Skip TSA Security AND Immigration Lines

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Skip TSA security AND immigration lines for good

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve undoubtedly had the near-universal experience of enduring a TSA security line or an immigration line upon re-entry to your home country. What if you could bypass these lines for good? You may have heard of Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. You fill out a (fairly lengthy) application, pay $100, and if your application passes the initial phase, you’re invited to an in-person interview/screening at a participating airport. If you pass that phase of the application, you are granted a Global Entry ID. In a nutshell, this is how it works: At airports, program participants proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit. (www.globalentry.gov) In addition, people who are approved via the Global Entry program can also participate in TSA Pre-Check, which allows people to skip regular TSA security lines at participating airports and go through an expedited line —without having to remove shoes or other clothing items, open laptops, or do any of the other things that take up time in line.  Global Entry (and the accompanying TSA Pre-Check) is a good fit for your flying needs if:   You plan to travel internationally any time in the next five years. The more you travel, of course, the more worthwhile it will be —but many reviewers indicated that Global Entry is worth the time savings even if you travel internationally once a year or less.    You have the Amex Platinum card, as the $100 fee is refunded to you as a statement credit. Other cards may also offer this reimbursement —check with your credit card company to be sure.    You live within a reasonable distance of and use any of the airports listed here. The GE program requires the in-person interview, so if the nearest participating airport is several hundred miles from you, it might not be worth it, unless you are a very frequent flier. Participating TSA Pre-Check airlines and airports can be found here.   If you are a Canadian resident, the news is even better! If you qualify for Canada’s expedited-traveler program, called Nexus (which only costs $50), you get Global Entry for free.  Finally, if you travel through Texas' largest airports you might also be wondering about the CLEAR kiosk popping up. Click HERE to find out more about how it works.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: The Bramble

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Images by Two Rings Wedding Photography

So, what's that you say?  Why don't we ever post any cocktails with gin?  Well, to be completely honest, I hadn't found a gin cocktail that I had ever cared for...until recently.  My husband and I were on a date, and we had a little time to kill before dinner.  We stopped into Drink.Well.  I was introduced to a gin cocktail that I actually loved. 
I did a little exploring, and found the "Bramble" and love that it's a great summer cocktail with fresh berries and twist of lemon.  Sonic's light airy ice is my favorite in drinks like this, so I buy Route 44 cups of ice.

Image by Two Rings Wedding Photography

 The Bramble

• 1 3/4 oz gin (can also be made with vodka if you really just do NOT want gin)  
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 3/4 oz crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, or crème de mure
• blackberries (and lemon twist) for garnish

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Ring Styles for your Man

Pin It Guest post by Derek Mason -
Contrary to what many people think, most men do care about their wedding ring. However going through all of the options might not be on a grooms list of preferred things to do, so here are some of the most popular, trendy ring styles for men right now. 
Domed Rings are the traditional choice for most men's wedding bands. Because a lot of guys aren't used to wearing jewelry, the domed rings simple design suits a large percentage of grooms. They come available in almost every type of metal and a large variety of widths. 
Flat Bands are especially popular for the guy whose only jewelry is their wedding ring. It is a much more contemporary design than the domed rings and has squared off sides. Flat bands are very sleek and also come in a large assortment of widths and metals. 
Luckily for guys, domed and flat band rings are not the only styles available. Patterned Rings are a lot more artistic. The most popular type of a patterned ring is two-toned metal. The contrast between the two types of metal makes it very visibly attractive. 
Gemstone Rings: the wedding rings for the men who want a little bling in their band. Diamonds are a boy's best friend, too! These Gemstone rings are inset most commonly with diamonds, but can have other precious stones set in them as well if so desired, like sapphires and rubies. Just be sure to note that Gemstone rings require a lot more care than a traditional band; so if your future husband is going to be working with his hands a lot, you might want to look at other options. 
Sterling Silver is by far the least expensive of all the metals, so it's a great choice if you're a bride on a budget. Because silver is naturally a very soft metal, it is mixed with other metals to make it stronger. These rings look great and are very inexpensive but are much more prone to dents and scratches, so keep that in mind. 
Platinum is the most valuable of all the precious metals so these rings have a much higher price tag than the rings with different metals but they are very durable and scratches can be buffed out. 
Tungsten rings are a very popular alternative to gold or silver right now, especially with younger grooms. Tungsten is a highly durable, inexpensive metal that is almost impossible to scratch and comes in many dark colors like grey and black. 
For those men who want a ring that they don't have to be careful with or worry about breaking, Titanium rings are your fit. Titanium is an extremely light-weight, unbreakable metal so it can take any amount of beating and still look great. It's also a very common metal so the titanium rings don't carry too high of a price tag. 
The last and most traditional ring choice for men's bands is Gold. Because it is the most popular kind of ring, there are the most styles and widths of any other metal. It is very affordable ring and can very easily be engraved. Just make sure your groom isn't allergic to gold! 
So now that you're a ring choosing professional, go buy that ring and give it to your special man! 

