5 O’ Clock Friday Finale: Nielsen-Massey’s Rose Sangria

There’s something about summer and sangria – the two pair so well together it’s hard to imagine having one without the other.  If you’re hosting a summer soiree anytime soon, try this tasty Rose Sangria from Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.   With a reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas have been tempting our taste buds for over 100 years.  TGIF dolls!

Nielsen-Massey’s Rose Sangria
Serves 4-6

1 apple, peeled and quartered
10 whole cloves
1 lemon, thinly sliced rounds
1 lime, thinly sliced rounds
1 orange, thinly sliced rounds
⅓ cup Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar
½ cup brandy, chilled
1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine, chilled
1 ½ cups pulp free orange juice, chilled
¼ teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Rose Water
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract
fresh mint sprigs for garnish

Stud apple by pushing the clove stems into the prepared apple quarters. In a large glass pitcher, place the clove-studded apple quarters with the citrus fruit slices. Sprinkle Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar over the fruit, pour brandy over the sugared fruit and toss
to coat. Place in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours to infuse the flavors.  Before serving, remove the clove-studded apple and discard, crush the infused citrus fruits slightly with a wooden spoon. Stir in the wine, orange juice, Nielsen-Massey Rose Water and Nielsen-Massey Tahitian Pure Vanilla Extract. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.

Note: Add additional Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar, orange juice or soda water for taste variation.

Enjoy this Iced Horchata Recipe Featuring Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Sweet Cream!

Mmm-mmm!  Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Sweet Cream makes the below traditional Mexican beverage, the Iced Horchata, a bit more contemporary.  Plus it’s made with only milk, cream and sugar…we love an ingredient list we can pronounce! 

Iced Horchata (makes 6)

4 cups hot water
1 cup white rice, rinsed and drained
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Sweet Cream
4 ounces spiced rum (optional)
Ice cubes
Ground cinnamon

Combine water, rice and cinnamon sticks in large bowl; cool. Cover; refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

Remove cinnamon sticks. Spoon rice into food processor or blender (reserve soaking liquid); cover. Process on high for 3 to 4 minutes. Add reserved soaking liquid and sugar; process for 2 minutes. Strain mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve into a pitcher, pressing the rice solids until only a dry paste remains; discard paste. Stir Coffee-mate and rum into mixture.

Serve over ice. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Enjoy a Fresh Summer Spin on Sun-Tea

In case you’ve been stuck inside air conditioned bliss and haven’t ventured outside recently, it is scorching!  Hot weather always yields a just right reason for sun-tea, and here are two non-traditional sun-teas to try this summer from Ian Ward, mixologist at Snake Oil Cocktail Company in San Diego.  Enjoy!

Minneola Sun Tea

2 Liters Warm Water
2 Minneola Oranges
1 C Honey
½ C Earl Grey

In a large glass container, combine the water, tea leaf and oranges.  Allow 1 hour to pass, giving the tea proper time tea gently steep.  Taste to make sure the orange and tea have had enough time to infuse.  If both need more time…leave both. If one of the ingredients needs more time to infuse, remove the other ingredient and leave the slow poke ingredient in they water. Taste until you are satisfied. Remove all ingredients from the water when you are happy. Whisk in honey to
the container, and disperse into serving jars or pitchers.

Adult Version
Campari Sun

½ Ounce of Campari
1 Ounce of Lemoncello
1 ½ Ounce of Minneola Sun Tea
Slice of Minneola Orange
Combine the Campari, Lemoncello & Sun Tea in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake, and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with a
slice of Minneola orange."

Prepare for the 4th with these Great Cocktail Recipes!

As you’re making your shopping lists for your Fourth of July soirees, try these fun party cocktails featuring Denizen Rum and PAMA Liqueur!

Red, White & Vodka
Created by Eben Freeman, AltaMarea Group

1 oz. PAMA Liqueur
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. White Chocolate Liqueur
0.5 oz. Simple Syrup
Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish by floating pomegranate seeds on top.

 

 

Tea It Up
Created by Eben Freeman, AltaMarea Group

1 oz. PAMA Liqueur
1 oz. Bourbon
3 oz. Iced Tea
3 oz. Lemonade
Dash Peach Bitters
Combine all ingredients in a Mason jar. Fill with ice and garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig.

 

 

 

Grilled Pineapple Crush
Created by Marshall Altier, JBird Cocktails, NYC

2 oz. Denizen Rum
1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
¾ oz. Simple Syrup
3 wedges Grilled Pineapple
2 dashes Vanilla Extract
Ground Black Pepper
Muddle 2 wedges of grilled pineapple and vanilla bean in simple syrup. Pour remaining ingredients in a shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with 1 wedge pineapple dusted lightly with black pepper.

Georgia Summer
Created by Marshall Altier, JBird Cocktails, NYC

2 oz. Denizen Rum
½ oz. Demerara Syrup (2:1)
½ Grilled Peach, pitted and cut into 4 wedges
½ Lemon, cut into 4 wedges
3 Large Basil Leaves
In a mixing tin, muddle lemon and peaches in Demerara Syrup to a paste. Add basil leaves and lightly press with muddler. Add Denizen Rum and ice and shake 15-20 seconds. Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with 1 large basil leaf.

