BEAUTY & THE BEARD

Monday, June 9, 2014

POPSICLE MATS & SURPRISE FLOWERS

Happy Monday lovelies!

Hope you all had a fabulous, long weekend. Michael has been gone since last Wednesday, and having him back is pretty fabulous. While the cat was away the mice did play, though- a ladies night that ended with a half barefoot walk home by one of the parties involved. Not naming names...

Here's what's good lately:

1. Yup, I bought a popsicle doormat. Perfectly normal purchase for a 26 year old, right?

2. I can't express how much I love getting flowers. Especially when they're a surprise from a guest!

3. Last week's #dottyoptimism was a simple one, but a favorite!!

4. Tomorrow's recipe is a perfect-for-a-sunny-summer-day drink!

So tell me friends- what's been good lately on your end?

Surprise someone with flowers this week- make their day!

xo, lp

**let's be instagram friends! find me here --> @lpodlich **

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

TWIST ON THE CLASSICS: THE BASIL SALTY DOG (GIN + GRAPEFRUIT!)

Here's today's recipe, and it comes with a story...

Back in my college bartender days there was a time I was working that a middle-aged guy came in and asked for a Salty Dog.

Me, being 19 (yes, you can bartend before 21 in Wisconsin) giggled and asked what he REALLY wanted, since I thought he was joking.

He looked at me, puzzled...and repeated that he wanted a Salty Dog. My giggles quickly turned to embarrassment- and I ducked behind the cabinet to find my cheater-cocktail guide.

It was just Gin & Grapefruit juice with a salted rim.

At the time I thought "Ew. That sounds like the WORST thing ever!"

(Keep in mind this was my raspberry vodka & sprite phase days...yick)

So I made him the drink, and promptly went home that night to make one for myself to try it out- and it was deee-lish. Super tart, with a bite of gin and a lick of salt.

I'd completely forgotten about the refreshing drink until the other day, when I heard someone order it in a bar. I decided it was time to go home and put a little twist on this classic by adding some of the fresh basil we had growing on our balcony. Thus, I give you the Basil Salty Dog.

What you need to make it happen:

- 1.5 ounces Gin

- Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

- Grapefruit wedge

- salt

- 3-4 basil leaves

- grapefruit wedge & small basil leaf for garnish

- ice

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Dip the rim of a glass in grapefruit juice, and roll in salt for a salted rim.

Step 2: Muddle 1 grapefruit wedge with a splash of gin & 3-4 basil leaves. Be careful not to muddle the pith/rind of the grapefruit or you'll get extra bitterness!

Step 3: Add ice, gin, and grapefruit juice to the glass.

Step 4: give it a stir, add your garnish, and enjoy!

There you have it, friends.

I know grapefruit juice is a polarizing drink...but I mean, it's summertime. Even you naysayers might be moved to try this because it's so dang refreshing!

Raise your hand if you love a good cocktail with grapefruit!

Or if you don't- leave a comment with your favorite summer cocktail!

xo, lp

need more summer drink ideas?

try my: orange ginger mojitos, pineapple lemonade punch, or raspberry bourbon fizz

also:

YOU!

yes you!

find me on instagram here ---> @lpodlich

Monday, June 2, 2014

ROASTING S'MORES OVER TEALIGHTS

Hello lovelies!

After a week off (again...I know...) I'm here to explode your internet with lots of pictures. Enjoy, friends:

The other weekend Michael & I went to Galena, Illinois for some good old fashioned Americana time:

We tried to camp but couldn't get a site, so we just roasted s'mores over tealights...

Aaaand last weekend we went to ANOTHER small town- in Wisconsin this time. We drove to see the farm Michael's grandpa was born on...which happens to be on a road named after their family. Clearly we had to get a good photo: