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Lavender Lemonade Martini

January 24, 2014

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Lavender is a tricky herb to infuse because it can turn into this horrible “cough-drop” taste… so I tend to be weary about ordering anything with it.  Luckily after going to The Grove in SF and trying their refreshing lavender lemonade my faith in this refreshing drink was renewed!

IMG_5075 Inspiration hit me again when I was at the farmer’s market and came across some lavender bunches being sold.  I have a bunch of lavender infused drinks pinned (follow me on Pintrest here!) but they often call for “culinary lavender,” which frankly, was confusing to me.  I searched for it at the grocery store (it isn’t in the spices section? or the vegetable aisle…), and had almost given up on ever finding it, when I decided to ask the nice couple working the farmers market.  They educated me, that basically recipes are just saying not to use potpourri lavender, and that any lavender you pick up at a farmers market should do the trick!  Phew 🙂

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So naturally Fun Drink Friday wouldn’t be so, without an elevated beverage… so I introduce to you – the Lavender Lemonade Martini.

Lavender Lemonade Martini

  • 1.5 oz Lavender Lemonade (you can use this recipe or pick up some pre-made concoctions at a farmers market or specialty store)
  • 2 oz Vodka

Combine vodka and lemonade in a shaker with ice.  Shake until icy and strain into a martini glass.  Bottoms up!

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Party

Birthday Bar

January 23, 2014

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When celebrating Kendall’s birthday this past weekend, we wanted to make a special space to truly honor her and act as a “party hub” for our group.  I wanted to share some of our set-up ideas, as well as some 21st birthday gift suggestions (I’m always trying to figure out fun gift ideas)…

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For the “birthday bar” area, we went with a pink theme and bought some cans of Sofia Blanc de Blanc for sipping, Kendall’s favorite pink sugar cookies (and a birthday cupcake) from Icing on the Cake, and Rose Macarons from Miette in the city.  We had some waters on hand to help with some necessary rehydrating, and had other snacks and treats available for late night munching.

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I made this banner using this sweet template from MarthaStewart.com and colored string.

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My mom had M&Ms custom made with “Happy Birthday” and “Happy 21st” phrases on them… as well as HER FACE!!!  I couldn’t get over how amazing they were!

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We also framed one of our favorite pictures of the birthday girl to adorn our birthday set up!  It was a nice little keepsake for her to take home at the end of the weekend.

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We also framed the weeks itinerary (so everyone knew what was going on/when they needed to be ready).  We also had to have some crowns available to properly kick off the birthday celebration! 🙂 IMG_5094

For her birthday gift, I put together a little “drinking kit” with a fun little poem that explained the contents.  Here are some fun things to include:

  • A beautiful tray to set up a bar area in her home from Home Goods
  • Some great martini glasses from Cost Plus World Market
  • A gorgeous decanter from TJ Maxx
  • Homemade pomegranate infused vodka (to put in the decanter)
  • YSL lip gloss (to wear downtown)
  • Taco Bell gift cards (a favorite late night stop for Cal Poly college students)
  • Bottle of water (to hydrate after a night of drinking)
  • Card games/drinking games
  • Cab money
  • Fun cocktail napkins for entertaining
  • A cute monogrammed clutch to carry for a night out

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What are some other fun 21st birthday gift ideas?!

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Tasty

Huevos Rancheros

January 22, 2014

018 The Feezor family are Huevos Rancheros addicts, but sometimes it just seems like too much work to whip up at home (hence it being a staple on our brunch outings).

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Luckily, I found a way to make a relatively quick and very tasty Huevos at home.  The biggest plus for me? Minimal clean up 🙂

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Huevos Rancheros

  • Corn Tortillas
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Salsa Verde (I use the TJ’s version)
  • Eggs
  • Avocado
  • Beans (Black or Pinto – drained, rinsed)
  1. Brush olive oil on the inside of a custard tin (XL muffin tin/pan).
  2. Warm corn tortillas in microwave for 30 seconds or until soft/pliable (wrap them in paper towel first!)
  3. Push them into muffin tin and brush with oil.
  4. Place a spoonful of beans into the bottom. You also could get creative with the step and add finely diced onion, cilantro, etc.
  5. Grate a little cheese over the beans (to your liking).
  6. Crack egg over bean/cheese mixture (make sure it is contained in corn tortilla shell.
  7. Grate more cheese a top the egg (I like the egg pretty much covered).
  8. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
  9. Top with pico de gallo, salsa verde, chopped avocado and cilantro!

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Uncategorized

Black Out

January 21, 2014

Neutral Outfit

I love taking a predictable outfit (my typical all black) and giving it some fun pops – strappy sandals, a leopard belt, a rich colored coat…  this look is also the perfect transitional outfit – great for taking from the office straight to dinner!

Camel Colored Coat

All Black Outfit

My mom gifted me these Banana Republic jeans for Christmas.  They are so comfortable and have just the right amount of stretch, but look great for a business causal look too!

CVR Bridge

United Colors of Benetton Coat, Cashmere Sweater, Banana Republic Jeans, Michael Kors Belt, Zara Sandals, Louis Speedy Bag 

Sip

Gin-ger Fizz

January 17, 2014

Cucumber Gin Fizz

After whipping up some “homemade ginger ale” kits for Christmas gifts, I had a little extra syrup and wanted to put it to good use!

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Gin-ger Fizz

  • 1 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Ginger Simple Syrup
  • 1 oz Lime Juice
  • 2-3 inches of peeled cucumber

Muddle cucumber in a cocktail shaker (you really want to release the juices). Add lime juice, gin and simple syrup.  Shake thoroughly until chilled through.  Strain into an low ball glass and top with club soda and an XL ice cube.

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