Model Bites: Cool Breeze Cocktail

Aaaaah yes. The end of summer is officially upon us. Trust me, I'm not ready for it to be over. But before we say farewell, let's say cheers to all the good times with a refreshing cocktail. For those hot summer days, I like sipping on drinks with fresh fruits and flavors that really kick. I love the sweet and spicy. So why not bring together some of my favorite ingredients for a fun concoction. Shall we?

I just got this new pre-mixed vodka cocktail called XB at event, so I thought I'd throw that in the recipe too. It's similar to Sex on the Beach and features premium vodka with a blend of orange, cranberry, peach and grape juices. You can drink it alone, but I want to do something extra with it. Here's what you'll need to get this party started:

2 oz XB
1/2 oz honey or simple syrup
3/4 oz lemon
cucumber slices
fresh mint
ginger beer

First chop or use a rolling pink to crush the mint. Place in glass. I use a mason jar because it looks rustic and pretty. Pour in XB. Add lemon juice. You might as well drop a few pieces of lemons and sliced cucumber to make the concoction pretty. Pour in the simple syrup or honey. Put a lid on it and shake. Now add ice or pour over a fancy cocktail glass full of ice. Finally top off with ginger beer and garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

Tadaaa! Now you're set to relax by the pool or barbeque with your friends. You can make a big batch of this as a party punch. And yes, it does taste better as the flavors sit. It's so yummy. Enjoy the last few days of the season.

Cheers to an endless summer!

Vacation Like A Model

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2012

St. Tropez or the French Riviera? I think I'll go to my summer home in The Hamptons. If only we all had the means to vacation like a supermodel. I've got friends that really live it up when they go on holiday. Their vacation photos look like an Elle editorial. And they did it all without breaking the bank. The truth is, you can do it too. You just need to know how to play your cards right.

The first rule of vacationing like a model is making sure you travel in good company. Your friends should have great energy and style. It doesn't matter if they are guys or gals, as long as they add to the atmosphere. Surrounding yourself with cool people means that no matter where you are, you're having a fun time.

The next rule is make sure you pack light, but smart. Please don't bring your entire collection of stilettos if you're taking a cross-country road trip. I say pack two bikinis, a simple but chic dress, one blazer or jacket for chilly nights, an assortment of tops, some cutoffs and jeans, sandals of course, and one killer pair of shoes. Don't forget sunglasses, a hat, and some statement jewelry. All of this should fit into one overnight bag or jet set perfect carry-on.

Louis Vuitton Cruise 2012

Next step, pick a destination that you can afford but still live like a queen. You may have to book a room at an inexpensive place, and that's ok. This just means you have more money to eat well and play hard. Here's a trick I picked up from my girls: find the posh hotel nearby and crash it. Say your spot doesn't have the amenities you want, well that swanky place down the street probably does. No one will question you if you look and act like you belong there. Who knows, sipping cocktails around the pool at the Four Seasons could lead to yacht party later.

Finally, enjoy yourself like it's the last trip you'll ever take. Do the tourist thing and see as much as you can if you're in a city you've never visited before. Try out the local cuisine even if it looks funny. On a recent trip to San Francisco, I actually ate squid with the ink still included. It was an adventure, and one that I'll never forget. Oh, and take lots of lots of pictures of your holiday. You and your pals will be able to look back and remember those awesome moments forever. Enjoy your summer... YOLO!

Chime in: How do you enjoy your vacation while still on a budget?