I can’t work at home and each day that resulted in a failed attempt at productivity is proof of that.

When starting this blog, I thought that on my off days from work I would spend hours getting things done for my blog from home. I would sit at my desk in my room, facing the sunlight coming through the window, and I would be as productive as Tony Robbins is inspirational. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I’m not the type of person who can work from home. I get easily distracted by everything around me. I could take my dog for a walk, catch up on 90 Day Fiancé, or maybe take another nap. Being well rested can lead to productivity—if I wake up at least. Realizing that my home isn’t the best place to get things done, I’ve opted to spend more and more time in coffee shops. One I’ve visited recently was Eightfold Coffee in Echo Park.

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Situated steps away from my boxing gym, I discovered the shop simply by walking past it. More like running past it, I’m usually late to my workouts. Each time my steps were parallel to the business I took a glance in the oversized windows that let me catch a glimpse of the cute store. It looked like they were quiet, but played just the right music; as if they gave just the right amount of isolation even if they welcomed the entire city inside; like they were a great place to stay all day, even if they didn’t have outlets near each seat. When I finally made my way inside, ordered my food, and found a seat I soon found my initial thoughts to be correct—especially the part about the outlets.

As I edited photos and transcribed food interviews I was so happy with the things I ordered. I got an Iced Matcha Latte ($5) and a Chia Pudding with Matcha ($5). The slim latte was easily the ideal balance of whole milk with a powdered matcha that wasn’t grainy or chalky. Adding a few extra pumps of syrup to the mixture gave the latte my desired amount of sweetness with a slight boost of energy from the powder to keep me focused until the coffee shop closes. I opted for the chia pudding as my meal for a light lunch and in spite of the fact that it’s merely a pudding, it was filling. Made with coconut milk and topped with coconut shavings, matcha powder, and almond slices this bowl was insanely delicious. Tiny chewy balls of chia seeds swam in a lightweight and syrupy coconut milk giving the dish a slippery feel that I couldn’t stop going for spoonful after spoonful. Stirring in the slices of almonds and matcha powder only provided extra textures that forced me to go from inhaling the bowl to slowly enjoying it to take in each attribute of it. I fell madly in love with this pudding and was glad I made the choice to get it.

As I finished the bowl and the latte emptied I realized that I had actually achieved a goal: I got some work done. A couple hundred words on a document and photos in my “edited” file showed that I found a place where I can accomplish important tasks. I’m glad I found Eightfold Coffee, discovered a few favorite items, and even got the outlet next to the window. It was a successful day and I’m happy that I crossed so much off my list!

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Address: 1294 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Phone: (213) 947-3500
Hours: Daily — 7:00am to 6:00pm
Social: Website, Facebook, and Instagram.