Hamptons Style

Fashion & Beauty June 18, 2013 Leave a Comment

Hamptons-Style

When it comes to summer fashion, the residents of the Hamptons do polished prepsters better than anyone. Throughout the 118 mile radius, you’ll find waspy women strolling the sidewalks in flowy, cotton dresses and embellished with colorful, yet classic accessories. When it comes to the men, looking like you stepped out of Ralph Lauren catalog is the best way to go–play with colorful seersucker and plaid prints and finish off your look with a pair of killer oxfords. Save on your country club inspired wardrobe with any of these sunny pieces.

{1} ModCloth Having A Wonderful Time Dress, $98.99 {2} Boticca Panarea Coral Necklace, $76 {3} Marc by Marc Jacobs Contrast Lens Cat Eye Sunglasses, $98 {4} Dorothy Perkins Tan Clean Zip Tote, $44 {5} Chinese Laundry Truth Wedge Sandals, $37.49 {6} Lacoste Oxford Shirt, $88 {7} H. Stockton Mayberry Madras Bow Tie, $50 {8} DSW Johnston & Murphy Hamblen Linen Oxford, $99.95 {9} Urban Outfitters Flud The Moment Watch, $49 {10} Brooks Brothers Plain-Front Seersucker Pants, $70

Courtney is our no-nonsense fashionista click-clacking her stilettos across our office as a Staff Writer. 

Travel Series: Brussels, Amsterdam & Munich

Getaways & Detours June 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

Amsterdam_Munich_Brussels

Waffles and Chocolate
Back on the train, I started my journey with confidence to Brussels, Belgium. Granted, chocolate, waffles, french fries and cozy pubs completely crowded my thoughts. But this stop was overshadowed by the gut-wrenching terror I had of staying in the one and only hostel I would stay in for the whole trip. I was quite nervous about my experience, but for one night, I thought I could push through and survive. The hostel wasn’t scary and adorned with one of the cutest little bars just down the steps from my room. I definitely missed the comfort of a host family, but with thoughts of food dancing in my head, I ventured off to the historic city centre.

Stepping into the small-ish square of La Grand-Place, I was instantaneously surprised at how much I warmed to the tall picturesque postcard type buildings that loomed before me. The gothic architecture was absolutely breathtaking and only taunted at my increasing hunger with waffle-shaped stacks of windows and restaurants on the bottom floor.

I’ve got to say, Brussels has been ghastly underrated in my Europe tour books. I stopped here on the way to Amsterdam to ensure I sampled the huge landscape of Europe, but I found myself longing for a couple more days to bask in the tasty sour ale, French fries drenched in mayo, the waffles dripping in whipped cream, evenly spaced cobblestones, and genuinely happy local residents. You could tell from people watching that the local people are bon vivants, spending time and money on living well and giving into their refined taste buds.

Speaking of, my next stop and absolute necessity was to sit down for a real Belgian meal. After ordering a little bit of everything I considered authentic in a quaint restaurant in The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (an eclectic combination of waffles with chocolate and whipped cream, French fries with mayo, and a beer), I was ready to find the iconic statue of Manneken-Pis.

Just like the Mona Lisa in Paris, the Manneken-Pis statue was on the puny side, making it hard to squeeze between the bustling tourists to grab a snapshot (of course I pushed through). After reveling in its size, I made my way to the city center for a brewery tour. I learned about the unique ales brewed in Brussels with a video and after-tastings and grabbed some fries (I know, I’m hopeless) on the walk back to my room, sad to have only one day left in this special city.

Tip: Find the beat of Brussels by sitting in a local bar, meeting the bartenders and locals alike. Also, wander out of your comfort zone of the worldwide brands like Stella Artois in favor of some local brews–you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Holland Daze
I wouldn’t say I’m an art enthusiast by any sense of the word, but in retrospect I would’ve paid closer attention to those Art History courses in college before arriving in Amsterdam. The whole city reminded me of a Van Gogh painting–it seemed as if the nightlife radiated to the night sky to recreate “Starry Night.”

