Winter is truly here and here are some fun tips
and tricks for the month ahead. Enjoy!

14 Tequila Shots That Will Rock Your World

Tequila and shot drinks are natural companions and a sign that the party's really getting started. When someone says "Let's do tequila shots!" you probably think of a straight pour of tequila with lime and salt on the side, but the tequila shot can be so much more. From quick ideas for fun and fruity mixes to recipes with a spicy kick, there's a tequila shot for everyone and every party.

Straight Tequila Shots

Lick, Sip, Suck... That is how the classic tequila shot goes down. While it's a fun way to take your tequila, there is an actual purpose behind the method: the salt cools the burn and the lime enhances the flavour.

Sangrita

Sticking with tradition, it's always fun to revisit the double-banger known as the sangrita. It's possible that you've enjoyed the spicy tomato shot, but that is an Americanized version and the original is arguably a little better. The authentic sangrita still has that spicy kick and requires a post-tequila chaser. However, it uses an orange juice and grenadine base with a dash (or two) of hot sauce. It's a blast and definitely an experience you won't forget.

El Vocho

Inspired by the sangrita, the chaser for el vocho takes a completely different route. It does require a bit more work, but it's worth it.

For this shooter, you'll blend up a mix of pineapple juice, cilantro, and mint to create a green chaser. Add a jalapeño, pour a straight tequila shot, and enjoy the ride!

Crouching Tiger

Tequila shots do have a softer side and the crouching tiger shows this off perfectly. This shooter requires just two ingredients and once you get a taste for the sweet nectar that is lychee and tequila, well, it's very hard to stop. Therein lies the danger here, it's almost too good! Try to take it easy, no matter how difficult that can be.

Mexican Samurai

Another seductively sweet shooter, the Mexican Samurai is of the gentler sort. In fact, it's almost too delicious to slam in one gulp.

To create this shooter, you will want to begin by preparing a fresh sour mix(don't worry, it's easy). Come party time, simply shake that with your favourite tequila and the electric green fruit liqueur called TY KU. Strain it, shoot it, and savour the sweetness!

Firecracker

For the firecracker, you'll mix three of the most popular party booze for an unbelievable punch of flavour. Beyond the tequila, the choice of schnapps for this shooter is very specific: Rumple Minze adds its 100-proof smack of peppermint and Goldschlager brings in its sweet cinnamon and sparkling gold flakes. It may not be the easiest shot to get down, but it sure is unforgettable!

The Office Party

The office party is not at all what it looks like and the surprise ingredient will delight everyone at your party. This recipe mixes a reposado tequila with lime, ginger, and grenadine. While that sounds normal, it all begins with red bell pepper juice. If you have not yet muddled a bell pepper, run to the kitchen and try it right now! This unknown veggie juice is both surprising and fantastic and it only gets better when mixed into the shooter.

Wake the Dead

Coffee, coffee, tequila! It is time to wake the dead. This simple shot appeals to your espresso-loving taste buds. Just mix cold espresso with coffee liqueur, and finish it off with tequila. You're left with a caffeinated, tequila-soaked shooter that's sure to keep the party going.

Apocalypse Now

If you want to go old-school, try the odd shooter named for the movie, "Apocalypse Now." It's an unusual mix of tequila, dry vermouth, and Irish cream and you'll be surprised to find out that it kind of actually works. Be bold, be brave, and give this bizarre blend a try.

Tequila Slammer

It's time to get messy! Well, hopefully not, but the chances are pretty good that you'll spill a bit while drinking the tequila slammer. There's really not much to this shot, just tequila and ginger ale. What makes it fun is the way you "mix" it by slamming it into a fizzing shooter on the bar. Drink it fast and have a towel ready.

Prairie Fire

Would you like a little Tabasco with your tequila? The prairie fire is the shot for you. When you keep the hot sauce in check, this is actually a great way to give your tequila shot a kick. If, however, you choose to overdo it you may not be tasting anything for a while!

Margarita Jelly Shot

There are times that call for a well-crafted margarita, but there are also parties where the margarita jelly shot is a whole lot more fun! Unbelievably simple, this jello shot recipe takes everything that's great about the cocktail and transforms it into a jiggly shooter. You can even customize it in many different ways, so let your inner mad scientist out and start playing around in the kitchen!

