MAKING BULLETPROOF COFFEE AT HOME

Sis and I are both fans of Bulletproof coffee and tea, and the concept of creator, Dave Asprey's book and diet. (GOOD) FAT IS IN. And healthy!! Over the summer, we explored the new Bulletproof coffee shop in Santa Monica. I've recently had several people ask me about how I make mine at home, so I wanted to share how I put my "buttered coffee" together each morning.

Ingredients:

Bulletproof coffee (or another single-sourced, organic coffee if possible), freshly ground (if possible)

Grass-fed ghee or butter (I personally think ghee tastes MUCH better in the coffee)

Brain Octane oil or high quality coconut oil

Optional: Collagelatin (Bulletproof product made of collagen & grass-fed gelatin)

You will also need some kind of a blender (the coffee really doesn't taste the same and isn't nearly as palatable when not blended).

I purchase all of my ingredients at Erewhon. And I like to use the three Bulletproof products but you can use alternatives if you so choose.

Pour hot, freshly brewed, black coffee into your blender. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee. You can increase the fats as your body gets used to it. Some people need to start slowly, with less.

Add 1 tablespoon of Brain Octane.

Add 1 scoop of Collagelatin.

Blend until combined and frothy (about 30-60 seconds).

May your mornings never be the same again! xx

BULLETPROOF COFFEE + THE FIRST BULLETPROOF COFFEE SHOP

Have you tried Bulletproof Coffee yet? "Buttered coffee" has become an everyday staple in my life and I love it (Thanks for the intro, Dad!). I'm relieved that the "low-fat lifestyle" of the 80's and 90's has turned out to be an erroneous and outdated trend. FAT is not only IN, it's also great for you!! Hooray!!! Here's why grass-fed butter is the newest, oldest superfood:

Grass-fed butter is higher than grain-fed butter in omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin D, vitamin E, and antioxidants. You can actually see the difference in the butter: grass-fed butter is a sunny yellow color, while grain-fed/factory-farmed butter is almost white. The lack of color is a sign that the butter is coming from sick, nutrient-depleted cows.

Grass-fed butter is high in butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid. Studies show that butyrate can both prevent and decrease inflammation in humans. In rodents, studies have shown butyrate to protect against mental illness, improve body composition, increase metabolism, and improve gut health.

• Butter is nutrient-dense. A single tablespoon of butter contains:

  • 500 IU vitamin A

  • More carotenes than carrots

  • High amounts of vitamin K2, vitamin D, and vitamin E

So what is Bulletproof Coffee and how do you make it? Created by Dave Asprey, Bulletproof Coffee consists of "upgraded" single-origin black coffee, blended (BLENDED IS KEY!) with grass-fed butter or ghee and "Brain Octane" oil -- a coconut oil with 18x more concentrated caprylic fatty acids than regular coconut oil.

Seem like too much work? Now you can have someone else blend up a buttered coffee for you at the brand-new, first-ever Bulletproof Coffee Shop in Santa Monica. Here's a peek inside:

Choose from a fairly extensive menu of "fattened" coffee, tea and other hot and cold Bulletproof beverages. 

The staff blending away. 

Get educated on the Bulletproof Diet while you sip your drink. 

Ready to convert to the Bulletproof lifestyle? You can pick up anything you need at the cafe, to get started at home. Coffee has never been fattier!! Yum! Yum! xx

Bulletproof Coffee Shop is located at:

3110 Main St., Santa Monica, CA, 90405

BEVERLY BLVD'S ICDC

Photo courtesy of ICDC

It's National Donut Day! So I thought it would only be fitting to check out the city's newest high-end Ice Cream, Donut and Coffee Shop -- ICDC. 

Located directly next door to bld on Beverly Blvd., ICDC Is the cutest little pastel-colored shop, serving daily-made donuts with innovative flavors, fresh batches of ice cream and 100% Arabica bean Vittoria Coffee. 

I stopped in to pick up some donuts for this special holiday. Here are a couple shots.

A cranky toddler joined me on my excursion. Hence the blurry pics.

As an ice cream fanatic, I approve of all of these freshly made flavors. Even with the glare they look good. 

Behold: DOONUTS. Clockwise from left: Rocky Road, Crispy Treat, Salt & Pepper Caramel, Chocolate Glazed and Vailla Cream Filled in the center. 

I'd come back anytime! Happy Donut Day Y'all!! xx

ICDC is located at:

7450 1/2 Beverly Blvd.

(Closed Mondays)

JOAN'S ON THIRD, STUDIO CITY

LA's favorite marketplace/cafe/caterer opened its second location, in Studio City, less than a year ago. And all I have to say is "Thank God." I love living in The Valley, but we are still working at stepping up our food game... Joan's on Third is my one-stop-shop for wines, gifts and cheeses. They also make the best crudités dips! They have an extensive catering menu on their website. And they are the perfect lunch meeting spot. I want to eat everything in their bakery and they always decorate so adorably for every season. I love you Joan's!!!!!

East Coast charm mixed with industrial touches. I'm happy when I'm in here. 

Out-of-this-world cheese selection.

I love picking up their homemade chips and dips before a party.

Yes, please.

Grab an espresso or ice cream at the bakery section.

Cheery spring decor.

I am a big fan of the boutique wines that they carry.

Want to make someone an incredible gift basket? There are endless items to chose from. Or, you can have Joan's make a gift basket for you.

Clockwise from left: Butter Lettuce Salad with salmon, a glass of chardonnay, iced tea, Santa Fe Salad and the Garden Sandwich

I'm ready for lunch! xx

Joan's on Third, Studio City is located at:

12059 Ventura Place

Studio City, CA 91604

8AM-8PM Daily