No Mess Monday: Monika Chiang Aramid Sandals

 

You Knotty Girl, You…

 

Am I the only one who often feels an odd knot at the pit of my stomach on Monday morning? You too? We’ll call it go-getter anxiety. Turn angst into sartorial achievement in a pair of knotted rope sandals, like these Aramid sandals by Monika Chiang. The feminine spin on this season’s nautical trend shows you’ve got your sea legs and can weather whatever waves come your way- even in skyscraper heels and platforms. The fact that you can tie them at the ankle or lace them up the calf nods to your appreciation of versatility in your life. Depending on where you live, it may rain today, so be sure to carry a back up pair… the cream suede on the platform won’t do well in nasty weather.

 

This evening at happy hour enjoy a drink that looks and tastes as fun as your shoes look. I suggest a Sapphire East Dragon. It’s bright, complex and just sweet enough- like you.

Recipe:

1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire East
1 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
Dash of Bittercube Bolivar bitters
Float of POM dragon fruit pomegranate juice
Dragon fruit slice garnish

 

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Cutesy Tuesday: Cece L’amour Jules Peep Toes

 

Berry Nice

Remember the cartoon Strawberry Shortcake and her optimism, creativity, energy, whimsy and all around sweetness? Now that you think about it, you and her have quite a bit in common, don’t you? Let your footwear nod to one of your (OK, my) childhood favorites in a pair of absolutely adorable strawberry accented pumps. These Jules peep toe pumps by Cece L’amour (available at Amazon.com for $150) are a perfect example. Their gathered floral pink polka dot fabric almost mimics Ms. Shortcake’s signature hat, and the jeweled strawberry accents at the toes add a bit of jazz. The demure D’orsay styling keeps you from looking too juvenile, and the 4.5 inch heel keeps you sexy. It’s tough to be cute, fun, coy and demure all at once, but you manage it quite well. (Once the summer’s over, stash these away and wear them with your Strawberry Shortcake Halloween costume). 

 

If Strawberry Shortcake were to make a cocktail, I’m almost sure it would contain rhubarb. That said, try a Fresh Rhubarb Cocktail (recipe and image via Sugarlaws.com) this evening after work. You probably won’t find it at your local bar, but you love entertaining, so invite friends over for drinks on your deck (or fire escape if you’re a city dweller).

Recipe:

1/2 cup water
1 cup sliced rhubarb (1 large stalk)
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ounces vodka
1 cup seltzer
Crushed Ice
Strawberries, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, cook the rhubarb on medium-low heat with 1/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of water until broken down and tender, about 20 minutes (add more water if it runs too low). 

Mix together 2 tbsp rhubarb syrup, 1 ounce vodka, and 1/2 cup seltzer for each drink, stir thoroughly, and serve over crushed ice.  Garnish with a fresh strawberry.

NOTE: The fact that you’re serving drinks from your kitchen does not mean you shouldn’t be responsible. It’s only Tuesday and a Wednesday hangover is never cute.

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Booze Clues: 4 Father’s Day Drinks to Share With Dad

 

Remember the first time you sat and watched the game with your dad (doesn’t matter which sport)? He probably patiently explained  the rules and each player’s role. Chances are he hoped you’d grow to love sports, but it’s more likely he just enjoyed the quality time. This Father’s Day, whether there’s a game on or not, sit and have good ole daddy/ daughter time over a good drink. Whether you and your padre share a love for tequila, bourbon or another “not-too-girly” spirit, here are a few drinks you can try together.

 

Wild Turkey Bardstown King

Recipe

1 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon 101
3/4 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon 81 
3/4 oz King's Ginger
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 dash Xocolatl Mole Bitters

Stir all ingredients, strain and serve in a coup and garnish with an orange twist.

-Photo & recipe courtesy of Wild Turkey (concoction by mixologists at Rye House in NY).

Herradura Paloma

 

Recipe:

2 oz Tequila Herradura Silver

5 oz grapefruit soda (or juice)

1 oz Lemon juice and salt

In a big ball glass put the ice and Tequila Herradura. Add salt, lemon juice and grapefruit soda (or juice).

-Photo & recipe courtesy of Herradura

 

Ole Smoky Moonshine Original

Sip a bit on the rocks.

-Photo courtesy of Ole Smoky Moonshine

 

Crown Royal XR (LaSalle)

Enjoy Crown Royal’s newest Extra Rare product neat (no ice or mixers) or with a single ice cube to really open up the flavor (a splash of water also works).

-Photo by StyleScrybe

*No matter which cocktail you and dad share, make sure you do it responsibly. Otherwise, you may end up sharing secrets that are better kept (ahem… that one time in college when ____).

 

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Monarch Monday- the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Aruna Seth Union Jack Wedges

 

Whether you’re British or not, you’ve surely heard about the festivities taking place across the pond in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the royal throne. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is in full swing, and though we’re an ocean away, it can’t hurt to keep in step with the fun. Why not wear a fun pair of red, white and blue shoes, like Aruna Seth’s Union Jack wedge (Available for $4,800 at www.arunaseth.com). Designed specifically to commemorate the Queen’s rein-niversary, they’re covered completely in Swarovski crystals and feature the Union Jack British Flag.

 

If you’re in New York, one of the best places to toast the Queen may be the London Bar at the London Hotel. If you’re it’s been a rough day, you’ll want something with a bit of a kick, like the London Red Carpet ($17). It’s combination of fresh raspberries, vodka, blood orange and lime juices, agave nectar and a bit of Thai chili pepper-infused oil creates a full, complex flavor that’s sweet, but not syrupy, with a hint of spice.

If you’re more in the mood for something light, try the Gilded Lily ($17). Created to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, it’s fresh, effervescent and quite fragrant.

Recipe (in case you’d like to toast the Queen at home):

1 oz St. Germain

3 oz Prosecco (or champagne)

2 fresh ripe strawberries

1 small pinch fresh ground Grains of Paradise

Muddle fresh strawberries in mixing glass, add St. Germain and pepper grinds. Shake with ice. After shaking pour champagne into mixing tin, stir to combine, and strain into champagne glass. 

 

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