Salted Caramel Mocha Latte

August 30, 2021

Anyone else out there trying not to wish away summer but yet wishing away summer because you are done with the heat?

It's me.

I'm ready to embrace all things fall, even though I love soaking up all the good things of summer.

In lieu of giving away a Starbuck's gift card (the winner revealed at the end of the post!!!) AND the arrival of their fall drinks I thought what better time to share this delicious latte I happened to create on accident.

Introducing my cleaned up version of Starbuck's Salted Caramel Mocha latte. If you don't have an espresso machine no need to fret. I've kept you in mind so you can enjoy this tasty treat as well!

Salted Caramel Mocha Latte

2 shots of espresso (or 1 cup strong brewed coffee)

Your choice of milk

2 scoops of Chocolate Collagen Peptides

Toppings

Whipped cream (optional)
And the best part--

1/2 the recipe of this Homemade caramel sauce drizzle

*I used this vegan peanut butter caramel for a healthy, fun twist however you can always sub it for an easier pre-made caramel sauce sold in any grocery store

1. Make ahead the homemade caramel sauce via the recipe linked above (side note: the sauce has only a slight hint of peanut butter! Still mostly tastes like a sweet, caramel sauce but without all the crud)

2. Pull two shots of espresso or make 1 cup strong brewed coffee

3. Add 1 1/2 scoops of Chocolate Collagen Peptides to espresso/coffee and stir well

4. Use a steam wand to froth the milk or use an electric milk frother. Pour milk into cup.

5. Top with whipped cream and drizzle on your choice of salted caramel sauce

**For all my iced latte lovers, add ice to your cup first and then pour the espresso over. If your using brewed coffee make sure to have it chilled beforehand. Then follow suit by stirring in the chocolate powder and your choice of milk.

I claim this recipe was created on accident, because I first tried the chocolate collagen powder in my smoothie but then the idea came to me to try it in my morning latte. It was love at first sip. I instantly thought this is a Starbuck's Salted Caramel Mocha dupe but it just needed the whip and caramel drizzle!!

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Our First Blogiversary!

August 23, 2021

Yep, you read that right. Our first blogiversary!! Ours because this space is a choice you willingly or subconsciously give your time to. And even one minute of your time is significant. Funny enough, I have no clue who reads or how long anyone spends here. My hope, though, is that my words leave you feeling like you just received a hug or a high-five, and that you are inspired to spread that joy to your circle of people.

This blog-dream was finally put into existence when I realized Jesus is far more interested in who I'm becoming versus who I am in this moment. So I dropped my fears at the door and I leaned forward in love to pursue what lights me up. My invitation is that you'd link arms with me as we become more like Jesus and less like each other.

In a book I'm currently reading, Love Lives Here, Maria Goff speaks from experience when she says:

God stretches each of our lives before us like a canvas. He hands us the brushes and the paint and asks us to make our lives look like our unique version of His love. Pick your own colors, not someone else's. He only creates originals, not copies, and expects no less from us.

So here I am. Picking out new colors. Practicing my strokes. Leaning into areas that are interesting yet intimidating. I am learning we don't have to feel ready to start something new. We just have to start.

Let's illuminate the darkness with our unique set of colors. Like a multi-colored sunrise that awakens the sky. My golden paint strokes are beautiful, but your pinks, yellows, and oranges are needed too.

To celebrate our one year I'm sending a Starbuck's gift card to one raffle winner!

To enter please consider taking the short survey below. I would love to hear from you! This will help me use my gifts best to encourage all of you here. I'll draw and email a winner next Monday, August 30th!

Enter here!

Let's be honest, I would write here even if no one was listening, but getting a glimpse into who enjoys this space as much as I do makes it that more FUN.

Finally, to get the party started in the comments, here are three questions I'd love for you to answer after you've taken the survey. Each question is 1 additional entry!

The nicest thing someone has done for you

The next place you'd travel to in the United States

What you're most looking forward to about Fall

I will be answering in the comments, too! Cheers friends! XO

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Utah: Part Two

August 16, 2021

Just a short (ahem, long...) pause until part two of our Utah adventure recap. Well worth the wait, though! You'll see.

Morning coffee with a view.

Spa day for the ladies, golf for the gents. Win win.

Let's talk Bryce Canyon-- oh my this place is underrated. They say pictures never do justice, well guess what.. pictures don't do this place justice either. If you like visiting national parks then do yourself a favor and add this one to your list. It's magical.

Breath (clap) tak (clap) ing (clap).

Here for all the mems and we did just that. Check out the vacation highlight vid from our trip! These are going to become a new tradition for every vacation. Love having footage to relive some of our favorite moments. XO

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Celebrating Six Years

August 8, 2021

As you're reading this I am currently on a turf football field, sweating like crazy, while most likely yelling "you got this ladies!" Mark and I are ringing in SIX years together today, but this year were celebrating afar since I am at cheer camp.

And celebrate we will! With each year I see more at large what a gift marriage is. How redemptive, restorative, life-giving, and beautiful it is to be fully known by one person who chooses you daily because they love you.