let out that big sigh of relief. we made it to friday. 

for most of us, it was back to the grind this week. and man was i feeling that grind. it was my first REALLY busy week as an instructor and i am more than ready for a two day break after my ten am class tomorrow. 

don't get me wrong, it was an awesome week. but i'm physically exhausted and ready for some r&r. 

and this weekend, i am a very lucky lady. my husband managed to actually get a sunday off (a real rarity when you manage a restaurant). so i'm planning a little sunday funday. and while summer may be all about sunday brunches out and about, sundays in january are all about football on the couch and irish coffees.

if that sell didn't convince you to try this warming cocktail, maybe the whipped cream on top will do the trick. 

irish coffee
serves: 1
prep time: 10 minutes (or however long your coffee brew method takes)
active time: 1 minute
total time: 11 minutes
ingredients: 1 cup coffee brewed how you like (wes and i either french press or use a pour over method, but do you boo boo). 1.5 oz irish whiskey (jameson is my go to). 1 oz irish cream. whipped cream to top. 

pour your hot coffee into your preferred mug. 

add in your whiskey. 

and then your irish cream. 

stir well to combine. 

top with whipped cream and enjoy hot. 

xo, a

irish coffee
serves: 1
prep time: 10 minutes (or however long your coffee brew method takes)
active time: 1 minute
total time: 11 minutes
ingredients: 1 cup coffee brewed how you like (wes and i either french press or use a pour over method, but do you boo boo). 1.5 oz irish whiskey (jameson is my go to). 1 oz irish cream. whipped cream to top.
pour your hot coffee into your preferred mug.
add in your whiskey.
and then your irish cream.
stir well to combine.
top with whipped cream and enjoy hot.

with all the exciting happenings over here at nft'z, i've had to be really regimented in my schedule this week. the week was full of meal deliveries, photo shoot prep, an amazing photo shoot (photos to come) and is about to reach it's pinnacle with tomorrow's snack stand at one of my studios and our nephew spending the night to celebrate his birthday. 

whew, i'm winded just thinking about it. but this is what i wanted. to be BUSY. that means things are HAPPENING. i don't totally know what it all means yet, but i feel this buzzing around me getting louder and louder. i knew the words will all be clear soon and the plan will become more clear. but in the mean time, i'm just going to sip this delicious sangria i made for thursdays shoot. it is the perfect make ahead cocktail and is a beautiful crowd pleaser for your holiday parties. 

winter sangria
serves: 12 cocktails
prep time: 20 minutes
inactive time: 1-24 hours
total time: 1:20-24:20 depending on how long you want it to soak
ingredients: 2 limes, one sliced, one wedged for garnish. 1 apple (i used macintosh), diced. 1 blood orange, sliced. 1 cup pomegranate seeds. 1.5 liters cabernet sauvignon. 1 cup rye whiskey or brandy. .25 cup sugar. 5 cloves.

in a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir well to combine. cover and set in the fridge for as little as 1 hour and up to 24 hours making it a great make in advance option. 

serve from a large beverage dispenser or from carafe.

garnish with a lime wedge.

xo, a

winter sangria
serves: 12 cocktails
prep time: 20 minutes
inactive time: 1-24 hours
total time: 1:20-24:20 depending on how long you want it to soak
ingredients: 2 limes, one sliced, one wedged for garnish. 1 apple (i used macintosh), diced. 1 blood orange, sliced. 1 cup pomegranate seeds. 1.5 liters cabernet sauvignon. 1 cup rye whiskey or brandy. .25 cup sugar. 5 cloves.
in a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir well to combine. cover and set in the fridge for as little as 1 hour and up to 24 hours making it a great make in advance option.
serve from a large beverage dispenser or from carafe. garnish with a lime wedge.