Author Bio- Derek Mason is an outdoorsy man from Houston who loves his job in the wedding industry. Click here for more information on guys wedding rings.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

The Benefits to Having an Engagement Session

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Today, we have a guest post from George Street Photo:

From creating your guest list to selecting your honeymoon destination, there’s no question that the wedding planning process can be overwhelming -- and that’s not even considering the effect it has on your bank account. When it comes to choosing between the “wants” and “needs” on your wish list, certain items, like an engagement session, may be the first to go.

But, before you dismiss the idea of an engagement session for good, think again. After all, it may be one of the most valuable investments on your planning checklist, ensuring you get the most out of your photos on your wedding day.

Image courtesy of George Street Photo

The benefits to having an engagement session are tenfold, but perhaps the most valuable is having the chance to work with your photographer before the wedding day. Through an e-session, you and your fiancé will have an insider’s glimpse into your photographer’s working style and personality. Think of it as a trial run for the main event: Does your photographer’s demeanor mesh well with the two of you? Will he or she be able to come up with creative ideas on the spot? The only way you’ll be able to alleviate your doubts is by working with your photographer ahead of time, and an e-session presents the perfect opportunity for that.

Image courtesy of George Street Photo

On that same note, engagement sessions are also a fantastic opportunity to give yourself a trial run -- giving you and your significant other the chance to get comfortable in front of the camera ahead of your wedding day. As much as we’d like to have the confidence of a supermodel in front of the camera, the truth is that it takes some time for most of us to warm up to the idea of having our picture taken for an extended time period. The only way to build your confidence and comfort level is through practice. And your best chance of doing that is through an engagement session!

Don’t forget about other vendors you might want to give a trial run that could be combined with an engagement session. Consider asking your make-up artist or hairstylist to offer their services for your engagement photos, as well as the wedding. That way, you’ll get a sense of their versatility in creating looks for different types of occasions, allowing you to evaluate their skills and gauge whether they’re qualified to create your wedding day look.  Plus, you’ll get to see how that look photographs before it’s the big day!

 

Image courtesy of George Street Photo

Finally, while you’re sure to treasure the precious moments captured on your wedding day, you’ll also want to have casual, every-day photos of the two of you before getting glammed up for the big day. An engagement session will provide the laid-back setting you need to feel carefree in front of the camera and get photos that authentically reflect who you really are as a couple.

----------------End of Guest Post---------------

We completely agree that loving your photographer (and your planner) is of utmost importance, and what better way to get to know them and how they work than during your engagement portrait session!  

For more information on George Street Photo & Video and their engagement sessions or other photography and videography options, please check out their website. 

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Mermaid Martini

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This is a sneak peek of what is to come in next week's Bliss Bridal magazine release!   We can't wait to share more of this Watercolor-inspired shoot we did at Creekside.  Usually we aren't able to share details like this from our top secret shoots until after the magazine comes out, but we have permission for this one.  There are so many truly awesome details, that they cannot all be included in the four-page spread in Bliss; they could easily fill 16 pages.

Image by Knots & Tots Photography

Image by Knots & Tots Photography

FG Mermaid Martini

2 oz Vodka 
1/2 oz blue curacao 
1/2 oz pineapple juice
Shake vigorously with ice.
Add 3/4 oz Sprite (or lemon-lime soda.)

Garnish with a lime or lemon and enjoy!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Nutella Martini

Pin It Yes, seriously!  Truth be told, I don't crave chocolate the way so many of the other Fairy Godmothers do, BUT who can resist a Nutella-tini?  We've actually gone a little overboard lately with making our own flavored simple syrups for both cocktails and coffee, so look out! 

Nutella-tini

3 vanilla vodka
1 1/2 chocolate vodka
1 1/2 Frangelico
1/2 oz. Nutella simple syrup (more if you like it sweet!)
Shake with ice and enjoy! (If you're a true Nutella fanatic, then you could add a smear to the inside of the glass, too.

Simple syrup is 1 part sugar and 1 part water, heated on the stove until the sugar dissolves.  Add Nutella as desired and heat through until combined.  (We added 1 t. Nutella to 1/2 C simple syrup.)

