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Holidays

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Hey… did you know Mother’s Day is SUNDAY? Yea, the thousand and one posts about it on social media and the blogosphere reminded me too. I actually mailed out my gifts this year BEFORE Mother’s Day. (Though, likely, they will still be late.) A serious accomplishment for me nonetheless.

I do have good intentions. I actually love all the ideas that come up right before Mother’s Day on all the blogs. I think, “Wow. Next year I am totally going to do that.” Then the year passes by and it is suddenly May 5th. And, while I am sipping on my margarita I inevitably realize that another Mother’s Day is approaching and catching me unprepared.

If I am this terrible at remembering Mother’s Day—and, I’m a mother—I really can’t be terribly upset that my husband completely forgot that Mother’s Day is this upcoming Sunday and might have planned to be at a Timber’s game.  I’m guessing my two-year-old hasn’t planned to make me breakfast in bed or created me a stunning card creation. (slacker)*

Super Last Minute and Not Too Expensive Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

I thought I’d help a hubby out and share my favorite picks for Mother’s Day. While being a mother is gift enough—and all that jazz— I sure do like a well-thought-out gift.** This momma doesn’t have expensive tastes, loves a sense of humor, and appreciates thoughtful/useful (yet still fun) gifts. Maybe, just maybe, you haven’t figured out a gift for your momma (or baby mamma) these gift ideas will be helpful for you as well.

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  • Sentimental, sweet… and complete gift with card under $20: Lindsay Letters – A Note for Mom $10  (Secret: I already bought this one for myself.)
  • Thoughtful… shows that he knows me: Aqua Enamel Flatware ($8.96) via World Market & Garden Buzz Dessert Plate ($12) Anthropologie
  • Practical… and yet, awesome: Flats are practical for work or for play. Add a fun pop of color to make them special. Xhileration Lumiere Two Piece Flat ($21.00)
  • Fabulous…just add in a trip to the beach: Sunhat ($12.99), Sunglasses ($16.99) — Wanna make the sunglasses even cuter? Add this adorable free “You Make My Life Shine Brighter Mom” Printable.
  • Cheeky & Fun: Why not get these fun new wines from Modern Wine Houses (available at Target) and give mom a ladies’ night!

Were you on top of things this year and remember to show mom a little love?

*While my husband’s memory is not made for remembering holidays and such… he shows me every day how much he loves and respects me. I like to rib him a little about his forgetfulness, but seriously, he is awesome. The kid is a total slacker though. 😉

** Anyone who knows me knows this is a joke. Sure, I like a pretty little gift as much as the next person. But, I cherish things much higher than baubles. Happy Mom’s Day out there to everyone who made it this far in the post!

 

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Happy Cinco de Mayo! I am a little sad that it fell on a Monday this year. I’ll be working all day and most the night tonight. But, I’m hopeful to fit a margarita in somewhere.

I’m currently loving this printable by the Lovely Lauren if A Fabulous Fete! I saw it on her Instagram a month or so ago and fell in love. I thought it was the perfect reminder! She was kind enough to make a printable out of her work and sent it to me just in time for today! I’ve already posted it in front of my computer at work.

Get your own “Know when to give up and have a margarita printable” by Lauren of A Fabulous Fete (Only $5!)

Love Lauren’s style and want more for your Cinco de Mayo celebration? Check out these greatCinco de Mayo free printablesfor drink stirrers and flags!

AWCP-OldIrishCocktailPinterest

 

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

How are you celebrating today? Are you kissing someone Irish, wearing green, or enjoying a tasty dish of Bangers & Mash? I’ll be celebrating by whipping up a cocktail with an Irish twist!

This past winter I was sent the book Savory Cocktails by Greg Henry (affiliate link) for review. I’ve been making my way through the book getting creative with drinks such as a Perfect Martini and Salad Bowl Gin & Tonic. Enjoying the tart and refreshing combinations of herbs and liquor. As I was working on creating a cocktail in honor of St. Patrick’s Day I wanted to find something that would pair well with Irish Whiskey, so I picked up the Savory Cocktail book looking for ideas.

While I can drink a bourbon with just ice, for me Irish Whiskey has a bit more of a bite to it and I wanted something that would smooth out the flavor while keeping its notes of honey and citrus. (Not all Irish Whiskeys are the same… so, I may still discover something I can drink sans mixers.)  That is when I stumbled upon Henry’s recipe for Clove-Infused Honey Syrup… the combination is PERFECT. It is smoky, rich, smooth, and sweet.

Irish Whiskey with Honey Clove Syrup

How to make an Old Irish Cocktail:

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Clove-Infused Honey Syrup
  • 2 oz Irish Whiskey
  • Freshly Squeezed Juice of 1 Orange
  • 1 orange slice for garnish

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients over ice in a rocks glass (I love my large ice cube mold for my whiskey drinks— the larger ice cubes don’t melt as fast or water down my cocktails as quickly.)
  2. Garnish with orange slice
  3. Sláinte! 

Old Irish Cocktail from A Well Crafted Party

How to Make Clove Infused Honey Syrup

Recipe from Savory Cocktails by Greg Henry shared with permission

  • 2 tbsp whole cloves
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup honey

“Place the cloves in a small, nonreactive container and lightly crush them with a wooden muddler. Add the warm water and honey; stir to combine, then cover and set at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Taste the syrup; add more honey if you feel it is too strong.

When your syrup has the taste you want, pour it through a wire-mesh sieve lined with a double layer of damp cheesecloth; discard the solids. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Makes about 1 cup.”

 


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of “Savory Cocktails” for purposes of review. All thoughts and opinions above are my own. I’ve also included affiliate links in this post. Items purchased from affiliate links help this blogger earn a small percentage of the sale. Thank you for supporting this blog.