Party DIY {Housewarming Basket}

It's that time of year again...moving season. Maybe it's because we are still living in a college town, but July and August come around ad it seems as if almost everyone is moving. That means house warming parties galore are on the horizon. But, by this time in outlives, people ave just about all the necessary items they need to make their house a home. So, what do you bring as a gift? While a nice bottle of wine is always appropriate, I've put together a basket full of little treats with a nice meaning. It's easy to put together, appropriate for all, and incredibly thoughtful. Here's what to include and the meaning behind each item. 

1. Candles: So your home may always have light

2. Wine: So you may always be in a good cheer

3. Bread: So you may never be hungry

4. Salt: So your life may always have flavor

5. Dishtowels: So you may wipe away bad luck

Have a meaningful Tuesday!

Indulge In {Cheeseburgers in Paradise}

I welcomed you to Margaritaville yesterday. Now it's time to enjoy a little Cheeseburger in Paradise (I promise the Buffet song titles will end today.). I'm sure you're thinking I'm crazy for posting about cheeseburgers, but the art of the burger is something that few have mastered. I found it hard to get my burger to the perfect temperature and maintain a level moistness...until now. Jimmy may like his with lettuce, tomato, Heinz 57, and French fried potatoes, but I like mine with a bit of worcestershire and a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. Here's my recipe for creating the perfect cheeseburger.

:: Ingredients ::
Ground Beef (I use 80/20 because the fat gives flavor)
Worcestershire
Salt
Pepper
Sharp Cheddar Cheese Slices
Buns

:: Directions ::
1. Begin by forming patties to desired size.
2. Salt and pepper the top side of the burger and drizzle with worcestershire. Place seasoned side down on grill.
3. Season the other side and drizzle with additional worcestershire.
4. Flip burger after about 4 minutes. Cook until desired temperature is reached. Top with cheese to melt and serve on a toasted bun.

Indulge In {Homemade Guacamole}

For Christmas this year, I got an amazing lava stone pestal and mortal set. It's perfect for muddling fruit for cocktails, herbs for cooking, and most importantly making fresh guacamole! Guacamole is one of my favorite snacks especially for large gatherings. It's simple to make and makes a big impact. It doesn't really require a lot of work and is almost impossible to mess up. Here's my recipe for party perfect guacamole.

:: Ingredients ::
3 Ripe Haas Avocados
1 Small Slicing Tomato, diced
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Lime, juiced
1 Teaspoon Hot Sauce
Salt & Pepper

:: Directions ::
1. Slice and pit the avocados into a large bowl.
2. Add the tomato, garlic, lime juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Muddle or mash with a fork to combine.
3. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Stock the Holiday Bar

Tis the season for holiday parties! They can be such fun to attend, but if you are hosting your own it, like any other party, can get a bit overwhelming. You want to make sure all guests are pleased and have something there they enjoy, but can't tailor a menu to everybody's taste. The same goes for the bar. Some people prefer vodka over gin, whisky over scotch, craft beer over commercial styles, and champagne over wine. Either way, you want to make sure there is something there for everybody but don't want to break the bank buying everything in the liquor store. Fear no more! Here is the guide to stocking the perfect holiday bar. You won't break the bank and everybody is sure to be pleased. With these staple items guests can make the cocktail of their choosing. Happy Holiday bar stocking!

Liquors:
1 Vodka
1 Rum
1 Whisky
1 Tequila

Wines:
1 Red
1 White
1 Sparkling (Champagne, Prosecco, etc.)

Mixers:
Coke
Sprite
Sweet n' Sour
Orange Juice
Cranberry Juice

Additions:
Limes
Cherries