Mezcal Aperol Gimlet with a Twist

Equally comforting over ice during a heatwave or neat during the winter while you’re wrapped in a blanket by the fire—I’m calling this my new exceptionally easy go-to.

Sometimes I think I try too hard, think too much—everything has to be thisclose to perfect or all the other good things will fall apart; if I post this, then this will happen, and all the other good things will fall apart. Hence why I haven’t done the things I love for this site. All in the name of being exceptional or bust.

This site may never reach global millions. It might. But more than likely it’s going to stay a digital shoebox of my favorite memories and pieces of life, shared with the people who want to read it (maybe 2, maybe 200, maybe millions). And that’s not perfect OR exceptional OR a bust.

It just is.  

Last week I asked my best friend over a quick text if she would be into a little mezcal/aperol mash-up. I made this cocktail recipe for the two of us over the weekend. I photographed everything on Saturday and edited the photos on Sunday. I wrote this post on the way to the subway, wrote some more on the train out to work, added to it over lunch, and finalized it all on my computer at home.

Life comes together in pieces—I’m coming together in pieces—and for a long time I convinced myself that wasn’t okay, that it wasn’t a good representation of a woman who has her life together. Whatever the hell having it all together means. Maybe that’s this way? Maybe that’s this way for just me, but a lot of different other ways for everyone else. Regardless, I’ll just be here, drinking this cocktail and convincing myself I don’t need to think so much about it. Pretty sure you just want the recipe anyway ;). 

Mezcal Aperol Gimlet with a Twist

Equally comforting over ice during a heatwave or neat during the winter while you’re wrapped in a blanket by the fire—I’m calling this my new exceptionally easy go-to. Make it once following the recipe, and twist it up to be yours the second time around. Do please tell me what you changed in the comments; I’d love to know. Enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• Cocktail shaker

• Glass tumbler

• ~10 ice cubes

• 2 oz. Mezcal

• 2 splashes Aperol  

• Juice of 2 limes

• Juice from a slice of grapefruit (about 2 inch slice)

• Optional: agave, honey, or simple syrup to sweeten

Recipe:

1. Chill tumbler in freezer

2. Add liquid contents to shaker

3. Toss in 5-7 ice cubes

4. Shake for 30 seconds

5. Pour into tumbler of ice 

6. Garnish with a thin wedge of grapefruit 

7. Cheers!

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+ What's your favorite way to drink Mezcal? Aperol?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram if you make this cocktail. Share this post with people who could use a stiff drink in their lives (you know that one). Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Rainbow Rice Krispies (V, GF)

An elevated classic. 

When it comes to sprinkles, I have a bit of an obsession. I'll happily put them on ice cream and smoothies, with fruit and coconut milk as a dessert cereal, I think you get the idea. I love all things funfetti, and if there is a way I can share the colorful joy, I'm all about it.

Going away this past weekend, I wanted to bring a sweet treat for the five hour road trip. I had leftover sprinkles and marshmallows from a party I recently threw, so I decided to try my hand at Rice Krispies - I've never made them myself before - and bought a box of gluten-free rice cereal. Side note: these are totally gluten free and vegan but scored big points from everyone. Like I wanted, they made the perfect car food and evening snack, were fun and pretty, and inexpensive enough that I'll be bringing them to any party or dinner throughout the summer. Helloooo colorful treats. 

Scroll down to get the recipe...

Rainbow Rice Krispies (vegan + gluten free)

Ingredients:

+ 6 Cups Rice Cereal (gluten free if needed)
+ 1 10 oz. Bag Marshmallows (I use the Trader Joe's brand)
+ 4 tbsp Coconut Oil
+ Rainbow Sprinkles (optional and as desired)
+ Dash of Vanilla Extract

Recipe:

1. Oil and line a 9x9 or 9x12 baking pan with parchment paper. Oil the parchment paper. 
2. Add the vanilla extract and coconut oil to a large baking pan or pot over medium heat. 
3. Once the oil is melted, add the marshmallows, stirring them around, and then letting them sit for about one minute, browning slightly, and stirring halfway through. 
4. Using a large fork or potato masher, break down the marshmallows (I found that the vegan ones needed this). 
5. Stir until the marshmallows and oil have combined.
6. Add in the rice cereal and your desired amount of sprinkles, stirring quickly to combine, as this will begin to set up.
7. Turn the mixture out onto the baking pan and parchment paper. 
8. Spray your hands with cooking spray, and press the mixture compactly into the pan.
9. Refrigerate until cool, about 1-2 hours. 
10. Remove from the pan and then peel off the parchment paper. 
11. Cut into 12-16 squares, place on a plate, take a bite. Enjoy!  

