) but the directions said to add 5 ounces of water for one package.  Really, 100 calories for 5 ounces?  I couldn't let my big ol' stormtrooper mug consist of only a speck of coffee so I doubled it up.
As I caught up on the history of Halloween and about 40 apple recipes, I was really taking in the evening.  It was great to see our friend too.  Both he and the husband declined having some coffee with me but said it smelled great.  I don't think I will be rushing back to the Dollar Tree for the other flavors any time soon.  Never say never.

I added the cinnamon while the coffee was still stirring around and it gave it this cool swirl effect.

There was no directions on the box on how to make it look this cool.

The record player confuses her.  I'm not sure if it's the movement of the album, or that the sound comes from the front speakers and she's just not used to that.

Pinky Up

The Little One works at the posh, upscale Beverly Hills Peninsula Hotel.  For her birthday, they gifted her a complimentary lunch with a guest at the hotel's main restaurant, The Belvedere.  Originally it was going to be a high tea deal with sandwiches, different teas, and desserts but they opted to give her the lunch instead.  Knowing my love of tea, she invited me the day she found out and when they changed it, she didn't want to uninvite me, so we got dolled up and had a nice lunch and coffee.
We arrived at the inconspicuous building, tucked behind walls and shrubs, passed the 4 to 5 waiting valet guys, and into the front desk reception area.  This place oozed 5 stars.  They had a separate concierge desk with two agents working to call cars for guests while the front desk agents handled the check ins.  I was in awe not hearing phones ringing off the hook, the agents not talking about their upcoming weekend plans, or seeing guests walking around in their bare feet, as I was so used to at the hotel where I came from.  Chinese vases and English dishware decorated the hallways and restaurant walls.  Gorgeous chandeliers at the entrance of the meeting spaces and everything was designed with opulence in mind.
This hotel opened in 1991 and is part of a small chain of luxury hotels based in China and includes three locations in America.  This location boasts a jewelry store, a boutique clothing shop, 2 restaurants, a bar plus a rooftop bar, salon with massage rooms and a meditation room, and rooftop pool, spa, and private cabanas with views overlooking the city.  I was even shown some of the property's beautiful villas, with they're own private entrances.  I'll include some of the hotel's website photos, seeing as there were people everywhere today, and I don't need them in my pictures.  As my sister gave me the tour, I was excited to see it all but felt I should have been wearing more expensive perfume at the very least.
We got to the restaurant right on time for our 11am reservation.  We had an option of a big circular table or a smaller, two seater set-up next to a pillar.  After agreeing on the pillar spot, the hostess pushed my chair in for me, placed a napkin on my lap and informed me that next to me was a stool for my purse.  The Little One got her napkin placed and they brought her a purse stool as well.   The room was bright and the music was classy.  There wasn't many people dining, probably due to the early time we chose.  The Little One noticed there was a couple of guys in dark suits seating at one table but constantly attending the table on the other side of our pillar.  She said they were probably someones private security.  They were, as we discovered later, for a celebrity that was dining next to us, but rules are rules, so I won't be disclosing who.  Not to worry, it's not a celebrity anyone I know cares about but I know they've had a crazy life.
The waiter came to take our order and instead of including all the fancy words they had on the menu, I'll give you the rundown of what we got.  We split the truffle macaroni and cheese and the kid ordered the rosemary chicken with whipped potatoes and heirloom carrots.  I ordered the salmon in a cucumber dill sauce with radishes, topped with horseradish foam and salmon caviar.  I kept calling it roe, but I guess it seems fancier referring to it as caviar.  There was also a bread basket filled with several different kinds of breads.  I enjoyed the zucchini bread, while the kiddo liked the sourdough rolls and the Parmesan crisps.
Of course the main reason I was there was the coffee.  They had a few options to choose from but we both were feeling mocha lattes.  The were served with a sliver of chocolate chip biscotti and when dipped in the coffee, were melted heaven.  The mocha's were perfect.  Not too much chocolate, not too much foam or too sugary.  After we left, I told the kid that I missed my coffee already and her response was, "me too".
Not too many people think to dine in hotel restaurants unless they're staying as guests there but this is something I would suggest giving a go.  It could be a very fancy cheap coffee date if you park in the two hour metered parking just to the side street, or up to a very fancy night at the hotel.  Cabanas are rentable, for what I think is an acceptable fee, and you get the fire pit on the roof at night with the sparkling sights of Beverly Hills surrounding you.  The lunch menu prices were on par with what I was expecting but not overpriced for the amount of food you get or the flavors.  Everything we ate was delicious.  I smelled the crab linguine as it wafted by to another guests table and may have to come back for that when I'm not with someone who has a deadly shellfish allergy.  It was an overall great experience.  I'd love to see what the bar and spa is all about but those things will have to wait for now, unless someone wants to treat me.  Hint.  Hint.

