FoodFash

Adventure Begins in the Kitchen

Mornings With Thomas Hammer Coffee

August 21, 2017 by Kristin

Thank you Thomas Hammer coffee for sponsoring this post. 

COFFEE!! #amiright

The morning is my most productive time of day and there’s no doubt that is largely due to a warm cup of Joe. Even the smell of a fresh pot is enough to jump start my day. But that feeling when I cozy up to my computer, take a few sips of piping hot coffee, and begin to conquer my day is just something else.

I recently received a package of Thomas Hammer coffee beans and was instantly blown away by the scent of their Starry Night Sumatran whole beans. I knew I was going to love this bold mix with a hint of caramel {yum!}. And it’s the perfect inspiration to have by my side as I edit blog photos.

I was also pleasantly surprised that the Starry Night Sumatran blend is certified organic and fair-trade. I make a conscious effort to support companies that are passionate about people and the environment. And while, admittedly, my pantry is not perfect – I strive to fix the ratio of responsible products on the regular.

And to further increase my energy and productivity throughout the day, I have been experimenting with changing my morning routine. I used to drink coffee the moment I popped out of bed {thank you, coffee machine timer!}, but lately I’ve been drinking eight ounces of room temperature water first thing. And then I finish my entire breakfast before enjoying coffee. I’ve found that this helps maintain my energy level throughout the day versus an extreme jolt only in the AM.

What is your favorite way to enjoy coffee?

 Although I received compensation for this post, the opinions in this post are completely my own and based on my experience.

 

Filed Under: lifestyle

Cinco de Mayo Margaritas With Sauza® Tequila

May 2, 2017 by Kristin

This post is paid for by Sauza® Tequila.

Cinco de Mayo is one my favorite celebrations for a couple reasons. One: margaritas! Well, who am I kidding? Margaritas are reason one through ninety-nine. But I also love Cinco de Mayo because my birthday is on nueves de Mayo and Cinco de Mayo is a wonderful excuse to start celebrating early.

Hosting the perfect Cinco de Mayo party is much different leading up to my 34th birthday than it was leading up to my 24th birthday. At 24, the party likely included a bag of chips tossed into a hand-me-down bowl that survived moving from college to my first apartment, store bought salsa, and some tequila soaked limes.

But on my last days of a 33 year old, every Cinco de Mayo detail was filled with thought and planning. From dishes to glasses to decorations, there was love each step of the way. I even spent time searching through Pinterest, where I found an adorable idea for balloon cacti that would be a simple way to liven up the food table.

Setting up the food display is much like setting up a photo shoot. Although you may have a really great vision for how it’s going to turn out, it’s super helpful to gather all of the pieces you want to use to make sure that they coordinate, there’s enough space, and there’s not too much empty space. I like to stage the table with empty containers days before a shoot/party to make sure I have time to run to the store and pick-up any last minute needs. This is also the perfect opportunity to discover that you left your favorite pie plate at Thanksgiving, your dip tray at a big football party, or all of your plastic ware at a pool party.

When hosting a party, I also like to get as much food and beverage prep out of the way as possible. Casseroles {large or individual servings} and dips are excellent food options because they’re so easy to make ahead. And for beverages, cocktails that you can make in batches will totally save your day. I’m infamous for hosting a party and not getting a chance to hang with my guests because I’m stirring and shaking and buried in the kitchen making cocktails one by one. But preparing a pitcher of Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila margaritas ahead of time this Cinco de Mayo will ensure that you’re able to come out of the kitchen cave and catch up with your friends. And made with 100 percent blue weber agave, Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila is perfect for authentic pitcher-style margaritas!

And last but not least, encourage your friends to dress up. Not only is 1,000 times easier to get into the party spirit while in costume, but costumes are an excellent icebreaker if your party consists of guests that aren’t already besties.

Thanks to Sauza® Tequila, I was able to pull together a “fiesta-worthy” celebration that allowed me to spend the most amount of time with my guests!

This post is paid for by Sauza® Tequila.

Drink Smart®

Sauza® Blue Tequila, 40% alc./vol. ©2017 Sauza Tequila Import Company, Chicago, IL

Sauza® is a trademark of Jim Beam Brands Co. (“Beam”) and is used with permission. The information, comments and ideas expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Beam, its affiliated companies or any of their directors or employees.

Filed Under: lifestyle

JaM With Me! Ultimate Summer Playlist

August 15, 2016 by Kristin

JaM Cellars Cabernet

This summer has been all about quality time with my best girl friends. Whether diving into Barton Springs, seeing live music, exploring new restaurants, or chit-chatting over JaM Cellars Cabernet and charcuterie – we’ve been all smiles as long as we’re together.

JaM Cellars cab is a perfect fit for our get togethers because it’s delish, reasonably priced, pairs well our charcuterie and cheese plates, and.. it’s just plain fun to drink JaM wine while we jam to our favorite tunes!

JaM Cellars Cab Store Locator

JaM Cellars Cabernet & Cheese Plate

And in sticking with the girl theme, I created this girls-only ultimate summer playlist for you to jam out to while you’re drinking your JaM Cellars Cab, Butter Chardonnay, or Toast Sparkling.

Click here to view playlist on iTunes

Robots in Disguise “Don’t Go”

The Blow “True Affection”

Little Dragon “Feather”

New Young Pony Club “Talking, Talking”

Kiiara “Gold”

Metric “Cascades”

Phantogram “Mouthful of Diamonds”

Ladyhawke “Magic”

Crystal Fighters “At Home”

Wild Belle “Losing You”

Meat & Cheese Plate No Bread

As for the charcuterie plate, see my guide below for composing a summer-friendly spread. Adding more veggies and pickled things allows you to ditch the bread, add more nutrients, and still have a picture-perfect plate.

  • Salami
  • Prosciutto
  • Brie
  • Goat Cheese
  • Sharp Cheddar
  • Marinated Buffalo Mozzarella
  • Pickles
  • Pickled Peppers
  • Olives
  • Marinated Mushrooms
  • Blanched Green Beans

Follow JaM Cellars on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily wine-spiration #JaMCellars @JaMCellars. And click here to download their ultimate summer playlist.

To find JaM Cellars Cab near you, click here.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Filed Under: lifestyle

Float Fest 2016 – Lineup & FREE TIX!

June 30, 2016 by Kristin

float fest

Float Fest 2016 is in a couple weeks {July 16th & 17th} and I am so excited about it! How often do you get to float the river and, when you land, be greeted to the tune of some of your favorite bands? The answer is once a year. And the place is Float Fest in San Marcos, TX {about 40 minutes from Austin, TX}!

Metric, Santigold, and Yeasayer are at the top of my list of bands to see. If these bands are new-to-you, I’ve included videos at the bottom of this post to lure you in. And, if you click on any of the pictures within this post, you’ll be taken to an Instagram contest where you can enter to win TWO FREE TICKETS!!

Torchy's Tacos Austin, TX

In addition to seeing some of my favorite bands, I’m wayyyy excited about some of the Austin food vendors that will making an appearance at the fest, as well. Like Torchy’s Tacos {pictured above} and Burro Cheese Kitchen {pictured below}. I can’t tell you how many times a grilled cheese from Burro Cheese Kitchen has been the key to my survival at a music festival.

Burro Cheese Company Austin, TX

Hope to see ya there!!




Filed Under: lifestyle Tagged With: austin, float fest, float fest 2016, music festival, san marcos, texas

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