Recently in Entertaining Category

An exotic cocktail is usually labeled as anything that includes coconut rum or pineapple juice. That is not exotic, that's just gross. I have the ultimate exotic cocktail for you. While living abroad in South Korea I lived on the Yogurt Soju Cocktail. It's the easiest mixed drink you'll ever make and is truly is exotic since it's a Korean drink made with Korean alcohol. The other teachers in my province used to throw this back by the pitcher. I must say approach any drink laced with Soju with caution. It almost tastes like water, so the inclination is to pound it. Believe me, it will hit you and when it does it will hit you hard. For all kinds of Soju infused cocktails check out Little Bar.

I'm having a party next weekend.  My first party of the summer, and I know it's going to be a blast.  Besides the usual rowdy crew of family and friends, I know this party is going to be a hit because it's a margarita and cupcake party!  How can this fail?  Get everyone loaded up on margaritas and strawberry cupcakes, it's bound to be an all night great time. 

So here's how to throw together a margarita and cupcake party of your own and celebrate warm weather and drunk friends.

Margaritas are important.  This recipe is the perfect combination of lime and tequila.  So yummy!  Leave a card with the margarita recipe right next to the pitcher.  That way, when you run out, one of your guests can throw together some more.  You'll be able to enjoy the party knowing that everyone is properly hydrated!

Everyone likes food!  I'm going to make empanadas for my margarita party.  With smokey cumin and a hint of orgegano, this epicurious recipe never lets me down. Throw in some salsa and guacamole and people will be snacking all night!

How about decor?  Since I'm entertaining in a small space, I'm going to follow these tips.  The room will be lit with candles, Mexican paper flowers, and well... a pinata.  Just because I think every party should have a pinata. 

Every party is better with cupcakes, right?  I'm going to try these  strawberry cupcakes with light strawberry frosting.  The recipe is from the uber popular Sprinkles Cupcakes in Beverly Hills.  The lines around the block for their cupcakes make me think that they must be doing something right.

Whether you serve margaritas or martinis, cupcakes or brownies, you must have a summer party.  Small apartment or lavish pool house, getting together with friends and family in the summer months is always a great time. 
And yes, you're invited to my party too!  

 

With grocery prices on the rise it's no wonder celebs are so thin, they're the only people in America who can afford to eat healthy. You walk down the aisle of your local grocery store and it's cheaper to buy 12 Twinkies than it is to buy 1 apple. How do you combat this unfortunate fad? Here are some shop smart tips to help you fill up your cart.

Pass over organic produce. That's right, organic produce is very pricey and let's face it pesticides haven't killed you yet so...If you are overly concerned about ingesting it, only go organic with these 12 foods, which have far higher levels of pesticides: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes.

Avoid pre-made meals. Anything that requires a microwave to cook is off limits. While these meals are convenient, what you pay for a single serving you can buy ingredients for and have 5+ servings of the same meal.

Cutback on how much meat you're eating. Of course you need a sufficient daily intake of protein, which most of us get from meat. Well expand your sources of protein by adding more beans or even tofu into your diet.

Go for foods that are in season. Doing this can make a significant difference. When something is in season there is an overabundance for it, so stores want to have a consistent amount of turnover with it. They will drop prices so it flies off the shelves and then restock as quickly as possible. Take advantage of that.

Realize that the generic brand is just as good. Cheerios and Honey O's are the same thing, so go ahead and grab the cheaper brand. Remember that when you buy name brand all you're paying for is the label, and do you really need name brand food? It all tastes the same and ends up in the same place.

Everyone knows the best thing about brunch is the alcohol. I get excited anytime I can start throwing back cocktails before noon and not have people look at me funny. Well, these cocktails are the official drinks that are perfect for pairing with your omelet.


Bloody Mary
Grab this drink and chug-a-lug, because there's no better way to nurse a morning hangover than with more alcohol.
















Screwdriver
Next time you and the girls head out for brunch, indulge in on of these. Instead of feeling weird about getting sloshed before noon, concentrate more on all the vitamin C you're getting.












Mimosa
I like to think of this drink as the girl-y version of a screwdriver. Substitute the vodka for champagne if you want to drink up and still be coherent by the end of the meal.















Bellini
The original version of this fruity concoction is made with peach, but feel free to replace the peach puree with your favorite fruit. I like mine with strawberry.













Champagne Cocktail
This is not as friendly a drink as it sounds. Champagne and gin, this is not for a light weight. I suggest waffles if you are going to tackle this drink, otherwise you'll take it straight to the head.

Would you ever dream of making your own drink umbrellas for your next summer party?  Well, leave it to Marth Stewart to think of everything!  These drink umbrellas are super easy to make.  You could throw them together while watching that Rock of Love marathon on VH1.  All you need is a soup can, origami paper, glue and skewers.  You can get as creative as you like.  Thank Martha for the simple directions, and enjoy your party!

You don't have to have a huge, lavish house to throw a great party!  Even in a tiny apartment you can throw a party that your friends will be talking about for months to come.  Here's 5 things to make your party a hit!

Plan Your Invites Around The Space

Smaller living spaces can actually make a party feel more cozy and intimate.  Make sure you don't invite more people than can fit in your apartment.  The more the merrier though, so don't under invite either.  It's all about finding the perfect balance.

Create More Room

Make sure to give your apartment a good scrubbing before the party, then find ways to make more space in your place.  Move coffee tables and push big chairs and sofas against the walls.  Don't be afraid to completely arrange the space!

Show Off A Small Space

I've always loved the idea of filling a small space with helium balloons.  They're fun and colorful and make having a small space a positive instead of a negative!

