Iced cinnamon lattes.

                          

I'm happy to report that the "load" got a little lighter- only 2 days in.

                       

I simply made a decision to focus on what I CAN control... what I can do lighten the mood- the load- the agenda... 

Instead of taking my grandma home on Sunday- or even Monday, I asked her to stay a few extra days.  She was happy to do so.  Not only has she provided company, she's helped with cleaning... organization... essentially- everything on my daily to-do list, and much, much more.

               

So, today, I decided we needed a little treat.

                   

 

Today's tried & true recipe... 

                                                                                         

                                                                  
iced cinnamon latte 

* slightly adapted from giada's kitchen 
                  
4 servings

                          

4 shots of espresso (about 1 1/2 oz each)

1/4 cup cinnamon simple syrup (or less)

1 1/3 cups low-fat milk

ice 
                   

Combine the espresso, cinnamon syrup, and milk in a small pitcher.  Fill 4 large, tall glasses with ice.  Pour the latte mixture over the ice. [easy-peasy]

                                                                                                                       

                                                   

cinnamon simple syrup

               

makes 1 cup 
                 

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

4 cinnamon sticks
                     

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and cinnamon sticks.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved.  Take the pan off the heat, and cool the syrup.  Any extra cooled syrup can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
        

{since she was here, I was able to to make a 4:30pm workout (yay for not having to wake up at the crack of dawn!)... which gave more of a reason to drink-up (caffeine boost pre-spin class can't hurt, right??)... but also to *lighten it up a bit}

                                                                     

                       
And such a treat it was.  Both the latte & the company :).
                      
Sounds like Stephanie had a treat-filled afternoon as well... Visit her a little later today to find out more (& of course- to get yet another scruuuumptious recipe... a roasted tomato caprese salad. mmmm.).