I had a coupon for a free frozen strawberry lemonade from McDonald's, so I decided to try the new drink. It combines a few things that I like (frozen drinks, strawberry and lemonade), so I thought I would like it. But that wasn't exactly the case.

Click the play button below to watch me taste the frozen strawberry lemonade for the first time:


After filming this, I mixed up the drink a little more to see if I would end up liking it. I couldn't finish it. The lemonade is just too sour, and the strawberry just too sweet, and the two flavors do not combine very well at all.

Has anyone else tried this? Did you like it?


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

The 3-to-5-p.m. hours are a little tastier this week as Starbucks brought back the Frappuccino Happy Hour. Through May 15, the frozen beverages are half price during that time.

I've taken advantage of this twice so far -- and in doing so, found my new favorite drink there: Mocha Coconut Frappuccino. I apologize for the fact that that link takes you directly to the nutrition facts, and I realize it's full of sugar and calories, but it's also full of deliciousness. This might sound over the top, but the Mocha Coconut Frappuccino might be the best blended coffee beverage I've ever had.

Do you like mocha? Do you like coconut? Do you like frozen coffee drinks? Do I need to do any more convincing that you should take a late afternoon coffee break by driving to the nearest participating Starbucks to try this?


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

I'm not a knitter and have little use for yarn, but I was tempted to stop in to Cast on Cafe to pick up some lunch after browsing the menu posted on Downtown Willoughby's website.

I ordered the Confetti Salad, which is made up of "white rice, black beans, scallions, red and yellow bell peppers dressed with basil Parmesan vinaigrette." I've had confetti salad before, but there was something about this mix -- perhaps the vinaigrette -- that made it the best I have had. I'd like to try some of the other items on the menu -- like the Chicken Salad sandwich or the Waldorf Salad -- but it's going to be difficult ever ordering anything else.

(I also splurged on a cappuccino truffle, which was well worth it.)

If you're curious about what exactly the Cast on Cafe is, here is a description from the website:

I’ve had a passion for knitting, fibers and yarn since I was a child and I hope to inspire the same passion in you through education, assistance and the finest products available.
Cast On Café offers a variety of yarns from around the world, books & magazines, greeting cards, notions & needles and more.
Stop in for a cup of coffee or tea and a friendly place to knit or crochet anytime.

Cast on Cafe
castoncafe.com
440-946-9276
castoncafe@sbcglobal.net
38038 Second St., Willoughby
Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl