July is a big month for my family: Our son turns 1 the first week of the month! At this moment he’s “helping” me write this column while we practice throwing a ball back and forth, standing and pushing buttons with a turtle that plays classical music and teaches the different sections of the orchestra. It has taken me over an hour to write just this much – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Though I wouldn’t trade the time I get to spend with him for anything, making time for myself is also important. I loved reading our feature, “Pampering Yourself: Achieving that summer glow” for ideas on how to make the most of the time I set aside for myself. My husband and I also make sure to find time for the two of us, though our date nights have definitely changed! Happy hours are wonderful ways to fit in a date or reconnect with a group of friends that feel like a splurge, but are reasonably priced and get us home before our new, much earlier, bedtime. Our feature on “Summer Happy Hours” highlights nine of the most refreshing around town.
Starting this month I’m adding a new section to my note! Inspired by one of my favorite podcasts, Pop Culture Happy Hour, each month I’m going to share “what’s making me happy,” and to kick things off I’m featuring two!
Seersucker Gin seems made for New Orleans summers, and believe me when I tell you that the following recipe for a Frozen Cherry Limeade (courtesy of Seersucker’s Founder and Master Distiller of Trey Azar) is an incredibly tasty adult way to cool off!
Add 2 ounces Seersucker Southern Style Gin Limeade (which you can find at Grande Krewe and Prytania Wine & Spirits, among others), ½-ounce grenadine, ½-ounce lime juice, 4 ounces water and 8 ounces ice to a blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with a lime wedge and a Maraschino cherry (or 4, if you’re like me) and enjoy! The Seersucker Gin company shared a sample with me (enough for two of these cocktails) and I wanted to share this with you.
After learning about my sensitive skin (I think if you look at my neck wrong I break out in a rash), Whitney Wilcox, Co-Founder of locally made Bombshell Organics (BombshellOrganics.com), shared her story and some of her products with me. Handmade in small batches, all of her products are 100 percent organic and unrefined, and made without water fillers, parabens, petroleum, waxes or synthetic vitamins. I encourage you to visit their website and talk to Whitney and her sister with questions and concerns about your skin. Their Liquid Gold serum has revitalized the skin around my eyes and neck, and the texture of their Vita-Body Butter is unlike anything else I’ve ever tried.
Stay cool and enjoy your summer!
Morgan Packard Griffith
JULY
6
“Opening Night Party: Macbeth,” benefiting New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane, 865-5106
6
“Chicken Jam,” benefiting the Al Copeland Foundation, 620-3727
14
“Mr. Legs XVIII,” benefiting Bridge House/Grace House, 821-7134
8
“Rock, Ride and Rescue,” benefiting SPCA & multiple animal groups, 453-3048
26
“You Night Cancer Survivor Runway Show & Celebration,” benefiting You Night Events, (877) 591-5936, extension 3
AUGUST
3-5
“2018 New Orleans Antiques Forum,” benefiting Historic New Orleans Collection, 523-4662
4
“Hancock Whitney White Linen Night™,” benefiting the Contemporary Arts Center, 528-3805, CACNO.org/hwwln2018
10
17th annual “Summer Cure Chefs Wine Dinner,” benefiting SUSAN G. Komen New Orleans, 455-7310
11
Sixth annual “Mom’s Night Out,” benefiting New Orleans Moms Blog, NewOrleansMomsBlog.com
25
Seventh annual “Senior Moments,” benefiting Jefferson Council on Aging, 207-4691
25
20th annual “CHAIRish the Children,” benefiting Louisiana Children’s Museum, 266-2415, LCM.org
