Sweet Valentine's Inspired Drink Recipes!

Happy Valentines Day!

 Here are some enchanting cocktail recipes for this evening!
 
 

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 9 are Adult Only & 7, 8, & 10 are Kid Friendly!

One: Cranberry Mojitos (2 servings)
           What you need:
                           8 oz. fresh cranberries
                           1 cup of sugar
                           1 cup of water
                           20 mint leaves
                           2 teaspoons of lime juice
                           Ice
                           4 oz. of light rum
                           4-6 oz. soda water

            What you need to do:
                            Muddle mint leaves and lime juice in the bottom of a shaker. Mix all remaining ingredients and shake until well blended. Serve in tall glass and tarnish with a few mint leaves.

Two: Strawberry Champagne Cocktail (1 serving)
           What you need:
                           Fresh Strawberries
                           3 Olives RangTang Vodka
                           Simple Syrup
                           Champagne (or a sparkling wine)

           What you need to do:
                           Muddle 2-3 strawberries in a glass (not your champagne flute), then pour into flute. Add 1.5 oz. of RangTang 3 Olives Vodka and 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup into the flute and stir. Slowly fill the flute with Champagne and garnish with a strawberry.

Three: Love Potion #9 (1 serving)
           What you need:
                           1.5 oz of Prairie Organic Vodka
                           .5 oz of Peach Schnapps
                           3 oz. Blood Orange Juice

           What you need to do:
                      Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice & pour mixture into a glass rimmed with sugar.

Four: Sweetheart (1 serving)
           What you need:
                           1 tablespoon of Rasberry and Honey Puree
                           Prosecco or Champagne
                           10-12 raspberries

           What you need to do:
                           Add the raspberries & puree to a champagne flute. Top with the Prosecco and lightly swirl with a spoon before serving.

Five: Rose Caipirinha (1 serving)
           What you need:
                           1 sliced lime
                           1 tablespoon of sugar
                           Ice
                           1 shot of rum
                           1 teaspoon of rose syrup

           What you need to do:
                           Muddle the lime and sugar in a glass. Fill the glass with ice. Pour the rum and rose syrup, mix, and garnish with a slice of lime.

Six: The Dreamer (1 serving)
           What you need:
                           3 oz. of Pink Lemonade
                           1 oz. of Coconut Rum
                           Whipped Cream

           What you need to do:
                           Mix all ingredients and top with whipped cream.

Seven: You Make Me Melt
           What you need:
                           Pink Cotton Candy
                           Lime Perrier

           What you need to do:
                           Place cotton candy in glass and slowly pour lime Perrier over it.

 Eight: You Rock (1 serving)
           What you need:
                           1 package of Pop Rocks
                           4 tablespoons of grenadine syrup
                           16 oz. of ginerale
                           1 lime (to rim glass)
                           maraschino cherry

           What you need to do:
                           Rim a glass with a lime and rock rocks. Add syrup and ginger ale to the glass. Toss in remaining pop rocks. Garnish with maraschino cherry.


Nine: Blush (1 serving)
           What you need:
                           12 oz. of passion fruit nectar
                           3 oz. of Champagne
                           1/2 teasponn of grenadine
      
        What you need to do:
                           Pour chilled passion fruit nectar in a glass that is rimmed with sugar. Carefully add chilled Champagne and grenadine. Wait at least 1 minute before sipping. Do not stir, but allow the drink to blend.


Ten: Strawberry Cocoa (4 servings)
          What you need:
                           4 tablespoons of butter
                           1/2 cup of sugar
                           1 pint of strawberry ice cream
                           4 cups of water
                          Whipped Cream
                          1 cup of mini choclate chips
                          1 tablespoon of chocolate sprinkles.


          What you need to do:
                           In a medium sized bowl, melt the chocolate chips and dip the top of four mugs into the chocolate. Dash sprinkles along the edge and set aside. In a medium pot, whisk together butter, sugar, and ice cream over medium heat until melted. Slowly work the water into the mixture. Heat until steaming. Pour into chocolate-rimmed glasses. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Cheers,        
Charm.

Fresh Date Ideas

Dinner & a movie are so overrated. This year opt for an evening out on the town 

at one these four fun locations. Sorry (or not), all the venues listed are 21+.

