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Iced Coffee. Simple & Perfect.

September 2, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 4 Comments

I believe in rhythms. Those pockets of time we purposefully build into our day which offer stability and rest. One of my most appreciated rhythms is our family rest time. Every afternoon everyone under the age of 30 retreats upstairs for a little while. The little one naps and the big one reads, colors, & creates in quiet. It was not an easy rhythm to adopt, but it has made a world of difference for this slightly introverted Mama. They benefit from alone time and so do I.

Especially if there is Iced Coffee involved.

I’m a one coffee a-day girl but, it’s a big one with lots of ice. Seriously. I have one about every single day. And with a little bit of planning, you can have Iced Coffee at your fingertips and drive right on past that coffee shop. So let’s dive into Iced Coffee 101!

First, some quick thoughts about Cold-Brew Iced Coffee.
It’s delicious, smooth and refreshing. Have you tried it yet? It tastes completely different from the hot coffee that has merely been chilled. HOWEVER, making cold brew coffee concentrate takes a lot of advance notice as it brews for hours, and it can be quite messy. I’m not knocking it at all, but if you don’t have time or patience for making your own cold-brew– these tips will help you still enjoy Iced Coffee.

Now let’s make that Liquid Love—

Brew a pot of strong coffee using a Dark or Medium Roast. 1 Liter of water to 1/2 cup (or 60 grams by weight) of ground coffee.
Chill the coffee well. (If you’re short on time, brew the coffee using this Japanese Method and you won’t have to wait!)
Pour out your coffee, (I use a separate glass than I’ll be drinking from.) Flavor using Agave Nectar, Simple Syrup or even Maple Syrup. (Start with just a small spoonful and then add based on the darkness of the roast.)
Add the dairy. The best way in my opinion is a small splash of 1/2 & 1/2 and then milk until it’s the color you like. Whatever you like, Whole Milk, 2%, Almond, Coconut, Whatev’s!
Grab a large glass, lots of ice and pour that beautiful concoction over it and enjoy!!

Do’s & Don’ts.
Do choose a Medium or Dark Roast. It really makes a huge difference in the “roasty” taste. The roast means flavor. With coffee that will be chilled and poured over ice, you want that flavor to shine.

Don’t mix different pots and brews. If you happen to brew different things each day and just save your “dregs” you won’t have as deep of a flavor as making one dedicated pot for Icing. One of the main problems with getting a good Iced Coffee out is that said coffee shop may just be chilling whatever coffee that they have “left over” and not a dedicated batch. I know, it sounds crazy since it’s all coffee– but I consulted my resident barista.. (the one who happens to have blue eyes and be the tallest person in this house and the only boy,) and he says, “Don’t mix brews. Just don’t.”

Do grind your beans fresh. Even an inexpensive coffee grinder will do the trick. But don’t grind it ahead of time if you can help it. Small batches are best. We make the Iced Coffee every few days and it keeps in the fridge.

Don’t feel as though you need swanky equipment to make good Iced Coffee at home. We do have a Chemex that we use for Pour-Overs and it makes fabulous Iced Coffee, BUT we have a regular French Press that works great as well. Even your standard coffee pot can do the job; it really matters more that your beans are fresh and a strong roast.

Do remember that even the worst coffee tastes better with someone else.

What I Learned in July

August 4, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 5 Comments

And just like that, July is over. I’m linking up with Emily to share what we learned in July.

1. I realized that I still miss going to summer camp. Some of my very best friendships began in that sticky lake air. Those early morning breakfasts of rubbery eggs and frosted flakes were a summer rite of passage and I can still smell the over-powering aroma of herbal essence shampoo in a cabin full of 13-year olds. It’s an experience I really don’t want our girls to miss out on if possible. Every kid needs to get carried off by giant camp mosquitos once a year.

2. I learned what kind of eggs I liked. And really, this is huge for me. I feel like a legitimate adult eating my egg every morning.

3. I learned that the traditional 8th anniversary gift is pottery. AND, I actually bought my guy this mug from NSPottery for our 8th anniversary in a few weeks–and then it came early so I couldn’t wait and he got it for his birthday instead. But for once in my life, I was completely on track to do something Emily Post (and possible Emily Gilmore too) approved. Hooray!

4. Writing on the Go. I learned that although I cannot read while riding in the car (ugh, blech!) I CAN type on my laptop. This is a game-changer. Well, It would be a game-changer if I had a driver to shuttle me around Mrs. Daisy style.

