March 22, 2016

Cocktails with a Twist: The Kombucha Paloma

March 22, 2016/ Emily

I've always been fascinated by cocktails; how they mix together so quickly and beautifully, how they slow us down on that first sip to appreciate and savor, and how they bring us to a time of traditional elegance. I grew up with the classic words, "shaken, not stirred" and couldn't help but fall in love with 5 o'clock drinks signalling the close of a long day. I imagine F. Scott Fitzgerald settled into a chair, cocktail in hand as he listened to Zelda rattle on to their friends about the latest gossip.

So turning 21 didn't mean guzzling down large volumes of alcohol - though that certainly had it's place - but rather finally being welcomed into the cool club where elegance, simplicity, and tradition are welcomed and celebrated.

I'm happy to celebrate the beginning of Spring with collaborations and a new chapter: Cocktails with a Twist. I want these drinks to be just as simple as the recipes I post, taking little to no time yet bursting with flavor. At the same time, I want them to be twists on the classic and more traditional cocktails.

First at bat is a cocktail inspired by The Paloma - a tequila, grapefruit, and lime concoction topped off with sparkling water. I nixed the lime - couldn't find it fresh, but I'm sure it would be delicious - and replaced the sparkling water with plain kombucha from UpDog Kombucha. It's safe to say my world is forever changed. UpDog Kombucha's plain kombucha adds just the right sweetness to keep you coming back for more while also providing yummy health benefits like supported digestion and anxiety relief. Alongside freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, it's an irresistible combination.

Everyone's preferences are different when it comes to alcohol. If you find this is too weak or strong, adjust accordingly. I always make a recipe first the way it's listed, second with a little twist, and finally a third time to make sure I've got it just how I like it. I hope you share your versions in the comments or via social media so we can all enjoy! This cocktail can also be made without the tequila for a refreshing drink if you are expecting, have little ones who want to get in on the Great Vibes, or just want to sit back for an alcohol-free evening.

Without further ado ...

The Kombucha Paloma

Ingredients ::

+ 4 Parts Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice*
+ 4 Parts Plain Kombucha
+ 3 Parts Tequila
+ Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
+ Sugar (optional)**

Recipe ::

1. Add the first three ingredients to a shaker with ice (optional addition of sugar here).
2. Shake well. ***
3. Place ground salt onto a plate.
4. Coat the top of your glass with a little grapefruit juice and roll it along the plate to salt the rim.
5. Strain shaker contents into your glass.
6. Add ice if desired.
7. Sip & enjoy!

Notes ::

* I typically make 1 part = 1 ounce, however if you are making for more than one, keep the ratios the same, and all is good!

This cocktail gets its sweetness from the plain kombucha and the grapefruit juice (i.e. it's not super sweet). If you're not used to that or want it to be a tad less savory, add whatever kind of sweetener or sugar you prefer to taste.

* Kombucha naturally carbonates, so when you go to combine the ingredients, it might pop the top of your shaker slightly. This is normal, but be sure to hold the top and bottom carefully to form a tight seal. Don't cry over spilled cocktail if a little escapes -- it's all part of the Great Vibes!

Cheers to Cocktails & Great Vibes! Xx.

+ What's your favorite cocktail?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram when you make The Kombucha Paloma. Share this with people who could use some tequila in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx

This post is done in collaboration with UpDog Kombucha. All opinions are honest and my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that support The Great Vibes Guide. Xx.

P.S. Get a free 8-page Guide to Great Vibes filled with recipes, tips, and tricks to the lifestyle and body of your dreams. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

March 17, 2016

Tryna Get Lucky Today? Get 25% off The Shop! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 17, 2016/ Emily

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Because I love you all so much, I thought I'd share 25% off The Shop TODAY ONLY with the code STPATTYS16! It includes all items: guides, prints, and even coaching services! Woot woot!

Click the image above or right here to shop The Shop ;)!

Spread the Great Vibes!

March 12, 2016

How to Handle Conflict

March 12, 2016/ Emily

Tips & Tricks & Why Do I Care?

This post was previously published November 19, 2015. Since handling conflict is a part of life, there's never a bad time to arm yourself with ways to win at sticky situations.

It is important to find manageable ways to deal with confrontation and conflict to alleviate the inevitable pains that come from an ill-spoken word or argument. Here are my top four tips along with an awesome apology format to follow when future conflicts happen.

**- if something is said that makes you want to lash out::**

and an immediate response is necessary, take three full inhales and exhales before responding. If you can wait to respond, take the time to filter your words in a way that strongly presents your opinion but comes across without inflicting pain.

**- if something is written that makes you want to lash out::**

do not respond immediately. Write out what you would like to say, but do not send it at that moment. Take out unnecessary expressions of anger, and after ensuring your words come across mindfully and intentionally without cruelty, hit the send button.

- if you do or have done something in an expression of anger or hatred::

remember a heartfelt and sincere apology goes a lot further than resentment ever will. For example, if you've hurt someone's feelings or said an unkind remark, ask yourself why you lashed out that way, how it might have impacted their life to hear something like that, and ways you two might move forward.

A helpful format is,
"It has come to my attention that my action of (action requiring apology) could be seen as (offensive, annoying, hurtful, etc). I never intended to (consequence of your action). I want you to understand I was merely trying to (your intention), though I can see now that it may appear I was (perceived motive). Please accept my (adjective) apology. Moving forward, I will attempt to (proposed solution). That said, I would very much appreciate it if you (request for other party). Sincerely your (relationship to person), (your name)."

- if you are angry with or hate yourself::

breathe, ask yourself what exactly makes you upset, and plan simple steps you can take moving forward to change the behavior that bothers you. As an example, imagine you are upset you do not wake up on time. Ask yourself if you are going to bed too late, having difficulty staying asleep, or feeling overly stressed during the day. Some helpful steps would be to wind down earlier in the evening to go to bed at a more appropriate-for-you time, to lessen your load during the day by delegating or re-prioritizing, or possibly adjusting your caffeine intake if you're having trouble falling and staying asleep.

Choosing a more peaceful way to handle conflict is not easy. It requires effort and self-reflection. Be kind to yourself if you lash out or wish you had done something differently. Take small steps.

+ Did you find these tips helpful? What is your go-to calm down strategy?

Tag @yourfriend_em on Twitter or Instagram and tell me what you loved best about Handling Conflict. Share this with people who could benefit. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx

P.S. Get a free 8-page Guide to Great Vibes filled with recipes, tips, and tricks to the lifestyle and body of your dreams. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

P.S.S.S. Have you checked out all of the
other places Emily's spreading the Great Vibes?

the guide

Cocktails with a Twist: The Kombucha Paloma