NBA Stars and their Geek-Chic Eyewear from LensCrafters

While the NBA Finals may have ended your man can at least style himself to look like his favorite player.  The geek-chic look is still on trend for summer as demonstrated at press conferences throughout the playoffs from Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.  If the men are looking for styles like their favorite players, LensCrafters offers these options (among many others), the Ray-Ban 5255 (Top, $159.95) and Dolce & Gabbana 3124 (Bottom, $310).

Do Good While you Shop!

Two new items are available at Same Sky, the gorgeous Unity Bracelets ($145) and Hope Necklaces ($395) both in a variety of colors.  Why purchase from Same Sky?

In 1994, during the Rwandan Genocide, women were subjected to sexual violence on a massive scale.  More than 250,000 women were raped and, of the survivors approximately 70% were infected with HIV/AIDS (International Criminal Tribunal).  After their husbands, fathers and brothers were murdered, many of these women were left impoverished.  Same Sky has provided employment to these women who are desperately trying to lift themselves from their poverty stricken conditions.  The women artisans have been trained to crochet and make bracelets using Same Sky’s hand-blown glass beads, giving them both a marketable skill and steady employment.

Visit SameSky.com for more information or to shop for more items! 

Fabulously Quick and Healthy Meals Thanks to Fit Cuisine!

We hate those stressful days when you’ve barely had time to breath yet you still have to come home and cook something for yourself or family.  Francesca Pucher, General Manager of New Jersey’s Fitness 121 Personal Training, and holder of multiple fitness and nutrition certifications couldn’t agree more.  Time management combined with healthy living served as her inspiration for her new cookbook, Fit Cuisine, which is full of nutritious, delicious, and time efficient recipes.  Fit Cuisine is available at Amazon for $14.50 or grab the Kindle Edition for $3.99.  Enjoy this exclusive recipe for 24-7 Style readers below – so delicious I skipped the main course and opted for a second serving of salad!

Cucumber Roast Pepper and Tomato Salad

2 large cucumbers (peeled and sliced)
2 large roasted red peppers (from a jar and washed)
1 tbsp. sliced black olive (or your favorite type of olive)
6 oz. cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 1/2 tbsps. cut-up, low-fat mozzarella (slice the block long-ways and cut into small pieces)Sprinkle of Mrs. Dash (Italian Medley Blend)
1 tbsp. plain balsamic vinegar

Take your cucumber, peppers, olives, and tomatoes and put them into a serving bowl. Sprinkle your seasoning on top and toss. Add your balsamic vinegar and cheese, toss again, and serve.

From the Author…

This was another dish we ate growing up. I always remember my mother having this salad with dinner in the summer. It has always stayed with me, but I wanted to take a different spin on it by adding a bit more flavor and pizzazz. This was what I felt worked best with these ingredients. You can serve this dish chilled or at room temperature. It’s great as a side dish with your favorite grilled protein, or as a refreshing, light salad.

Time: 20 minutes
Serving: 4-6

Thoroughly Modern Milkshake’s Sneak Peak!

Yum!!!  You’ll love the two recipes below from Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes, out today!  See our post from earlier on other great features from the book, including author Adam Reid’s tips to creating the perfect shake!  Enjoy!

Malted Caramel Shake
Makes about 3½ cups or 28 oz.

½ cup cold whole or low-fat milk (about 4 ounces)
¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon malted milk powder (about ½ ounce)
8 medium scoops caramel, caramel swirl, or dulce de leche ice cream (about 1 quart), softened until just melty at the edges

Place the milk, vanilla extract, and malted milk powder in a blender and blend to mix thoroughly, about 15 seconds. Add the ice cream and pulse several times to begin breaking it up. With the blender motor off, use a rubber or silicone spatula to mash the mixture down onto the blender blade. Continue pulsing, stopping, and mashing until the mixture is well blended, thick, and moves easily in the blender jar, roughly 30 to 90 seconds. Pour into a chilled glass or glasses, and serve at once.

Honeydew-Cucumber Shake with Cucumber Granita
Makes about 3½ cups/28 ounces

So pale is this shake’s green shade that you could almost call it silver. A cap of luminous, icy, cucumber-flavored granita, even paler green if that’s possible, completes a look that is about as debonair as a milkshake can be. The high water content of honeydew gives this shake a slightly thinner, and even more slurpable, consistency than most of the others. Use any type of cucumber you wish for the granita.

2 tablespoons sugar (about 1 ounce)
2 tablespoons water (about 1 ounce)
Pinch salt
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
3/4 medium cucumber (about 8 ounces), peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
½ small, ripe honeydew melon (about 1 pound), peeled, seeded and cut into 1 ½-inch chunks (about 3 cups)
6 medium scoops vanilla bean or original vanilla ice cream (about 1 ½ pints), softened until just melty at the edges

For the granita – Bring the sugar and water to a gentle boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, swirling the pan to dissolve the sugar; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3 minutes. Off the heat, cool sugar syrup to room temperature. Place the sugar syrup, salt, 2 teaspoons of the lime juice, and the cucumber in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the cucumber mixture into a shallow container. Cover and freeze until softly frozen (not solid), 2 ½ to 3 hours. Remove from the freezer and gently run a dinner fork gently through the frozen mass to break it down into loose, icy crystals. Cover the container and return it to the freezer. Freeze until firm, checking and raking the granita with the fork every hour or two to keep the crystals loose and fine, at least 7 hours.