Full Circle Bar: Not only does this hip bar carry Miller Light, Guinness, and Stella on tap, but it also has over 15 different brews available in cans.  But wait, there's more..... skee ball! This watering hole is sure to offer a unique experience on any night of the year. So grab a date and get competitive with some great brews on Valentine's Day!

318 Grand Street between Havemeyer St and Marcy Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-388-7577

fullcirclebar.com

The Slipper Room: This venue was known for their nightly burlesque entertainment when they opened in 1999. According to The Slipper Room, "performance artists, drag queens, experimental dancers, sideshow acts, and anyone who showed up with an idea, no matter how outrageous, messy, lewd, or illegal" were welcomed on a nightly basis. After briefly closing, they reopened their doors in September and The Slipper Room is sure to offer a great alternative Valentine's evening venue. Be sure to check out what you are getting yourself into by viewing the lineup for the night. If you think this would be suitable for not only you, but your date, be sure to order your tickets in advance.

 167 Orchard Street, Manhattan, New York; 212-253-7246

 www.slipperroom.com/event/204587-slipper-room-valentines-day-new-york

The Gutter: The laid back atmosphere of The Gutter may be just the place for a date (as long as they are aware of the low key situation) or long term couples to hang out and have fun on Valentine's evening. A bar with 12 craft brews on tap and an 8 lane vintage bowling alley, need we say more?

200 North 14th Street​ between Berry and Wythe, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; ​718-387-3585

www.thegutterbrooklyn.com

Nurse Betty: Inspired by the pin-ups of the 1950s, this chic bar on the Lower East Side has great cocktails nightly and a free burlesque show every Wednesday & Thursday (<-- Valentine's Day!). GoGo starts at 9:45pm and the burlesque show begins at 10pm, so make sure to get there early! With no cover charge, this bar is the guaranteed venue to get the most bang for your buck. Giving you extra spending money for the per-bar dinner; win, win.
106 Norfolk Street, Manhattan, New York; 212-477-7515
nursebettie.com/event

Cheers,
    Charm.

Valentine's Day Ideas for the Little Loves in your Life.

 We have some ideas for snacks, arts and craft, and activities that you and a youngin' could do together. After all, it is not about the finished product, but the time you spend teaching and helping a child complete a project. 

Snacks: 
    Cookie Pops

This is a fun & creative twist on the ever popular cake pops. 

These are super simple to make and the children could do the decorating.  

 
   What you need:
       1 package (18 oz) Pillsbury "Ready To Bake!" sugar cookies

       20 flat wooden sticks with round ends
       1 1/4 cups vanilla creamy ready-to-spread frosting
       Assorted small candies, sprinkles, and toppings

       What you need to do:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place cookie dough pieces 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Insert 1 wooden stick about 1 inch into the cookie dough.
4. Bake 12 to 16 minutes, until the edges are a light golden brown. 
5. Cool for 2 minutes. 
6. Remove cookies from the cookie sheets and let completely cool for 10 minutes.
7. Spread frosting on one side of each cookie & decorate with assorted candies, sprinkles, and toppings.

   
    Chocolate Covered Pretzels

 Children can help with every step of this recipe. Make them the night before Valentine's Day then pack them in their lunch box as a special treat!      

    



 What you need:
                          1 12oz package of milk chocolate chips
                          1 12oz package of white chocolate chips
                          12 large pretzel rods
                          2 small pretzels
                          Assorted sprinkles, candies, and toppings

       What you need to do:

1. Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and the white chocolate chips in another microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 min.
2. Remove chips and stir with a rubber spatula, breaking down the chips.
3. Quickly pour the chocolate into a drinking glass.
4. Dip one pretzel into the chocolate of your choosing.
5. Hold the rod over a piece of wax paper and shake toppings on all sides.
6. Place the pretzel on another piece of wax paper to dry.
7. Continue until all pretzels are covered. Let dry for 24 hours.

Arts & Crafts:
    Hanging Hearts

This project includes an iron, so children and adults will have to work together closely. Once completed, this heart will be a reminder of your love throughout the year.     