Happy Fabulous Fairy Godmother Friday!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Easy White Summertime Sangria

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Fairy Godmothers' Easy White Summertime Sangria

Easy White Summertime Sangria

1 bottle of white wine, chilled (not sweet)
1/4 C peach schnapps
1/4 C apple liqueur
1/4 C sugar
2 limes, sliced (ends removed)
1 apple, cored and diced
2 peach, diced

Mix in large pitcher and refrigerate for several hours until sugar dissolves.  Serve with fresh fruit slices in each glass.  Top with lemon-lime soda if desired for carbonation.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Vodka Lemonade with Prickly Pear Simple Syrup

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Last week, we shared the sweet tea vodka cocktail from the Bliss Bridal Magazine release party.  Here is the lemonade signature drink that we had at the Kentucky-Derby-themed party!  As hot as it's been already this summer in Texas, this is very welcomed.

Image courtesy of AzulOx Photography

Image courtesy of AzulOx Photography

Image courtesy of AzulOx Photography

Vodka Lemonade with Prickly Pear Syrup

• 1 part vodka, chilled
• 2 parts lemonade, chilled
• Splash of Prickly Pear Syrup (can be found at some liquor stores and specialty food shops)
• Pour over ice
• Garnish as desired (a lemon twist and fresh raspberry make pretty garnishes.)

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Sweet Tea Vodka with Jalapeno Simple Syrup

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"Big Brown"  Tea + Vodka +  Jalapeno Simple Syrup.  Image by AzulOx Photography

If you attended the Kentucky Derby themed Bliss Bridal Magazine release party that we coordinated at Barr Mansion last week, then you had the opportunity to try our "Big Brown" Tito's vodka cocktail that was served by Primizie Catering in handled mason jars from Premiere Party Central.  If you didn't want the jalapeno "kick," you could opt to "Dress Your Own Drink" at our DIY bar complete with fresh fruits, herbs, and an assortment of hand-crafted syrups.

"Big Brown"  Tea + Vodka +  Jalapeno Simple Syrup.  Image by AzulOx Photography

 Sweet Tea Vodka with Jalapeno Simple Syrup

a.k.a. "Big Brown" if you're throwing a Derby Party

• 1 part vodka, chilled
• 2 parts Sweet Tea , chilled
• jalapeno simple syrup to taste 
• Jalapeno Simple Syrup Recipe
  1 cup water
  1 cup sugar
  2 jalapeno peppers, sliced thin (include the jalapeno seeds for a spicier syrup)
• Heat in a small saucepan until sugar is dissolved.  Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator.

Pour over ice, garnish with a fresh slice of jalapeno, and enjoy!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Prickly Pear Margarita

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If you're a native Texan, then it's likely that you've seen Prickly Pear Margaritas, but have you ever attempted to make them yourself?  They're actually very easy (and oh-so-yummy!)

 The Fairy Godmother Prickly Pear Margarita

6 parts Tequila blanco
1 part Paula's Texas Orange
2 1/2 parts lime juice
3 parts prickly pear syrup (found it in the syrup section at Spec's Liquor)

Pour over ice and serve!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Blue Raspberry Lemonade-Tini

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The truth of the matter is, this doesn't have to be a martini at all.  It could easily be a cocktail in a Collins glass with a lemon garnish, or in a hurricane glass with a lemon twist skewered around a raspberry.  If using the Sprite/7-Up, they could even be served in champagne flutes.  Serve it however it best suits you or your guests.  You could serve it in frilly girl glasses AND manly glasses with different garnishes if you're trying to match a color scheme.  They are smooth but strong if you use the vanilla or regular vodka instead of the Sprite/7-Up, so don't say we didn't warn you. 

Blue Raspberry Lemonade-tini

2 parts blue raspberry vodka

1 part raspberry lemonade

1 part vanilla vodka, regular vodka, or Sprite/7-Up for a spritzer

*If using the lemon-lime soda, do not shake it with the other ingredients and ice.  Shake the other ingredients first with ice, and top with the soda.

Enjoy!  (Responsibly!)

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail

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We had the honor of throwing the Bliss Bridal Magazine Launch party at Posh Bridal Lounge one year ago today.  Happy birthday Bliss!  Deep Eddy Vodka provided this fabulous cocktail for the party, and we had all-but-forgotten about it until recently.  We decided it would be the perfect fit for the relaunch party for Posh Coworking yesterday!  It is only appropriate that we feature this Blissfully Posh Cocktail today.

