This week is all about decision making, decisions about going back to France, decisions on whether to continue my classes online or in person, decisions about if I should return this moisturiser to Sephora because it gave me a rash. The only thing, that doesn’t require a decision, is whether to make this Oat milk mocha with Homemade Marshmallow Cream. You have to make it. This is a must. You can even enjoy it while making all the other decisions this week. It might make it just a TAD easier.

Going Back To France?

Context

It’s about that time. To go back to France or not to go back to France. That is the question. As you may or may not know I study Fashion Design at ESMOD Paris, France. For a little context: I left Paris in mid March for my home in Los Angeles because of the coronavirus pandemic. After months of same old routines, and enjoying some much needed family time, it’s that time again: deciding whether or not to go back to France for the start of school.

It’s an extremely difficult decision because on one hand it’s important to slowly but SAFELY reintegrate myself into my old lifestyle, and stimulate my brain with work I love. On the other hand, is it worth it if I’m putting my safety on the line? I also know that I’m a good candidate for surviving the virus, so maybe it’s better to cater to my sanity here. It has been difficult for me, someone who is used to being busy and active, to all of a sudden be stuck inside with a lack of things to do. Down time is good, but only to an extent. Routines are good, but only to an extent.

Let’s go back to Paris

The virus is getting worse in Paris, that’s not a good thing unfortunately. But, as a single 21 year old, is there really a big difference from me being in Los Angeles as opposed to Paris? My fashion program resumes on October 1st and I want to be there. Key word being want, not necessarily should. My program offers an online alternative; but that’s not ideal for several reasons: the time difference, all my french classmates will be in class and the online program is an after thought, and fashion design/ sewing is just too hard to do from a distance. If I go back to Paris, I will have to be extremely careful, but I will be motivated to learn and work. The change of lifestyle will really do me good.

• I’m unproductive at home
• Going A LITTLE crazy with the same old routines
• My apartment is in Paris, my studies are in Paris
• It will be good for my sanity
• I’ll be studying and stimulating my brain
• I’ll be BUSY, finally

Let’s stay in Los Angeles for now

So, I could just stay home until this all blows over. But, when is that exactly? What if I wait until January, only to realise that I’ll have to wait until the start of the next year. When is the right time? Maybe, not now. The public transportation in France is dangerously compact. I’ll be living in a foreign country without a personal doctor or comparable medical care. The flight could be unsafe. I’ll be going to class with people who have been all over the city, probably. But, I’ll be happy. I’ll be working towards something, productive. Is that enough?

• public transportation in France is bad
• my medical care won’t be as good
• there are more cases in France than before
• I’ll be in class every day with people
• flying there is risky

Is this black and white? I don’t think so. Each choice will yield its benefits and its downsides. My visa came in the mail and school starts in a week. I guess it’s about time I decide. Stay tuned.

Oat milk Mocha with Homemade Marshmallow Cream

This oat milk mocha with marshmallow cream is the drink you want to wake up to. It’s the drink you want to bring to work. It’s the drink you take to-go in a cup cup, that everyone wants a sip of, but you selfishly want every delightful sip for yourself. The hot chocolate and coffee are pair made in heaven. The strong espresso intensifies the chocolate flavor making it extra rich. The homemade marshmallow cream is just perfect creamy topping to complement every hot sip. It’s light, but still fluffy and a little stick to reminisce the traditional marshmallow fluff.

I only have eyes for Oatly

Okay on to the fun part! My favorite oat milk is Oatly, which is probably no surprise, everyone loves it! Before trying this oat milk I wasn’t sold on the concept. Until one day, I ran out of all my almond milk and all my coconut milk. I found myself at the grocery store desperate for my cereal companion. Low and behold the only milk left was oat milk. I figured it was worth a try, I am open to new things after all. I took one sip and never turned back.

It’s creamy, perfectly sweet and has a richness to it that tastes amazing alone or mixed into your favorite drink. (For some reason this milk tastes amazing with honey nut cheerios, please try).

The Homemade Marshmallow Cream

A cross between whipped cream and marshmallow fluff, this dollop of fluffy sweetness is the ultimate mocha topper. It’s just so good, I can’t explain. It’s richer than just your whipped cream topping, but not as cavity worthy as store bought marshmallow fluff can be. The marshmallowy flavor and texture is slightly is toned down by the airy whipped cream to make perfection. Paired with the chocolatey espresso drink it’s like smores all over again!

Only a few ingredients:

• marshmallows
• light corn syrup
• heavy whipping cream
• vanilla extract
• voila! (oops that wasn’t meant to go there

For the full recipe visit my post Oatmilk Mocha with Homemade Marshmallow Cream

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Click here for the full recipe, how to make a SUPER EASY Nespresso version and more on Oatly.