Hello! I'm finally back after an unexpected little break...I have been very sick. I mentioned on one of my posts weeks ago that I had been sick with a terrible cough, well, I never did get better and it just kept dragging on and I finally realized that I needed to stop trying to keep up with everything and just focus on getting better.
The only good thing to come of all that lying around and being sick, was that I officially kicked my {almost} daily Starbuck's habit! When you are as sick as I was, leaving the house to head to Starbuck's just wasn't realistic, so I devised a few ways at home to make my coffee extra special...
I have been making Vanilla Sugar for awhile now, but mostly as gifts...not any more...I realized it was a great way to add a little extra flavor to my regular cup of coffee. It is super easy to make, all you need is sugar, a vanilla bean, and a jar with a tight fitting lid...
There are various ways to make Vanilla Sugar, but all I do is cut a vanilla bean in half and then cut that half into 4 or 5 smaller pieces...place them in a canning jar and fill with sugar and you're basically done! Just shake it once a day for the next 2 weeks to keep the sugar from clumping and to distribute the vanilla flavor and you'll have perfectly flavored sugar!!
Then, to make a cup of coffee really taste like you are at a coffeehouse, try making some fresh whipped cream to top it off! I use this recipe *HERE*
The whipped cream melts and leaves a delicious frothy layer to your coffee...
Now you know how I kept my sanity while I was sick :)) A good, homemade, cup of coffee mid-afternoon is still one of my favorite pick-me-ups, and now it doesn't cost me $5/cup!
I hope to try and get back into the swing of things and be back more regularly now and to finally get around and see what everyone has been up to lately, I miss everyone...
Happy start to your week!
Tracey
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76 comments:
a little sugar makes the medicine go down!
glad to see your sweet blogging face this morning!
& i'm glad you're feeling better.
these images are so pretty.
i love vanilla...anything vanilla, so i'll certainly make some of this.
( does it need to 'sit' for 2 weeks before using?)
don't you love it when a commenter leaves a question for you?
take care
xo
Hi Tracey,
I just logged on and saw your post. So sorry to hear you were sick. That's no fun. We've missed your posts and hope you are feeling better now.
Your sugar sounds delightful. I always love a good cup of tea in the afternoons, so maybe I'll try this for a nice addition to it.
Take care,
Susan
I'm so glad your better, usually when I am sick I can't stand the taste of coffee. And yes, Starbucks is a very bad habit of mine! Good thing it's not very close. But they have a new instant that is super, it's called Via, and it comes in different flavors. I love the caramel. Thanks for the vanilla sugar tip. 8>)
i'm sorry you were so sick. glad you're feeling better! i love the idea of the vanilla sugar. i'm addicted to the vanilla caramel creamer for my coffee. hope you have a good week! sending hugs, susan
Tracey ~
I am glad that you are feeling
better !!
Your pictures are absolutely
beautiful !!
xoxo
Lori
Whatever was going around this year sure beat a lot of people down. I'm glad to hear you're on the mend.
Loved this post...it was so sweet!
Debbie
We've missed you but so glad you're feeling a little better. The bug has been bad this year!
I'm for sure going to make and use this recipe just like I did your herbed vinegar a few months back. :) Thanks for all the pretty tips you share ~
feel better!
Sarah xo
Any advice on what finally got rid of your cough? I had mine for 2 weeks, it went away for a day, and came back with a vengeance -- I'm on week 4! That vanilla sugar looks yummy!
Sounds delish Tracey!! Glad you're feeling better, seems like everyone I know has been hit with the crud.
xo~
T
I am happy you feel better!!!
Many hugs, Ingrid
The CoFFee Looks "DeLiCiouS"!*!*! I can just smell the Vanilla!!!
Jeanine, ChiPPy!-SHaBBy!
Vanilla sugar sounds yummy...I'll have to give it a try! I'm so sorry that you've been sick for so long. Glad to see you back; you've definitely been missed, Tracey:) Wishing you well...
I knew something was wrong...you poor thing,one more reason we all want and need spring!! I am like you with Starbucks except I only go the days I work(its across the street from the store)and I get tea and a treat!! Well,feel better my lovely friend! x0x0
Yammy...Looks delicious!!
Hate to hear you've been sick, but glad you're on the mend. I've wanted to try the vanilla sugar for a long time, but just never did it. Some day I will.
hope ypu continue to make progress toward feeling 100 %..... Sending best wishes and blessings...
Hello,
I am glad that you are feeling better. Your blog always makes me smile. The pictures are beautiful.
Thank you for sharing these delicious looking recipes.
Feel better.