For the shake -- Place ½ cup (about 2 ½ ounces) of granita, the honeydew, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of lime juice in a blender and blend to break down the honeydew completely, about 1 minute. Add the ice cream and pulse several times to begin breaking it up. With the blender motor off, use a flexible spatula to mash the mixture down onto the blender blades. Continue pulsing, stopping, and mashing until the mixture is well blended, thick, and moves easily in the blender jar, roughly 30 to 90 seconds. Pour into a chilled glass or glasses, top each with ½ cup (about 2 ½ ounces) granita, and serve at once.

Pick Up Your Copy of Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes Today!

Just in case your calendar isn’t marked, July is National Ice Cream Month!!!  And what better way to prepare than with Adam Reid’s Thoroughly Modern Milkshakes out today!  The book of 100 “Thick and Creamy Shakes You Can Make at Home,” is full of both the common and uncommon in terms of ingredients – herbs and spices, jams and preserves, tangy cultured dairy products, nuts and seeds, summer produce, and for those of you really wanting to enjoy your shakes – a little booze!  And if you watching you’re counting calories this summer, there is an entire chapter devoted to lower-fat, frosty and refreshing treats such as fruit liquados and batidos, agua frescas, and yogurt-based lassis.

Need some tips to create the perfect shake?   Reid, a columnist for the Sunday Boston Globe Magazine and regular guest on America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Country from America’s Test Kitchen offers these hints to assure your success:

• If you’re making a batido or liquado that calls for ice, blend or crush the cubes first, before adding the other ingredients (your confections will be smoother that way).
• The ingredient order is muy importante – liquids and flavorings go in first (including those of the viscous and solid form like honey and fruit), blend, THEN add then add the ice cream or sorbet, which always goes in last.
• Start mixing by pulsing the blender, which begins to break down the volume of ice cream and sorbet.  Take the time while mixing to stop blending, remove the lid and mash the ice cream down into the jar to pop air pockets that form and break the surface tension between the ice cream and the walls of the blender jar.  Once you’ve added all ingredients continue blending until the mixture moves freely.  The longer you blend the thinner the shake becomes!
• Soften the ice cream!  Reid lets his containers sit on the counter for about 12 minutes prior to blending. 

Check out these two amazing recipes from the book: Malted Caramel Shake and Honeydew-Cucumber Shake with Cucumber Granita!

Win Twisted Sista’s Leave-In Conditioner to Keep you Sensational this Summer!

Summer has a way of bringing out the best of our beauty doesn’t it?!?  It’s no wonder, with as much as we pamper our skin – we moisturize, we exfoliate and we use sunscreen (among other things).  BUT, what are we doing for our hair?  You haven’t even thought about it have you?

Fortunately, Twisted Sista has you covered!  The line, known for its celebration of curls, frizz-fighting qualities, volumizing attributes and love of the poker straight, has a product for all of us.  Their brand new leave-in conditioner contains lychee, a fruit holistic ingredient that is able to reduce color fading of dyed hair as well as protect against the toxic effects of oxygen radical stress.  The lightweight detangler eliminates frizz while conditioning at the same time.  The formula is also infused with Argan Oil and Green Tea Extract keeping troublesome ends in their place creating shinier, stronger and static-free hair.

Want to be one of the first beauties to try the new Leave-In?  Twisted Sista is giving away 5 conditioners to 5 lucky 24-7 Style readers!  Just like their Facebook page and post your favorite summer hair trend!

Be sure to comment on this post letting us know you’ve completed the task.  Earn an extra entry by liking 24-7 Style as well!  Open to US residents; your entries must be received by Monday July 9th!  Good luck!!!

Fancy yourself with a Blueberry Mojito!

MmmMmm…fresh mint and blueberries are the key ingredients to this twist on a common summer-sipper from 1785 Inn & Restaurant in New Hampshire.  TGIF dolls!

Blueberry Mojito
(The Official Drink of Summer at 1785 Inn & Restaurant)

1 dozen mint leaves
1 Tablespoon simple syrup
1 lemon quartered
1 cup ice
1½ ounces blueberry vodka
1 ounce of sparkling water

Muddle the mint and simple syrup together in a 16 ounce bar glass, squeeze the lemon quarters into the mixture, add the ice, blueberry vodka, and sparkling water. Stir well, pour into a 15-ounce hurricane glass, add a sprig of fresh mint on top, and serve with a cocktail straw. We infuse our own blueberry vodka by marinating blueberries in a good vodka for 6 to 8 weeks (1/3 blueberries & 2/3 vodka), then strain off the vodka and refrigerate it.

Epic Entertaining with Eppa Sangria!

Entertaining on a whim this weekend and need something quick to put together?  Look no further than Eppa Sangria, a 120-calorie per glass Sangria enhanced with natural fruit like pomegranate, Mediterranean blood oranges, acai berries and blueberries.  The minds at Eppa have put together a few recipes to make their Sangria even more delectable (and save you time in the kitchen)!

"Eppa Punch"
1 bottle Eppa Sangria
1 green apple
Cranberries
Oranges, cinnamon sticks optional

Chop apples and cranberries and pour mixture into a decanter with 1 bottle of Eppa Sangria. Allow blend to sit in the fridge for an hour to chill and flavors to mesh.

 

 

 

"Eppatini"
3 oz. Eppa Sangria
2 oz. apple juice
1.16 tsp. vanilla

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with cranberries and apple slices.

 

 

 

"Sparkling Eppa"
3 oz. Eppa Sangria
2 oz. sparkling wine

Pour chilled ingredients into a glass. Garnish with green apples and cranberries.

