Author: sharondashariee

Classes, Coffee, Date Night, Food Opinion, Living, Self-Care, Things-to-Do, Travel, Tutorials, Wine, Wine Tasting

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

sharondashariee

Think Wine Tasting, but with Coffee: My Experience at Press Coffee Roaster’s Interactive 101 Class

When I signed up for Press Coffee’s 101 class, I wasn’t entirely convinced that I’d walk out a coffee aficionado. But as it turns out, I left with some serious coffee knowledge.  Everything from where coffee originates, to how it’s processed, to what it takes to get it from the farm to your cup.

I stumbled upon this class thanks to Eventbrite’s “events you might like” feature (they know me so well), and seeing Press Coffee’s name didn’t hurt.  Press Coffee is always listed as one of the valley’s premier coffee roasters.  After all, they have 12 locations around Arizona and even supply coffee to multiple retail spots across the valley.

The Scene at Press Coffee

We arrived to find Press buzzing with coffee drinkers in the front, some sipping and socializing, others laser-focused on laptops.  In the back, there’s a spacious second level for more seating, but we stayed downstairs, where three enormous coffee bean roasters sat in all their luxuriousness, along with our cozy 12-person classroom setup.  It was perfect for both tasting and learning.

Our host welcomed us with a steamy cup of Gesha coffee.  This rare, high-end coffee ($50 per cup, just FYI!) has a unique profile that’s more tea-like than coffee-like, and he wasn’t kidding.  It was a delicate, almost floral flavor, unlike anything I’d tasted in coffee form.

The Class Kicks Off

From there, we dove into the rich world of coffee.  We learned about origins, flavors, and roasting techniques.  A cool part of the tasting was letting each blend cool down a bit and then trying it again.  Who knew a little time could bring out so many different notes?

My Favorite Coffee Roast

My favorite roast was Brazil Mogiano for its boldness, but it was also subtle. I like a medium roast. Right up the middle. My husband? He was into them all!

Behind-the-Scenes of Coffee Bean Roasting

We wrapped up with a behind-the-scenes look at the roasters and even learned about the farm Press Coffee owns, which supplies their unique beans.  If you love coffee, want a fun outing with friends, or cool date idea, I can’t recommend this class enough. And yes, you even get a code for a free bag of coffee with a subscription (no pressure to keep it, but why wouldn’t you?!).

Press Coffee 101 Details, Sign-Up, and Cost

So, who’s ready to sip like a pro?

Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Self-Care, TNBC, Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Uncategorized

Finding Solace: Breast Cancer Comforts & Necessities

sharondashariee

As I journeyed through breast cancer, I found moments of solace in various practices and resources that helped navigate the challenges I faced.  I began to collect these treasures, soothing tools, and accommodations to share with others who might be facing similar struggles.

Below is a list of items that offered me comfort and strength, not just during my treatment, but even now.

This journey is ever evolving, and I will continue to update this list with new discoveries.  My hope is these suggestions offer support to anyone navigating their own path.

Feel free to share this list with anyone who might find it helpful, and I invite you to contribute your own suggestions in the comments, reminding each other that we are never alone in this journey.

Keep reaching for what soothes your soul!

Baseball Cap Wig Hat

Cable Knit Beanie

NPTressTreats
Satin Scarves

Straw with Lid
Plastic Water Bottle

Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Air Innovations Humidifier

The Handbook of
Bible Application

Tums Chewy Bites

Bamboo
Shower Bench

MiraLAX Mix-In Pax

Biotene Dry Mouth

CeraVe Healing Ointment

Handheld Thermometer

Tucks Pads

PreparationH

Thin Knit Slouchy Caps

Dr. Teal’s Salt Soak

Pepcid AC Complete

Leave a comment

Home Improvement, Living, Self-Care, Uncategorized

Overwhelmed by Paper? Discover How Assured Document Destruction Can Save Your Space and Sanity!

sharondashariee

Assured Document Destruction

Look, Do Not Ask Me How We Got Here

We found ourselves facing an overwhelming paper crisis—an ever-growing mountain of confidential documents dating back seven to eight years.  As I stared at the bags and bags of papers, we always kept what we deemed “important,” but it seemed like we had miscalculated just how much “important” really added up to.