Known for the gorgeous canals and the gabled facades of the buildings, this city is packed with more than enough architectural brilliance to stun the Paris-fanatics chateau admirers. Even when compared to Venice, in contrast with its bright canals and gondolas, Amsterdam was darker, more mysterious and intriguing than other cities. Known for the lackadaisical laws, Amsterdam packed more beauty than I was mentally prepared for.

In the four days I spent in Amsterdam, my days were filled with avoiding being the victim of a bicycle crash and shopping around Dam Square. Luckily, a carnival had taken over the square with a haunted house, ferris wheel, rides, prize games and yummy stands filled with Dutch-style doughnuts and fries boasting more than 20 dipping sauces.

After spending a majority of my days in the happy-go-lucky carnival atmosphere, touching elbows with the locals, I headed to the Vincent Van Gogh display temporarily located in the Hermitage Museum. I spend hours in the museum–taking in his letters of inspiration and of course, expressive artwork on the walls. This was one of my best decisions of the trip and completely worth the money and rerouting I had to struggle through to get there!

My trip also consisted of several trips to Cafe Louter, or as I like to call it, the best veal burger in the world. I’m serious, this was the juiciest, most tender burger I’ve ever tasted. I know shame on me for ordering it, but I didn’t understand a lot of Dutch and could only translate “burger” on the menu after a flustering encounter with the waitress.

Unexpectedly, after one of my mini shopping extravaganzas, I had some time leftover after taking gymnastics-style photos at the “I Amsterdam” letters to travel to the Artis Zoo. Crazily enough, I suffered through the frigid temperature to gawk at elephants, panthers, giraffes with short fences, and even an enclosed exhibit where you could get close enough to monkeys, bats, and birds of all different species. Truly an amazing experience!

Tip: Load up your tram card at the main train station–the attendants will sometimes run out of cards and you’ll be promptly asked to get off (happened to me more than once!)

Castles & Crazy Kings
Ahhh…the fairytales I conjured up about Germany. Castles, princesses, Brother’s Grimm–so many of our storybooks were modeled after the sweeping panoramas of the hilly terrain, foggy forests, and scenic nature regions. Tempted to try and drive the German Fairy Tale Route, I instead chose a host in downtown Munich. Surprisingly, Munich reminded me of an industrial city, much like you’d find in the United States with an array of business buildings, scattered apartments, a reliable public transportation system, and professionals crowding the streets on their way to work.

Without the pushy sales people so familiar in Paris and London, Munich was a refreshing change into what I felt like was a less “touristy” part of Europe. After dropping my bags, I headed to the Marienplatz square and to revel in the new city hall. After all, I only had a day to enjoy the city before I headed on a castle day tour (I couldn’t resist) of Northern Germany.

The next day, I donned my proverbial tiara for a trip to the secluded mountainscape of the Bavarian mountains with a trip from Viator. I don’t know how much you know about royal history, but King Ludwig II, better known as “The Crazy King” had a rich history and an important role in some of the most sought castles in the world. Known for his opulence, he built many castles filled with grandeur and all the luxury the old world had to offer with elegant ballrooms and real towers, providing the backdrop for fairy tales we know today. The Neuschwanstein Castle is world-renowned for being the inspiration to our Disney Classic, “Sleeping Beauty” and stands tall on the side of a mountain, making it the perfect fortress for a fictitious princess to spend her days, well, being lazy and snoozing in one of the 90 rooms. King Ludwig didn’t actually live for long in this fairy tale and most of Neuschwanstein remains unfinished, but it didn’t stop me from drooling over the Romanesque-style castle of my dreams and a fully-decorated inside grotto room.

