Madeleine's Summertini

So with how hot it's been & how hectic my life has been lately- I've really been looking forward to my cocktail at night! Yes I cope with cocktails! I've been quite the mixologist if you will. This is what I whipped up last night using fresh basil from my garden{alright let's be honest from the pot on my deck, but that sounded better.} It was quite yummy & so refreshing! You can serve it over ice or strain & make it into a martini. Either way it's delish-

Happy Weekend Beauties!

Madeleine's Summer Refresher

1 part Vodka { gin or rum can work, too!}

1 part St. Germain Elderflower Liquor

2 parts Egyptian Chamomile Tea {brewed & cooled}

Basil & Lemon

Muddle basil in a glass{that's a fancy word for mushing with a spoon to release flavors!} I like a lot of basil, but do your thing! Mix all ingredients & garnish with a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

MomzShare Event

This past weekend La Papillon was a proud sponsor of Baltimore's MomzShare Event! MomzShare is a fabulous group of mostly mom bloggers who get together, network & raise money for a great cause & we all know moms make the world go round!
This was our fabulous host @scarymommy holding up some of the giveaways!

Women came from around the tri state area for good conversation & good food (provided by Piv's Restaurant) on a gorgeous fall night!

Of course everyone ends up in the kitchen for cocktails & dessert!

Cupcakes from Charm City Cupcake celebrated all aspects of social media, with Facebook, Twitter & YouTube screened on them!

The surprise hit of the night? Skittles infused vodka! Just separate the flavors & infuse in mason jars or a covered glass container for 2-3 days. Strain out the undissolved bits & voila- Halloween treats for adults!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

4th of July

If any of my beauties are headed out of town for the holiday weekend at the beach, try picking up these Heliocare Pills I just read about. The supplements contain polypodium leucotomoc, a fern extract that studies have shown helps protect the skin from UV damage. Studies are also showing that it decreases skin redness from sun exposure. This of course doesn't mean you have a force field around you, but when it comes to an added step of protecting your skin- I'm going to try them (that is if I ever get a vacation!!)

I'll be staying in town & getting crabs is at the top of my list, aside from fireworks of course! A good cocktail is also a must- so to help cheers to a fabulous 4th, try out this punch by celebrity party planner Jennifer Glibert of Real Housewives of New York fame.

Paloma Punch by Jennifer Gilbert

4 Cups Tequila (woo hoo)
4 cups Chilled Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
2 cups Chilled Lime Juice
2 cups Chilled Campari
1 cup Orange Liquor
1 1/2 cups Agave nectar
2 cups Chilled Club Soda or Sparkling Water
1 pint Strawberries or Raspberries for Garnish

Combine all ingredients & serve over ice in a punch bowl. It looks delish, but might be strong- so don't fall down my beauties - a ha ha!
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Crimson & Clover

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the grand reopening of Crimson & Clover Floral Design. First off any one who names their business after a song by my beloved Jimmy Eat World is a already friend of mine. The party was such a blast & there were beautiful touches everywhere I turned! The fresh flower cooler is my idea of heaven- complete with artichokes & of course some vino!

I loved the old world french feel of this display shelf complete with ladder. The entire space had a fresh, but at times slightly retro vibe that local stylist, Stephanie Bradshaw of Bradshaw Styling helped bring to life.

They served the most gorgeous signature cocktail called the "Clover" at the event & it is the most perfect summer drink!

• Muddle fresh Basil with 2 wedges of lime


• Fill cup with ice & add 2 ounces ginger liqueur (try Canton brand)


• Add 1/2 ounce white rum


• Top with a splash of Gingerale & orchid as garnish

Of course I felt the need to stimulate the local economy & scooped up this fabulously interesting Dichondra also seen in the 2nd photo from above. Isn't it so unusual? It's like the plant version of ZZ Top's beards- let's hope I don't kill it!

I also picked up this fabulous Basil centerpiece that looks much neater in person. It's very dense & lush in its simple, classic glass bowl. It's something I would definitely replicate as a housewarming gift, since you can actually use it & it smells divine! I wish owner, Amy Epstein, the best of luck with her new location! I'm finally headed to see SATC this weekend- I can't wait! What are you guys up to? Have a great weekend beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Get Carried Away

It's finally here my beauties! Sex and the City 2 premiered last night in theaters! The fashion, the females- the friendship, I love that this series is such a testament to the power of friendship. I'm heading to a Stiletto party next weekend in honor of the movie. All over the country girlfriends will be getting together. Will you be braving the crowds this weekend to go see it? Cheers to a happy holiday weekend !
The Glamour Gal Cocktail Created for Carrie Bradshaw:
Splash of Creme de Cassis
1 Tsp. Sugar
2 oz. Skyy Vodka
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

1. Rim a martini glass with the sugar
2. Combine all ingredients except creme de cassis together in shaker with ice
3. Shake vigorously & strain into glass
4. Top the cocktail with a splash of the Creme de Cassis
5. Enjoy!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Preakness Time!

It's Preakness this weekend! Being a Baltimore girl, I thought I would share with you beauties the official drink of this horse race: The Black- Eyed Susan (makes one cocktail)

3/4 ounce Vodka

1 1/4 ounce Early Times Kentucky Whisky

3 ounces sour mix

2 ounces Orange Juice

Shake & serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice & cherry. Enjoy!

For those of you who prefer a classic Mint Julep while watching your horse races- here you go!

2 cups water

2 cups sugar
8-10 sprigs of fresh mint
Early Times Kentucky Whiskey

Make a simple syrup by boiling the water & sugar together for 5 minutes. Let cool, then add sprigs of mint & refrigerate mixture overnight.

Fill cups with ice, then add 2 ounces of Kentucky Whiskey & one tablespoon of mint syrup to each individual glass. Top with simple syrup, stir & garnish with fresh mint! Cheers to having a great weekend!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M