post #17: F5: Mom, Coat, 12 Bones, Contadino, & Starbucks Deals!

Goodbye June! Favorites to Wrap up the Month!

It's the weekend! Well, almost. Hope you all have fantastic weekend plans! Jo will be at a bachelor party this weekend, so I plan on getting LOTS of studying done.
On to my favorites this week...

1. My Mom

I almost had a mini meltdown this week. The screen on my MacBook Pro has been wobbly for about a year now, but after the weekend, it became extremely loose. As in, the screen is either at 90 degrees, or tilted all the way back. After talking to the tech people at school, my options are basically to 1) Send it to Apple (after some research, it is likely between a $700-$1200 fix), 2) Purchase a new computer, or 3) Continue using it, hoping the screen doesn't fall back & completely conk out in the middle of something important.

We've been casually looking at some computers and iPads, but since I'll be starting a new job soon, we haven't had any sense of urgency. Except for one minor detail - I'll be typing the bar exam on my computer in a month. URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. When I asked the tech guy about taking the bar on my computer as it is now, he made a face and said he definitely wouldn't risk it.  URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. URGENT. 

Thankfully, my wonderful, kind, amazing mother has offered to let me use her MacBook Pro for the month, so that I can take the bar exam on the same kind of computer I use now. Crisis averted. Once again, Mom saves the day. So, without a doubt, she is my favorite thing this week. Moms are really the best, don't you agree?

Once again, Mom to the rescue!

2. New Coat

I love summer, but I'm so ready for winter to wear this bad boy. Last weekend's sale = success.

3. 12 Bones in Asheville, NC

I convinced my friend to have lunch here over the weekend - it is truly the most delicious BBQ ever. Their Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, and Jalapeno Cheese Grits? Pretty much to die for. Oh, and their Cornbread and Blueberry Chipotle Sauce? Still drooling. (See the menu here). Do yourself a favor if you're around Asheville and go here. You can thank me later.

(cornbread, collard greens, chopped beef brisket, mac & cheese, + side of chipotle blueberry sauce)

4. Contadino Pinot Grigio Vivace

Bubbly. Pinot grigio. Do I have your attention? Labeled a pinot grigio, this wine tasted more like prosecco to me. But, I'm no connoisseur.  Coming in at only about $6/bottle from Trader Joe's, it's a great addition to your "every night" wine collection. ;-) Oh, and comes in a pretty bottle! Let's be serious, probably the reason I picked it up to begin with.

(photo credit here)

5. Fabulous Starbucks Deals

I love Starbucks. No beating around the bush on this one. I have already expressed my love for canned Starbucks Refreshers in a previous post (found here). Today and tomorrow (and yesterday, sorry for the delay in posting this!) from 3:00-5:00, Starbucks is offering half priced Refreshers! I've been needing a refresher most afternoons...to the tune of a can a day. Oops. I enjoyed/guzzled a trenta Very Berry Hibiscus yesterday, and suspect that today and tomorrow will be no different. Hope y'all enjoy this little pick me up as much as I did!

(my biggg drink set me back a whopping $2.23 yesterday. so. worth. it.)

I love reading your comments! Don't forget to follow Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook or Google Blogger (to the right!). You can also follow me on Instagram!

MBC

As always, thanks to these lovely ladies for hosting this link up!

A. Liz Adventures

Carolina Charm

Hello! Happiness

The Good Life Blog

Are you a fashionista? I'd love to get your thoughts on these fun bags! Check out my last post here.

post #16: Carrying the Weight of the World - In a Gorgeous Bag

Carrying the Weight of the World...in a gorgeous bag

For the past several months, I've been looking for a big, wonderful tote to spend my graduation dollars on.

My criteria are: 

Camel/tan color so it can be carried with both browns and blacks

Real leather

Big enough to carry a BUNCH of stuff (including file folders, an iPad, and all my personal items)

Under $500. 

I want a bag that I can carry every day, that I'll have and will be in style for a very long time, and that can adequately substitute for a briefcase. Because, seriously, how many cute briefcases are there for girls? 

#1 - Michael Kors Collection, Miranda Stitch Leather Tote, $995 Find it Here! (probably a bit too pricy for me, but it's too pretty not to share!)

#2 - Michael Kors Hamilton Leather Tote, $358 Find it Here!

#3 - Tory Burch Marion Tote, $550 Find it Here!

#4 - Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote, on sale for $402.50 Find it Here!

#5 - Tory Burch Robinson Tote, $550 Find it Here!

