Here it is, another grey and cloudy day in the ATX …but you’re not going to hear me complaining.  Why? Because as long as it’s cloudy, it won’t get up to 100 degrees! 

And because a tangerine-colored Cardinal just landed on the railing right outside of my window as I write this. I’ve never seen an orange Cardinal…have you?

Which brings me to three fun summer things I’ve been thinking about:

1. A  citrusy way to create smooth, glowing skin.
2. A mixture to get your feet sandal-ready that’s so easy you can sleep through it.
3. And an ‘old-school’ cocktail that’s just perfect for our summer heat.

I’m sure you’ve seen the pretty sugar or salt scrubs for your skin that you can buy in jars…why buy them when they are so easy to make at home?  And, here’s the best part, you can customize them with your favorite citrus and oil!  The basic recipe is: 1/2 of a lemon + 1 T of olive oil + 1T of honey + 1/2 C of sugar. Mix in a break-proof jar or bowl and take into your shower with you. Gently massage over skin and rinse off. The fruit acids and sugar act as exfoliants, the oil and honey act to help retain moisture.

I have customized mine (sensitive, dry skin) by using an orange instead of a lemon and using almond oil rather than olive oil. I’ll bet an orange + coconut oil would smell delicious, too!  You can’t do this one wrong…experiment! (Caution: the shower floor can become slippery.)

For those sandal-ready feet I promised:  Be sure to use a pumice stone on your heels in the summer, but be gentle and do it consistently. Dry, cracked heels are unsightly and unsexy!  At bedtime once a week, slather your feet with your favorite moisturizing cream (I love Skin Trip from Whole Foods – it reminds me of my friend Teresa, and it smells like coconut!) and put on a pair of socks. When you awake in the morning, both you, and your feet, will be refreshed.  (Both the citrus scrub, and the overnight treatment for your feet, would be great to share with the man in your life!)

Down to the finish line – that summertime cocktail I promised.  The Whiskey Sour is a classic drink that’s back in fashion and never feels too heavy in our heat!  This is my favorite recipe from Ina Garten. (and if anyone of you knows her, I’ve always wanted to meet her!)

Ina’s Whiskey Sour

3/4 C Jack Daniels Whiskey (I’ve tried others, but this is best), 1/2 C fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 C fresh squeezed lime juice, 2/3 C simple syrup, maraschino cherries for garnish.

Combine the whiskey, juices and syrup in a pitcher. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway full of ice, add drink mix to the 2/3 full mark and shake for 15 seconds then pour into chilled glasses. Add a cherry for garnish and enjoy the compliments!

Don’t know what simple syrup is? So simple; Mix 1C water with 1C sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil, stir till sugar dissolves, cool before using. Pour into jar and store in fridge.

Your skin is going to glow, your feet will be gorgeous in your sandals and you’ll have mastered a classic Whiskey Sour.  Invite friends to your home, mix up a batch and have fun!

Now for a little sexy music…Buddha Bar?  Electric Guest?  Martini Lounge?

XO  Donna