Pooltime with Ramona

WEARING: VICTORIA'S SECRET BIKINI | AMSCAN MUSTARD YELLOW BANDANA | 
EGO RAINA SANDALS | BAN.DO GRAPEFRUIT COOLER BAG

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RAMONA.

It's wine... but cooler. What is pink, keeps you hydrated and happy? Meet Ramona, the lovechild of a mimosa and an Aperol Spritz. If you're a fan of Aperol Spritzing and something more citrusy like grapefruit, then this is the drink for you. Ramona is a ruby grapefruit wine spritz made with organic Zibibbo grapes grown in Western Sicily. Bright, aromatic, and refreshing, it doesn't need a glass, a bottle opener, or an occasion to drink it. Continue reading to see me chilling in my very own pool on my rooftop (I'm super ballin' haha!) and to learn more about this great new summer drink you all need to know about!

Ramona is an organic, all-natural, gluten-free and vegan wine spritz. And I do enjoy a little something citrusy during the hot summer months, not too much of a drinking those super sweet fruity cocktails, and this wine spritz is legit - so refreshing and tasty! I even took full advantage of my favorite summertime hangout spot, my rooftop with a kiddie pool shaped as an elephant. Yep, you read that correctly, lol. We just got through our first heat wave this summer here in New York, so it was perfect timing to unwind with drinks and a pool all to myself! You can safely guess I received a few tan lines from this super fun shoot!

The brand was also sweet enough to send me a summer kit, including of course their drinks that I love (seriously though, low in alcohol and the best fizzy drink out there right now), a pair of really cute pink sunnies, straws, sweet and sour grapefruit candy, this adorable fruit bag from ban.do that is also a cooler, and this mini-inflatable drink holder shaped as a grapefruit. My bikini is from Victoria's Secret (I linked a similar one for $19.99 from Target here) and I kept my hair tied back with a mustard yellow bandana. Who else loves to tie scarves, ribbons, bandanas into their hair? I think it's a great summer accessory. The kiddie pool is from H2OGO!™ and you can bet I'll be using this bad boy again - especially on those hot sweltering days here in the city! 

LOVE & XX'S, 

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Summer Poetry with Three Olives Rosé Vodka

This post is sponsored by Three Olives Rosé Vodka but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Summer has literally jump kicked right in and there's just no spring here in New York City. I don't mind as any good weather will do - I love to read indoors, outdoors, anywhere really and with the warmer temps setting in, I've found a great new cocktail that has got two of my favorite drinks into one. It's Rosé Vodka! If you guys know anything about me I'm all about efficiency and making the most out of everything. This includes reading and drinking! Continue to learn more about Three Olives Rosé Vodka, some of my favorite poetry and a video as well. Did I mention there's also a quick and easy cocktail concoction on top?

The combination of flavors comes together in such an interesting and good way! I wanted to make it a bit more of a bubbly drink with the hot weather. And since I can finally bask in the glorious warm sun, I included champagne to celebrate. But why combine in the first place? Convenience, yes, but for the quality! Winning in my book :) And a bookworm such as myself only has so much time mixing drinks before she loses patience and just goes back to reading. So a splash of this, 1 part of that, and voila! Check out the recipe:

Rosé Royale

1 Part Three Olives Rosé Vodka

Splash of Chilled Champagne

Fresh Raspberries

Pour Three Olives Rosé Vodka in a champagne flute and top with champagne and fresh raspberries. 

So if you're a vodka and rosé wine fan, this combined liquor is right up your alley. I'd recommended smashing up more raspberries into the drink if you want it to be a little sweeter, but I love berries in general and snacking on them while reading is such a treat! Perhaps a little-whipped cream if that's something you fancy. But the flavors between the rosé, vodka, champagne, and raspberries are just the right amount of everything when it comes to my taste buds.

Three Olives Rosé Vodka is perfect on its own over ice or with a splash of club soda, and extremely mixable in a variety of summer cocktails, from sangria to frosé and spritzers. So whether you like to stay in or go out, this drink is ready to kick into summer all day AND night! The new Three Olives Rosé Vodka is anything but basic. Head to ThreeOlives.com for recipe ideas and more. Got a question about something or just want to drop a line? Leave your comments down below!