Delicious.

A simple setting on the table proving that less is more.

Seriously, a stool for my purse.

A photo from the website right at the entrance.  From the street, you barely notice the hotel with the high walls just to the right of this photo.

The Belvedere dining room.  The place settings in this website photo look like they are setting up for dinner.  That's our pillar in the back right.

The photo from the website shows the pool and half the cabanas.  The the back left of this photo is the jacuzzi and part of the city view.  Off to the right, that you can't see, is the rooftop restaurant, bar, spa, and gym.

Del Taco Delivery

The Little One is doing a makeover of the kitchen at my parents house.  It was last stylized in the 70's, so the yellow and brown floral wallpaper and scratched yellow laminate counter are no longer on par with the rest of the houses recent re-do.  The flooring will be done later by a professional company but so far, she had taken down the wallpaper, sanded and repainted (with all new hardware) the lower cabinets and drawers, and taken down unnecessary extras like the chair rail that was set at the wrong height.
The husband and I stopped by to check on her progress and bring over Del Taco for the family.  I grabbed an iced coffee with dinner.  It was only a buck; Whoo Hoo!  It was good with a heavy coffee flavor.  I kept saying that it could use some milk but I never got around to getting up to get some.  Side note, order light ice next time as it gets watered down quickly.
The Little One's next step for the kitchen is a special paint treatment to make the laminate counter tops look like granite.  She's doing such a great job and already the work she has done has made such a difference.  It's will be another week or so before she's done but she's got a schedule going and is right on track.  Maybe a second job as a contractor??...

In the way back to the left, the kiddo has some of the painted cabinet doors ready to be hung back up.

Cherry Iced Latte While I Remember The Magic

The husband wanted to try a new tea for iced lattes and chose the wild cherry tea from Coffee Bean.  Heat, cool, simple syrup, pour over ice, add milk.  Boom.  Done.  Another winner in my book.  It doesn't have that weird medicine cherry taste either, which is great, because I can't stand that.

He served it in a glass that I've had for a long time.  This is one of the four glasses released in 1996 by McDonald's to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World.  After almost 20 years, this glass is still in great shape but I never did get my hands on the others.  This one has Donald in front of the castle with balloons and Space Mountain on the other side.  The other glasses feature Mickey in front of Spaceship Earth, (aka the Epcot ball) Goofy at Typhoon Lagoon, and Lumiere and Mrs. Potts at the Hollywood Studios (possibly still called MGM Studios back then).  All with the 'Remember The Magic' slogan on the bottom.

I have only been to Walt Disney World once but I will find my way back soon.  They're almost to their 45th anniversary so maybe I promise myself to get there before their 50th.

The lighting inside my house never does my drinks justice.