5. I learned that there are Anne of Green Gables books which I did not know existed. Rilla of Ingleside and Rainbow Valley— I spotted both at B&N in the children’s section. I cannot wait to finish Anne of Avonlea and the following ones, now that I know there are more! These hardcover editions are so pretty, they would be fun to stack up on the mantle. I did recently pick up a copy of Mary Poppins to read aloud with Lucy for 1st grade and I’m giddy to begin it!! She loves the movie so I think she will enjoy the book too.

6. The obligatory Goggle picture is one thing I cannot live without. I do not even know what magically happens to a child’s face when they have goggles on, but I do know that it is a hilarious gift. Bonus points if you can get your husband in a pair of goggles.

What I’ve been reading:

Wild in the Hollow by Amber Haines (This is an amazingly raw and honest book. And completely beautiful.

My Life in France by Julia Child (I’m stretching this one way out.)

Longing for Paris by Sarah Mae (apparently I’m on a French kick.) This one is still on the amazing pre-sale price!

Next up on the list I’m deciding between Bossypants by Tina Fey or Delicious by Ruth Reichl.

What are you reading?

What did you learn in July? Happy August Friends! I hope you live in a state where school does not begin for weeks and you’re still summering it up!

(As always, the amazon links are affiliate links.)

Dippy Eggs and Julia Roberts

July 27, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 5 Comments

I am 33 years old and I finally know what kind of eggs I like.

I know. It’s very Julia Roberts and Runaway Bride-ish, except I never left a man at the altar. Almost, but not quite. I didn’t actually leave him there but I was late coming up the steps and it did make for a painfully long 90 seconds of silence. Oops. But, thank goodness He waited for me. That was a perfect day.

Annnnddd…. back to the eggs. My favorite eggs? The Dippy kind, with salt and cracked pepper on a piece of wholegrain toast.

As a child I was allergic to eggs and milk– (even ICE CREAM!!) for just a few years, but those were the formative years for my palate and I grew up not liking eggs at all.

Fast forward to my early days as a newlywed when my aforementioned hunky hunky husband would make scrambled eggs full of sauteed veggies and fresh herbs.. and I ate them. I liked them as long as each bite had enough veg to mask the taste of the actual egg. I would have sworn them off completely if that little voice in my head wasn’t always lecturing me on what an excellent source of protein they were.

Years of squeamishly chewing even the fluffiest of eggs recently led me to try other kinds. I saw a photo of Avocado toast on instagram one day and thought that sounded divine. Basically it’s just toast, spread with ripe avocado and sprinkled with a pinch of salt and pepper.

That toast was the basis for this quick, protein packed yummy breakfast.

Cook one egg using this method for making the perfect dippy egg without flipping (or too much fat!)

It only takes 2-3 minutes, meanwhile toast a piece of multigrain bread. Then spread the toast with 2 tbs. ripe avocado, sprinkle with a smidge of salt and pepper.

Top with your perfect dippy egg and more pepper if needed. IF you happen to have a piece of crispy bacon just hanging around, definitely add a few bacon crumbles.

There. That’s it.

It may seem simplistic to blog about making toast and cooking an egg, but when these ingredients come together– they make a nice little breakfast party. Who knew?!

Happy Monday friends!

Stitch Fix Review #3

July 18, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 11 Comments

This fix (#3!) was my favorite so far. Everything really reflected my style and each piece was light and summery.

Which is great, because this could also be titled, the one where I wore all the ponytails. It is HOT here in Georgia and will be for several more months at least.

This time my requests were light and flowy tops in bright colors and perhaps a kimono (which always makes me think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding– Robe means– Kimono. HA!) I also asked for either a super casual dress or a maxi dress.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? It truly is such a great way to add to your wardrobe in the privacy of your own home. And driving up to see that Stitch Fix box on your porch? SUCH FUN.

This fix I tried on every piece so you could see them on. They just don’t look the same on the hanger. Let’s jump right in–

1. 31 Bits Odette Beaded Layer Necklace in Coral. This necklace was lightweight and really fun. I imagine it would look great with so many things. I asked for no jewelry in my fix, but since I pinned this for style ideas several months ago, my stylist thought it would be a fun addition. If I did not have a few necklaces already that I wear often, I might have kept it but I did not. But how fun is that coral??! Verdict: Sent Back.

2015-07-17 14.11.00 — 31 Bits Odette Beaded Layer Necklace

2. THML Christen Embroidered Tie Neck Top EEK! I absolutely LOVE this top. It was exactly what I was looking for fit-wise and the material is soft and cool. The red is more of an orangey red which makes it even more unique. Great job, stylist Melissa!!

