Make it Monday // How to Make Cold Brew Coffee in a French Press

About a 2 weeks ago I picked up some coffee concentrate from the grocery store.  I'd heard about this crazy concoction from my BFF when we were in Florida (she doesn't even like coffee!!) and finally decided to pick some up.  Apparently you can dilute this magical juice with water, milk, etc and have a delicious cup of coffee.

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Let me tell you - I love this stuff!  Since picking that bottle up I've had a cup of cold brew coffee each morning with just milk.  I've cut my intake of sugar and that processed non-dairy creamer stuff by doing this.  Though I can't say the impact of that yet, the cup of coffee isn't too bitter and I can stand to drink it with out the pump of sweetness.  Never thought I'd be able to do that.

So, because I've found a new love & because I have a French press that is collecting dust next to my coffee bar I thought I'd try my hand at making my own cold brew coffee concentrate.

supplies :: french press, coarse ground coffee, room temp water, 14-16 hours, mason jar (optional), fine sieve (optional)

Personally I used the coffee grounds I'd had on hand but a lot of the blogs I read suggested coarse ground coffee for a sweeter flavor.  It seems that the grinding process heats up the coffee beans and the finer you grind, the more heat is generated.  Science, it makes sense.  And that heat is what creates the more bitter taste.  So take that as a suggestion.  I do plan on getting a coffee grinder for myself.

Add 1 cup of the coffee grounds to the French press and top with water.  Leave about an inch at the top so that you can add the lid and plunger with out causing overflow.  Cover the press and set aside for 14-16 hours.

Once the concoction has steeped for 14-16 hours, add the lid and press the plunger down to push the grounds to the bottom of the container.  My french press has a fine mesh over the spout as well but you may need a sieve here to remove the rest of the grounds.  Either pour the magical goodness into a separate container like a mason jar to store it for later or pour into a temporary container, clean the french press, and transfer the unicorn blood back into it.

Store in the fridge for about a week because you'll drink it all in that time frame.  No need to worry about it going bad, you're gonna down it in no time!

I dilute the coffee concentrate with milk and drink it cold.  I have tried to dilute it with water - both drinking it cold and hot - and personally I don't like it.  I'd need a little bit of sweetness to drink it that way.  Milk - we drink Skim milk but this would be great with almond or soy milk - is the way I choose to take my coffee.  I don't measure out the ratios but about a shot of coffee in a mug topped with milk seems to work just fine.

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I can't wait to try different coffee recipes with this coffee concentrate.  I see a gourmet coffee shop right on my kitchen counter in the future!

How do you take your coffee?  Are you down for some cold brew?  Let me know below or in the Five Sixteenths Blog | Live Creatively Facebook group here.

xoxo, Moe

Trend Tuesday // Coffee Talk

Each morning I make myself a cup of coffee. I make it at home because Starbucks is too far and not on my way to work, and because I've finally found my favorite coffee.  The coffee I like to drink isn't special at all - it is the Meijer store brand Espresso Roast and I just love it.  If you're a coffee lover you've probably got a collection of mugs growing.  Our collection has far outgrown our little coffee bar and I'm not sure where to put them.  I still need more though, so I browsed Amazon for some fun mugs

(this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.)

one // two // three // four // five // six

All of these make me really happy!  They are so cute - especially the Volkswagen!  The holidays are coming up - I know that I have about a zillion birthdays coming up and then there is Christmas.  These mugs would make great gifts.  It is never too early to start holiday shopping (I have!).

Check out my first mug round up here (spoilers, there is a repeat!).

Happy Coffee drinking :)

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // Thanksgiving Coffee Cozie

Remember when I shared this crochet coffee cozie for Halloween?  Well now I'm addicted to making themed coffee cozies!!  They are super simple to whip up and great creative practice if you're a beginner crocheter because not only are your practicing crocheting in the round, you can also practice different stitches!

this post contains affiliate links, pleas read my full disclosure here.

For this cozie, I used a single crochet in the back loop only of each round.  This project is a great stash buster!  You could work through about a dozen in an afternoon - talk about instant gifts for the holidays.

Pattern

Using worsted weight yarn in two colors and a size H hook

ch 30, slp st in first chain to join, sc in each ch around.  Be careful not to twist your work, join with slp st by picking up second color, ch 1, do not turn.

Using second color, sc in back loop only of each st around.  Join with slp st by picking up first color, ch1, do not turn.

Alternate colors for every row, 11 rows in total. 

Bind off and weave in ends.

To add an embellishment, I used a little bit of E6000 and the stickiness on the back of a premade felt applique in the shape of a Turkey to add to the front of the cozy.  Now is the time to find Thanksgiving stuff at the craft store for like 40% off!  I used these same little appliques to make these paperclips, too!

If you're thinking about getting into the craft of crochet (do it! do it!) I'd suggest this Crochet Basics & Beyond class from Craftsy to get you started!

