It’s nearly that time of year in the south when a glass of iced tea becomes a daily requirement. Here are 3 recipes to stir the (tea)pot on summer’s idyllic beverage.

Cardamom and Coconut Black Iced Tea

For those overcast afternoons of summer showers, perfect for long chats with good friends.

3 cups Water

3 teaspoons Black Tea Leaves

3 tablespoons Coconut Sugar

2 Cardamom Pods, crushed to loosen seeds

Ice

½ cup Coconut Milk

Boil water then cover tea leaves and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and discard leaves. Stir in coconut sugar and cardamom pods. Allow tea to cool to room temperature before straining then placing in the fridge until chilled. To serve, divide the tea between 2 glasses filled with ice. Top with coconut milk.

Ginger-Orange Rooibos Iced Tea

For the day-long recovery after a big, satisfying BBQ.

3 cups Water

3 teaspoons Rooibos Tea Leaves

¾ cup Coconut Water

½ cup Ginger or Plain Kombucha

Squeeze of Ginger Juice (from freshly grated ginger)

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Squeeze of Orange Juice

Ice

Sliced Orange

Boil water, then cover tea leaves and steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain and discard leaves. Allow tea to cool to room temperature before placing in fridge until chilled. Once chilled, stir in the coconut water, kombucha and fresh juices, adjusting the juice quantities to taste. Divide between 3 glasses filled with ice and garnish with sliced orange.

Strawberry-Lemon Honey Muddled Green Tea

For quiet afternoons with your feet propped up and a good book at hand.

3 cups Water

3 teaspoons Sencha Green Tea Leaves

½ pint Strawberries, quartered (no need to destem)

½ Lemon, sliced

2 Tablespoons Honey

Ice

Boil water then cover tea leaves and steep for 3-4 minutes. Strain and discard leaves. Allow tea to cool to room temperature before placing in fridge until chilled. Meanwhile, combine strawberries, lemon and honey in a small bowl and mash with a fork until the fruit starts releasing its juices. Allow to macerate at room temperature at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour. Combine chilled tea with muddled fruit and give it a good stir. Pour yourself a tall ice-filled glass of tea and relax. Serves 2.

Marci Cornett is a (mostly) plant-based chef who promotes health-supportive cuisine and the development of sustainable food systems. After graduating from the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York, she worked in several professional kitchens including the renowned vegetarian restaurant, Cafe Paradiso, in Cork City, Ireland. She develops and publishes nourishing recipes and writes about the latest thinking concerning nutrition and food issues on her blog, marcicornett.com. Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter

We take vacations to escape the discomforts of life: of an office chair or a suffocating schedule. We crave crisp white linens, crystal blue waters, and infinity pools blending seamlessly into oceans far from our own. We seek charmingly exotic cultural references but not too much, and ancient traditions preferably in the form of ancient massage.

But there is another way to vacation, one that provides us with everything we sought in the first place; to come home changed, recharged. When planning this kind of vacation, there is one simple rule:

Make yourself uncomfortable.

So often we travel cautiously, dipping our toes in the current of a new culture without ever looking down to see what lies below the surface. What a pity to travel to Mexico and be served churros con chocolate on a square, white plate. To explore the treasures of Morocco in air-conditioned shops and meet locals dressed to play the part.

Instead, wander down the boardwalk to the rhythm of mariachi and children playing “fútbol” in the streets, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with locals tossing pesos for a bite of the golden pastries still dripping with oil, and force your tongue to make the sounds of gratitude while being handed your churros in a napkin. Gracias.

Instead, join the crowds and experience what it must feel to be an ant as you’re herded through the tarp-covered stalls, getting glimpses of the same crimsons, azures and intricate handiwork that represent hundreds of years and cultures combined. Step aside and experience the calm of escaping the rush, and take a moment to touch the fabric that has been transformed from dust-worn wool to a tablecloth by a man whose worn down fingers are guided by generations of experience.

Instead, experience your differences alongside the people who call this everyday life.

You’ll have better stories, better souvenirs, and a better understanding. You’ll connect with people, experience authenticity, and be able to put things in perspective. By learning to deal with the little things – a surprise rain storm, or a missed bus – the big things will become more clear; family, health, love, fun, career.

As in travel, as in life – the experiences that change us are the ones that require a leap of faith.

