Local Coffee Shops part 5

Local Coffee

"Local Coffee" is a cool place over off of sonterra blvd in SA tx. It has a slight rustic and urban feel but is still warm. Not too mechanistic.

When I arrived I was greeted by a casual hello and a warm introduction to any questions I may have had. The barista behind the counter made me a beautiful latte with some hearts and vanilla. 'twas delicious!

The restrooms were clean and neatly stocked with extra supplies and the music was good and quiet.

I can't stand it when u go to a coffee house and the music is so loud u can't even read your book or talk to your friend across the table.

All in all Local Coffee gets a 8/10. I wasn't wowed by anything but It was an overall good experience.

Here are some pics from my experience.

Glitter Keys

Hey all! Have you ever wanted to replace your house keys with a fun designed key. I know that my keys get confusing cause they all look the same. So I found this idea on pinterest and wanted to try it out to see if it really worked...an it DID!

Craft Materials:
A key of your choice
Elmer's Glue
Glitter of your choice
Clear nail polish
And some Patience...

Step 1: wash & dry your key.
Step 2: put a thin layer of Elmer's glue on one side of key.
Step 3: pour desired amount of glitter on and shake excess off.
Step 4: let dry for one hour.

Step 5: return to your key and repeat steps 2-4 on back side.

Step 6: return to first side and seal with a medium-thick, layer of clear nail polish. (It helps if u drip a glob on and then spread around)
Step 7: let dry one hour.

Step 8: repeat step 6&7 for the other side.
Step 9: let dry one hour.

Step 10: When you return to your key again it should be sealed and dry. You can take some nail polish remover and dip a q-tip, to clean out the grooves of the key part. Just to make sure you don't get glitter stuck in any locks.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Glitter your life :D

Button Bobby Pins

You know how every time u get a new shirt or jacket u get eXtRa bUTtOns?? Well I have been wracking up the extras and I wanted to put them to good use!

SoooooOoo.

Button Bobby Pins!

What you need:
1. Buttons whatever you've got.
2. Hot glue gun and glue
3. Patience and some music!!
4. Bobby pins


How to: it's Easier than pie

Step one: choose button
Step two: dab small amount of glue on the back of a pin
Step three: stick pin to button
- let them dry button face down

Voila!

IMPORTANT!!!!: make sure that you glue the bumpy side of the pin to the button...so you can slide the correct side into your hair.

You can use other stuff too. The button at the top of the picture has some extra string from a bridesmaid dress I didn't need. Used it to create a sorta flower look.

Just be creative and have fun!

Happy "pinning",
<3 Shadia

DIY Christmas Wreath!

This year I wanted to make an addition to my christmas decorations. My friend Allie brought me this idea and I fell in love! 

DIY Yarn Wreath! (sorry about the poor quality of this picture, it's from my iPhone...the cannon was uber dead and I was just too excited to post!)

Things you need: 

(that can all be purchased at your local hobby lobby or walmart)

One 12-inch foam wreath

A giant roll of yarn: you choose your colors

roughly 3-5 Sheets of "felt paper" - two for the roses...in case you want to try different styles of petals

and then variations of green for leaves. 

Bells, pearls etc: any small accent feature you like. gems work too!

glue gun and glue

HOW TO: 

Wrap your foam wreath with the yarn...let it look jumbled. imperfections are ok! (im a perfectionist and i had a hard time with this. but it turned out great! 

I wrapped mine twice to make it look thicker. its a preference thing.

Then tie off the end of the yarn and glue it in the back to make sure it doesn't unravel. 

Take a piece of felt about 10 inches in length and make a loop, this will be the hanging piece, so glue WELL! 

For the rosettes, take a plastic cup and trace the bottom circle so that you have some the same size. you can wrap them tighter for smaller ones and loosely for bigger roses. 

-- cut out the circle, then cut into the circle in a spiral pattern. Once you have done this you can start to wrap the spiral tight and you will see the rosette effect appear. 

Then cut leave shapes out of the green.

Then start gluing: attach leaves and rosettes in a fun pattern all together or in a row like i did. It makes for a fun project and something you can reuse over and over again! 

