Nothing signals the change of the seasons like the seasonal beverages at Starbucks. Whether you have a holiday drink that you like to get each year or you prefer to experiment with newer flavors, there’s always a new limited flavor to test out. The Chestnut Praline Latte isn’t anything new, but it's a popular enough Starbucks holiday menu item that they brought it again for another year. It’s nutty and sweet with the creaminess of the milk and a smooth coffee taste.

What is in the chestnut praline latte at Starbucks? 

The Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte is made with steamed milk, chestnut praline syrup, regular whipped cream, espresso, and chestnut praline topping. It will come with 2% milk unless you customize the type of milk.

Is the chestnut praline latte seasonal? 

Yes, this is a seasonal Starbucks holiday drink found during the late fall or winter season. It is often associated with being a Christmas drink.

How many shots are in a chestnut praline latte? 

For a Grande size, there are two signature espresso shots in the Chestnut Praline Latte. But you can customize this for an additional fee if you prefer more. The Short 8 fl oz and Tall 12 fl oz will have one espresso shot.

Did Starbucks get rid of chestnut praline?

As of 2024, it was on the menu.

What are the Chestnut Praline Latte ingredients?

This is the ingredient list: 

milk, brewed espresso, chestnut praline syrup [sugar, water, natural flavor, citric acid, preservative: potassium sorbate], whipped cream [cream (cream, mono and diglycerides, carrageenan), vanilla syrup (sugar, water, natural flavors, potassium sorbate, citric acid)], chestnut praline topping [spiced sugar (sugar, cinnamon, ginger, clove), toffee sugar (sugar, vegetable colors (pumpkin, apple, purple carrot, hibiscus), natural flavors, salt, annatto, baking soda)]

Final Thoughts

I personally like the Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte. It's not as in-your-face as other seasonal Starbucks winter drinks like peppermint mocha or gingerbread flavors. This has a nutty and rich taste to it, somewhat similar to hazelnut nut not exactly the same. 

What's your favorite Starbucks holiday drink?

There are many scrumptious things you can make with fresh basil. The herb has an almost peppery taste, mixed with mint. It's distinct and deeply savory, so it will stand out no matter what you create with it. You can readily find the herb at most grocery stores or farmer's markets. So if you are trying to figure out what to do with fresh basil, I have plenty of ideas for you.

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Basil pairs well with tomatoes, cheeses like Parmesan or mozzarella, chicken, olive oil, and other ingredients. As you read on, you may see basil frequently combined with these components.

1. Make a classic pesto

This is one of the most popular ways to use fresh basil as it's a main ingredient for the green condiment. It usually includes fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, and other ingredients to taste. This gets blended in a blender or food processor and then you can use it on pasta, drizzle it on pizza, slather it on a sandwich, and much more. Use can use any number pasta shapes from shells to spaghetti.

2. Assemble an herb butter or compound butter

Mix room temperature butter and chopped basil until it's thoroughly combined. You should have a green-streaked butter. Form it into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it back in the fridge to set. If you don't want to do the log shape, then you can just place the softened basil butter mixture in an airtight container and then scoop out some when you need it.

3. Use fresh basil in Caprese salad

Caprese salad is a beautifully colorful and flavorful dish made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Slice your tomatoes and mozzarella and then layer them on a plate, alternating between each ingredient. Since you're working with larger slices, it's best to keep the basil leaves whole. 

4. Use it as a pizza topping

Basil makes a fantastic topping for pizza when you want a fresh element. You can add it before baking or after, depending on the look you're going for. Adding it after the pizza is baked keeps the green hue, whereas baking it will cause it to wilt and turn dark green. Both make delicious ways to use fresh basil, but it depends on your personal preference.

5. Make basil olive oil

This way of using fresh basil is perfect for pasta, salads, and just about everything in between. Make sure to wash the basil and give it plenty of time to dry. Chop it and then pour it into an airtight container along with the olive oil. You could also pair it with additional flavor components like garlic, red chili pepper flakes, or lemon juice.