#6 - Ralph Lauren Amalfi Tote, $298 Find it Here!

#7 - Michael Kors Jet Set Tote, $278 Find it here!

Do you have any favorites? I'd love to hear your input!

MBC

post #15 - F5: Upstate SC, Mac, Blood Orange Mimosas, Lilly, 50 Rules for Dads, & MM Readers!

Fabulous Friday Favorites!

Happy weekend, ladies (and boys, if you're out there in blog world)! I hope your week has been not-too-hectic and you're looking forward to a fun weekend! My week has been slightly crazy, with an intense practice test (from 9-4 on a Friday, gross!) happening as you're probably reading this. But, I'm looking forward to an awesome weekend, filled with some of my favorite things and people! 

1. Upstate South Carolina!

This weekend, Jo and I are heading to the Upstate...and I couldn't be more excited! We are heading to two of my favorite places on earth...Greenville and Clemson. We'll be staying Friday night with one of my college BFFs and her hubby. On Saturday (before the crack of dawn) we're heading to a sale in NC while the boys are playing golf. Afterwards, Jo and I are going down the road to Clemson to spend the evening with his dad and stepmom in their new home-away-from-home condo! They've been making lots of improvements and we can't wait to see this awesome addition to our tailgating fun this year. Oh, and I'm squeezing 13 hours worth of video lectures in there somewhere, but who's counting? (Ain't no rest for the wicked, y'all) Not going to pretend I wouldn't rather study in Clemson than Columbia. ;-)

(Favorite Place #1 - Greenville, SC) [photo credit]

(Favorite Place #2 - Clemson, SC) [photo credit]

2. Baby Mac!

Sometime over the course of the weekend, we'll be stopping to visit our new step-nephew! Last weekend, Jo's stepsister and stepbrother in law welcomed a beautiful new baby boy, Stewart McLaurin. They'll be calling him Mac - he is just precious! We are so excited for them and can't wait to meet and snuggle Mac this weekend! Being an aunt is the best!

(I mean...come on. He's pretty much the cutest.)

3. Blood Orange Mimosas

Making these on Saturday morning as we wait in line for our sale, with the Blood Orange Bitters I picked up a few weeks ago. If I'm waking up before the sunrise on a Saturday, I'd better have a Starbucks or cocktail (or both) in hand. Channing, these are coming for you!

[photo credit]

4. Lilly Notepad

Need a good and cheap gift for a friend? I've been writing out things that I'm having trouble learning on this notepad, and it makes hearsay seem slightly more exciting, if that's possible. (Trust me...that stuff is NOT as exciting as it seems on TV). These are so cute, and only $7! I got mine at Pink Sorbet, or you can find them here!

5. This List - 50 Rules for Dads of Daughters

A classmate posted a link to the 50 Rules for Dads of Daughters (click here to read the post). I thought this was too sweet not to share. We don't have a child yet, and aren't planning on one any time soon, but this list made my heart melt. Share this with your men!

6. My Readers!!!

I had to add an extra this week. This one is for y'all! This week, I reached over 2,000 page views. I know that many bloggers get that on a single post and that this isn't a big deal for most. But, since I've only been blogging a little over a month, I'm getting excited about the little things. Thanks to my followers and those who keep coming back! And I promise that when I'm not studying for the bar, my posts will be much happier and more interesting ;-). Here's to looking forward to DIYing, house decorating, and the return of a real social life...

(although, I kind of hope this guy's not reading!)

Don't forget to follow me on Facebook & Google Blogger. You can follow on the right using your Gmail account - it's easy! I've also added a link to follow me on Instagram...if you do, you might even sneak a peek at some of our "secret sale" finds over the weekend! ;-)

Also, I LOVE reading your comments, so keep them coming!

Cheers!

MBC

As always, thanks for the fun link up, girls!

A. Liz Adventures

Carolina Charm

hello! happiness

The Good Life Blog

Did you miss my post about skinny lettuce wraps? If so, check it out here!

post #14 - Skinny Lettuce Wraps

Skinny Lettuce Wraps!

When summer rolls around, we are always looking for recipes that are light, cheap, and easy. This recipe is definitely light and cheap, and the hardest part is eating it fast enough. We started making this last year, and it has become a staple in our house. Best of all - it's a low-fat recipe that was apparently featured on The Biggest Loser! (Original recipe found here) You can definitely add other veggies to this recipe, but here are the basics. 

Disclaimer -- this is messy!!