Feel free to make it your own and take any creative liberty you like. I had fun and I'm sure you will too!

love,

the craftaholic,  

~shadia

Local Coffee shops part 4!

I have to say that this place fits in a somewhat of a category of its own. They offer coffee and the general house variety but there is so much more. I was enamored by the tuscan style that I didn't want to leave. I expected to stay about five minutes and run back home...well I was in for a treat. I ended up staying for about an hour, taking tons of pictures (i apologize for the low quality all i had was my iphone) and relaxing on the beautiful garden patio.

Candlelight Coffee House is definitely one of my new favorite places to visit. They have cornered a market that combines wine and beer with your favorite coffee or espresso drink.

 The first thing you see is this beautiful wine set up that has a large assortment to browse.

Then you are greeted by the bar and barista behind the counter. The one staff member I met was very nice and answered all my detailed questions. 

The patio is just beautiful and they have space heaters for those nippy texas nights...it's covered in ivy and enclosed by a beautiful white picket fence. It reminded me of the secret garden. 

They have free internet and quite a few tables to sit and relax, as well as oversized couches. 

 What a variety of coffee! beautiful site for my coffee lovin' eyes! 

The only downside of the sweet place is the parking. there is no lot directly connected that I could tell...there is street parking but only on specific parts of the street. 

For me the "Pro's" definitely outweigh the Parking "Con". 

another successful coffee outing...ill be taking Brent for a special brunch date on saturday ! 10-2pm saturdays and sundays! 

I love coffee,

shadia~

Local Coffee Shops Part 3

Hi guys, So this is way passed due. I just can't seem to keep up during the Holiday season...too many hobbies so little time. haha

Well this episode of Local Coffee Shops is to include a small shop called "The Brown Coffee Company". 

It's a small little corner shop over by fredericksburg rd in SA.

 the owner.

 My friend Libby and I decided to check it out and we were delighted. thebrowncoffeeco.com has a smaller menu than most coffee shops but its more of a secondary priority to their roasting.

the roaster.

 we got it 'dirty'. pure cane sugar (simple syrup) and non dairy milk w/ toddy (aka cold brewed espresso). 

 The owner was so nice to open his doors after he had just closed and it was a very cool experience. He just closed up while we enjoyed our coffee and took some cool shots of the shop.

I'm hoping to visit another shop by the end of the week so tune in!
--
Shadia

MIA

So I have been MIA for a while because of work and Social reasons. Friends getting married and showers for brides. I re wrote all of our chalk board menus at work and I think they look pretty good. I only have "after" shots but believe me they are Much neater.

See...

Well have a great winter weekend!
- Shadia

Book Club - Hunger Games

I cant even tell you how excited I am for this book to be made into a movie! Just having watched the trailer I got goosebumps all over!!! I love watching the things I imagine while reading, come to life in a movie. The trailer alone amplified my previous images and was so close to what I saw in my mind while I paged through book one. Suzanne Collins is so wonderful at creating a setting that you can visualize exactly what she wants you to see! She gives enough detail to create a picture that is unforgettable.

The movie comes out March 23, 2012!!! 

 I LOVE this series and I can't wait to finish, Catching Fire and Mocking Jay. I'll be sure to book club about them soon!

Read, Read, & Read some more!! 

~ Shadia 

Our Personal Baker

H & H Bakes and Cakes

by David Hammer

Today I'm featuring a local baker, David Hammer. He creates all the wonderful goodies we sell at 'The Foundry'. He makes fresh cakes, flavored breads, ghiradelli brownies, lemon squares and the best apricot bars you ever tasted! 

We have very loyal customers that happen to buy coffee when they come by because they want his creations so intensely! 

Come by or give him a call @(210)-834-6177 and get something made just for you! 

Enjoy your treats!

Shadia 

Local Coffee Shops Part 2

Sorry this post is so late...this week has been overwhelmingly busy! Instead of every monday I will just make an attempt to make it once a week. 

