Weekend Part 2 + Margaritas

The second half of the weekend was spent with our adopted family at the lake. RL {the dad} has recently decided to make it a running joke to deem what transpires as "blog worthy" or not. Something funny would happen and he would say, "Oh that's certainly blog worthy." My lovely Maui Jim t-shirt Hawaiian print koozie was proclaimed "blog worthy." The list could go on and on.

This is one of my favorite pics of the weekend. All except for the part where Bryan decided to put a hand on my head!! Why he did that, I do not know.

{Adam, Laura, me, Bryan}

My two favorite bikers-hippies-pirates.

My poor hubby was recovering from a sunburn last weekend and a slight one from working outside on Saturday morning/afternoon before the wedding. 

The kid is good at whatever she does. Here she is at the beginning of a jump.

Cathy {the mom} has a friend who makes the best margaritas that originally come from a restaurant in Dallas. She got the recipe and let me tell you, they are delish. Bryan decided to take over the making of them and he did a fine job. {Most certainly "blog worthy".}

I didn't get a good shot of the margaritas, but you get the idea. You can make them frozen or on the rocks.

Damn Good Margaritas

{I kid you not, this is the name.}

1 can frozen limeade (use empty can to measure)

1/2-3/4 can Herradura Tequila

1/4 can Cointreau

1/4 can Grand Marnier

Blend and add ice as needed or serve the frozen mixture over ice to enjoy on the rocks. 

Make sure to salt the rim and use fresh limes. Squeeze extra juice over the top of each margarita.

Fun In The Sun

With the unusually warm weather that has been happening for months now, I have to admit that I hit the pool chair as soon as possible in order to get a little color on my skin. It was my first full winter to not tan one single time! That is saying a lot for me, because I loathe being pasty pale white. All of that being said, I have become quite a stickler about using sunscreen every time I am out in the sun. It is sooo important! Trust me, you still get a tan when you wear sunscreen. This sun safety kit from Sephora is perfect if you plan on spending much time outside this summer.

Bryan and I have already made plans for our after Christmas/New Years getaway to the Grand Cayman Islands. This has always been one of my top places to visit ever since I started reading John Grisham books years ago. {They always stashed their money in banks there.} I cannot contain my delight I am so giddy about going! Until yesterday I didn't think I would be visiting the beach this summer, but baby sister and I now have a mini vacation planned in June to one of our favorite islands. I'm already dreaming of the sun, the sand and a drink in my hand.

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My go-to swimwear collection is Vix. How shall we say this...it is by far and away the best I have found for those of us with large chests. They are certainly on the pricey side, but Bryan would much rather me get something I love that fits than spend a day shopping for one and come home miserable. Are there any of you ladies like me who have found other brands that fit well up top?

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When you find yourself spending more time outside it is the perfect time to splurge and buy some new sunglasses that you have been eyeing. House of Harlow has some really cute ones right now that aren't going to break the budget. These Jordana sunnies are my favorite.

I enjoy a good ice-cold cocktail while basking in the sun, but it's important to know that they tend to be chock-full of sugar. Strawberries are beautiful right now and this is a healthier alternative to a syrupy drink.

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Strawberry Mint Spritzer

1 bottle Sake – any kind will do
1 bottle Champagne
1 pint strawberries
6 meyer lemons
3-4 springs of mint
Vanilla Stevia or Agave Syrup

Slice your strawberries into vertical slivers, tear mint leaves roughly, and add both to a large pitcher. Squeeze the juice of 6 meyer lemons and gently muddle {mash} the ingredients using a spoon. Add equal parts sake and champagne, and lots of ice. Squeeze a dropper full of vanilla stevia or a little agave syrup into each glass before serving. Stir and enjoy!

Warm Pear Cider

I have sorta been on a roll with my days this week, Tasty Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday, therefore I might as well continue on and do Thirsty Thursday. This warm pear cider looks amazing to me. Use your normal mug to serve them, or carve out the inside of pears like they did in the original post.

Warm Pear Cider

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups pear nectar

1-2 sticks of cinnamon

3 whole cloves

4 whole anise stars

¾ cup tequila gold

4 Asian pears (optional)

Directions:

Combine pear nectar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and anise stars in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Add tequila and stir to incorporate.

To make the pear cups:

Cut off the pear top and with a sharp knife carefully outline a rim on your pear cup.

With a melon baller or a spoon, hollow out the pear making sure to leave about 1/4 inch at the bottom and around the edges, creating a cup.

Pour warm nectar into pear cups and enjoy.

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If you are a bloody Bloody Mary fan, head over to Sweet Southern Prep's Thirsty Thursday post today for a Bloody Maria recipe.

Halloween Party Ideas

Even though Halloween isn't until Monday, I think that most people will having their parties either tonight or tomorrow night. I have no reason to dress up this year, which actually might be a first. This is one of the two weekends that Bryan and I have open until the end of the year. We have been invited to a few parties, but I think we might take full advantage of relaxing and spending time together. If we were to have a party at our house I would use this idea. How fun is it for your cocktail area? (Assuming it would be an adult-only party.)

Click here to see how to make the spook-tacular chalkboard menu.

Searching everywhere for a good cocktail to share, I thought this Black Widow would be perfect to share with friends.

Black Widow

Ingredients:

Cream de Cassis

Vodka

triple sec

fresh lemon juice

pomegranate juice

licorice strings

Directions:

1. For two cocktails (one cocktail shaker), mix 2 parts cassis, 3 parts vodka, one part triple sec, 1 part lemon juice and 1 part pomegranate juice.

2. Shake over ice and serve chilled. Drape licorice strings to look like spider legs.

Have a boo-tiful weekend!