For the first time since graduation, my college roommates and I made a return trip to Ann Arbor for a weekend reunion full of drinking, Michigan football and a general return to the life of college students. I can’t even tell you how excited I was to get back to campus and run amok around the town; visit our old house, drink at our favorite bars and, of course, visit our favorite late night eateries.

And for all intents and purposes, the weekend far exceeded the fun-factor I was anticipating. I got my Long Island Iced Teas and ate my New York style White Pizza. I watched the Wolverines win (even if it was a crappy team) and finally picked up my Michigan Alumni t-shirt.

It was perfect.

But this weekend also made me realize some very key post-graduation truths:

1. I can’t drink like I used to: In the old days I could down a couple (10) cocktails and dance the night away only to wake up the next morning, hit the gym and get to class. Not anymore, my friends. After getting good and drunk on Saturday night, I am still experiencing a hangover. And it is Tuesday. On the plus side: I still got my boozey-moves on the dance floor…and the videos to prove it.

2. College bars are cheap: I always used to hate those grads who came back to campus and screamed about how cheap the drinks were. Now that I am a grad, I have to scream it: drinks are so cheap! Nowhere else can a group of girls get 8 pitchers, a round of shots and 3 orders of cheese fries for $95 including tip! I may have even taken a picture of the bill. Read More »

There is a slight chill in the air on this fine October morning, which can mean only one thing: Fall is here. Why so chipper, you ask? Why would anyone celebrate the end of summer and embrace the coming of sweater season?

Um. Pumpkin Spiced Lattes are back at Starbucks!

I am just obsessed with these things. And if you have never had one, get over to the nearest ‘Bucks (I am sure you are a mere 10 feet from one right now) and get one. You too will be hooked and totally excited about Fall.

And in the spirit of the changing leaves and all things pumpkin-y at Starbucks, I have found for you the perfect late night compliment to my favorite espresso beverage:

The Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

This drink goes perfectly with a pair of cozy sweatpants, a warm blanket and a night at home with the girls. For a truly perfect Fall evening, throw in a little Mystic Pizza (Julia Roberts’ movie debut!) and settle in. Read More »

As anyone knows, college is a cesspool of unhealthiness. There’s the lack of sleep, the surplus of late-night eating and, of course, the dreaded alcohol.

Fortunately, for all you weight watchers out there, there are some simple and tasty low-cal cocktails that everyone can love without fearing the love handles.

Cherry Pom-arita — A measly 105 calories!

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. tequila

4 oz. Diet 7UP (or another diet lemon-lime soda)

1 tbsp. fresh lime juice

1/2 packet Crystal Light On The Go Immunity Cherry Pomegranate drink mix

ice cubes (for serving)

Directions:

Place tequila, soda and lime juice in a glass. Empty half of the flavor packet into glass, and stir well to combine. Pour over ice and enjoy! (Note: If you don’t like the Pom flavor, try any Crystal Light powder. They are all super delicious.) Read More »

When I think of Hollywood, a few things come to mind: drugs, fashion, fake boobs, and fruity drinks.

Hollywood has always struck me as a place where people, regardless of gender, drink things with lots of liquor and sugar.

The Tinseltown of old may have enjoyed their whiskey and scotch on the rocks, but this generation is all about make-up, highlights, and sour mix.

Aiding my hypothesis are the ingredients for this common shot:

The Hollywood

1 part vodka

1 part peach schnapps

1 part chambord

1 part pineapple juice

Layer your shot glass with the liquids in order (beginning with vodka, ending with pineapple juice), toast to your millions, and drink up.

…just remember to be responsible. If too much partying can make Lindsay Lohan look bad, just imagine what it can do to you.

Being the giant fan of summer that I am, Labor Day is always a little sad.

Even though it won’t get chilly for another few weeks, the mere promise of shorter days, schoolwork, and winter hats constantly ruining perfectly styled hair is enough to make me a little depressed…at least until fall fashions go on sale.

For many of us, Labor Day is a last hurrah; our last 24 hours to wear white pants (which perhaps some of us shouldn’t be wearing in the first place?), last day to barbeque without standing by the grill in a jacket, and last 3-day weekend for a while.

It’s also a party, whether we’re partying with friends or throwing our own personal celebration that consists of doing absolutely nothing—and enjoying the hell out of it.

In honor of Goodbye-To-Bathing-Suits weekend, I’ve found the perfect cocktail to commemorate a summer gone by. Read More »

I’m not a big drinker, but I love me a well-made cocktail.

Why, just the other weekend I ordered a $12 concoction that sounded wonderful at a swanky outdoor bar (the drink did not, in fact, taste wonderful, but you better believe I sipped that sucker dry — $12 cocktails are always to be finished, no matter what).

Because I’d rather go with quality rather than quantity, I was super psyched to read this little article in the New York Times about organic cocktails.

No more Red Bull and bottom shelf vodka here, these new fruit and vegetable fueled drinks are popping up in bars all over the United States.

With recipes “like freshly juiced organic carrots, Granny Smith apple juice, elderflower liqueur and vodka”, the new “organic” cocktail trend allows health conscious connoisseurs feel better about topping off that third drink.

And while nothing is going to make sipping an alcoholic beverage healthier than eating an apple, researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture recently reported, “adding alcohol to strawberries and blackberries increased their antioxidant capacity”. Read More »

It’s Cinco de Mayo! What better time for beach and alcohol-inspired beauty products galore?

Lips:

Avon Glazewear Extreme has ultra high shine and is enriched with Vitamins A, C and E to moisturize lips…try Sangria to get a good Cinco de Mayo buzz going on your way to class.

Stila’s mixed up some special cocktail-inspired glosses for Cinco de Mayo. There are three different shades with names like Pina Colada, Spiced Rum and Daiquiri…and yes, they taste and smell as delicious as they sound. Read More »