Sweet Summer Concoctions from Boston’s Brasserie Jo!

Two things synonymous with summer: fresh fruit and ice-tea.  Which make the three recipes below, from Boston’s Brasserie Jo, the perfect summer drinks for your next soiree.  Created by Brasserie Jo’s general manager, sommelier, and mixologist David Cicciarella these unique concoctions are to please both you and your guests!

Peach Blossom

1½ oz. Hendrick’s Gin
Rosewater (2 drops)
2 oz. Pureed Peaches
Splash of Champagne

Fill martini shaker with ice.  Add Hendrick’s Gin, Rosewater and Pureed Peaches.  Shake vigorously.  Strain into martini glass.  Fill remaining martini glass with Champagne.  Add lemon twist as garnish.

Cherry Bomb

1 oz. 44 North Rainier Cherry Vodka
2 oz. Maurin Quina le Puy
Splash Fresh Lime Juice
¾ oz. Simple Syrup
Splash Champagne

Fill martini shaker with ice.  Add Cherry Vodka, Maurin Quina le Puy, Lime Juice and Simple Syrup.  Shake vigorously.  Strain into martini glass.  Fill to the top with Champagne.  Add a cherry as garnish.

Citrus Tea

1½ oz. Hanger One Citron Buddah’s Hand Vodka
2 oz. Freshly Brewed Green Tea
Splash of Lemon Juice
1 T Agave Nectar

Fill martini shaker with ice.  Add Hanger One Citron, Freshly Brewed Green Tea, Lemon Juice and Agave Nector.  Shake vigorously.  Strain into martini glass and add lemon wedge as garnish.

Stars and their Denim: Citizens of Humanity and GOLDSIGN Round-Up!

Of the above 5 ladies, whose look are you loving?

1) Pippa Middleton in Goldsign “Misfit” Slim Leg Jeans in Focus ($200) while grabbing coffee in Chelsea.
2) Shakira is adorable at LAX June 9th in Goldsign “Quinn” slim bootcut jeans in Wally ($224).
3) Out to lunch June 11th, Rachel Bilson was cute in Goldsign “Jenny” high rise, selvage, slim leg, cuffed jeans in Debut ($288).
4) Jennifer Garner looked comfy in Citizens of Humanity “Ava” classic straight leg jeans in Honor ($189) while running errands June 7th.
5) Strutting her stuff with a smile on her face, newly engaged Miley Cyrus wears Citizens of Humanity “Chloe” High Waist Cut-Off Shorts in French Dip June 20th ($178).

Can’t Get Enough of the Mullet

We’re still loving the Mullet-Dress trend this summer as it’s taken the word from trashy to classy in one small season.  Here are our faves from Shopbop (L to R):

Kelly Wearstler Primal Dress $420; Jen’s Pirate Booty French Goddess Dress $319; Haute Hippie Chiffon Layered Wrap Dress $416.50; Thayer Wild One Floral Maxi Dress $385

$100 Shopbop Gift Card Giveaway!

Without actually knowing any one of you reading this, I already know we have one thing in common: we L-O-V-E love Shopbop!  The online site with hot styles from our favorite designers and new ones as well, is a one-stop shop for our favorite fashions.  We’re currently obsessed with the Tucker Clothing line (their summer dresses are adorable), Costume National Shoes (the 1 Band Clog Sandals are screaming my name) and Marc by Marc Jacobs Bags (wow…their brights are on my most-wanted).

So now that we’ve decided we’re all obsessed with Shopbop, I know one more thing we have in common: we would all covet $100 to spend on their site!  I’m right, right?!?  Here’s your chance to win a $100 Shopbop gift card, to spend anyway you like!  Just comment on this post telling us what you would purchase with one-hundred Shopbop dollars!  Summer sandals, a DVF wrap-dress, new clutch?  Your choices are endless and we can’t wait to hear what you love!

Plus, you can garner two bonus entries:

Follow @247style on Twitter (already following?  Just let us know!) and
Tweet the following – Be sure to enter the @247style $100 @Shopbop gift-card giveaway!  http://tiny.cc/pgc7fw

Speaking of social media, did you know Shopbop is now on Pinterest?  Follow Shopbop Pinterest to see all of their fabulous fashions!

Contest ends Thursday, July 5th!  Open to US and International residents!

Good luck!!

Become a Star Courtesy Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Video Contest

Alright culinary enthusiasts…now is your time to shine!  How would you like an all-expense paid trip to New York City to cook alongside Food Network Chef Claire Robinson?  And a coffee date with the chef to talk food, shoes, or whatever else floats-your-boat?  And that’s not all dolls (I’m channeling my inner Price Is Right hosting voice)…you could also appear on a nationally broadcast television show with Claire herself (by that point, you’ll be on a first-name basis)!

Enter Coffee-mate’s Twice the Bliss video contest and this could be you!  Create your recipe using Coffee-mate’s Twice the Bliss, film the process, and submit it on Facebook.  Deadline is June 25th! 

Visit the Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Facebook page for more details!

Good luck, hope you win!!!  ♥♥♥

Coffee-Cup Oatmeal makes a Great Breakfast or Snack!

Ok, so, I can’t take credit for the originality of this clever idea for oatmeal.  I saw it on Pinterest courtesy MyFitnessPal.com, a site designed to help people lose weight in a healthy manner.  While their idea is probably healthier for you, I found it a little bland and tweaked it to be a little more “me” in terms of flavor.  And, once it’s finished cooking, I actually stir it up in the mug and eat it that way, but, showing a glob of oatmeal cooked in a coffee-cup is somehow more intriguing, no?

