Sadly, I have a confession to admit! I’ve become a coffee and tea addict since I’ve  gotten older, and now I’m obsessed with everything related to coffee. It doesn’t help either that when I need a boost the caffeine helps. Not sure where it actually started because when I was younger I hated it, but slowly changed over time. As I currently type this DIY cabinet overview, I’m drinking a French vanilla cold brew. In becoming this coffee enthusiast over the years I have acquired a lot of in home brewers. These include the Nespresso, Moka pot for classic/Italian brewing, and a newly gifted Keurig single cup brewer. Obviously as my growing collection of new barista devices, continued to grow, I soon became somewhat  overwhelmed. Which brought up the question, “Where to place brewers without taking up too much counter space in my kitchen?” 

Finally, after much research (the librarian in me) I decided to create a cabinet coffee bar to house all of my brewers. This cabinet could not just be a normal coffee bar. I wanted to design a fun place to prepare new brews, while having an entertaining space for myself and others. I wanted a cabinet design that could be artistically, modern and minimalist, and aesthetically pleasing to my décor. After completing my designs on paper, it was time to select the appropriate cabinet which proved to be challenging. Most coffee bar/cabinet setups are open designs, and not able to be closed in to hide the machines. So, because I wanted that open/closed door aspect when not in use, searching for the right cabinet was not initially easy. I did searches on the usual furniture sites like Amazon, Overstock, and IKEA finding nothing. Later on that same week I came across a modern black display cabinet on Bed Bath & Beyond by the company Manhattan Comfort that piqued my interest. I hit the purchase button, and the rest was history. 

Long story….that was already too long, is that the first shipment came late and broken. I was told that due to the pandemic, the shipping carriers have been messing everything up. Eventually after returning the first, the second shipment was on time and in perfect condition. I love the cabinet’s mid century modern minimalist look in the black colorway and disagree with most reviews saying it looks cheap because it has a shiny sheen. Not only does this cabinet have interior storage behind the doors, but the bottom shelves helped me add a mini library at the bottom. Thanks for listening to my coffee bar cabinet rant on my design process. Below is what you are really here for! The links to everything I purchased, to make it possible. Enjoy! 

DIY Coffee Bar Cabinet List (Just copy and paste into search bar) 

-Manhattan Comfort Hampton Display Cabinet in Black 

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/manhattan-comfort-hampton-display-cabinet/5525212?skuId=69606778&mcid=OS_googlepla

-Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi

https://www.target.com/p/nespresso-vertuoplus-coffee-and-espresso-machine-by-de-39-longhi-8211-black-matte/-/A-54498718?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012806756&CPNG=PLA_Appliances%2BShopping_Local%7CAppliances_Ecomm_Home&adgroup=SC_Appliances_Coffee+Makers+%26+Accessories&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=c&location=9061283&targetid=aud-1453399007696:pla-1439047010324&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247068&gclid=CjwKCAiAo4OQBhBBEiwA5KWu_91UtQSDqIu4uux3bQ7JsZkc14LIkKVlPoHZfsO8Sk-r9-uz69ESEhoCIM8QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

-Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Brewer, 6 to 12 Oz. Brew Sizes, Matte Black

https://www.amazon.com/Keurig-K-Mini-Single-Serve-Coffee/dp/B07GV2S1GS/ref=sr_1_4?crid=39UT5CLDLI11U&keywords=keurig%2Bsingle%2Bcup&qid=1644239609&s=home-garden&sprefix=keurig%2Bsingle%2Bcup%2B%2Cgarden%2C68&sr=1-4&th=1

-Black dip coffee mugs by CB2 

https://www.cb2.com/black-dip-coffee-mug/s463792?localedetail=US&a=501&campaignid=10363910333&adgroupid=103409810139&targetid=pla-1479196035074&pla_sku=463792&pcat=HSW&scid=scplp463792&sc_intid=463792&gclid=CjwKCAiAo4OQBhBBEiwA5KWu_zSjw4GqTbft363EmvJ-98bJgwE4LFFHfoxQ-uKzT6FZ2H9VtSMiGRoCHS4QAvD_BwE