LOVE & XX'S,

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The Smoothest Tequila I've Ever Had

This post is sponsored by Maestro Dobel Tequila but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Hey guys! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Raise your hand if you're up for some margaritas for the occasion, 'cuz I know I am! I love frozen ones for those hot, summer days but sometimes it's better to just slowly unwind after a long day and sip a margarita on the rocks - which is probably my favorite way to drink tequila. And with Maestro Dobel Diamante, a tequila with a heritage that sets it apart from every other tequila brand, its distillery process makes it the smoothest tequila available and of ultra-premium quality. Continue reading to learn how to make one of my favorite classic margaritas with Maestro Dobel Diamante along with where to shop this summery, resort-y look.

Maestro Dobel Diamante is the world’s first clear multi-aged tequila. It’s rule-defying elixir that consists of a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo, and Reposado Tequila, aged in the finest European white oak barrels! It is the perfect luxe tequila to relax, vibe on a good time and share these intimate moments- whether it’s with your better half, or at a dinner party with your closest friends, or just one on your own sitting on the porch, kicking back and chilling away. And I've got a great easy recipe that anyone can make! All you need are limes, a shaker, agave syrup and well... the best part... the tequila.

Now that we've got a relaxing margarita in our hand, let's talk about getting this easy, breezy summer look in there as well! I love this classic striped wrapped top from VIPSHOP, it goes well with the amazing packaging of the Maestro Dobel Diamante bottle, don't you think? I love to mix prints so I went with these super-comfy Leota pants that are just perfect for about any occasion. But they're so cozy, it's kind of hard to leave the house once you put them on! Just like having these margaritas at home. Too good and relaxing than to go anywhere else! :)

WHITE DIAMOND MARGARITA

2 OZ. DOBEL DIAMANTE TEQUILA
.5 OZ. AGAVE SYRUP
.5 OZ. FRESH LIME

Method: Shaken
Glassware: Cocktail Glass
Garnish: Rim with Salt

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My sandals are from the Patricia Green SS collection. A braided jute platform elevates a trend-right sandal featuring mixed media styling highlighted with contrast topstitching and set on a lightly cushioned footbed. It's my favorite sandals ever! My tote bag is great for quick trips to the market or liquor store to grab this beautiful Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila. I think it also goes well with the metallic in the sandals too. What do you guys think of this outfit? I think it's great for both the city and also being away on vacation - with summery tropical vibes of course, and this sleek, smooth tequila from Maestro Dobel Diamante that I just can't stop raving about! Seriously, guys it's the best tequila I've tried in the longest time, be sure to follow the links or shop down below to find where to get your bottle! Got a question about the recipe, outfit or anything else? Drop a line! I always love hearing from my readers. Cheers!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Lavender Soju Lemonade

Happy Thirsty Thursday, everyone! I'm delighted to share with you not only a new cocktail recipe, but my very first food & cooking video, made by yours truly! I literally did everything by myself! Just a quick mention: I know a lot of you have asked me in the past who does my photos, who edits them, etc.; when many have assumed they were strictly done by my husband (who, yes, is a pretty well-known and very talented photographer) but besides the editorial fashion shoots we try and do once a week, everything else is my own content! And when it comes to video editing, that's all done by me too. Interesting fact? I learned how to cut & edit music, plus video, from my childhood figure skating days! And with photos of myself, if it is not mentioned that it's a self-portrait photograph, the pictures of me are done by my love. :)

Now back to the lecture at hand... ha ha! I've been in a creative rut lately, feeling like my recent work has been flat. Something didn't fit quite right. Yes, I'm a perfectionist and am completely guilty of being hard on myself (too much at times). But as they say, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!' I've never worked with lavender in terms of culinary use, and when the idea of a refreshing yet soothing cocktail came up on a 'last days of summer' drinks story, I knew these little enchanting flowers were the perfect choice! Plus, having the excuse to buy extra lavender is always a good one. My whole apartment smells inviting yet calming. 

