Category Archives: Uncategorized
Happy Sunday!

Enjoy your day😉
Coffee love,
Alicia
Author’s Copies Now Available!

Are you ready to Elevate your Destiny? Is it time for you to forgive that unimaginable event that occurred in your life? You can start the process by getting a copy of this book.
I’m excited to announce that author’s copies are now available.
Order your signed copy today by emailing: dalton.alicia@gmail.com
Please include your name, address, quantity and special instructions for signing (ie. if the book is a gift include their name too).
Start your forgiveness journey today!
Warmly,
Alicia
Getting caffeinated during the Coronavirus pandemic
There is no question that this pandemic has disrupted our day to day routine in a major way. Social distancing has arrested one of life’s simple pleasures. And that is sitting down to a good cup of joe in your favorite coffee house. Girlfriends meeting to catch up on the latest news while enjoying a latte has come to a halt. No more cofficing. No more leaving your office for that mid-afternoon #esspressotrip! Sigh!

Thankfully, some coffee establishments are coming up with new ways to keep their customers caffeinated. Zeke’s Coffee in Washington DC has made a way. Hallelujah! You can place your order over the phone and pick up your coffee on a table located at their front entrance. I’m loving it:)


If you are in the DC area, visit Zeke’s Coffee Roasters. You can also order coffee beans online at http://www.zekescoffeedc.com
To all my coffee lovers out there, Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay hydrated and caffeinate responsibly.
Yours in coffee,
Alicia
Rise Up Coffee Roasters~Annapolis MD
As a child I use to drink my mom’s coffee. She always kept Folgers Crystals, which is freeze dried instant coffee made to smell and taste like freshly brewed coffee. Today, I go for something a little different. When it comes to coffee, I seek out fair trade, organic and freshly roasted beans. Rise Up Coffee Roasters in Annapolis Maryland certainly delivers that and more!

The menu consists of iced and hot beverages, muffins and a variety of pastries and quiche. They even serve a protein coffee smoothie. Sounds yummy!
Rise Up Coffee’s philosophy: “The farmer who grew this coffee should receive the glory. We are among the fortunate who get to roast their beautiful coffees and share them with you. By staying committed to the time-honored craft of artisanal coffee roasting, we strive to make them proud”.
I find this appealing because it speaks to the love they have for their craft. A guiding principle like this can only produce one thing. A beautiful cup waiting to be enjoyed:)
Today, I ordered a half sweet dark chocolate mocha latte made with oat milk. It was beyond delicious. Not only that, the barista was very professional and took care in crafting my beverage.

If you are ever in the Annapolis area, I recommend you give them a try. Check out there website: https://riseupcoffee.com/our-locations/ and tell them I sent you:)
Love you a latte:)
Alicia
Sidewalk Coffee Series: Santa Cruz, California~ Saturn Cafe

Also, before I share my first experience with trying one of my most favorite drinks at an independently owned coffeehouse and after coming to terms with my age and my evolving taste buds I must first set the parameters of which I will engage in this search and quest for the java that jams! Foremost, it has to be a stark contrast to how, when and why I partake. No more driving up, convenience or coffee chains, and way more free/fair trade, fair and environmentally responsible and sound.
Let’s also establish that coffee has become a good friend in the morning or early afternoon as the caffeine is just the jumpstart I need as I strive for that boost of clarity in my work as a consultant juggling multiple tasks, lists and errands. Another benefit is that I travel as a part of my work and sometimes the road can get monotonous. So, my plan will be to locate a small coffeehouse within walking distance of my hotel and stroll there to order my cup of joe. I will journal the taste, my in house experience and record the sights, sounds and smells! I am so excited!
My first experience on this journey of becoming the coffee snob I have always wanted to be was a trip to Santa Cruz, California. I stayed at a chain hotel fairly close to the downtown area. I walked approximately 4,000 steps one way to my desired destination. The first lesson I learned is that not all cafes specialize in coffee. This place was quaint and nestled on a quiet corner but adjacent were my favorite kind of self-care stores full of sage, crystals, tie-dyed clothing and incense! I was in my element! It was certainly not a surprise to me that the cafe was named after Saturn, where the stars and solar worlds meet and clash and beam and glow. The streets on my way to the cafe where also lined with moon and stars, astrology and religion, rocks, wood and nature. I enjoyed this walk!
Kalimah
(Guest blogger)
Coffee in Crete, Greece
This summer we celebrated our 10th wedding Anniversary. To mark this most beautiful milestone we traveled to Crete (among other places).
Crete is the largest island in Greece. It is well known for its varied terrain, which spans from beautiful sandy beaches in Elafonisi to the White Mountains. On our drives at night, I especially enjoyed seeing the mountains as they lit up the sky. I like to describe Crete as “where rustic meets beauty and where beauty meets rustic.” The island is simply spectacular and so was the coffee🤗