Coffee-Cup Oatmeal

¼ cup Quick Oats
1 Egg
2 T Milk
Between 1 tsp. and 1 T Brown Sugar (around there anyways, I don’t really measure some things when I cook)
Cinnamon (again, I didn’t measure this…a little more than a sprinkle)
Handful of berries or other fruit

Add ingredients to coffee mug.  Stir thoroughly (I like to stir then add my berries, but, to each her own).  Microwave for between 60 and 90 seconds (I find 1:10 my ideal cooking time).

So good!!!!  Enjoy!!!  

Add this to your Summer Whish List

No typo there, we’re ca-razy excited over Whish Body’s Summer Whishes Set.  The perfect gift for yourself or a friend, the set includes 3 oz. each of Whish Coconut Milk Exfoliating Body Wash, SPF 15 Self Tanner, and DNA Repair Gel, all of which are made in the USA with earth friendly packaging and organic ingredients. 

About each product…

Exfoliating Body Wash  I love body washes but admit I use them because they smell good, not because they might benefit my skin in anyway.  Enter Whish’s Exfoliating Body Wash.  The wash exfoliates through the use of natural ingredients like Sugar Cane, Lemon, Orange, Apple and Green Tea Extract AHA Complex, a natural alpha hydroxy acid complex that helps skin tone appear brighter and clearer.  It also moisturizes (gasp…a wash that doesn’t dry our skin???) with Panthenol, Organic Shea Butter and Organic Coconut Oil.  And most important…it cleanses with glycerin and Oat Extract.  Annnnnnnd oh yeah, the coconut scent is amazing!!!

SPF 15 Self Tanner  You know those self tanners that turn you orange, streak and generally are full of empty promises?  I’m happy to report, this is not one of them!  Leaving my skin a sun-kissed brown, after just one application, I looked like I came from the beach not Snooki’s Tanning Parlor, and the natural ingredients are super moisturizing.  Of course, once again, the coconut scent is amazing!!!

Correcting Gel  We all know the importance of sunscreens, but inevitably, at least once a summer, I either forget to apply it, or think I’m not getting any sun, when in reality I’m frying myself.  Tisk, tisk, I know.  Correcting Gel’s is clinically proven to decrease the appearance of sun damage with results similar to applying SPF20 prior to sun exposure.  In addition, Correcting Gel is full of soothing and moisturizing ingredients including manuka honey, organic acai berry extract and organic Chinese boxthorn.  And guess what???  The coconut scent is amazing!!!

Summer Whishes Body Set is available at WhishBody.com for $32, or you can also purchase each item individually ($22, $34, and $32 respectively).  I am a HUGE fan of the entire Whish Body line, so be sure to check out each of their other fabulous items!

**A sample was provided for review purposes, but no worries, opinions are my own.

Secret Ingredient? Almond Milk! A 5 O’ Clock Friday Special!

Add this to your “gotta-try-it-hit-list.”  The Lost in Laos cocktail, created by Matthew Bianccaniello, Mixologist at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel’s Library Bar, created this special concoction for Almond Board of California.  Enjoy!

Lost in Laos
3-4 kaffir lime leaves
3/4 oz. (21 g) of fresh lime juice
3/4 oz. (21 g) agave syrup
½ oz. (14 g) of Green Chartreuse
2 oz. (55 g) gin
2 oz. (55 g) unsweetened almond milk

Directions
In a cocktail shaker, muddle together kaffir lime leaves, lime juice and agave, approximately 2 minutes. Add liquors, almond milk and ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Collins glass with ice, Garnish with kaffir lime leaves on the side.

Sweet Summer! Grilled Drink Recipes from the Grill Grrrl!

While summer brings many many wonderful things, two of everyone’s favorites seem to be socializing and grilling.  That being said, If you’re entertaining this weekend, why not try one of these amazing “grilled” drink recipes from Robyn Medlin, aka, the Grill Grrrl!  The grilling pro, who has been featured on the Cooking Channel, below shares four grilled cocktail favorites.  Bottoms up!

Grilled Vodka Lemonade
6 Lemons, cut in half
Vodka
Ice
Basil infused simple syrup

Put lemons on the grill with flat side on the grill. Grill lemons until they get slightly charred and smoky, about 5-8 minutes.  Take lemons off the grill and juice lemons.  Add ice to glass, pour 2 ounces of vodka, then add 2 ounces basil infused simple syrup, fill the rest of the glass with lemonade.  Add sprig of basil for garnish.

Grilled Peach Bellini
3 peaches, cut in half
Bourbon brown sugar
Champagne

Put peaches on the grill with the flat side on the grill. Grill peaches until they get slightly charred and smoky, about 5-8 minutes.  Take peaches off the grill.  Grate peaches with the charred side down, the grated peach will be used as a puree.  Add pinch of bourbon smoked brown sugar to glass (or any other brown sugar you want).  Add dollop of peach puree – about a tablespoon.  Fill glass to top with your choice of champagne.