6. Use fresh basil in a mojito

While the average mojito uses mint, a basil mojito can be a tasty way to use fresh basil and mix up your cocktail. You can even pair it with mint for a memorable herby blend. Your next cocktail may be the most delicious you've ever had.

7. Add it to other grains like rice, orzo, etc.

How can I use up my fresh basil? Try incorporating the herb into your meal. It can bring a fragrant quality to anything from bulgar, farro, quinoa, rice, and more. It works well with components like Parmesan cheese, lemon, and olive oil, so you can find a combination that tastes good or works for your household.

8. Include fresh basil in soup

There are hundreds of soup recipes out there and you can include basil in many of them. Pasta-based soups are a great starting point, such as tortellini soup. Tomato soup is a fantastic option to bring a herby addition into the mix. Add it to chicken and orzo soup. It tastes good with vegetable soups, green pea soup, white bean soup, or zucchini soup. You can get creative with it. Add the whole leaves or cut them into ribbons and use them as a garnish.

9. Place the herb in your sandwiches

Fresh basil deserves a spot in your sandwich. As I covered earlier, it works well when paired with tomatoes and mozzarella. I'd suggest using whole leaves just so they're less likely to fall out of your sandwiches. You could even do a grilled sandwich like a panini. Similarly, you may use a fresh basil pesto on a sandwich to create a tasty spread.

10. Chop it up to include in bruschetta

Bruschetta is the perfect appetizer for dinners and date nights. It's one of the more simple yet effective ways to use fresh basil. They aren't too complicated to make but they taste fresh and delicious; they're usually something you see as a starter at restaurants so you can bring this same feeling to your home.

11. Bring freshness to your quesadillas 

Adding fresh basil to a quesadilla can give it new life. Try it with chicken and mozzarella cheese. You could also add corn to the mix, tomato, or bacon. Try a spinach and basil quesadilla for something meat-free.

12. Make strawberry basil ice cream

Basil can be part of a sweet treat, too. It doesn't have to be a savory-only food. Strawberry basil ice cream has a pink hue with fruity and herbal undertones. It's creamy and refreshing for summertime. If you want to figure out what to do with fresh basil that involves something out of the box, this is a great option.

13. Create strawberry basil lemonade

Following on the sweet train, this one is slightly sugary and sour thanks to the lemon juice. Strawberry basil lemonade is a scrumptious and refreshing way to sip your basil. Bring in more herbs with basil, too. (If you like mint, you should try drinking fresh mint tea - I have a post about it if you want to read it here).

14. Turn it into a basil dressing

Use the fresh herb in your favorite dressing. It works nicely to create a basil vinaigrette that's a beautiful shade of green. But you could also include it in a basil ranch. There are so many ways to use fresh basil in dressings. Blending the dressing allows everything to get fully incorporated without larger leafy pieces.

15. Dry the herb 

Make your own dried basil to use in cooking. This gives you more time to use it without it going bad. Try air drying or dehydrating it. If you do a low temperature in the oven, you could do it that way without it burning to a crisp. Let them fully dry and then put them in an air-tight container or food storage baggie. 

16. Freeze it

When all else fails, just freeze it in a baggie. This gives you some time to strategize on how you want to use it. 

Never wonder about what to do with fresh basil again. There are so many tasty and fragrant methods to get the most use out of this peppery herb. 

Happiness ranges per person. Sometimes life is awesome and it doesn't take much to make you happy, but other times life is hard. Whether your mental health isn't doing well, you have sleep deprivation from something like school or a new baby, or your negative emotions are getting the best of you, take time to think of things that make you happy. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

100 Things That Make You Happy

Hopefully, this list of 100 things that make you happy can help you find a bit of joy on a bad day. Sometimes happy moments come from simplicity. It doesn't always have to be the biggest moment in your life or career, like getting married. It can be little moments, regular moments, like sipping a hot cup of coffee before anyone else in the house wakes up. Ask yourself "What makes me happy?"

 

It helps if you come up with your own list because maybe you like specific things or don't like certain things. Someone may love exercising while someone else hates it.

What made you happy today?

