The Nespresso Life

Spring makes me feel refreshed and enlivened; it gives me extra ambition to clean out the closets, fill our house with fresh, colorful flowers, and make extra time for rest and peaceful morning rituals. The change of seasons consistently seems busy but yet there is always a sweet, subconscious reminder to slow down. Coffee in the morning (and sometimes in the afternoon) seems to be the perfect way for us to escape the daily grind, and it’s how I make sure to have a little “me time” in between all my to-do’s. What do you incorporate in your daily routine to rest from the hustle and bustle? To think. To reflect. To just sit. P.S. Sometimes a cup of coffee is a fun excuse to invite your bestie over to sip a cup with you!My mom introduced me to Nespresso a few years ago when she made me a frothy cup of coffee that was dairy free (win win). This goodness in a cup won me over from the very first sip, and now it is a staple in our house. We are kind of obsessing over the new Nespresso VertuoPlus because it always delivers an extraordinary cup of quality coffee or espresso with ease. We are all about the quality of coffee in the Kennedy household, hence the fact that we are big fans of Nespresso, and we love the all-new design and fresh new colors of VertuoPlus. Cheers to Spring renewal! Not to mention, I love that this dreamy coffee company brings together the know-how of all its coffee experts, who have sourced the top coffee beans from around the world and perfectly roasted each coffee blend.When I am researching kitchen products, I love to know what it does. The VertuoPlus machine conveniently makes two cup sizes, 8 oz. Coffee and 1.35 oz. Espresso, all at the touch of a button. It uses two different capsule sizes: large capsule for Coffee, and a small one for Espresso. And it's easy! What to do: press the lever (it automatically opens), insert a capsule, and press the lever again (it automatically closes). Then press the button, which will start the brewing process.  The machine delivers the optimal in-cup results for each blend using barcode reading technology to recognize if it’s espresso or coffee, how much water, how hot, etc. Then you get a beautiful cup of crema-topped quality coffee or espresso. Umm...taking a writing break to go make a cup now.The most fun part: Nespresso’s Aeroccino milk frother is ideal for preparing hot or cold milk froth. The milk frother creates a soft and finely textured milk froth in a convenient way. Who else is on that homemade almond milk latte kick?A major bonus: Sustainability is at the heart of everything Nespresso does. They are committed to having a positive impact, including giving their capsules a second life through recycling. With the Nespresso recycling program, they provide several options to send in your used capsules for them to recycle, free of charge.The Nespresso VertuoPlus truly is one touch to extraordinary!P.S. You know we are all about health over here, so I am kind of obsessed with the fact that all of the water tanks are BPA free.This post was created in connection with my participation in Nespresso’s VertuoPlus program.   

big apple overview.

