Friday Find

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The perfect coverage without the hat hair. 

sun-hat.jpg

After a few beach days without anything sun protection (I know, I know), and some particularly devastating sun burn, I was on the hunt for a hat - and not just for the trend. I wanted something with a wide enough brim to protect my face, neck, and shoulders. It also needed to match my look, which the traditional straw-colored ones often do not; I find the color blends too much into my hair and never gives me the look I'm going for at the beach. When I was buying sunscreen, I came across this black hat and immediately had to put it on, noticing how perfect it would travel and how it was defined by the details (my favorite part about black pieces) with the open weaving and tie. On sale for $20, I quickly grabbed it up, and after a weekend by the pool - that's me with it on above - feeling both fashionable and protected, I'm calling it one of my most successful purchases yet. 

Shop the Item Here: Black Sun Hat, $33.

Rainbow Rice Krispies (V, GF)

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An elevated classic. 

When it comes to sprinkles, I have a bit of an obsession. I'll happily put them on ice cream and smoothies, with fruit and coconut milk as a dessert cereal, I think you get the idea. I love all things funfetti, and if there is a way I can share the colorful joy, I'm all about it.

Going away this past weekend, I wanted to bring a sweet treat for the five hour road trip. I had leftover sprinkles and marshmallows from a party I recently threw, so I decided to try my hand at Rice Krispies - I've never made them myself before - and bought a box of gluten-free rice cereal. Side note: these are totally gluten free and vegan but scored big points from everyone. Like I wanted, they made the perfect car food and evening snack, were fun and pretty, and inexpensive enough that I'll be bringing them to any party or dinner throughout the summer. Helloooo colorful treats. 

Scroll down to get the recipe...

Rainbow Rice Krispies (vegan + gluten free)

Ingredients:

+ 6 Cups Rice Cereal (gluten free if needed)
+ 1 10 oz. Bag Marshmallows (I use the Trader Joe's brand)
+ 4 tbsp Coconut Oil
+ Rainbow Sprinkles (optional and as desired)
+ Dash of Vanilla Extract

Recipe:

1. Oil and line a 9x9 or 9x12 baking pan with parchment paper. Oil the parchment paper. 
2. Add the vanilla extract and coconut oil to a large baking pan or pot over medium heat. 
3. Once the oil is melted, add the marshmallows, stirring them around, and then letting them sit for about one minute, browning slightly, and stirring halfway through. 
4. Using a large fork or potato masher, break down the marshmallows (I found that the vegan ones needed this). 
5. Stir until the marshmallows and oil have combined.
6. Add in the rice cereal and your desired amount of sprinkles, stirring quickly to combine, as this will begin to set up.
7. Turn the mixture out onto the baking pan and parchment paper. 
8. Spray your hands with cooking spray, and press the mixture compactly into the pan.
9. Refrigerate until cool, about 1-2 hours. 
10. Remove from the pan and then peel off the parchment paper. 
11. Cut into 12-16 squares, place on a plate, take a bite. Enjoy!  

+ What's your favorite way to use sprinkles?

Tag @thegreatvibesguide on Instagram when you make this summer dessert. Share this with people who could use some sprinkles in their lives. Hashtag #thegreatvibesguide to spread the Great Vibes! Xx.

Cheers to Great Vibes & classics with a twist! Xx.

Watermelon Citrus Cocktail

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It's no surprise we'd celebrate with champagne, is it?

When it comes to champagne, I always have a bottle on hand (and I've talked about why that is here). As summer winds to a close, I wanted to create a drink that embraces the season's favorite fruit, watermelon. 92% of watermelon is water, which yields a large quantity of juice. Lemon and lime are always a refreshing addition, and in this case, they help cut the super sweet flavor of watermelon juice. While yes, you can buy the juice in the store, I find it best (and cheapest) to just make it at home. In under five ingredients, you'll have the prettiest cocktail for your evening drink, brunch, or end of summer parties.  

Watermelon Citrus Cocktail

Ingredients:

+ champagne or prosecco (any kind will do)
+ 1/3 watermelon
+ 1 lemon, juice of
+ 1/2 lime, juice of

Recipe:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender (except for the champagne), and blend on high. 
2. Scoop the watermelon pulp off the top of the mixture until just the juice remains.
3. Fill your glass half way with champagne. 
4. Top with the juice mixture.
5. Serve, sip, & enjoy!

Note:

If you'd like it to be non-alcoholic consider using sparkling water.

Adjust the measurements to suit the amount of people at your party. If you need more watermelon juice, add more watermelon. If you want more lemon flavor, squeeze in another lemon. Play around with it, and then let me know what proportions you choose in the comments below!  

+ What's your favorite way to drink champagne?

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

Cheers to Great Vibes & cocktails with a twist! Xx.

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