Lifestyle

Father’s Day Gifts Under $30

by Late By Lattes9 Comments on Father’s Day Gifts Under $30
Father’s Day Gifts Under $30

I’m a terrible gifter. I play it safe and just go for gift cards. I mean, who DOESN’T like money you can spend on your own, right? Well, it was brought to my attention that gifting isn’t just about being materialistic, but also plays a little sentimental part—you know, the whole “it’s the ‘thought’ that counts?” Well, I was told that I wasn’t really giving any “thought” with a gift card.

OK.

Father’s Day is just around the corner. What do you get a man who already has everything?

So, in a way, I get it. It IS the thought that counts for gifting, and most likely a practical one too–a dad who loves to BBQ, but doesn’t have all the tools to do it. How about father who is the fixer-upper, but hates lugging around his heavy tool chest? It’s the little things and gestures that count. Dads are men of very few words, and the subtle cues that you pick up can really make his day.

Here are some gifting ideas to help a dad out without breaking the bank.

Stainless Steel Grill Set: $26.99

Not only does it look sleek and minimalistic, this SS grill set is a great way to organize, convenient storage, and easy to carry all his tools for a successful cookout! This is the perfect gift for a Father’s Day BBQ!

Multi-Functional Backpack: $29.98

This is for the traveling, outdoorsy dads out there! This multi-functional backpack fits a 17″ laptop, USB built-in charging cable and a headphone jack that’s easily accessible for the on-the-go dad.

CROSS Pens: $15.39

These pens are actually my favorite to gift, for both men and women. They are stylish, sleek, and its ergonomic designs makes it easy to write. This style of pen can range from $15-1k, but no matter the price, the quality is perfection and would be a great addition in your dad’s office space.

Indoor Grill: $27.80

Raining on Father’s Day? The night calls for a quick and quiet dinner, but still want that smoke-house taste? No problem—indoor grill! Get those beautiful grill marks, no mess, easy clean with non-stick surface, and still get that sizzling sound. Even better, it’s also a griddle!

RFID Blocking, Low-profile Wallet: $27.98

This is for the minimalist, simple, and practical dad. The original RIDGE Carbon Fiber wallet can cost easily over $50, but this knock-off is a great low-end. Made of quality material, this carbon fiber wallet blocks RFID readers, low-profile and easily slips in the pocket—because you know, dads don’t have purses. This is also beautifully packaged, great for gifting!

Beer Chill Sticks: $14.99

Don’t mess with a dad and his beer! These beer chill sticks are 100% FDA compliant, BPA free, dishwasher safe and easy to clean! Clean and put it back in the freezer. Beer and BBQ go hand in hand, literally. While dad smokes up the meat, help him keep his beer chilled during the hot summer BBQ days with the fam!

Multi-tool Kit: $19.74

You can always count on dad to do the little fixes around the house. Help a dad out with this multi-tool kit, compact, light-weight with stainless steel construction. With its 10-tool set, it is a convenient piece for a handy-man. No need to lug a huge tool box for minor fixes!

Shop away for this father’s day! I hope these options fit the everyday lifestyle for the man of the house.

 

Latte Recipes

A Whole “Latte” Love For You

by Late By Lattes7 Comments on A Whole “Latte” Love For You
A Whole “Latte” Love For You

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and what better way to celebrate it than with good ol’ Mr. Cuppa Joe.

Here’s how to make a beautiful Valentine’s latte.

Note: If you don’t have a frother, you can use a french press, but I’ve linked an inexpensive hand-held, easy-to-use frother from Amazon.

What you will need:

  1. Freshly brewed espresso (or dark roast coffee)
  2. Milk
  3. Starbucks Caramel Syrup or Vanilla extract
  4. Pink and/or red crystals for garnish (if you want to make it fancy)
  5. Whipped cream (again, fancy factor)
  6. Red food coloring (actually important)
  7. Clear coffee mug (fancy factor AND important)

Step 1:
Measure liquids. You’re only going to use 1/3 of your coffee mug for brewed coffee, and the rest is milk. Set your coffee aside in something you can pour with later, preferably with a spout. Place the milk in a sauce pan.

Step 2:
Add 3 pumps of Starbucks Caramel Syrup and 3 drops of red food coloring. Slowly mix and heat the mixture, BUT NOT TO BOIL!

Step 3:
Once the milk mixsture is hot, pour it in a french press (if you have a frother, you can use the frother in the saucepan). Swiftly pump up and down with the plunger for about 30 seconds. You will notice the milk mixture start to foam.

  • BEFORE
  • AFTER

Step 4:
Once you have frothed the milk mixture, REMOVE FRENCH PRESS LID (so you don’t separate the foam) and pour it in your coffee mug.

Step 5:
Pour the coffee SLOWLY in the coffee mug. Use the round end of the spoon to help pour it slowly.

  • Pour frothed milk
  • pour coffee
  • see the layers
  • so pretty!

Step 6:
Whip out that whipped cream and garnish with the pink sugar crystals!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

ENJOY!!!!

Coffee Shop Hops

The Cracked Mug

by Late By LattesLeave a Comment on The Cracked Mug
The Cracked Mug

The Cracked Mug—aesthetically pleasing and a peaceful place to grab a cup of joe. It is located in The Shops at Old Town Helotes, fitting perfectly well amongst quaint local shops like a winery and an ice cream shop. One of the main reasons why I enjoy visiting local coffee shops is because every shop has a different atmosphere. The Cracked Mug has a fusion of “The Secret Garden” meets “American Pickers” vibe. The shared courtyard is open and cloaked by tent of trees with just enough room for crepuscular rays glistening the courtyard.