There is something about New York City that gives me what feels like endless energy and the greatest ambition + after living there twice, it has truly become my home away from home. Jason and I spent time in the Big Apple this month for some work and some play, and I couldn't help but share our go-to spots!Friend of a Farmer // 77 Irving PlaceThis is my favorite breakfast spot with the freshest ingredients - their zucchini bread, array of scrambles, and almond milk lattes are to die for. Not to mention, they serve the best blueberry pancakes I have ever tried. It is the coziest atmosphere with two fireplaces in the snowy winter and outdoor seating when the weather is pretty. Must try!Butcher's Daughter // 19 KenmareFor all of you health lovers out there, this is your place. Not to mention, it is the most adorable spot in all the land. We love going there before dinner for a little appetizer or a pick-me-up elixir shot (my fave: the vampire slayer). Other must tries: avocado toast bites, the spicy kale salad, and the deviled eggs.Cafe Cluny // 284 W 12th StJason introduced me to this adorable little cafe a few years ago. It is a romantic gem of a place in the heart of the cozy streets of West Village. The food is impeccable. Not many words are needed for this eatery except GO for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or all three!Maman // 239 Centre StreetTo. Die. For. This may be the most darling coffee shop with the yummiest match almond milk latte and the best almond milk latte (except for the one at the T Room in Dallas, of course). They also have fresh and delicious bakery items + a fantastic brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Yes, please!Cafe Lalo // 201 West 83rd StreetFor all of you You've Got Mail lovers, this is a special spot to visit on the Upper West Side. Positives: it is not touristy; it is absolutely delicious; it is the coziest escape from the hustle and bustle as it sits high on the street + they just provide a great cup of joe. All you need is the daily newspaper to start the day off right or your bestie as you break from the city walking.The Plaza Food Hall // 1 W 59th StreetHi, Home Alone fans, this one is for you or just for anyone that loves an adorable underground food hall after a Central Park stroll. They provide everything your heart can imagine: fresh juices, overflowing lattes, bars that serve breakfast, crepes and macaroons. I most especially love this cozy yet bustling nook before I start my day.Catch // 21 Ninth AvenueThis is a hearty and memorable seafood spot in the Meatpacking District accompanied by the coolest decor and atmosphere. Jason and I always love going here on a date when our energy is up and are desiring an intimate, yet conversational dinner. They have the yummiest drinks, too!I am going to stop here, but if you want to look up my other listed favorites, here are a few:Lure: fun date spotMercer KitchenBubby's: best kale chopped saladThe SmileLovely DayThe Red Door SpaLe Labo: make your own perfume + best personal gifts!The Clay Pot: a darling jewelry shopP.S. Check out this rad video our friend Jesy made recording our #NYCnights[video width="1280" height="720" m4v="https://laurenscruggskennedy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_0978.m4v"][/video]

the beginnings of #fashionweek

 When fashion week rolls around, it is a compilation of shows, more shows, and lots and lots of business meetings and social gatherings. So much inspiration. So much adventure. You never know what each day will bring. These first two days have been lovely and productive. Top memories//coffee with a photographer than captures everything dreamy, snapping a polaroid, seeing the beauty of Central Park covered in snow, dreaming at Wildfox, a cozy dinner at The Smile with Aaron and Brynn, photo shooting with my sweet and talented friend Kat Harris {Beyonce Pandora on play} for upcoming features on The Style Line and Conscious Magazine, break time with Kat at Intelligencia Coffee in The High Line Hotel, an afternoon ballet featuring Dannijo, a cappuccino at Culture Espresso with Rachael and Kashmiri + a sushi date with Sam at Koi in #bryantpark. Looking forward to what tomorrow has!

A Newly Opened Local Treasure: Coffee House Cafe

If you live in the suburbs, you understand the difficulty in finding a cool-atmosphere coffee house that doesn't require driving thirty minutes to the heart of the Big D. All we seem to have is a Starbucks on every corner. Well, suburbanites and city-dwellers (it's worth driving North), I am excited to introduce you to the Coffee House Cafe. It quaintly sits on the corner of Frankford and Preston, and it's starting to gain some notice. This little nook is my new "home" to work from, the perfect place to have a business meeting, and an excellent choice for a brunch date.

Why I love it so much:

1. On a beautiful day, you can sit on the big patio next to the gigantic fire place and sip on some coffee or work on a new business idea.2. You quickly become a regular. The servers learn your name and order. Who doesn't love this?3. They have the best cinnamon tea in the world. The best part: they bring it out to you in the cutest mini teapot.4. The espresso and house blend is 100% certified organic, fair trade, and shade grown, and the coffee flavors are all house made with no preservatives, additives, high fructose corn syrup or other crazy scientific words that are too hard to pronounce. Cool beans!Did I mention their breakfast is sublime? Sitting at the espresso bar, reading the paper, and eating a scrumptious Saturday morning meal has become my family's favorite weekend ritual. What we order: their signature lemon pancakes, eggs and the best gluten free pancakes on the planet. No wonder the hype is high. Check out their extraordinary lunch and dinner menu too. I hope to see you there!