I believe in travel, not only because it takes us out of our comfort zones and pushes us to face fears and discover interesting facts about the world and ourselves every step of the way – but because it forces us to change the ordinary. I jumped into travel in college, now having lived and traveled in 12 countries, and have accumulated a colorful resume with everything from “cupcake decorator” to “marketing manager” with plenty of outdoor adventures to fill in the gaps. I currently live in Costa Rica and can’t wait to share this country with readers through sensory snapshots of the pura vida lifestyle.

Twitter & Instagram @chelseyenroute

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“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

 On a recent day, I had a routine phone call with an aide in another elected official’s office. While our respective offices have different priorities and partisan backgrounds, I have always interacted well with this person.  We both sighed and made a joke about our hectic jobs, and then she did something surprising: she thanked me. For always being friendly and easy to work with. I was taken aback. Because isn’t everyone like that? Isn’t that part of being a professional? In short, the answer is no: courtesy and respect aren’t all that common on a harried work day.

People remember the way you treat them. If you are positive and patient, they will appreciate it, particularly if it is after they make a mistake or pass along a difficult message. If you are rude or condescending, they will remember that too.

Since that conversation, I’m reminded of just how meaningful (and easy!) it is to be considerate toward others, and not just in the office. Before you take your next bad day out on an innocent victim, pause and think: what if I made that person’s day better instead? You might be amazed at how it lifts your own state of mind.

Elizabeth Roach believes in balancing a sense of possibility with the art of savoir-faire, and is not above diving into a slice of cake while on a conference call. A graduate of Furman University and the Columbia University Publishing Program, she has worked in Kentucky government and politics for more than seven years. She is currently Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s scheduling director, and has previously served as his assistant speechwriter and as First Lady Jane Beshear’s press secretary. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, Elizabeth is a frequent traveler who writes freelance articles about bourbon, baking, and culinary adventures. She has contributed to The Bourbon Review, The Local Palate, and TheRecoveringPolitician.com, for which she pens a food column (http://therecoveringpolitician.com/category/friends/lizr). Check out her website at elizabethroachwriter.com, and follow her on Instagram @LizRoach7 and Twitter @LizRoach. 

A couple weeks ago, I stepped away from my laptop, put my phone on airplane mode and walked into the National Portrait Gallery by myself in downtown Washington, D.C. I’ve lived in the D.C. region for four years now and this museum has been on my “to see” list for that length of time. On that day, I purposefully moved it onto my “to do” list. Two hours spent wandering long hallways gazing at portraits dating back to the time of Queen Elizabeth I, all the way up to the current U.S. Supreme Court Justices, was fascinating and a wonderful creative release. This visit inspired me to take mini “stay-cations” more frequently and continue to cross off sites and activities that are on my hometown bucket list.

Here are my tips on how to be a tourist in your hometown and make these “trips” a regular occurrence:

Make a List

What places have you wanted to visit in your hometown? Perhaps it’s a park, museum, restaurant, hiking trail, or a festival.

Mark it on Your Calendar

Block time for one trip on your calendar and pick an option from your list. Write out the details of your future visit on your calendar including the day, time, place, and who you want to invite (if anyone). Remember that the length of your visit doesn’t need to be a full day; a couple hours may do the trick!

Don’t Back Out

The week before your visit, re-commit to your decision. It’s easy to push a stay-cation off, saying that __x__ (kids, work, cleaning, etc.) are more important. But refrain from crossing this trip off your calendar! Mini stay-cations are equally important to make time for, so allow yourself the break.

Unplug

Commit to unplugging on your visit. This may be tough to do, but it’s important. It’s easier to turn the phone and computer off when you travel to a far-away destination, but I really encourage you to approach these mini stay-cations with the same attitude. The world will not come to an end because you didn’t check your email for a few hours and, in fact, you’ll probably feel more refreshed from the break.

Repeat

After your first visit, determine whether you want to make these stay-cations a regular occurrence, and, if so, schedule more time blocks out on your calendar to commit the time.