     



 What you need:
                          Waxed paper
                          Crayon Shavings (Adults Only- shave crayons with a knife)
\                          Scissors
                          Iron
                          Hole Punch
                         String or Ribbon

       What you need to do:

1. Fold a piece of waxed paper in half & draw half a heart with the center of the heart at the fold.
2. Open the waxed paper and place it flat on your work surface.
3. Place a light layer of the crayon shavings on the waxed paper.
4. Put an additional piece of waxed paper over the one with the crayon shavings.
5. Place a paper towel on top of the waxed paper then have an adult iron two the layers of wax paper together on low heat.
6. Cut out the heart image. 
7. Punch a hole near the top of your heart and thread a string/ribbon through the hole.
8. Hang it in front of a window and watch the light shine through.

    
Secret Message

This craft is guaranteed to amazing children long after they are finished making it!  

    



What you need:
                          Pain brush
                          Sponge
                          Baking soda
                          Water
                          White watercolor paper
                          Decorative paper and card stock
                          Self-adhesive laminating sheets
                          Double-sided tape
                          Spray Bottle
                          Grape juice

       What you need to do:

1. In a small bowl, mix equal parts baking soda and water.
2. Using a paintbrush, write a secret message with the baking soda mixture on a piece of watercolor paper.
3. Allow the message to dry for 10 minutes.
4. Brush off excess baking soda reside with a dry sponge.
5. Cut pieces of decorative paper or card stock slightly bigger than the secret message paper.
6. Place the card between 2 sheets of laminate material.
7. Using double-sided tape, attach the watercolor paper with the invisible message to the top of the laminated card.
8. Spray the grape juice on the card to reveal the secret message.
9. Leave the message lying flat until dry or the grape juice (& message) will drip right off the paper!

Activities:
    Valentine's Day {Mad Libs} for Kids
Mad Libs are always a funny way to spend time together. This Valentine's themed card is sure to have you both laughing.
 

      
    Hunt for Kisses
Just like for Easter, have a hunt for candy on Valentines Day. Of course you would not want to be hiding eggs, but Hersey Kisses, Boxes of Sweetheart Candy, Fun Sized M&Ms, lollipops, Foiled Milk Chocolate Hearts, SweeTart Candy Hearts Packets, and many other festive candies. Just remember to not go too small with the candy, otherwise you may not remember where you hid them and you may not come across it again until you have an ant infestation in June.

Cheers,
     Charm. 

Alternative Valentine's Day Gifts for the Ones You Love

10 Awesome Valentine's Day Gifts for Anyone You Love

One: Sexy Truth or Dare: Pick- A- Stick: $10.17 at Amazon

Two: Diana Mini Love Letters with Flash: $99.00 at Amazon

Three: nails inc. Bling it On Kit- Romance: $25.00 at Sephora

Four: Bottle Opener iPhone Case: $10.00 at Amazon

Five: Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker: $59.95 at Amazon

Six: NARS Flowers Eyeshadow Palette: $55.00 at Sephora

Seven: Snowball Slingshot: $29.95 at Hammacher Schlemmer 

Eight: Kid's Valentine's Day Books: Curious George, Little Critters, Berenstain Bears, Biscuit, Franklin, Elmo, & Dora

Nine: Cooking for Geeks: $18.66 at Amazon

Ten: Wines That Rock Gift Collection: $69.99 at Wine.com

Cheers,

     Charm.

Super Bowl Party Drinks, besides Beer...

 

Super Bowl XLVII is right around the corner and no matter if you're a Ravens fan or a 49ers fan, you are probably planning on getting together with friends, having some drinks, and filling up on finger food. Here are some of Charm's ideas for some refreshments, other than beer:

Traditional Long Island Iced Tea (serves 4)

       What you need: 

                          1/4 cup of sugar

                          1/4 cup of water

                          3 cups of ice cubes

                          1/3 cup of chilled vodka

                          1/3 cup tequila

                          1/3 cup white rum

                          1/3 cup gin

                          1/4 cup of Cointreau liqueur

                          1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

                          1 cup chilled cola

          What you need to do:

1. Place the sugar and water in a small saucepan over low heat stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook for 3 minutes until syrup thickens. Remove from heart and set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
2. Place ice in serving glasses.
3. Pour vodka, tequila, rum, gin, Cointreau, sugar mixture, lemon juice, and cola over the ice.
4. Serve immediately 

Mexican- influenced Michelada (serves 8)
      (OK, this recipe contains beer, but it doesn't taste like a plain ol'Corona)

       What you need:
                          8 lime wedges

Michelada

                          Coarse salt
                          8 bottles of Corona
                          8 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
                         4 tablespoons soy sauce
                         Hot sauce

         What you need to do:

1. Rub rim of eight glasses with a lime wedge and dip it in salt. 
2. Fill each glass with 1 bottle of beer, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, and a couple of dashes of hot sauce. 
3. Stir and squeeze a lime wedge into each.
4. Serve immediately.    

