{guilt-free lime basil margarita}

I've found a secret cocktail mixer and I can't keep it to myself anymore. I've been holding on to this little gem for a couple of months now and figured it was time to share... it has ZERO sugar, guilt, calories, or preservatives!

When I first heard about Be Mixed I didn't believe the hype. "It has to taste horrible" I thought, "there's no way a mixer can have no calories and have a lot of flavor." Y'all I was so wrong! I've been creating different concoctions and haven't felt like I'm taking steps backward in my diet (you can make mocktails too). It's as simple as adding 1 shot to a 4 oz bottle - that's it - instant cocktail! However, I wanted to take it a step further, and I happened to have a pretty impressive basil plant growing in my kitchen (that is no longer doing so hot since I used all the leaves for this shoot ha). Keep reading to grab the recipe below!

We all know Margaritas to be one of two things: high in sugar and calories or watered down and tasting like tequila. My goal was to start with your simple Be Mixed Margarita (a Margarita cocktail mixer + tequila) and jazz it up to be loaded with flavor. The best part about this mixer is that you can't screw it up... add raspberries, strawberries, jalapenos, mango, apple, agave, cinnamon, orange, etc... and you've made your own custom Margarita. Their website has tons of recipes and Margarita ideas, but I didn't see any with basil! So I was determined to create something with this fragrant, delicious herb.

Obviously, it was easy to come up with. Limes are a no-brainer in Margs and I wanted to amp up the citrus with lemon. When I added the basil it created a totally new flavor - perfect for any season! The only thing missing from my life when I mixed this up was a big bowl of white queso... YUM!

LIME BASIL MARGARITA RECIPE //

You'll need:

1 shot Tequila

1/2 shot Triple Sec

4-5 leaves of Basil, chopped

1/2 Lime, juiced

1/2 Lemon, juiced

1 Be Mixed Margarita (4 oz.)

Instructions:

1. Muddle basil, lime juice, and lemon juice.

2. Add in Tequila, Triple Sec, and Be Mixed.

3. Shake well and pour over ice.

4. Garnish with a basil leaf and lime or lemon wedges.

5. Serve and enjoy!

If you're wondering where you can find some Be Mixed Cocktail mixers for yourself, you can purchase them from their online store (I recommend getting the variety pack to start) or use their location finder to shop in person!

Gold Stemless Glasses // Living Threads Co. Napkins c/o // Blue & White Tray, old from Target // Marble Cutting Board c/o Wayfair, similar // Coffee Table // Rug // Sofa // J.Crew Coasters, old //

Paper Straws, similar // Be Mixed 4 oz Mixers c/o

Love Always,

{day trip to bluemont vineyard with DCAcar}

It's no secret that spending a day at a winery is my #1 hobby. It's the perfect way to spend time with friends and get out of the city! Sitting in the sun on a chilly day, laughing with friends, eating delicious food, trying new wines, and just making great memories. I could go on and on about my love for the Virginia Wine Country (I should probably write a post listing out my favorite wineries?!) because I've spent so much time adventuring out to explore the area.

I somehow manage to convince Kyle to go out to our favorite winery at least once a month ;) It's not hard to convince him... it's just the fact that he always has to drive. Not an ideal situation when you really want to relax and drink some glasses of wine without worrying about the trek back home! We always talk about wanting to try a new winery and spending the day with friends but the conversation of "who's going to drive" becomes the deciding factor on our weekend plans (I can drive... but Kyle drives a Jeep stick shift).

Then we were introduced to DCAcar Service!! Not only were we able to head out to a winery on a beautiful Sunday with Kristyn and Corey but we didn't have to worry about who was going to drive! We were picked up in a massive black SUV (complete with mints and waters) in the morning and our gracious driver, Zack, drove us out to Bluemont Vineyard where we spent our Sunday Funday!  The four of us did wine tastings, purchased a couple of bottles, and ordered lots of food and pizzas... probably one each by the end of the day haha! Bluemont has a fire brick oven pizza grill and it's such a game changer! Around 4:30 we got back in the car (with lots of wine in tow and full bellies) and Zack got us back to DC safe and sound! Pretty sure Kyle was the happiest because he didn't have to drive!

