Santa’s Helper With Banhez – Holiday Cocktail Series Starts Here!

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‘Tis the season for sharing your favorite recipes and sweet treats with the people you love, and today I’m sharing with you a very special series! I’m teaming up with Banhez Mezcal to bring you some holiday themed cocktails just in time for your next party or festive gathering.

Today’s installment, jovially named Santa’s Helper, is the first of three that will all be launching here this week. During the video where I make this drink live with you, you’ll hear me refer to the ‘Banhez ensemble’ and I say that because Mezcal is made from 100% agave, but this one is a blend of two, which creates a very mixable spirit, perfect for cocktails!

Before we jump into the recipe I want to tell you why I chose to partner with Banhez. They’re the only mezcal that is Farm Family (37 and growing) owned (co-operative in Oaxaca Mexico) and they believe that a strong foundation comes from a strong community. So closely related to my own brand ethos, community building and story sharing is so important to me. I love that they’re filled with heritage which is so often celebrated, and that honoring the land is such a huge part of the Banhez mission.

So to continue with this theme of gratitude and community, I’m hosting a giveaway with Banhez just for YOU! Today through the 21st you’ll be able to enter my Banhez Mezcal giveaway, right here just by commenting below! So I hope you follow along and enter each step of the way, you’ll have multiple chances to win and the prize is valued at over $250! Entry details are below, following the recipe <3

Santa’s Helper: 

  • 2 oz Banhez Ensemble
  • 3/4 oz Cranberry syrup**
  • 2 dashes Fee Brother’s Old Fashioned Bitters
  • Orange zest
  • Sprig of rosemary

Begin by preparing the Cranberry Syrup and then begin to build the yumminess!

**Cranberry Syrup:
1 can of cranberry sauce, any consistency will work
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Dashes of whatever spice you’d like- I used 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg

1) To prepare the cranberry syrup simply put all the ingredients together in a Japanese stirring glass (or pint glass) and mix until smooth. Double strain solids through a sieve and bottle the remaining syrup in a mason jar or air tight container. If you’d like to make this recipe in bulk simply double or triple the recipe and it should last in your refrigerator for about two weeks.

2) Now for the cocktail part, in a large shake tin combine together the Banhez ensemble, cranberry syrup that you just made, and bitters over ice. Shake shake shake and then strain into a rocks glass with ice, garnish with orange zest and a rosemary sprig.

I truly hope you give this cocktail a taste and let me know what you think! Banhez Mezcal is best when enjoyed with friends as it’s made with the spirit of community, and is meant to be shared with yours. I’m so happy to support a brand that has so much heart and that’s where my excitement to share this series with you comes from.

As I mentioned before, I have two more holiday themed cocktails featuring Banhez coming your way this week so stay tuned and don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below in the comments section! The lucky winner will receive this gift here, featuring a 1 Liter bottle of Banhez Mezcal and this entire beautiful cocktail creating set!So enter enter enter this is a good one!

I hope you know I love hearing from you all so you’ll have to tell me if you’ve tried Banhez Mezcal before. Is there a recipe I should make for myself and share with everyone? Sharing is caring, tell me all the things! Thank you for being a part of this series with me, to purchase Banhez Mezcal for yourself or as a gift (yay they’ll ship before Christmas if you order now!) you can order HERE! I chose to feature Banhez because it’s special to me as is my platform. Especially because they’re proudly Mexican, full of heart and heritage, made up of cocktails and artisanal dreams, and built by the spirit of community. What’s not to love, look at these smiles!

Giveaway Entry Rules:

– must be 21+ years old to enter
– winner will be selected at random
– enter as many times as you like, the more you enter, the more chances you have to win!
– an ‘entry’ is a comment on all 3 Banhez Mezcal cocktail articles here on the blog, here’s Epi 2 and Epi 3! Be sure to enter on ALL 3 blog articles!
– stumped on what comment to leave? Tell me a fun fact about yourself or what your plans are for the holidays! I love learning more about you guys!
– and drink responsibly as always please and thank you <3
, love Mama Lizama

Feel free to send this to a friend who would like to enter as well, the more the merrier! Tis the season of sharing so cheers to you and yours from me and mine <3

Interested in learning more about Banhez? I’ve linked you here: 

BANHEZ IG: @banhezmezcalartesanal

BANHEZ FB: https://www.facebook.com/banhezmezcalartesanal

 

 

 

 

 

For The Fitness Babe

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The grand finale. I saved my last gift guide of this holiday season for one of my most dearest … this is for the fitness babe.

