Brew Like a Barista: Craft Your Own Cold Brew Concentrate at Home

Summer's heat calls for cool, refreshing drinks, and what's cooler than a delicious iced coffee? Cold brew concentrate is a fantastic way to keep your fridge stocked with a base for endless iced coffee creations. It's surprisingly simple to make and offers a smooth, less acidic coffee flavor compared to traditional hot brewing methods.

Bean There, Done That: Choosing Your Coffee Beans

The foundation of any great coffee drink starts with the beans. For cold brew concentrate, medium or coarse ground coffee works best. Since the brewing process is less intense than hot brewing, using high-quality beans will ensure a full-flavored concentrate. Consider trying a medium roast for a balanced flavor profile.

Steeped in Perfection: The Brewing Process

The beauty of cold brew is its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:

• Freshly ground coffee beans (1.5 cups for a potent concentrate, 1 cup for a milder one)
• Cold filtered water (4 cups)
• Large airtight container
• Cheesecloth or coffee filters
• Fine-mesh sieve

1. Combine: Add the coffee grounds to your container and pour in the cold water. Stir gently to combine, making sure all the grounds are saturated.
2. Steep: Cover the container and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours, depending on your desired strength. For a more mellow concentrate, opt for 12 hours.
3. Strain: Patience is key! Straining slowly is essential to avoid a gritty concentrate. Line your sieve with cheesecloth or coffee filters set over a separate container. Slowly pour the coffee mixture through the sieve, discarding the grounds afterward.

Frothy Finish: Enjoying Your Cold Brew

Now comes the fun part - enjoying your cold brew! Here are some ideas:

• Classic Cold Brew: Dilute your concentrate with water or milk to your preferred strength. Serve over ice.
• Cold Brew Latte: Combine cold brew concentrate with milk and ice for a creamy treat.
• Cold Brew Frappe: Blend cold brew concentrate with ice, milk, and your favorite flavors like chocolate syrup or caramel for a thick and icy beverage.

Top Tips for Brewing Success:

• Fresh is Best: Use freshly ground coffee for the most flavorful concentrate. Pre-ground coffee can lose its potency over time.
• Grind Matters: A coarse grind is ideal for cold brew. Finer grinds can lead to a bitter concentrate.
• Storage Solutions: Store your cold brew concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

With a little planning, you can be brewing barista-worthy cold brew concentrate at home in no time. So ditch the store-bought stuff and impress your friends with your coffee-making skills!

While you are here check out these recipes for favorite homemade drinks.

Strawberry Peach Soda Pop

Blueberry Lime Soda

Bomb Pop Cocktails

How a Hotel Can Make or Break Your Trip

 

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Here’s a scenario you should picture for just a moment: you’re going on a short trip; maybe this is a weekend trip or something like that. You've just landed in your dream destination; let's say it's New York City, the Big Apple. Now, the air smells like fumes, pizza, and basically everything combined into one. You hear honking left and right; you see so many sites, so many tall skyscrapers overlooking you.

You’re jazzed, ready to drop your bags and start exploring. You hop into a cab, feeling like you’re in a travel commercial. The driver pulls up to your hotel, and that's when it hits you. This place could either be a cozy home base for all your adventures or a total buzzkill. Yep, the hotel can make or break your trip, and here’s why.

Sure, even if you’re not going to stay in the hotel much, but rather you’re going to explore the whole time, you still need to sleep, you still need to bathe, and overall, you still need rest. So yes, you’ll still need to be completely comfortable!

First Impressions Matter

When you arrive at a hotel, the lobby is like the first chapter of a book. If it’s inviting, well-decorated, and smells like fresh linens, you’re off to a good start. But if it’s dingy, chaotic, or has that mysterious smell that you can’t quite place, it sets a gloomy tone for your stay. Generally speaking, a warm welcome from the staff can instantly make you feel like you’ve made the right choice.

Just think about it—in a way, they’re your first taste of local hospitality. That initial smile and friendly “Welcome!” can be a game-changer. If you need anything at all, like an extra pillow or a new towel, you can already feel certain that you’ll get it.

