all things coffee

I thought I wouldn't become that coffee drinker. You know, the one that needs their coffee a specific way, or at a specific time, or a certain brand or coffee chain. I considered myself a casual coffee drinker; when I'd be out at a restaurant and order a latte with dessert or brunch with my girlfriends or more specifically at my grandparents when they would take out the vintage Bialetti Moka express.
Ironically, though I wasn't a coffee addict until my thirties, my favorite dessert has always been tiramisu; whose main ingredient is espresso. I also found the smell of freshly brewed coffee to be quite comforting even when I wouldn't drink it. Perhaps then it wouldn't be a surprise that I became a coffee fanatic.

I figured if I wasn't a coffee drinker by the time I graduated university and started my career (with all those late nights) then I probably wouldn't be one.  I thought it past me. Boy was I wrong.

You want to know what changed that? Kids. Yup. Maybe some of you can relate. While my kids are the heart and soul of everything I do and love them till it hurts, it is quite exhausting raising two littles under three!

If I think back I can probably tell you how my love of coffee started. For my husbands first Father's Day; I decided to get a Delongi espresso machine he had his eye on. It was a splurge but considering it being his first Father's Day (and a flash sale at Hudson's Bay), I decided I would get it. I knew my husband would appreciate it. I, on the other hand, didn't want another appliance on our counter top... with the bottle warmer and sterilizer machine we had already, I felt it was just one more thing and less space for my kitchen to look tidy and presentable. Today, I think that gift was more for myself than it was for my husband. Considering I was the one on maternity leave at home, I had easy access to this new appliance. That, and it made lattes...which is what got me hooked! So I became that, "I gotta have my coffee as soon as I wake up or else don't talk to me" sort of person.

Fast forward a year and a half later, we had our second child and guess what? it became a coffee in the morning and one in the afternoon. I joked about it saying "I have one cup of coffee per child" so if I had a third I'd probably need three coffees to get through the day!

Months into this routine, I felt like I needed a change from drinking all this coffee. Sure some people drink more than two cups a day, I just didn't want to need it. If I happen to have two a day, it would be more because I was in a social setting, not because I needed an afternoon pick me up!

So if you're like me and are trying to cut back on caffeine, or you just want to know of some great products for the coffee lover in your life, here's are some things that I loved and what worked for me to get that caffeine fix or that boost of energy. Now excuse me while I drink my first sip!

-Bullet Proof Coffee: If you haven't heard of bullet proof coffee consider it your new morning routine. Of course, as with any item you introduce into your diet, you should consider your own health and well being and make sure it is right for you. Bullet proof coffee is low in carbs, and high in fat (the good kind). What is the difference between this and and your regular cup of joe? Bullet proof coffee uses three ingredients:

• organic and/or free trade coffee, 
• MCT oils or coconut oil, I personally use the coconut oil
• grass-fed unsalted butter or ghee.               

 That's it!

It claims to boost your metabolism, has an excellent source of fatty acids, immune enhancing properties, boosts your energy and cognitive function and lowers your cravings. Of course, with the added coconut oil and butter, it is also high in fat and calories which keeps you full longer. Definitely something to look into if you are a regular coffee drinker, specifically in the morning.

-Dairy Alternatives: This has been a game changer for me. When I had my second child, I had went dairy free (that's a story for another day). I thought how on earth am I going to drink my lattes? I'm used to 1% milk in my coffee. Fortunately, there are so many alternatives that work just as well and are also part of the menu at many coffee shops; recently including our Canadian favorite Tim Hortons and also at Starbucks. I find dairy alternatives such as coconut, almond and oat milk to be easier on my stomach with less bloating and gas...not so pretty but true! I find that oat milk gives the best froth for lattes but this is definitely one you want to explore to see which combination you like best with your coffee!

-Coffee Scrub: Coffee in your beauty products is known to fight off free radicals with it's antioxidant properties. The coffee grounds themselves act as an exfoliator and if you love the smell of coffee (like me) it is also a great wake up boost! It's no wonder coffee acts as an ingredient in many skin and beauty products. If you're your feeling extra creative, you can make your own coffee scrub or if you prefer one already made I specifically love the Vanilla coffee body scrub from Canadian brand Love Fresh. It is made with all natural ingredients, is cruelty free and made in Canada...a win win!
I was first introduced to this brand a couple years ago when I attended a live taping of Cityline. Part of our takeaway was a full sized Love Fresh grapefruit & coffee body scrub. It was absolutely divine and left my skin so soft and silky. They unfortunately do not make that one anymore however, they do make a vanilla coffee scrub which I think most would agree is a more suitable pair.

https://lovefresh.com/

-Ginger, lemon, honey, cinnamon (stick) water: Recently, I cut back on my afternoon coffee intake and substituted it with this all natural blend. The ingredients provide immune boosting benefits and detoxification and drinking it warm also gives me that satisfaction like a warm cup of coffee. Adding the cinnamon stick also looks pretty in a clear mug and I have many people asking what am I drinking. Sometimes, I'll add a little apple cider vinegar to the mix. It  Again, you should look into your own health and consult your doctor if there are any contractions to these ingredients and your own body.

- Coffee Puns:  Definitely for the coffee addict in your life! I love putting together themed gifts for birthdays and if you have a coffee lover on your hands, adding a cute little makeup bag (pictured above by brand Olivia & Joy) that she can take along in her purse will remind her of your love in a cute punny way! Speaking of puns, if you are pumpkin spice lover this cute mug from A Little Leafy will brighten up your day! check out this and her other amazing punny items at:

alittleleafy.etsy.com

Personalized clutches by The Blushing Bean at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlushingBeanDesigns

-Sephora Collection Eyeshadow: The ultimate smokey eye kit. This set of neutrals is a staple in my make up routine. With shades such as mocha, soy latte and buzzed, you'll find you won't need any other palette to create that everyday look at such an amazing pricepoint. It also comes with instructions on how to create the look and what shades from the set to use!

https://www.sephora.com/ca/

Hand Embroidery- This cute design from she_the_bee would be a sweet addition to a gallery wall or simply just standing on the kitchen counter (by your coffee machine perhaps?) This Canadian shop offers personalized hoops along with DIY kits if you’re looking to pick up a new skill. She has
the most beautiful handmade hoops including this espresso maker which reminds me of our grandparents Bialetti.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/shethebeestudio

These are just a few of my coffee related suggestions that I hope will inspire you. If you love caffeine, I hope this guide gave you some inspiration on how to use it in many other ways, besides in your cup!

xoxo
Little Love & Mama