cracked pepper revelation

So simple yet profound. I had no idea. My friend Hannah and all her siblings dose everything with cracked pepper. I didn’t understand. Had I missed something?

I began to try it for myself and have grown to love it. It brings out the flavors in the most tasty foods. It is as fig is to cheese or chocolate is to a latte but on a broader, more general level… it just makes sense.

I wouldn’t add it to the chef’s dish at Vestas but it needs to have the same place in my dishes as sea salt.

Boulder Canyon Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper potato chips! Amazing! The aftertaste is sweet… like brown sugar or honey!

I really thought my taste buds had become culinary connoisseurs. You know the type… the geniuses who differentiate coffee beans by the smoky or spicy aroma.

Then, I looked at the ingredients… evaporated cane juice!

I actually thought I had arrived.

Commercial or Mom-and-Pop?

The other day I ran into Starbucks for a quick exchange with a vendor I work with. In the middle of conversation I noticed a sign at the checkout counter Our Promise. I had to take a peek… “Your drink should be perfect, every time. If not, let us know and we’ll make it right.”

Impressed but not surprised, I read it again.

I walked out of the infamous shop, no coffee in hand, and thought yeah, I knew that. Well, maybe I did not know their official, written promise but it affirmed my Starbucks’ belief system.

Starbucks is consistent and comfortable. When you are out of town and see its familiar face, it is incredibly refreshing. Having your drink in hand will put you in a great mood - guaranteed. You know what to order and if it is not right (whether your fault or theirs), they will make it right.

Interestingly, it has been months since I have snagged a latte at Starbucks in Colorado Springs. It is not because I dislike the giant of all coffee companies… actually, I am a fan of their brand and of the road they have paved for other like-companies, big or small, to have a market to serve. I truly appreciate forerunners.

Over the last few years of living downtown I have grown in love with the not-so-chic, local coffee house. Their espresso is amazing! They have a drink unique to their one and only store, they know my name, and my specialized latte. My Mom even pops in without me and requests “Carly’s drink” and the barista gets to work. What a personalized promise!

Would I feel comfortable there requesting a new drink if mine wasn’t made right? Doubt it. I fear losing my 'favorite customer' status. Mom-and-Pops might turn snarky out of pride for their brew. It is super personal. And, they might not have the luxury of promising a new drink if the milk percentage wasn’t right. There is something quirky and attractive about the underdogs who brew some mean lattes.

The beauty of choice.

For me, when choosing from the four Starbucks on the same street and the Mom-and-Pop on the corner, the little green logo loses its edge... although, I truly appreciate the Starbucks' Promise because I know they keep it and that is important.

Having and knowing your brand promise is so necessary no matter the market …whether it is blatant and public or simply practiced.

The Messy Scarf

It is a ‘must have’ but not only for Autumn… snag a few versatile colors and you're good to go through Spring... at least. I am seriously considering making it an everyday staple… like a great bag or the right pair of shoes.

One of my favorite things about scarves is anything goes! Don’t feel stressed about positioning it just so… throw it around your neck (once, twice, tied, or not) and you are set.

A shout out to Glorie, who inspired us with her Euro scarf after a trip to London . It was as refreshing as finding out a tea house down the road serves jasmine limeade... all year.

the daunting first blog...

friendship. family. faith. food. and yes, fashion!

...I know, it so sounds like a lame-o sermon. Perhaps I will be a pastor one day (gasp) and I need to get it out of me now. Definitely don't want the rock star kids running the other direction because of my lack-o-coolness factor. OK, beside the point...

this blog... a dedication.

...to my amazing can-do-anything Mom, most-fun-friends Carolyn & Margaret, and my brilliant cousin, Dana... this blog might just feed your RSS with some fun fashion tips. I am forever grateful that you would be my guineas and trust my opinion.

...for my husband, Grant (who is the greatest God-lover ever), to my fox-hole sisters, Hannah, Jacque, Ashley and Chels, my mentors - John & Lisa Bevere - and many other heroes who long to see the truth of Jesus advance.

...and solely and surely, my food partner for life, Haggizzy. No doubt, she will get rewarded in heaven for introducing me to the finer things in life.

and finally, a toast to randomness {cling} why oh why is Google not friends with century gothic? ...am I really cheating on my branded font!?!