Filter{ed} Coffee, McKinney, TX

{When visiting coffee shops around the country and the world, I try not to make my blog entries sound like a restaurant review. Rather include my personal experience and the taste notes of the coffee}

About 30 miles just north of downtown Dallas is a gem of a place for any and all coffee lovers.  Located in charming and clean McKinney, TX, filter{ed} coffee provides a full craft experience in a historic small town.  It was like something out of a Hallmark movie!

Love how the menus are written in chalk and inspired by and old-school blackboard

They cater to local art, artists, and musicians.  Plus you can draw or color your own art and leave it for them on their wall.

The barista took his time in helping me select just the right craft for me.  I chose a Costa Rican pour-over in a {for here} cup. This blend was provided by Cuvee coffee roasters.

Taste Notes: brown sugar, milk chocolaty finish
Acidity:  Low

The bar also offered the usual drinks you would see at any coffee shop as well as custom orders.

I found a quiet seat in the back of the longer than wider space.  The shop had white painted brick walls, concrete floors and an industrial ceiling {not pictured}.  The music was not blaring and obnoxious, which allowed me to meet and greet other locals enjoying the coffee experience.  Afterwards, I continued to browse the local boutiques and eateries the town had to offer.

Blueprint Coffee, St. Louis, MO

I had the opportunity to visit a cool craft coffee shop in an artsy part of St. Louis.   Blueprint Coffee collaborates how the roasting process will best suit their needs and the needs of their customers.  Blueprint takes time to tell their story through the coffee they pick while uniquely crafting their product.  Here are a few shots from my trip. Enjoy!

The barista suggested the San Lorenzo, which offers sweet nutty tones with a hint of stone fruit and earthy notes.  Each pour-over comes in a science beaker with a ceramic cup and served on a vintage medical tray. {Looooove this idea!}

The place is relatively small. {seats maybe 25} I like the subway tile and industrial style ceilings.  They also offer some of the more standard drinks such as lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos.

Visiting Blueprint was such a joy and blessing despite being a bone-chilling 19 degrees outside!  I chose the stand-up table near the window.  The shop also sells various coffee related products such as filters, cups, and books.

The barista generously gave me a menu to take home and autographed it for me!

Blueprint is located in an artsy industrial area of St. Louis about seven miles west of downtown.  Very safe to walk and explore.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Meowy Christmas!

Traditional Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I am celebrating this harvest holiday at Plymouth Rock where our ancestors commemorated their first feast. Even though historical details are inconsistent, Plymouth, Mass has been the traditional site of the first Thanksgiving. Blessing to you all.

Participated in the pilgrim march.  

 This wonderful park was walking distance from my Air B&B

 I found this cute coffee house just around the corner. I spent a few hours here.

They made me a wonderful dry cappuccino

Fall is in the Air

Ahhh, my favorite time of year.  And who doesn't love everything thing about autumn? Things slow down...as we all should every now and then.   For me it's a time of reflection.  I think about the wonderful memories from past chapters in my life.  Great food, fun, and fellowship. Cooler temperatures, fall festivals, and decorations. I consider fall decorating as the "staging area" for Christmas.  Although, I actually keep a few fall {and Christmas} decorations up during the entire year.  What is your favorite fall decoration?

First fall fire of the season

I found this doll and pumpkin in the 50 percent off shelves at Hobby Lobby...just FYI

Annabel seems to be excited about the new decor and changing weather

Also in the 50 off racks, this cup is a precursor to Christmastide

And as always, don't forget to write in your journal 

Nice is nice

The French Riviera, or Cote d'Azur, is known for its captivating scenery, Provencal culture and cuisine, charming villages and overall joie de vivre (joy of life). As one of the most alluring regions in France, it's the perfect destination for travelers in search of extraordinary food and wine.

Stunning water of the Mediterranean

The French Riviera has year round temps in the 70s!

I stayed in the medieval village of St. Paul de Vince 15km north of Nice.

And a room with a view

On my way to Monte Carlo

No one comes close to European architecture

And no one makes coffee like the Europeans!

I definitely fit right in

Au Revior, France. I will see you again soon!

Distressed "Home made" Journals

Hand-written journals have always played a major part of my life since I was a boy.  I'v used everything from a composition book for fifty cents to some of the most expensive leather journals on the market.  Finding the perfect journal for yourself or a gift for someone else can be a challenge.  Most products are only basic black leather {which I have many}, and after a while, everybody ends up having the same thing.

Here is a neat way to personalize even the dullest store-bought journal on the market and to tailor it to your liking by adding your own personal touch.  These journals also make great gifts and encourages and actively promotes the lost art of journal writing.

These store-bought journals are made with a hard-cover cardboard and are perfect for tailoring.  Cardboard or chipboard lends itself well to glue, stamps, and tape

-Add washi tape to create a faux spine for both the the inside and outside of the book.

-I glued a glassine bag to store keep sakes

-Customize by printing your own text from the computer, stamping or adding lace.

-Glue a mini envelope onto one of the pages for small items. I use mine for business cards and scrap paper.

-Distress the edges with stamp ink and a paper towel for a vintage look

I'm big on keeping receipts.  They commemorate that special place or meal you shared with a loved one.

-Glue a library card pocket or create your own pockets on the computer and print with your favorite font. {This way you are not bound by commercial rubber stamp fonts}.

-Use a mini food paper sack and glue a printed sheet on top.

-Also, you can use specialty scissors to create a custom fun look.

-Washi tape for faux spine

And finally, use distress ink and a paper towel to give your pages that vintage look.  You will always have a commemorative treasure that no one else has and something to remind you of the wonderful events and memories in your life.  

-Customize for a particular travel destination

-Customize for a particular season or event

-Leave pages blank for adding pictures or autographs

Try it!  Enjoy.