2015-07-17 14.35.31 — THML Christen Embroidered Tie Neck Top

I’m saving this to wear for my birthday this week– it looks great with white shorts or white cropped jeans. And it will transition nicely in a few months when a cardigan doesn’t feel like an insulated straight-jacket. Verdict: KEPT!!!

THML Top — THML Christen Embroidered Tie Neck Top

3. Papermoon Ganesha Double Strap Top in Green. This top was the first thing I pulled out and loved it immediately. The straps are different, making the unmentionable situation a little tricky– but the colors are a happy kelly green and navy.

2015-07-17 14.53.23 — Papermoon Ganesha Double Strap Top

I paired it with white cropped jeans and a navy cardigan. The fit wasn’t quite right at the bottom so I didn’t keep it but was I ever tempted to. Verdict: Sent Back.

Papermoon top — Papermoon Ganesha Double Strap Top

4. Ezra Malley Scoop Neck Fit and Flare Dress, Navy. Ok. So this dress fit great. The box pleats were fun and the material was stretchy and yet still dressy. I paired it with my Noonday Tushabe Necklace and some neutral cork wedges. It was comfortable and cute.

2015-07-17 15.00.19-1 — Ezra Malley Scoop Neck Dress

BUT. In my last fix just a couple months ago, I received and kept the Papermoon Girtha Dress in Navy, basically the same style and definitely the exact same material. This time I asked for a super casual dress and this just was not that to me. I was hoping for a pull on to run errands kind of dress and though this could be dressed down a bit, it really was not that. I was also disappointed that it seemed that they did not consider what I received and kept from my very last fix. Honestly if I had not kept the last dress though or if this had been another color, this would have been a definite keep. Verdict: Sent Back.

5. Collective Concepts Leeds Crochet Detail Top, Pink. I *may* have squealed a little when I pulled this bright pink top from the box. The material is again, light and flowy with a little bit of a high-low hem and perfect for 99 degree days. (!!!) I tried it with boyfriend jeans and brown and gold sandals and it was a winner!

2015-07-17 15.13.08 — Collective Concepts Leeds Crochet Detail Top

I think it would also be cute with navy or grey or even black. And I love that the detail goes around to the back. That is one think I see consistently with Stitch Fix items. They usually have this extra interesting detail that makes them different. I cannot wait to wear this soon! Verdict: KEPT!!!

leeds top — Collective Concepts Leeds Crochet Detail Top

So two out of five kept again— which really isn’t bad considering this is only my third fix! I hope to have a 5/ 5 box soon because that extra discount is really amazing! (If you keep all five items, you get 25% off the entire fix!)

I hope this review was fun for you– posting this many pictures of myself is definitely out of my comfort zone a little but when I began to try Stitch Fix, it helped me SO much to see the clothes on other people– and I really love you guys! <3

If you are considering Stitch Fix, I would be grateful if you would use my referral link. This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix and I pay for my fixes because I love them. But, I have included my referral link because they offer credit anytime someone uses your link– which is a really fun incentive to share about them!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Summer Reading and Savor by Shauna Niequist

June 28, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 2 Comments

My favorite wall in our house is the one that is covered by books. We are all big readers around here. I always keep quite a to-read pile and then a secondary of to-read-after-I-read-the-others shelf. Some books I finish rapidly, others I put down and pick back up several time over the course of a month or two. (Curious what my summer reading list is?)

I am currently finishing Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay and I LOVE that it has carried me a month into summer and now smells like sunscreen and boasts a few water spotted pages.

I am not too strict about going in my planned reading order, and there are a small handful of authors that have earned themselves a sturdy place at the top. If anyone ever hands me one of their books, I add them to the top of the pile right away.

Shauna Niequist is certainly one such author. Her writing style is exquisite yet personable– and I definitely want to write a bit like her when I grow up. (I’m not an adult yet, I still like chips on my sandwiches.)

The only problem I ever have with any of her books is that they end too soon. No matter the length of the book, I gorge on the first half and then pace myself with small microscopic bits until I come to the sad conclusion that I’ve read it all. She has an especially beautiful way of writing. Shauna paints word-pictures so vibrant you feel as though you’ve just taken your first bite of something delicious at her kitchen table. I love that. One of my favorite things to write about is food and people, therefore her books inspire me on a very personal level.

When my friends at the BookLook Blogger program sent me a copy of Shauna’s newest book, Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are I *might* have squealed like a fangirl. The book itself makes a gorgeous presentation with a linen-cover and lettering by Lindsey Letters. In fact, because the format is that of 365 daily readings– it would make an excellent (Psst. Christmas is 180 days away) gift. Each reading begins with a verse of Scripture followed by a short essay. An included list of Shauna’s recipe staples cause you to bring this book from your nightstand to your kitchen — and that’s certainly a good thing.