One of the unique aspects of Germany can be found solely in the ahem, different cuisine. Besides guzzling down pint-sized mugs of frothy beer, I was instructed that “schweinshaxe” was the Bavarian signature dish I should give a try. After trying to cut through an impenetrable crust, this roasted ham hock dish was flavorful but with a strange texture. Maybe Bavarian cuisine just isn’t for me, but the dishes overwhelmed with Wiener Schnitzel and sauerkraut aren’t my forte. Is it just me?

Tip: Located in the square, Spielzeugmuseum or the “Toy Museum” is cheap and includes collections of vintage Barbie dolls, train sets, and teddy bears.

Armed with my windmill, cuckoo clocks, wooden clogs and with a slight stomach ache from Germany, I was ready to seek warmer weather and a little more ancient history. When in doubt, do as the Romans do.

Ansley is SweetJack’s bubbly staff writer. Youngest of 6 sisters, don’t let her calm demeanor fool you–you’ll find her writing up a storm and calling out the dawgs. ‘SIC EM!

School me in travel (and awesomeness) by planning your own adventure to Austria with this SweetJack deal.

Apple WW Developer Conference

Press, Technology June 17, 2013 Leave a Comment

WWDC

I’m a mac, not a PC. So when WWDC comes around every year I wonder what better and brighter equipment Apple has on the horizon. Every year, I’m curious if their progress will be as dramatic as last year’s, and, not surprisingly–I’m never disappointed.

iOS 7

I’m pretty far behind on the iPhone train. Yes I have one, but I’m still using iPhone 4 (GASP!). I was really hoping for a new iPhone announcement now that it’s time for me to upgrade (stupid two-year contract), but I’ll settle for a new, spiffy operating system.

OSX

Apple operating systems progress at an alarming rate. Just when you think it can’t get any smoother, easier, more user-friendly, they announce Mavericks. Can’t wait for the fall.

iTunes Radio

When you already have the majority of the world’s credit cards on file so people can buy music whenever they please, what do you do next? Take over radio, duh! Unlimited skips, better quality if song already exists in your library, and a far better understanding of what you actually listen to…sounds like the kind of radio I want to tune in to.

iWork for iCloud

The cloud is where your personal life and your professional life exists in a fluffy white space. Now it looks more seamless and has more compatibility with non-apple devices.

iCloud Keychain and Activation Lock

New security features will keep you safe without acting like hulking bodyguards that are constantly in the way.

Mac Pro

Not just unlike any Mac Pro, this innovative device is unlike any computer you’ve ever seen.

Apple is known for constantly innovating technology. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up, but ultimately, the world’s a better place because of the minds that keep Apple fresh. To learn more about all the announcements made at WWDC 2013, click here.

Kristen is SweetJack’s editorial assistant direct from the Big Apple. With a knack for the ins and outs of copy, this unassuming Jersey girl’s got southern charm to boot.

Father’s Day Cray

Home & Living June 13, 2013 Leave a Comment
Father's-Day

I happen to be a relatively new dad, and as such, have been driven insane.

My daughter, The Booger Bear, will be a two year old toddler in a few months, which to me is both relieving that she is progressing as expected, and a gut check for the future. We may have come a long way, and we also got a long way to go, that little lady and I. But we’re here, and as someone who likes to live in the good moment, there’s no denying that fatherhood is today both awesomely fulfilling and incredibly frightening at once.

MJ Booger Bear Nap

Being a dad is crazy for many reasons, not the least of which because The Booger Bear is a young lunatic who is clearly “smart as a whip” (as her “G-Mom” likes to say), but also quick to display behaviors best described as orangutanian. She poops, pees, eats, sleeps, sings, learns, throws things, farts, falls, yells, cries, and poops and pees again, much like her daddy in his college years, so obviously I’m in less position to judge than I am to parent.