Lyarakis Winery
The Cretan coffee I had in the Village of Hersoniss was very nice and smooth. It had the consistency of hot chocolate. I am told that it is cooked on the stove in a small saucepan. In fact, the process for making coffee is very ritualistic and its preparation has been preserved for over 500 years. The coffee is always lightly roasted and finely ground. Equally important to this preparation is the temperature of the water being sure to never allow it to boil. I believe this lends to the smooth (never bitter) taste of coffee in Greece.
Nyktaph Coffee and Bakery is located in Hersonissos. We visited this place twice. The second time we wanted an Afagato. The Barista found it interesting and had no idea what it was. So, we showed him how to make it and viola! He made it and served it with much enthusiasm. It may very well be the best ones we’ve had. Kenny had his with two scoops of pistachio gelato. I had a Greek inspired flavor that unfortunately I cannot pronounce😆😆😆. It reminded me of caramel with baklava🤗🤗. Yum!
Although we did not try any of the pastries, I had to take pictures because they looked so tasty!
The temperature was very hot in Greece. I needed something cold to drink. Here I am enjoying this Freddo, which is the Cretan version of an Iced Latte.
The coffee culture in Greece is definitely becoming more and more popular. I hope that on our next visit we see Afagato on the menu.
ειλικρινά δικός σου
(Yours truly),
Alicia
Kona Coffee Purveyors: Honolulu, HI
Mahalo
Sharon J. Lawrence
Schmooze Work-space and Cafe Scottsdale, AZ

(photo credit: yelp.com)
On a leisurely walk through Old Town Scottsdale (looking for coffee), I became captivated by the beautiful flowers pictured above. All of a sudden a lady came through these rod iron gates with what looked to be an iced coffee beverage in her hand. I curiously asked, “Where did you get that coffee? I am looking for a coffee house” She replied, “right through those gates.” I counted it as a blessing and moved through the gates quickly. What I found was nothing short of beautiful. It was a courtyard; a sanctuary of sorts. It was filled with more flowers and a lovely fountain with beautiful seating for all to enjoy. The excitement I felt was overwhelming because I knew a great coffee treat would be on the other side!

(photo credit: yelp.com)
So, with great expectation I perused the menu and spoke with the barista regarding iced beverages. I decided to order the cold brew, lightly sweetened with agave and a splash of half and half. My, my, my, it was amazing! Perfectly brewed. Perfectly balanced. Perfectly smooth!
My experience here was extraordinary. If you are ever in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, check out Schmooze in Old Town Scottsdale. It was one of the best coffee venues I have visited.
Schmooze on in,
Alicia:)
Late for the Train Coffee: Flagstaff, AZ
Photo credit: Trip Advisor
Late for the Train is a coffee house located in Flagstaff, AZ. My family and I went to the Fort Valley location, which appears to be a converted gas station. Pretty unique indeed. The owner; David Dobrick and his team are “dedicated to creating a mountain fresh difference by combining coffee sourced from unique soils, micro-climates, cultivars, and growers’ skills”. I am happy to be the beneficiary of this dedication:)
In addition to roasting their own beans, Late for the train has a wide variety of coffee and tea beverages, and food offerings. Which includes locally sourced cookies, pastries and sandwiches. We shared chocolate chip cookies, zucchini bread and a chocolate danish. All were really good.
My husband had the COCONINO MOCHA, which is an iced beverage made with their signature cold brew and homemade chocolate sauce. I had a half sweet, iced Black and White with an extra shot of espresso. Both where really good but my favorite was the Black and White. In fact, it was the best one I have had!!
If you are in the area, be sure to give this place a try (www.lateforthetrain.com). It is the perfect midway point from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix.
Yours in Coffee,
Alicia