Mexican Flag

It's time to hone your bartending skills and learn how to layer your booze. This simple shooter is designed to look like a Mexican flag with its layers of grenadine, tequila, and crème de menthe. Floating the three ingredients is relatively easy, so it's perfect for beginners and the taste is, well, interesting to say the least! Three Wise Men Visit Mexico

In the bartending world, the "three wise men" are Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniel, and Jim Beam. The whiskey trio makes for a pretty intense shot and it gets even crazier when Jose Cuervo's invited to the party. Enjoy your "trip" to Mexico, just be sure to take it easy when you get there!

WINTER BUCKET LIST

With less than 1 month left of the winter season to go – woo hoo!– have you completed the bucket list for Winter?? Here are some ideas -

Enjoy a twirl on an outdoor ice rink (plenty of pop ups in major cities)

Escape to the tropics and soak up some rays of sun

Games Night: Organise a low key afternoon with some favourite board games – guarantee some laughs and a little competition!

Find some local markets, rug up and enjoy the local fresh food and hand made craft

Grab the hiking boots, a woolly scarf and seek a local bush walk – combine this with a hearty picnic in the sunshine

Build a winter bonfire (or sit around an open fire) and make s’mores.

Take a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate and sit outside on your front porch swing (ideal) or your favourite comfy chair - with a crossword

Are you heading to the mountains with some snow fun!

Build a fort and have a snowball fight with your kids (or your spouse/partner). You can even buy a snow block maker and build an igloo.

S’Mores – what are they? and here’s a recipe!

S’mores - A s'more is a traditional night time campfire treat. An easy treat for all to enjoy

INGREDIENTS

• 16 digestive or milk arrowroot biscuits

• 100g packet mini marshmallows

• 150g block milk chocolate, cut into small pieces (or Nutella if time poor!)

METHOD

Step 1

Cut eight 15cm foil squares. Sit a biscuit on each square, top with some marshmallows, then some chocolate and another biscuit.

Step 2

Wrap in foil and place in the embers of a fire (get an adult to help), or in the oven (preheated to 180°C). Bake for 5-6 minutes or until heated through. Serve with mugs of hot chocolate. MMMM



Terrarium – DIY and what are they?

Before you get started creating your own, you may be wondering: what exactly is a terrarium?

What is a Terrarium?

A terrarium is a collection of small, decorative plants growing in an enclosed environment. Terrarium containers are typically transparent and provide an opening big enough to allow the gardener to access the plants inside. The best part about a DIY terrarium is that you get to create something one-of-a-kind. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about how to make a terrarium. From definition and inspiration to creation and care, you’ll be enjoying your miniature garden in no time at all. Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need to get started.

DIY Terrarium Supplies

• Glass Vessel – You’ll need some sort of glass vessel to create your terrarium. There are plenty of unique containers from which to choose. Just make sure that the vessel is made of a transparent material so you can enjoy your mini-garden.

• Small Stones or Pebbles – Small stones or pebbles will be used as the base of your terrarium. The small pebbles act as water drainage for the plants’ roots to ensure that excess water doesn’t stay in the soil and cause rot.

• Activated Charcoal – You won’t need much; a thin layer of activated charcoal keeps water fresh and helps to fight off bacterial growth in your terrarium.

• Potting Soil – Potting soil will act as an important layer for your DIY terrarium. Any type of soil should do the trick, although there are special mixes available if you’re planting cacti or succulents.

• Plants – It wouldn’t be a terrarium without the greenery. Pick out a few of your favorite pint-sized plants to use in your terrarium. Air plants, succulents and mini-cacti are all viable options. See our complete list of recommended terrarium plants below.

• Small Gardening Tools – Having small tools handy will help you create and situate all of the items in your DIY terrarium.

Best Plants for Your DIY Terrarium



When selecting plants to use for your DIY terrarium, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Select plants that are small enough for your glass vessel. You won’t want any greenery touching the sides of your container and making your terrarium feel cramped.

• Plants that do well with humidity are most likely to thrive in your terrarium. Although succulents and cacti aren’t humidity’s biggest fans, you can compensate by using a glass container with a slight opening, like the one we used for this tutorial.

Whatever plants you select, you can keep them healthy by mimicking their natural environment in your terrarium. We recommend choosing a few from the list below:

• Air plant Tillandsia stricta

• Moon Valley Pilea involucrata

• Starfish plant Cypthathus bivittatus

• Nerve plant Fittonia verschaffeltii var. argyoneura

• Assorted succulents

• Assorted cacti

Once you’ve picked out the perfect plants, it’s time to get started. Follow our step-by-step guidelines below and you’ll be on your way to creating your own decorative garden in no time at all.