Latest Creation: Ruby Red Lychee Cocktail
February 12, 2009
Do you love it when playful creations end up becoming masterpieces? You are going to love this fabulous cocktail.
It all started innocently enough when I wanted a drink. Not just any drink, but a cocktail- something delicious and pretty. You know those nights, something boring just won’t do.
But it was raining outside and so I had no desire to go out- which means the inevitable inventing a drink with what you have on hand. Always interesting, not always a delight! But this one truly was.
So when I am in this sort of mood I tend to go for lychees- love ‘em. I have some soho lychee liqueur, but not too many options of what to mix it with. Mixed only with vodka it ends up missing something and has an unpleasant bite that takes away from the smooth flavor of the fruit. Vodka with lychee juice works fine alone, but somehow the liqueur and vodka on their own do not. So why not grapefruit, make it a citrus cocktail with some style!
The ruby red grapefruit juice not only adds a delicious taste to the mix, but it absorbs any of the bite and blends perfectly with the lychee, giving it instead a pleasant citrus yet smooth finish. The smell alone of this drink is heavenly! You must try this, and I know you will fall in love.
It is part of its charm, so pretty and so delicious!
My hunny created the measurements for me, as my live in bartender he does fantastic work and I approve! I told him what I wanted in my drink (the ingredients listed above) and he made it work wonderfully.
6 oz ruby red grapefruit
2 oz vodka
1 oz lychee liqueur
I love simple recipes, they make up some of the best out there. This gorgeous concoction is a heavenly treat you will enjoy for all occasions! Cheers, loves!
Vuuve, A Bottle With Spice & Charm
January 31, 2009
In the search of more delicious beers made in Belgium, every so often there will be something that catches my eye hidden amongs the many bottles of the store. Just look at this little bottle, it is so charming!
It was hidden behind the post that divides the shelves, and there were only a few. The label is quite simple as its description. Looking through the bottle- and seeing that I very well could not look through it, I was sold. It is just asking for a tasting, so I will bite.
Beautiful! The texture is smooth and lovely and the spice is quite welcoming- nothing overbearing either. Very nice balance, just melts in your mouth delicious.
Ingredients are simple: barley malt, wheat malt hops, coriander and fresh orange peel- also known as the spice of this beer. Goes lovely together without anything else getting in the way. Am delighted with this purchase and will definitely seek it out again, such a grand treat!
See if you can find this charming little bottle, you will be pleased you did.
A Time for Tasty Little Indulgences
January 28, 2009
Don’t you just love the special little treats that make a meal or an evening oh so special? Sometimes it means spending that extra on a fine wine or on an extraordinary appetizer. And other times it means being included in having a special home made and off the menu limoncello while dining at a restaurant with friends. This weekend I had the pleasure of indulging in both!
After experiencing another incredible Master Mind in Tampa, we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. A favorite appetizer of ours is their seafood medley pictured above- talk about delicious. This was a much awaited treat and we were not disappointed. Lobster, crab, shrimp, and more all pleasantly ready to be devoured- yum.
There is never a bite missed- and it makes for the perfect indulgence before our steaks. The best of both worlds, definitely a grand occasional treat. Makes it all the more special that we only have it with our friends.
Next, on the following evening Timothy and I were treated to a delightful dinner with his father and step mom at this hidden gem of a restaurant near their home. A wonderful Italian restaurant whose owner is from Italy- the food is always wonderful and better each time we go- quite difficult to do. The best part to me is the dessert, where the owner is kind enough to offer us some of his homemade limoncello- DELICIOUS! I love limoncello, and when properly done it is especially divine.
Yes, sometimes some special and oh so tasty indulgences are called for, and especially when loved ones can be involved. What are your special treats?
Looking Beautifully Blue With A Frosting-Like Glamor
January 17, 2009
Doesn’t it just look all shiny and radiant, yet yummy like frosting? Yay, it is officially here- my birthday! And of course I always love to dress the role. A party dress thought up just for the occasion- and of course, with the accessories and shoes to match.
I love it when three items match exactly- like this dress, shoes and purse. Absolutely adore the look and feel of it, and so I wanted to treat myself.