You badass, strong, fierce, resilient, beautiful humans inspire me every day and this list is after my own heart. You fit foxes, if your friends are fellow health/wellness lovers this is for them too. To choose from everything I use daily and narrow them down to my top six choices to share with you was really difficult, but there’s a reason I chose each of them. So here we go.

 

Alo Yoga Stow Backpack • This backpack is perfect for all my yogis out there, it has bungee straps at the bottom to hold your yoga mat! Hands free baby! It’s also water resistant and features a laptop sleeve because you’re a boss babe on the move! I personally love the padded back because ‘shweatttty’, and it comes with a small pouch that hooks to the interior so you don’t have to go fishing around for your lip balm or keys… all the littles easily get stowed in the pouch that you can easily locate by feeling for the clip, yaaaas! #clawhand #ilizashlesinger P.S. I think this also makes for a really awesome diaper bag for you active mamas <3

Fre Skincare • Created for skin that sweats! That me! That’s you! Eeeek! I’ve been using Fre since last year and it’s the ONLY skincare product that won’t break me out if I apply it before my sweat sesh. I stand behind this one. It doesn’t burn when you sweat your face off (and all of your skincare) into your eyeballs, the sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin, and the serum is like buttah. You get 25% off your order with the code JESSLIZAMA so I hope you give it a try and if you don’t love it you can return it. Love that policy.

Amethyst Gem Glass Bottle • Placing a beautiful gem with a meaningful message inside of a glass bottle that’s also eco friendly… they had me at hello. The crystal infuses the water with its powerful energy and I’m here for it. They have different crystals to choose from so lean into your woo woo and tell your friends to too! Woohooo! 

Bootayyyy Bands • Biti Bands and Training Guide with Rebecca! This one I’m especially excited to share with you because I’ve known Rebecca for a few years now and she’s a genuine person who’s created a genuine brand. I love supporting my friends and I’d love it if you supported her too! Check out her Biti Band guide, one of the options comes WITH the bands! She’s a walking billboard for her program, goals Rebecca, just goals! Swoon. Check her out and get your booty lifted ¶ and shifted ¶ higher than the ceiling ¶

SPANX Faux Leather Moto Leggings • Also for the booty! I love these leggings, I purchased 2 more pairs for myself during cyber week. They’re ultra comfortable, the compression doesn’t make you feel like you’re a muffin, and they’re squat proof! I tested them during our last Lacey Stone Fitness bootcamp and they’ll keep your bits protected don’t you worry. They also transition from bootcamp to brunch really easily with their chic, stylish design. Throw on a clean top, a top knot, and some sunnies and you’re ready to go! 

APL Training Shoes • I mean, they’re rose gold! Well they come in rose gold which is my all time favorite color. I love that they’re exceptionally comfortable (even for my wide feet), breathable, and they’re designed to strategically to support your movements. She needs these. You need these. We all scream for ice cream. *sorry I just blacked out

 

And that’s all she wrote! I hope you’ve had fun scrolling through each of my gift guides, I truly enjoy putting these together for you and sharing with you the things I own or want need to own. Now that I have all of the gifting out of my system what shall we talk about next?

Did I miss anything? Was there something you would’ve loved to have seen on these lists? Share them with me! Happy holidays and safe travels babes <3

 

 

 

Stocking Stuffers For Her

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For my babes on a budget this is for you! Here are my top picks for stocking stuffers for her under $25 <3

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, digging through my stocking is more exciting to me than unwrapping gifts, I think because it feels like an Easter egg hunt. Stay with me here, I just mean that most things in the stocking aren’t wrapped, they’re just in this shell ‘wrapping’ which is the stocking.. ya know, kinda like hidden treasures in the shell of an Easter egg!

