5.05.2011

cinco de mayo!

There is one person in this world who loves holidays as much as I do, and that person is Whitney. Half birthdays? Check. Earth Day? You bet. Labor Day? Of course! So it should come as no surprise that early this morning I received a text from her saying "happy cinco!!" Naturally, this is one of my favorite holidays. Margaritas and Mexican food? Sign me up. 



For the past four years the Bakers, Bibers and Zellers, including many other of Zionsville's finest, could be found guzzling margs and cuttin' a rug at the annual Cinco De Mayo party. Unfortunately this year since everyone is spread throughout the country (or different countries, as in the case of Sam and my parents), we have to forgo our yearly soiree. This isn't going to prevent me from celebrating, though! 

In college, my roommates and I perfected and patented what we like to call our "skinny margs". These soon became a favorite at many gatherings, including Melchiors' family parties, where Carly is required to make at least two batches a party. While I can't provide you with an exact recipe for these tasty drinks, I can tell you the ingredients and how we like to make them. 

If you are making a pitcher to share, start by filling it about half way full with tequila. Next, add Sprite Zero (or regular Sprite if aspartame isn't your thing). Fill almost to the top. Stir in one packet of Crystal Light lemonade mix (side note: Be careful because this step will make your concoction fizzy...this is why I said don't fill the Sprite all the way to the top). I like to add lime juice to mine, but that is completely optional. That's it! Pretty easy, right? Of course it will take some practice before you find the perfect balance, so don't be discouraged. In my opinion, it's hard to go wrong when tequila is involved!



I will definitely be enjoying a skinny marg tonight, along with some chips and salsa (and queso!) How will you be celebrating this holiday?

happy cinco!



5.02.2011

absence makes the heart grow fonder

Well, I started this blog exactly three months ago with full intentions of blogging at least two times a week, but I guess I got busy? After visiting Whitney in Atlanta this weekend, I am re-inspired to give this another shot. My trip was nothing short of wonderful, and you can read all about it here, because she can recount it much more eloquently than I ever could.

As an attempt to give my blog somewhat of a focus, I decided to feature a playlist at the beginning of every week (Music Monday, anyone?). Starting today I will be teaching an indoor cycling class every Monday evening. Since you can't be there to sweat it out and jam with us, I would love nothing more than to share my playlist with you. This is my first week with new students and I am playing it safe, but have no fear that my selection will get more funky and maybe a little racy (!!) I tried to include a little something for everyone, no matter what your taste.

Strip Me - Natasha Bedingfield
Yeah 3x - Chris Brown
Secrets - OneRepublic
Best Love Song (ft. Chris Brown) - T-Pain
Dog Days Are Over - Florence + The Machine
Easy - Rascal Flatts
It's Still Rock and Roll to Me - Billy Joel
Next 2 You (ft. Justin Bieber) - Chris Brown
Fans - Kings of Leon
Who Dat Girl (ft. Akon) - Flo Rida
Perfect - P!ink
Wavin' Flag - K'naan
Rolling In The Deep - Adele
Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO
Give me Everything (ft. Ne-Yo) - Pitbull

So here is my promise to you: I will be a better blogger. I'm not promising to be as diligent as some I know (Whit...), or as interesting, but I will no longer be as sporadic.

I'll leave you with this yummy picture of white sangria that we concocted this weekend, which magically continued to grow in the pitcher every time we poured a new glass. Hopefully this will make you dream about the hot summer nights ahead!