Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Wow. Summer has officially hit in Virginia.

I thought I knew humidity in the Midwest....I was wrong. My hair frizz is practically completely horizontal people, it's ridiculous. I figured it was time to start coming up with some ideas for refreshing summer drinks- since I am not a fan of sweet tea [which is blasphemy here in the South]. Thus, I came up with my version of a Strawberry Basil Lemonade: Cool, refreshing, sweet.

Let me make one thing clear: this recipe does NOT make your every day lemonade. This lemonade is not cloyingly sweet or overly sour- mainly because it's all fresh ingredients, and isn't just pure sugar & citric acid. If you love really sweet or sour lemonade- feel free to adjust the sugar & juice levels.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED (serves 1):

- 2 strawberries

- 3 large basil leaves 

- 2  teaspoons white sugar

- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (cut a ring of the lemon beforehand for garnish!)

- 1 1/2 cups water

HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN:

1. Dice up your strawberries and rip up your basil leaves.

2. Muddle your berries and basil with your lemon juice.

3. Add a little water and mix in your sugar until pretty well dissolved. 

4. Pour mixture over glass of ice, and pour in remaining water.

5. Stir well, garnish, and enjoy!

*as you'd probably imagine, the flavor gets strong if you let it sit- but if it's not enough for you add more sugar/juice!

Garnishes always make everything look that much better, don't they? 

At about 60 calories, I'd take this over a sugary sweet tea any day! If you're looking for a drink with a little more...shall we say...fun...to it- I'm sure vodka or gin would taste great in this!

If you're looking for more of an intense basil taste- adding a basil simple syrup will do the trick! (If you've never made simple syrup before- it's super easy, check out this recipe)

What's your favorite summer drink?

(send them to me-I love new recipes! beautyandbeard@gmail.com)

xo,lp

wild excitement

Happy Monday!

Have you all seen those commercials for "The Shops" at Target? Those geniuses curated items from some of their favorite shops around the country and brought their merchandise to the stores. Clothing from Miami, candy from San Francisco, and house goods from Connecticut are just a few of the things they feature. The candy shop had me at hello because of their salt water taffy. (for more info, click here)

In other news, please tell me you saw the story of the lady getting mauled by the two cheetahs in South Africa. Just another reason why you DON'T TRY TO CUDDLE WITH FEROCIOUS BEASTS! The best part is, the husband doesn't help her, he just keeps taking pictures of the attack. Ridiculous. 

Alright, on to Instagram Mondays:

1-3: a little view into my work wear. yes, i do wear big necklaces a lot. deal with it.

4. obama was in richmond. word.

5. part of the rva skyline

6. first friday artwalk on broad street- glowing sidewalk awesomeness.

7. bands & spoken word a block or two away from our apartment.

8. yours truly back in the day. 

9. clouds rolling in to FINALLY break the humidity.

How was your weekend? 

(here's hoping there were no cheetahs involved)

pssst. follow me on Instagram HERE!
psssst x 2. tomorrow i'm sharing my strawberry basil lemonade recipe. tune in. 

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #19: Derby Girl

This week's Friday's Fancies is all in honor of the Kentucky Derby. Now, I've never been to a derby, but now that Michael and I live in the South, it's a lot more feasible we'd go to one. The Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs in really close to Richmond, so if Michael will let me wear a big floppy hat, I am SO in.

Although I've never been, I feel that there are derby staples for every woman- mainly a big floppy hat & some pearls! I know pastels always scream "Southern Belle", and these D&G Mary Janes seem perfect for the occasion!

dress  /    hat   / sunglasses   /  shoes   /  earrings   /  necklace

Am I the only one who wants to go to the derby solely to wear a gigantic hat??

xo, lp

Make sure to stop over to {long distance loving} to check out more derby outfits & have a lovely weekend!