Netflix... and Chili Jalapeno Margaritas

Aside from a whole month of Christmas music, one of the best parts about December is getting to binge watch all of our favorite holiday movies. Growing up, A Christmas Story and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation were an annual tradition in my household, but over the years, my list of faves has expanded to include Home Alone, The Grinch, Elf, You've Got Mail, Just Friends, and a few others. The best part is that most of these movies are just a click of a remote away, so plan a night to order delivery, mix up a few of these tasty chili jalapeno margaritas, and just chill, this season! 

Ingredients (makes one)

2 oz. tequila

1 oz. citrus liqueur (citronage, triple sec)

Juice from: 1 lime, 1/2 orange, 1/2 a lemon

Dash of cayenne pepper, plus more for rim

1 tbsp coarse salt

Optional: fresh jalapeno slices (seeded) and serrano chili (whole) to garnish

To Make:

In a shaker, combine tequila, citrus liqueur, juice, dash of cayenne with ice. Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into salt for rim. Rim glasses with lime juice and salt. Add liquid, then jalapeno slices, fill with ice, garnish with whole serrano chili. 

Be Merry & Bright!

Hailey

The Process of Living: An Artsy Couple's Colorful San Francisco Pad

Every once in a while, I come across a home tour that makes me wonder if those weird sci-fi shows are true that say that every person on earth has a twin somewhere living a parallel life. This home, belonging to a crazy-cool couple in San Francisco, is easily one of them. I feel like I could move right in and feel totally at home- the gorgeous natural light, the artwork, the natural textures, insane wood floors, and pops of bright color are right up my alley. I love that the overall style is clean and modern but not stiff or sterile, a perfect mix of young, fresh, and functional. I could definitely see sipping a craft beer or having a game night in this living room- am I doing "hipster" right? But, who knows maybe our San Francisco spirit-couple will want to take a vacation here in San Clemente and we could do a little house swap. Too soon? I kind of feel like the kid who accidentally got invited to the party and now won't. stop. talking. (Be cool, Hailey!) So, anyway, I'll just leave these photos here and let them speak for themselves. But, if you live here, in this house...call me. Sometime. Jk, jk. But seriously though.

This tour originally appeared on Apartment Therapy, images via David Dines

Have a Bleu Christmas... Martini, that is!

The holiday season is certainly a time of indulgence with sweet treats tempting us at every turn, but if you're like me, I typically prefer salty or savory flavors, even when it comes to my cocktails.  Although I'm mostly a red-wine girl at home, every once in a while, I'll get a craving for a classic dirty vodka martini if we're out.  The salty olive juice (the "dirty") and the chilled vodka are fine, but add some fresh blue-cheese stuffed olives and I'm all set. If you're looking for an alternative to super-sweet cocktails this season, try your hand at a dirty martini. You'll probably get a few firm eye-handshakes from strangers at the bar, plus this simple recipe is fool-proof, so you can show off your mixologist skills with confidence at your next holiday get-together. 

Stay tuned for weekly holiday-inspired cocktail recipes all month long! Cheers!

Ingredients (makes one)

3 oz. vodka (use the best you can afford, unless you're like, under 25. Trust me.)

1 tsp. dry vermouth

2 fresh bleu cheese stuffed olives

1-2tsp olive juice

To Make:

Swirl vermouth in empty chilled glass. Shake vodka with ice to chill. Pour into chilled glass. Add splash of olive juice to taste, and blue cheese olives to garnish. Enjoy!

Be merry & bright,

Hailey