My favorite part was removing the flowers from its stems. The aroma is intoxicating, I couldn't get enough of it! You can steep it for less or more than the 10 minutes I did. For a lighter scent, I'd recommend 5 minutes. If you really want to kick it up a notch, I'd go for a little bit longer than the 10. Observe the coloring, as the more it steeps, the darker the color. I also really enjoyed watching the colors combine with each other. The dark purple with the bright, vibrant yellow from the lemon juice. You can also use a juicer if you're not a fan of squeezing 'em by hand. 

Lavender Soju Lemonade

Cocktail recipe + photos by © Suzanne Spiegoski

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1c. lavender flowers
2c. boiling water
2c. cold water
1c. lemon juice
1c. sugar
5fl. oz. soju
1 tray ice cubes

Directions:

Place freshly cut lavender flowers in a pitcher; pour the boiling water over lavender; cover with plastic wrap and allow to steep 10 minutes; strain and discard the lavender from the water and return the water to the pitcher. Add cold water, lemon juice, and sugar to the pitcher and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add in soju, mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with a stem of lavender. Enjoy!

I also used pure organic cane sugar to be on the healthy side. (Even though I'm a sugar addict) And then the most important ingredient! I always use Charm Soju when it comes to this Korean liquor. It's my favorite and the quality is high. The secret is to add it last. You'll want the sugar to completely dissolve before mixing in the soju. I kept it light and simple when it came to serving the drinks. Over several ice cubes and a stem of lavender, I kept the garnishing straight-forward. But the idea of also turning these cocktails into a slushies did come to mind. Or perhaps Korean shaved-iced? Now that would be a fun cocktail to do! (Hint, hint!) 

Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out the latest cocktail recipe I created! Be sure to check out the how-to video I also made down below! (Full steps included.) We hope you enjoyed the lavender Korean-fusion inspired lemonade we shared with you today and that you are soaking up as much fun in the sun before summer ends. Coming up on the blog, a brand spanking new travel diary (so excited to go!) and lots of NYFW coverage. It's gonna be a crazy, hectic next couple of weeks so brace yourselves! ;) Stay tuned... 

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Videography + photography, styling + editing by: Suzanne Spiegoski 

Hey everyone! I got into a bit of a creative funk the past few days, so instead of whining about it I did this! It's my first food & cooking video! Better yet, it's how to make lavender soju lemonade! Cheers!

LOVE & XX'S,

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Korean Hawaiian Blue

Hey, guys! Happy Monday, or rather, more like, I've got the Monday Blues. And before I continue any further, I just have to mention the heartbreaking tragedy in Orlando. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families and friends from this senseless, vicious attack. I've been moved by all the stories of the victims and wanted to dedicate my post to the vivacious, beautiful Floridians who have sadly passed. So, I made a tropical Korean fusion-inspired cocktail just for the ones who lived their last night on Sunday. Love + Light to you all.  

Korean Hawaiian Blue

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Korean Soju
2 oz. Blue Curacao
6 oz. fresh pineapple juice
.5 oz. melted coconut oil
Fresh pineapple chunk and Maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions:

Shake all together with ice and strain into a Daiquiri glass filled with ice. Garnish with pineapple and cherry. Feel free to add an umbrella for tropical vibes. Enjoy! :)

I wanted to honor the victims with a representation of Florida. When I think of Florida, I'm immediately immersed in deep blue waters and colorful bright skies. And palm trees. You see, before the events that occurred on Sunday, I was going to do a tropical kind of drink to begin with. Because my husband and I are planning a mini-getaway for our ten-year dating anniversary where it's 'tropical', I was already inspired to do a drink as such. But after what happened, I was even more inspired to dedicate this to the Floridians. So, I raise my glass to those who may be gone, but are forever with you. With us. You did not leave this world in vain. Each and everyone of you mattered, and we will continue to share your tales of glory, laughter, and most of all, LOVE. ❤️

LOVE & XX'S,

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