I purchased this dress at BCBG and the moment I saw it I knew it was mine. No questions about it, and it was brand new and no where near on sale. Didn’t matter, I knew we were meant to be. And when I tried it on and discovered it had pockets- its charm had me even more!
I *love* a short frilly dress with pockets, especially when they aren’t obvious. Something is just especially cute about it, and I feel like I have a secret that only I know. It make it extra cozy, too.
And it gets better- once I am home I realize that not only do I have a darling little clutch in the shape of a bow that matches in color, I *also* have darling high heels with a bow in the same matching color. Awesome! Never occurred to me until the instant I returned home, love when that happens. Old accessories become new again.
It is perfect, and you can imagine how pretty and fabulous I am feeling for my birthday! It is a beautiful day outside as well, sunny and refreshingly cool- I am delighted!
Lavender Beauty with a Radiant Glow
January 14, 2009
When was the last time you were given a bracelet that you instantly loved and felt connected with? It glows when you wear it and somehow you just feel pretty and fabulous, and even invincible, to the world. It is rare to find such a charm, but you know it when it happens.
For me, it is my lavender beauty:
And what beautiful timing for such a treat! My fiance has done very well with this one 
I’m quite the lucky little lady, as he always surprises me with the most wonderful things.
I love everything about this bracelet- especially the way it feels when I put it on. It is so light and delicate yet you can really sense a strong and powerful energy radiate from it. It is gorgeous!
And for me, it matches my personality and love of fashion and femininity.
I love it when jewelry has a soft and unique sound to it, and when I move these glass lavender beads make such a beautiful and soft little song. I love how they dangle from a single thin and solid band- and just look at the beads themselves, the color is so rich and gorgeous, quite even more so in person. A heart with a delicate little design- love it. I will admit I do love hearts, maybe it is the girlie child love in me but I so do still adore them.
I can wear this and not feel like it was intended for a child as a toy, though- which I like. It isn’t always easy to pull a heart off in jewelry without looking forced or foolish. And I think once again LOVEMADDS accomplished it flawlessly here.
It isn’t often a luxury like this one comes along- and you can be sure I will not be letting this discovery go, either. I am constantly excited to see what she is creating next; Madeline Rhodes is a designer with an energy of her own you can genuinely see and feel in each one of her designs. Am looking forward to seeing even more from her.
As well as indulging and treating myself The beauty of each piece having a unique personality and charm, too is that it makes for the perfect present. I have some very fashionable friends who can be difficult to shop for at times- the will they love it or hate it factor can be troublesome in department stores. But with her collection and its uniqueness I don’t have to worry and know my friends will love it! Who doesn’t love a one-of-a-kind hand crafted gem designed just for them? So fabulous!
Am looking forward to a pretty and fabulous birthday this weekend- it arrived just in time!
Decadent Deer Dinner & Luxurious Sprouts
January 10, 2009
So the big question- what do you think about brussels sprouts? And, do you like them?
Let me tell you, I have had some incredibly stubborn people have a taste of my brussels sprouts and you know what- they were *begging* for more. They absolutely loved them and told all of their friends.
And these people down right refused to even consider giving them a taste when I first mentioned them. They hated them as a child and swore to never touch them again.
Well, when I make them for dinner (by demand from those who have tried them and are present- my hunny especially), I let them know they will be on the table but they don’t have to try them. Of course, they are more than welcome to.
Well, at first sight they don’t even recognize them and are incredibly curious. They give in expecting to prove me wrong (honestly I could care less, lol) and within the first bite- BAM they are believers. They adore them!
Tonight I cooked the last of the back strap I was given from a dear friend and hunter. I *adore* venison and couldn’t pass up the chance on this. The first few meals I prepared with some broccoli, but when the grocery store finally had some fresh brussels sprouts available I wanted to finish the venison in the most luxurious way possible. And for me that is with the sprouts.
What is my secret? Hmm, don’t know if I should tell you! I will say browned butter is involved (how can you go wrong with that after all, yummy), and the way I slice them allows them to keep some crispness in their texture. These in particular I finished off in the same pan as the venison- I wanted them to absorb the juice and crisp up just a slight bit more. That soft melt in your mouth middle with the thin crisp brown buttered outside- delicious!
I came up with it completely on my own and have kept the recipe true ever since. It has been such a hit there has been no need for change. Their is always room for variations of course, which I have done from time to time (like adding prosciutto- so yummy) for a richer version. I didn’t want to compete against the venison, only compliment it, so simple is key here.
But have fun and make a recipe of your own! Have friends beg you to create their new favorite dish, or simply just enjoy it for yourself.
Also, what a fun challenge- making a dish you *think* you absolutely hate and turning into a favorite treat. Certainly makes things new again and not to mention- extra luxurious.
Golden Treats of Christmas Beauty
December 29, 2008
With Christmas comes loving time with family and friends, moments reflecting on all we are grateful for, and the luxuries of Christmas presents. It has been a beautiful year and I am now reminded of it as well as the love of my family with these golden beauties I was given this year.
First on the list is this glamorous, decadent yet simple bracelet from Coach. Isn’t it fabulous? I had no idea they had such a collection of jewelry available. It is an elegant design and full of wealth, beauty and glamor- the things I love. And as a bonus, it even matches the straps of my patent leather pumps with the gold buckle- how adorable is that?
Also on the gold theme of things, is something my Grandmother gave to me for Christmas. I love cats, especially the wild ones- combine that with gold and diamond and I am all over it. It may only be rhinestones or something of the like- but that certainly doesn’t take away the glamor of this sophisticated pin.
Pins are something I adore to collect and wear on top of scarfs, wraps, and even on top of other jewelry (strands of pearls held together by a gorgeous broach- a fabulous favorite of mine to indulge in!).
This present from my Grandmother is a new favorite of mine, and with it still being cool outside I have plenty of chances to wear it! The look and feel of it alone is rich in beauty, but knowing it was from my Grandmother adds a unique and special factor I cannot even describe. Needless to say, it is important to me and something I am very much appreciative of.
Hope your treats were just as golden, whether they were items or memories, or even just a golden note of gratitude. Christmas is such a lovely time of year. Now it is time to be ready for a new year.
For The Love Of Chocolate & Beauty
December 27, 2008
Oh but I do love chocolate. One of my favorite to indulge in on a regular basis is the Ritter Sport chocolates. Yummy and so many flavors I cannot seem to find them all quickly enough.
I think they are fun, too- with so many styles and all packaged in a convenient size. You know the square wherever you go, it stands out. Dark is generally my preference when it comes to chocolate (like truffles and especially when powder and/or bits of cocoa nibs are involved). And second to that is anything involving hazelnut or hazelnut cream/liquor. Love it.
So for me my favorites to have on hand from them are the Praline and Dark Chocolate With Hazelnuts. So yum.
I must say their Alpine Milk Chocolate is quite wonderful too- so milky and creamy. Just the right decedent consistency that melts in our mouth.
A surprise for me was the cornflakes chocolate bar- it was like nothing I imagined at all and quite lovely! It really works. I was expecting it to be ‘eh’ or ‘just okay’ but was quite happily surprised. My fiance thinks so, too (as I have noticed that one tends to disappear rather quickly without any supervision). The marzipan seems to vanish rather quickly as well, but that one is rather classic and true to form. Also delicious.
Look at them, aren’t they pretty? I am out to go enjoy some now, maybe cuddle up in bed to a movie or cartoon.
Next time you come across one I would certainly recommend picking up a bite for yourself as a lovely treat.
A Seasonal Pretty Delight For A Happy Repeal Day
December 5, 2008
First off- I like my beers one of two ways, either like my coffee- black, or simply Belgium. Though you probably know this from me by now, haha.
I was only recently introduced to this one, and it is unique in every way- in fact, it isn’t even available for most of the year. This is Delirium’s seasonal Noel Belgium beer, and it is just as lovely as Christmas!
The pink elephant on ski’s (and even pulling Santa’s sleigh) is perfect- so charming and matches the slight pink shade of the beer itself. Do not be alarmed, it is extremely lovely. It has a nice crisp spiciness to it that you want in a winter beverage, but still the solid quality you want in a beer.
And how cute is that bottle- looks even lovelier in the glass! It was too dark to get the color anywhere near noticeable in the photos, so you will have to see this one for yourself.
What a joy and special holiday treat to indulge in! And today being repeal day makes it all the more wonderful and appreciated taste.
Happy Repeal Day, everyone! What are you doing to celebrate?
