• 3 Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes

    3 Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes

    Style & Life: 3 Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes

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    3 Ice Cream Sandwich Recipes 

    Last summer, one of my favorite posts was our ice cream post…it was so delicious and decadent that I wanted to kick it up a notch and do another one this summer. Sooo…what could be more decadent than homemade ice cream? I thought ice cream sandwiches would suffice  These were incredibly difficult to photograph because they were melting so quickly but they tasted great! 

    Mint Oreo Ice Cream Sandwiches

    Mint Oreo Ice Cream:

    2 cups heavy whipping cream

    1 cup whole milk

    3/4 cup sugar

     2 teaspoons peppermint extract

    10-15 Oreo cookies broken in pieces (depending on your preference)

    2 drops green food coloring (optional)

    Mix the milk and sugar with a whisk until the sugar is dissolved.  Add whipping cream and peppermint extract. Stir and add the food coloring (if desired).  Pour into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s directions. If using the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (which I highly recommend), churn for 30 minutes.   When ice cream has reached soft-serve consistency, remove from ice cream maker, transfer to an airtight container, and fold in Oreo pieces. Freeze overnight. 

    Cookie Sandwich Dough:

    1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

    3/4 cup powdered sugar

    1 large egg yolk

    1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    1 cup all-purpose flour

    1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

    pinch of salt

    Beat the butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and the vanilla to the butter mixture and beat to incorporate. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour, cocoa, and salt. Beat until a firm dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Divide dough in half and roll one half of the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. Using a 2.5-3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles. Poke holes into the cookies with the end of a wooden skewer. Place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the pan. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely.

    To assemble: Place one cookie face down.  Using the same cookie cutter as you used for the cookies, cut circles from the ice cream. Place one piece of ice cream on each of the cookies and top with remaining cookies. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in airtight container and freeze until set — about 30 minutes.

     

    Luxardo Cherry Ice Cream Sandwiches

    Luxardo Cherry Ice Cream

    4 egg yolks

    ¾ cup sugar

    2 cups milk

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    1 tablespoon vanilla paste

    1 cup heavy cream

    1/3 cup Luxardo Cherries

    Mix the egg yolks and the sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until mixture is pale and creamy. Set aside.  In a medium saucepan place 1 cup of milk, the vanilla extract and vanilla paste. Let the mixture boil over medium heat.  When it starts boiling add ⅓ of this milk to the yolk and sugar mixture. Mix well. Now pour this mixture in the pan with remaining milk. Keep stirring on low heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add remaining 1 cup of milk and heavy cream. Mix well and let it cool. Fold in the cherries. Place vanilla ice cream in the ice cream maker and work it according to manufacturer’s instructions. My Cuisinart took 30 minutes. Freeze overnight. 

    Shortbread Cookies

    1 cup unsalted butter, softened

    1/2 cup sugar

    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    2 cups all-purpose flour

    1/4 teaspoon baking powder

    1/2 teaspoon salt

    2 tablespoons milk

    In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter for about 30 seconds with an electric mixer at medium speed. Add sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 1 minute.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the milk and blend until just combined.

    Divide dough into two equal parts and use your hands to form each part into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. It may be tempting to skip the chilling time, but chilling the dough is essential to easy cutting of the cookies and to keeping the cookies from spreading while baking.

    Working with one disc at a time, remove from the refrigerator and roll to just slightly thicker than 1/8-inch thickness. To prevent sticking and tearing of the dough, sprinkle your work surface, the top of the dough, and your rolling pin with a bit of all-purpose flour before rolling.

    Use a round cookie cutter {or other shapes as desired} to cut the dough into cookies. Carefully transfer cut cookies to a baking sheet with a small spatula. Re-roll the remaining dough scraps and continue to cut until all the dough is used. The cookie dough can stretch out of shape easily when warm ~ For the best result, keep the dough as cold as possible while cutting the cookies.

    Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 10 – 12 minutes until just starting to turn pale golden brown on the edges. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    To assemble: Place one cookie face down.  Using the same cookie cutter as you used for the cookies, cut circles from the ice cream. Place one piece of ice cream on each of the cookies and top with remaining cookies. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in airtight container and freeze until set — about 30 minutes.

     

    Vanilla Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches 

    Vanilla Ice Cream

    4 egg yolks

    ¾ cup sugar

    2 cups milk

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    1 tablespoon vanilla paste

    1 cup heavy cream

    Mix the egg yolks and the sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until mixture is pale and creamy. Set aside.  In a medium saucepan place 1 cup of milk, the vanilla extract and vanilla paste. Let the mixture boil over medium heat.  When it starts boiling add ⅓ of this milk to the yolk and sugar mixture. Mix well. Now pour this mixture in the pan with remaining milk. Keep stirring on low heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add remaining 1 cup of milk and heavy cream. Mix well and let it cool.  Place vanilla ice cream in the ice cream maker and work it according to manufacturer’s instructions. My Cuisinart took 30 minutes. Freeze overnight. 

    Chocolate Chip Cookies

    8 tablespoons of unsalted butter

    1/2 cup sugar 

    1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

    1 teaspoon vanilla

    1 egg

    1 1/2 cups all purpose flour 

    1/2 teaspoon baking soda

    1/4 teaspoon salt 

    1 cup chocolate chips

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Microwave the butter for approximately 40 seconds to just barely melt it. It should be almost entirely in liquid form.  Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugars until creamy. Add the vanilla and the egg; beat on low speed until just incorporated.  Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until crumbles form. Add the chocolate chips and incorporate with your hands.  Using a mini ice cream scoop, scoop into balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes until slightly golden. Cool on the pan for a good 30 minutes.

