Embracing Fall

Out of all the seasons, fall has always been my least favorite--there's something about the indecisive "sweater" weather and the abundance of pumpkins that drives me insane, but I'd say this picture does great job of convincing me that all those other details are insignificant. It helps me see the bigger picture, basically. 

Rishita

Belgium

Beginning the Europe trip with France, a major iconic European country, left us with little expectation for our next destination, Belgium. Who's ever heard much of this country past it's chocolate and waffles anyways? However, after a short 3 hour drive from Paris, we were surprised to find ourselves in Brüges, a beautiful quaint town that seemed to be pulled right out of a fairy tale story. 

This town was a treat after the hustle and bustle of Paris. Small pedestrian-only streets lined on both sides with both traditional and modern shops alike, made Brüges the laid-back shopper's dream. For those who preferred a long walk, the canal flowing right through the heart of the city was a beautiful backdrop to an afternoon stroll. We were sad to leave after spending only an afternoon here.

It was hard to believe that this tiny country could hold any more surprises, but the bustling capital, Brussels, proved us wrong once again. The poised city was not only a seamless blend between modern and traditional as most European cities are, but also a learned one, with its multiple Spanish and Dutch roots weaving together to form the Euronation capital. Undoubtedly the most "human" of all the tourist cities in Europe, Brussels remained to us as a strong reminder  that Belgium will always be remembered as the mixture of the impossible; a reality taking place in a children's book. 

Navy Blue & Gold

When one of my friends started driving, she hated carrying her keys and would stuff them into my pocket all the time! I always asked her, "Why can't you carry a bag!?" or just yell at her "Carry them yourself!" And then... i started driving and I too, HATE CARRYING MY KEYS! I stuff them into my friends' pockets and it's so much more annoying because there's a giant dirty turtle on it! Many of my friend's suggested that I get a lanyard, but i'm extremely picky and I like simple things. My solution? Obviously craft one myself! If you hate carrying your keys, try making your own lanyard! 

Love, 
Vanessa

Local Eats: Yami Teahouse

The Coffeestrokes Crew has had its fair share of boba. Boba is basically a staple in Southern California-- almost every corner of town has its local boba shop. Each has its own twist on the simple, but difficult to perfect, process of cooking the tapioca balls so crucial to a good boba drink. Yet, nothing comes close to the chewy goodness and warmth of the boba at Yami Teahouse. There are two locations: one in Lomita and the other in Gardena. Both serve great boba drinks, but here's what Coffeestrokes got on our most recent trip to Gardena's Yami Teahouse!

Hello, Goodbye

There's that brief surreal moment right in between sunset and dusk that sets the stage for all things romantic and deep. The moment that I took this shot, I was cruising down the Seine River in the heart of grand Paris, taking in the timeless beauty of the city. As we approached a rather simple looking bridge, I see one woman waving down to say hello. Reflexively, I turned on my camera, pointed, and shot this lovely picture, only to realize I never had a chance to say goodbye. So, hello and goodbye to the friendly woman I met in Paris. It's never too late for a simple greeting.

Love,
Eileen

Trader Joes: Snack Break

It's a familiar scene. You walk down to your kitchen, starving, open the pantry, and to your complete and utter surprise, its full of snacks-- all the snacks you probably don't want to eat. Those half-melted chocolates from last Halloween and bags of random expired chips are not only unappetizing, but chances are that they are unhealthy as well.

Here's some better alternatives for your snack break that we suggest from our local favorite grocery store, Trader Joe's. Reasonable prices and a tasty variety of foods makes Trader Joe's a one-stop trip for all your snacking needs. 

1. White Cheddar Popcorn
2. Luna Bars: S'mores
3. Fruit Wraps
4. Green Tea

5. Pita Chips & Hummus
6. Mini Hold the Cone Ice Cream
7. Vegetable Root Chips
8. Red Seedless Grapes

Local Eats: Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt

Tuesdays in Southern California are never complete without a trip to Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt. Recognized as "One of the Best Ice Cream Parlors in the Country" by various publications, Handel's never-ending list of delectable flavors never fails to satisfy the taste buds of all ice-cream lovers. Tuesdays, or rather, "Two-Dollar Tuesday" at Handel's gather flocks of people, eager to get two scoops of this creamy goodness for only two dollars!

Last Tuesday after band practice, Coffeestrokes made the journey to Handel's for a quick ice-cream celebration for a successful blogging week.

1. Chocoholic Chunk and Mint Chip

2. Peach (MELTING OMG)

3. Chocoholic Chunk and Strawberry 

Hope to see you guys there next Tuesday!

Ode to the Roses

This isn't the first time I'm posting this picture to the internet, but it is the first time I'm telling the story behind it. 

This bike is obviously decorated with roses–way to state the obvious, Rishita. But I actually didn't take a picture of it the first time I walked past it, I mean to be honest the roses looked plastic and half the bicycles were decorated with flowers anyways. But then while I was walking away, an elderly woman approached the bike and began replenishing the bike with new, albiet still plastic, but new nonetheless, roses. I attempted to ask her if I could take a picture of her bike; unforuntaely, I conveniently forgot that Dutch people were willing to reply in every single language except for english. After a few seconds of broken conversation, she finally agreed to let me take a picture of the bike. Not her with the bike. Just the bike. As I began taking the picture, she was able to explain to me that she changed the bike's flowers everyday, and that if I came back the next day I'd probably see it sporting lovely yellow roses. I smiled and thanked her for the lovely few minutes of conversation before I caught up with my friends again. 

I stopped to smell the roses, and the roses delivered. 

Love, Rishita

DIY Lip Scrub

Treat your lips to a homemade, natural lip scrub this dry season! This simple DIY is not only a cheaper alternative to buying a lip scrub from your local drugstore but also smells amazing and makes your lips feel soft and hydrated. 

Here's what you need:
- Honey
- Olive Oil
- Vaseline
- Natural Cane Sugar
- Old lipstick/ tinted Chapstick for color (optional)
- Small Container (this one is from Crate and Barrel)

Making this lip scrub is very simple. Mix about a 1:1 ratio of the olive oil, honey, colored lip balm, and Vaseline in a microwave-safe container. Microwave in 5-10 second intervals to completely melt the products together. Then add in as many packets of sugar to get a thick lip scrub consistency. Mix well. 

Directions for use:
Take a small amount of lip scrub and rub on your lips for about 30 seconds. Then, rinse with warm water. 

Enjoy using this lip scrub this dry season! 

Happy Birthday!

Hello hello! Coffeestrokes recently celebrated a birthday! 

The two most important things about celebrating an event is good company and GOOD FOOD. Might as well make your table setting super cute! Here's some inspiration to set your table for any special occasion! 

Love, Vanessa

Snapshots

Coming to Coffeestrokes starting this week is a new WEDNESDAY post series called "Snapshots". Aside from DIYs, food, and fashion that we blog about, we wanted to create a space for us to share random moments of our daily lives. In a way, Snapshots is a personal space for each of us on the blog. Snapshots will highlight the individuality of our photography styles as well as give us a chance to ramble about more unconventional blog topics. 

Please check back every Wednesday for the latest Snapshot, and as always, thank you for reading!

Love,

Vanessa, Rishita, & Eileen