BBQ Bloody Mary
2 cups course salt
6 lemons
2 jalapeños
1 750 milliliters Four Roses Bourbon*
Barbecued Bloody Mary Mix

Barbecued Bloody Mary Mix Ingredients
12 ounces tomato juice
2 ounces smoked lemon juice
1 teaspoons crushed chipotle peppers
1 ounce molasses
2 ounces beef stock
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

To begin, build a fire using Kingsford charcoal for indirect cooking. To do this, build a two-zone fire by situating the coals on only one side of the grill, leaving the other side void. Thinly spread course salt on a disposable aluminum pan or aluminum foil. Place on the grill, over indirect heat (void side of grill) and cover for at least 1 hour. Let cool to room temperature and store in sealed GLAD® container.

Next, create the smoked lemon juice for the Barbecue Bloody Mary Mix. Cut lemons in half along the equator and place halves on a disposable aluminum pan or aluminum foil. Place on the void side of the grill for at least 30 minutes with the lid covered, making sure to keep grill temperature at 225°F. For tips on controlling grill temperatures visit grilling.com. Remove from grill and let cool. Juice cooled lemons until 2 ounces of juice is produced to use for Barbecued Bloody Mary Mix. Reserve remaining smoked lemons to cut for garnish and to use for rimming glasses with smoked salt.

While lemons are cooling, cut jalapeños into thick slides and place on the grill, turning once, until both sides are flame kissed – 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Combine Barbecued Bloody Mary Mix ingredients into a large GLAD® container and mix well. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

To create a Barbecued Bloody Mary, run sliced smoked lemon wedge around the lip of a Collins glass. Dip and twist glass lip in smoked salt to rim the glass. Combine 4 ounces of Barbecued Bloody Mary Mix and 2 ounces of Four Roses Bourbon into glass. Garnish with smoked lemon wedge and thick jalapeño slice.

Smoky Margarita
3 lbs. limes/lemons plus a few oranges, sliced in half
½ cup sugar
3/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup triple sec
1 cup simple syrup to taste
1 pitcher full of ice

Dip the sliced citrus in a bowl of sugar so they have a light coating. Grill the citrus on medium high heat until they have char marks. Let them rest until they are cool enough to be juiced . Fill your margarita pitcher halfway full of ice, then add the tequila and trip sec. Add the juice to the ice/tequila mixture- by adding it to ice it will help cut the tartness of the citrus. Add the simple syrup in small batches until the proper sweetness is achieved.

More than Desert in Arizona–they have Great Drinks Too!

Feeling hot, hot, hot this weekend?  Fox Restaurant Concepts Master Mixologist Mat Snapp, below shares three incredible and trendy cocktails for your next get-together.

After School Special
at Culinary Dropout in Scottsdale
0.5 oz. Lime Juice
0.75 oz. Ginger Agave Syrup
1oz. Raspberry Tea-Infused Tequila
SHAKE AND DUMP
Shake with SHAIL ice to dilute Rim with Smoked Sea Salt Top with Modelo; serve with can. GARNISH:
Lime wheel

 

 

 

Pineapple Daly
at Blanco Tacos & Tequilas in Scottsdale and Tucson
0.5 oz. Lime Juice
0.75 oz. Pineapple Juice
0.5 oz. Water
2 oz. Black Tea Simple
1.5 oz. Skyy Vodka
SHAKE AND DUMP
A quick shake will “activate” pineapple and make frothy.
GARNISH:
Pineapple Frond

 

Pau Hana
at Modern Steak in Scottsdale
0.75 oz. Lime Juice
0.75 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Pineapple Juice
0.75 oz. Pisa Liqueur
1.5 oz. Flor de Cana 7 Year Rum
SHAKE AND STRAIN
Over crushed Ice Splash of additional rum.
GARNISH:
2 Cherries
Orange zest
Zipper fruit together

Hi Friend, Let’s Catch Up! Meet Me in Antigua at Sugar Ridge!

Admit it.  You too would love to catch up with your bestie, away from everything, sipping a cool drink in a room with a view.  Well gorgeous, look no further than the Caribbean’s Sugar Ridge on the beautiful island of Antigua.  Situated amidst the lush tropical vegetation overlooking palm-lined beaches and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, you’ll go gaga for Sugar Ridge’s upper floor rooms which feature a large veranda and include a day bed…or…opt for a ground floor room complete with a private terrace and plunge pool (bottom left).  Decisions decisions!

Alright, back to you and your bestie!  Now is the perfect time to take advantage of Sugar Ridge’s BFF & Me Package providing a long weekend away from work, school, kids, men, etc.  The package includes three nights’ accommodations, a half-day kayaking tour through the mangroves, a one-day circumnavigation of the island by catamaran and two 50-minute wellness focused treatments at the spa.  And to start your holiday off right, enjoy a complimentary bucket full of ice-cold local microbrews or a pitcher of rum-inspired libations upon arrival.  Offered weekends throughout the summer, the all inclusive package starts at $895 per person, based on double occupancy (does not include gratuity or tax).  Also included in the all inclusive getaway are meals, unlimited standard liquor, beer, house wine, and non-alcoholic beverages and of course, use of the hotels swimming pools and fitness center.

Ahhh…like a little piece of heaven on earth!

Dita Von Teese and Cointreau Kick Off Summer at Ku de Ta in Dallas!

What better way to kick off summer than with the International Queen of Burlesque, Dita Von Teese, and Cointreau cocktails at the newly opened, members-only Dallas venue Ku de Ta.  Clad in a vintage floral dress and vintage jewelry with gorgeous Christian Louboutin heels, the star posed for pictures and relaxed poolside in the VIP area.