It was so nice knowing that our driver already had our agenda and we didn't have to wait around for him to pick us up or try to give him directions. Zack was even telling us that DCAcar can take you to Reagan National Airport, BWI Airport, and even Dulles Airport!  With the holidays coming up quickly I will be using their services to get myself and my family to and from the airports. Since my dad is no longer driving and I don't have a car I know this is the safest way to get everyone where they need to be!

Kyle and I had so much fun with the group that we've already started planning another outing with DCAcar service and more friends! I can't even believe we were able to spend an entire day out in VA wine country and we didn't have to drive!! Can I please spend every Sunday like this?!

*Thank you to DCAcar Service for providing us transportation. All thoughts, words, photos, and opinions are my own.*

Love Always,

{travel guide | annapolis}

Last year I went to Annapolis with two of my best DC blogger babes, Laura and Kristyn, to take a quick getaway out of the city. I had visited Annapolis before but every time I go I find some new little gem hiding around the corner. It's pretty much perfect to visit any time of the year... but maybe I feel that way because I love any little town that sits on the water. The city is always alive with people walking around, sailing, exploring, and taking in the historic charm. Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, home to the US Naval Academy, an awesome spot to grab some MD Blue Crabs, and a great place to grab a drink because there are bars so old that George Washington drank in them (seriously). I meant to write this travel guide post last year but the holidays picked up and it slipped my mind (reality got in the way basically). I had a craving for crabs last weekend and Kyle and I began talking about planning for a weekend getaway to Annapolis! While we were planning it I figured it was better late than never to share my guide with y'all - fall is gorgeous on the shore too!

HOW TO GET THERE

If you have a car the easiest method is to drive. But if you don't (like me and most of my girlfriends) you can hop on the Orange line and take it all the way to the end, New Carrollton Station, and then grab an uber the remainder of the way. It's not the most ideal but cutting your uber trip time and cost in half helps out! It took us around an hour to get there.

WHERE TO STAY

Like I said earlier, I've visited Annapolis a couple of times, I've stayed in every hotel under the sun out there. By far the best location and experience I've had has been with the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel. It's close to everything downtown so if you need to drop off your shopping bags or come home late after a night of drinking it's a stone's throw away! Plus, the decor is nautical and to die for. The hotel rooms look right out to the marina and downtown scene and there is a bar and restaurant behind the hotel's lobby (read more about that below!)

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Pusser's Caribbean Grille - this waterfront bar is attached to the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and sits right on the water. Named after Pusser's Rum, they're famous for getting your weekend started or ending your night haha. This is always a must visit location whenever you visit!

Cantler's - If you're craving crabs then look no further. A quick 10 min drive from downtown and you can have the best MD blue crabs in the area.

Red Red Wine Bar - Right on Main Street and a perfect stop to grab a wine flight and cheese board.

Dry 85 - The sign outside says it all... "bourbon beer provisions". A modern industrial take on a Prohibition-era speakeasy.

Harvest - I've been here for lunch, brunch, and dinner and it doesn't disappoint. They emphasize locally sourced food and seafood. I can't recommend the catfish enough! I know it's not everyone's favorite fish but it was fried to perfection. For brunch I love the chicken and waffles. Yum!

Iron Rooster - Reservations are hard to come by so prepare in advance. The seating outside is always packed but I've heard this place is well worth the wait, especially because they serve breakfast all day.

Preserve - Another gorgeous restaurant right on Main Street. This place is all about comfort and, you guessed it, some fabulous preserves.

