Tuesday Ten

One of my favorite blogs on the internet and truly the reason I began blogging was because how fun and exciting Lauren Conrad's blog is. She has always been such an inspiration through the way she dresses to the way she has made a name for herself in one of the toughest and coldest places, Hollywood. I could literally spend all day describing reasons she is the perfect role model for women of all ages to look up to, but lets get to the point. She always posts a 'Tuesday Ten' describing ten things she is loving that Tuesday. By the title, you can totally guess that today's post consists of ten things that I am loving on this beautiful Tuesday morning. And I'd say you are totally right except mine are many categories in one post instead of ten items from the same category!

#1: Trend-Panama Hats are typically white or ivory straw in color with a thick black band (maybe a bow) and a thin to medium thin brim. The hats are usually light straw or canvas material.

See what I mean:

Links: [Image 1], [Image 2], [Image 3], [Image 4]

Get the look for under $100:

Adria Panama Hat from Nasty Gal- $30

Biltmore & Madewell Panama Hat- $58

Iconic Straw Panama Hat- $14.80

Women's Classic Panama Fedora Hat- $60

Sheer-Edged Panama Hat (BCBG)- $58

#2: DIY/Recipe- Copy Cat McDonalds Sweet Tea recipe
Who can pass up a large sweet tea from McDonalds? I know I cannot, but at $1 per cup, the price starts adding up and before you know it, you've spent $20 on sweet tea. Well, only if you are an addict like me, but above is the exact recipe or about as close as possible (approved by me).

#3: Fashion- Floral pants are a huge hit this Spring, but what is the best way to style them? I have seen both white and black accessories, and I think I like black better, like this outfit found via Pinterest. What do you think? Black or white? Or a bold pattern like black and white stripes 

Get the look:

Floral pants, Loose Black Top, Designer sandals

#4: Product- If you are looking for the perfect bluetooth wireless speaker, check out the Bose Mini Soundlink. I blogged about it last Summer and this year it is still going strong and is superb for the beach and pool, just do not get it wet (duh) and keep it charged for the ultimate experience. Speaking of charge, usually bluetooth speakers do not stay charged for long but this one is a completely different story. I charge it once per week (maybe) and use it quite often, like when I clean, get ready, shower, etc. 

#5: Clothes- LC Lauren Conrad Soft Pants- Kohls- I purchased these beauties this weekend with a $10 off $25 coupon and only ended up paying $16 something for them after taxes. I have been searching high and low for a pair of pants that met a criteria of three things : nice enough to wear to work, fit me well enough so I can style them accordingly, and are actually comfortable to wear and move around in. These pants absolutely met all three things and look amazing styled with a sleeveless chiffon or silk top tucked in to the high waisted pants; perfect! Not only does she have such a sophisticated and feminine sense of style, but her clothes embody it as well. These pants are the perfect example of the flawless execution that goes into the LC Lauren Conrad brand for Kohl's and I know this because I am a frequent shopper and self proclaimed Kohl's cash and coupon addict. 

#6: Drink- As I mentioned many times before, I just started working full time and I leave really early every morning (around 8) and am usually in a hurry when I leave. I am also one of those people that absolutely needs breakfast and coffee to be able to properly function. I discovered this Special K COFFEE HOUSE Protein Breakfast Shake in the flavor Chocolate Mocha, and it is simply delicious and could potentially take place of breakfast and coffee. It actually makes me feel full if I drink it on an empty stomach and gives me fuel to tackle the day. Granted around 11 o'clock I am starving and my stomach is probably growling, but it is a great alternative for busy mornings.  Check it out here.

#7: Music- This one is a little different but I found a hidden gem of a music artist. If you don't like hip/hop +pop music then you won't like this guy but his name is Cam Meekins and you may have seen him on Dancing with the Stars a while back, but he has such a different rap style and his lyrics actually make sense. Check out his Youtube and he just released his new album so be sure to listen to it on iTunes. Personally I like his older album titled Lamp City, but his new stuff is pretty good too.

#8: Etsy-I always need somewhere to take off my earrings before bed and this Monogram Ring Dish by OhMyWordDesigns on Etsy is the perfect size to slip off the jewelry from the day.

#9: Beauty- One of the most frustrating things about being a woman and wearing makeup is having to take it off to prevent pimples, blackheads, etc. However Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths from Philosophy brand at Sephora, makes removing makeup and dirt super easy.