Are you ready for Turkey day?  I looooovvvee Thanksgiving!

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // Crochet Halloween Coffee Cup Cozie

In between my planner obsession I've picked back up a little bit of crochet.  Over the long weekend when I made these face scrubbies, I also made a few Halloween inspired coffee cup cozies!  I even went out and bought another travel mug to go with the cozies I made.  You always need a new mug right?  Right.

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

When it comes to crocheting 9 times out of 10 I'm like 'I want to make something....but...... I...don't....know.....what......'  That is when Pinterest comes to the rescue.  I think I was looking for patterns for face scrubbies when I stumbled upon a pin, that led me to another pin.  None the less I settled on this coffee cozie pattern.

While I'd say I'm pretty good at making up projects on my own, this couldn't have been more perfect.  This is actually one of my favorite stitches and back when I tried to sell some of my crocheted hats this was the stitch I used to make a lot of them.  It looks sort of like you're knitting in the round like you would with crochet.  Instead of going in the top loops of the row, you slip your hook in the loop behind the top two loops.  You're going into the back of the yarn over part you did to create the stalk (if you will) of the half double crochet.  Once you get this down the stitch is beautiful.  And if you're like 'man, I had crocheting in the back loop only...takes FOR.EV.ER!'  I promise you this stitch totally doesn't.

You do need to use a stitch marker - a proper one or a safety pin or a little piece of yarn (or you can be a rebel and not use one, I don't) - because you won't be joining and turning between rounds.  You'll keep going and going until you're satisfied.  The pattern I used called for a button, but I had bigger plans.

I searched, and searched for a tiny scull applique pattern and tried a few out but they all came out too big.  I finally found this one and did a slight modification.  The chart really helps you see where you need to be placing your stitches and what stitches will become what part of the scull.  When I reached the last row of the pattern I continued on with a slip stitch in a few points around the mouth part of the scull.  I did two slip stitches in the corners of the mouth to give it a little bit of a square shape and just even off the finished edge.  Then I joined with a slip stitch to the final row just at the middle of the scull, right above the mouth piece.  Leaving a tail, I used that to sew the scull onto the coffee cozy.

You could leave it as it is, or you could crochet yourself a little bow, a video how to is above.  Using a bright, neon yellow yarn I started with a ch of 4, then 2 double crochets in the 4th ch from the hook, 3 ch and joined with a slp st.  Then I ch 3, 2 dc in the stitch I just joined in, ch 3 and slp st back into the stitch I worked the dc in.  This creates two little flower petals that are perfect for a tiny bow.  Leaving a tail again, I used that to sew the bow to the cozy by wrapping the yarn around the center of the bow then into the cozy and back out again, wrap around, repeat.  much like you would sew through a button hole.

If you find other small applique patterns, you can have endless amounts of coffee cozies for the fall!!  Yay!!!

Hope you enjoyed this fun little project to work up in an afternoon!!!  If you're looking for a beginner class (or just looking to brush up) be sure to check out Crochet: Basics & Beyond class here on Craftsy.  You can also purchase some amazing supplies on the Craftsy site I love their variety of yarn!

xoxo, Moe

Make it Monday // Create a Cozy Home Coffee Bar

First I'd like to start off this post by saying the flooring is done! We've started moving the mess of a house we have into the awesomeness of a house we'd like to have.  Since the only place we've been able to really decorate has been the kitchen I've spent a lot of time making that space as usable & pretty as possible.  Eventually I'd love to do a whole house tour & maybe I'll start with the kitchen!  I want to apologize for the quality of these pictures.  For some reason my point & shoot doesn't want to take good photos.  I can't find the battery charger for my DSLR & it is starting to frustrate me!

Today I want to share with you our little DIY coffee bar.  Coffee is a huge part of my life....probably too much so!  But recently, after picking up some caramel instant coffee from Starbucks, Zach's been enjoying it too.  He very thoughtfully picked up some flavored syrups for the bar in hazelnut, vanilla, & chocolate.  So yummy!

For the life of me I couldn't remember where I'd seen this idea.  I could've sworn I'd seen it on Pinterest, but after looking around I still couldn't find it.  Then the awesome Victoria of PISTOLdasie posted a teeny home tour today & in the background were hanging mugs!  I must've seen it on her blog!  It is such a wonderful idea!

The bars are just cheapo curtain rods, about 3-4 bucks, secured to the wall.  The hangers are shower curtain hooks in an s shape.  For two bars, you should only need one box of shower curtain hooks.  The hooks are open on both ends - one end is smaller, to hang over the bar & the other end is larger to hold the cup.  We first started off with just one bar, but the space looked awkward.  With one bar, we also had left over shower curtain hooks. Now that we have two I feel like it's complete.