128 Gallons of Papers to Shred

In my quest to find a solution, I finally decided I could trust Assured Document Destruction.  If you, too, are staring at your own growing pile of paperwork and feeling like it is taking over your home, let me introduce you to the solution that saved us—and could save you too!

Why Assured Document Destruction?

Here is why Assured Document Destruction should be your go-to for paper shredding and document destruction:

1. Security First: When my document destruction specialist pulled up to my home in the destruction truck.  Yes, they pull-up in the destruction truck and shred on the premises. More about that in a few.  The specialist explained how our documents are shredded beyond recovery, using state-of-the-art equipment and processes that adhere to the highest security standards.

2. Convenience is Key: One of the best features of their service is how convenient it is. You do not have to drag your piles of paper to a facility.  Instead, they offer on-site shredding, so you can watch your documents be destroyed right at your location.  This eliminates any concerns about data breaches during transport and saves you time and hassle.

3. Eco-Friendly Practices: In today’s world, being environmentally conscious is as important as safeguarding information.  After shredding, the paper is recycled, ensuring that your old documents contribute to a greener planet rather than ending up in a landfill.  How cool is that?

4. Value for Money: They understand that value is about more than just cost. With Assured Document Destruction, you get a combination of secure service and excellent value. Their transparent pricing ensures that you know exactly what you are paying for—no hidden fees or surprises.  Quite honestly, this is what moved Assured Document Destruction to the top of my list very quickly.  The value for the money.

How it Works in 3 easy steps

Using Assured Document Destruction is simple and straightforward.

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Get an Instant Quote: Visit their website and get a quote in minutes. This is your first step to a clutter-free space. Visit here: (www.shreddingphx.com)

2. Schedule: Your Service: Once you have your quote, schedule a convenient time for your shredding service. They will collaborate with you to find a slot that fits your schedule.

3. Shredding Day: On the day of your service, their team arrives with high-powered shredding equipment.

Assured Document Destruction High-Powered Shredding Trucks

How much was the service?

Total Cost: The 1st and 2nd 64-gallon bin are $63 each (Minimum Charge: $126.00 + $3.00 Fuel Service Charge) = $129

Assured Document Destruction 64-Gallon Document Shred Bins

Assured Document Destruction also allows you to bring your important papers, and hard drives, to their facility for destruction.

If you choose to not use Assured Document Destruction, find a secured document service in your area for your document destruction needs.

Have you used a shredding service?  Is this a service you can see yourself utilizing for yourself?

Address:

Assured Document Destruction

930 S. 67th Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85043

Leave a comment

Things-to-Do

Exploring Changing Hands Bookstore: A Charming Oasis for Book Lovers

sharondashariee
Changing Hands Bookstore

Chain bookstores such as Barnes & Noble are convenient, but visiting your local bookstores offer more of a unique and special experience.

Recently, I strolled into Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, there is also a location in Mesa, Arizona.  From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the vibe:  with a Book Bar set off to the left (First Draft Book Bar), where patrons quietly sipped draft beer and iced coffee, snacking on pastries, worked on laptops, or enjoyed the company of friends.

First Draft Book Bar

The atmosphere felt like it was crafted by someone who dreamt of this type of space and then shared it with the community.  The staff could be your neighbor, or even your neighbor’s kid.  It is a retail space, selling both new and used books, yet it exudes a tranquil and relaxed ambiance with many genres spanning the aisles.

Changing Hands Bookstore Entry
Changing Hands Bookstore Entry

I spent about an hour browsing through the shelves and ended up purchasing a children’s book in Spanish, “Huevos verdes con Jamon,” along with a mini notebook to throw in my handbag for quick notes. Afterward, I settled into a seat at the Book Bar and ordered an Iced Vanilla Latte, enjoying another hour there.

Huevos verdes con jamon – Iced Vanilla Latte

Towards the back, I noticed a service counter where people exchanged books for credit. As well as meeting rooms available for reservation. Perfect for book club gatherings.