Just Sitting

In this oversized mug is a concoction that is simple but delicious.  On a quiet afternoon, quickly turning to night, I'm finally able to turn of the air conditioner, and sit, taking in a peaceful moment.  These are the moments that make coffee taste even better.  There's a small breeze outside; I wish I had a balcony to enjoy it more.  But for now, it's me, my cup, and a whole lot of tranquility.
In my cup is Trader Joe's instant coffee, which is pretty decent on its own, and added to it is a flavor powder.  Butter pecan.  Oh yeah, that's a good cup.  Maybe I'll have another later tonight.

Happiness

We watched 'Hector and the Search For Happiness' today.  It's based on a book, turned into a movie, by a French psychiatrist.  It had an interesting plot and since it was starring Simon Pegg, I was sold.  I won't spoil the movie for you, but if you haven't seen it, it was cute, kinda predictable, and slightly thought-provoking.  What I took away from it was that happiness means different things to different people.  You cannot gauge your happiness by someone else's.  Some people will never grasp this simple concept and will decide that they are unhappy, no matter what, because of someone else's status or their decisions.
I have always tried to live life thinking of the positives in every situation and enjoying the simple things in life.  Does that equate happiness?  I'm not really sure.  But I think it means in trying my hardest to be happy.  I also try to be realistic.  Someone who says money can't buy happiness, is an idiot.  The thing about money buying happiness is that is doesn't just benefit the holder.  Money can be used to bring happiness to others and in return, happiness to the giver.
I will continue to let the little things be the most important things.  Those things, when no longer around, will affect my happiness.  A comforting cup of coffee, a home cooked meal, a postcard in my mailbox, new socks, random product samples, clean sheets, big sweaters in the winter, green tea with a friend, a full tank of gas, inside jokes, freshly baked cookies, a beautiful drive... That's some of my list, what makes you happy?

The husband's and my coffee in the lobby of our hotel on our recent Seattle trip.  So happy.

Small Bottle, Big Flavor

As we walked around the grocery store the other day, we passed by the pretentious hipster cold drink case and something caught my eye.  You know the case, it's on the endcap by the alcohol and has pricey juices, kombucha, and nothing under 3 dollars for 2 ounces.
Anyway, I saw this cold pressed coffee in a tiny container and said, meh, let's give it a try.  Cold pressed coffee has a more concentrated flavor and more caffeine then traditionally brewed coffee.  Even though it's in that tiny bottle, it does pack a lot of flavor.  Coffee flavor hits you first, then the salt, followed by the caramel and it ends with the almond milk taste.  All separately but still a good coffee.
Califia Farms has a whole line of coffees, including a cold brew concentrate, in convenient bottles and boxes, ready to serve.  I'd only seen this one flavor when picking this one up but I would like to try the other flavors.  This is a great replacement for those bottled Starbucks coffees.  It has all the healthy stuff people want; gluten free, non GMO, vegan, and so on.  I just really liked the flavor and want to see what else they have to offer.  I'm sure it's better priced when it's not on the endcap of impulse trendy drinks.