I, personally, love that Savor is long enough to enjoy in small bites throughout the year. The message of this lovely book, to remember to live abundantly, where you are, as you are.. is absolutely something we can all be reminded of on a daily basis.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. If you have been here before you know I take that seriously. This is definitely one of those times when I can say, “I wholeheartedly, honestly LOVED it!”

Pick one up for yourself here–Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are

Better than the Dream

June 25, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 28 Comments

He slid that stack of post-it notes across that big brown desk and just asked me– right out asked me for my number. No games, no made up reason why– just that he might need it “sometime.”

I scratched it down with a blue paper mate and tried to slowly slide it back, hoping not to come right out of my skin with the anticipation that he might actually use it and call me.

Nine years ago tomorrow, he used it. My phone rang with a number I did not yet know and it was him. Now that we’ve had the same last name for eight-tenths of a decade, I can definitely say– it was his nervous voice.

Facing each other at a wobbly table, we talked for an hour about music and our parents and the wonderfully wacky man we both worked for. Romaine from my salad fell into a stomach of butterflies and I stabbed at pieces of Feta with a plastic fork while stealing glances of the blue eyes that now look back at me each morning.

And if I could go back to even a few months before that day. If I could have an hour with that girl? I would tell her one thing.

Hold on. Don’t give up.
That guy you think you might never meet? He might be just around the next corner. And imperfect though you both are– you might just find yourself happy to see him every day for the next nine years. And whether snuggling his babies, or snort-laughing at his antics in Target on a Friday night– this life? It’s better than the dream and well worth the wait. Life rarely happens the way you plan. Seldom does it go the way you imagine. But sometimes, sometimes it is better. Not because you get what you want– but because you get the gift of God’s plan for you. And even when it may seem less than perfect. It is perfectly what He wants for you.

Unforgettable… That’s What You Are.

June 23, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 8 Comments

At my first blogging conference, I walked into a hotel lobby peppered with cute boots. They all belonged to people who seem to already know each other well. I was instantly convinced that every last pair of those boots belonged to a better writer. While weighing the idea to hide in my room and HGTV my way out of awkwardness, I met Amanda. A flight risk like myself, she was also eyeing the exits. We all but bumped into each other and immediately recognized a kindred spirit in the other nervous face. We spent the weekend becoming real life friends and taking silly smile booth photos. Having just one person who knew my name and was actually looking for ME in a sea of people– made all the difference.

Unfortunately, this place where we often hang out– this noisy internet– is the one place where we can get completely lost in a matter of moments, and I’m not even referring to the cat videos.

The internet is bigger than big and full of so many other people doing what seems to be the same thing we are, only maybe they are doing it much better. Just when we might feel like we have our people, when we know who we can count on to read our words or want to hear from us– or just remember us, we get counted out… again.

And then we feel so very small, right? Maybe even invisible. As though what we are doing may not matter to anyone at all and maybe we’re just wasting our time and perhaps we should take up another hobby.

But therein lies the problem. If it is not a hobby, we don’t get really get the option to quit. If this thing is a calling? Then we have been called by Someone else. Someone who knows just how small we are. How small we all are.

Far too often we make this all about us. We worry what our gift looks like when we offer it. We have anxiety over someone else’s victory because it looks like they preempted our own calling by a matter of days.

In short, we act as though there is only enough room for a certain amount of creatives in the world, and the person right in front of us in the queue is holding the very last ticket.

Can we all just agree that there is more than enough to go around? Enough room and sparkling goodness for us all to have a place in this world to do something for Him. Our view that the Church is crowded and that there is not enough room? The idea that we are not capable of bringing so great a sacrifice as our sisters? It’s silly and it’s small and it’s just not true.

He is infinite and there is more than enough space for us to each have a place to shine. The world will not tire of more people walking in their calling any faster than we will stop needing His grace to take every step along that walk.

We were created one by one, intricately carved; not en masse. Our living should be with that in mind, individual and pointed upward, like the shiny upturned face of a child. Do you remember being that small? Do you remember making that beautiful crayon creation and holding it out proudly for someone to love? Well. Whatever it is we are holding out for His glory? He loves it.

Can I just lean in and whisper something right into your uncertain eyes? Whatever you’re doing, He sees you. You aren’t nearly as invisible as you think. And if the whole entire world forgets you and I and we end up on the red-stickered table at the local Goodwill? We can remind each other of this very thing–

“For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for His sake in serving the saints, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10