Today I am featuring 'The Foundry'. A local gem of a coffee shop located on the corner of Huisache and McCullough, near downtown San Antonio. I have to warn you, I have somewhat of a subjective opinion, because I work there. I'll do my best to stay objective. 

The Foundry is a non profit organization founded by Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. They do missions throughout the surrounding area of The Foundry and try to help as many people as they can. 

They have good customer service (couldn't help myself) and quality coffee. They have four brewed coffees daily and regular espresso drinks as well. They also feature smoothies, tea & lemonade. 

Lunch is served from 11am - 2pm. 

At the foundry there are two separate seating areas. One for the lunch crowd and music and another for people who need to study or read while they drink coffee or eat a tasty panini. I sit here at the foundry typing and taking full advantage of their FREE Wi-Fi!! 

Seating area #1

Seating area #2

 

                                                          Fun coffee sleeves for sale $3.00

 Well that was a lot of info but check it out ! Operating hours are as follows: 7am - 5pm M & Fr, 7am - 9:30 om tues-thurs and 8- 3 on saturdays!! Lots of fun specials and regular entertainment in the middle of the week!


Hope you come visit us
Shadia :-)

Local Coffee Shops Part 1 - Aspen Brew

Today I am beginning a series "All About Coffee"!!

If you know me, you know that my blood practically runs espresso brown. I am in love with the atmosphere and general feeling that coffee shops provide for patrons in their area.  This series is going to focus on the different places around the San Antonio area where the locals seek refuge from the daily grind. (haha grind).

Anyway, as much as I do love coffee and the miracle of caffeine that it provides us zombie non morning people, I care almost equally about the atmosphere and purpose of a business.  

Today I am at Aspen Brew Coffee, Cafe and Catering. 

http://www.aspenbrewcoffee.com

They offer a lot of different types of drinks, but moreover they have a regular lunch menu and catering. Most coffee houses smell like the roasting beens and have the sounds of blenders. This sweet place has some of the coffee smell but also a hint of yummy food cooking and roasting. I enjoyed the atmosphere but the only draw back was the noise. It has concrete floors and a very echoing noise level. I'd prefer quiet over noisy, but thats just me. 

They have quite an extensive menu and friendly staff to help you with your questions. 

There is a patio too if you would rather enjoy the gentle noise of traffic on a side street and the view of the sky across the way. 

I'd rate their overall appeal at a 7.5 during lunch and an 8 in the evening. It gets quieter. :-)

So go visit Aspen Brew and try their food too! 

Check back every Monday for a Coffee House 'Check in'! 

To do list...

Hello everyone!

Today was my first day off in about two weeks that I didn't already have plans or something urgent to take care of.  Therefore, I decided it would be a great day to get all my blogging "To Do's " in order.

When I decided to get back into my blog I didn't realize how much I'd have to relearn. So today is dedicated to that.

Top Ten Blogging To-Do's:

1. Reformatting the Lay
2. Pre planning my posts and sticking to it!
3. Re-introducing links. - in text and picture format
4. Linking fb, twitter, and other accounts that are a part of my social network, to headoverheels.

and a few other things...but right now I'll start there.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Be safe and Trick or Treat!
~Shadia

Little Aussie Bakery

Sunday Brent and I decided to take the day for us. I wanted to spend time doing something different from our usual routine.

So we visited Little Aussie Bakery. A Gluten Free bakery in downtown San Antonio. We like to visit new places and find those small businesses to support!

Prior to entry they request you leave behind any glutenous products. This is a courtesy for those who have allergies or intolerance to Gluten. A very thoughtful request.

The food was yummy and healthy! We spent a ton but I don't feel guilty because it was for a great local place!

If u ever come to SA, make sure you eat brunch at 'LAB'!! Try the french toast!!

Ciao!

bucket list #44

So i was looking through my blog and trying to get some things updated when i noticed my bucket list. I read through just to make sure i hadnt accomplished something and forgot to blog it. Well i DID! number 44. Ski a black <>! This last march i went with my husband and his youth group to Colorado, Winter Park Resort and we finished our last run of the last day on a black diamond with moguls. if you ski you know that those are the hardest thing to ski! they are windy and bumpy and you have to have full control of you skis the entire time! There is NO relaxin on a mogul! well i am so glad to say that i made it down and i was so excited.