Among examples of craziness is the initial disappearance of sleep, which is like Mel Gibson/Gary Busey/ODB-level when it hits.  Being a dad, especially a new dad, destroys your nighttime clock, and sleep becomes something for which you almost feel nostalgic — the golden era of actual rest. But the crazier part is springing right up from the bed every morning, even if you’ve had less than an hour of actual shut-eye during a fitful night of teething, and seeing the happiest face in the world on your kid, because she couldn’t wait to hang with you all over again. It’s awesome.

There’s also the knowledge that everything you do will be filtered through a developing mind and come back to either honor or haunt you, in real-time and over the term of your life. For instance, there’s a certain word I use often that’s a universal synonym for “poop“. Maybe I say it a lot. Obviously I say it often because one day The Booger Bear picked it up and ran with it. Maybe literally, but without sleep my memory gets foggy.  But seriously, it was all she wanted to say, and she kept saying it randomly and repeatedly. That’s when you improvise and turn things into learning opportunities, in this case by immediately counting up to ten, starting at seven, then going back to one and stressing the word “SIX!” with a bit more volume so she connected sound of the poop synonym with the number instead of learning to curse while in diapers. Now that she’s counting to 15, I can proudly claim to be responsible for her betterment. Go Booger Bear; go me.

MJ Booger Bear Park Walk

One day The Booger Bear will be a big ol’ Booger, no longer needing emergency steering from curse-word-learning and no longer keeping her mother and I awake for nights at a time, and she’ll go forth and do things and be somebody — all that good stuff. And by that time, she’ll be able to track all of the things she’s learned, all of the tricks I pulled to keep her on the right track, and all of the sleep I missed, and she’ll probably say thanks or something. I could even get a hug or a card. But the great reality is that she deserves more thanks than I ever will, because she’s taken all the crazy that I’ve learned/been, and turned it all into something that may actually make sane sense. Sure I’m no less nuts than I ever was, but at least I’ve been given this chance to do great things with my madness, and make the next generation either less loony, or better equipped to turn craziness into positivity through my example.

MJ Booger Bear TX Couch

I can’t speak for every father out there. I can only speak about my own experience, and it has been a complete reeducation, brain-scramble, maturity test, and perpetual reward. But seriously though, it’s weird. If there’s one honest thing I can say about fatherhood it’s that the whole concept of being given the greatest gift you could ever receive — a living person who is your direct responsibility — can break your brain. As long as when I’m old, crazy and senile, The Booger Bear will know why, and love me for it, and be there to put me back on my rocker as I once did for her.

To all the proud papas out there, Happy Father’s Day. May you always find the medicine for your madness, keep loving every minute, and get a chance to rest.

Michael Jordan is a journalist, home chef, copywriter, future trillionaire and SweetJack’s Senior Editor. At 5’6”, he accepts that his ability to dunk is limited to donuts, but in nothing less than the finest French-pressed coffees.

Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

Home & Living June 12, 2013 1 Comment

Kitchen-Klutz-1
Not all of us are natural-born talents in the kitchen. In fact, a majority of us have suffered kitchen disasters like the occasional burnt bottom cookies, bread that does not rise properly, or  that accidental fire you tried to put out by wildly flailing your hands around in hopes it would disappear.

Today, I will take a stand and proudly admit that I am a klutz in the kitchen. If there is microwave to be broken or kitchen to be filled with smoke, I am the first out of the gate. But, in the years I have been a klutz I have picked up some useful tidbits that will hopefully help other not so coordinated cooks in the kitchen.

Microwave Mania
Chances are if you’re a kitchen klutz like me, that also means you’re not so handy in the kitchen. That being said, most of your meals are probably made in the microwave…right? Here’s a tip, read the directions and labels on all food items and/or products that you put in the microwave. Your cup will melt and that aluminum you just wrapped your potato with, will destroy your microwave. And yes, I’ve done both of those things.

