THURSDAY THINGS: WHAT I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW

It's hard to believe that we are in the last few weeks of SUMMER! Why does it always feel like we wait forever for Summer to begin and yet it goes by so fast?! Well, don't panic. There is still some FUN & SUN left to enjoy! And here are some things that I am loving right now that are Summer approved.


1. BEAUTY- During the Summer months I am all about less is more when it comes to makeup. I like to allow my face to get a natural glow when out in the sun with SPF on, of course! So, I keep it simple and usually just apply cover up, mascara & lip gloss. I recently discovered the new Lash Intensity mascara by MARY KAY and I'm OBSESSED! It goes on with only two coats, doesn't flake off and lasts all day. In fact it's SO good that it's currently SOLD OUT online but if you click here you can contact my Sister-in-law to order it directly and get notified when it's back in stock. 


2. BOOKS- Maybe you have a beach trip planned or just need a new book to read while you're commuting on the train. Jen Sincero has a new book out called 'YOU ARE A BADASS' and it's filled with all the kick ass things you need to start living a more fulfilled life. And let's be for real, with a title like that who wouldn't want to read this book?! 


3. ROOFTOPS- Summer in NYC has lots of benefits. And amazing rooftop views from above the city are no exception. One of my favorite rooftops is The MET Museum Rooftop Bar.  You can spend the day exploring all the exhibits the museum has to offer and then end the day with a rooftop sunset view OR you can meet your girlfriends after work for cocktails on the rooftop. Either way, this is by far one of the best views you can experience in the city. The rooftop overlooks Central Park and the Manhattan skyline and offers two bars that serve wine, beer and signature cocktails. 


4. POOL ACCESSORIES- You've most likely seen or have participated in the craze over swan and unicorn life sized floats thanks to Taylor Swift. Well, now get ready to be obsessed with a mini size version. They are perfect for keeping your drinks afloat while in the pool or a day at the beach. Seriously, how cute are these?!  Now you can enjoy a swim with your drink nearby. 

Met Rooftop views of Manhattan Skyline

MET Rooftop views of Central Park

Tell me some things you are loving this Summer. Comment below.



XO, Rae

SUMMER PLAYLIST

We made it to FRIDAY!! And what better way to get the weekend started, than with a playlist of songs to celebrate SUMMER. I'm sharing my Summer Playlist so you can play it all Summer long. Side note: You may find a few songs that will bring back some nostalgia. 

https://open.spotify.com/user/1263158451/playlist/6XKrq5ATQ9phLQ4fjPZoxG

What are some of your favorite songs for SUMMER? Share below in the comments.

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XO, Rae

THURSDAY THINGS: WHAT I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW

Hello SUMMER!  Here is another roundup of things I am loving right now that are Summer approved. Tell me some things you are loving this Summer....comment below. 



1. BEAUTY- I am OBSESSED over the SEPHORA facial mask collection. My favorite is the Ginseng mask for toning and revitalizing. The Summer heat can be brutal on your skin so this is the perfect weekly treatment to help repair any damage. 


2. DETOX- Summer means getting into a bathing suit. And we are all thinking about our Summer body but also about tacos....mmmm Tacos. Lyfe Tea is a detox tea that helps with bloating, boosts your metabolism and helps curve cravings. The initial detox is 14 days but I drink it regularly to help kick the bloat. 


3. KITCHEN- Remember when you were a kid and you would make snow cones?! Well, wine slushies are the adult version. Yes, you heard that correctly. I personally love wine everything. But these wine slushies look delicious! Can't wait to try the rosé recipe, perfect Summer drink!




XO, Rae

Last Days of SUMMER

HAPPY SATURDAY! I can't believe Summer is almost over! Feels like it went by so fast. I am definitely enjoying my first Summer here in New York City. And I'm so happy that I have had the time off to actually enjoy it. There is so much to do in this City, it amazes me! I will be sharing MY favorites of Summer things to do in NYC, soon!

I recently spent the day in Long Island at Jones Beach with some friends and went fishing off the piers. I haven't been fishing in years! It was so relaxing and just a fun day out on the water. Sometimes escaping the city for even just a day is nice. We all need a break from the hustle here every once in awhile. Can't wait to share the rest of my Summer adventures with you! Stayed tuned for more up on the blog! 

