YAY, it's Friday! Finally!!! This weekend is going to be great, not only because it's the weekend but because it's the first event at the lake. Ian and I have been itching to be up there again. Lucky Ian has gotten to go up twice in the past week to work on boats and soak in the sun; while I've been stuck at home.
Alright, Alright: Let's get to the part you are here for: Cocktail Hour! I know I promised to share a drink that can be made without alcohol (and this one can) but then I came across this recipe and knew I wanted to share it. (Honestly, I just wanted an excuse to use my Lilly Pulitzer Glassware)
Mango-Chile Burst
1/2 Cup of Sugar
3 Fresno Chile Peppers, roughly chopped + halves for garnish
1 cup of White Rum
1 cup of Mango Nectar, cold
1/4 Cup of Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 Teaspoon Grenadine
1. Combine the sugar, chopped chiles, and 1.2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat (medium) and cook until sugar is dissolved (Stirring occasionally). Transfer to a container and chill for @ least two hours.
2. Combine the rum, mango nectar, lime juice in a pitcher. Strain the chile syrup into the pitcher, & stir. Divide the beverage among ice filled glasses. Add a few drops of grenadine (however much you like) and garnish with a halved chile. If you like that extra fizz, add a splash of sparkling water.
(Recipe and Photo from Food Network Magazine)
WOW is this drink surprising! I thought it would be too spicy, but the lime juice, grenadine, and mango juice balance it out. When you go for that first sip it tastes so good, and then there's an after spice punch that makes you go back for more.
Definitely recommend making it. I added a splash of lime seltzer water.
WOW is this drink surprising! I thought it would be too spicy, but the lime juice, grenadine, and mango juice balance it out. When you go for that first sip it tastes so good, and then there's an after spice punch that makes you go back for more.
Definitely recommend making it. I added a splash of lime seltzer water.
Friday also meant a shopping day for me as well this week. I have been really stressed with all the changes about to come in my life. I am graduating in 2 weeks, my 5 year long job ends in 3 weeks, and Ian is moving away for the summer in 4 works. Seems like for a few weeks in a row, I'm going to be using more tissues than I normally would.
I don't think I'll ever need to go see a counselor when there is shopping. Seriously, shopping is my therapy. Whenever I'm stressed, even a walk through a mall (not even buying anything) can cure my stress. It's like when I walk through those magical doors, all my stress is sucked away. Today I decided to visit a few of my favorite stores a local small mall. I went to LuluLemon, Athleta, Evereve, J.Crew, Vineyard Vines, and Kate Spade (honestly just to feel pretty!).
Kate Spade: I'm not shopping right now for a new bag or wallet because I recently purchased my favorite Lands End Tote. But here are some things I found adorable:
-http://www.katespade.com/blooms-fit-and-flare-dress/NJMU4780,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_NJMU4780_color=107&cgid=ks-clothing-dresses-and-skirts#start=24&cgid=ks-clothing-dresses-and-skirts
-http://www.katespade.com/spring-forward-flowerpot-crossbody/PXRU5664,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU5664_color=974&cgid=ks-handbags-cross-body#start=10&cgid=ks-handbags-cross-body
-http://www.katespade.com/splash-out-wicker-clam-shell/PXRU5482,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU5482_color=001&cgid=ks-handbags-clutches#start=16&cgid=ks-handbags-clutches
-http://www.katespade.com/spring-forward-flowerpot-crossbody/PXRU5664,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU5664_color=974&cgid=ks-handbags-cross-body#start=10&cgid=ks-handbags-cross-body
-http://www.katespade.com/splash-out-wicker-clam-shell/PXRU5482,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU5482_color=001&cgid=ks-handbags-clutches#start=16&cgid=ks-handbags-clutches
LuluLemon: So disappointing. Was planning to purchase the coral crops from a post earlier this week. When I tried them on, so cute, but they didn't pass the see through test. Even going up a size didn't help and then my pants were falling down. LuluLemon really has fallen off the wagon in terms of pants. But I did have some luck with tops. I bought:
-http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tanks-no-support/Sculpt-Tank?cc=17601&skuId=3593368&catId=tanks-no-support
-http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bras-light-support/Free-To-Be-Bra-Wild?cc=17565&skuId=3598607&catId=bras-light-support
-http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tanks-no-support/Sculpt-Tank?cc=17601&skuId=3593368&catId=tanks-no-support
-http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bras-light-support/Free-To-Be-Bra-Wild?cc=17565&skuId=3598607&catId=bras-light-support
Evereve: Such cute stuff right now over here! Here's what I tried on:
-http://www.evereve.com/p/ibiza-romper-32243
-http://www.evereve.com/p/milly-romper-29827
-http://www.evereve.com/p/krista-crop-with-released-hem-32705
-http://www.evereve.com/p/ibiza-romper-32243
-http://www.evereve.com/p/milly-romper-29827
-http://www.evereve.com/p/krista-crop-with-released-hem-32705
About to pack for a weekend at the lake. Ian is already up there- so jealous! Drinking and talking on the hill. I arrive tomorrow and cannot wait to see everyone.
Look for my post on Sunday about my weekend! Step outside this weekend and do something fun!
XOXO-Mandie