“It was love at first sight, at last sight, at ever and ever sight.” - Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita
xo,
e.m.
romper/ U.O. (similar)
Pimm's Punch
Midsummer cookouts, picnics, and nighttime fire pit hangouts are the stuff dreams are made of. I like to think that any reason to get together is a good enough excuse to drink. Am I right or am I right?This recipe is great to make in a big 'ole pitcher for such occasions. It's a mix between a traditional Pimm's Cup and a sangria so what's not to like about it? Although Pimm's is kind of the big star, it could be replaced by a non-alcoholic beverage such as Chinotto and the drink would still be yummy and refreshing.
What you'll need:
- Pimm's Liqueur
- Limeade
- Ginger Ale
- 1 cup of blackberries
- Mint, 4 leaves to muddle and more to garnish
- 1 lemon
- 1 lime
- Ice
Begin by muddling the blackberries and mint together in the bottom of the pitcher. Add ice and the thinly-sliced lemon and lime. Pour in two parts Pimm's*, one part Ginger Ale, and one part Limeade. Stir with a wooden spoon. If you want to be extra fancy, set aside some extra lemon and lime slices, blackberries, and mint aside to garnish individual glasses.
*if you're making this drink with Chinotto, use one part.
YUM. As always, sip responsibly.
xo,
e.m.
Carolina Girl
Took a much-needed little escape: a vacation from city life, work, and makeup. I enjoyed some quality time with my family, my pup, and my lovely friend Danielle. I ate some delicious meals and saw some actual stars. I even watched the moon rise over the ocean. I'm a little sad to be headed back up north to the city tomorrow but I wouldn't trade these past few days for anything.
xo,
e.m.
p.s. Danielle took these photos. She's super talented, check out her work NOW.
A Moment of Honesty: Change
Change is strange. I love the idea of it and have embraced or even encouraged in my own life. Life has taught me that when it really comes down to it, change is good, even if it doesn't seem so in the moment. I've held to the sentiment that the worst thing a person can do is to be complacent and grow stagnant. In order for growth to happen, change must occur. But sometimes it blindsides us. Sometimes we're comfortable and don't want to be shaken or uprooted. There's always some sort of abandonment and more likely than not, some degree of heartbreak. May I be frank? It sucks. It forces us to move on from places we've come to adore, from people we've grown to love, and from circumstances which, in the moment, may present themselves as being "as good as it's going to get." It's a bummer when things are going your way and then something unprecedented comes along and rocks your world. This has been my life for the past year. Which every jarring blow that life tosses in my direction, one would think the aftermath would become easier and easier to deal with, no? It just isn't so.
I've been learning the hardest lesson of them all lately: nothing ever gets easier. That seems like a hopeless thought but it's not all bad. As creatures with free will, we have the choice to grow stronger through adversity or to become calloused, jaded, and completely closed off. For so long, I chose the latter. It's certainly easier, but it is in no way conducive to a happy and fulfilling life. In order to be strong, we must confront whatever plagues us. We must go to that dark, scary place and stare into the void. As difficult is that may be even just once, we must do it daily. Own your fears before they own you.
Change is inevitable. It has always been and it always will be. There are a myriad of ways to cope, all of which vary from person to person and situation to situation. A good rule of thumb is to hold on to those who build you up, distance yourself from those who bring you down. The difference between these two may not be immediately noticeable until the time is right. Remember that as tempted as you may be to say, "things used to be better..." you have only the here and now. Changes may not be immediately in your favor but become flexible enough to own them. Always be looking ahead. If you're ever lost and frustrated, keep this wise C.S. Lewis quote tucked away somewhere in your heart: "there are far, far better things better than any we leave behind." It's true. The future is yours. Still bummed? Listen to this super corny (but CLASSIC) Black Sabbath song.
xo,
e.m.
p.s. I've been struggling with a serious lack of inspiration nowadays. Anything you guys wanna see on the blog? Let me know because changes are a'coming, and I'd like to swing this next round of them in my favor, wink wink!
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