SUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

There's something magical about summertime .... whether it's the long nights spent outside on back decks enjoying the smell of freshly cut grass or the way the sun streams through the windows early in the morning. This month's post is dedicated to the top 3 list of must do items this season.  

1. Try a New Summer Cocktail -- Keep cool with a refreshing summer cocktail.  There's nothing better on a hot sunny day than sitting on the back deck or patio with a fresh, thirst-quenching cocktail.  May we suggest our top 3 picks:

• Pineapple, Lime & Coconut Spritzer -- You can make this tropical concoction up to 12 hours ahead of your summer party or event.  Just add club soda before serving for a fizzy boost.  
• Ingredients:  1 honeydew melon, peeled and chopped, 1 cucumber - 1/2 chopped and 1/2 thinly sliced, 1 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup fresh lime juice, plus 1 lime thinly sliced for serving, splash (or 2) of gin.
• Directions:  Step 1 -- Puree the melon, chopped cucumber and mint in a blender until smooth. Strain through fine, mesh sieve into a large pitcher.   Step 2 -- Add the lime juice and sliced cucumber. Chill for 30 minutes up to 12 hours. Serve over ice, garnished with pineapple spear and add a splash (or 2) of rum.
• Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade -- Boil sugar, thyme and water together to create a delicious syrup; it adds a herbaceous flavor to this fruity libation.

• Ingredients:  1 Cup sugar, 8 sprigs fresh thyme, plus additional thyme for serving, 1 quart strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 2.5 cups), 1.5 cups fresh lemon juice, splash (or 2) of vodka.
• Directions:  Step 1 -- Combine the sugar, thyme and 1 cup of water in a small pot.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.  Let cool and discard the thyme. Step 2 -- Combine the thyme syrup with the strawberries, lemon juice and 5 cups cold water in a large pitcher.  Chill for 30 minutes up to 12 hours.  Serve over ice, garnish with additional thyme.  Add a splash (or 2) of vodka.
• Honeydew, Cucumber & Mint Cooler -- The cucumber adds a pleasing savory note that makes this drink utterly refreshing.
• Ingredients:  1 Cup sugar, 8 sprigs fresh thyme, plus additional thyme  for serving, 1 quart strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 2.5 cups), 1.5 cups fresh lemon juice, splash (or 2) of vodka.
• Directions:  Step 1 -- Combine the sugar, thyme and 1 cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool and discard the thyme. Step 2 -- Combine the thyme syrup with the strawberries, lemon juice and 5 cups cold water in a large pitcher. Chill for 30 minutes up to 12 hours. Serve over ice, garnish with lime slices.  Add a splash (or 2) of gin.

2. Take Time To Look Up 3 Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List -- Whether you're by the beach, pool or jetting off to some remote, exotic locale this summer you're going to want a satisfying story to keep you entertained. These page turners will have you not wanting to put your book (or Kindle) down.  At B Ann's Boutique we are avid readers so Here's our top 3 literary picks:

• The Handmaid's Tale by Canadian author Margaret Atwood, This dystopian novel originally published in 1985. It is set in a near-future New England, in a totalitarian, Christian theonomy that has overthrown the United States government.  The novel focuses on the journey of the handmaid Offred. Her name derives from the possessive form "of Fred". Handmaids are forbidden to use their birth names and must echo the male, or master, whom they serve.
• The Woman In the Window by A.J. Finn.  If you love Gone Girl and Hitchcock, this is the book to pick up. Anna Fox lives alone in New York City and spends her days drinking — a lot. She also likes to spy on her new neighbors, the Russells: a father, mother, and their teenage son. But when she sees something happen one night when she shouldn't be peeking, she has to figure out what's actually real and who may be in danger.
• The Family Next Door by Sally Hepworth.  From the outside, Essie has the perfect life: a great husband, amazing home, and loving kids. But she also has a secret past that no one in her small town knows about. When a new woman Isabelle comes to town and they become fast friends, it doesn't occur to Essie that she needs to tread carefully — because Isabelle's arrival was no accident.

3.  Take a road trip with your girlfriends -- Pack your bags for a quick get-a-way and grab your bestie for a fun-filled road trip.  Chances are no matter where you live there are fun locale spots within a day's drive from your home. Sometimes the greatest part of traveling with your best friend is having the time to talk, drive, and eat lots of junk food. Before you pack your bags check out our boutique for great summer fashion finds to bring on your trip.

"Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August." -- Jenny Han.

So get out and enjoy this beautiful, magical season and to make your summer even sweeter we are offering 18% off your entire purchase for the month of June from our boutique using discount code:  Summer18 at checkout.  

Until Next Time!  Stay Fabulous!

B Ann's Boutique