Skinny Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey or ground chicken

2 tablespoons low-fat peanut butter

3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons low sodium teriyaki sauce

1 can water chestnuts, drained

1/2 chopped onion

1 head of lettuce washed & divided into large pieces for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Brown ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any fat.

2. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, teriyaki, onions, and water chestnuts. Mix until combined. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Spoon meat into lettuce and wrap. Take a bite and try not to spill! Enjoy!

On a separate note, have y'all heard of Gretchen Scott Designs? Tuckernuck and Gretchen Scott are doing an exciting giveaway that involves a trip to NYC and a chance to design a clothing item! Sign me up! Register for the giveaway by clicking here! It only takes a second! Plus, when you invite 10 friends to enter the giveaway, you will get a free gift! 

Have a wonderful week...only 3 more days 'til the weekend!

As always, I love reading your comments! Don't forget to like Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook and follow me on Google Blogger!

MBC

Laws in the Lowcountry

Need more convincing that this recipe is legit? Check out this post at Yellow Brick Blog!

post #13 - F5: Family & Friends, Starbucks Refreshers, Erase Paste, Semi-Annual Sale, & Snail Mail!

Another 5 on Friday Link Up! Favs this week!

Happy almost-weekend, y'all! Looking forward to lots of study time this weekend. Talk about feelings you never thought you'd have. Without further ado, my favorites this week!

1. Family and Friends!

I've been so overwhelmed with love from my friends and family this week for my birthday! And, of course, my sweet, sweet husband. Thanks to everyone for the phone calls, text messages, and birthday snail mail! It is all very much appreciated. I can't wait to see what 25 (eek!!) has in store!

2. Starbucks Refreshers

Have y'all tried this little sip of heaven? Best. energy. drink. ever. I've been having them in the afternoons for a much-needed pick me up. They taste delicious (not like an energy drink) and don't make me as jittery as my second love, Red Bull.

3. Benefit Erase Paste

This stuff is a God-send. If you need a good concealer, go to Sephora and get you some. It is a little pricy (for those of us who normally wear drug store makeup), but I purchased mine last summer and use it everyday. I am still not even halfway through the tiny jar. Talk about long-lasting makeup! A friend got me hooked, and I've spread the love to a few of my friends. Now, I'm telling all of you!

4. Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale

Enough said, right? I headed there very early the first day (as in, 7am. It was the only time I could go!)... Although I think they've gone up in price the last few years, it is still a great time to go pick up some essentials.

(and, it obviously makes us all look like this)

5. Snail Mail

There's nothing like checking the mailbox and getting a sweet piece of snail mail. I always forget how much I love handwritten notes, and always vow to send more. Plus, buying cute stationary is the best. I'm in the market for some monogrammed stationary or correspondence cards. How cute are these?!

(steal here)

(steal here)

(splurge here)

(splurge here)

I love reading your comments, so leave some love! Also, follow me on Blogger and Facebook to stay updated with Makeshift Margaritas! Have a fabulous weekend!!

MBC

P.S. Thanks again A. Liz Adventures, The Good Life Blog, Carolina Charm, and Hello Happiness!

post #12 - 116 Wine Bar {Restaurant Review}

116 Wine Bar + Farmers Market

Happy Hump Day everyone! I'm a little late on my first post for the week - I've been a little more stressed about studying this week than I have been recently. I guess that time is coming! 

I took a break on Saturday morning to head to the Soda City Farmers Market and brunch with Jo. We got some great finds at the Farmer's Market this week - cucumbers, trout sausage, "Tuscany" goat cheese, and shrimp + pancetta ravioli. Oh, and a raspberry macaroon, for good measure. 

After walking around, we headed to 116 Wine Bar. (Wanna see the menu? Click here!) I seemed to be out of town or busy every time my girlfriends headed here for brunch over the past few years, so I was very excited to try it. (P.S. - they only serve brunch on Saturday!) This hole in the wall is known for using local ingredients to make delicious drinks and food.

My friends have raved about their Bloody Marys. I was a little worried that the Bloody Mary's Revenge would be too spicy, but it really had the perfect amount of spice!

(absolut peppar vodka, 116's extra hot bloody mary mix, made with spices, fresh horseradish, + a touch of guinness)

Jo got the Steak and Eggs.

(chili rubbed sirloin steak with two eggs and toast)

I went with the 3 Potato Hashbrowns + Eggs. The sweet potatoes were our favorite!