#10: Home decor-Baja blankets are extremely popular right now and make an extremely handy beach companion. Or you can decorate by placing one in every room of your house like me. See this post on Apartment Sense, my home decorating blog, to find out which room my favorite baja blanket went in and why.

What's a baja blanket? Get the look: 

[Blanket 1]

[Blanket 2]

Do you like Tuesday Ten posts? Comment below if you want to see another next Tuesday!

Beach[y] drinks

As you read this, I hopefully have my white ass in the white sand with a cold drink in my hand, just like the song because it is officially my SPRING BREAK. But if you read my blog regularly, you already know that. If you are unable to make it to the beach anytime soon, whip up one of these tropical cocktails, close your eyes, and float away to paradise! But please, do not make these if you are under 21 years old; in case you didn’t know it’s illegal.
...OFF TO PARADISE WE GO!
#1: First, lets talk about a drink that I have successfully made and is delicious and so easy!

Grab any flavor sherbet and pour your liquor of choice over the top for a tasty surprise! I chose lime sherbet and tequila and one of my friends had peach sherbet with citrus vodka.

#2: This next drink is from Tammille Tips and is called “Coral Reef.”

Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz. vodka, 2 oz. Malibu Rum, 6 strawberries

DIRECTIONS: Blend vodka, Malibu, and strawberries with ice and garnish with a fresh strawberry.

#3: Watermelon Margarita from Sandra Lee (warning: requires lots of watermelon)
     MAKES 8 SERVINGS- perfect for a girl’s trip or small party.

INGREDIENTS:
5 to 6 pounds of watermelon (rinds and seeds discarded), 1 cup lemon flavored vodka, 1/3 cup lime juice. 1 12 oz. lemon lime soda (7up or Sprite), and ice.

DIRECTIONS: Cut watermelon into chunks. Blend and strain through a fine-mesh sieve over a pitcher until you have 4 cups juice. Add vodka and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Fill 8 cocktail glasses with ice cubes. Fill glasses 3/4 full of watermelon mixture and top with a splash of lemon-lime drink. Garnish with watermelon wedges and/or lime wedges, if desired.

#4: Copycat Chili’s Twisted Lemonade from Tammille Tips again (love her blog)

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 oz Citrus Vodka, 3/4 oz Triple Sec, 3 oz Sweet and Sour, Lemon Wedge

DIRECTIONS:
1. Fill 14oz glass with ice
2. Pour in vodka and triple sec
3. Top with sweet & sour and lemon wedge

#5: Last but not least, HIPPIE JUICE from the ever so lovely Peace, Love, and Guacamole, which is probably what I am sipping at this very moment because hint: I wrote this post last week because I knew that I would be here (at the beach) so if you were wondering yes, this post is scheduled. ANYWHO,

Ingredients: Water, Country Time Pink Lemonade Mix, Fresh Strawberries, Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka, Triple Sec, Malibu Coconut Rum

Supplies: Simply Brand (Apple, Orange, Etc.) Juice Container, Measuring Cup, Funnel, Knife, Cutting Board

DIRECTIONS:
Carefully wash out your Simply brand Juice Container.  Then use the funnel to neatly pour 4 scoops of Country Time Pink Lemonade into the container.  Next, measure out 1 cup of Smirnoff brand Watermelon Vodka, 1/3 cup Triple Sec, and 1/3 cup Malibu Coconut Rum into a measuring cup and use the funnel to add your mixture.  Using cold water, fill the rest of the container up to the base of the neck.  Rinse 4 strawberries and cut straight across with a knife to remove the stem.  Then place the strawberries upside down on the cutting board and slice evenly into 4 pieces using two motions forming a cross.  Drop the strawberries in, add water to the top, cap and shake gently to mix. 

You are all set for drinks, but now you need something to hold them:

Have you ever reached down to grab your drink after a long, hot day to find that sand is all on the rim of the glass or better yet, in the actual drink? If so, try one of these Personalized Sand Spike Beach Drink Holders from Lime Tree Gifts on Etsy. NO MORE SAND IN YOUR DRINK…I repeat, no more sand in your drink. Hallelujah.

I hope this post inspired you to make some creative drinks next time you’re at the beach! Which is your fave?

This will be my only blog post this week, but I will resume next Monday.

Oh and I almost forgot, HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! May your day be filled with lots of green beer, good friends, great times, and no pinching (unless you do it).