Green Is Good

Happy St. Patties Day Weekend!

Today I’m talking all about green because Spring is quickly approaching and I’m sooooo ready for it! So ready, that I have gotten rid of all of my winter décor and made it Spring. I thought this was the perfect time to talk about how to make the perfect Spring mantle. When we bought our house it had zero mantles. I was horrified to say the least. Who builds a house without mantles?! So we added them. Decorating them is one of my favorite things. But, it can be overwhelming because type in “Spring Mantle” into Pinterest and you’re brain basically explodes because how could it not? So many ideas and different directions! I always thank my lucky stars that I got married before I had Pinterest because it’s just too much information.

I’m sure there are many methods as to how to make your perfect mantle, I thought I’d share how I do it.

1. Start with a theme:

   Mine was green. Fresh looking greenery. I feel that the eye has to go a couple different places which is why I play with different heights.

2. Go low and then go high:

   I started with greens cascading off of the mantle for a little extra drama.

3. High:

   I got candle sticks, flipped them upside down, and glued these greenery balls on top for extra height.

4. Low:

   We experienced candles burning our ceiling so low candles were the way to go this time (haha *shakes head*)

5. Have fun:

   The piece has to fit you and your house. If you like it then do it! Play with different highs and lows and see what you love the most.

As a stay at home/work from home Mom I have to look at my house all day so it’s important I like what I’m looking at all day. Also it is some much needed freshness from the winter gloominess.

While we’re talking about green, it is St. Patties Day Weekend after all so I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t do a fun green drink for you!

What to do:

Mix the Vodka, Triple Sec, and Blue Curacao together. Then slowly add your Orange Juice until you reach your desired color of green. I ended up adding a good bit of O.J.

Enjoy your weekend! I hope it’s fill of booze, fun, and stories you’ll tell for years!

Sips and Scents

We finally made it to the weekend!

Is it just me or did this week seem like three? Which is why I’m so ready for a cocktail! It might still be winter but I’m thinking Spring with this drink.

Pear Vanilla Rosemary Cocktail

Before we make our fancy cocktail first we’ll add some zing to it with Rosemary Simple Syrup.

What you need:

1 pear, chopped

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup water

What you do:

Add in everything in a small pot and just simmer for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain.

Now for our cocktail!

What you need:

2/3 cup pear juice

4 tbsp simple syrup

2 oz vodka

ice

pear slices and rosemary for garnish

What you do:

Simply fill two glasses with ice, divide your vodka, and add two tablespoons of syrup to each glass. Then, add 1/3 cup pear juice to each glass. Garnish and enjoy the amazing smells!

So, since your kitchen now smells AMAZING from this fabulous cocktail I thought since I talked about perfume on Monday, that today along with my drink recipe I would also share five perfume hacks that I swear by.

1. Never have  your perfume in the bathroom. The steam from the shower will eventually ruin it.

2. Moisturize first, your scent will stay longer.

3. The best time to spray your perfume is right after the shower and before getting dressed.

4. Perfume in your hair lasts longer but will dry out your hair. Spray your brush and then brush your hair.

5. Spray tissue paper with your favorite perfume and line your dresser drawers with them for a better scent.

   I hope your weekend is full of sweet smells and delicious sips!

Just Add Europe

Helloooooo Friday!

I love when I randomly get inspired by such cool people. Last week while doing food photos at one of my accounts, I got to talking to one of the chef’s. She’s originally from around the Venice, Italy area. We got to talking about different places in Europe and her upcoming trip to Spain to see her family (they relocated). I was saying how much I liked Europe. She then asked me:

“What is it you like about Europe?”

I’m not going to lie my head went so many places because there truly is so much to love. The coast lines, the views, the wine, but what I really didn’t want to blurt out was oh the pasta! Even though it’s close to true. What I ended up saying was “The people. They seem to be so relaxed and just enjoy life.” Excitedly, my chef friend responded “ You’re so right!! People in Europe take time to enjoy. Americans are so obsessed with work, it’s all they care about.” This surly struck a cord with me. Not that work is a bad thing by any means but when I step back and look it is so easy for that to be your main priority.

I then stumbled across and article about a woman who moved to Spain when she was 20 and built a life and family there and among a few other things, she basically said the same thing. Life was much more relaxed over there. The people, not so obsessed with work.

I’m by no means saying to quit your job (unless that’s right for you), or abandon your current work ethic, believe me mine is alive and well, but I do feel it’s important to add a little Europe to your day and take a minute to just enjoy the day. Dust off those books you’re only halfway done with or are on your list to read, have a drink and good conversation and not look at your phone, or maybe even take a hot bath! Me? I say incorporate them all.

Along with adding Europe to your life, add it to your drink, too. I’m not going to lie this drink is delicious but also a tad unexpected.

*Recipe from Food Network

1. Cut tomatoes into slices, and let sit in vodka with a little salt for 6-12 hours.

2. Prick grape tomatoes and toss with balsamic in a bowl and marinate for 4 hours at tome temp.

3. Drain tomatoes and reserving vinegar. Bring vinegar to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, and simmer until syrupy, about 20 minutes; let cool.

4. For each drink, drizzle some of the balsamic into the bottom of a chilled martini glass. In a shaker, muddle 2-3 basil leaves with a splash of tomato vodka. Add 1 1/2 of the vodka and one cup ice, shake it and strain into glass. Garnish with grape tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balls on a skewer.

   Serving this cocktail at a party is a great conversation starter or just a unique drink to switch up a usual martini.

   Enjoy the weekend Friends! Thanks for stopping by!