(blend of yukon gold, purple, and sweet potatoes with sauteed jalapenos, bell peppers, onions, and goat cheese, + scrambled eggs)

Later that night, as an early birthday celebration, we grilled steaks and baked potatoes. We topped our bacon wrapped filets with the Tuscany Goat Cheese from the farmers market. We had our baked potatoes with greek yogurt and bleu cheese. Yum!

I think I gained about 100 pounds, but it's safe to say that we ate well on Saturday! We will definitely be heading back to 116 sometime soon for brunch, or maybe for dinner and drinks. 

Here's to looking forward to getting my life back and trying more Columbia brunch spots!

MBC

post #11 - F5: Pacific Blue, Danielle Bradbery, Ultimate Organizer Bag, Birthday Coupons, & Zucchini Pasta!

Linking Up Again - my favorites this week!

Happy Friday, friends! I am so ready for the weekend! This is the first weekend that we haven't had plans in quite a long time. I'm so ready to catch up on studying, puppy playtime, and things around the house!

 It has been a bit of a dull week around here, filled with too many video lectures and too much rain. But, there are still some things that I'm loving this week and that have helped to make the gray Carolina skies a bit brighter!

1. New Color, Y'all!

My nails stink. They will never look this pretty. But after I saw this polish on one of my friends a few weeks ago, I had to try it! After all, this is probably the last summer that I will professionally be able to rock blue nails. These are clearly not my nails - I bite and pick at my nails and they're certainly not fit for a picture. But this color is fantastic, and I love it. [[Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Pacific Blue]] And it makes my abused fingernails just a little bit happier. That's all.

(picture credit here)

2. Danielle Bradbery

Monday and Tuesday nights have been a little intense in our household lately. My husband and I started watching The Voice last season and are completely hooked. Last season, I loved Cassadee Pope...but this season, I am a huge fan of 16 year old Danielle Bradbery! Y'all...this girl can SING! She reminds me a lot of Carrie Underwood when she was first starting out on American Idol. (Yes, I watched that season 100 years ago). I love her voice and am constantly impressed with her performances week after week. Not to mention, she's absolutely precious. And her coach is Blake Shelton. 

Don't watch The Voice? Check out some of my favorite performances of hers here or here. Disclaimer - Shake the Sugar Tree might be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Sorry I'm not sorry.

3. Samantha Grace "Ultimate Organizer" Bag

My fifth annual 21st birthday is next week, and I received an early birthday gift from my in-laws on Monday. Since Jo and I are going to Vegas in August (one of my favorite places and I'm soexcitedsoexcitedsoexcited) to celebrate our first anniversary and being finished with the bar exam, my sweet step mother in law gave me this Samantha Grace "Ultimate Bag". It is see through with a cute pattern on the top. Mine is the yellow and white striped one pictured here, but there are lots of options. My favorite feature (and the reason for the gift) is that it can replace a Ziploc bag in carry on luggage and will effortlessly make it through security. (Is that possible? That may be an exaggeration. I don't think going through security is ever effortless) I've never seen these before, but I will definitely be keeping them in mind now for future gifts! And they can go in the dishwasher. Need I say more? (Ahem, conditioner or lotion spill that will literally never stop feeling greasy no matter how many times you try to wipe it out)

4. Birthday Coupons

Ok, I'm not going to pretend not to be loving these. With all the rain, and bar prep, and stuff, I haven't felt like making lunch this week. (Or usually ever, oops). Awhile ago, a sorority sister from college posted on her blog (The Reedy Review) about restaurants that send coupons or give discounts on your birthday. I signed up for several of my favorites then, and had forgotten about them until this week! I plan on cashing in my McAlister's this afternoon, rain permitting ($5 off, not too shabby) and will be enjoying a free Cupcake at Cupcake sometime soon. Probably tomorrow, since they have Salted Caramel Chocolate on Saturdays. Noms. See Laura's post here to see if any of your favorite restaurants do special birthday treats!

(as I said, 5th annual 21st? lets be serious...I will probably be in bed by 10:00 on my bday. mornings come early, yo)

5. Still wanting more Zucchini Pasta...

Can I make this again next week? Is 3 weeks in a row too much? Maybe next time I'll substitute tomatoes for the red pepper. Or add chicken? Or feta cheese? And sub the sauce for lemon, poppyseeds, oil, & vinegar? Hmm. Possibilities are endless. See my post from Tuesday here. Mouth. Watering.

Thanks for reading! If you want to see more, please like Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook and follow me on Blogger to stay up to date. It's so easy! And, as always, I love reading your comments! They brighten my video-lecture filled day!

