Shannon and I love the Fourth of July and will be spending it together, with our families and close friends in Sonoma. Whenever we do these fun group getaways, the food menu and the cocktail choices are always a huge part of our pre-planning discussion. Our friends (and Shannon) are AMAZING cooks, so I won't get into the delicious menus that are planned for breakfast, lunch and dinner while we're away..(or maybe I will, but that will be another post)...but I will offer my favorite cocktail for this Holiday: The Watermelon Margarita.

Watermelon Margaritas are the perfect complement to a warm day by the pool, or a backyard BBQ and because they are not "traditional" margaritas, you will surely impress your friends. There are plenty of recipes out there that require you to "reduce" the juice and carve the fruit...blah, blah, blah....but all of that is too much work for a drink that is so delicious your friends' glasses will go empty at a rapid pace. So if you don't want sore arms from muddling, follow this simple recipe:

The Ingredients:

For a salted rim, dip the glass in a shallow plate with lime juice and then dip the glass in another shallow plate with salt.

Add ample ice ( I like mine extra cold), and fill the glass about 1/3 with blanco tequila ( I love Clase Azul).

Add the Watermelon Juice (I love the Watermelon Cucumber Cooler from Trader Joe's...low sugar and the cucumber is refreshing), and top with a splash of club soda and a squeeze of lime.

The result is refreshing, delicious and a patriotic take on the classic margarita.

Cheers!

This Friday Buy Day is extra special as we approach the Fourth of July! We are bringing you our top picks for this fantastic Holiday with enough time for shipments to arrive before the big BBQ.

First things first, high-waist denim shorts. This collaboration with Alexa Chung and AG is a good one and these cut-offs are the perfect mix of casual cool. Great rinse, perfect length and look just as cool with a cropped lace blouse as they do with a boyfriend button-down.

Next up, this beautiful embroidered blouse. We love the softly flared sleeve, the tassle detail on the neck-tie (although personally I'd leave the tie undone for a more relaxed and open neck-line) and the bronze, royal and cream color combo. Pair this with ripped denim and metallic sandals (see below) for a chic but effortless look, or try it with cut-offs and an open-toe bootie for an edgy and bohemian vibe.

This bathing suit by Lauren Moffatt epitomizes patriotic style. The floral print is a little bit sweet while the bandeau cut-out is a little bit sexy. This would look fantastic with denim shorts and a fringed straw hat for milling around the pool.

We love a graphic tee or sweater and this one is perfect to pack for your 4th of July getaway. Wear it with ripped jeans and a head-scarf for a playful yet casual look, or try it with a denim shirt underneath, skinny sweats and sneakers for a cozy evening around a fire roasting s'mores!

I DIE for these cullottes. If you are inclined to indulge in this latest trend, these are the pants (shorts?) for you..and they are now an ADDITIONAL 20% Off the sale price of $79 with code SALEAWAY! Love the print, love the shape, love everything. I picture them with a cropped blouse, and strappy heels (red suede would look great!) for a Fourth of July fete that is a little more dressy than a backyard BBQ.

Lastly, these rose gold sandals will be your go-to shoe of the season and are now on sale for $99 (from almost $200) and are an additional 20% for a limited time. The twisted silk rope, rose gold color and the tassle details make for a sophisticated take on the Grecian trend. They would look great with the ethereal embroidered blouse (mentioned above) and denim shorts, or pair them with a breezy maxi. These are the perfect sandals for an evening when you want to feel a bit dressy but don't have the energy to wear a high-heel.

And there you have it...our top picks to be the best-dressed guest no matter where your Fourth of July plans are taking you!!

Our Favorite Fourth of July Refresher

Friday Buy Day 6.26.15