Summer Drink Special

Photo by Usodesita.

I scoured the web and rounded up the tastiest summer cocktail recipes… and some are even low cal! Enjoy.

• Classic Margarita: This recipe has only 144 calories per serving. Sip guilt free!
• Cosmo Slush: A summery update for Carrie and fans.
• Cranberry Limeade: The recipe doesn’t call for alcohol, but you can spike it or enjoy as is for a delicious mocktail.
• Summer Fruit Sangria: I love sangria, and this recipe is one I can’t wait to try.
• Summer Breeze: The name says it all.
• Tequila Bramble: The recipe calls for blackberries, but feel free to use any summer berry.
• Watermelon-Cucumber Cooler: Positively refreshing on a hot afternoon.

NOTE: To add an extra special touch to your cocktails, check out these fun flavored ice cube suggestions from Martha Stewart. All recipes from Martha Stewart, Betty Crocker and YumSugar… check out their websites for even more ideas.

AthFest

Cooling down with a frozen treat from King of Pops.

This weekend I made my first trip back to Athens since leaving for my summer in Alpharetta/Atlanta. It felt so wonderful to be back at the apartment with my roommates, and I absolutely loved my first ever AthFest experience. The lineup of bands (although most were unknown to me)  was fabulous and seeing Nappy Roots perform was just about the only thing that gave Sarah and me the strength to bear the scorching heat… that and some cold drinks of course.

Raspberry brindles from Highwire Lounge.

Waiting for the next band to take the stage.

Nappy Roots rocking the crowd.

Mimosas and croissants (still in the oven when this was taken) for a Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed morning.

Day Trip: Helen, Ga.

Photo by Jeff Gunn.

If you’ve started your office vacation and are already noticing the benefits, extend your “time off” with a fabulous day trip! You’d be surprised how much fun you can have by getting out in your own city (or a city nearby) for the afternoon/evening.

On Saturday, my parents and I visited Helen, Ga., and despite the almost unbearable mid-afternoon heat, we had a wonderful time. We enjoyed a complimentary wine tasting at Habersham Winery (and walked away with three bottles), bought buttermilk pancake mix from Nora Mill (which we prepared Sunday morning), indulged in homemade ice cream, browsed the quaint shops in town, sipped frozen daiquiris by the river at Paul’s Margarita Deck, and ended the day with a delicious meal at Troll Tavern.

I pose this question to you glamazons: what are some of your favorite places to visit for a day trip?

Stayed hydrated with a cold Coca-Cola.

Homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream.

The most delicious fudge shop in Helen.

Enjoying a frozen strawberry daiquiri.

Shamrock Shindig

Photo by Tiberiu Ana.

St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow, and if you don’t have any set plans yet, consider inviting your friends over for a last minute get together. With easy-to-make recipes, cocktails and crafty decorations, all you need are some festive tunes and drinking games (think creating limericks a few cocktails in) to really get the party started.

1. Food: Nothing brings people together like good food, so make sure your guests have something delicious to snack on. For a festively green appetizer, try this pea pesto crostini shared by Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Equally simple ideas include reuben rolls, hot artichoke spinach dip and corned beef spread. For dessert, the mouthwatering options are endless. I could barely keep from drooling over these chocolate mint sandwiches and chocolate shots.

2. Drink: Of course you’ll have plenty of Guinness and green-colored beer on hand. (Remember, you must use a light beer for the green food coloring to show.) To add a fun twist, try concocting a lime shandy. The recipe requires minimal effort, and your guests will love it. If you’re thirsty for more, The Cocktail Lovers share three other ideas here.

3. Décor: When decorating for a St. Patrick’s Day gathering, paper shamrock cutouts and leprechaun images are abused and overused. There is no surer way to look overly cliché than resorting to “Kiss me I’m Irish” paper dinnerware and pot of gold centerpieces. Naturally, the genius that is Martha Stewart has found a way to make the occasion a classier affair but still equally as festive. You can view her decorating suggestions here. Personally, I love the whimsical green flower arrangements.

Hangover Helper

All photos from Cupcakes and Cashmere.

If you partied a little too hardy for Mardi Gras last night, you probably woke up this morning with a nasty hangover.

A quick search on WebMD revealed that there is no cure for a hangover. The only sure solution is prevention: drink in moderation or abstain from drinking entirely. But before you panic, there are steps that you can take to minimize the aftereffects of a night out. Follow these steps, and you’ll be back to your fabulous self in no time.

1. Put effort into your appearance. While it is extremely tempting to skip your morning routine, don’t let this happen! If anything you need more personal attention than usual. Take the time to shower; it will leave you feeling refreshed. Follow your usual make-up routine and pull your hair off of your face. It will make you look more polished, and you’ll be needing that.

2. Drink plenty of fluids. Grab a tall glass of water, juice or a sports drink. It’s important to rehydrate and replenish your body with Vitamin C and electrolytes. While it may be tempting to grab a cold Coke or strong cup of coffee, step away from the caffeine. It will only continue to dehydrate you.

3. Get some exercise. I’m not talking about a 10-mile sprint, but do something to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping. I suggest taking a relaxing stroll outside. You’ll enjoy soaking up some sunshine.

4. Take a cue from the guys. Check out this article from BroBible.com about the 25 best hangover food and drinks. While these foods deliver absolutely no nutritional value, there is something to be said for greasy foods the morning after a wild night. The article suggests drinking a Bloody Mary; the tomato juice and celery provide a boost of vitamins, and your body focuses on processing the new alcohol, thus ignoring last night’s binge.

5. Catch up on your Zzzs. People sleep poorly after a night of drinking, so you’re already not getting a full night’s rest and on top of that, your body is actively processing the alcohol in your system. After your day is done, come home and crawl under the covers. From Health.com, here are 7 tips for the best sleep ever.