Please say you get my reference haha Enjoy these stocking stuffers for her, they’re fun ones!

Glossier Body Hero • Glossier really has it together with their marketing strategy man, I tell ya. Everything they launch I feel like I have to have… maybe I don’t have an impulsive shopping addiction so much as I just fall victim to really good advertisements? Sure, we’ll go with that. This Body Hero lotion you guys, it was used on my legs during a shoot and I instantly took a picture of the packaging and purchased it in the car ride home. It’s silky smooth, ultra hydrating, has think pink iridescent glow to it so your skin looks toned and glowy but never glittery. The scent is light enough to layer under your favorite fragrance and if you sign up for their emails you get a discount on your purchase. Lil smarties. They got me again.

Herbivore Face Toner • Toners and serums are probably the two products I talk about the most. It’s because these two products have the power to elevate your skincare routine…they help your skincare products help you help the perpetual helpers that we seek in the beauty aisle. I love this one because green tea all the things.

Make Dew Pot • I love a cream blush during the winter months because my skin is already stressin’ from the drier air, the gustier winds (halllo I live in L.A. what even am I talking about rn), and sleeping ON my face WITH makeup on. Thank God for my silk pillow, oh hey did you see my gift guide that includes a silk pillow? 😉 This color can double as a lip and cheek tint, has vitamins C and E which will condition your skin. Make is always fresh and never tested on animals <3

Chunky Small Hoops • People may think I don’t actually use or purchase these things but I promise I do! I just gifted one of my favorite people these small chunky hoops because they’re so versatile and you can wear them with anything. Anything. Yes, think of an outfit, now imagine them with these hoops. So good, I know!

Mini Notebook • A lot of times I just type out ideas and thoughts into the notes on my phone or onto a text edit. Yes a text edit, who am I, my mother? So I started carrying around a mini notebook, tbh it’s not this cute either, this one is caaauuute! Perfect for when you’re sitting around and need to doodle. Am I the only one that still doodles? I am my mother.

Chic Incense Holder • Chic is one of my favorite words can you tell? I need to find a new word. Elegant… these incense holders are elegant and sophisticated. Thank you synonyms page. Corrine loves to burn incense that makes my nose itch but I love that damn lil lady so I let her burn all the incense until I can’t breathe. Now she can be chic while doing it and I can be chic while coughing on air.

Told you these would be cute! They’re so fun and I hope you love these lil gift guides I’ve been creating. They’re for you and for me. And for Joe too. Hi Joe! These are the things I’d like for Christmas baby!

 

Feel free to send these guides over to your family and friends sort of a PSA of what one would get one who wanted such things. 

 

 

 

For The Beauty Lover!

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Dear Santa, I created this gift guide for the beauty lovers out there and hi I’m one of them. I would very much like to find these under the tree on Christmas morning please and thank you. I’ve been a good girl just ask Joe. Actually don’t ask Joe, ask my puppers Luna and Ace 😉

These are easily my top six picks for this season’s beauty faves! A lil something for hair, skin, and over all glow, the beauty lover in your life will appreciate any of these gifts. I really wanted to include splurge worthy items because there’s so many products to choose from, if you’re gonna spend the pretty penny, spend it on these pretties!

La Mer Crème • One of the most luxurious brands on the market, I’d genuinely take anything from La Mer… oh a sample you say? I’ll have it! lol It’s so rich and hydrating, never irritates my skin, and this set for $150 will give you some of the most coveted La Mer skincare essentials. Say bye to dryness and uneven texture, oh and to parabens and sulfates too. 

Huda Eyeshadow Palette • How pretty and festive is this palette! With its ultra pigmented pinks and nudes, and sparkles too! 18 shades, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s such a timeless collection of colors that you’ll be able to dip into it long after the holidays. Investment piece! 

Nurse Jamie Uplift Massaging Beauty Roller • I’m kind of loving obsessed with lymph drainage videos and how different beauty tools can aid your skincare to create lasting results. I have two beauty rollers (would you like a video on this?), a rose quartz one that I keep in the fridge to apply serums and creams, and this Nurse Jamie one that I keep on my nightstand. Not to mention it feels so relaxing to have a mini massager rolled all over your face, give it a try! 

