Speak Easy, Will Ya?

Let’s go to the bar.

But nowadays it’s not like you can just go to any bar. You need to go to the bar that’s the hot new thing. You know- super exclusive, trendy as hell. Some may even be a secret…

Oh yes, I’m talking about speakeasies.

Like the Gatsby era, there are some secret “speakeasy”-like bars that are still in our midst for us to rage in. LET’S GO. Wait, I just realized, it’s a secret. WELL, let’s just see if you guys can actually get in.

What? Get into a speakeasy? What, like it’s hard?

My friends and I went to one in Los Angeles, more specifically Culver City, called the Blind Barber. 

The name carries significant meaning. For starters, the entrance is a full on barber shop. And, this entrance isn’t just for show. It literally runs as a barber shop by day, & then the entrance to a secret bar by night. When you imagine what a barber shop looks like, that’s what this was. Think: black and white floors, the classic red, white, & blue barber pole, scissors, razors, two rows of barber chairs. The whole shebang.

Before even entering the barber shop, we had to state the entrance password to a man. The man acts really nonchalant & doesn’t look like a super obvious body guard standing next to an entrance door. He actually just looks like a guy that happens to be walking on the curb past these shops. Perhaps, he paces down a few shops back and forth all night? I’ll never know because I wasn’t there to hang out with guard.

Once we stated the entrance password to him, he escorted us through the barbershop, a bunch of right & left turns, & then VOILA! Next thing I know we were at the top of a staircase and could hear some bumpin’ music and a sh*t-ton of people. We all looked at each other with a twinkle in our eye and shared a couple fist pumps to the music – AKA HERE WE GO, IT’S RAGE TIME BETCHES.

Not only was it a full bar, but the Blind Barber happens to be known for their gourmet grilled cheeses. Drunk girls and carbs- Yeah, they go well together. 🙋

Now, this is just my account of one of the speakeasies I have been to. Of course, there are other speakeasies out there. It’s just a matter of whether or not you can find them and then know the password… Good luck! 😉

XOXO,

-Hailey

Drink of the Week! Lynchburg Lemonade

THIRSTY THURSDAY. Time for a TCD drink of the week! (But let’s be real, we don’t need it to be Thursday to find an excuse to make festive drinks.) 💁

Due to the simple fact that I live in Tennessee, it’s pretty much still summer and I refuse to drink anything but whiskey… And why shouldn’t I?! Why not throw some good ‘ole Jacky Daniels in the mix! As long as you keep your sh*t together, you’re golden. Cue our drink of the week: Lynchburg Lemonade. Or in other words, the perfect boozy lemonade to polish summer off with.

Here’s what you kiddos will need…

Shopping List:
Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey
Sweet and Sour Mix
Cointreau (Triple Sec)
Sprite Zero (Because really, who likes calories…)
Fresh Lemons, Limes and Oranges

Get a big pitcher- The more the merrier, obviously.

And, we’re just going to eyeball this because, quite honestly, I don’t need a measuring device to tell me how much whiskey I need… Am I right people?!

INGREDIENTS:
1-part Jacky D
1-part Sweet and Sour Mix (I substitute meddled oranges with lemon and lime juice for the freshness!)
1-part Cointreau
4-parts Sprite Zero

Mix it all up and then cut your lemons and limes, and stir them in!

Put ice in some glasses, and pour! Garnish with lemons and limes and you’re a Lynchburg Lemonade pro!

And when you’re south of the Mason Dixon line, when we say pour into glasses we mean generous pours into large mason jars. 😉

Drink up!

– Carly

10 Best East Coast Stops to Make This Summer

I know how the saying goes, west coast best coast right? WRONG- In my humble opinion of course. 😉

Here are the top 10 things to do when you find yourself East coast chillin’ for the summer…

1. MISQUAMICUT BEACH!

The coolest little one lane beach town in the smallest state in the U.S., Misquamicat Beach, Westerly,  RI! PADDY’S beach bar is where it’s at here! You walk up barefoot in your bathing suit to the bar and you most definitely need to order yourself a shark tank and some clam fritters! 👅 (*MOUTH WATERS*)

2. CONEY ISLAND!

Ride the wonder wheel at Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY not once, but twice. Eat an original NATHAN’s famous hot dog and crinkle fries and hang with the old school carnies!