The Room Reality Check

Alright, the room is actually what matters more; this is where you’ll be sleeping and bathing. Who knows, maybe you’ll have to work here as well. So, this is meant to be a temporary escape, a place to rest for the day when you’re done exploring. When you open that door, you want to be greeted by clean sheets, a comfy bed, and a vibe that makes you want to plop down and relax.

But if you’re met with a lumpy mattress, questionable stains, or a view of the dumpster, your spirits can plummet faster; seriously, no one in the world wants to deal with that! So, that’s why it’s so important to read reviews; it’s so important to get an idea of what the hotel is about. You should never click on the first one you see when you search for hotels in said location or even solely look at the price. 

If you want a good night's sleep and feel confident you’re getting a nice experience, then you’ll want to compare. For example, https://arlohotels.com/williamsburg/ offers a perfect location. Their photos aren’t only inviting of the hotel rooms, but if you read reviews on Google or any other hotel review page, you’ll see that they get a high rating. You always need to do research!

Amenities Count

Alright, they might not be 100% needed, but this is what helps make the stay better, it’s like the cherry in top These little luxuries can make your trip memorable, so there needs to be this spark. 

How to Help Your Child Succeed In School

 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

If you're a parent one of the most important things that you are probably thinking about is how to help your child do well in school. You know that academic success can be one of the most important ways your child can achieve their dreams and goals as well as financial

 independence in this life. 

It's only natural that you want them to do well. However, with so much to do throughout the day you may be wondering how you can fit your child into your schedule, so that you can assist them with doing well. Here are some tips for helping your kids even if you are busy. 

Establish Routines

One of the most important things you're going to need to do in a situation like this is establish routines. Have a consistent schedule for doing things such as homework. 

Dedicating a specific time and a quiet place for study will help your child to be ready for your help every single day. When you're helping your child with Pre-K subjects this is important, because your child has a shorter attention span at this age.

Stay Organized 

The best way to make sure you're staying organized so that you can help your child when you're super busy is to keep a family calendar with all the important dates. Add project deadlines, and school events. 

This helps you and your child focus on their upcoming responsibilities and helps you to know when they are coming up so that you can push them towards completion. You need to make sure that your child's study area is organized with their school supplies as well as their backpack too. This will reduce stress and improve efficiency.

Communicate Regularly 

It's important that you make sure that you are communicating regularly with your child's teacher through emails and go to parent teacher meetings. 

Take a few minutes each day to talk to your child about your school day, talk about what they learned and about any challenges that they are facing, this is how to truly help them.

Encourage Reading

It's important that you encourage your child to read whenever you can. More than just doing lip service to the situation, it's a good idea for you to actually pick reading up as a hobby as well. Developing this habit is critical for both you and your child.

Reading or listening to books can enhance vocabulary, comprehension as well as critical thinking skills. You want to exercise your child's brain as much as possible to get the best results. 

You should also try to read together with your child and ask them questions as you go along about the stories. Make sure that your questions stimulate their thinking so they are scratching their heads and thinking deeply before coming up with an answer. This is a bonding activity and it also helps you with their education as well.

These are the basics that you can use to get your child performing at the top of their class.

Launching Your Dream Restaurant: A Step-by-Step Guide for Food Entrepreneurs

So, you’re thinking about opening a new restaurant? That’s fantastic! It’s a wild ride, full of excitement and challenges, but oh so rewarding. Let’s dive into how you can turn your foodie dreams into a bustling eatery that everyone’s raving about. Don’t worry; it’s not as daunting as it sounds, and I’m here to guide you through each step, ensuring you cover all your bases for a successful launch.

Via Pixabay

First Things First: Market Research and Concept Definition

Before you start picking out curtains or dreaming up menu items, get a handle on the lay of the land. What’s missing in your local food scene? Who are you cooking for? This step is all about understanding your audience and spotting opportunities where your restaurant can really shine. Once you’ve got that down, you can shape a concept that speaks directly to your future patrons, whether that’s a cozy vegan café or a swanky steakhouse. This foundational knowledge ensures you’re not just another fish in the sea but a beacon for your target crowd.

Picking the Perfect Spot

The right location can make or break your restaurant. You need a place that not only draws the right crowd but also fits your vibe. Look for high foot traffic, easy access, and a neighborhood that complements your brand. A great spot can smooth over many bumps on the road to restaurant success. Remember, the ideal location isn’t just about geography; it’s about matching your concept to the community that surrounds it.