Oribe • Oribe anything! When people hug me if they mention how my hair smells it’s probably this guy right here. Oribe is one of my go-to hair care brands because it just does the job. It smells clean and fresh, vamps up my hair when it’s drab, and the packaging is something out of marketing dreams lol This shampoo has caffeine it it which rejuvenates your hair follicles and salicyclic acid which will oh so gently exfoliate your scalp, it’s a wonderful clarifying product. Lookin’ at all my dry shampoo addicts out there!

Tatcha Gold Beauty Oil • Oh so fancy! Put gold in cow manure and tell me it’s great for my skin and I’d probs slab it all over my face. I’m a monster I know. This is a ‘does all the things’ kind of beauty oil with 23-karat gold that you can literally put anywhere. Your skin, your hair, your cuticles, put it everywhere! I especially love this oil for my dry skin and to combat fine lines, but it was created for all skin types, so this. is. for. you. And your beauty babe too! 

Slip silk pillow case • My NUMBER ONE beauty tip for you is to invest in a silk pillow case. For you, for your beauty guru bestie, for your mother in law, for your significant other. It’s my lil gem of a beauty secret, not that it’s any secret, but this silk pillow case is anti-aging, anti face-squishing and creasing, anti-bed head, and PRO YOUTH magicalness. Get one for her, and two for you 😉 

 

 

This guide and the for ‘the fitness babes’ guide which is up next have been my most favorite to compile for you <3

 

Do you have someone in mind that would love to open one of these babies up for Christmas? Ahem, you totally count if you want to gift yourself and say it’s from Santa. You ARE Santa <3

 

 

 

 

 

Amour Holiday Palette

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I’m feeling like a big ol’ shiny cranberry with this look so I’ll call it the ‘Cranberry Crush’! I’ve been loving all the Beauty Brand x Influencer collaborations happening with palettes and lipsticks and this one did not disappoint. This Amour Amour eyeshadow palette by Estee Lauder x Violette La Dangereuse is gorgeous! I used five of the eight colors to create this holiday look when I headed out to Joe’s company holiday party and it’s pigmented and not chalky at all. It has sparkle to it but not like you’ve dumped glitter onto your eyelids … which by the way I’m totally not opposed to, I think that’ll be my next tutorial! Quick tip ≈ it’s way more colorful if you add a few layers, the camera really picked up on the color but in person I could’ve gone for another layer 😉

Scroll down for a quick video of the full look, would you like a break down of it? Step by step?

 

Tell me what your favorite collaborations have been so I can try them out and play in color! Oh and also if you’d like a step by step of this <3 Get out there and shine baby, this is a sparkly one! xx

 

 

Stocking Stuffers For Him

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I combed the internet for these stylish, luxurious, and practical stocking stuffers just for him <3 They’re a bit more pricey than the gift guide I featured earlier this week but stocking stuffers to me are so much more fun! I almost love digging through my stocking more than I love unwrapping a boxed gift … am I the only one?

 

Cashmere Scarf ≈ This Uniqlo scarf is a soft, plushy cashmere, will keep him warm and keep him cute 😉 Soft things make for sweet snuggles.

Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme ≈ This scent is so perfect that I wear it! It’s got that sexy androgynous feel to it, sensual and stylish. Yes I’m still talking about the cologne lol With citron top notes and base notes of vetiver and sandalwood, buy it for him but enjoy it for yourself also. I fell in love with this scent when a girlfriend of mine Meeshel was wearing it and had to have it, so spritz yourself and see how many ‘mmm you smell so good’ comments you get.

Beats By Dre ≈ Give him the gift of listening to his music privately. And quietly … okay okay maybe this is just another gift for you disguised as as a gift for him but Joe listens to techno music at 6am. 6am! I’m gifting him this so I can live my life in the morning without the bunchhaabunch bada bunchhh. lol I sound like my mother. P.S. I’d like these in rose gold please and thank you.