Claudia
Even when you're feeling under the weather, your creativity continues to amaze me. What a simple and elegant way to enjoy a cup of home brewed coffee. Your photography is always something I look forward too. Hope you continue to feel better Tracey! xoxo ~Lili
Don't know if I've ever told you, Tracey, but your posts are like a little surprise present I get to unwrap after clicking over. Really. They are always a treat and this one....so beautiful. I'm in the middle of a site overhaul today, but I would love to feature you, your style, and you photography soon...would you be game? Glad you're feeling a bit better...we've been sooo sick here as well.
xo
shaunna :)
Glad to know you are feeling better.I was worried and missing seeing your inspiration that share.I too am a bigger fan of Starbucks.When living back there In Dixon my friend worked at our one and only book store where she made different flavors of coffee.Absolutely delicious !! I miss that.We do have Starbucks not to far from here.Now seeing your sugar idea is looking delicious.
Feel better and stay warm and cozy there...Chickie
Glad you are feeling better Tracey! It's not fun being sick!
I love the idea of Vanilla Sugar, I'll have to try that one.
Come on admit it Tracey, you really just wanted to spend time laid up in your beautiful new family room...that's o.k. I would too. No really, glad you're feeling better, have missed your posts. Robx
Glad you're feeling better! I've seen you post about vanilla sugar several times. I always thought it would be cool to do, but I've never done it. Maybe this time...
So glad you are back and well rested and feeling better. Missed your posts. Shaking any habit is tough. I am an ex-smoker, 19 months smoke free. feels great. Cinnamon tea is my remedy. curbs the appetite too. take care
Caroline
I love vanilla, so this i want to try.
I sure hope you continue to feel good! It's terrible to be sick and have it linger! I LOVE coffee, too! ♥
~*Yummy!!~*~Your coffee looks so good!;)I know how hard it is not to go to starbucks everyday..my car practically drives itself there!lol.Glad you are feeling better Tracey~*Hugs,Rachel
French Farmhouse 425
I can almost smell the delicious vanilla! I just love to have this sugar in my pantry! Your images look gorgeous!
I am so happy to stop by today!
Yvonne
Glad you are on the mend. I kicked my dailey Starbucks habit last year and never looked back...too much money on something that I can make at home...more $$ for decorating!
So sorry you have been so unwell. Hope you are feeling better now? This coffee looks sooo good. I don't take sugar in mine but I love to use the vanilla sugar to make cupcakes. Have a happy day! Linda
I will have to make this, how beautiful it looks and nice it sounds to offer guests some Vanilla Sugar with their coffee.
I'm glad you are feeling better :)
I am glad to hear things are going better now with you !!...lovely post...and what mean of the capucinno......that the same for me ........i just have had one !! lovely week darling.....love Ria....xxx....
Sorry to hear you've been so sick, Tracie. So glad you're feeling better now. :) That vanilla sugar recipe sounds like a wonderful remedy, and your pictures are stunning... as always!!! So glad you're back... missed you too!!! :)
xoxo,
Jo
Welcome back! I'm sorry to hear you've been sick and I'm glad you're feeling better again! Wonderful photos and recipe! :-) Have a wonderful week!
So happy that you are on the mend. Hope to see you at Kane this coming week-end. And I am off to find some real vanilla beans! Yum!
That is one tasty looking cup of coffee!! Yummy post :)
Heidi
Hello Tracey! so glad to hear you are feeling better......that last picture looks scrumptious right now!
thanks for putting my sale on your sidebar....I can't wait for you to come!!
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie
Hi Tracey, nice to see you're back and feeling better, just in time for spring.
That vanilla sugar looks delish. I will give it a try for sure. I myself am a coffee (addict) lover, but you don't have to completely give up your Starbucks, if you buy a pound of Starbucks coffee like I do and brew it at home. Even at its premium price, it's still a whole lot cheaper than buying one a day at $5! And that vanilla sugar is just the right touch.
Sorry to hear you were sick, Tracey, but I'm glad you're feeling better and are coming back. Sure missed your sweet posts... :)
I was worried about you, sweet Tracey!
I'm so glad you're back and feeling better!
Sugar is great medicine, isn't it? :-)
Big hugs,
Anne
Glad to hear you are better. See you this weekend?
Mmmm ... Just LOVELY!!
xo
ANETTE:)
missed your postings. glad you're back
Glad you're feeling better Tracey! Seems a lot of people are getting it....my daughter was sick for several days as well...
Love that recipe for vanilla sugar.....:)
xo,
Shellagh
Glad you are feeling better!
Genius! Thanks for sharing, I hope you are feeling better.
This looks delicious, Tracey! Thanks so much for sharing. Glad you're feeling better.
So sorry that you were down for
awhile.
Glad you are feeling better now.
Have a great Tuesday.