If you choose to serve it in a Collins glass, you can pour the ingredients over ice and garnish with a lime wedge and fresh raspberry.  If you choose to serve it as a martini, shake the vodka and lemonade with ice, pour into the martini glass, add only a splash of club soda and squeeze of lime, and garnish with frozen raspberries.

Here we are at the Bliss Launch Party (with the very first issue of Bliss) last year at Posh Coworking Lounge with Connie, the Dessert Diva!  

Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail

1 part Deep Eddy Vodka

1.5 parts Raspberry Lemonade 

1 part Club Soda (only a splash or 1/4 part if making a martini)

Squeeze of lime 

The Kentucky Derby is also this weekend, so if you were expecting a Mint Julep recipe, here it is (from last year.)

Enjoy!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Fairy Godmother's Secret Martini

Pin It This is a fun signature drink for a bachelorette party or a wedding reception!

Fairy Godmother's Secret Martini

In a shaker filled with ice, shake together:
1 1/2 parts Strawberry Vodka
3/4 part Cranberry Juice
Top off with:
1/2 part chilled Champagne  **Do NOT shake the Champagne**
Garnish with a frozen strawberry or raspberry.
Enjoy!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

"ICE" thee Wed

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April is here along with the beginning of wedding season! It is a wonderful time when people come together to celebrate a new chapter of their lives! The memories from the reception last a lifetime and everyone is looking to create a unique experience at the best cost. Discover below why ice sculptures are a great solution to make your client's day special.

1. The average cost of a wedding in Central Texas (Austin and San Antonio) is about $26,329. 

The average cost of a single block ice sculpture (best seller) is $425: only 1.6% of total wedding cost!.
 

The average cost of an 8 foot fully functional custom ice bar (big ticket item) is $2750 at 10% of total wedding cost.
 

The average cost of one custom ice table centerpiece is $85 (minimum order of 10 for $850): only 3.23% of total wedding cost!

2. Even though it is really, really HOT in Texas, a majority of events are held indoors where the temperature is very comfortable for guests as well as ice. Because all sculptures are created and packaged in the freezer, no melt time is lost in transport before it is displayed. Sculptures are presentable for 5-6 hours before the details wash out.

2a. Yes, the ice melts, but everything at a wedding expires, except the photos and video. The food is eaten, the drinks are had, the music stops, the lights turn off, the flowers die, and the wedding planner goes home! Brides and grooms want to create a memorable celebration and get the most out of their money. Ice sculptures add a unique touch while not breaking the budget.

3. Ask and you shall receive! Most anything can be made into an ice sculpture. If you haven't seen what you want on the website, just ask, and we will be happy to create a custom design. Functional pieces (food or drink displays, luges, photos opportunities, etc) are a great way to create a memorable interaction for the guests. You can't lose with function AND style!

If the above reasons weren't enough, when you or your client book a new order with us for their Spring Wedding (before June 23, 2013) and mention this newsletter, you’ll receive 15% off your purchase. Contact Sean Leahy, owner and sculptor of Full Spectrum Ice, to discuss how to add a unique element to your client's wedding today at stl.ice@gmail.com or 512.560.2340.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Cocktail

Pin It Earlier this week, we participated in the "by invitation only" Premiere Settings event with STEMS Floral Design at Palmer Event Center in Austin, Texas.  There was a great deal of talent in the building, and fabulous "Chocolat" designs were all encompassing.

In true Fairy Godmother style, we created a cocktail to accompany our design.

Image courtesy of AzulOx Photography

The FG Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Cocktail

2 parts White Chocolate Irish Cream

1 part Goldschlager

1 part Butterscotch schnapps

1 part Hazelnut liquer

Chocolate to garnish (We had the special treat of having Delysia Chocolatier's custom chocolate bars created for the event as our cocktail garnish.)

Shake with ice, garnish, and enjoy!

For those amazing cookies, we used this recipe and added chocolate chips.  (We sometimes add minced apple and cinnamon instead.)

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Vanilla Bean Martini

Pin It The Fairy Godmothers are very excited about being featured in Grace Ormonde's Wedding Style, and we thought we would share an image from the shoot (that won't be included in the feature) of a cocktail we love and have mentioned on our Fabulous FG Friday Cocktails before here.

Image by Elizabeth Jayne Photography

The Fairy Godmother Vanilla Bean Martini

Rimmer: 2 parts granulated sugar, 1 part vanilla powder
Shake with ice: 4 oz. Vanilla Vodka, 1 oz. Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup, splash of lime juice
Add: ½ oz. Sprite
Pour into rimmed glass, and place a small vanilla bean inside or a large one across the top of the glass.

Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup:
2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups Water
2 Vanilla beans sliced open with insides scraped into the pan (place the whole beans in as well)
Boil gently until sugar is completely dissolved. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.



Enjoy!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Love your lashes!

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A couple weeks ago I booked an appointment to get my first set of lash extensions.  Until recently I thought they were a luxury reserved for the Hollywood elite and models.  Certainly they were an unnecessary expense for this "medium-maintenance" girl.  What I didn’t realize is how much they are becoming increasingly popular and that quality lashes are slowly becoming readily available for an everyday look.  My appointment was with Jessica at AmorLashes, one of the few companies in the Austin area that offers 100% real Siberian Mink lashes.  Before you start drawing up animal rights signs, know that they don’t kill the animals to gather these, they simply brush the minks and then collect the fur by hand.   Jessica is a Certified Licensed Esthetician who decided to open up Amor Lashes in order to offer her clients the convenience of being the only mobile lash service company in the area!

Jessica brings in her table and within minutes I’m laying down with my lower lashes carefully held down by pads while she goes to work individually gluing lashes to my existing upper lashes.  It’s certainly a tedious process but the time passes quickly as Jessica and I chatted it up.  She was fun and easy to talk to which is a necessity with any salon experience in my opinion.  By the time we were done, Jessica hops up and runs over to see me look in the mirror for the first time.  I don’t think I was prepared for the dramatic difference it made!  To be fair I was worried at first that maybe they were too long.  My doubt didn’t last long though and I admittedly caught myself looking in every reflective surface throughout the day to see the difference they made.  I realized how quickly I had already grown to like them and feel comfortable with them.  The quality of the lashes means that they don’t look and feel like the cheaper options that are heavy and plastic.  Instead they are soft and super lightweight and therefore not only are they better for your natural lashes but also allows you to add more to each lash giving you a full look.

Before vs. After

Fast-forward 2 weeks and I am IN LOVE with my Amor Lashes!  This past weekend I went out to meet up with some neighbors and my dear friend stops and immediately asks me, “What kind of mascara are you wearing because it is amazing!”  I smiled and said, “None!” She was shocked to find out the truth.  Even 2 weeks later my extensions still blend into my natural lashes so well that you can’t even tell that I have fake lashes on.

Mink lashes are the perfect solution for brides who are looking for an easy maintenance and long lasting look between the engagement parties, bridal pictures, and of course for the wedding day.  Depending on the care of your lashes, you usually need a refill after a month or two.  Since they are semi-permanent and longer lasting than over-the-counter fake lashes, you don’t have to worry about them falling off or getting into disarray when it matters most.  My favorite part is that no mascara means no worries about smudging or runny makeup messes.  They are natural enough that I feel just a little extra flirty wearing them during the day but dramatic enough that they give my eyes that extra pop I want at night.   Right now Amor lashes is offering a special on a full set of lashes.  Head over to their website,  to find out more details and be sure to tell her Your Very Own Fairy Godmother sent you!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Cosmo Martini

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A cosmo is a vodka martini standard that many people know and love, but do you have a recipe that you love for at home?  Here is our favorite rendition, and the color is gorgeous for Valentine's Day.  (More of our Valentine's shoot with Hyde Park Photography and STEMS Floral Design coming very soon!)

 

Image courtesy of Hyde Park Photography

Fairy Godmother Cosmo Martini

 

1 oz Cranberry juice

2-3 oz vodka (based on how strong you prefer your drinks)

1/3 oz Triple Sec

Juice of 1/2 lime

1/3 oz Simple Syrup

 

Shake with ice, strain, pour, enjoy!

 

Cheers!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Fabulous FG Friday Cocktail: Raspberry Chocolate Cake-tini

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Are your Valentine's day plans all worked out?  Check out the sneak peek from our Valentine's shoot with Hyde Park Photography and Stems Floral Design here.  (We will share the rest of the images in the next couple of weeks and the other cocktail recipe next Friday!)

FG's Raspberry Chocolate Cake-tini

Using a chilled martini glass, drizzle chocolate syrup on the inside of the glass and set aside.

Next you're going to fill a shaker with ice and add the below ingredients.

1 oz Cake or Vanilla Vodka

2 oz Godiva Chocolate Liquor

1 oz Raspberry Liquor

2 oz Half & Half

Shake and strain into chilled martini glass

Enjoy!!

Here are some gorgeous flowers by Stems Floral Design that you can order for your sweetheart, too!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295