Iced Marbled Mocha Macchiato

Summer has arrived! And that means more excuses for Iced Coffee. Well, I've been brewing, mixing, and experimenting to re-create some of our favorite coffee shop drinks to make at home. It's saves the mula, and gives us much needed time on the back porch. Or in our jam jams to watch tv, iced coffee in hand.
 
My husbands favorite is the Iced Mocha Macchiato. Which is surprising, because when we first met, he wouldn't touch iced coffee with a ten foot pole. Now days, it's his go to drink. I love it, but honestly, I think I make it better. HA! Hey, just keeping it real. I prefer my coffee to be strong and lightly sweet, where as most places make this drink like a melted candy bar. Here's the recipe for those interested:

Marble Mocha Macchiato 

6 Ounces of Coffee
1-2 Tablespoons of Mocha Creamer (Try my homemade version or the Coffeemate Mocha Creamer works awesome)
1/2 Cup Milk
1 Tablespoon Half & Half
1 teaspoon Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
Whip Cream, optional
Ice

In a large glass, mix coffee, creamer, and half & half. Pour 1 teaspoon of Hershey's chocolate and drizzle inside the cup. Add milk, ice, whip cream, and additional syrup if you want. ;-) Enjoy!

What's your favorite "go to" drink of summer? Share in the comments below! 

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Travel Love: Getaway For Two in Vegas!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Southwest Airlines Vacations for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband and I LOVE to travel. We love visiting new places, exploring new cultures, and experiencing different sites and sounds other than what we are accustomed too. In fact, our first date, included vacation and travel book browsing. You can say part of why we bonded so quickly was over our love for adventure!

It is also very important to both of us to get away from the regular daily routines in order to receonnect and recharge with one another. And what better way than to find a romantic vacation package that works for our schedule in Vegas? So, why Vegas? Well, Here's a few reasons that Vegas is on my travel bucket list:

• I've never been. Everybody needs to go at least once, right?
• I'd love to see their version of the Eiffle Tower! It holds a special place in my heart.
• We need to Indulge in a frozen treat at Serendipity 3! It looks amazing.
• To get a few images of the gorgeous night time sky line.
• Last, but least, enjoy a romantic getway with the husband!

Some of the best packages available for Vegas travel is definately through Southwest Vacations! They always have incredible deals for travel options. They have great customer service, multiple package options, plus insight that will prove valuable while planning your trip. They are on my #1 list for finding the perfect Vegas vacation package.

We have flown Southwest Airlines so many times, that I have lost count. Their service is always excellent and I love how kind the flight staff has always been. To this date, they still rank very high on my list of travel and vacation options.

What are a few of your favorite places to visit and see in Vegas? I'd love to hear recomendations and stories of Las Vegas Vacations that you have been on!

 

Foodie Love: Summer Pasta

My husband loves his pasta. I enjoy cooking traditional recipes like spaghetti and pesto, but when the months get warmer, I love a good veggie inspired pasta. For this recipe, I kept it light and simple!

Summer Pasta

1 Package of Angel Hair Pasta (cooked & drained according to directions)
2 Tablespoons of Butter
1-2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped
1 Cup of Tomatoes & Green Chilies, diced (Rotel is great!)
1 Cup of Chicken, diced
1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 Teaspoon Creole Seasoning
Sea Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Once pasta has been drained, immediately add olive oil and butter. Mix well. Add additional ingredients while cooking over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Top with fresh cilantro and additional cheese. Enjoy!

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CAPTIVES: Review & Giveaway!!!

One choice could destroy them all.

This was my first futuristic novel from the Christian genre. I fell in love with many of the characters, and the overall story line. You will meet three brothers: Mason, Levi, and Omar.

Levi is about to marry the love of his life, until the unthinkable happens. Does he have the strength to save those he loves?

Omar makes a life-altering decision that will change everything he has ever known-- and loved.

Follow these three brothers as they set out on an epic journey that may change them all.

To learn more about CAPTIVES check out the book-related web site The Safe Lands. Also, be sure to check out the author's web site, Jill Williamson.

Want to win a Paperback copy of The CAPTIVES for your own book shelf? Check out our raffle copter giveaway below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other blog tour hosts: ADD Librarian • Blooming with Books • Bookworm Reading • Chris Kolmorgen • Christian Book Review Blog • Christian Bookshelf Reviews • CTF Devourer • Emily Rachelle Writes • Heavenward Reviews • Jessica Laurie • Labor Not in Vain • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Maniacal Bookworm • Mrs. Southern Bride • Oh, Restless Bird • Pages from My Journal • The Pen and Parchment • Rachelle Rea • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of Hearts • Shadow Writer World • A Simple Life, Really?! • Surrendering All of Me • Terri Harr • Verbosity Book Reviews • Who YA Reading? • Worthy2Read • The Writings of Rosie

Happy Monday! 

Moist Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

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Coffee, plus a favorite pastry or coffee cake is pretty much the essence of perfection for me. Saturday mornings, or rainy days makes it even better.

This last weekend, I was in the mood to create a child hood favorite: Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake. The original recipe that I grew up making was from a coffee book from Barney's. I lost the book...and the recipe, so I combined a bunch of recipes until I thought it sounded just right. True story!

Most Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake

Cake Batter:
1/2 Cup Butter, melted
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1/2 Teaspoon Orange Extract
1 1/4 Cup Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Sour Cream

Cinnamon Swirl
1/2 Cup Chopped Nuts (I used walnuts)
1 to 2 Tablespoons Sugar
1 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

In a large bowl combine cake ingredients until well incorporated. Pour into a greased 8x11 casserole dish or baking pan. Then, combine the ingredients for the cinnamon swirl. Sprinkle on top of cake batter, while swirling the ingredients into the cake batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350, or until pick inserted comes out clean. Serve warm, and with a big cuppa coffee. ;-) Enjoy!

What's your favorite Saturday morning breakfast?

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