Get a taste of Valle de Guadalupe without leaving the United States.  Venture to North San Diego County to eat at Valle. The eatery is now a Michelin-starred restaurant, making it one of the few in the Northern San Diego area. 

Valle Oceanside offers a formal Mexican dining experience with options to dine at the restaurant, hang out at the bar, participate in the chef's table, or do the El Sillón Bar Experience. Sit outside on the patio for an ocean-front dining view.

Valle Oceanside interior

Chef Roberto Alcocer

Roberto Alcocer is Valle's executive chef. He has over 25 years of cooking experience with a particular flair for creating Baja Mexican fare. His restaurants include Malva (located at Carretera Ensenada Tecate Km 96 San Antonio de las Minas, Mexico) as well as Valle in Oceanside.

Tomato consommé, Baja clams, blood clams, chocolata clams, Ensenada uni, smoked grapes.

Menu

The menu will vary. There isn't a menu listed on the website, so you may want to browse their Instagram to get examples of what to expect. As this is a fine dining restaurant, you won't get giant portions. They're on the smaller side, so you have room to eat the various courses. 

Valle sign in Oceanside, CA

Hours

Valle Dining Experience 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:00 - 9:00 PM 

Valle Bar 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 - 10:00 PM

Chef's Table 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:30 PM 

El Sillón Bar Experience

 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Valle bar

Valle Information

Address: 222 N Pacific St Oceanside, CA 92054

Website: https://www.valleoceanside.com/

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located outside, connected to the courtyard of Mission Pacific Hotel.

Parking

You can find street parking in the general area. There is a free parking garage further away and paid parking as well. You can also Uber or Lyft and get dropped off right at the entrance.

Inside the Valle kitchen

Events and Other Information

If you appreciate Mexican cuisine and desire an elevated version, this San Diego Michelin star restaurant in Oceanside, CA is for you. As with most things, it's up to you whether you like it or if you find value in it. Take a look at the reviews and previous menus to see if it's something that suits your fancy. If you like experimenting with foods and enjoy experiential dining, then this could be a great match. The prices do reflect high-end dining. 

They have events, so this is a wonderful choice when you want to visit for a particular occasion, such as the Día de los Muertos Celebration. You may find these directly on the website.

San Luis Obispo is a refreshing city on the Central Coast of California. It's part of San Luis Obispo County and is a college town with students attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While there, you'll probably walk around downtown SLO and its tree-lined streets. But what else can you do there? 

There are a few things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo before you leave the area!

Bubblegum Alley 

This novel stop is a must-see while roaming around downtown San Luis Obispo. You can stay briefly at Bubblegum Alley. In fact, it's a swift stop. If you have kids or teens, it's a fun activity to chew your gum and carefully place it on the wall. It's lined with old black, dusty gum, and newer colorful pieces.

Downtown San Luis Obispo Restaurants 

You'll find many restaurants in the area based on your preference. Mistura Restaurant brings contemporary Peruvian cuisine to the table with a range of interesting flavors. Mistura has both indoor and outdoor seating and prioritizes locally sourced meat, poultry, and fish.

Thursday Night Farmers Market

Locals often recommend attending the Thursday Downtown SLO Thursday Farmers' Market Higuera Street while visiting the area. Obviously, this is only possible if you're there during that time. You can find it on Higuera Street starting Thursday at 6 PM in Downtown San Luis Obispo, California. Over 100 vendors gather to sell food, produce, art, and more. It's a fun family activity and a great way to people-watch.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

Walk around Mission Plaza or visit the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.

San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

View art at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, or SLOMA. The art museum is located on the west end of Mission Plaza at 1010 Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, California 93401. SLOMA has various exhibitions and events.

Jack House & Gardens

This historic building is a two-story Victorian home where you can get a guided tour of the inside and the garden. Check ahead to confirm the tour date and time. Located at 536 Marsh St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

Boutiques and Shopping

There are many small businesses and boutiques that you should explore while in the downtown area. You'll find a record shop (Boo Boo Records Inc 978 Monterey St), an eco-friendly kids shop, a book store, gift shops with lots of knick-knacks, and more.