+ What's your favorite way to use sprinkles?

Tag @thegreatvibesguide on Instagram when you make this summer dessert. Share this with people who could use some sprinkles in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes & classics with a twist! Xx.

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Healthy Snacks for the Office

Granola popsicles are something you need in your life. 

Normally my day goes something like this: I snag a filling breakfast, scarf down a quick lunch, and then it's 4 p.m., and I am so hungry, I can't decide whether to wait until dinner and know I'll be an emotional mess or eat everything in sight until I'm bloated and uncomfortable. Sound familiar?

What do I snack on at the office or on really busy days? is a question I get from almost every client of mine. The issue usually to be solved lies in being restricted to the snacks present in the office rather than what is sustaining and nutritious. It is because of this problem that settling for a candy bar or stale chips only to be hungry 20 minutes later is more common than not. Since I am going to be working with some amazing interns soon, and having snacks at creative meetings is a must for me, I wanted to group together delicious alternatives that kick boring snacks like granola bars to the curb. 

I love these snacks because of their low sugar content, mix of healthy fats and protein, and minimally, if at all, processed ingredients. Enjoy!  

The perfect savory balance between creamy and crunchy. It's a colorful treat for your eyes and a flavorful party for your tastebuds. Using carrots, celery, peppers, or whatever vegetables you have on hand is a great way to up your vegetable intake and ensure nothing you buy goes to waste. Great Vibes Tip: Buy plain hummus and stir in extras for a change of pace (i.e. olives and oregano, parsley and lemon, pine nuts and basil, hot sauce, etc.).

Whether you call them rice crackers or cakes, they usually are accompanied by horrified faces from childhood memories of plain, stale snacks. But, they've gotten quite the remix. What I love about these is the crunch factor you can't get from a simple slice of bread. I've shown you two ways here: one with avocado, cayenne, salt, and pepper; and the other with almond butter and banana. Great Vibes Tip: Try peanut butter with a drizzle of honey or hummus with a slice of tomato. Endless options. Delish!

Probably my favorite of this entire bunch and one you can only really do if your office has a freezer. That being said, it is incredibly simple. Blend up one banana, a dash of cinnamon, and three (+/-) cups of coconut milk. Divide the mixture among your popsicle molds. I used an actually popsicle mold, but paper cups, old yogurt containers, or an ice cube tray works flawlessly. Place in the freezer for ten minutes. After the ten minutes are up, cover the exposed part with granola, press down gently, and then push your popsicle stick into place. Cover and freeze until solid. Great Vibes Tip: Make your own granola! Bake 3 cups oats, 1/2 cup buckwheat, and two tablespoons chia seeds on a baking sheet in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. While baking, stir together two tablespoons coconut oil, two tablespoons maple syrup or honey, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and half a teaspoon of turmeric. After the dry ingredients have become slightly fragrant, remove from the oven, mix with the wet ingredients, and place back into the oven. Turn the oven off, and let sit for 5-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Keeps well in a glass container in the refrigerator. 

I could chat the benefits of kombucha for an incredibly long time, and you've seen me make cocktails with it here and here. I love this snack, because it is easy for on-the-go travel. It provides healthy bacteria and that sweet and savory element that satisfies almost all cravings. To make the roasted chickpeas, strain the liquid from one can, pat to dry with a paper towel, and mix with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and black pepper, salt, and cayenne to taste. Bake on a baking sheet at 395 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes, stirring every 5 or so, until crispy and crunchy. Great Vibes Tip: Don't like chickpeas? Roast cashews or almonds for a delicious alternative. 

Sometimes, nothing is going to satisfy that sweet craving except chocolate. Rather than dive into a bag of M&Ms (though that has a time and place) choose rich, dark chocolate, preferably 65% cacao or higher. The above chocolate is found at Trader Joe's with an impressive cacao content of 82 percent. Have a couple squares and savor each piece. If you still want more 10 minutes later, have another square. Repeat until satisfied. 

+What is your favorite snack here? Which one are you most likely to make?

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