Samantha K Schmidt

I think even the snobbiest of coffee lovers can admit they love a quick and easy stop at Starbucks every now and then. Okay, maybe not. The coffee giant isn't for everyone, but those of us aspiring connoisseurs like to take the easy route from time to time. However, there are a few drinks that Starbucks is fooling you with. The Coffee Let's start from the beginning. Many people have stated that Starbucks burns their beans during roasting. Beans are temperamental and require a slow process of heating.  This seems to be the culprit when it comes to the bitterness of Starbucks coffee. If you are going to make a Starbucks run it's better to go with an espresso drink or a dessert-like frappucino (which there is no shame in!) Macchiato What Starbucks calls a macchiato is actually more akin to a latte. The typical macchiato is made with one shot espresso and a very small amount of steamed milk. Starbucks version is about 3 parts milk 1 part espresso. Now it seems that...

Notes are the different flavor dynamics present in a cup of coffee. They range in intensity depending on the brewing method, but a quick guide can help you identify the notes that you like and avoid the ones you don't. Here are just a few notes and how to recognize them. Earthy vs. Fruity Coffee notes are typically categorized by either earthy or fruity. Earthy notes range from subtle to intense. More intense notes tend to be present in darker roasts and have a richer flavor. Fruit notes represent most of the acidity in coffee. Notes are distinguished by their similarities to other foods and elements. However, just because you like fruit doesn't necessarily mean that you'll like a fruity note in your coffee since it contains more acidity. Ask for a description of the coffee when you go to a cafe. After a while you will be able to recognize the different notes and determine your preferences.

If you're a coffee snob you probably spend a large portion of your monthly budget on the delicious libation. If you're budget conscious like me you probably take advantage of every Starbucks reward upgrading to Trenta size (yea, it exists). There's an easy way to save money on your morning (or all day) coffee. Even if you aren't a coffee connoisseur there are a few brews that are easy to make at home you just need a few inexpensive tools. Coffee Grinder Grinding your beans at home is the best way to get the most flavorful, fresh coffee. Plus, you don't have to buy anything fancy. I got mine at Marshall's for under $10 and this one is available on Amazon for $14.99.    You can use the grounds in everything from your home brewing machine to any of the options below. Coffee Dripper Pour over coffee is just as popular as drip coffee these days and creates a much tastier cup. Plus, it's just as quick and easy. You'll need a coffee dripp...

The most important thing to know about coffee grounds is it's best to do it at home. Grinding coffee releases all of the wonderful flavors in the bean. The longer it sits the less fresh it will be. A coffee grinder is a pretty inexpensive tool that every coffee snob should own. Now on to the grinds and how to use them. Extra Course Grinds - best for cold brew systems Course Grind - french press Medium-Course Grind - large pour over brewing methods such as Chemex Medium Grind - Drip pots such as your home coffee maker Medium-Fine Grind - pour over cones (this is a single serve pour over method) and vacuum pots Fine Grind - espresso Extra Fine Grind - Turkish coffee (creates an almost muddy consistency) Source: https://ineedcoffee.com/coffee-grind-chart/

Whenever you're around coffee snobs you may notice that they seem to speak another language, or perhaps you've tried to order your favorite Starbucks drink at a non-chain coffee shop only to find that your idea of macchiato was completely different than theirs. The Coffee Snob Dictionary is here to help. The following lingo is just a starter guide to the kinds of words you will likely hear in your local coffee shop. There is a plethora of language that you may never need, but are welcome to google to find more information. aeropress - a form of brewing coffee that uses a plunger type device. Hot water is poured over the grounds, stirred for 10 seconds then pressed through a microfilter. body - the feeling that the coffee has on the tongue (i.e. oily, grainy, watery, etc.) cappucino - 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and 1/3 frothed milk chai - spiced tea and milk crema  - lighter colored foam layer on top of espresso drip - a traditional form of brewing coffe...

Over the next few weeks I will be starting a series about one of my most favorite things on the planet... coffee. I love coffee, but I've never been the super hipster gal that knows all the lingo and what to order. However I have a few friends who I almost seem to offend when I talk about coffee. They are coffee aficionados and the perfect coffee snobs. I love them, but let's be honest I kind of envy them. I mean what coffee lover doesn't want to find a way to get the perfect cup every time? But how can you possibly order or make the perfect cup of coffee when you don't know the lingo? That's what this series is all about! I'll teach you the basics of coffee snobbery so that you can stop offending the coffee gurus and start soaking up the deliciousness. I'll be posting every Monday for the next 6 weeks so that you can become a pro. Schedule:  August 22nd - The Coffee Snob Dictionary  All the coffee lingo you need to know August 29th - Get You...

I spend way too much of my free time browsing Tumblr . I always love the faded rustic images. I'm no photographer, but I like recreating some of my inspirations when I get the chance. This weekend I decided to do a bit of hipster hopping around town. I picked out some well known "hipster" hangouts in Orlando and snapped a few shots while enjoying the ambiance of these great locations. You'll have to excuse my stereotyping. I considered calling them urban independent businesses, but that name was too long. If you like rustic decor set in an urban setting around people that have (or at least enjoy talking about) tattoos, these are the places for you. If you are ever in the area be sure to check them out yourself. Zacch's Barbershop Normally, going with your boyfriend to get a haircut seems mundane, but this barbershop was worth the visit. Zacch runs a one man shop in Mt. Dora. The place has great appeal, and the haircut is under $15. Now if only a lad...

Non-Profit Coffee Met up with a friend Friday afternoon for coffee at a place called Credo. Turns out this hip coffee house is actually a non-profit. You choose the price that is fair. I was surprised a place like this survived, but it seemed to have a serious following. Dinner with Sisaundra Lewis I've been seeing the woman with the golden lungs everywhere. I guess she's the only "celebrity" we have here in Orlando right now. Other than Carrot Top, I see him every now and then. Cupacake Break Stopped by B Cupcakes for these beauties. I'm a real snob when it comes to dessert, but this as close as it gets to gourmet in my hometown. I had the chocolate peanut butter and mom had the Elvis. They were both delicious, but so rich. All Play, No Work Tried to get some work done, but this guy wasn't having it.  See daily updates by following me on Instagram

Most Lovely Most Retro Fashion Moment Cutest DIY Most Deliciously Refreshing Flashiest Nails Most Divine See more of what I'm pinning here

Here's a few of my favorites from Pinterest this week. Favorite Makeup I'm not usually a fan of pink and red together, but I love this lip look. Favorite Décor Everyone knows I love a good coffee bar, or in this case wine bar. Favorite Fashion I love polyvore collections, and this one is perfect for relaxing at the local café. Favorite Food These PB&J sushi rolls are easy, delicious, and just plain adorable. Most Adorable Pin of the Week I don't have any little ones, but I can still appreciate this classy onesie.

Let's face it my world revolves around coffee. It's mine, and millions of others, drug of choice. Have a bad day? Make it better with coffee. Have a good day? Celebrate with coffee. It's a catalyst for life. For that reason, I've recently been obsessed with coffee bars. I love that you can make coffee a central part of your home. Adding a coffee bar is simple and can minimize the clutter in your kitchen. Here are a few essentials to help you create your own brew station with minimal impact on your wallet. Here's one of my favorites via pinterest.  Here's what you'll need: A small kitchen island, bookcase, dresser, or table: This is a great opportunity to go thrifting. You can also find some great options at overstock stores such as Home Goods and Marshalls. Hooks: Overstock stores have great shelf/hook combos like the one above, or you can just get plain hooks from Home Depot. Just make sure they can hold the weight of your mugs. If ...