Westwood Relaxation

I had to help my mate run some errands in Westwood today.  He suggested we go to Espresso Profeta for coffee.  He said that someone who comes into his work, everyday, recommended it highly.  He tried it once before and like it and figured I would too.  He got me a little nervous when he said they post signs at the friend that say, "We will gladly help you when you are not on your phone or Bluetooth".  How am I supposed to take pictures in this place if they won't serve people on their phones?! Well, it's just for when you order and they were all actually very nice.
It's in a beautiful older brick building and shares some patio space with the neighboring business.  There is a big bakery window in the front to look into.  The reviews state that their pastries are great but we only got a couple of drinks.  He got their house chai over light ice.  It was terrific but vanished before I could get a picture.  I got a caffe mocha and giggled upon receiving it with the fancy foam art.  I'm not used to that still, since I haven't been to many independent coffee shops but I'm working on making that a priority for the blog.  My drink was perfect.  It had a hint of chocolate and a soft coffee flavor.  Very creamy without the usual over sugary taste you get from mochas usually.
We sat in the eclectic, small dining area and chatted for a minute.  No, really, a minute.  If you know Westwood, it's meter parking everywhere!  It was quiet and delightful both inside the cafe and on their patio.  Not sure if that had to do with the fact that they were closing soon or not.  We enjoyed the art hanging around and the vines hanging on the windows outside.  A computer printed sign was up under one of the pieces of art stating that all the art was for sale, not to be shy to ask, and that it was all under 100 bucks.
I love Westwood but hate parking there.  I would highly recommend checking out Espresso Profeta but if you wanna make a day out of it, take an Uber or bus over to not have any worries, otherwise, expect to pay for a day in a parking lot or meters.
After we finished up our errands, we went back to his house.  He made his mom's macaroni and cheese recipe for me and baked some cookies.  That was good eats!  Since the weather is so nice in his area, we had tea on his balcony and watched the sunset.  We talked about the places we ate when growing up and if they were still there or not.  It was a super relaxing evening.  I will probably escape the summer heat by heading to his house during the summer.  He better stock up on some good teas!

Now We're Just Showing Off

For Christmas this past year, the husband received a small vat of Earl grey green tea.  It is one of his favorite teas and between the two of us, we have made a pretty big dent in it.  As we were going through our tea cabinet the other day, the husband came up with the idea of trying his hand at making iced Earl grey tea lattes.
I had an iced Earl grey latte not too long ago at Barclay's.  I enjoyed it a lot and this was pretty close to tasting like that one.
It seemed pretty simple to make but the husband did all the work.  He brewed a few bags of tea in a pot, then in another pot, made the simple syrup with sugar and water.  Add ice to a glass, then the tea and some syrup.  Top with milk and stir.  We have a pitcher of the tea base leftover for more cool drinks during this hot week.
Now then, this glass is a collectible.  From 1977-1983, Burger King release 4 glasses from each of the original Star Wars movies.  I don't have a complete set but it's still pretty big.  It was a gift from the landlord when we moved in.  (What?  Your landlord doesn't give you Star Wars collectibles, or fine tequila, or send you postcards from their recent trip to England?  We're very lucky to have them.)
These glasses are almost exclusively used during Star Wars day, but I thought I would use one for this new recipe.
Highly enjoyable iced latte and now that we have the recipe down, we can try it with any tea.  I think the Little Boss wouldn't mind trying a coconut lemongrass green tea  latte with me.  Oh, I have some lavender tea left.  That would be great too.  What tea latte would you want to try?

The vat is a little over 35 ounces.

Guarding the not-so-secret recipe.

Copyright 1977.

Let's Pretend To Be Healthy

We all know the heat causes food prices to rise.  It's always best to shop for seasonal fruits and vegetables for the best prices.  Something else the heat makes difficult is having a nice warm cup of coffee.  It's just too hot!  Sure iced coffee is a good substitute but eventually I will cave and have a hot cup.  Not today, though.
The husband and I said we should wait until it got a little cooler out before hitting the grocery store.  10pm was still warm out but finally not overwhelmingly hot.  We skirted around the fresh produce first.  Salads make a great hot weather dinner so we got supplies and checked the fruit.  Spring and early summer is the time for strawberries.  On sale, we picked some up as well as some raspberries, bananas, lemons, and limes.  We're gonna try our hands at fruit infused water this week with the citrus.
Dry goods, canned goods, breads, then dairy, meat, and freezer goods, we made our way through the store, filling our cart with mostly healthy things.  (Shhh.. no one has to know about the Frosted Flakes)  As we made our way to the milk case, we passed this Dannon coffee flavored yogurt.  I said, let's give it a shot.
We got home and unloaded the groceries.  I walked away for a minute and when I came back into the living room, the husband had washed the strawberries and raspberries, cut them up, and placed them in a bowl next to my yogurt.
I opened the yogurt and had to sniff pretty good before getting a coffee smell.  It was watery on top but a good stir made it creamy but not thick.  The coffee taste was light, without the grittiness that sometimes comes with coffee flavored foods.  It was good but could definitely use a stronger coffee taste.  I mixed the berries with it and that was a yummy, filling snack.  160 calories for the yogurt and the natural calories from the berries meant this could potentially be a great breakfast for someone before hitting the gym.  (I'd say me, but not with Frosted Flakes in the house)  I'm not putting a high recommendation on this one but for under a dollar for a full meal, you can't beat the price or the way you will feel after.  Now then, where did I put those Frosted Flakes....

