Thirsty Thursday: Charlotte’s AppleJack Brandy Cider

Posted on December 5, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

This past Sunday, I hosted an intimate gift wrapping party for my friend, Lindsey, and I. The ultimate girly, holiday-prepping day, I had to serve Christmas cookies and, of course, Charlotte’s Cider. Whenever I make this cider, I think of Christmas in Nashville.

See, I lived in Nashville for 4 years and one year I couldn’t make it home to Dallas for Christmas. I was busy, my mom was sick and it just wasn’t the time to go. So I spent Christmas with my neighbors and it ended up being one of the most memorable Christmases I ever celebrated.

One of my best friends, Charlotte Cooper, made this delicious cider and we drank mugs of it all night long as we went caroling door-to-door in East Nashville.

Sometimes the unexpected Christmases that end up making the sweetest memories.

I hope this cider can be part of your holiday memories this year! Enjoy…

Thirsty Thursday: Charlotte's AppleJack Brandy Cider - perfect for the holidays!

Charlotte’s AppleJack Brandy Cider

Perfect for the Holidays and Has an extra kick!

2 1.5 liters Martonelli Apple Cider

1/4 cup orange juice

2 ts lemon zest

2 ts orange zest

1/4 cup brown sugar

4 cinnamon sticks

whole cloves

4 whole allspice berries

Dash of nutmeg

Dash of salt

1 Bottle Apple Jack Brandy

Bring to boil on medium high. Then turn to medium low and simmer for 30 minutes.

After simmering 30 minutes, add 1 bottle Apple Jack Brandy (Laird’s).

The ingredients...

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What beverage gets you into the holiday spirit?

Thirsty Thursday: Olivina Milk & Honey Collection

Posted on November 21, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Thirsty Thursday: Olivina Milk & Honey Collection

I once had an old boyfriend who loved the smell of a honey & milk body wash more than anything…and I loved the scent on him. It smelled like honey and cream and baby freshness. I used to just curl up in that sweet smell…but I digress.

To both of our dismay, the company discontinued it unexpectedly. I looked for it everywhere to no avail.

Well, I was slathering on Olivina Milk & Honey Hand & Body Lotion the other day and that same ex was here (don’t get excited, now, were BFFs now – no funny business). But both he and Miss Ellie (my pup) smelled the lotion and they did a double take. See, it reminded us all of his old, beloved body wash.

As for me, it’s the perfect lotion to apply right before bedtime as it reminds me of a warm cup of cream tea with honey…and misty, watercolored memories, of course. Plus, with shea butter, olive oil and grape seed extract, it richly hydrates my skin leaving me silky, smooth and velvety. Perfect for drifting off to dream…

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What beloved product was discontinued on you?

Thirsty Thursday: Jackhammer Chardonnay Saint Lucia Highlands 2012

Posted on October 3, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

On any given warm Friday, as I sit writing my life away at Paper or Plastik in Picfair Village, you can assume I’m having a glass of today’s Thirsty Thursday feature – Jackhammer Chardonnay Saint Lucia Highlands 2012.

Thirsty Thursday: Jackhammer Chardonnay Saint Lucia Highlands 2012

It pairs perfectly with my Market Salad plate and I look forward to them both all week long. It’s one of the highlights of my week!

With notes of tropical fruit and lemon zest, hints of green apple, honey and spice and a rich, creamy mouth feel, my tastebuds are tantalized as I slowly sip.

With no oak to distract from the juicy tastes, all you will enjoy is a mouth full of citrusy fruit.

Pairs great with salads (natch), light fish and shellfish.

And maybe I’m biased but I do swear that it helps me write just a wee bit better…especially if I indulge in a second glass.

xoxo,
BF

Thirsty Thursday: Ciroc Celebrity Cocktail from the GBK Pre-Emmys Luxury Gift Lounge

Posted on September 26, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

I had the pleasure of attending the GBK Pre-Emmys Party this past weekend at the W Hotel in Hollywood. With celebrities, fab swag and more, GBK events are always a favorite stop for celebrities – and for me, of course.