-Speckled mug Amazon 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098YLN1RT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-Black and White aluminum coffee cans (Target’s Bulls Eye Playground) 

-Coffee Mug Holders 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08XQ42MG8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

-Marble contact paper

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VGW4LHV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

-Syrup Pumps (Gold)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N2VB05L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-Tempered Glass Nespresso Pod holder 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LVCH15L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-Nestle Nespresso Aeroccino3 3594 Black Milk Frother

https://www.amazon.com/Nespresso-Aeroccino3-3594-Black-Frother/dp/B00EKK1X1Q/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2F22ZGWRJD08W&keywords=nespresso%2Bfrother&qid=1644244946&sprefix=nespresso%2Bfrother%2B%2Caps%2C76&sr=8-6&th=1

-Torani Caramel Sauce

https://www.target.com/p/torani-caramel-sauce-16-5oz/-/A-82751385#lnk=sametab

-Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce 

https://www.target.com/p/torani-dark-chocolate-sauce-16-5oz/-/A-82751386

-Torani Syrup Variety Pack 

https://www.amazon.com/Torani-Variety-Caramel-Vanilla-Hazelnut/dp/B01NAV05XS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2J3S5YK1O8EDO&keywords=torani+syrups&qid=1644245117&rdc=1&sprefix=torani+%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-2

Storage solutions for my Keurig pods, creamers, sugar and syrups are all clear acrylic Lucite containers. I used the new “The Home Edit” clear acrylic storage bin line from Walmart. Pictured below it’s a steal at four bins and lazy Susan at only $24.99. 

Want my neon coffee sign? It was a great steal on Amazon. My husband drilled holes in the back of the cabinet for cable management, so my set up looked nice.  I used a special surge protector/extension cord for coffee machines that I bonded on the back of the cabinet, since most brewers cords are short. 

Have questions or comments? 

Stalk me on:

IG: @artistically_adaptive

www.artisticallyadaptive.com

Mini Golf : a novelty golf game played with a putter on a miniature course usually having tunnels, bridges, sharp corners, and obstacles.

Well if miniature golf had an older adult sibling “Swingers” DC would be it! Swingers Mini Golf club is the adult only, high end 9 hole indoor experience From U.K. To Washington, DC. The company’s high-end venues combine “crazy” mini golf layouts with gourmet street food vendors, hand-crafted cocktails, a theatrical setting and music to create an immersive and multi-sensory social experience for guests. When I saw they were building this a few months ago via my Instagram ads, I knew that was going to become a date night spot. Then when I found out they were slated to open at the end of June, I knew this would be one of our “30 Dates of Summer” activity on my bucket list.

Without further a do, let’s get into the details of this “Waterwheel” 9 hole golf course. If you are interested in partaking in this fun, chic and cool experience you must make an online reservation. No panicking, I’ll add the website below at the end of this review so you can see it for yourself. Right now DC has the first one in the U.S., but New York’s version will  open soon. There are various options to pick from when booking your online tickets, the prices range from $19-$78 per person. Some of these options do include their street food menu if you are interested in filling your tummy at the end. We chose one of the cheaper options, which is the $39 per person “Dupont Circle Twin Set.” That option comes with one round of mini golf and two drink coupons while you are playing the course. I chose this option because I wanted food from DC’s Union market after, but food is available in house. While playing the different holes your caddy or ninja bartender, will bring your drinks of choice to you anywhere on the green. We ordered a frozen strawberry margarita for me and a beer for my hubs. Something to keep in mind is there is a set menu for coupon drinks and if your drink order is not on that menu your coupon can be a value towards another drink item. 

I can say the most annoying thing about this whole experience, is the location and parking. If you live in the DC metro area you will truly understand this with its location in “Dupont Circle.” Honestly, the blame truly resides with “Google”, please be aware that maps will lead you behind the building which is not where you enter. Once we realized we couldn’t find it this way, I called to find out that they are across the street from Krispy Kreme donuts and have a underground parking lot right beside it. This is a pay to park lot and is still being renovated. Please remember to stop at the kiosk first, to pay and grab your ticket because they use your license plate to record you are parking. Once you grab your receipt place it on your dash, then park, so you won’t be running back and fourth depending on where you would park.  Swingers does required ID upon admittance so have that out and ready to go! Check-in is on the lower level and upstairs is a bar/restaurant area mostly, so proceed to the lower level for golf course. 