3. CAPE COD!

Here’s your go to for the BEST DAMN lobster rolls you have ever had! Captain Frosty’s is #1, but let’s be real. You really can’t go wrong with any seafood at the Cape.

4. YANKEES GAME!

 Of course you have to go to a Yanks game! Yeah the beers are $14 dollars, but seeing the 27 champion World Series banners is pretty badass. Not to mention, there’s always the celebs that go to games you can spot on the jumbo-tron. If you’re on a budget, bleacher seats are the best to catch a home run and make rowdy friends!

5. WASHINGTON D.C.!

Check out the Lincoln Memorial, White House and countless museums. It’s okay to look for Olivia Pope on Scandal, but make sure you stop by the famous GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES while mingling with famous congressman and senators.

6. VIRGINIA BEACH!

Known for its beautiful bike boardwalk, salt water taffy and in late August, Virginia Beach even hosts the East Coast Surfing Championships. Yeah, the waves are small, but there are still plenty of babes and booze so you know we love it.

7. SARATOGA!

Head to the horse track and play the ponies in Saratoga, NY. Opening day was Friday July 24th and they allow you to bring in your own coolers for all day tailgating! (*Large fancy hat not required, but hey if you’re feeling festive!*)

8. SEACRETS!

Located in Ocean City, MD, if you’re looking for ratchet beach bars, house music and old bay crab cakes this is the place for you.

9. LONG TRAIL BREWING COMPANY!

Looking for a brewery tour? Here’s a great one in VT! I also highly recommended buying Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, homemade maple syrup and anything maple flavored from Vermont. It’s amazing. And the donuts… DYING.

10. THE HAMPTONS!

We had to. I mean, it’s the Hamptons. If you’re feeling bougie, head to an oyster roast, crash a bachelor party or look for Kimye’s mansion. Montauk has the best beaches and the Surf Lodge is a total go-to as well. Go on, embrace your inner stardom and sip on some rose and put on the biggest sunglasses you own and show the Hamptons who’s boss!

Live it up wile you can peeps before these long summer days are over! Go, go, GO!

– Morgan

Best Cocktails to Order when You’re Dieting but Don’t Want to Look like a Priss

Let me start with a warning that this article is geared to anyone that wants to look hot while they’re drinking and after the drinking is over. You’re going to order that drink like a boss and keep you’re figure while you’re at it. No one wants to be the “I’ll take a skinny vodka Splenda yadda yadda.” Now, if you’re the person continuously waking up in a Taco Bell wrapper and/or vomit in your hair, my tricks can only go so far to help you.

For starters, here is a general rule of thumb: go for the clear alcohols. Darker alcohols, most of the time, contain more sugar that is harder for our body to breakdown. If you can’t think of some, here are some simple go-to’s:

1. Rum & Diet Coke (with lime)
   My personal favorite. It’s MY go-to. Ask anyone that knows me. Even Mr. Atkins himself approves of this beverage for his low-carb diet! This drink is zero carbs. If that’s not proof, I don’t know what is!
2. Vodka Soda (with lime/lemon)
   Sure, this drink may sound girly to some readers. But, let’s be real. It’s simple and to the point. AKA hard liquor & chaser. You’re basically taking a shot. Hardcore cred? I think so.
3. Tequila Water (with lime/lemon)
   Okay, you’re hardcore. There’s no time to mess around. Let’s cut to the chase. I notice that bartenders even freeze for a second when you order one of these. I mean, it’s hard to process those words coming out of my Barbie pink painted lips. AKA you’re now the genius that is dehydrating & hydrating your body at the same time. The guy standing next to you holding his “Coors Light” is cringing inside, since he now looks and feels like the priss. Or if you really want to face the music just go with the straight tequila shot.
4. Bloody Mary
   Spice it up! Doesn’t everyone know by now that spicy food can boost your metabolism? Why wouldn’t you burn some extra calories while drinking them?

