You Say It's Your Birthday??

In honor of my birthday today, take 18% off your order in either one of my Etsy shops!!  That's half my age, by the way ;)

Use Coupon Code BDGRRL during checkout to receive the discount here or here. 

Shaken, Not Stirred - Raspberry Crush Martini

On my birthday, I had a delicious cocktail called a "Raspberry Crush Martini". I love raspberries, so I loved it. Luckily I was still coherent enough to make a mental note of what went into it, so I was able to recreate it at home for friends one night. Below is the recipe, if you'd like to try it too:

Raspberry Crush Martini

1 part Raspberry vodka, such as Stoli or Svedka

1/2 part Cointreau

1/4 part Rose's Lime Juice

Fresh raspberries for garnish

Add the first three ingredients to a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake until nice and cold. Pour into glass and garnish with raspberries. Or, for a more intense raspberry flavor, squeeze the berries through a garlic press and into the glass.

If You Really Loved Me . . .

. . . You'd buy me something from this list. (Hint ~ my birthday is this week) Just sayin' . . .

From l-r:

Wise Up Ring, from Vernon Bea

Cast Iron Fleur de Lis wall hook, from MonkeyandSquirrel

Tea Buddy, from mePottery

Snowdrift Necklace, from SilverSparrow Designs

Black Mohair Warm Shawl with Fringe, by TrendyKnitting

Milk Glass Hobnail Vase, from jwhite2

A Reason to Celebrate

This week marked a special occasion in my life ~ my 34th birthday. Birthdays are cause for celebration in my mind ~ after all, if you don't celebrate the passage into another year of life, then what is the alternative? Besides, with the state of the economy and the negative impact it has had on nearly all facets of our daily existence, it seemed like a little celebration was more than overdue. There's me with my birthday brownie a la mode :) My pal Jenny and her soon-to-be husband came over for an impromptu birthday party. That's Jen and I with our "frou frou" drinks ~ margaritas made with fresh strawberries! Yes, I know those are martini glasses ~ I couldn't find my margarita glasses. I'm sure that I was breaking some cardinal rule of "Cocktail Making 101". My bad!

This beautiful orchid was a gift from my dear friend, Karen. She has made a tradition out of sending flowers to me at work on my birthday. I must say though, that I am always pleasantly surprised when the special delivery shows up. I don't know anyone who doesn't love to receive flowers. I consider myself one lucky chick to have this lady as a friend.

Thanks for sharing in the festivities ~ I hope that when it's your birthday, you will find a way to make the day a little extra special.