DRINK OF THE DAY: THE SOUTHERN SHANDY

Enjoy these last precious weeks of summertime!

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DRINK OF THE DAY: GINGER LEMONGRASS BASIL SPRITZER

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Nothing like staring at cocktails on Pinterest to get you in the mood for Wednesday after-work drinks.

(After all, three days of work in a row is an accomplishment - you've gotta reward yourself!)

FOURTH OF JULY: WHAT TO EAT + DRINK

This time tomorrow, I'll be heading for the runway at the tiny airport near our beach house in North Carolina, ready to touch down for a weekend of family, sunshine, craziness, and of course, food.  We do a traditional cookout on the Fourth - cheeseburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and corn on the cob.  I personally think there's nothing better after a long day on the beach.  You can keep it simple like we do, or make your All-American meal as fancy as you want (sriracha corn or bacon bourbon baked beans, anyone?) Or go the surf route instead of the turf and enjoy some good fresh lobstah. According to my personal philosophy, a meal is not complete without dessert, so finish it off with a yummy shortcake topped with the perfect American color-combo: white whipped cream and red and blue berries!

And of, course, how could I forget something to wash it all down with? Crack open one of Budweiser's American-themed bottles to be extra festive (yes, even I will drink Bud Heavy for the occasion).  Or celebrate with another summer staple - watermelon. Soak it in tequila, dip it in salt, and you've got a portable margarita! You can sip a strawberry daquiri on the beach, or sit on the front porch and watch the Forth of July parade with some Front Porch Lemonade - a yummy mix of bourbon and ginger and lemonade. (And y'all know how much I like my bourbon.)

Above all, remember this: eat, drink, and be aMERIcan.

CHEESEBURGER / GRILLER LOBSTER / BUDWEISER / STRAWBERRY DAQUIRI / CORN ON THE COB / STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE / FRONT PORCH LEMONADE (WITH BOURBON) / TEQUILA WATERMELON / BACON BOURBON BAKED BEANS

CHAMPAGNE CLASSIC

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If you didn't have a chance to make it to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic yesterday, don't worry - neither did I.  Though champagne, sundresses, men-who-ride-horses are right up my alley. (Not to mention host Matthew McConaughey). Unfortunately, tickets to polo matches and overflowing glasses of Veuve aren't in the budget, so even though the event was so close I would taste the bubbly, I too am content to stare at pictures online.

What I should have done instead was host my own little Clicquot Classic - with a lot less polo and a whole lot more champagne.  Next time, I'm making these: champagne (or prosecco) with popsicles - perfect for a hot summer's day.  (Giant sunhat optional).

  

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CINCO DE TACO

In honor of the upcoming Cinco de Mayo weekend, I give you THE BEST TACOS EVER.

Make many, and enjoy with chips and guac, sombreros, and margs on margs.

(clockwise from top left)

01. Chili-fried Butternut Squash Tacos with Mango Pineapple Salsa 

02. Baja Fish Tacos

03. Corn + Tomatillo Tacos

04. Crockpot Cheddar Beer Chicken Tacos

05. Roasted Veggie Tacos with Avocado Cream and Feta

06. Chipotle Butternut Squash, Black Bean, and Goat Cheese Tacos

07. Shrimp and Zucchini Tacos 

And of course, enjoy....

ONE / TWO

DRINK OF THE DAY: BLACK PEPPER KUMQUAT MARGARITA

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WINE 101

Do y'all read the Everygirl?  I absolutely love it - it's full of great features on real women and they have all sorts of practical advice for us twentysomethings, such as how to stock a pantry and what kitchen tools every girl should have.  If you don't already subscribe, I highly recommend it!

One of their latest features is on Wine Education 101, and I have to say that they've done it again.  They break down each type of wine one by one, give you a glossary so you know what all those people at snooty restaurants are talking about, and they also include a little guide for how to throw your own wine tasting! As someone who loves both wine and cheese, this little soiree is right up my alley!

all photos from The Everygirl.

BE MINE, VALENTINE

all images via my pinterest

DRINK OF THE DAY: SPARKLING SANGRIA

A DofD in honor of my current Spanish-ness!  Here, they make sparkling sangria with cava, which is a special type of sparkling wine produced in Catalunya (the area of Spain which Barcelona is a part of).  
So if ya want to be all Barcelona and sh!t, try it with cava - I guarantee it'll be delish!
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DRINK OF THE DAY: BOURBON PUMPKIN SHAKES

In honor of Thanksgiving tomorrow, I present the best way to use all that leftover pumpkin!
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DRINK OF THE DAY: THE WINTER SUN

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THINGS I PINNED AND LIKED

ONE / TWO / THREE / FOUR

DRINK OF THE DAY: THE STONE FENCE

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

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DRINK OF THE DAY: COCONUT BASIL GIMLET

via here.

MADE IN THE USA

via ads of the world.

So I'm still riding the wave of patriotism that's come from these Olympic Games.  I'm such a sap when it comes to stuff like this, but the thought of everyone in the country sitting around their TVs, cheering on athletes - some of which they've never heard of before in their lives - simply because they're representing the good ol' US of A, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.  (Yes, show me those inspiring Nike, P&G, and Visa Olympic commercials and I will tear up.)  

On a completely unrelated note, I also like awesome typography and Jack Daniel's.  So this is like - BAM! The trifecta of awesomeness.  Check out these sweet letterpress posters made by the dudes at Yee Haw Industries for Jack D.  Awesome lettering, Jack Daniels, and 'Merican pride.  What more could you ask for?

DRINK OF THE DAY: BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITA

In honor of National Te-kill-ya Day, enjoy this yummy twist on the classic margarita!  Bottoms up!
via annie's eats.

DRINK OF THE DAY: BOURBON PUNCH

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DRINK OF THE DAY: THE FDR

via refinery29

STACKED

Being a college student, I tend to drink my fair share of wine.  It may be cheap wine out of cheaper glasses - sometimes accompanied by Wheat Thins and cheap cheese - but the fact that it's wine makes the whole thing seem much more glamourous.  And let's face it, college and glamourous hardly ever go together.

So when I discovered STACKED wines over at A Piece of Toast, it was like fate. Individual servings all prepackaged?  That means no washing wineglasses, and it's perfect for drinking on porches or taking on picnics.  Plus, at only $15 for a stack of four, it most definitely fits into my college budget.  Absolutely genius! Not to mention, the company is based in my neck of the woods, so I've got to show a little hometown love!  They ship all across the country, but I fully plan on visiting one of the local stores that carries STACKED this summer and filling an extra suitcase to bring back to school with me in the fall.  Trust me - my friends will love me for it.

photos from STACKED wines.