Just gotta get some milk.. oh hey, what's this?!

That's a new mug from my mom, nothing in it today but last night it had mint tea.  Mint tea would have been great with this meal!

Clean Em Up, Clean Em Out!

It's laundry day at my house today.  About every three weeks or so we gather all the laundry in the house, wash, dry, fold, and put it away.  Then we don't have to think about it again for weeks.  Laundry day is also a small clean the house day.  Dust a little maybe, sweep the floors maybe, pretty much a 'clean if something stands out' kinda day.  Today we did a little more.  Tossing old worn out clothes and donating stuff we don't wear or use anymore.  We made a pile and will take to a drop site some time this week.
During our busy day, we took a break and had coffee over Skype with my friend in Seattle and her brother and mom.  We figured if we were cleaning stuff, let's clean out some leftover coffee.  We took the Disneyland French vanilla and the Disneyland hazelnut coffees and mixed what was left together to make a nice strong coffee for iced coffee.  It was delicious!  My friend had some Hills Brothers cappuccino, hot, seeing as it's not too hot in Seattle right now but she said it was a bit windy.  Here for today and the rest of the week is 90's plus.  Belch!
There is more coffee base in the fridge, which will come in handy for the hot week ahead.

Using our favorite glasses.

And one of her favorite mugs.

Don't Judge It Until You Try It or Mmmm... 99 Cent Store Coffee

What better way to end a do nothing day then by doing more nothing, but with a cup of coffee and a magazine.  I've been busy so I have been behind in my magazine subscriptions.  I don't have many, Eating Well and Cooking Light were sent to me by the Boss.  I always read and am up to date on Westways, the AAA magazine.  (Lavender festival is coming soon).  But my favorite magazine is the one I'm really behind on.  Everyday with Rachael Ray.  My dad has been getting me a subscription to this magazine since the year it debuted.  Every Christmas he renews it as one of my presents and last year he was able to renew it for four years so I'm set for a while.  I like reading it when I can really enjoy it, not at doctors appointments or at Goodyear, but at home with a drink and my feet up.  That way I can tear out the recipes without losing them or Google some new gadget she reviews to find a better price.  Overall, like coffee, it gives me a relaxing feeling and I just wanna take it all in.
As I was catching up reading my May 2014 issue of Rachael Ray, I chose an instant coffee.  This is one I haven't had before.  The husband and I were walking around the 99 Cent store the other day and they had a display of to-go cups, sealed with their lids, with the word cappuccino across it, so of course I had to take a closer look.  The picture on the front of the cup looked appealing enough and it was 99 cents, so even if it was horrible, I wouldn't feel bad tossing the one-time serving coffee.  The back of the cup gives directions how to make it, add hot water and stir, duh, and the ingredients list as well as telling you there is two other flavor options.  Irish vanilla and mocha were not available at the 99 cent store that day so we got the "original", as it says on the cup, and saved it for a do nothing day.
We took the plastic off and looked inside.  It smelled of cinnamon even with just the sealed package of coffee and a stirrer inside.  With its sturdy styrofoam cup and lid, this coffee was made for the person on the go.  I, however, only went as far as my couch.  We poured the water and stirred.  It smelled and tasted just like a churro.  I'd say it tasted like horchata but this had a great coffee flavor to it.  Cinnamon isn't usually what is used in cappuccino but in the company's defense, there is cinnamon sticks right on the picture on the front.  It was terrific.  I have had a lot of instant coffees before and I would list this in the top favorites.  It was smooth, not gritty.  There was some sediment at the bottom of the cup that I avoided but I only stirred it when I poured it.  I'm sure a second stir would have cleared that up.
Yes, I am making a total recommendation to check out instant coffee from the 99 Cent store.  It sounds weird but don't knock it if you haven't tried it.  If you find the other flavors, let me know.  I'd like to check those out too.

