Would You Like a (Skinny) Margarita With That Sun?

So, as I drive home after a day at work with the window's down, on a Friday, with 30 degree temperatures, a smile lights up my face as it is that time of year again.

The time where it is gorgeously hot with a warm breeze at night, and what a better way to say hello to the weekend then a margarita on the balcony, soaking up the sunlight before it fades into night.

What is that I hear you say? Summer is approaching and you are wanting to watch your waistline? Not a problem! A recipe I have dug up called "Skinny Margarita" is only 118.4 calories, compared to your usual 311 calories. BRILLIANT! Just what every woman wants to hear right?!

So how do you create some of this magic? Well, it is simple! Right in the vicinity of your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of lime juice 
• 1 cup of water
• 20 drops of stevia
• 6 oz tequila
• 2 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
• Ice
• Salt for the glass rim- for an extra touch!

Steps:

1. Make a pitcher of margaritas by stirring all the ingredients together and taste it to alter sweetness levels
2. Add an additional (optional) stevia
3. Serve in your salt-rimmed glass over ice!

Serves: 4 glasses

Too easy right, all within 10 minutes and you could be looking at this on your balcony too, but actually enjoying it!!

Bring on summer (and that slim waistline at the same time too)!!!

Tea for Two at T2

A sunny spring day. A cup of tea. And a chat with your mates. That makes a perfect day. Plus a fact that tea is healthy! *I'm just trying to be fun*

T2 has been one of my favourite outing place, especially when I want to slow down, sit back and relax with some special friends. Its unique design, unique menu and friendly staff are the reasons why I keep coming back times after times. 

T2 Tea House has two stores, one in Macquarie Shopping Center and another one in Hornsby which I have never been at. 

The look from outside, through the glass walls

The very first thing that attracted my attention when I first came into the Macquarie Tea House store was the Japanese looking lady on the wall decoration. It gave me the feeling that I'll be served with tea in Japanese style - which is not true...kinda confusing...but anw, now I get used to it, after the 3rd time visiting the store. 

The warm color, stylish and cushiony chairs will surely make you feel like home. 

Different chair and table settings (btw, they're having High tea)

An interesting thing at Tea House is that it looks like a shop where the waiter/waitress will come to your table and take your order, but in fact, it's not! At my first time, I was sitting at my table, waiting for like 10 minutes, hoping that someone would come to me and ask to take the order. Until I saw a lady at the next table came to the counter and ordered her tea.

Another cool thing is that you will receive an empty teapot from the cashier after paying. Then, you'll bring this empty teapot back to your table and wait until the teapot is replaced with your tea. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. In the meantime, it's a good idea to go through the menu to decide on what to try at your next visit! They have a set drink menu written on a blackboard above the counter, with a variety of new teas everyday. 

Sweets, salad, scones, cakes, etc 

Their delights include a range of cakes, pastries, sandwiches, salads, sweets and of course, tea. The tea is served in a Victorian-styled teapot or polka dotted ones, with unique traditional and contemporary tea cup. 

This time I get myself Crème Brulée tea and one caramel macaroon. 

And it tastes like Crème Brulée which is awesome! I can smell the caramelized aroma and feel the sweetness when slowly sipping the tea. This makes a perfect combination with the macaroon and gives me so much joy.

However, I must say I'm not a true tea drinker. So I'm quite happy with what I get here. If you expect some real, authentic, English tea experience, I suggest you might want to try somewhere else...

T2 Tea House
Address: Level 4, Shop 440 - Macquarie Shopping Center
Tel: 9888 3665