And, a big thanks to the blogs below for providing such a fun link-up!

MBC

www.the-good-life-blog.com

www.alizadventures.blogspot.com

www.northcarolinacharm.com

www.hellohappinessblog.com

post #10: Asian Zucchini Pasta

Asian Zucchini Pasta...Husband Approved!

Looking for a cheap, easy, healthy weeknight meal? Look no further! I originally found this recipe for zucchini "pasta" here. I was looking for something healthy, filling, and not a salad. I made a few adaptations and developed what will be a staple in our house for years to come. Hope y'all enjoy this healthy dinner as much as we do!

ASIAN ZUCCHINI PASTA

(serves 3-4, depending on how hungry you are!)

Ingredients:

• 3-4 medium sized zucchini
• 1 heaping tablespoon creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

Optional:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced very thinly
• 1 can chick peas, drained and rinsed

Instructions:
1. Using a peeler (I used this one and highly recommend it!), peel zucchini in strips until you get to the middle seeded part. It's okay if these strips are not perfect or are not the entire length of the zucchini- just try to get thin pieces. Add bell pepper & chick peas and mix.
2. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and whisk together to make the sauce. Don't be alarmed that there doesn't seem to be enough sauce for such a large amount of vegetables!
3. Combine vegetables and sauce in a large wok or pan and cook over medium heat until hot, stirring every few minutes. (Note - This takes me around 15 minutes)
4. Serve with a little extra soy sauce or Sriracha - enjoy!

(4 zucchini, 1 red bell pepper, + garlic)

(peanut butter, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, ginger, soy sauce, + chick peas)

(what to expect from one zucchini)

(finished peeling the zucchini)

(combined with pepper & chick peas)

(ingredients for sauce)

(what your sauce will look like when finished)

(sauce combined with vegetables)

I LOVE reading your comments, so let me know if you stop by! Please follow me on Blogger or Facebook to get blog updates - or, if it's my lucky day, follow me on both! Thanks!!

MBC

post #9 - Aztec Secret {Product Review}

Skin Secrets...shhh!

Hey friends! I hope your weeks are off to a great start!

I've been pretty blessed with skin that hasn't given me tons of problems. However, after developing an allergic reaction to my last mud mask, I've been looking for something new. I wanted something that didn't break the bank, but still got the job done.

I had almost settled on asking for GlamGlow's mud mask for my birthday. It was a little pricy, but a friend had suggested it and it got decent reviews. However, I decided to keep looking for a few more days and stumbled across Aztec Secret's Indian Healing Clay. 

Upon doing a little more research, I discovered that people who use this become hooked for life. Everyone seems to love it, and I read glowing review after glowing review. People said that it changed their skin, you could "feel it working" and that regular use keeps your skin looking almost flawless. It is supposed to be a little known beauty secret of people with beautiful skin everywhere. I had to try this miracle product...the next day.

 I know that both Vitamin Shop and Amazon carry this, but I was too impatient for Amazon, so I headed to Vitamin Shop. I went in knowing this stuff was cheap, but when I left the cash register after paying a whopping $8.55 for a giant container, I knew that if this product worked, I was sold.

I started by mixing about 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of dry clay. Next time, I will only use 1 tablespoon of each. The clay is a powdery consistency, but mixed together with the vinegar, it becomes like a normal mud mask. When you first combine the ingredients, it foams and fizzles. Use patience to get the clumps out, ladies - it's worth it in the end! I mixed in a soft plastic bowl, and they recommend that you do not mix this together in metal.

I applied the mask using a foundation brush that I rarely use. The label says that the mask causes tingling while drying. You can feel it pulling your skin tighter and rejuvenating. I completely agree with that statement - I could feel the mask pulling at my skin, especially my forehead and cheeks. I left the mask on for about 25 minutes. I used a warm (old) wet washcloth and removed the mask, although it was already peeling off in pieces.

(hey guys!)

I can truly say that my face feels so much smoother after using this mask! First, it helped in evening out skin tone. Although my face stayed red for about 30 minutes after removing the mask, it bounced back to be much more vibrant than it was to start out with. My pores are noticeably smaller. Above all, my skin feels tight and clean. I wasn't having any problems with acne, but many other reviewers said it worked wonders for them. I know that Aztec Secret has gained one new customer today!

If any of you are in the market for a new skin care product that you can try on a budget, give this a shot. I'd love to hear about your experiences with it!

MBC