Design a Mood

Think candle light and throw pillows.  You may not be trying to create an ultra romantic party, but candles create a great, warm light and can really light up a small room.  Add some throw pillows to instantly create extra seating.

Keep It Simple and Go For It!

Keep your food menu simple and don't be afraid to serve buffet style.  Don't mess with place settings and serving.  Let your guests relax, mingle and snack when they please.  Use your imagination, sense of style and just go for it!  Send out those evites today! 

I love coffee and I love alcohol, so it was only a matter of time before I wrote something on how to mix the two. Well, here it is. If you like a nice pick me up on a lazy Sunday afternoon or an alternative to the regular mimosa with your brunch, then try adding a dash of any one of these to your coffee.


Kahlua
Already laced with the taste of coffee it blends seamlessly into your cup.

Amaretto
Laden with a nutty flavor, it is easy to incorporate a splash of this into your late afternoon pick-me-up.

Irish Creme
It's smooth whiskey kick is a classic addition to java.

Butterscotch Schnapps
Pour a bit of this into your drink and it's like sipping a toffee treat.

Frangelico
This liqueur balances the tastes of vanilla and hazelnut very nicely, offering the perfect menage-a-trois of flavors.

Peppermint Schnapps
A hint of mint takes your coffee to another level, think peppermint mocha.

 

When I think of summer, I think of getting together with friends in sunny back yards, laughing by the pool, eating food fresh off the grill, and having fun cocktails.  Summer is definitely my favorite time of year.  I love to throw parties focused around food and fun, and great cocktails are always a part of the equation.  Here are 5 fun vodka cocktails that are definitely going to be included in my summer cocktail parties.

 

The Vodka Watermelon-

Celebrate summer like you're in those early college days again.  A giant vodka soaked watermelon is perfect for that summer pool party.  Get started a few days before the party.  Here's how to make the magic happen-  Lay the watermelon so that it rests without moving on a counter.  Carve a hole through the thick watermelon skin into the pink flesh.  Make sure the whole is large enough to fit a funnel.  Wedge the funnell firmly into the hole you just carved.  Now comes the vodka!  Pour about 1 cup of good quality vodka into the funnell.  Let sit to absorb.  When the liquid is absorbed, pour in another cup of vodka.  This process may take 2 days, depending on how long it takes your melon to get saturated with vodka.  When ready to serve, simply slice the watermelon into chunks.  Serve with a warning and a devilish smile!

 Long Island Iced Tea- A Giant Pitcher

Only an old school Long Island themed party to honor this classic cocktail-  think gold chains, long acrylic nails, big hair, leggings and heals.  Wait.. is that Long Island or New Jersey?  Either way, how could this party go wrong?  With a pitcher of Long Island Iced Tea it's sure to be a party!  The formula is easy and can be adjusted depending on how many thirsty guests you have. 

   

 

 Vanilla Bean Infused Vodka-

Maybe you'd like to class up your summer party a bit.  With a little planning, you can throw together this super easy, ultra classy vodka.  Simply buy 3 vanilla beans and a good quality vodka.  Run a knife down the center of the vanilla beans to split the pods open and reveal the seeds.  Place in an air tight container.  Pour the vodka over the beans, seal and set aside for 5-7 days.  Keep out of direct sunlight.  After a few days, open the jar and sample your couture vodka.  It may need a bit more time for the vanilla flavor to really come through.   

 

Vanilla Vodka White Russians

-

What are you going to do with all that vanilla infused vodka once you have it made?  Why not throw a Big Lebowski party and make White Russians?  White Russians are a super simple, slightly sweet cocktail more recently made popular by the movie The Big Lebowski.  The drink is simple.  Fill a glass with ice.  Pour in one part vanilla vodka followed by one part kahlua and topped with one part cream.  Give it a quick stir and you've got one refreshing cocktail. 

 

Couture Jello Shots-

Nothing says ridiculous party like Jello Shots.  Why not get creative with them?  Try these Grape Monster Jello Shots-  Add 2 cups of boiling water to 1 package of grape jello.  Whisk until all of the jello is dissolved.  Stir in 1 cup cold grape juice, and 1 cup of raspberry vodka.  Pour the mixture into tiny plastic cups and refrigerate until firmed.  And that's a party! 

OMG, it's almost here! Only four more days till the highly anticipated Sex and the City: The Movie premieres. Yes, I have already bought my tickets and will be heading to the theater 15 deep, sans the BF. While I was never a fan of the show until forced to watch every episode three times, I was living in Korea at the time and it was one of the few shows in English, I am now a carbon copy of the women who loved it in it's prime. I'm not going to lie, I have very little faith that a 2 1/2 hour episode of Sex and the City on the big screen will hold my attention, I can't help but revel at the idea of watching SJP and the rest of the girls fake their way through being BFFs with Kim Cattrall, the hours of bad puns and fabulous fashion. Besides, I want to know if Carrie really ends up with Big, damn it!
Check out the ladies' style here...and stay tuned for a Monday Morning Review
 

 

I know it's wedding season, but have you also noticed that it seems to be baby shower season as well?  More than a few of my friends are expecting and it seems like every other weekend I find myself at a shower playing embarassing baby games.  But we all know what happens after the games- cake!  And cake makes everything right with the world. 

I love this cake decorating idea from the Oueen of all pretty things- Martha Stewart.  They're square cakes, shaped and decorated like baby blocks.  Martha gives fantastically detailed instructions, so don't be afraid to try this for yourself.  You never know, this cake might just get you a pass on those baby shower games!