Call me Meghan. As I sit down to introduce myself, I can’t help but wonder why I named my blog, megbollenback.com.   Perhaps it was born out of a moment of rebellion or just a symbol of change and trying something new. To bring you into my world, in Fall 2014 I effectively retired from my corporate career, running operations for a high growth healthcare start-up company. Prior to that, I spent some time working in the hospitality industry. Since the fall, I’ve started my latest journey and adventure as a writer and creative professional in Washington, D.C.  I blog about food, life and am starting to discuss the process I’m going through to intentionally craft a lifestyle and career that I value and find joy in. I’ll be sharing thoughts on that process here at CAKE&WHISKEY and look forward to sharing my perspective on the sweet and spirited side of business.  And honestly, I answer to Meg, too.

Blog: www.megbollenback.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/megbollenback

Instagram: MegBollenback

Twitter: @megbollenback

I close my eyes and imagine myself as a seven year old girl, running barefoot through the backyard grass, my movement a joy. Pausing in the patch of dandelions, I stretch my hands up and over my head slowly reaching back, walking them down the air until I palm the dirt. I find myself in a backbend, today known to me as wheel pose, the world upside down. I breathe deeply then reach my right foot high, flipping myself over.

Things look different.

This season I am moving towards fearlessness and freedom, reaching for inversions in my yoga practice, yearning once again for those afternoons of flipping over freely. Summer has settled in my life, teaching both in the classroom and in the studio paused for a moment as I simply rest on my mat, honoring my own practice. There are many kinks to be worked out, many stuck places to move through, so telling of the places in my life that need work.

As I desire to get back to the root of my practice this season, I am reminded of how important it is to offer up grace. So often my practice manifests itself in my life. In all that I have learned, all that I dream or desire to do as a woman, this is what deeply resonates.

Grace in my practice.

Grace in my every day.

Caitlin Lore is a storyteller and adventurer. By day she is a junior high English teacher, and by night a Holy Yoga instructor. She also wears the hats of wife, entrepreneur, marriage retreat maker, and aspiring novelist. After a jaunt with endurance racing, she now specializes in yoga for athletes, and restorative yoga seeking to bring soul-care and freedom to those feeling constrained by anxiety, depression, and stress through the avenue of Holy Yoga.   

Website: www.caitlinlore.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/caitlin_lore
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MsLReads

A “Renaissance Man” is a colloquial term for a well-rounded gentleman; one with developed skills in academics and a multitude of other areas. The Renaissance Man endeavored to reach his full potential. He was smart and savvy. He had many talents and knew no bounds.

Boundless? Sounds like the businesswomen of today.

Are we so different from the Renaissance Men of the past? Women in business today are artists; creative in the way they design and run their beautiful undertakings (hello Sarah Sproule, C&W Issue 2). They are virtuosos in social affairs; their networks are large, and close (hello Shama Hyder, C&W Issue 1). They are physically skilled, whether for pleasure, balance or work (hello Misty Copeland, C&W Issue 4). There is an appreciation of craft, a love of learning, and a zest for life.

Renaissance women are made, not born. They live a life of appreciation and constantly seek to enhance their skills in all areas. They read great books and pass them on to friends. They take time for themselves, because they know it’s important to reflect. They foster a sense of peace and know that they can change some things, and other things are best left to flourish as-is.

Well-rounded gentlewomen we are.

Bethany Miller is an explorer in life and in business. She’s an airline pilot, veteran, and world traveler. Fascinated by global issues and the business of business, Bethany is a doctoral candidate at Université Paris-Dauphine in Paris, France where she researches extraordinary employees in chaotic work environments.

www.GoodGlobalCitizen.com

*photo by Jacklyn Greenberg of JAG Studios

Today there is an app for EVERYTHING.  Whether you’re ordering groceries, sending an invitation or hailing a cab, technology has made it easier than ever to never leave your couch. So, when it comes to planning your next soiree, leave it to these experts to take care of the details.

1) APPLE REMOTE

store.apple.com/us

Thanks to Apple Remote, the music will never skip a beat as you simultaneously play DJ and work the room.

2) CONFETTI SYSTEM / SWEET LULU

http://www.confettisystem.com/shop

http://www.shopsweetlulu.com

Looking for fun, colorful (and disposable) party decor to add a personal touch to your event? Look no further than Confetti System and Sweet Lulu for all those Instagram worthy finds!

3) FOOD & WINE COCKTAILS

http://www.foodandwine.com/cocktail-recipes

No summer soiree is complete without a signature drink.  Browse hundreds of unique recipes from Food & Wine and serve a festive cocktail at your next party like this delicious Champagne Mojito: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/champagne-mojitos.