I stopped by the bar for a little mid-day cocktail and was delighted when W Hotel Banquet Supervisor, Aimee, crafted this concoction with Ciroc for me.

Ciroc Celebrity Cocktail from the GBK Pre-Emmys Luxury Gift Lounge at the W Hotel in Hollywood

So, naturally, I had to share with you lovelies! So without further ado, here is the Ciroc Celebrity Cocktail from the GBK Pre-Emmys Party.

Thirsty Thursday: Ciroc Celebrity Cocktail at the GBK Pre-Emmys Luxury Gift Lounge

Ciroc Celebrity Cocktail

1 part Ciroc vodka

1 part Dole Pineapple Juice

A liberal splash of grenadine

Combine vodka and pineapple juice. Add in grenadine. Don’t stir so that layers are created.

Sip like the celebrities!

xoxo,

BF Asks: What’s your favorite Ciroc vodka cocktail?

Thirsty Thursday: Matua 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough

Posted on September 19, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Refreshing, crisp and just the slightest bit juicy, my Thirsty Thursday pick today, Matua 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) ($12.99 or less) is a white wine for those discerning friends who might not even usually like white wine.

Thirsty Thursday: Matua 2012 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand)

With notes of grapefruit, watercress and a passionfruit finish on the palate, this perfect-for-every-day white wine satiates without overwhelming. Not an easy job when you’re a late summer white.

Tasty when paired with tapas, great served with grilled salmon or perfect with a peach and goat cheese frisée, you’ll be shocked at the compliments you’ll receive for this Sauv Blanc. And you’ll be tickled that you paid $12.99 or less for it.

So, serve up a glass of Sauvignon Blanc tonight – Matua 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, that is.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What Sauvignon Blanc has you salivating right now?

Thirsty Thursday: La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012 – the official taste of Summer 2013

Posted on September 12, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Before I bid summertime adieu, I must share with you my summer love… La Vielle Ferme Rosé ($9.99).

Thirsty Thursday: My taste of summer 2013 - La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012

I have bought a bevy of bottles of this ravishing rosé this summer and have enjoyed every single, solitary one. Oh, don’t you judge – almost every bottle was shared with a friend, neighbor or passerby on the street. Kidding…well, about the passerby thing.

My brother-neighbor, Matty, & me enjoying a glass (or two) of La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012 last Saturday while frosting cupcakes

However, I’m not kidding when I tell you that this vino will symbolize Summer 2013 for me forever. With its pretty, whimsical watermelon hue, its floral scent with hints of baked brown sugar and aniseed and its taste of southern flowers, bing cherries and fruit pastille candies, this dry – yet juicy – rosé just represents the taste of summer 2013 for me. And, for me, summer 2013 was filled with fun, new beginnings, farm-to-table-fresh food, music, travel, romance and lessons learned.
One glass of La Vieille Ferme Rosé is never enough, two is not too much and the conversations and memories enjoyed over 3 glasses of this wine will live on forever.

Lucky for me, I know there will be another vintage next year. So here’s – and cheers – to Summer 2014 with La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012!!!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Do you have a favorite rosé? Spill it.

Thirsty Thursday: The East End

Posted on September 5, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

As we segue from summer into fall, it can be a bit challenging to find just the right balance of tastes for a late summer/pre-autumn cocktail. Citrus cocktails alone seem too reminiscent of early summer while the pumpkin, apple and cinnamon cocktails of fall seem a little premature.

That’s why I’m loving this custom cocktail – The East End – from Hooray Henry’s (LA’s newest nightclub to see and be seen) and master mixologist, Curtis of Blacklab.

The East End - both sweet AND spicy!

With elements of both sweet and spice, it will leave you feeling ooooooohhhhh-sooooo-nice!

THE EAST END

2oz Corzo Silver Tequila

1oz lime juice

1oz pineapple juice

.75oz habanero syrup

house made chili salt rim

shake/strain into a rocks glass

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What cocktail are you loving this week?

