Smart Sips

For my first Martini Moment of 2019 instead of a drink recipe I though it would be great to start the year out with some ways to keep your drinks smart and low cal. Typically I try to save my wine and those calories for the weekend. One of the reasons I started drinking martinis in the first place was a low calorie content. So today I’m sharing 5 tips to drink a little smarter.

1. This might be the most important one: never use those sugary drink mixes! Juice lemons, limes, or grapefruits as they are much, much lower in calories.  

2. Pick a “going out” drink. I never drink wine when out because I’m not paying $10 for one glass when that’s more than the bottle they have (I’m talking bars and such not nice restaurants). So I always order a Vodka Soda with lime. Not much sugar and not $10. 

3.  Stock your house with drink fixins’ that you know are low cal. La Croix is a good option or I also use flavored Perrier. I’ll mix that with vodka and splash with Pomagranet juice. 

4.  Drink lighter colored liqueurs. Think vodka, gin, or white tequila. Your body can process these easier. 

5. Know the exact calorie count. For example, 2 ounces of gin or vodka has 130 calories in it. If you’re splashing a little La Croix in there that’s nothing. If you wanted to sweeten up a drink 1 tsp of sugar is only 16 calories. 

So let’s get this weekend started! Now we can all sip a little smarter and have some guilt free cocktails!

All Of The Fall

Happy Friday and Fall Eve!!

Apples, Pumpkins, and patio oh my! 

Today, on this fabulous Friday I’m sharing a super chic and very fast DIY. Along with, of course, a delicious drink recipe. One of the best things about early fall is that it’s still warm out so patio time doesn’t have to come to an end for a while. Although my back yard is at the bottom of a massive hill so after about three o’clock our sun is gone so it can get a little chilly.

This DIY is not only pretty and festive it’s also inexpensive! 

What you need: 

2-3 dollar store styrofoam pumpkins

plates of your choice (from dollar store) 

glue gun

gold paint

What you do: 

Simply remove the green stems and paint. I did a couple coats. After they dry, put the glue in the center of the pumpkin where the plate would touch and stick your plate on top. Make this as high or low as you want. Keep in mind that it is styrofoam so it could tip if too tall. Also I would use plastic plates

On to the drink recipe! Perfect for a fall gathering!

Fall Sangria

32 oz cranberry juice

1/2 gal apple cider

1 bottle prosecco

1 cup vodka

2 apples cup up and thrown into mixture

cinnamon/ sugar for rim, apple slices for garnish

Combine everything and enjoy!

Have a great last day of summer!

Your Close Up

Happy Friday Everyone!

MK and I have been behind the camera lense having owned our photography company for nine years. We have seen a lot of things...a lot of things. Most of which we can't talk about of course but one thing that we can indeed talk about is how to look good in front of the camera. You may have heard some of these before but they are no fail. Here are a few tips for your next photo with friends, OOTD, or if you see us headed toward you at a wedding. 

1. Sometimes in photos it's hard not to smile big. This is a hard one for me cause I'm a cheeser. But when you do this you usually have squinty eyes in photos. If you put the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth you'll avoid the squint and have just the right smile.  

2. The right angle and side. Everyone has their "best side". When you know which one that is, angle a little up or a tad down in a photo. It will eliminate shadows and also help with the dreaded double chin.

3. Do the twist. This is my favorite. Being a former dancer I'm pretty comfortable in 5th position but it helps with posture. Stand in a 5th (ish) position, put your hand on your hip, and twist to the camera.

4.  Criss cross. Another favorite is to cross your ankles in a photo. It always slims you out. If you have pockets here use them!

5.  Don’t be too stiff. When we shoot weddings we always make sure not to pose anyone too much because no one is going to like a photo where everyone looks uncomfortable. Relax. The photo will always be better that way.

It’s Martini time! This recipe is my new favorite. It’s so refreshing and perfect for summer. Put your vodka, Triple sec,  lime juice, and a couple drops of Strawberry Watermelon water enhancer in a shaker over ice. Then strain into a martini glass and top with Sprite. Garnish with lime. Cheers!

Have the best weekend! I hope it’s full of good food, even better outfits, and delicious drinks!