The lighting didn't catch the light brown color of the foam, as if we ordered this cappuccino at a coffee shop.

Nothing Says Coffee Like Darth Vader

Disneyland is a magical place where anything can happen.  So why not take your coffee with Darth Vader.  Ok, so I wasn't able to actually dine with him but my friend, sister and I were meeting up with family later in the day and picked the Tomorrowland Terrace for chow and coffee beforehand.  While we sat, we were lucky enough to catch one of my favorite shows in the parks, the Jedi Training Academy.  On a stage near the restaurant, cast members dressed as Jedi teach little kids how to fight the dark side using lightsabers.  Darth Vader and Darth Maul come out, protected by a couple of stormtroopers, and the kids use their new skills to "fight" and defeat them.  At the end of the show, the kids all get certificates stating that they are now Jedi.  They even loan the kids little Jedi robes so they are totally immersed in the show.  I love it.  It is super cute and I love how great Darth Maul is at spinning his double saber and jumping around yet still in enough control that no kids get hurt.

As we sat and enjoyed the training going on, we had a nice lunch of sandwiches and of course my coffee.  Disneyland usually uses Starbucks coffee or Joffrey's coffee.  I'm pretty sure Tomorrowland Terrace was serving Starbucks, or maybe it was the bottom of the pot.  It wasn't the best coffee but it definitely satisfied the craving.  I don't need coffee to function, I enjoy it as a comfort food to relax me, and it did just that.

Behind the cup in the photo is some mint.  Just about all the plant life in Tomorrowland is edible.  Fruit trees, lettuces, herbs, and vegetables are among the large collection of edible flora in this land.  I don't believe any of these plants are used for consumption at Disneyland but more a part of Walt's concept of what would make the best tomorrow.  At Walt Disney World, they have a whole horticulture section used to grow some of the food they cook with and show guest some fun and sustainable things they use their food for.  At Halloween, they use plastic molds to create Mickey Mouse shaped pumpkins.  It's awesome and now that I am an adult, I can't wait to go back and check it out.

The plants at Disneyland are very much overlooked by guests.  I'm sure that when paying all that money by the time you walk in the gates, you just want to hop on as many rides as possible.  I have been there so many times that I try to stop and smell the roses when I'm there.  All the plants are themed to each land correctly and are maintained by a full overnight crew.  Color and seasonal changes are happening all the time.  Bulbs for spring, marigolds for Day of the Dead and Halloween.  It's one of the many details that Disney puts into everything to make it more magical.  If you get a chance, check out the Storybook Land boat ride in Fantasyland.  It is miniature versions of places in Disney movies but includes extensive miniature plant life that is just stunning.  Also, they just added Elsa's castle from Frozen.  It wasn't lit up at night when I went, so I felt it missed the mark, but maybe the daytime would be better to see it anyway.

After hanging out with Darth Vader, we were able to get the driver cabin on the monorail to Downtown Disney to meet with my family.  It is on a first come, first serve basis and seats only four passengers with the driver.  It's the same track but a whole new prospective being in the front seats.  Remember to ask for it the next time you get to Disneyland.

Hard to see through the people but he is fighting a young Padawan.

Some pretty scenery viewed from Autopia.

Our view right out of the front of the monorail.

The driver's seat looks more like the Captain's chair.

Heading down the street and through the front of California Adventure, on to our Downtown Disney destination.