Kiehl’s For Him ≈ I love when a beauty brand creates something catered to men because they’re usually much simpler than we are and don’t need many products, because they don’t use ANY at all to begin with! lol. I’m lucky if I can get Joe to use a cleanser and moisturizer. Kiehl’s has a bunch of really great skincare sets for him, they’re reasonably priced, and the basic set will have his skin lookin vibrant before no time.

Bose Bluetooth Speaker ≈ Perfect for a hike, a bike ride, the beach, or just lounging around, this wireless speaker weighs less than 11 oz! But he’ll love how big it sounds, you know what they say, great things come in small packages. Like skittles. It’s also scratch resistant and waterproof, again, perfect for all the things he’ll be doing on his adventures.

Fleece Jogger Pants ≈ I LOVE fleece joggers! I bought 3 pairs during Cyber week (raise your hand if you went overboard too) and now I’m gonna splurge on Joe’s stocking and get him these Nike joggers. The heather/birch/black combo is powwww, sooo good! Has pockets, cuffs at the ankles, and is soft like buttah, this will be his favorite <3 But Jess it won’t fit in his stocking…. yes it will, just roll it up like you do the 103 outfits you shove into your luggage and call it a day.

And there it is, my favorite stocking stuffers of the season. Up next is Stocking Stuffers For Her and a Beauty Guru’s Gift Guide!

Please tell me I’m not the only one obsessed with Gift Guides these days. 

 

 

 

 

Gifts For Him Under $45

by with No Comment gift ideasholidays

Keeping with the specificity of ‘gifts under $45’, here’s my favorite lil somethings for that special man in your life. Or your special someone who loves androgynous gifts <3

My thought behind creating this gift guide was “what would Joe want actually use” and “what would my pops and my brother want and actually use”? Cologne, socks, trinkets, all things that are easy gifts and make for great stocking stuffers too, but these are just so damn cute! Psst and kinda chic if you ask me <3Shaving Gel ≈ Grown Alchemist is back at it with this sandalwood and sage shaving gel. It’s light and moisturizing and you won’t be able to keep your hands (and your lips) off his face. It’s a light musky scent that’s fresh and masculine.  

Leather Card Holder ≈ Baggu is one of the simplest yet functional brands. I love how this uncomplicated design is perfect for the one who doesn’t want a protrusion coming out from their back pocket. Made from a fine leather grain it’ll hold 4 cards and some cash. What more do they wanna carry around? Ah yes, whatever it is they’ll ask to put it in your purse haha *for me it’s holding Joe’s eyeglass case and chapstick. And snacks*

Backpack ≈ This is the casual backpack that can be toted from the office to the gym, from a hike to date night! It’s water resistant, has water bottle pockets, and will carry a 14″ laptop. I love that it has padded reinforced straps because if your mans is anything like my Joe he will try to carry everything in that thing! Comes in 26 colors, snag one from him and one for you!

Coffee maker ≈ This chic Chemex is the coolest and comes with or without a handle. Joe loves his morning cup o’ Joe (somehow tried to make a joke there.) but isn’t the best at it. I love you baby but your coffee could use some research skills lol. This pour-0ver allows coffee to be covered or refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor, it’s simple, and perfect for any caffeine lover.

Briefs ≈ Had to throw some Calvin Kleins up in here because if I’m gonna gift underwear, it’s gonna make the booty look good and comes in three. I really don’t enjoy unwrapping individual boxers to build a gift. He’ll appreciate these, guarantee some of his are holey. 

Bindle ≈ I included a gadget! A functional one <3 It’s a 2-in-1 stainless steal water bottle, double wall vacuum insulated with a storage compartment at the bottom! Did you hear that, a storage compartment! I don’t have to carry his keys, cash, or snackies in my teeny ass legging’s pocket. You know the “pocket”, that slit in all of our waist bands that’s supposed to be able to hold stuff? Well it holds nothing. This gift will free up your hands and his so you can do things like get handsy on hikes. 