Safety First
If you haven’t set your stove on fire yet, you’re a lucky one (not to sound ominous, but your time is coming). For those of you who have, you know the moment of pure fear that hits you when you were a moment ago innocently cooking your chicken filets and all of a sudden fire is leaping from the depths of your burner. As elementary as this sounds, invest in a fire extinguisher and store it in a place easily accessible to your stove. It’ll give you peace of mind and is a must-have for all households klutzes may reside.

Recipe Rundown
On the rare occasion I decide to cook a full course meal for friends (and later watch them choke it down while smiling), I always take a good 10 minutes to run through the recipe. Yeah, a lot of us klutzes may just want to raid our kitchens like a bull in a china shop–grabbing ingredients, throwing oil in pans and leaving the oven on for too long, but that’s where our trouble usually begins. The useful part of actually going through your recipe and planning it takes away the opportunity for accidents to happen. I’m not saying you’re going to have a klutz-free cooking session, but you should be pretty darn close.

Let’s celebrate Kitchen Klutzes of America Day by taking precaution–no burnt off eyebrows for you!

Aubrie is SweetJack’s easygoing editorial assistant. A GCSU alum and Harry Potter aficionado, she enjoys graphic design, photography and stalking the pages of Gawker on a daily basis. – See more at: http://blog.sweetjack.com/other/lost-sock-memorial-day/#sthash.b5DgXnNk.dpuf

DIY Slip ‘N Slide

Home & Living June 11, 2013 Leave a Comment

Slip-N-Slide

Slip ‘n slide into summer fun with this DIY project, perfect for the young and young at heart. With just a few materials and a little assembly, this will be your wettest, wildest summer yet.

What You’ll Need

  • 8 foam pool noodles
  • One roll of extra heavy duty (4 or 6-mil) plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Velcro Adhesive strips
  • Garden hose
  • Natural incline (optional)
  • 1 bottle tear-free baby soap

Directions

  1. Unroll an extra heavy duty roll of plastic sheeting along a gentle slope
  2. Line the edges with foam noodles
  3. Attach a small square of adhesive Velcro to each foam noodle, and its matching adhesive square to the edge of the sheeting
  4. Wrap sheeting around noodle so they are no longer visible but they form a bumper along the lengths of the sheet on both sides
  5. Squirt slip ‘n slide with tear-free baby shampoo, set up garden hose or sprinkler near top so water runs down
  6. Beat the heat with multiple rides down your DIY slip ‘n slide!

Michelle is SweetJack’s savvy Momma in residence but don’t let the bumpers and bibs fool you. This Staff Writer loves a witty Rap reference and a heavy pour of pinot.

Travel Series: Paris

Getaways & Detours June 10, 2013 Leave a Comment

Paris-Travel

A quick ride on the Eurostar through the sunny French countryside, and I was on the platform of Paris Central Nord. Stepping out onto the sidewalk, I realized I had finally arrived in the City of Lights.

Desperate to begin sightseeing immediately, I searched endlessly for the Eiffel Tower in the distance. I didn’t find it, so I searched for a bus to take me to my sleeping quarters instead. Who knew that the most prominent landmark in Paris could hide so easily.

Two bus rides and a subway stop later, I arrived in Brighton. Though the 18th arrondissement felt a little far from the city center, I was closer to Montmartre and the beautiful Sacre Coeur Basilica.

Before retiring to my studio for the night, I enjoyed a nightcap with the French family renting me the apartment, ready to rest up for the busy days ahead.

Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Mona Lisa

Not one to be defeated easily, I headed out the next morning dead-set on locating the Eiffel Tower. I walked through the cobblestone streets, admiring the historic facades while ambling towards a faint silhouette in the distance. Two miles later, and I was there, marveling at the enormous size … and the enormous crowd of people hovering around the bottom. The city looked beautiful surrounding the tower’s iconic display, but the Louvre was waiting, so I moved on to find sustenance in the form of a Parisian lunch.

Next up, the Louvre, the glass triangle that’s home to some of the most famous artwork in the world, including one of my favorites, the Mona Lisa.

