Matcha Craze

 I had to finally see what all the matcha fuss was about so I decided to give it a try.

As it was my very first time trying anything matcha, I had to just dip my pinky in for a taste. Nothing crazy because I'd heard stories of it tasting like grass and I don't like grassy flavored things. 

Dunkins was the place and their strawberry foam matcha was the drink of choice to ease myself in.  My first sip wasn't terrible. But I was so glad my matcha had the sweet strawberry foam to take the edge off the strong matcha flavor.

After I mixed in the foam AND added FOUR whole (mini) packs of sugar, the drink was almost perfect. It had the hint of sweetness I desired while also being refreshing.  

So, in conclusion,  is matcha my drink now? No, but I'm glad I tried it. I may even try more matcha flavored drinks, like a Boba or a hot chocolate or a dessert. But straight up matcha just for kicks,  absolutely not. Let's just say without the add ons, matcha just isn't the drink for me.

It's  a pretty looking drink, just not as pretty tasting.  However,  after I doctored it up a bit (see photo below), it wasn't half bad.

Chill Easter At Home

 I love going places,  dressing up and getting cute and going somewhere.  But nothing beats a holiday at home. Yes, invite me for a day off at your house to celebrate,  I will come. But being home, chill and relaxed on my own time is unmatched.

Easter was a bit different this year as my daughter wasn't home, but it was a nice holiday all the same. I kept the celebration simple while sticking with all the magic and doing all the things that make the holiday so special for my kids. 

                Brunch was delicious 

    Baskets all set and ready to go

Then it was time for the scavenger egg hunt. Even as my kids get older, I still feel the need to keep some traditions alive.

                         My boys

After a wonderful day, we closed out Easter with a pretty awesome spread for dinner.

It was the perfect Easter at home.

To The Boy I love

 My son, my first born and the boy that changed my life turned 26 on March 28 and it gave me all the feels.  I became a mother because of him and now he's an entire grown up person who makes decisions on his own and lives life on his terms, sort of.

He wanted a low key birthday, as per usual. He wanted no frills, no thrills and no extra nothing.  For him, you must save all the drama for your mama as he wants no parts of it. 

A simple meal was all he asked for, and not even that. I suggested the restaurants ( yes two) and even the gift. He asked for some skin care for his Easter basket and I told him I'd get it for his birthday.  See, a simple man and a man of simple means. He never asks for much and never wants for nothing. And I love that about him. His life will be so full filling, because he keeps it simple and uncomplicated. 

I decided since he never asks for much and deserves so much, we'd have two celebrations instead of the typical one.

Friday would be the start to his birthday festivities with dinner at the Costa Rican Beer Factory.  A new place to try is always up my alley and my son is always on board to try new places as well. 

The birthday boy enjoyed his large and in charge spicy Texas burger.

We all enjoyed our meals at the CRBF restaurant, including the birthday boy which was the most important thing. But the celebrations did not end there.

On Saturday, B day, we took the birthday boy to the movies. That was actually one of the few requests he made for his birthday.  The new movie, Project Hail Mary, had just dropped and he expressed much interest in going to see it. His birthday seemed like the perfect opportunity.

After the movies,  Cheesus was the restaurant of choice for the actual birthday dinner and it did not disappoint.  This was our second time at Cheesus for his birthday,  as it was the restaurant of choice last year. It was a nice, intimate birthday meal of sorts. After dinner, we picked up his gift and the cake he asked for,  a cookie ice cream "cake" which was cut without any of the birthday fanfare. It was his perfect birthday 

Lets Lunch

 As my mission to try new restaurants continues,  I have to say I am hitting it out the park just about every time. I'm having the most fun researching what restaurant I want to try next, whether for brunch, lunch or dinner. 

There isn't much research involved if I'm being honest. A lot of the time a restaurant will catch my eye online because of it's aesthetics. After a quick glance at the menu, my mind is made up. Either put it on my must try list or pass it up.

Most times, my new found eatery is a big hit and is then added to my must re-visit list. Sometimes though, a one time stop is all I need to get my fill. 

Samadhi was one such recent restaurant that caught my eye online and I made a note to stop by. I'd passed by Samadhi a handful of times, in Barrio Escalante. This time I went in and was not disappointed.

My dish was divine and the coconut lemonade will live rent free in my mind until eternity.

                      Coconut lemonade 

                       Yucca fries

                     Foccacia with hummus

                       Mushroom risotto 

                      Salmon for the hubby

          My friend's daughter's veggie burger

Besides the food being delicious,  the aesthetics hits hard. Whoever the decorator is needs their accolades because the place is gorgeous. Will I go back? Possibly,  especially for that coconut lemonade. But I do feel as if I had my fill and I was definitely satisfied.