let freedom ring

July 2, 2012 by Julie 1:15 pm Leave a Comment

How it’s already July I’m not even sure. I have not a clue where June went and how the 4th of July is already upon us. We all have said many times over now how we can’t believe it’s on a Wednesday. So much for that long weekend getaway and for multiple days off work. However, it may be on a Wednesday and it may not allow you to go on that vacation you’ve been dying for, but it is still one full day off work and it calls for a celebration in one way or the other. Whether you’re going to the beach, a backyard BBQ, pool party, or just to watch the fireworks, you’ll still need a stylish ensemble to celebrate this favorite summertime holiday. All picks below are courtesy of G-STAR RAW.

AND…

If you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to check out my 4th of July fashion piece in the HuffPost Style section. Click here to read. Enjoy!

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summer table

June 21, 2012 by Julie 2:00 pm 1 Comment

Summer is all about a lot of things: beach, pool, sand, BBQ’s, weekend trips, boating, relaxation, summer parties, and the list goes on. One thing I love and I wish I did more of is entertaining friends for a summertime party. The part I love the most about entertaining is the set up process. I love organizing my list of what I need, planning where everything will go, and physically setting it all up. If I were throwing a summer soiree this weekend, my table would look a little something like this.

linen napkins in pastel hues

from SFERRA

summer bouquet of flowers similar to this one

from Flowers Made

natural colored placemats

from Crate & Barrel

white plates and bowls

from Pier 1 Imports

bamboo sticks cut up across table

from Crate & Barrel

candle votives in frosted holders

from Koyal

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cheers to the (long) weekend

May 25, 2012 by Julie 10:20 am Leave a Comment

The long weekend is here and I know I couldn’t be more excited. Whether you are going to be sitting on the beach, having a BBQ in your backyard, boating on the lake, swimming in a pool, or really anything else, your holiday weekend won’t be complete without some fabulous summer cocktails. Below you will find some incredible recipes, perfect for the weekend that kicks off summer. All recipes come from Cointreau and MARTINI. Of course, if you can’t or don’t drink alcohol – most of these drinks will be just as delicious and refreshing without it (see notes below each recipe). Have a great weekend!

Memorial Margarita
1 ½ ounces Blanco Tequila
1 ounce Cointreau
½ ounce Lemon Juice
½ ounce Lime Juice
3 basil Leaves
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Shake and strain over ice in a rocks glass.
(If not using alcohol, replace with lemonade and club soda).

Summer Sunrise Punch
1 bottle of Grey Goose Vodka
1 bottle MARTINI Bianco
1 bottle Cointreau
1/2 liter chilled chamomile tea
1/2 liter club soda or sparkling mineral water
1/2 pound sugar
Peel of 10 lemons and 10 oranges
Garnish: slices of orange, lemon, and apple
In a large punch bowl, place the citrus peel and cover with cane sugar. Pour in the vodka and cover with a cloth, leaving for 3
hours (or as little as you need). Add tea, MARTINI Bianco, Cointreau and chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, add
chilled club soda and fresh fruit. Stir well, and serve over ice in smaller tumblers or chilled wine glasses. Makes 20 servings.
(If not using alcohol, replace with club soda and orange juice).
Berry Belle Margarita
2 parts Blanco tequila
1 part Cointreau
1 part Lime juice
2 slices red bell pepper
2 raspberries
1 bar spoon raspberry preserves
Muddle raspberries with bell peppers in a mixing glass. Add the remaining ingredients with ice.  Shake vigorously and strain
into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish: Raspberries
(If not using alcohol, replace with club soda and Fresca or Sprite).
Red Summer Sangria
1 (750 ml) bottle of MARTINI Bianco vermouth
8 ounces apple juice
4 ounces cranberry juice
4 ounces simple syrup (equal parts sugar & water)
2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
8 ounces MARTINI Prosecco
1 apple, cubed
1 lemon, thinly sliced into wheels
1 orange, thinly sliced into wheels
Combine first five ingredients in a large pitcher, and stir in fruit. Chill until ready to serve (24 hours, if possible). Just prior to
serving, stir in Prosecco. Pour over ice in tall glasses. Makes 8-10 servings.
(If not using alcohol, replace with sparkling white grape juice).
Raspberry Asti Float
MARTINI Asti
1 scoop raspberry sorbet
2 or 3 raspberries
Add sorbet to chilled champagne flute and fill with MARTINI Asti.
Garnish with raspberries.
(If not using alcohol, replace with some orange juice, a touch of lime juice, a touch of club soda).

 

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