Courtyard

It’s not a coffee shop I approve of without it being dog friendly. They have an awesome staff, who are JUST as into pups as I am—two of them even have huskies!

The menu is small, yet simple-you can have a cup of coffee to sit and relax without having the need to order something else to “fulfill” your visit. On the contrary, if you feel like having something light to fill your stomach to satisfy your hunger, they have a simple, straightforward menu and still not feel like you’re eating in a busy restaurant. Of course, I always go for the signature lattes—a Willie Nelson, why not?!

If you get a chance, stop by Old Town Helotes, enjoy this rustic town (more about this town later) and don’t forget to grab your coffee.

Beauty, Lifestyle

Formulate

by Late By Lattes20 Comments on Formulate
Formulate

GIVEAWAY for your own customized system for free!
Click here

For many centuries, hair has always been part of our culture to express class and personality. Every beauty routine always incorporates hair–either styling or care. I’ve always had issues finding the right shampoo/conditioner. I have sensitive scalp and my hair–although straight–still very hard to manage. My hair can get very dry to very oily, so it’s always hard to find the product that can maintain my hair and scalp. Another thing I look for in a hair product is the scent. Sometimes something that’s good for your hair can smell like medicine, and sometimes something that smells really good can be as good as WORTHLESS.

FORMULATE:
I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Forumulate to try their hair care products. Formulate creates products customized to your haircare needs and goals. What I love about this company is that their products are paraben free, sulfate free, preservative free, and cruelty free!

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE COMPANY
They customize shampoo based on your hair and environment–styling, routines, and surrounding environment. Their products are not by subscription, but just pay as you go.

4 oz bottles costs $14.95
14 oz $44

What’s great about this is that if you’re not satisfied with their product, they will work with you as long as they need to perfect your formulation–at no extra charge.

Their app is easy to use, and a great way to track your progress and update your hair profile to revise your product. You can also send friends referral codes, and if someone you referred purchases the product, you earn reward points that can be put towards more product!

EXPERIENCE

I was working with Caroline, a PR rep from Formulate. She reached out to me and was very professional, informative, and made sure I was familiar with the product.

To get started, you build a profile of your hair to help their chemists “formulate” a shampoo that can target your issues and goals. I love this because it not only tries to eliminate problems, it also can achieve your hair goals at the same time!

Here is my profile:

Day 1-3: The scent I chose initially smelled nice, (at dawn) but it was too strong and it smelled more like a lotion than a shampoo. The first day, my hair felt weighted and stiff–almost like the texture of when you have day old hairspray and it’s starting to wear off and feel powdery. I thought it was just because it was the first day and my hair needed to adjust to the formulation. Day 3 came, but it still felt the same. I reached out to Caroline, and she recommended a scent (Green with Envy) and adjusted my formulation.

My new formulation came in a few days. It smelled a LOT better–even better, my hair felt great! After day 1, my hair felt silky smooth. A huge obstacle for my hair is my scalp. Of course, healthy hair needs a healthy scalp. I have scalp psoriasis, so I’ve always had a problem finding shampoos that work, and I really didn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars to see a dermatologist. I’m so glad Formulate was able to address my scalp problem, because it was my most concerning issue.

I’ve been using for a little over a month now. My hair and scalp feels absolutely amazing! If you haven’t checked Formulate yet, you should! Head over to their website, very informative and aesthetically pleasing.

CHECK THEM OUT!
FORMULATE

Head over to my Instagram Highlights under “Formulate” for a video review!
LATEBYLATTES

Lifestyle

Tips to save BIG On Christmas Shopping

by Late By Lattes19 Comments on Tips to save BIG On Christmas Shopping
Tips to save BIG On Christmas Shopping

As much as I love Christmas, there’s always the ever-looming-Christmas shopping situation. Although spending more than expected is inevitable–even if you think you’re getting a good deal on sales–it always feels good to know you can still save a few dollars. Here is how I shopped for Christmas that saved me a few hundred dollars.

  1. ONLINE SHOPPING: Black Friday, Doorbusters, sound like great deals, but from my experience, I don’t save much. First, there’s the hustle and bustle, and you’ll be lucky if you got what you wanted. I always find myself opting for the cheap knock-off that’s supposedly “marked down.” I love online shopping because you can really plan your shopping and shop smart by easily comparing prices at different stores with the click of a button.
  2. CASH BACK SITES: One word. EBATES. Ebates is my GO-TO for shopping online. I never shop online without going through Ebates first. Their cashback percentages vary every day, but every cent counts and WILL count especially during the Holiday shopping season. Here are my top stores to shop on ebates with pretty good cashback percentages:
    1. Macy’s
    2. JC Penny
    3. Amazon
    4. Groupon
    5. Ulta
      Now these sites are my everyday go-to online shopping for clothes and miscellaneous items because their cashback steadily stays around 5%. However, during the Holidays, cashback on other stores tend to raise their percentages significantly, so KEEP A LOOK OUT! Macy’s and JC Penny have gone up to 12-15% cashback, so I jump on that pretty quick.

      TIPS:
      FOR EACH STORE, SEE IF YOU CAN GET CASHBACK ON GIFT CARDS—E-CARDS ARE EASY TO SEND, FAST, AND NO SHIPPING!

      TRAVELING? THERE ARE BOOKING SITES FOR FLIGHTS AND HOTELS! 
      EXPEDIA, HOTELS.COM, BOOKING.COM, AND MANY MORE!

      JOIN EBATES NOW! IT’S FREE. NOTHING TO LOOSE, ONLY TO GAIN!
      CLICK BELOW TO JOIN AND YOUR FIRST $10 CASHBACK!
      Ebates Coupons and Cash Back