KIWI CRUSH!

Happy Hour Friday goes back to where we started this weekend! Using a favorite summertime spirit, Cachaca from Brazil. Just like a rum but made from sugarcane, it's a perfect example of what we should be drinking in summer! This week we include fresh organic Kiwi, AVUÁ CACHAÇA, & lime for the perfect weekend. Hope you enjoy..!

the "KIWI CRUSH" /  a Fresh + Twist Original Cocktail

KIWI CRUSH

2 oz AVUÁ CACHAÇA

1 whole Kiwi Fruit

2 tablespoons Raw Brown Sugar

3 Lime wedges

Take a kiwi fruit and peel the rough skin off, cut and quarter the fruit and place in a mixing glass. Add 2 tablespoons of brown raw sugar & crush the kiwi fruit and limes with a muddler. Add the AVUÁ CACHAÇA. Add Ice and shake hard. Pour all contents into a old fashioned glass. Drink and Repeat.

Trending Thursday: Coral Blush

J'adore Print, Made by Girl

Coral is a great shade for summer especially on darker skin tones. It's both fresh and vibrant ... make sure to include this must have color in your closet this summer.

1. Coral Dress, Milly

2. Satchel, Chloe

3. Bikini, Damsel

4. Cabachon Ring, Kenneth Jay Lane

5. Scarf, Forever 21

6. Earrings, Dorothy Perkins

7. Caleta Sandal, Splendid

Coral works great for the home when paired with greys, blues and neutral tones. This blend of orange and pink brings freshness to any space.

Grilled Fennel Salad

I'm always on the fence when it comes to fennel because of the liquorice taste ... this grilled recipe however with Parmesan and lemon seems more subtle and mild. Via

Ingredients

• fennel bulbs, sliced
• olive oil
• fresh herbs like basil, parsley and thyme and some fennel fronds
• lemon juice and zest
• Parmigiano Reggiano shavings
•  

Instructions

1. If your fennel bulbs have stalks and fronds on them, then you'll want to trim them off.
2. Cut off any hard and inedible outer parts.
3. Trim a tiny bit off the bottom, the core helps to keep your slices in tact.
4. Holding your fennel bulb upright cut 1/4 inch slices vertically from top to bottom.
5. Brush each side with olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
6. Place slices on a medium hot grill turning until you get a nice char on each side and fennel is tender to the touch.
7. Whisk together the lemon, olive oil, herbs and zest adding salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle all over.
8. Garnish with the shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano.
9. Delicious slightly warm or at room temperature.

Travel Tuesday: Kilindi Zanzibar

Located on the north-west coast of Zanzibar, and lying adjacent to the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, sits the extraordinary resort of Kilindi. Kilindi is architecturally like no other with 15 curvaceous, art installation like villas made up of domed rooms topped with blue glass. Each villa has its own garden, two plunge pools, a circular living room, a bathroom and one or two bedrooms. With 54 acres of landscaped grounds, there's plenty of space between the villas and the restaurant/living areas of the hotel.

House Tour: Taj Meets Tuscan in the Hamptons

Really loved this issue of Veranda Magazine featuring a Hampton's home designed by Tom Britt ... the inspiration for this design: a maharaja lets loose in the Hamptons. To create this look Britt uses obelisks, mother of pearl in laid wood chests, red leather - everything that translates exuberance.

Summer Sangria!

It's Here! Summertime begins today... Before the heat arrives, there's nothing like summertime sangria to pass the afternoons. We're making a White Sangria this week, with english cucumbers and red grapes! Not the typical way sangria is made but with Fresh+Twist as our motto, what do you expect! Have a great weekend...

                              Summertime Sangria, a Fresh + Twist Original 

Summertime Sangria

6 oz Sauvignon Blanc

1 oz Citrus Vodka

3/4 St. Germain

3/4 oz Fresh Lemon

1/2 Simple Syrup

4-6 Slices of English Cucumber

6-8 Red Grapes

Top with a splash of Ginger Ale

In a mixing glass, crush the english cucumber & red grapes with the lemon and simple syrup. Add the Vodka and St.Germain. Add Ice. Shake. Pour all of the ingredients into a wine glass, add the Sauvignon Blanc to fill. Top with a splash of ginger ale. Relax & Enjoy!

Trending Thursday: Asian Infusion

Etro Spring 2013

Fashion designers are looking to Asia for inspiration this season and I thought why now do the same for home decor ... you can also create the look of east meets west by incorporating some of the ideas below.

Double Happiness Console Table, Cottage & Bungalow

Barclay Butera Pogoda Mirror, Horchow

Jonathan Adler Chippendale Chair, Horchow

Parker Pendant, Home Spaces

Blue and White Garden Stool, Furbish Studio

Thai Buddha Sculpture, Wayfair

Blue Bowls, Furbish Studio

Refreshing Summer Salad!!!

Back to one of my favorite food blogs Love & Lemons ... they just make everything look so beautiful and delicious. Here is a simple, healthy and mouth watering salad for the summer.

Find recipe here.

Travel Tuesday: Atas Ombak Bali

Why not rent your own private villa close to the town of Seminyak, Bali ... Villa Atas Ombak, Indonesian for “Villa On The Waves”, is directly located on the beach only a few kilometers north of Legian. Featuring breathtaking views of Bali’s famous sunsets, the Villa encompasses an acre and a half of garden area, with over 100 meters of beach frontage. This five bedroom villa comes fully staffed with a chef, housekeepers, maids, gardeners, security guards and pool attendants. Its architecture and decor are understated yet elegant and luxurious.

House Tour: Bruno Frisoni's Moroccan Retreat

Happy Monday everyone ... hope you had a great weekend. Today we head off to Tangier a city port in Morocco to visit shoe designer Bruno Frisoni's home. Filled with Moroccan motifs and Arabesque influences this residence is a dream with its picturesque views of the city ... indeed a home away from home for the designer, take a peek. All images via Vogue