Carefully navigating through the museum’s crowded hallways, I made my way to the iconic painting. Mona’s canvas was incredibly tiny compared to the the wall she hung on. Continuing on, I took in rich oil paintings of Turkish Baths, the elegance of Jacques-Louis David’s “Coronation of Napoleon” and a few statues by Rodin.

Tired and looking forward to my cozy apartment, I jumped on the metro and headed to Montmartre.

Once I reached the top of the hill, the little city bustled with life. Streets were dotted with vendors, artists and restaurants. As a patron of the arts, I sat down for my own personal portrait with a local sketch artist. I’ve got to say, the end was quite beautiful (and realistic, I like to think).

Dinner was a heaping plate of pasta and a sample of red wine. Afterward, I walked to the Sacre Coeur and gazed at the brilliant white church against a bright blue sky. I took a quick tour to see the beautiful mosaics, stained glass windows and painted murals. Then it was time to get some rest.

Notre Dame, Lover’s Lock Bridge, and Snails

Day three, and the Notre Dame was at the top of my itinerary. The cathedral promised true architectural splendor, and I wasn’t disappointed. The intricate gothic architecture was enriched by the details: flowering dials on each side, flying buttresses, beautiful stained glass windows and gargoyles hanging from almost every surface.

Feeling brave after exploring the majestic building, I stopped in a cafe to try some French delicacies, frog legs and escargot. I’ve got to say, escargot is quite a treat with a buttery-and-garlic hot glaze, perfect after a cold rainy day in Paris. The frog legs tasted salty and quite different — I’m not sure if I have the palette for this French dish. After I finished off another glass of wine, I trudged on and accidentally stumbled upon the Lover’s Lock Bridge. Hooked on each and every railing was a lock inscribed with names, dates, and lovey-dovey text (Ansley + Paris 4Ever).

Palace of Versailles

My fourth and last day in Paris, I woke up at the crack of 6am, boarded an early morning train, and set off to the infamous center of the French court, Versailles.

As the train reached its destination, I set my sights on a palace fit for a French king. Dripping in gold paint, the French baroque mansion quickly became one of my favorites in Europe. Large curved forms, grand columns and high domes made up the palace’s lavish architecture–all surrounded by the most famous gardens in the world.

Garden is a bit of a stretch, actually. Beyond the back door of the Hall of Mirrors, you’ll find a mile long canal, 20,000 trees, fountains and carefully manicured greenery that took over 40 years to complete. My tour guide took us straight to the gardens for a sneak peek, then into the mansion. Traipsing in and out of massive bedrooms and grandeur, we saw the chambers of Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI and the Hall of Mirrors. Trading one home lavished with luxe fabrics and furniture for another, I walked through the gardens to find my way to Marie Antoinette’s estate. By estate, I mean an extensive tract of land, a farm filled with goats and other animals, a small village and finally Petit Trianon, decked out in extravagant Rococo style, which was described by Queen Marie as a small chateau.

My last day in Paris did, at times, make me wistfully sigh at the royal lodgings. Until I remembered the furniture… people must have been significantly smaller back then.

Travel Tip: Learn some basic French! It’s hard to order food without knowing pronunciation–I ordered the chicken and ended up with a cheese omelette!

Next stop: Waffles, chocolate, beer, castles, wooden clogs, windmills, and crazy kings–Brussels, Amsterdam, and Munich!

Ansley is SweetJack’s bubbly staff writer. Youngest of 6 sisters, don’t let her calm demeanor fool you–you’ll find her writing up a storm and calling out the dawgs. ‘SIC EM!

Summer Cocktail Series: June

Food & Drink June 9, 2013 Leave a Comment

PimmSpreadWeb

Green has returned, the weather is getting warmer and the smell of barbecue lingers in the air. This can only mean one thing, summer is coming. The best (and proper) way to welcome it, is with one strong but refreshing drink in your hand.