After the party had started, Dita grabbed the mic making an impromptu toast (with Cointreau Luxe Margarita in hand) and introduced a special performance by synchronized swimming sensations, the Aqualillies.  Beautiful and enchanting, the audience was captivated by the three-song choreographed routine in an around the pool, as the ladies donned of-the-moment 1950s-styled swimsuits. 

Not just kicking off summer, last week’s soiree also paid homage to Margarita Sames, the bon vivante Dallas socialite who created the original Cointreau Margarita recipe in 1948 while vacationing at her Acapulco cliffside hacidienda.  Just like the Dallas festivities, Sames celebrated her Cointreau cocktail creation with a pool party fete that was rumored to last for two weeks straight!

The delectable Cointreau drinks on hand included the Original Margarita, Luxe Margarita, Cointreaupolitan, Cointreau Lime & Soda and Palomita (recipes below).  Party goers were the first to experience an exclusive new summer cocktail program that will travel to various locations and poolside events in the Dallas area this summer (lucky Texans!).  Starting this weekend, Cointreau is rolling out bar carts and a pop-up bar program that will make its way to 25 various bars and restaurants allowing Texas residents to sample hand-crafted cocktails made by their favorite local bartenders.  Scheduled events will be held at Hotel Zaza on Saturday, June 15th, Primo’s on Tuesday, June 19th and Chimy’s Fort Worth Friday, June 22nd.  Additional parties will take place at DISH, Katy Trail Ice House and The Gaylord Texan, Belmont, Stoneleigh, Joule and W hotels.

The Original Margarita

2 ounces Cointreau
2 ounce Blanco tequila
1 ounces Cointreau
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Garnish: Salt and Lime wheel

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Shake and strain into a Margarita glass.

Luxe Margarita

1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce Blanco Tequila
½ ounce Lime juice
Champagne (Float)
3 dashes Peychaud's bitters
Garnish: Peychaud's float, red rose petal

Shake Cointreau, tequila, and lime juice with ice and strain into a chilled flute.  Top with Champagne and bitters.

Cointreau Palomita

1 ½ ounces Cointreau
½ ounces fresh lime juice
3 ounces fresh grapefruit juice

Add all ingredients to an iced highball and briefly stir.

Cointreaupolitan

1 ½ ounces Cointreau
½ ounce fresh lime juice
3 ounces cranberry juice

Add all ingredients to an iced highball and briefly stir.

Cointreau, Lime & Soda

2 ounces Cointreau
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Club Soda
Garnish: Lime wedge

Combine Cointreau and lime juice in a highball glass and top with Club Soda.  Stir briefly.

**Photos courtesy Jonathan Zizoo, Getty Images

Enter to Win Super Lux Juara Skincare!

Oh summer, how I love thee…let me count the ways.  Isn’t that how it goes???  Regardless, I do love summer, with one teeny tiny exception…my skin goes a little cray-cray during the warm-weather months.  From the extra sunlight to the beach and/or chlorinated water, instead of super hydrated skin like you would expect, I end up with patchy dry blotches just like I do in the winter.  Not right!

So naturally, I’m excited to try Juara’s best-selling Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer ($49).  This hydrating, paraben-free moisturizer combines fermented sweet black tea with nourishing rice bran oil to make skin more radiant, smooth and hydrated.

The entire Juara line is inspired by the beauty secrets from Bali, which combine rituals of ancient Indonesian royalty and modern science.  Effective, safe and gentle the combination of pure, powerful, active botanicals equals moisturizing perfection for summer.

Sounds amazing, no?  And guess what?!?  One of you gorgeous loves-of-our-lives-ladies reading this, will be the lucky winner of a bottle of your very own Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer!  Just leave a comment on this post telling us what your favorite part of summer is and bam!  You’re entered!  Want more chances to win?  Follow @247style on Twitter and for and extra entry, Tweet the following:

I just entered to win @JUARASkincare from @247style!  http://tiny.cc/4w4sfw

U.S. Residents only. Entries accepted through Wednesday, June 20th! One lucky winner will be chosen at random.

Good luck, stay beautiful!

Enter to Win Nickel Maxymum!

When it comes to beauty products, we women have kind of taken over the world.  From hair to makeup and of course, the everyday skincare essentials we can’t live without, women rule in beauty.  BUT, men want to look good too (thankfully so, since we’re the ones that have to look at them!), so there’s no time like the present to introduce your man to Nickel Skin Care…a line that although unisex, pays careful attention to men’s skincare needs.

A must try, is Nickel Maxymum ($50), a facial anti-ager that smoothes and firms by relying on the anti-aging properties of oxygen to accomplish its goals.  The organic-certified eco-friendly line is also anti-fatigue, and both paraben-free and Phenoxyethanol-free.

Can’t wait to try it?  Enter to win a bottle of Nickel Maxymum for yourself (or the man in your life) by commenting on this post, telling us what your current skin woes are.  Earn another entry by following @247style on Twitter and a third entry by Tweeting the following:

Enter to win @Nickelformen skincare from @247style!  http://tiny.cc/170qfw

U.S. Residents only.  Entries accepted through Tuesday, June 19th!  One lucky winner will be chosen at random.

Good luck dolls!

Begging for Brights!

Does summer have you begging for brights?  Check out these great options from 24-7 Style!  Remember every order over $25 qualifies for free shipping!

