Thursday, July 30, 2015

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


Monday, July 27, 2015

5 Favorite Beauty Products



Ladies, we all want to look and feel our best. Now days, there are so many products on the market it's hard to keep up with them all. So, I decided to share a few of my favorite beauty products that I use. I hope you will find that you love them just as much as I do!



1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser (foaming formula)



PRICE: $10.99 

PURCHASE @: Rite Aid, Target or any local drug store. 

WHY I LOVE IT: I have sensitive skin that can often be oily. This is the first cleanser that I have used that makes my face feel really clean after using and lasts all day. It's also great for removing makeup. I love how it foams on use and is gentle enough for me to use everyday. And it comes in a pump bottle which makes it easy to control how much you use. 



2. e.l.f. Studio Eye Refresh    


        
PRICE: $3.00 

PURCHASE @: I personally love to shop at the e.l.f. Studio Financial District *139 Fulton St. New York, NY 10038.  If there is not an e.l.f studio near you, you can also purchase at CVS, Target, Walgreens and even some Old Navy stores. 

Order online  {link below}

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/eyes/concealers_and_primers/eye_refresh

WHY I LOVE IT: I often have puffy eyes no matter how much sleep I get at night. So when I came across this product, I was excited to give it a try! I have tried creams in the past but never really got great results. This Eye Refresh rollerball is amazing! I use it daily after I cleanse my face and before I apply my makeup. When applying, it gives you a refreshed feel and includes ingredients like cucumber and green tea. This rollerball is also great for reducing dark circles. The rollerball is lightweight and compact so it fits perfect in my makeup bag for those on the go days. 




3. Makeup Sponge Applicator 




PRICE: $3.99  

PURCHASE @: I found this pink one {Bella Beauty} at HomeGoods. Yes, they have beauty supplies too! You can also purchase similar sponge applicators at most beauty supply stores like ULTA, Sephora and Target. (Prices may vary)
               
WHY I LOVE IT: These sponge applicators seem to be all the rage these days. And I can see why. I love mine! I have a few and use them to apply my concealer and also to help touch up my make up through out the day. The shape is what I love most, it fits perfect in your hands which makes it easy to apply makeup. No more using your fingers or awkward flat sponges. And how fun is it that these applicators come in all different colors! 
Tip: You should wash your sponge applicators often using a mild cleanser.



4. REDKEN Fashion Work 12 Hairspray 



PRICE: $18.99

PURCHASE @: Ricky's NYC is where I purchase mine. Also available at ULTA or your local Hair Salons that carry REDKEN Products. 

WHY I LOVE IT: My hair is fine and volume is something I have to create myself. I love this hairspray because it gives just the right amount of texture and volume without leaving your hair feeling weighed down. And it does not make your hair crunchy. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about. You can spray this hairspray on your hair and comb right through it. I also love that I can re-apply more if needed through out the day and my hair never feels sticky after use. This hair spray is perfect if your trying to achieve hair with volume yet flexible hold. 



5. It Works! Defining Gel 




PRICE: $45.00 Loyal Customer Price/ Retail $75.00  

visit https://www.myitworks.com/ for info on how you can become a Loyal Customer

PURCHASE @: It Works! Online {link below}


WHY I LOVE IT: We know that there is no way to get rid of cellulite for good. But good news is, there are ways to improve the appearance of your trouble areas.This defining gel is one of my best kept secrets (well until now). I have been using this defining gel for over 2 years now and I am very happy with the results. I use it a few times a week, although you can apply it as often as 1-2 times per day. You just simply apply on targeted areas using a circular motion to rub in and allow to dry for a few minutes. I have used the defining gel on my legs (cellulite) and stomach (stretch marks & scars from previous appendix surgery). It definitely has improved the appearance of my skin in these areas. And even more reason to love it, this defining gel isn't made of harsh chemicals so your skin will thank you! 



Thanks for checking out my 5 Favorite Beauty Products! 
Share your favorite beauty products in the COMMENTS below. 



XO, Rae

Thursday, July 23, 2015

One of My Favorite Places in the City









On Sunday, I met up with my friend Sarah for lunch who happened to be in the city for the weekend celebrating her daughters birthday. Always great seeing her & catching up! 

After lunch I did some shopping and took a walk through Bryant Park, one of my favorite places in the City. Bryant park is iconic for so many reasons, mostly for hosting fashion week for years. One thing I love about the park, is that it always takes on a new look according to the season. Plus there is something for everyone to engage in. There are ping pong tables, chess and backgammon games, a carousel for kids and a huge open lawn. Along with tables and chairs that border the lawn to sit and have lunch or just take in the sites. Not to mention, the park also has some amazing views of nearby skyscrapers.

Yesterday was no exception. The park looked gorgeous. The lawn was so green, trees in full bloom and lots of people out enjoying the 80 degree weather. I love how each time I visit the park, it feels like a new experience. 
Can't wait to spend more Sunday's at the park! 


Brooklyn Bridge


    View of Manhattan




    Found some LOVE Locks on the bridge ❤️










A few weeks ago I finally took a trip down to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.  I have been wanting to walk the Brooklyn Bridge since my very first trip to New York a few years ago. Now that I live in the city, it only seems fitting to go.  My roommates Will and Danny along with some friends visiting from out of town all decided to make a day of it and head to the Brooklyn Bridge.

As we got closer to the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side, you first walk along side the highway and soon start to see the infamous arches of the bridge. As you get toward the middle you start to see views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn. It's the most amazing views. For me it was a bit emotional. It was the day after my last day at my job and standing there on the bridge was surreal. It reminded me that in life you can be in between two points and you have the choice as to which one you decide to embark upon. I definitely had some moments of pure happiness as well walking the bridge. To be there with Will, my best friend of over 10+ years, was amazing to experience it together. And a day that I will never forget. 


For anyone visiting or living in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge is a must see! 


XO, Rae 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Status: SINGLE





I can admit, I am still a little damaged from my last serious relationship. I don't feel pity for myself. I just know now exactly what I want and what I don't want out of my next relationship. Just because someone wants to be with you doesn't mean you have to be with them. Your not doing yourself a favor by trying to fill the void in your life. I used to look at failed relationships as a bad thing. I am a product of divorce. I typically have trust issues with men. And I haven't always picked the greatest ones to be with. I now see it as a chance to grow and learn from. I'm not perfect. I've definitely had my faults in past relationships. But all of that has helped to mold me into the person I am today. And because of lessons learned, I am more sure of what I want for myself in the future.


Being single isn't always easy or ideal. Although it is sometimes welcomed. I think being single is often looked at as a negative status. Honestly, I think more women should embrace it. But it's a choice I make. I am willing to stay single for as long as needed. God willing, that won't be forever! I'm not getting any younger. Ha! Now that I am in my thirties, it's more important for me to stay true to myself. I'm not looking for a perfect guy. I just know there are some traits I am not willing to settle for. I have goals, hopes and dreams and I want someone who I can share those with. So ladies, don't be afraid to wait for the love you deserve. 



XO, Rae