Parking

Most of the nearby parking in downtown SLO is paid parking. If you're okay to walk, you'll find some spots further away. I recommend driving around the area to get the lay of the land before committing to a parking spot. There isn't a lot of traffic on the average day, so you'll find a paid spot quickly. 

Depending on what you like to do, there's a lot to appreciate in downtown SLO. You can dine on delicious cuisines, explore the area, walk around the streets and mission, and enjoy a good view. If you're not sure what to do, head over to the San Luis Obispo Visitor Center to get some insights.

Beaches

Although not in downtown San Luis Obispo itself, there are beaches and bays in the surrounding areas of Avila Beach, Morro Beach, and Pismo Beach.

Hotels and Where to Stay

There are a couple options in the downtown portion of SLO, but more choices if you can be a mile or more away. Hotel San Luis Obispo and Granada Hotel & Bistro are right in the heart of downtown. Apple Farm is further down the road but it's quiet and has quaint amenities like fresh cookies each day or a small wine tasting. Of course, there are options further away as well. But you're still close to town.

Is San Luis Obispo a walkable city?

Yes and no. The downtown centre area is pretty concentrated so you can walk a lot of it, but you'll definitely want access to a car or transportation to get any further than that.

While there are several things to do in downtown San Luis Obispo, the best one is to just stroll about and enjoy your experience.

Irvine Spectrum Center has shopping, dining, and plenty of outdoor walking space. The parking garages are free, so you don't have to pay for a spot. This mall is great for all ages with its range of shops, entertainment, and food.

Irvine Spectrum Center Address: 670 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618 

Phone number: (949) 790-4871

Dining and Restaurants

Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County has restaurants with full-service dining, fast food, and other places to grab a bite. These include BRIO Italian Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, Dave & Busters, Habana, Javier's Cantina & Grill, P.F. Chang's, Silverlake Ramen, and other sit-down eateries.

If you prefer to eat someplace quicker, there are a lot of options. Head to Luna Grill, The Melt, Panda Express, Pieology Pizza, Sweetgreen, or other casual food spots. There are also quick eats like Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Cold Stone Creamery, Hello Kitty Cafe, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and more. Learn more about the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine, CA at Irvine Spectrum.

Shops

Find retailers for men, women, kids, and beyond. This includes Brandy Melville, Claire's, Cotton On, Foot Locker, H&M, Hot Topic, Nordstrom, Old Navy, MINISO, Quicksilver, Target, and more. You'll find accessories and clothes that suit your style.

Irvine Spectrum Target

900 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618-4958 

Phone: (949) 885-0114 

Website 

Irvine Spectrum Center Anthropologie

Website

Irvine Spectrum Nordstrom

800 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 Store #330

Phone: (949) 255-2800

Website

Family Bathrooms

The Irvine Spectrum Center is very family-friendly, not only because it's a mall with plenty of outdoor spaces and things to look at, but because they have an entire family restaurant. You can breastfeed in a private space on a chair with a curtain. There are private bathrooms with changing tables, a small sink, and a small toilet for littles. 

Ferris Wheel or the Giant Wheel

See the world up high on the Irvine Spectrum Center Ferris wheel, also known as the Giant Wheel. It's unique to experience at a mall, that's for sure.

They have other attractions and entertainment, too. Irvine Spectrum Center has a carousel, Spectrum Climber, which is a climbing sculpture. There are many outdoor chairs and spaces where you can stop and enjoy the view or nice weather.

Spend the whole day at Irvine Spectrum Center. Start out by walking around to get the lay of the land, then head to the Giant Wheel, shop, and grab a bite to eat.

Hours

This may vary by the store or restaurant so you can check it online or when you visit in person.

Shops Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm 

Attractions Sun - Thurs 10am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 10am - 10pm 

Quick-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm 

Full-Service Restaurants Sun - Thurs 11am - 10pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 11pm

Irvine Spectrum Center is family-friendly for all ages. It's a fun place to spend the day walking around, ordering food, shopping, and being outside. Just park and enjoy your time there. There's a lot to do in the Irvine and Orange County area.