While I still enjoy visiting Barnes & Noble, I have added local bookstores to my must-visit list as well. When it comes to pricing, it is worth noting that local bookstores may not compete with Amazon’s prices, they often charge a bit more, so do yourself a favor and do not search while there.  However, go in knowing that your dollars support a local business.

Changing Hands Bookstore Meeting Space

Be sure to check their calendar of events (www.changinghands.com); Changing Hands frequently hosts book launches, author readings, teen book clubs, and a variety of other engaging events.

Changing Hands Bookstore Events
Changing Hands Bookstore Events

What are your favorite bookstores in your area? Drop the name and location in the comments, so if I am ever in your area, I can drop-in.

Location Visited:
300 W. Camelback Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013

Changing Hands Bookstore and Trade Counter Hours
At Home Family Dinners, Easy Dinners, Easy Family Dinners, Family Dinners, Home Cooked Food, Homecooked Meals, Homemade Food, Quick and Easy Dinners, Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner, Quick Dinners, Quick Family Dinners

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe for Families

sharondashariee

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe for Families

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe

If you are anything like me, when it comes to dinner and weeknights, you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe for your busy family that you can prepare in less than 30 minutes.  This quick and easy dinner idea will satisfy everyone at the table, or almost everyone.

Look no further because I have you covered with a mouthwatering gyro recipe using Costco precooked Daphne’s Beef and Lamb.  This recipe is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight quick meal.

So, let us dive in and learn how to whip up these delicious gyros step-by-step.

Ingredients:

  • Pita bread
  • Tzatziki Sauce
  • Red Onion, diced
  • Romaine Lettuce, shredded
  • Fresh tomatoes, diced
  • Feta cheese, crumbled
  • Costco precooked Daphne’s Beef and Lamb

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients for Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe

Gather all your ingredients together. I chopped the lettuce, tomatoes, and onion first and put them in a Ziploc bag so any leftovers would be ready to store right after dinner.  I took out Hannah’s Tzatziki Sauce.  You can use any brand, but Hannah’s is one of the best I have tasted.  The same goes for feta cheese.  Any brand will work.  Make sure to have everything ready before you prepare the beef and lamb to make the gyro assembling process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Heat Up the Costco Precooked Daphne’s Beef and Lamb

Since the Daphne’s Beef and Lamb from Costco are precooked, you will just need to heat them up through in a skillet on the stovetop until warmed through for approximately four minutes.  I wanted our beef and lamb a little browner, so I heated them for about 10 minutes.

Costco’s Daphne Beef and Lamb Slices for
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe

Tip:

If you have a family member whose preference is chicken or vegan, this recipe is just as great using chicken instead of beef and lamb or using all vegies instead of meat.

Step 3: Prepare the Pita Bread

While the beef and lamb are warming, heat the pita bread. You can do this the conventional way by wrapping the pita bread in foil and placing them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until they are nice and warm. Alternatively, if you want to keep the quick and easy weeknight dinner idea in mind, you can do what I did and throw the pita bread on a microwaveable plate and put them in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

Papa Pita Greet Pita Breads for
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe
Hannah’s Tzatziki Sauce and Feta Cheese for
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe

Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros

Lay out your warm pita bread, then spoon some of the heated Costco precooked Daphne’s Beef and Lamb onto each pita bread. Next, top the meat with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and add tzatziki sauce.

Assembled Costco’s Daphne Beef and Lamb Slices for
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe

Step 5: Fold, Serve, and Devour

Once you have added all your desired toppings, it is time to simply fold the sides of the pita bread over the filling, serve, and devour.

Folded Costco Daphne’s Beef and Lamb Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Gyro Recipe

With this quick and easy weeknight dinner gyro recipe, you can whip up a delicious dinner for your family in no time.  So, next time you are craving something flavorful and satisfying, give this recipe a try using Costco’s precooked Beef and Lamb.  You will not be disappointed! Happy cooking!

Have you made gyros before? Do you plan to give this quick and easy family dinner a try?

Sign up below for my email list for more quick and easy dinner ideas.