Are you curious about which cocktails are popular with celebs this season?  InStyle magazine did some research and created a photo gallery of some of the celebrity favorites, along with drink recipes. 

Try one of these fun cocktails at your next summer get together and dazzle your friends with your mixology skills!

• Angry Dragon - Jessica Biel
• Pomegranate Martini - Madonna
• Red Pearl - Rebecca Romijn
• Peach Passion - Gisele Bündchen
• Demeter - Teri Hatcher
• Raspberry Cheesecake - George Clooney
• Pomegranate Blossom - Charlize Theron
• Pink Elephant - Eva Mendes
• Passionate Saketini - Kate Hudson

[via InStyle Magazine]

During the holidays I normally send out cards to stay in touch with friends and family.  Some years I’ve made glittery, hand-made cards.  Other years I’ve spent almost as much time shopping to find pre-made cards that I liked. 

Just recently I ran across another way to send holiday greetings.  While enjoying a Starbucks gingerbread latte, I noticed a web address on the bottom of the cup –   http://www.itsredagain.com/.

This Starbucks greeting card site is one of the best I’ve seen and even comes with an off-beat host to guide you through the process of creating a holiday greeting. 

Here’s a holiday greeting that I created - view it here. 

If you find yourself in a pinch for time or would rather not wait in line at the post office, stay in touch with your girlfriends by sending one of these greetings instead.

If you don’t have time for a full blown getaway there are lots of things you can do in your own home town.  During the summer, there are usually plenty of activities and events to choose from including water sports, farmers markets, festivals and outdoor concerts. 

Here are some things we did this past weekend when my sister visited:

• went boating on the lake
• watched several movies (My Super Ex-Girlfriend was just OK)
• read by the pool
• shopped
• spent an evening listening to live music
• explored downtown
• toured million dollar model homes
• drank margaritas
• and ate out at all our favorite local restaurants 

If you’ve ever been on a girls trip you’ve probably wondered what goes on at your house when you’re gone.  I’ve asked my husband to write up an accurate description of life in our house when I’m off on a trip. With two teenagers to look after, I know it must be hard on him when I’m gone.

“Saturday. Wake up with the sun.  (I should probably mention for your readers that our bedroom windows face WEST).  I pull on some shorts and check on the kids.  Still sleeping.  Good.  Enough time to shower and go pick up breakfast.  I stop at Starbucks for an Americano and read the paper.  I studiously browse the cereal and fruit section at the grocery store and then buy Krispy Kreme donuts. (more…)