I hope you enjoyed this lil gift guide from me to you. Next up are stocking stuffers, crowd pleasers, and the ultimate gift guide for the BEAUTY GURU in your life! Stay tuned love bugs and happy holiday shopping. Hope you don’t get too overwhelmed. When you do, come back here to home, where you can save time and monies with my cheap(er) and chic (af) gift guides.

Are you like me and you start shopping for gifts last minute? We leave on the 18th and I have yet to follow my own advice and get to shopping, I’m starting to sweat. “mama my legs are sweatin”. Quick, what movie is that from? 

 

 

 

Gifts For Her Under $45

by with No Comment gift ideasholidays

Yes this is a gift guide for under $45 not ‘under $50’ lol I figured I’d be exact, not under 50 but under 45 babyyy! For that lady in your life.. your wife, girlfriend, bestie, ride or die, sister in law, mother in law, all the ladies!

There’s something for everyone and these are my personal favorites. Corrine and I hand picked these just for this guide and I hope some of them end up under the tree for me!

Tortoise Statement Earrings ≈ I love a good statement earring! Even with a pullover and sweat pants, these earrings will juge it right on up!

PF Candle ≈ Who doesn’t love PF Candle Co, their scents are so subtle and never overpowering. Pick a scent, any scent, they’ll love it no matter what you choose. Sweet Grapefruit happens to be one of my favorites so it’s the one I linked you to 😉

Moglea weekly jotter ≈ Journaling, I’m into it. There’s something that feels special about physically crossing something off your to do list, something about writing out your goals and thoughts and not just typing them out onto your phone notes or a text edit. My friend Nikki gets me a Commit30 calendar/journal each year and it’s one of my favorite gifts. Puts each day into motion.

Body Cleanser ≈ It’s not just a body wash. Grown Alchemist is one of my favorite brands, kind of earthy smelling and musky but not like a basement musky, like a clean sexy musky. It’s a gel cleanser, hydrating, and leaves a light scent on your skin like ‘yo I just showered, hey’.

Moisturizing Lip Tint ≈ Of all the lip balms, lip glosses, and chapsticks I own, the Yves Saint Laurent lip tint reigns supreme. It’s glossy and moisturizing with a sheer splash of color. Just enough to make your pout look naturally flushed but not enough to look like you’re wearing lipstick.

Baggu Everyday Backpack ≈ Baggu just gets bags. This canvas satchel has a drawstring top so even with awkward shaped objects like a liter of water and a laptop (why am I like this…why do I put these two things into one bag together), you can still secure the top so nothing falls out. I carry two water bottles around so this nicely supports that habit with an outside water bottle compartment and for spillage…it’s machine washable. Hallelu!

 

And there it is! My go-to six gifts all under $45 <3 Something for everyone, even if you have a white elephant gift exchange or a weird cousin that you drew during the Secret Santa drawing, there’s a gift in here that anyone will love and appreciate. And while you’re at it, treat yo self!

Have you begun your holiday shopping yet? Are you a last minute, December 24th Mall shopper, crazed Amazon Prime order-er? lol it’s okay, you can tell me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Halloween Cocktail

by with No Comment entertainmentfoodholidayholidaysrecipesSaturday Shake upssaturday siptutorialvideowine not wednesday

Halloween is this week and I’m all for an easy themed cocktail just as much as I’m up for an easy costume! This is the Vampiress Kiss, it’s delicious, Rum-my, sweet, and you’ll just need one… kinda like that vampiress kiss, only takes one.

 

What you’ll need:
– Captain Morgan’s White Rum
– Coconut Rum
– Ice
– Kahlua
– coconut essence
– Milk

For the Vampiress Kiss Drizzle:
– Sugar
– Cherry juice

Method: add ice to a tumbler and combine an oz of white rum with an oz of coconut rum, splash of coconut essence, half an oz kahlua, 1/4 cup milk, and SHAKE

For the drizzle you’ll combine one part sugar to two parts juice in a small pot and boil the mixture until thickened. Then drizzle that goodness into a martini glass and try not to lick the pot. Or do!

I hope you enjoyed this easy and not so spooky Halloween themed cocktail and have a safe and happy Halloween babes!

What are your plans? Staying in or braving the chilly weather and going trick or treating?