Clockwise from left: Nugaard Designs Cotton Thread Wrap Bangles, $39; Wendy Mink Jewelry Ruby and Brass Cocktail Ring, now $158; Nugaard Designs Large Gem Cocktail Ring, $65; Vintage Etra Leather Clutch, $22; Nugaard Designs Cotton Thread Wrap Rings, $31.50; Wendy Mink Jewelry Yellow Agate and Chalcedony Drop Earrings, now $32.50; Amy Kathryn Carnation Canvas Tote, now $37

Celebrity Style–Karina Smirnoff Wearing Twisted Silver Large Knot Ring

Accessorize like a star in this Twisted Silver Large Knot Ring, as worn by Dancing with the Stars very own Karina Smirnoff and Vampire Diaries’ Malese Jow.  Just $40 and free shipping!

Watch the Rock of Ages Red Carpet and After-Party Live!

Not on the invite list for the Rock of Ages premiere?  No worries dolls…you can join LiveStream tonight, 8:45 PST for the official Rock of Ages world premiere and after-party.  Catch up with all of the stars, including Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand and more!  The live red carpet concludes with an exclusive concert from Def Leopard and Poison!  Tune in below or via the Rock of Ages Facebook Page!

5 O’ Clock Friday: Mojito Jelly Shots!

Pamela Braun, recipe developer and writer for the food and drink blog, MyMansBelly.com shares one of her beloved summer “cocktail” recipes, that really isn’t a cocktail at all…it’s a jelly shot!  Definitely an adult only summer-time treat! 

Mojito Jelly Shots

For Mint Simple Syrup:
* 1/2 Cup Water
* 1/2 Cup Sugar
* 3/8 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract

In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup water with sugar and mint extract and bring to a boil. Keep stirring mixture until just before it boils. Once sugar is melted, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

For Jelly Shots:
* 2 Envelopes Unflavored Gelatin (I use Knox Original Knox Gelatin)
* 1 Tablespoon Finely Minced Mint
* 1/4 Cup Water
* 1/2 Cup Rose's Lime Juice
* 3/4 Cup White Rum (separated)

1. Pour 1/2 cup rum and Rose's lime juice in large bowl, then sprinkle with gelatin; let stand 1 minute.
2. Pour 1/4 cup rum and 1/4 cup water in a microwave safe cup and heat to boiling. Add hot water and rum, as well as 1/2 cup mint simple syrup to bowl with gelatin.
3. Stir until gelatin is dissolved, approximately 5 minutes. (If gelatin is not dissolving after a couple of minutes, you can put it in the microwave for 30 seconds - do not boil).
4. Lightly oil an 8"x8"x2" pan with oil. Pour gelatin mixture into pan and refrigerate.
5. After 1 hour remove pan and sprinkle with chopped mint. Use a fork to drag across mint to mix well into gelatin. Put pan back into refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours.
6. Before serving, cut into squares.

Preparation time: 10 Minutes
Cooking time: 10 Minutes
Number of servings (yield): 8

5 O’ Clock Friday: Summer Concoctions from Sway!

Entertaining this weekend?  These refreshing summer cocktails created by NYC’s Sway  Lounge Mixologist Tim Brooks will complete any menu!

Raspberry Spritzer

1/4 oz. Chambord
4 raspberries
5 oz. prosecco

Pour 1/4 oz. Chambord into a shaker, add 4 raspberries and muddle.  Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into a chilled champagne coupe.  Top with prosecco and drop one raspberry in coupe.

 

 

 

Grand Smash

3 oz. Grand Marnier
6 lemon slices
8 mint leaves

Place 6 lemon slices (about half a lemon) and 8 mint leaves in a shaker and muddle.  Add 3 oz. of Grand Marnier and ice and shake vigorously.  Strain into chilled champagne coupe. Garnish with mint sprig.

 

 

 

Spiked Blueberry Lemonade

10 blueberries
2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. simple syrup
1/2 oz. lemon juice
2 dashes of orange bitters

Muddle blueberries, simple syrup, 3 slices of lemons and 2 dashes of bitters. Pour mixture into shaker with ice and shake well. Pour into Collins glass and garnish with lemon and 3 blueberries.

A Shoe for all Sizes with Gwyneth Shoes!

I hear complaints all the time from my larger footed friends, “They don’t make them in my size!”  Well dolls, your time has come!  Introduce yourself to Gwyneth Shoes, a line of HOT styles in sizes 5.5 to 14!  The line, which debuted last fall, is created by Gwen Frempong Boadu and each shoe has a patented sock cushion and flexible or comfort sole.  Below are two of my favorite styles, The Olive Green ($139) and the Queenie in Blush Lace ($69).

Official Livestream: 2012 CMT Music Awards Red Carpet Premiere

There’s nothing like a Red Carpet!  NowLive has partnered with People.com for tonight’s CMT Music Awards.  Watch below, coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. EST!

Jennifer Garner and Andy Samberg Sporting Citizens of Humanity!

Although one of her daughters doesn’t look thrilled, Jennifer Garner still looks good in her Citizen of Humanity “Thompson” midrise ankle length skinny jeans in True ($198) while shopping in Brentwood last week.

Meanwhile, Andy Samberg shows how versatile his Citizens of Humanity “Sid” straight leg jeans first in New Pioneer then in Black can be.  The star was seen Saturday in them while presenting an award to Adam Sandler at the Spike TV’s 6th Annual “Guys Choice Awards” and then Sunday at the MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet wearing them with a sharp tux blazer.