Designing a Space That Feels Like Home

Your restaurant’s design should make your guests feel welcome the moment they step in. From comfy seating and mood lighting to the perfect playlist, every detail adds to the experience. Plus, a thoughtful layout can do wonders for your staff’s efficiency, which means better service and happier customers. Think of your space as an extension of your menu—it should tell a story that complements the flavors you serve.

The Art of Menu Crafting

Ah, the menu—your restaurant’s signature! It needs to be a crowd-pleaser and showcase your unique flair. Keep it exciting but manageable with dishes that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Remember, your menu is your best tool for turning first-timers into regulars. Also, dietary trends and preferences should be considered to cater to a broader audience, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction and return visits.

Setting Up the Kitchen

Here’s where the magic happens. A smoothly running kitchen needs top-notch organization, and assigning kitchen positions carefully is key. Make sure you have the right mix of talent and temperaments to keep your kitchen humming. Invest in good equipment, too—it’s worth every penny. Equip your team with the tools they need to excel without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Building Your Dream Team

The staff you choose can really make your place. You need a crew that’s as passionate about your restaurant as you are. From the servers to the chefs, they’re the ones who bring your vision to life every day. Treat them right, train them well, and watch them shine. Foster a culture of respect and innovation where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Nailing the Business Side of Things

Running a restaurant isn’t just about cooking; it’s about smart business decisions. From keeping tabs on your stock to crunching numbers, setting up solid business practices is crucial. Embrace technology—it can simplify your life in ways you never imagined. Also, don’t underestimate the power of good financial planning; it helps you weather the unexpected and seize opportunities as they arise.

Harnessing the Power of Customer Feedback

Feedback is gold. It tells you what’s working and what’s not straight from the people you’re trying to impress. Encourage honest reviews and really listen to what your customers are saying. It’s your secret weapon for fine-tuning your restaurant to perfection. Actively responding to feedback, whether positive or negative, shows your commitment to customer satisfaction and can turn critics into loyal patrons.

Marketing: Get the Word Out

A killer marketing strategy is non-negotiable. Combine online savvy with some good old-fashioned community engagement. Keep your social media popping, your website fresh, and your restaurant buzzing with events. Let the world know why they can’t miss out on your culinary creations. Storytelling through your campaigns can create emotional connections that draw people into your restaurant’s atmosphere before they’ve even tasted a bite.

The Road of Continuous Evolution

Remember, opening the doors is just the beginning. The food world moves fast, and staying relevant means keeping up with trends and continuously improving. There’s always room to grow, new dishes to try, and new ways to wow your guests. Stay curious and open to change, and your restaurant will thrive not just today but for years to come.

Opening your own restaurant is definitely a challenge, but it’s one of the most exciting adventures you could embark on. With the right strategy, a dash of creativity, and a lot of hard work, you’ll be the talk of the town before you know it. Ready to get started?

DIY Mermaid Stress Balls

If you need a fun activity for tweens and teens this summer, you will want to make these DIY mermaid stress balls! This craft is so much fun, and it is easy too.  You can make these with super simple supplies that you may have on hand. If not, grab them at your local dollar store.

 

If your kids are anything like mine, they have an insatiable love of fidgets. Harper had a ton of fun making and squishing this pretty stress ball. Even teenage Rolf was caught playing around with one. Can you guys believe that cute little blond haired boy is 14 now? Harper is 10, and we have been filling our days with little projects, as her brother has his own social life and agenda this summer.  From ipad stands to 3d Ladybugs, we have been getting super crafty. This stress ball craft might be our favorite yet.

Supplies:

 Balloons

Water beads *we used blue, green and purple beads.

Faux pearls and glitter if desired.

Directions:

Soak water beads until they are activated. To make this easy peasy, use a water bottle to activate for easy transfer.

If you want to add any beads, confetti or glitter, add it to the bottle now.

Stretch your balloon over the water bottle.

Empty the water beads directly into the balloon.

Remove and tie the balloon off.

Happy squishing!

Find more favorite craft ideas for kids here:

Easy butterfly craft

Birthday cake sensory bin
Minion puppets