Friday 21 December 2012

Flight or Fright




I had the experience of flying from YAZ > YVR on a seven seater plane through a storm the other day. The storm needless to say made for an interesting flight including some very a sweaty palms, a small girl crying and though I don't really practice any religion but I may have said a prayer or two.  But on the bright side I snapped a few epic cloud photos, I haven't even f'd with them the skies were actually this moody or maybe there was a tint on the window.










1) Circling the ocean after take off 2) Clouds and ocean  3) Flying into the black abyss 4) Blue skies on the other side:)  5) Looking back into the storm 6) The drug smuggling plane from LOST??? 



Xo Austere





DIY Inspiration: Fringed Kimono



I'm not one to typically own fringed things or kimonos. They are the type of things that I see and love on other people but every time I try them on myself I just don't feel right. However, I feel like I could make an exception when it comes to this lovely fringed kimono. The best part is this would be so easy to make! I find old silk floral bathrobes at thrift stores all the time. Simple crop one and sew fringe to the bottom and sleeves. I honestly can't wait to make this.

Prudence

Photo found on Pinterest (I couldn't find a better source than that)

Monday 10 December 2012

DIY Cocktail Party



While drinking games and spin the bottle are in past for me I still think a party is better with an interactive element or an ice breaker shall we say. What better a plan then to make alcohol the focus for an evening.  My birthday was earlier in the month, so we hosted a cocktail party. Those joining were asked to bring the base alcohol they wished to drink and everything else would be provided. 

  Im blessed with a group of friends that includes 6 or so trained bartenders, but for those who aren't so alcohol inclined Prudence and I spent the few days prior inventing and writing out drink recipes on cue cards.  We based our drink choices off our common dislike for overly sweet beverages and the array of flavoured simple syrup I had made.  Needless to say the party turned out well, and with the holidays just around the corner we thought it was a good enough idea to share.

Keep reading to see materials needed and some of our favourite drinks from the night!

Materials Needed:

ICE
Straws
A Muddler
Martini Shakers 
Glasses.....
According to Martha Sewart a host should have 3 glasses per guest for a 2 hour party.  I'd say thats a little bit excessive but thats just me.  We went for mason jars as their inexpensive, can be bought in bulk and maybe someday i'll take feel the need to do a whole lot of canning.


Basic Alcohols: Vodka, Gin, Bourbon (or whiskey of your choice), Rum, 


Mixing Liquors: Disorono, Triple Sec, Sweet Vermouth, Dry Vermouth, Grand Mariner, Campari 

Fun but not Necessary: Van Gogh Espresso Vodak, Sake, Limoncello, Bailey's, 

Simple Syrups: Ginger, Cardamom, Rosemary, Coffee,  Hot n' Spicy, Star Anise, Pineapple (not pictured)  Here is our  Simple Syrup Recipe with directions and suggestions for flavouring.

Garnishes and Things to Muddle: Limes Slices, Lemons Slices, Orange Slices, Grapefruit Slices, Pineapple, Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Cucumber Rounds, Ginger Slices, Fresh Basil, Fresh Mint, Olives.

Juices, Nectars, and Sodas:
Soda water, lots and lots of soda water, Ginger Beer, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice, Pear Nectar, Peach Nectar, Pomegranate Juice, Blueberry Juice, Sparkling water for those may not want to drink.

Favourite Drinks (using our flavoured simple syrups):

Blackberry Cardamom Lemonade
Muddle then shake 1oz Vodka, 4 Blackberries, 1 oz Lemon Juice, 1 Tsp Cardamom Simple Syrup and Ice, Top with Soda Water 

Asian Pear
1oz Vodka, 1/2 oz Gin, 2 oz Pear Nectar, 1 Tsp Ginger Simple Syrup, 1 Tsp Ginger Juice
Top with Soda Water and Ice

Spicy Cuke
Muddle 1 oz Vodka, 1 Lime Wedge, 2 Cucumber Rounds
Add 1 Tsp Hot n' Spicy Simple Syrup, 1 oz Lime Juice, Ice

So Fresh $ So Clean
Shake 1 oz Vodak, 2 oz Grapefruit Juice, 1 tsp Rosemary Simple Syrup with ice. 
Top with Soda Water

Red Dragon
Muddle 1 oz Vodka, 4 Raspberries, 1 Tsp Hot n' Spicy Simple Syrup, Lemon Wedge
Add Ice, top with a splash of Cranberry Juice




Photos 1) Birthday Chalk Board 2) Simple Syrups 3) Garnishes 4) A Beautiful Waste

Xo Austere


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