 

 

This sure as hell isn’t a cocktail recipe book, but it is a few drink ideas to keep in mind in order to help you avoid any tight (literally suffocating in your high waisted jean short) situations. Take my advice or leave it, either way enjoy getting wasted!

XOXO,
– Hailey

Drink of the Week: Strawberry Basil Margarita

Who doesn’t love a good margarita, am I right? Not much sounds better than coming home from a long day at work and whipping up a quick and easy margarita. Or two. Or three. Or, screw it, four. Heck, who says you can only consume these after work? I mean, it is 5 o’clock somewhere! Just make sure to make some yummy tacos to enjoy these with! #tacosandtequila

Ingredients:

1 cup chopped strawberries
¼ tequila (approximately 2 shots)
2 tablespoons agave (any kind works)
3 large basil leaves
8 ice cubes
Juice of half a lime
Juice of half an orange

Prep Time: 4 minutes
Mixing time: 2 minute
Total time: 6 minutes

Directions:

1. Combine strawberries, tequila, agave, basil, ice cubes, and fruit juices in a blender
2. Mix on medium until smooth
3. Add the ice and puree until the ice is completely crushed (about 1 minute)
4. OPTIONAL: Salt the rim of the glass
5. Pour into glass and enjoy
6. Repeat step 5
7. Repeat step 6
8. Repeat step 7 if you’re feeling fun!
   Let’s be real, you know us TCD girls will be!

– Alexa

10 Questions Everyone Asks You when You’re on a Diet

Hardcore diets are something I have experience with since I’ve been an athlete all my life and like to stay in as best shape as possible. I’ve tried everything from no-carb diets to a full 24-day cleanse. So, of course, I’ve heard every question in the book. Here are a few of the best ones I’ve ever been asked…

1. There is of course, the most simple and basic question:
   What are you allowed to eat/drink?
   Thanks.
2. The question only other dieters would ask:
   Are you on a fasting schedule? (AKA eat within an 8-10 hour window?)
   If you’re asking if I’m hungry, the answer is yes.
3. The question that reminds you why you’re border line limping into work: What is your exercise routine to go along with your diet?
   It’s called getting up and kicking serious booty at the gym.
4. The question people always seem to ask on a Friday:
   Can you drink alcohol at all?
   WHYYYYYYY?!
5. The question that reminds you even though you think you’re close, you’re so far away:
   How long does your diet last?
   FOR-EV-ER.
6. The question that doesn’t even deserve a response:
   Are you starving everyday?
   Oh no you did not.
7. The question you can’t answer as soon as it’s asked because you’re already off to the bathroom:
   How much water do you need to drink along with your diet?
   So you know the Great Lakes….
8. Another “Are you serious?” question:
   Are you having any side effects?
   Uhm, yes. I’m hopefully losing weight. Duh.
9. The “I spend too much time in GMC” question:
   Are you taking any supplements?
   Anything and everything.
10. And lastly, the obvious:
    What are your plans for once your diet is over?
    To become a Victoria’s Secret model, obviously. I’m ready for my close up!

All of these questions I have heard multiple times and they’re pretty straight forward. For example, the first few questions always entail what you’re allowed to eat and drink and what your exercise routine is. Also, everyone always wants to know if you’re consuming alcohol or what the limits are. Basically, if you’re trying to be good, you won’t be drinking (although that’s hard for the Irish in me.)

All these are great questions regarding diets. Just remember, you don’t have to go on some crazy no-fat, no-carb, no-sugar diet to reach your goals. Life is all about being flexible! Work hard, workout harder and enjoy all life has to offer!

Oh, and make sure to show off that rockin’ bod you earned once you finish putting up with all these questions. 😉

Until next time, B.

– Brittany