Melinda
Vanilla sugar sounds so YUM! I must try it myself. :) I have never looked for vanilla beans before, but now the search is on! :)
So glad you're feeling better!
Blessings!
Hi Tracey,
I hope that you are feeling better now, seems to be hard to shake off the cough and you often need to take a rest.
Vanilla sugar is so good, I have the vanilla beans in a jar of sugar too.
Also loved the pretty table set up for Valentines Day, for your children.
Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn
You have been missed. :) I have been taking Elderberry Extract (in capsule form) and I swear I think that is how I've avoided illness this winter.. so far. Your photos are glorious - love the coffee! I really need to get another stovetop espresso pot.. my last one rusted and I had to pitch it last year. I hope your feeling 100% real soon!
Hugs,
Lara
So glad your on the mend. This is a great idea. I'm more of a vanilla girl...it's my hubby that loves chocolate :-)
I'd love your advice on my little dress dilemma I posted on my blog, if you get a chance.
Blessings,
Marcia
Love this idea and LOVE these photos!! Are they your shots, they are stunning. Hope you'll soon be completely better.
Slavica
Contente de te retrouver avec ces belles photos qui me donnent envie d'un bon café.
Amicalement,
Manon
Contente de te retrouver avec ces belles photos qui me donnent envie d'un bon café.
Amicalement,
Manon
Great to hear you feel better! I love homemade vanilla sugar, but I have never tried it for coffee...I don't know why..:-) Thanks for this tip! Sounds delicious. Hugs Yvonne
Tracey,
Sorry to hear you were suffering with that dreadful illness. I had it for over a month! I bet your Vanilla Sugar Coffee tastes better than Star Bucks.
Deborah
Mmmmm, I'm definitely going to try this!
~ Clare x
so glad you are feeling better.....
I JUST had fresh, homemade whipped cream on my coffee last night at my bookclub...how will I EVER not make it everyday for my first cup of coffee? it was TO DIE FOR.
thanks for the idea for vanilla sugar!
beautiful pictures...as always!
So glad you're feeling better! Thanks for the yummy recipe and suggestions!
Hi Tracey! I haven't visited your blog in a really long time! Trying to get back in the mix! What a great post to hop in on, I'm really going to have to try the vanilla sugar, sounds great! Sorry to hear you were sick, glad to hear you are getting better! Looking forward to catching up! Have a great day!
Glad you are feeling better! Your vanilla sugar looks delish!
Take care,
Mimi
Tracey oh I hope you are much much better. The coffee sounds delish; and you can add your Starbucks $ to your clothing allowance!!
I have an Artful Offering and great interview on my site.You will love it!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Just a spoon full of sugar...I do hope you are feeling better, don't over do!
be well,
Lisa
oh I soooo would love to make that vanilla sugar and it's so pretty...and so glad you are feeling better...nothing like a lingering sickness
x0
I am so glad to hear you are feeling better--I have missed your posts. Your recipe for vanilla sugar sounds wonderful, not to mention it looks beautiful too.
Take care and don't overdo.
Jeanette
heLLO you know how much i adore my afternoon coffee.... well it just got a wholel lot sweeter now :)
So sorry you've been sick... glad to hear you are feeling better
take care
LuLu
Beautiful inspiration you have here!!
I feel like a cup of tea now.
All the best
Mari
Sorry you've been so ill, Tracey, and trust you are well on the mend now! I've been making vanilla sugar for ages. It's delicious and that fragrance...heavenly!
Hello my dear. Sorry you have been so sick. I am so glad you are feeling better. This sugar looks like it would be so much better than any Starbucks could ever think of being. And then to add the whipped cream. Delish!!! Have a great day. The sunshine sure does help. XO!!!!
I'm so glad that
you took time for
yourself, Tracey,
and are feeling better.
Really, we aren't good
for anyone else if
we aren't taking care
of US first, right?
I cut out a vanilla
sugar recipe to make
next year for Christmas
gifts, but this has
me thinking, what the
heck? Why wait?! I'm
worth a gift, too : ) !!
Thanks for sharing the
secret goodness!
xx Suzanne
hey tracey! so glad you are feeling better! i can feel for you! i am still trying to shake it off and i never get sick! your pictures are beautiful! i did a post on organic vanilla sugar here:
http://jam-n-jilly.blogspot.com/2010/12/organic-vanilla-sugar.html
take care of yourself! xo
Tracey,
So sorry you have been down and out. Glad you are feeling better. What a beautiful post. As always the photos are amazing...makes me excited for coffee in the morning.
Oh I adore vanilla sugar.
I seem to remember that you once had a wedding picture on your blog?
If so you should link the post up. After all there are prizes to be won. :)
wow, vanilla sugar, I'm going to try that! I love my afternoon coffee!! It's always my go to treat! Thanks for the tip.
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