Browsing Tag

ice

Sip

Mint Margarita

May 16, 2014

IMG_0511

Mint, cucumber and lime are always my go to with vodka… but to try it with tequila was next level.  This margarita is the answer to all of your spring gatherings.  MAKE IT… NOW.

IMG_0506

 

Mint Margarita 

  • 1.5 oz silver tequila
  • 1 oz St. Germain
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Handful of mint
  • Club Soda
  • Agave
  1. Muddle mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add ice, tequila, St. Germain and lime juice to shaker.
  3. Give a few good shakes until shaker is icy.
  4. Strain into a crush filled ice glass.
  5. Garnish with mint.

IMG_0486

Pour Cocktail

IMG_0522

IMG_0515

Domestic

Spring Cleaning – Don’t Forget!

May 1, 2014

I used to think my college living scenario was clean until my mom came to visit.  Somehow she could spend a day scrubbing what I thought to be a clean space.  As I’ve come to take care of my own home (and learned from her cleaning sessions along the way), is the most most used/obvious areas in your home, often are the ones that don’t get cleaned.  Yes, we remember to “clean the toilet,” “mop the floors,” etc. but I have a few tips of the places you forget to think of (unless you’re my mom)…

Door Knob NationalGeographic.com

Door Knobs:  Just clean them with antibacterial wipes.   Also, while we are on the topic of knobs, don’t forget to clean your stove knobs (sorry for that HORRIBLE segue).  Just pop them off, wash them in soapy, warm water, let dry and put back on!

 

CuttingBoard BHG.com

Cutting Boards: If I am cutting meat I ALWAYS pop it in the dishwasher afterwards.  No matter what you are cutting make sure to wash it with hot soapy water and rinse.  Also a disinfecting spray (ie bleach solution) is great to spritz on after each use.  If your cutting board has too many deep grooves/cut marks in it – get rid of it (bacteria harbors in there and it is not pretty).

Ice Cubes Flickr.com

Ice Maker:  Ice absorbs odors, so once a month it is recommended that you empty the bin and start a fresh batch.

 

Pillow Love Vintage Finds

Pillows: I have a confession.  I don’t wash my pillows. Well I didn’t. When I started researching/brainstorming for the post, I realized I have a million “How to Wash Your Pillow” pins on Pintrest and never once used them.  That being said… I had to give it a go – for the blogs sake! Apparently if you can fold your pillow and half and it stays, it is time to wash it.  Some say twice a year… either way, wash 2 pillows at a time (helps with balancing your machine?!) with mild liquid detergent (no powder!). Dry on low (not high heat) with tennis balls in socks (or just clean tennis balls) to help fluff them up. Note: I do wash my pillow case on a weekly basis.

 

Faucet TheGadgetFlow.com

Faucets:  Another easy fix for a potentially destructive germ-harboring zone = antibacterial wipes.   If you haven’t realized this, I’m a huge proponent of them. You can buy them in bulk at Costco, or here. Just stock up on them… they make kitchen clean up SO much easier.

Sip

Manzarita

November 29, 2013

Manzarita

I was looking for some fun cocktails to kick off our Thanksgiving meal (isn’t cooking more fun with a cocktail!?)… and came across quite the line-up of fun libations.  BUT tequila? In a autumn cocktail?  I was intrigued and had to try it… I introduce to you… the Manzarita (“manzana” is apple in Spanish).

Apple Tequila

Manzarita 

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 3/4 oz elderflower liqueur
  • 1 1/2 oz apple juice or cider
  • 1/2 lemon, quartered
  • pinch of ground cinnamon
  1. Muddle lemon and cinnamon in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add ice, tequila, elderflower liqueur, and apple juice and shake well.
  3. Strain into an ice filled glass and top with a dash of cinnamon.

I was blown away with how much I enjoyed this… and a little tequila never hurt anyone at a family gathering (some of you may welcome it more than others 🙂 ). Cheers!

Fall Tequila Cocktail

Sip

Ginger Bourbon Fizz

October 11, 2013

Ginger Bourbon Fizz

After going to Hard Water (an American Whiskey Bar) this past weekend, I’ve been inspired to whip up some bourbon based drinks.  With the 80 degree temps it was important to find a drink that was also refreshing, introduce the – Ginger Bourbon Fizz.

  • 2 oz Bourbon 
  • 1 splash (about a Tablespoon) of ginger simple syrup
  • Juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/2 cup of Club Soda

Ginger Bourbon Fizz Ingredients

Fill a glass with ice and add bourbon, syrup and lemon juice.  Stir and top with club soda. Enjoy!

Bourbon Fizz