I only get to ski once or twice a year if im lucky, so after three years of skiing thats really only 12 days ive ever skied. not bad huh?

everyone should try snow skiing at least once! you will love it! just take lessons or find an awesome teacher like i did...my hubby!

Jobs

About a week ago I posted about my current situation with my husband and moving to san antonio. We have been struggling to find work and had a really tough time learning what God was trying to teach us through our situation. But our faith and perseverance finally brought us Joy. Brent was hired on with a wonderful company that has tremendous opportunity. He has been finishing up the paperwork and details the passed few days and is anxious to get started! 

My current situation is hopeful! I am working at a Non Profit Coffee House called 'The Foundry' and im loving it! They staff is great and we have volunteers that come in and help all the time. Their enthusiasm for life at the foundry makes me so joyful when Im working.  I am also waiting to hear back from another company that has a lot of growth opportunity for me. I want to pursue my future career and i think this could be just what i need! 

Id like to thank God for the opportunities he has given us and all the friends and family that never stopped praying for our success in jobs! We love you all!! 

xoxo

Shadia

Funny Halloween :-)

So my best friends are just the most amazing people and they are always sending me the most hilarious pictures!....

Not only do they crack me up, they show people that Halloween doesn't have to be scary! It can be fun and more about the autumn season than costumes and skeletons.

Hope everyone is enjoying the gorgeous weather and beginning of the holiday season.

~ Shadia ~

A season of learning..

I've learned so much in 3 months. What I'm good at, what I want to do, who I want to spend time with, and how to truly tryst on God. We all have times in our lives when things just don't seem To go right. well this season I've learned that we have to constantly keep faith and persevere. I am so happy to say that it has paid off and my husband got a job!!! Thank everyone for prayers and those that helped us! We love you all and are so grateful to have u on our lives.

Lately...

It's been quite a while since I last blogged and I'm happy to say I am ready to get back and make some great contributions to the world of bloggers. This past few months have been a change to say the least. My husband and I moved to san Antonio and finally feel like we can enjoy ourselves but we have a major draw back. Unemployment. It's a tough thing to deal with but we are trying our hardest to find what we can.

I recently started working at a coffee shop called The Foundry. It is a non profit that supports Christianity and loves to help the world around them. I'm loving the people and the coffee!

Well I hope everyone is as excited about this as I am!! So ready to get back in the game!

Bucket List #35

So I was reading over my bucket list and I realized that a have BUILT SOMETHING! Brent and I built a Bar to put in our home when we moved away from school. Brent definitely did most of the math and design but the actual building we did together. His dad is a mechanical engineer and has lots of wood carving equipment. We cut, sanded, glued and nailed everything together over a period of a few weeks. It was a fun project and I'm glad we did it. But I don't really see myself doing that much more these days.  other than the fact that the saw scared the crud out of me, It's messy and hard to maintain a weather free atmosphere where we live. We don't have a garage to keep things or store them while in the process of building.

All in all I enjoyed the task it self and it was very rewarding to know that other people can appreciate your handy work.

Here is a picture of Brent's Bar. 

It has a "P" on the top but it has faded. We will probably cover it with a liquid plastic but we dont have the space to do it where it wont get all over our floors.  

 Bucket List #35 Complete. 

The plastic finish looks something like this. Brent built this high night stand table for me as a proposal gift. 

Whats on your Bucket List? 

Shadia <+><

Sticking to it.

Today I tried on a pair of snow ski pants I bought in march. I have worn them one time and today I could not get them on! Ugh so disappointed. I have wavered in healthy eating too.
Which I'm not so proud of...I need to find that band wagon an get back on for good!!

I've been to a crossfit..loved it but not cheap!

I want to try yoga but I don't know if it's enough cardio.

And every time I try to run I get bored after a week.

There has got to be something out there that is inexpensive and fun!?...

But I also can't do anything that requires video game console. Not enough room in my apartment or motivation when I'm cooped up.

Any ideas readers?!
Leave a comment!!