4) GLAMSQUAD

http://www.glamsquad.com

With all this planning you probably forgot to take care of the most important thing…YOU. Leave it to Glamsquad to get you looking beautiful before your guests arrive with their in-home beauty services.

5) H.BLOOM

http://www.hbloom.com

A subscription for flowers? Sign me up! Whether it’s a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly delivery, H.Bloom will ensure your home is party ready.

6) HOMEPOLISH

http://www.homepolish.com

Nothing says “entertaining” like a well styled home. So, whether you’re in need of a little refresh to your decor or a complete home makeover, look no further than Homepolish. This pay-by-the-hour interior design service will have your space the envy of all your friends in no time.

7) KITCHENSURFING

http://www.kitchensurfing.com

Thanks to Kitchensurfing, private chefs are no longer just for the elite.  For as low as $25/per person you can eat like a king (or queen), impress your guests and… they do dishes too!

8) MINIBAR

http://www.minibardelivery.com

Save yourself a trip to the liquor store with the easy to use Minibar app and have your liquor and mixers delivered to your front door.

9) PAPERLESS POST

http://www.paperlesspost.com

Although nothing will ever compare to receiving a paper invitation in the mail, Paperless Post has made digital chic. Choose from one of their many designer collaborations with brands such as: Mr. Boddington, Happy Menocal, Little Cube or Crane & Co. and  “mail” all your invites with a click of a button.

10) POSTMATES

http://www.postmates.com

No matter how prepared you are as a host, there will always be something you forget. For this, we use Postmates!  They deliver just about anything from anywhere. Does it get any better than that?

After beginning her career as an intern at Vogue Magazine, Colleen Kennedy Cohen went on to manage events in-house for renowned brands such as Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino and Cartier. She has been planning luxury events throughout the U.S. and Europe for major fashion houses since 2006.  After the birth of her daughter, Colleen launched Colleen Kennedy Events to bring her luxury brand experience to private clients. Currently, she lives in New York City and works as an event planner and certified health coach. With a love for all things beautiful, coupled with an eye for design, Colleen brings a versatile and fresh approach to each project she takes on.

Follow her: Instagram: CKCohen; Pinterest: Colleen Kennedy Events.

“Most of the things we need to be most fully alive never come in busyness. They grow in rest.”  ― Mark Buchanan

The silence of my morning is split by the whistle of my tea kettle, signaling it’s time for me to bloom the coffee grounds. I am old fashioned in my mornings, brewing my coffee in a French press. But the first moment when I sit down in my white winged chair, curtains open to the sunrise, my notebook and pen ready to be filled with the first stories of my morning, is a moment I deeply need in this season of life.

I’ve begun to learn among the many roles I carry that if I don’t allow myself a moment to reawaken my soul, I am bound to become chained to all that I am doing.

My passions squelched, my mind fragmented, my soul sore.

And so, in this season of busyness and deadlines, I find myself diligently waking before the sun to set apart a few moments just for me. Impulsively, I’m a let life rule me kind of woman instead of a woman who lives the art of life: a woman who, among any season, can find rest, give grace, seek self-care, and sit in peace.

We, as women, need moments to reclaim ourselves in our busy seasons.
We need moments of restoration: of digging deep into who we are as women so that we can be that woman.

We need moments that remind us how to come alive.

________________

When I need to reclaim myself and my dreams during a season, I tend to do three things, an awakening plan of sorts that leaves me refreshed:

1. Sit with a cup of sweet coffee, my notebook, and a good book, the windows open and the world quiet.
2. Slip away for an hour to meditate and practice Holy Yoga.
3. Go for a simple bike ride.

What would your awakening plan look like? What is it that restores your soul and makes you come alive again, ready to dream once more and enter your season refreshed?

Caitlin Lore is a storyteller and adventurer. By day she is a junior high English teacher, and by night she is a Holy Yoga instructor. She is also a wife, entrepreneur, marriage retreat maker, and aspiring novelist. After a jaunt with endurance racing, she now specializes in yoga for athletes and restorative yoga seeking to bring soul-care and freedom to those feeling constrained by anxiety, depression, and stress through the avenue of Holy Yoga. 

http://caitlinlore.com/