Rob Roy (1 serving)

       What you need:
                          1.5 oz Compass Box Asyla blended Scotch (or Johnie Walker Black)

Rob Roy

                          1.5 oz. Vermouth
                          Orange Bitters
                          maraschino cherry
                          Ice

       What you need to do:

1. Stir scotch, vermouth, and orange bitters with ice. 
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Football Friendly Rum Punch

       What you need:
                          Lime juice
                          Superfine Sugar
                          Jamaican-style rum (Smith & Cross or Myers)
                          Water
                          Ice
                          Nutmeg

       What you need to do:

                         Since this is a punch, you must mix all of ingredients together in a large bowl in the following proportions: 1 part lime juice, 1 part sugar, 4 parts rum, 6 parts water. Sprinkle nutmeg over the mixture.

Harvest Hardball

Harvest Highball (1 serving)

       What you need:
                          1.5 oz Ketel One Citroen Vodka
                          .5 oz Lime juice
                          .5 oz Simple syrup
                          2 oz Chilled ginger beer (Crabbies is a personal favorite)
                         Wedge of Lime


       What you need to do:

1. Add all the ingredent expect the ginger beer into a shaker and fill with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Top with the ginger beer.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Cheers,
      Charm.

Ideas for an "Anti-Valentine's Day" that are Not Lame.

Instead of staying in your pajamas, ordering Chinese food, and watching some lame movie marathon, go out a celebrate being single on February 14th...

1. Love Yourself: Splurge and head to the fanciest local spa for a message or facial. Get your hair done or get a mani- pedi. Why not do all four? Hey, you deserve the best!
   
2. Find Something New to Love: Sign up for a new classes like yoga, dance, Zumba, or cooking. Don't like to attend classes? Stop into a store you have never tried before or go to a local park you have never visited.
3. Get Out There: Attend a concert or play!  Here is a list of live events going on in NYC Thursday the 14th from eventful.com.
4. Grab Dinner with friends: Gather up all of your single friends and go get drinks and dinner at a local low key dinner to celebrate the love you all share as friends. 
   
5. Take Parents or Grandparents out for Lunch: Taking out a parent or grandparent that is single would not only make their day, but give you a loving mate to eat a great meal with.
6. Go to the Movies: Steer clear of romantic flix that will be filled with lovebirds. Two great movies that will be out on Valentine's Day include Identity Thief & Sound City.
7. Throw a "Flirt Fest": Why not have a party? Make a Facebook event and invite your single friends from different social circles for drinks and dinner. Tell them to invite their single friends to join the event. It may be a night to make some new friends, or you may find a date for next weekend.  

Cheers,
     Charm.

Bonjour Balloon!

Hello everyone! Glad you are here. This is the first post of a (hopefully) plentiful blog of inspiration for event planning, executing, and dreaming. 


Today I came across this really unique item from Bonjour Balloon (http://www.bonjourballoon.com) that I wanted to share.....

    

      This is pretty much a cute balloon in a box. I know, I know, it does not sound appealing at first. But it is cuter than that...when the person receives the box, they open it with care, and special balloon with a note attached floats out. Bonjour Balloon has balloons in various themes such as Candy Sky, Color Me Pretty, Colorful, Deep Sky, Divalicious, Fiesta Fun, It's a Boy/Girl, Pink Sass, Purple Love, Serenity, Star Bright, and Sweet Pea. They are all adorable! As Bonjour Balloon says, the balloon will "generate the biggest smile you'll ever see. That smile will turn into contagious happiness that is sure to fill any room". While I am really sure of that... I am sure it is a cute gesture for a pre-party surprise, a get well gesture, or a thank you gift. 
   Of course, if you are feeling crafty, I am sure you can think of a way to recreate this balloon set (clear balloon, large confetti pieces, confetti tail, helium, an old box (if it has writing or print on the outside of it, just wrap it up like a gift!), and a tag or note for inside), seal the box, and leave it on someone's doorstep (for much less than $25).

Cheers,
     Charm.

#Balloon #Gift #Idea #Party #Craft #Surprise #Product