Helloooooo Friday!

I love when I randomly get inspired by such cool people. Last week while doing food photos at one of my accounts, I got to talking to one of the chef’s. She’s originally from around the Venice, Italy area. We got to talking about different places in Europe and her upcoming trip to Spain to see her family (they relocated). I was saying how much I liked Europe. She then asked me:

“What is it you like about Europe?”

I’m not going to lie my head went so many places because there truly is so much to love. The coast lines, the views, the wine, but what I really didn’t want to blurt out was oh the pasta! Even though it’s close to true. What I ended up saying was “The people. They seem to be so relaxed and just enjoy life.” Excitedly, my chef friend responded “ You’re so right!! People in Europe take time to enjoy. Americans are so obsessed with work, it’s all they care about.” This surly struck a cord with me. Not that work is a bad thing by any means but when I step back and look it is so easy for that to be your main priority.

I then stumbled across and article about a woman who moved to Spain when she was 20 and built a life and family there and among a few other things, she basically said the same thing. Life was much more relaxed over there. The people, not so obsessed with work.

I’m by no means saying to quit your job (unless that’s right for you), or abandon your current work ethic, believe me mine is alive and well, but I do feel it’s important to add a little Europe to your day and take a minute to just enjoy the day. Dust off those books you’re only halfway done with or are on your list to read, have a drink and good conversation and not look at your phone, or maybe even take a hot bath! Me? I say incorporate them all.

Along with adding Europe to your life, add it to your drink, too. I’m not going to lie this drink is delicious but also a tad unexpected.

Cut tomatoes into slices, and let sit in vodka with a little salt for 6-12 hours.
Prick grape tomatoes and toss with balsamic in a bowl and marinate for 4 hours at tome temp.
Drain tomatoes and reserving vinegar. Bring vinegar to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, and simmer until syrupy, about 20 minutes; let cool.
For each drink, drizzle some of the balsamic into the bottom of a chilled martini glass. In a shaker, muddle 2-3 basil leaves with a splash of tomato vodka. Add 1 1/2 of the vodka and one cup ice, shake it and strain into glass. Garnish with grape tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balls on a skewer.
Serving this cocktail at a party is a great conversation starter or just a unique drink to switch up a usual martini.
Enjoy the weekend Friends! Thanks for stopping by!