Pimm’s Cup

Ingredients

  • ¼ ounce lemon juice
  • ¼ ounce lime juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 3 ounces Pimm
  • 3 cucumber slices
  • 10 mint leaves
  • Splash of ginger ale
  • Ice cubes

Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a shaker. Shake well (put your back into it!). Pour into a tall glass, no need to strain. Add fresh thyme for a little something extra and bonus points for making your own Pimm’s, it’s better (and stronger) that way.

Now raise your glass and say Cheers to the heat, emerging greenery and the arrival of the best season of the year.

Drink recipe by Brian Stanger from Woodfire Grill in Atlanta.

Check out our Summer Cocktail Recipe for May here.

Kristen is SweetJack’s editorial assistant direct from the Big Apple. With a knack for the ins and outs of copy, this unassuming Jersey girl’s got southern charm to boot.

Riviera Maya Travel Review

Getaways & Detours June 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

mexico_blog_1_600px

To celebrate my sister’s milestone birthday this year, we purchased a SweetJack travel deal for Riviera Maya, Mexico. We traveled with four of her closest friends for the ultimate fiesta de cumpleaños.

We stayed at the Mayan Palace in Riviera Maya. To our delight, the place was even more beautiful than the pictures online. The lush, green grounds were teeming with palm trees and tropical flowers. It felt like we were staying in a well-manicured rain forest, complete with iguanas!

The pools at the resort wound around for days, and were surrounded by palm-thatched cabanas. Between the infinity pools that cascaded from one into the next, and the always-fun swim-up bars, I think it’s safe to say we were in paradise. Not to be outdone by old man-made cement ponds, Mother Nature offered some fierce competition. The turquoise ocean waters, with a beautiful show of tropical fish, lapped up against powdery white sand.

We spent most of our days going between the pool, the beach, and the lovely day spa. The friendly staff brought us drinks whether poolside or oceanside. With a happy hour that starts at noon, how can you resist?

One day we pried ourselves away from the resort for an excursion to see some of actual Mexico. We took a day trip to Tulum to visit the Mayan ruins. Situated on cliffs overlooking crystal blue waters, the ruins included an ancient palace, a place of worship, and a former place of trade. After our tour, we hit a secluded beach in Tulum and ate at a beachside local restaurant.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this part of the world to anyone in need of a laid back vacation in the sun and sand. We felt like royalty for a week at the aptly named Mayan Palace Resort.

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¡Hasta luego!

Make your own memories with an exclusive discount getaway in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Mary Beth is SweetJack’s in-house designer and illustrator. When not working on design projects, you can find her digging around in her garden or planning her next trip to the beach.

National Doughnut Day

Food & Drink June 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

PeachesDonuts

Whether you are eight or 98, chances are you cannot resist the lure of a soft, airy glazed sweet treat hot off the line. The rich aroma of sinfully delicious doughnuts is merely a prelude to the thrill your taste buds encounter when you first sink your teeth into this time-honored delight.

Here’s a unique Peaches ‘N Cream recipe to help you celebrate National Doughnut Day tomorrow June 7th, a marvelous 24-hours dedicated to the classic, calorie-crammed wonder originally inspired by the French beignet.

Peaches ‘N Cream Doughnuts

Ingredients
Donuts:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 Tsp melted butter
  • 2/3 can peaches, chopped (15 oz. can)

Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/2 Tsp melted butter
  • 1 Tsp milk or cream
  • 1 Tsp light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

  •  Preheat oven to 425.
  •  Mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.
  •  Fold in egg and add milk and melted butter.
  •  Add chopped peaches with juice a little at a time.
  •  Pour 2/3 into donut pan.
  •  Bake 10 min or until toothpick comes out clean.

While donuts are cooking, sift powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Add butter, milk, corn syrup and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Allow donuts to cool and drizzle over.

Written by Michelle Sturm

Images by Lisa Johnson