Carmel Frappicino

(hi, mom)

I am in mourning. I think I might spend less money at Starbucks because of this DIY. First, I have a philosophy, if you are going to be late to something (which I often am) at least make sure you have a Starbucks in your hand.

I realized, why I was even thinking this way I don't know, that if I go to SBX (starbucks) 3xs a week that is $15 a week, $60 a month, and $720 a year. Wait let me check my math, yea $720 a year. HOLY CRAP! That is alot of money and alot of calories. And lets be honest, I go more than 3xs a week. I am torn. I love those perfectly crafted carmel and coffee yummies-- lets not forget about that whip cream. Anyway, I am not saying I will eliminate them from my life; but it cannot be a morning ritual. So I did what anyone in coffee cost crisis would do....I googled (and I quote) "How to make a carmel frappicino"lo and behold-- www..mahalo.com/how-to-make-a-frappicino saved my life. I followed the recipe. And because people in crisis need specific direction, the website even included a video. Well I read the directions but I would like to say I used them as a guide. Their recipe makes one serving, like a tall frapp. I thought I could save time by buling it up some. SO here is what I did.

I made a pot of coffee, strong coffee. Like 4 TBS of coffee to 6 cups (on the pot) of water.

Put the coffee in a pitcher, added 12-14 TBS of sugar (there is probably a better mesasurement for that). 1 TBS of vanilla extract.

I let it chill in the fridge overnight, becasue of course my idea became reality around 10pm....and we all know I DO NOT need coffee that late at night.

In the morning, I put 2 Cups of the mix (aka coffee and a lot of sugar), 1 cup of milk, and a bit of carmel sundae sauce, oh and a splash of vanilla extract---and 1.5 cups of ice (the crushed kind from my fridge door).

And blended....in a blender of course. This is NOT a fancy blender, more like $12 bucks from walmart, it was probably a hand me down because I don't remember buying it. The point is you don't need a fancy starbucks quality blender.

Then I poured it into a recycled SBX cup (I am going for the placebo effect). The result is magnificent. Seriously, I was very proud.....pretty dang close to the real thing.

I am not saying this is an equal substitute, but I will do it again. I mean just think of the benefits. Maybe now I wont be late as often, most common late excuse--long SBX line. Most importantly think of all the clothes I can buy with $720 a year :)

FINAL ANSWER: DIY

Hi mom.

I feel like I need an preface- an intro, if you will...
When I was in college my friend Tara (no last name, I want to respect confidentiality) made a comment that blogs are just the thing our narcissistic society needs, a soapbox to stand on, shout their every thought and opinion.
Shes right.
With that said, I need no assistance to get on to my box. Although, I am hopeful someone might read this, I am completely content with my mom being the only reader. And like Dr. Taylor said, "You are only special to your mama." So no pressure mom, but I expect you to read and comment like it is part of your religion. I am not worried, I am sure you will.
In case I am wrong (which mom, I am banking on not being wrong, so do as previously instructed) I would like to also add, this will be a documentation source for my projects, kind of like a journal. I mean I have journals at home, but I tend to lose things and this is on the Internet I don't think I can lose it here.
On to the purpose of this thing, I want to see if I can do things myself or if things are worth outsourcing. Eh, I have more reasons: I like lists--its like the best excuse not to care about proper grammar, so here is a list of my deepest aspirations for this grand piece of literature:
1. I love projects, I don't know when this love happened. Maybe it was Ikea, you know you have to build your own furniture.
2. I love creativity. I oh and ah at every original design I see--then I say to myself, I think I can do that too.
3. I love to save money. No really, I love to spend money, but I seldom (I want to say never but that is an unfair word) buy anything full price. DIY projects are my attempt to "save" money.
4. I love the phrase: Why do it yourself when you can just pay someone to do it for you. Sounds contrary to my blog eh? Well lets attend to the latter part of that statement: "pay someone to do it"...typically involves money and a lot of it. Refer back to #3.
5. I love my parents: they have shaped me into a real Millennial kid. I can hear it now, "You can do anything you put your mind to"
6. I love the south: there I said it. I feel like that is gonna backfire on me. But really, the pace of life here is much more, there is a word I am thinking of.....ha... Conducive to free time. You know what they say about idle time...
7. I love the Internet: There is no limit. I am in a love/hate relationship with my iPhone (I like to call it my FBiphone...it can do everything). Seriously if I have a question I google it on my phone. So, if I want to make my own deck or Carmel Frappicino I am sure I can find out how to online.
8. I love sharing: no really I do...whats yours is mine. I want people (especially independent women...like myself) to know you can do it too. I mean really I am average; I have no background to support any experience in half the crap I try to pull off. I am however, confident of my "winging it" skills....that is thanks to my pops, Tom always said, "Dazzle 'em with brillance, or baffle 'em with B.S." Good advice, useful in all things.
A little more on #8. It really is the attitude you approach situations with that determine the outcome. In college, I convinced people I could cut and color hair (I even charged). Before I cancel all of my credibility. I will end here.
I suck at consistency, but man I am honest. I will probably forget about this blog. Cross your fingers (mom) that I don't.