Inspirational Mondays - Preston Bailey

I have declared Mondays to be Inspirational Mondays. Today's inspiration is decorating with real candles. These photos come from Preston Bailey and can be found here.

Michelle Obama in Alexander McQueen

First Lady Michelle Obama wore this beautiful red gown by Alexander McQueen for the White House State Dinner for the Republic of China. Red is a symbol of luck in the Chinese culture. The red dress was made for the 2011 resort collection by Sarah Burton, and was altered slightly at the sleeves to show off Michelle's famously toned arms. The guest list included icons of the fashion world like Vera Wang and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. All eyes were on the first lady, who has made an impact on the fashion industry.

Happy Hour Friday - Hot Apple Pie Shots

Hot Apple Pie Shots

Ingredients

3/4 c. apple cider

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 c. rum

cinnamon

Directions

Measure 3/4 c. of apple cider on a microwavable container. Heat in the microwave until very hot. Stir in 1/4 tsp. of vanilla extract, 1/4 c. of rum and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour into a shot glasses three-quarters of the way full. Top with whipped cream and dust with cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Makes 5-6 shots.

Happy Hour Friday - Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot
1/2 ounce SKYY Infusions Pineapple Vodka
1/4 ounce Godiva White Chocolate
1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice
Splash Licor 43
Maraschino Cherry

Drip several drops maraschino cherry juice in bottom of shot glass. Slit bottom of maraschino cherry and prop on rim of shot glass. Set aside. Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared shot glass.

Happy Hour Friday - Peach Bourbon Sours

Peach Bourbon Sours
Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients
1/2 cup peach preserves*

1/2 cup hot water

1 cup plus

2 Tbsp. bourbon or whiskey

3 tablespoons lemon juice

Garnishes: lemon slices, fresh basil sprigs

Directions:
1. Whisk together peach preserves and hot water in a glass pitcher until preserves are dissolved. Whisk in bourbon and lemon juice.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add one-third of bourbon mixture; cover with lid and shake until thoroughly chilled. Pour over ice into 2 (8-12 oz) glasses. Repeat procedure with remaining bourbon mixture. Garnish, if desired. Serve drinks immediately.

*Seedless blackberry, apricot, or ginger preserves may be substituted.

Quick Ideas: Add garnishes to match or complement the preserves flavor you choose. Fresh blackberries and mint sprigs look great on glasses of Blackberry-Bourbon Sours, while lemon and kiwifruit slices are fancy touches to Ginger-Bourbon Cocktails.

Source: Southern Living

Wordless Wednesday - Rice Krispy Cake

Happy Hour Friday - Frozen Screwdriver

Ingredients:
1/2 can Fuzzy Navel Frozen BACARDI® Mixers
8 oz Minute Maid® Orange Juice
1/2 cup Bacardi® Rum
5 cups ice
oranges for garnish

Directions:
1. Blend together Fuzzy Navel Frozen BACARDI® Mixers, orange juice, rum, and ice for 45 to 60 seconds or until uniform.

2. Garnish with orange slices.

Serves: 5

Source: Hostess with the Mostess