Thirsty Thursday: The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail at Happy Hour at The Orlando

Posted on August 29, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending a happy hour at The Orlando Hotel on 3rd Street here in Los Angeles. Lucky for me I did because I discovered my new favorite cocktail.

As I walked in, I was offered two selections – a variety of fresh, cold-pressed Clover juices (which just so happens to be housed downstairs) or champagne. Well, you know me…I thought, why choose? Let’s make a new cocktail for the occasion – so my friend, Edward suggested using the Gingersnap juice and, thus, The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail was born!

Thirsty Thursday: The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail

So what exactly is in this delicious drink? It’s very simple, really – champagne (naturally) and then Clover Gingersnap Juice ($8). This juice has Fuji apple, green apple, lemon and ginger and it is super scrumptious with a bit of spice.
I’m thinking it’s going to be a big pick for Fall because it seems to marry the citrus, zesty flavors of summer with autumnal elements like apple and spice.

So try it for yourself. And see if you enjoy it as much as we did!

Enjoying The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail at Happy Hour at The Orlando with my good friends, Jennifer Chan & Rose Curiel of E!

Just add 2 parts Clover Gingersnap Juice to 1 part champagne and presto-changeo – you’ve got yourself The Clover Gingersnap Champagne Cocktail.

Yep, happy hour indeed…

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What cocktail kick are you on right now?

Thirsty Thursday: YouthH2O Age Defying Shot

Posted on August 15, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

I don’t know about you guys but from running a beauty & lifestyle blog, one thing is clear to me: we all want to look and feel as young and gorgeous as possible. No one likes admitting to this fact because, well, there’s A LOT more to life than that but still, the fact that beauty and fitness blogs are so popular is just more evidence of this.

That’s why I personally can’t wait to try YouthH2O Age Defying system shot of superfoods!

If it can help me look like Evelyn Lozada here, that CAN'T be a bad thing!

It says that by drinking this superfood-laden beverage, your skin will glow, your immune system will be stronger and you’ll gain more youthful energy. Um, okay, sign me up!

Plus, it’s caffeine-free, vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free! Free of all you don’t want and chock-full of fat-burners, vitamins and everything you do want!

Plus, it’s just become available in New York this month at Duane Reade stores!

YouthH2O now available at Duane Reade stores!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Have you tried the superfood shot, YouthH2O, yet? What was your experience?

Thirsty Thursday: Pampadour Summer Sangria

Posted on July 18, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the “Be Parisian For A Day Event” hosted by Fournier PR. While eating macarons (yes, I’m serious)…

Macaron heaven at Be Parisian For A Day

and getting to know all of the new beauty products I’m destined to be in love with -

Being, well, Parisian...or at least trying to be...

I spotted this:

PAMPADOUR. SUMMER. SANGRIA.

Pampadour Summer Sangria

So what is this sangria-making “Pampadour“, you ask? Well, I asked the same thing…and then I promptly signed up and became obsessed. It’s a social platform for beauty. Need more details? Here you go: If Facebook married Pinterest and it was a marriage based solely on a love of beauty then you would have Pampadour. And luckily we do. By the way, that sounds divine, doesn’t it?

I’ve played a bit on Pampadour and let me tell ya – it is ADDICTIVE!!

But back to their sangria. It was delish and they were nice enough to send me the recipe.

It’s a refreshing warm weather beverage that’s just dying to be enjoyed with friends!

Summer happiness - also called Pampadour Summer Sangria - in a cup

Pampadour Summer Sangria:

1 bottle White Wine ( Pino Blanc or New Zealand Sauvignon – I personally prefer the $3.99 Espiral Vinho Verde from Trader Joe’s!)

1/2 c Brandy

4 c Club Soda

Sliced Plums, lemons, limes, strawberries, apples, tangerines

Serve chilled on Ice.

xoxo,

BFBF Asks: What’s your favorite sangria recipe?