Enjoy your weekend! GO SOAK up the rest of those SUMMER Days! :) 

XO, Rae

Summer Cocktail Recipe: Mint Watermelon Agua Fresca Margarita

Now that Summer is well under way, it's seems only fitting to be sipping on a cool cocktail. I have the perks of living with two friends who are in the restaurant industry and we are always stirring up new cocktail creations. Since the heat is definitely in full effect here in New York City, we decided to come up with a refreshing drink.

Let's be honest, who doesn't love a good margarita? And watermelon being a Summer favorite, we came up with the perfect recipe. A 'Mint Watermelon Agua Fresca Margarita'. I promise it tastes just as good as it sounds! Agua Fresca meaning a Mexican drink made with pureed fruit, water and sugar. And of course a margarita consists of lime juice and tequila. Add fresh watermelon and be prepared to fall in love this cocktail.

Recipe: {per serving}

• 2 oz silver tequila       *choose tequila of your preference 
• 4 oz watermelon agua fresca 
• 1 oz agave syrup 
• 2 oz of fresh lime juice
• 4-5 mint leaves
• 3-4 ice cubes
• 1 sliced watermelon wedge to garnish 

*Salt rim can also be added. 



To prepare the agua fresca mixture you will need to begin by slicing a small watermelon into small cubes. Make sure to cut a few wedge slices to use as garnish later. Remove seeds and place cubes of watermelon into a large bowl. Set aside. In a separate bowl begin mixing equal parts of water and agave syrup to essentially make a sugar water. 


Then place watermelon cubes into a food processor slowly adding the sugar water mixture until you have a smooth consistency. In our recipe, we choose to strain the watermelon mixture and use only the juice with the pulp removed. Once you have completed this, place juice in separate container and chill until ready to use. 

Next take a few limes, cut in half and squeeze the juice from the lime into a separate container. This will be your fresh lime juice. Set aside. Then wash the fresh mint and remove the leaves from the stems. 


Now for the final steps...

In a glass, take 4-5 mint leaves and muddle. 
Add 3-4 ice cubes 
Add 2 oz of your preferred tequila. (We used Peligroso Silver)
Add 4 oz of watermelon agua fresca
Add 2 oz  of fresh lime juice
Add 1oz of agave syrup  (for added sweetness)

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, give a few shakes and pour into your favorite glassware. 

Garnish with a watermelon wedge & you are now ready to sip away the Summer heat! 

Special Thanks to Will & Danny for their help in creating this fabulous cocktail & for being the best friends a girl could ask for!

 XO, Rae

Summer Nights

Now that Summer is upon us, it's only fitting to be sitting on the water somewhere with a drink in hand with great views and good atmosphere. There is a perfect place in Manhattan that has all of this and more. La Marina is  a Restaurant/Lounge/Boat dock/outdoor dance party with live music off Dyckman Street Uptown, Manhattan. Sounds fun right? 

I had read about La Marina online and it looked like a perfect spot to enjoy some drinks and food on the water.  So a few weeks ago, I grabbed my roommate and we headed out to La Marina. When we first arrived, we instantly were in awe of the view.  We walked over to the water near the boat dock and took in the scenery. You instantly felt a very Miami/Havana nights vibe. High energy, great dance music and people dressed to impress in their Summer attire. 

The restaurant sits on the water and also has an outdoor high top table sitting area directly off of one side of the restaurant. Then a few steps away is a separate roped off outdoor seating lounge area with tables, couches and a live DJ.  All of which looks out over the Hudson River and has amazing views of the George Washington Bridge. 

We first grabbed a drink at the bar and sat at one of the high top tables to take  in the scenery. We enjoyed people watching. For dinner we were seated on the patio off of the restaurant right near the water. We had mussels, Mac n cheese and roasted asparagus. The food was very good. Prices run from $11-28 per entrée. Service was okay, I think our server had several tables at once and that could have been why he wasn't as attentive. Overall we had a great time. So if your looking for a nice restaurant, good drinks, live music, amazing views and a fun atmosphere La Marina is the place to be! 

XO, Rae