Fresita Sangria with Sugar Lime Rim - Recipe

Whenever I see sangria on the menu at a new restaurant, I feel compelled to order it to try their variation, especially if fresh fruit is involved! It always reminds me of summer days relaxing on a patio, sunglasses on, chatting and soaking in some sun with friends. Which can be a very welcome respite in the usual rainy months of Vancouver. It's like a mini-vacation in a glass.

Fresita is a Chilean sparkling wine that's infused with freshly-picked intensely flavored Patagonian strawberries. I thought this would act as a great base for a sangria, so grabbed a bottle from a nearby BC liquor store and set about creating a recipe. I personally love fruit, so I incorporated a lot of it into this drink, but you can play around and adjust that to your own taste.



Ingredients: 

-1 cup kiwi, muddled

-1 cup blueberries

-1 cup sliced lemons

-1 cup sliced limes

-1 cup sliced grapefruit

-1 cup triple sec

-1 bottle chilled Fresita 750ml

-2 tbs raw cane sugar (for rim)

Instructions:

1. Zest a lime onto a plate, and add the cane sugar.

2. Pour the triple sec into a pitcher, and add sliced fruit (lemon, lime and grapefruit). Chill in refrigerator for 1.5 hours to develop the flavors.

3. When ready to serve, rub a sliced lime over the rim of the glass, and dip into sugar lime mixture. Add a generous spoonful of muddled kiwi.

4. Take out the pitcher, and add the Fresita. Pour it into each rimmed glass, and top off with blueberries.

Enjoy!

*This post was sponsered by Branding & Buzzing*

 

White on Black

This past weekend was the fashion and beauty summit BeautyCon held out in sunny Los Angeles, and I was fortunate enough to get a chance to check it out!

I wanted to wear something simple and relaxed for the day, yet still look chic and polished. I ended up going with a minimalistic white top and some high waisted leather shorts, topped off with a statement necklace.

Deighton Cup 2014

I've always coveted the beautiful and intricate hats that are commonly seen at daytime events in Europe. However, there aren't too many places in Vancouver that one can don a fascinator without attracting stares of puzzlement or criticism.

The annual Deighton Cup event seeks to be different by encouraging chic fancy hats and dapper suits with pocket squares. Held at the historic Hastings Racecourse, it was a charming afternoon of stylish outfits, fine cocktails and lively entertainment.

Fresh Watermelon Mint Beer Popsicles - Recipe

Watermelon is one of my all-time favourite fruits. On a hot summer day, there's nothing like biting into cold sweet cubes of juicy watermelon to cool off. I decided to take it one step further, and created some Watermelon Popsicles!

It's super simple to make, with just pure watermelon being the main ingredient. I threw in some fresh chopped mint and a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the flavours, but be careful not to add too much so that it's not overpowering.

I also spiked these with some Samuel Adams Boston Lager beer, which you can usually get it at any local liquor store in Canada. I got mine from a BC Liquor Store here in Vancouver.

See below for the recipe!

Ingredients:

-2 cups watermelon cubed

-1 tablespoon chopped mint

-Squeeze of lemon juice

-1/2 cup beer (I used Samuel Adams Boston Lager)

-1 tablespoon simple syrup (optional depending on how sweet the watermelon is)

Instructions:

1. Blend watermelon with mint and lemon juice until smooth

2. Add beer to mixture

3. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze

4. Add popsicle sticks after 20 minutes

5. Freeze an additional hour or until completely set.

Happy popsicle making!

*This post was sponsered by Branding & Buzzing*

Pop of Pink

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the beautiful sight of cherry blossom trees blooming all around the city. The delicate pink petals floating throughout the air paint Vancouver in a wash of romance.

It's a shame that they only last for a few weeks, but I suppose that's what makes them so special and celebrated. Their fleeting nature adds weight to their beauty and reverence.
  
I felt inspired to put together a bright spring-time outfit with loud splashes of color.
  
Experimented in shooting with my Nikon 55-200 mm camera lens, which I barely ever use due to neglectful laziness.

W Skin Care - Microdermabrasion + LLLT (Cold Laser)

If you follow Lainey Gossip, you'll know that she loves and raves about Lorinda Zimmerman's W Skin Care services as the anti-aging and facial miracle worker. I recently had a chance to try out their famous double blast treatment at the original Vancouver location, and loved the experience. It's known to attract Hollywood actresses who actually fly down from LA just for the day for appointments. The unique combination of microdermabrasion and Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) is heralded for its effective yet natural looking results.

I am very wary of youth-seeking treatments like botox or fillers as they have the tendency to come out looking too severe and obvious in that "you've had work done" way. Which is why I really like Zimmerman's restorative approach to skin care. Non-invasive, and more focused on enhancing the skin's natural radiance vs. dramatically changing one's face. Less Real Housewives and more Kate Bosworth.The clinic was bright and airy with a gallery-esque feel. Signiture Northwest Coast art pieces displayed throughout the serene space. 

Mad about Plaid

When I was in junior high, I was dying to get contacts. I thought glasses were clunky, and an immediate indication of your nerd level. But after years of wearing soft lenses 7 days/week, I've learned to love and look forward to those few days a week where I just let my eyes breathe.

Here's an outfit I wore with my deep brown wayfarer frames and comfy plaid flannel shirt.