How I'm Helping Break My Diet Coke Habit

July 12, 2018

This post is sponsored by Sparkling ICE but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Thirsty Thursday! To say I'm attached to Diet Coke is an understatement. On average, I have one to two cans a day. I know, not healthy in the slightest but everyone has to have at least one vice, right? I heard about Sparkling ICE from a couple of friends who completely raved about it and I figured maybe it could help me kick my dirty little soda secret. Continue reading to learn more about my new favorite refreshment while on the go in the sweltering heat here in New York City! There's literally a rainbow of assorted flavors to choose from!

TASTE

Sparkling ICE Water comes in 16 different flavors.
My favorite is lemon-lime and kiwi strawberry.
Amazon has different variety packs to choose from, and if you're a prime member you get free shipping!
The flavors are made from natural fruit juices.

PRICE

They are around $2.00 here in NYC
They sell them individually or in bundles
Amazon has a great price - you can usually get a 12-pk for $10.37. (view the deal)

INGREDIENTS

First off, these refreshments are not a water substitute by any means. I've been choosing Sparkling ICE over Diet Cokes to help with my habit. I love carbonated drinks and these have vitamins, anti-oxidants, and real flavor. Did I mention they contain zero calories?! It's been a really great soda replacement.

Want to know more about these fruit-flavored waters? Well, #GetFizzy with it! Click here to shop while also saving up to 15% plus get free delivery if you subscribe & save as a Prime member on Amazon! Learn more about Sparkling ICE at sparklingice.com and facebook.com/sparklingice

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Summer Poetry with Three Olives Rosé Vodka

May 16, 2018

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

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,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

The Smoothest Tequila I've Ever Had

May 4, 2018

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

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

SHOP THE TEQUILA

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,

SHOP THE LOOK

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

White Christmas Margaritas

December 26, 2017

This post is brought to you by Código 1530 Rosa but all opinions are my own.

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your day was filled with much love & joy a person can hold in their heart. I'm not big on the holiday in particular, but I did enjoy some major quality time with the pup and even squeezed in an old tradition - going to the movies on Christmas Day. I saw The Shape of Water and let me tell you, one of the best films I have seen in years. I balled my eyes out because I'm a hopeless, die-hard romantic, but everything from the cinematography to the story was absolutely phenomenal. Truly inspiring - if you haven't seen it yet, you HAVE to check it out! Lots of Oscar buzz going around on this particular film, you'll be hearing a lot more about it! And even though it's the day after Christmas, I wanted to create a fun, festive cocktail drink in light of National Candy Cane Day! Get hooked on this coconutty- peppermint refreshment with an amazing new tequila I'm trying from Código 1530. Continue reading to get the recipe and to see more photos of this holiday cocktail.

DOWNLOAD RECIPE

White Christmas Margarita Recipe

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

14oz coconut milk

12 oz Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

1/2 c lime juice

8oz peppermint schnapps

2c ice

Directions:

Crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses.
In a blender, mix all ingredients until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes.

There's not much to this quick and easy recipe. First, crush hard peppermint candy or candy canes to rim to glasses. I did it with a Ziploc bag and the side of a hammer. Very simple. Then in a blender, combine all ingredients blending until left with a smooth frozen brew. Garnish with candy canes and sprinkle a little bit of the crushed ones on top of the drinks. I think it gives it an extra dose of fun and playfulness. As for the Código 1530 Rosa, this particular tequila begins with the purity of their Blanco, then is rested for 1 month in uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrels. The result is a refined spirit with a natural color as beautiful as its taste. Their Rosa has rested just long enough in their fine Cabernet barrels to enrich the natural agave juice, without overpowering its delicate floral notes. I think it goes very well with the balances of the freshness of the peppermint along with the slight sweetness of the coconut milk. What do you guys think of this cocktail? Are you a fan of candy canes and what are your plans for #NationalCandyCaneDay?

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE PRODUCT

FOLLOW MAQ + SUZ

Voveti Blackberry Rosemary Cocktails

November 27, 2017

Thank you VOVETI for sponsoring this post. Elevate your entertaining this season with VOVETI Prosecco

The other day I posted a cocktail recipe that included vodka and passionfruit. Many of you messaged me about a way to make the drink less rich in terms of liquor and also in sugar. So, in today's post, I've created a lighter recipe with VOVETI. VOVETI Prosecco is dry with hints of fruit on the palate, making it the perfect choice for an easy drinking aperitif, cocktail and to share with friends anytime. VOVETI has more bubbles than other Proseccos; the powerful pressure in each bottle creates millions of tiny bubbles, ensuring freshness and effervescence. VOVETI is a brut style DOC with tempered acidity and a fresh, graceful profile.The VOVETI bottle is sleek and modern with a unique shape that will bring chicness to any occasion. The name VOVETI is inspired by the Latin verb voveo, which means “to vow” or “to promise.” Signifying the vow are 2 orange rings, intertwined. The rings represent the harmonious marriage of classic Italian winemaking and modern luxurious taste.

With the hints of fruit in the prosecco, I wanted to stay within that category when it came to fresh ingredients. And I've always loved blackberries with prosecco. Or any berry, as a matter of fact.To keep it from being too sweet, I worked in some rosemary. Its tea-like aroma and piney flavor definitely complement well with the blackberry and prosecco. And I've always loved them as garnish, I'm all about that evergreen decor.

Download Recipe

Voveti Blackberry Rosemary Cocktails

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

Voveti Prosecco

Some blackberries
Few sprigs of fresh rosemary

Directions:

Pour the Voveti Prosecco into champagne flutes, but don’t fill it up right to the top yet (leave some space).
Add a few blackberries to each glass and use a teaspoon to lightly crush them, releasing their purple juices.
Add a sprig of rosemary to easy glass and serve immediately.

And this recipe is easy-peasy. Just add a few berries into each flute glass and use a fork to gently crush them, releasing their purple juices for a touch of color. Then add the prosecco and rosemary garnish and you'll be good to go! What do you guys think of VOVETI and this blackberry rosemary cocktail? Don't forget to save this recipe for later and leave your comment down below!