The Skinny Margarita

Finding the perfect mixed drink can be a challenge. Often times they're too sugary, weak, or strong and lack the perfect harmony of both flavor and alcohol content. This Skinny Margarita is not only delicious but will definitely impress all your friends with your new-found bar tending abilities! This recipe serves 4 and is about 100 calories per serving. 

You'll Need:

A bottle of Sparkling ICE Lemon Lime water

6 ounces of clear tequila (Since I was out of tequila, I got creative and used citron rum instead which was equally delicious!)

1/4 cup orange juice

1 lime

Optional: coarse salt to rim the glass

How to:

Mix together your ICE Lemon Lime water, tequila, and orange juice. Slice your lime and squeeze as much lime juice as possible into the mixture. TIP-before cutting, press down on your lime and roll it across the table a few times to get as much juice out. For a nice touch, pour some salt onto a plate and rub the lime around the rim of the glass. Turn each glass upside down, dipping the rims in the salt to coat. Stir the drink together and pour into your glasses. Cheers!

The Color-Blocked Coat

For me, this year has been all about coats. I invested in my first luxury coat and finally got my much dreamed about trench coat. This season I think there has been an emphasis on glamming your outer layer up and differentiating yourself from the black puffy masses. There have been tons of different winter coat styles this season but the one that caught my eye was the Color-Blocked Coat. This jacket stands out from the rest, yet is muted enough for the class, office, or errands.

J.Crew makes a nicely tailored color-block coat in two shades: red for the more adventurous and a neutral made up of greys and camel. J.Crew Colorblock Funnelneck Coat

For something even more unique, try the color-blocked trench coat. This jacket from Nordstrom is great because it comes in three different color combinations,  but my personal favorite is the Burgendy/Black. And you just can't beat the price. Nordstrom Faux Leather & Wool Blend Trench Coat

For something even more youthful, try Jaeger's Multicolor Italian Wool Colour Block Coat. The pops of red against the neutral colors brighten up the coat and really makes you stand out.

My Holiday NYC To Do List

During the holiday time there's nowhere more magical than NYC. I love all the twinkling lights and the festive atmosphere. Just walking around the city makes you feel like a kid during the holidays again. Here's my Top 5 NYC holiday activities:

1. Check out the elaborate holiday window displays at Saks 5th Avenue, Barney's, Bergdorf's, and Bloomingdales while doing your holiday shopping

2. Go ice skating and check out the tree in Rockefeller Center

3. Go see The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center. I don't care how old you are, this show is timeless.

4.  Take in some of the city's finest hot chocolate! Some good spots include: Max Brenner's, Dylan's Candy Bar, Jacques Torres Chocolate, and for something a bit more frosty: Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate 

5. Check out the plethora of holiday markets that pop up in NYC at this time of year. They are always filled with artisanal crafts and goods that make unique gifts for anyone on your holiday list! 

Holiday Cake Batter Truffles

These Cake Batter Truffles are the perfect little treat to impress your friends with at your next holiday party! They were a bit on the sweeter side when I first made them so I cut back on the sugar in the recipe. If super sweet isn't your thing, try dipping the truffles in dark chocolate to even out the flavor. If sweets are your thing then white chocolate all the way!

You'll Need:
1 cup of white cake mix
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon holiday colored sprinkles and more for decoration
Milk, Dark, or White chocolate chips for melting
Wax paper

How to:
In a bowl mix together the cake mix, flour, and sugar. Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and sprinkles. Mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape. Roll the dough into balls and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes

While the cake batter balls are in the fridge, melt down your chocolate in a double boiler or on 15 second increments in the microwave. When the cake balls are chilled, dip them into the melted chocolate and lay them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Top your dipped truffle while the chocolate is still wet with more sprinkles. When finished, return the truffles back to the fridge for the chocolate to firm and serve!