Once we checked in we were on our way! A caddy associate greets you and gives you golfing equipment, directions about the course and putting instructions.  Each part of the course is marked with a flag number and place to sit your libation while golfing. Don’t forget to use your score card pictured in my hand above to keep track of who is winning, each player is only allowed six hits. We had a ball playing and snapping Instagram worthy pictures of the course and fun design of the place. At the last water hole, if you get a hole in one you can spin the wheel for an extra prize. One person in our party of four scored free ice-cream for the win! Upon completing the course there are places to sit and relax, modern eccentric lounge seating and eat if you chose! Lastly, they have a computerized photo machine, that is self serve and allows you to email pictures of your fun time to yourself. My overall review was five stars, “Swingers” DC is truly a site to see and makes the perfect date venue for adults! 

What are you waiting for…go book yourself a ticket now and add this to your bucket list!  #30datesofsummer

https://swingers.club/us/locations/washington

Nothing in life brings me as much joy as planning and executing fun activities, no matter what it is. From traveling… to the latest local DMV sites, attractions, I’m always looking for the newest thing for my family and I to do. I am the product, of growing up in a home with two artists and activity director. For me, events and activities are everything! In my personal journey of this thing called life, what I remember most about my childhood was the activities, traveling, and the events my parents took me to. Having material things are nice but nothing sparks a mind more to me, then traveling, seeing sights, and participating in activities. I remember going to museums, traveling to different states, eating at interesting restaurants and participating in hands on activities with my family. I couldn’t get enough of it! Always wanting to go out and explore, whether it was right in my local area or far away there are hidden gems all around us. So when I saw @eyeconicash on Instagram mention this #30datesofsummer challenge she does with her husband every year I could not resist! 

This is literally us all year, at least once a month I plan a date night for us. But, I never though about really keeping track or organizing it in a planned scenario. Seeing her organization of this challenge, really inspired me to try it this year. Since last year with the pandemic was basically a bust!  I think this is a great challenge for all not just traditional couples but friends and family too! Planning things to do is fun and everyone should take part in it! 

To keep myself organized this summer with the challenge I decided to use my notes app on my iPhone and entitle the folder obviously “30 Dates of Summer’ bucket list. You can do this too by using a written or digital format. Some might want to use their tangible planner, notepad, wall chart, iPad or phone. Digital was easier for me because I could share my list with my husband to keep him on track and so I could check off things as we completed them. With us living in the DC, MD and VA area its a never ending list of things to do on a weekly basis, so boredom is never an issue here. I recommend including things in your bucket list, that include various things like restaurants, museums, installations, travels to different states/countries, home activities and fairs. Your best bet, for researching what to do near you is the internet (scope things to do in your area), television news outlets, social media, friends/family and surprisingly just driving around. Also I cannot stress this enough, with COVID still being present please always look up wherever you are going, to see their specific standards on safety, during these unprecedented times. 

This way you know how to proceed with 

Once I have a good list of ideas, I load them into my bucket list and organize them by number until I get to number thirty. Do not! I repeat DO NOT!!!  Get hung up on reaching all thirty dates this summer, this is just a tool to have fun, if you go beyond the summer it’s no pressure. Also there does not have to be a mold to fit these dates just have fun with who you are with and go! We do try to take a picture on every occasion we do go out, so we can look back and remember the date just for fun! You can also post your date on social media to inspire others or to take part in the movement using the hashtag! These #30datesofsummer don’t always have to involve just you and your other half. It can even involve the kids or double daters, just live life and do what makes you comfortable.

Some of our upcoming dates include:

-Inside the Wardrobe at Georgetown

-Whino Art Gallery & Restaurant

-Swingers Mini Golf 

To see some of our #30datesofsummer see my IG stories, highlights reels and my blog for ideas or inspo.