I use the Keurig to make both coffee & tea.  It's great for making just a hot cup of water & I love the water reservoir.  You can get about 3-4 large cups of coffee out of a full reservoir & usually I just pull out the brita & fill it up when I'm done using it.  You can manually turn it on or set the auto on feature so it's ready for you when you wake up.  It also has an auto off function....you don't even have to pay attention to it!

You'll find instant coffee (Starbucks VIA) in assorted flavors, teas in a little wooden box & in that speckled ceramic cup, sugar, creamer in a little shaker, flavored syrups, hot chocolate, & assorted K-cups on the bar.  My favorite coffees so far are Tully's, Newman's Special Blend, & Starbucks Breakfast blend.  I am really glad that I got an assortment of K-cup coffees to try out.  Unless you're totally confident, I'd recommend picking up an assortment to start with so you can figure out what you like if you're not familiar.  I also got a K-cup filter that I can fill with any other ground coffee of my choice.  When it comes to that I'll totally go with Dunkin Donuts!

So there you have it, our coffee bar!  It's so lovely & I love looking at it everyday.  If you want some more inspiration totally check out the Espresso Cart ReStyle over on A Beautiful Mess.  And definitely check out the small tour on PISTOLdaisie!

Happy Monday!

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Trend Tuesday // For the Coffee Lover

My mornings rarely start without a cup of coffee in my hand.  Currently we are between coffee makers, but my fingers are crossing for a Keurig coffee maker from Santa!  Zach & I are in that stage of discovering we have two of some things & none of other things and it can get exhausting.  While he does have a coffee maker, I think it may be beyond cleaning.  I need to run & grab some vinegar to run through it to clean it and see how it comes out.

I've never been a fan of Keruigs since you have to buy the little K-cups but since discovering there is a little single serve filter, I've been warming up to them.  You can have an assortment of coffees on hand + some of your regular everyday coffee with the little filter.  Win-Win!

If you're a coffee lover like me or know someone who is, here are some lovely gift ideas to encourage their love of that caffeinated drink:

Coffee Lover's Paradise by fivesixteenthsblog featuring essie nailpolish

one // A pretty canister can give your day a dose of happy if you're adding a spoonful of sugar to your coffee.  I love the drippy glaze on this ceramic piece from Anthropologie.

two // This retro inspired Owl Ready to Go mug from Modcloth would put some pep in my step!  Love the bright yellow color.

three // Coffee is Always a Good idea & this print from Arcadia Graphic on etsy encourages that second cup.  Don't drink any after noon though, you may be up all night.

four // I've been looking for the perfect nude polish & this cafe au lait inspired color from Essie seems like it'd be the perfect match to my morning drink.  I like a lot of cream in my coffee & the pale color of this polish is lovely!

five // A fun gift for someone who doesn't have a french press (like me) in a fun color.  We recently switched out our plates, but this matches the guacamole colored plates (similar to these) I used to have from Target.

Today I'm cuddled up under a flannel, snowflake printed duvet cover working on somethings.  As you can see I redesigned the blog again.  I need to just settle on something!  If you're interested in a design, shoot me an email (I'm open for clients for the holiday season, a perfect gift for yourself!) & check out the options here.

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Mobile Blogger // Best Invention? Maybe

That post title may be too soon but I thought I'd do a little test post from the new blogger app to see how it may work. I need to go through all my apps and organize them how I use them. Perhaps that is a project for tonight! At any rate, here's my first post with an update from this morning where I made muffins and drank my version of a yummy 'toffee nut latte' in a handmade mug.


How was your morning?

Hello Monday // Do Work

I don't work on Mondays so I try to have that be the time I do laundry, clean up a bit, etc.  Getting up early on that day is really a stress for me since I looooove sleep.  Since I've been getting up early these past few weeks/weekends I thought I'd sleep in a bit today.

Now that I am up, today will be filled with photographing some items for the etsy shop!! I can not WAIT to get With Love Crochet back up & running.  By the end of the day I will have listed probably 5 - 10 items! I am about to start taking pictures here in a moment or two (as soon as I see if I need to charge up my battery!)

source

I also want to mention that a key part of my morning involves delicious coffee concoctions that I've made.  I highly suggest purchasing this stuff:

Because it makes your coffee delicious.  It also makes it's own foam! It's like, crazy!  Your morning coffee will look amazing:

What are you up to this Monday?

Tea & Coffee

I really, really love tea & coffee.

like, REALLY REALLY love it.

Since I've started my new job, I have to get up at the same time every morning so its nice to have a caffeinated drink to sip on while getting ready or driving to work.

I've been looking for new tea & coffee recipes and even found this great collection of making your own Starbucks drinks at home....to bad I can't find it any more! :(

Here are some more ideas

Creamy Chai Tea

Shaker as an Iced Coffee Maker

I also love collecting mugs and I can't wait to put my collection with my room mate's collection.

Have you seen Victoria's mug collection at Be One of a Kind?

I love them all! 

PS. Don't forget to check out the link parties in the Side Bar or click here!