New York City Guide

As Spring makes her appearance, I too seem to be getting my act together again. Recently my crafty friends at Cut Out + Keep asked me to write a New York City Guide for their site, which I was more than happy to do. They have a great selection of guides written by crafty people from those particular towns, cities, states and countries. So if you're planning a trip you may want to get a local's point of view!

Cut Out + Keep has been a favorite site of mine for years to find tutorials and crafting ideas. So pop over when you're looking for some inspiration.

I'll be back soon with some details on my costumes and travel plans for Atlantic City Boardwalk Con... my first Con!

Brews for Betty... A Trip to The Coffee & Tea Festival NYC

Some people see how much coffee I drink at work and they tell me that I'm addicted to coffee. Some people see my tea collection at home and tell me that I'm addicted to tea. I like to tell these people that it isn't an addiction, it's a dedication.

So, in pursuit of my dedication... I attended the Coffee and Tea Festival NYC for the first time. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. I got to try lots of samples. I think there were more tea options than coffee, which isn't what I was expecting, but I enjoyed it all the same. I do wish they had more food options at the event, but it is NYC, there were plenty of places I could have stopped at afterwards if I hadn't been in a rush to get home. I do recommend getting to such an event early. Aim to wait on line a bit for doors open. Getting in early gets you a goodie bag of samples and gets you out before it gets over crowded.

My Favorites...

Harney & Sons - I've been to their NYC location before. They make great teas. I recommend the Chocolate Mint Black Tea, Yellow & Blue Herbal Tea and Herbal Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea.
Roast Coffee and Tea Trading Company - I bought a bag of the Coffee Cherry Tea. It's made from dried cherry and the husk from the fruit of the coffee tree.
Tea-rrific Ice Cream
Eco Teas Organic & Fair Trade - I bought a full pound of Yerba Mate Loose Leaf for $10 and a Cane Bombilla, which is basically a bamboo straw that allows you to drink loose leaf brewed tea without an infuser.
Trappers Honey - They had quality honey at great prices.
Capital Teas - They sell "Beer Enhancers," which I didn't buy... yet, but tasted and enjoyed.

Photo Credit: Betty Kane
Capital Teas gave samples of tea mixed with beer.
Which I will be trying at home!

Photo Credit: Betty Kane
It was getting crowded by noon-ish.

Photo Credit: Betty Kane
Roast Coffee & Tea Trading Company based on Long Island,
showed how brewing the same beans
in different ways alters the flavor.