Drink of the Month - Pink Flamingos

On Sunday I went to brunch with my two best friends. It was to celebrate 'H's recent birthday.

After driving around for a bit trying to find a place to eat we ended up at Ruth's Diner up Emigration Canyon. They just recently re-opened on June 1st after a $1 million dollar makeover.

Since we had a bit of a wait for our table, it was time to find a cocktail. Thank goodness for 'M' being herself, she found the bar in the 2 minutes, an umbrella for us to sit under and the bartender wiping down the table an chairs. Did I mention that it was raining...and we were outside on the patio...yes, we love our cocktails. Anyway Bartender Dan was great and the Emigration Mimosas were yummy.

After 'H' secured our table, we sat down to eat. They bring out these humongous biscuits that put KFC to shame. They have an absolutely yummy jam on the table and we went to town. After ordering a round of Pink Flamingo Cocktails, we ordered our food. I ordered a Chile Verde Omelet, which was really good and I am picky about my Verde. I don't recall what 'H' ordered but I do remember 'M' ordering a deconstructed Eggs Benedict. Instead of a poached egg she wanted scrambled and on the side. They were very accommodating to her request and even brought the hollandaise on the side as well. She is who she is.

So in honor of our Sunday brunch excursion this month's drink of the month is the Pink Flamingo.

Pink Flamingos
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Pomegranate Liqueur
2-3 oz Cranberry Juice

Ice

Fill cocktail shaker with ice and pour all the ingredients in. Shake vigorously and then pour into a chilled glass and serve.

Croquet & the Utah Food Bank

Several months ago my husband and I were talking about taking the annual Croquet & Cocktails event to the next level. It's time to do something more than just eating food and hanging out with my gal pals. Don't get me wrong I enjoy eating, hanging out and drinking cocktails. Who doesn't.

So this year instead of asking people to bring food or drink, this will be provided. I would like to encourage my friends to bring money and/or food to donate to the Utah Food Bank. Why the Utah Food Bank, you ask? Well food is one of the most basic needs in life.

Here are a couple facts.

• 1 in 10 Utahns and 1 in 8 Utah children lives in poverty. A family of four living in poverty makes just over $22,050 a year to cover health care expenses, shelter, food and other household expenses (U.S. Census Bureau: Annual Social and Economic Supplement, 2009).
  
• Utah is ranked 4th in the nation for the highest rate of food insecurity. More than 345,700 individuals are at risk of missing or skipping a meal due to a lack of resources (US. Department of Agriculture, Household Food Security in the United States, 2007).
  
• In Utah, over 63,000 people a month eat dinner at a soup kitchen (Utahns Against Hunger, 2006).

This year I would like to raise at $150.00. Is this acheivable? Yes, it is. Let me know your thoughts or ideas.

Angels & Demons Movie

On Sunday I went to the movies with my mother-in-law and saw Angels & Demons. We both read the book a couple of years ago and wanted to see the movie. I do have to say I am glad I read the book first on this one.

Overall, it is an excellant movie from the images of Vatican City to the actors. If you are a Dan Brown fan or even enjoy a good mystery, you will enjoy this movie.

Drink of the Month - Margaritas

It's May and it's time to break out the blender out for Margaritas. However if you are my other half, he likes his on the rocks. There is just something about this drink that hits the spot. Yummy.

Last month for my sister's birthday, my family and my mom went to dinner at Ruby River. As I was reviewing the drink menu I decided on a blended margarita. It was so good I had have another to just to make sure. My mom even tried a sip just to make sure. Yes, my mom had a sip. Overall I would give my blended Ruby River Margarita 4 out of 5.

So hopefully when the weather gets better, break out your blender, get some chips and salsa and drink some margaritas.

The Classic Margarita

Ingredients:

1 can of frozen BACARDI Mixers Margarita Mix

1/2 cup of Tequila

5 cups ice

Salt

Limes for garnish

Directions:

1. Blend together frozen BARCARDI Mixers Margarita mix, tequilia, and ice for 45 to 60 seconds or until blended.

2. Salt glass rim, garnish with a lime and enjoy.

*Virgin Style - Omit Tequila

Vote for my Bag!

I thought I might try my hand at designing a reusable shopping bag. As you will see when you click on the below link I am very original and have a lot of flare.

Who am I kidding! My bag is the plainest one out there.

So mark your calendars, set a reminder and vote for my bag everyday until May 15th.

Also feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested in voting.

To view this design and vote, visit
http://www.designareusablebag.com/vote-for-designs/bag.aspx?BagId=36106&banner=kroger

Ahh let the drinking begin...

Several years ago while I was working at a company I will not name at this time, I worked with a fabulous bunch of ladies. I don't remember how the conversation got started but we were talking about playing croquet, wearing fu-fee hats, and drinking fu-fee cocktails. Thus Croquet & Cocktails was born. The first event was held in June 2007 and about 12 ladies showed up. Note to all my friends in the picture, yes I know you hate me now but just get over it.


It was so much fun. The food, the drinks, the croquet. All this and to be true to this event I was hungover at the time as well. As I get more into this blog I will post the recipes for the finger sandwiches and some of the cocktails. For now a few more pictures of the ladies.

WWJD?

'Best Hat'

"Oh geez! Fran is taking our picture"

Friends, Drinks & Fun

Today I officially start my blog. My dear brother 'A' asked me if I had a blog and now I must deliver. Yes, I am now a blogger. However I will probably not be what my brother expected.

Are you ready?

I will share things, but I do not know how much I will share. This depends on how I feel, the time of day etc, etc.

I warn you all you who read this blog. This may not be suitable for children and may be rated 'R' at times. I may not post pictures and names may be withheld due to my own personal selfish reasons.

This is my blog and I will do what I want.

Wait? What time is it? Ooh it's time for another drink...

Up next...the reason why I named by my blog Croquet & Cocktails.