Fox's Den - Gourmet pizzas and craft beer. Hello, perfection. This is a true hidden gem... it's only marked by a hanging fox sign outside and the number 179B above the door. It's nestled in between LouLou and Tangerine. The atmosphere downstairs is really neat and I love how you can sit at the bar and watch the pizza's in the brick oven.

Joss - Fresh sushi, sake bombs, kid friendly, date friendly, lots of seating. You can't go wrong with Japanese in my mind and this place is always great to catch up with friends and have fresh seafood.

WHAT TO DO & SEE

SHOP - There are tons of cute stores for men and women... I would try to list all of them but your best bet is to start at the top and walk down to see every shop. There are so many galleries and boutique stores that you won't want to miss in between grabbing a drink, lobster roll, and ice cream.

Navy Football games - Even if you're just tailgating this is a classic Annapolis pastime.

Sailboat Ride - I personally haven't done this but one of my best friends recommended it to me. Whenever her family comes to visit they take a sailboat cruise with Schooner Woodwin. They offer lots of different options and I'm dying to take a trip! The sunset cruise looks incredible and they'll even let you help hoist the sails (all 4!) and take a turn at the wheel.

Paddle Boarding - During the hot summer months the water is just asking for you to get in.  Capital SUP is the best place to get a great exercise in while being able to enjoy all of the boats and gorgeous weather. They have a spot in DC as well!

WHAT TO WEAR

Anything casual... the town is full of nautical charm (how many times can I say I'm obsessed with that haha) so throw on your Sperry's and striped shirts! During the fall you're good to go with jeans and booties. Winter time calls for a heavier jacket and scarves along with flat, warm boots. In the summer it's all about the sunglasses and a cute dress - I recommend always bringing a hat and light sweater to toss on in case the wind picks up and you're sitting on the water!

*My stay last Fall was provided by Annapolis Waterfront Hotel but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I can't wait to stay at the AWH again in the future!*

Love Always,

{preakness 2017 with the stronach group}

This past weekend I had the honor of being invited to attend the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown, with The Stronach Group in Baltimore, MD. It was a day full of friends, gorgeous outfits, horse racing, celebrity sightings, tasty food, and delicious drinks. The night ended with a crazy dance party! I took a ton of pictures during the day to try and capture the excitement of everything (from the Bloody Mary and Bellini bar to the trophies being brought in to the Winner's Circle). I'm also sharing the details of what I wore below - maybe next year I'll have the courage to find a really fun hat/fascinator to pair with my dress!

Lulu's Dress (wearing a M) // Baublebar Earrings c/o // Elaine Turner Heels, old (Cork Version, Similar) // J.Crew Purse, old (similar, similar) // Ray-Ban Sunglasses // Gold Bracelet //

David Yurman Bracelet // BITE Lipstick in "pastille"

If last weekend was a glimpse as to how great this summer is going to be we're off to a phenomenal start! I've been to the Preakness before but only to the Mug Club (a verrrryyy different experience haha) which is a massive field party full of kegs and live performances in the Infield. The experience this year was so amazing I feel like it was still a dream. Being that close to the action was a rush like no other - you could feel the horses run past you right next to the finish line! Of course there's no adrenaline rush like cheering for your horse to win ;) The Stronach Group's tent was right next to the Winner's Circle and in front of the finish line - we were able to stand right next to the trophies and see the final seconds of the race. I didn't win any money gambling on some of the races but it was sure fun to try. Maybe next year I'll do some more research beforehand - but nobody could have predicted the Always Dreaming upset!! I thought it was pretty neat that Cloud Computing's owner was from Baltimore though!

I'd say one highlight of the day was meeting Kevin Spacey. I mean WOW! Wasn't anticipating seeing that face on Saturday! We also saw Sam Hunt, Carson Kressley, the Mayor, and a couple of Baltimore Ravens players - Pimlico Race Track was the place to be y'all!! I can't wait to go back next year and relive the action all over again :) A huge thank you to BrandLink DC and The Stronach Group for inviting Kyle and me. It was a day for the books!

Love Always,