    To assemble: Place one cookie face down.  Using a cookie cutter the same size as the cookies, cut circles from the ice cream. Place one piece of ice cream on each of the cookies and top with remaining cookies. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in airtight container and freeze until set — about 30 minutes.

     

    Bisous,
    Rebecca

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  • White Summer Eyelet

    White Summer Eyelet

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    White Summer Eyelet 

    The days are long and the temps are hot and I often find the most natural thing to pull out of the closet are styles that are white and light, which means eyelet is a perfect option. These pretty pieces are easy to wear and will look beautiful all summer. 

    Style & Life Blog: White Summer Eyelet

    This little white dress is breezy and comfortable…it is made from 100% cotton so the fabric will keep you cool. Add tturquoise accessories for a pop of color.   Available at www.revolve.com.

    Style & Life Blog: White Summer Eyelet This feminine eyelet skirt pairs perfectly with this linen tank for relaxed summer gatherings.  Top available at www.nordstrom.com. Skirt now on sale at www.clubmonaco.com.Style & Life: White Summer Eyelet This off-the shoulder, eyelet top is a soft and relaxed style that is perfect for weekend wear. Available at www.nordstrom.com

    Complement these looks with any of the accessories featured in our Summer Accessory Edit…they will look beautiful together!

    Bisous,

    Rebecca

    Special thanks to Call me Gaby for hosting this photoshoot! 

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  • Summer Accessory Edit

    Summer Accessory Edit

     

    Style & Life Blog: Summer Accessory Edit

     

    Summer Accessory Edit 

    Need a few fun items to keep your warm weather ensembles fresh? This summer accessory edit features a small selection of styles that are incredibly versatile and will give your looks a pop with their unique styling and details.  It is rare I buy an item that can only be worn with one outfit.  I like to use items often and these are no exception…they should go with many items you already have in your closet!   

    The bags are easy to wear…the round handle tote is perfect for casual outfits, the multi colored embroidered clutch can be dressed up or down and is perfect to pack for vacation since it is small. The wooden Cult Gaia bag has been a favorite of mine all year and continues to be my go-to bag for the season. 

    This pretty set of hair ties is fashionable and functional at the same time. No more basic ponytails…these prints add a pop of color.

    These gorgeous earrings were gifted to me by Lisi Lerch and I have worn them with many different outfits. The clear color makes them ideal to pack for getaways since they coordinate with almost everything.

    The gold multi and turquoise bracelets are bold statement pieces that will add a touch of drama to any look (they are low on inventory so I linked similar styles below). 

    Consider adding these accessories to your wardrobe…they are an easy way to keep you your style updated. 

     

    Bisous,

    Rebecca 

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  • Mini Blueberry Pie Recipe

    Mini Blueberry Pie Recipe

    Style & Life: Mini Blueberry Pie Recipe

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    Mini Blueberry Pie Recipe 

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    Want to wow your guests with a festive dessert for 4th of July? Then look no further…this mini blueberry pie recipe is a simple, fun and delicious dessert to serve or bring to your holiday gatherings. I was inspired to make this recipe from a Highlights magazine as an activity with my daughter…and, as we started making it, it evolved into this blog post.   

    sStyle & Life Blog: Mini Blueberry Pie Recipe

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    Ingredients

    2 packages prepared pie crusts (I use Pillsbury)

    3/4 cup sugar 

    1/2 cup flour

    heaping teaspoon of cinnamon

    6 cups of blueberries

    1/4 pat of butter for each mini pie (I use Plugara)

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    Directions

    Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit. First, cut circles out of pie crust and place them into the mini pans. I highly recommend this circle cookie cutter set from Williams Sonoma.  It has 11 sizes, which is probably every size you will ever need. Based on your mini pie pan, use whatever size fits best. 

    Mix all ingredients together in a bowl, except the butter and divide into the mini pie pans.  Place the 1/4 pats of butter on top of each mini pie. Cut a bunch of sizes of stars out of the remaining pie crust (I used this set of star shaped cookie cutters)and brush with the melted butter.  Cover with foil and place in oven.  Bake for 10-20 minutes covered and then another 10-20 uncovered. Check on it every 10 minutes to assess progress…time varies based on the thickness of crust and stars. Makes 18-24 depending on the size of your mini pie pans. 

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    Style & Life Blog: Mini Blueberry Pie Recipe

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    Just pack in a pretty pastry box and enjoy with your friends and family! 

    Bisous,
    Rebecca

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  • 4th of July Outfit Inspiration

    4th of July Outfit Inspiration

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    4th of July Outfit Inspiration

    While it is technically almost a week away, it feels like tomorrow kicks off 4th of July celebrations. With the holiday falling on Wednesday, it means you can start celebrating tomorrow and continue through the weekend after.  Here are some fun looks in a patriotic palette…for shopping details, please see below. 

    Style & Life Blog: 4th of July Outfit Inspiration

    This crochet dress is a cute dress that can be dressed up with wedges or dressed down with slides. Available at www.revolve.com

    Style & Life Blog: 4th of July Outfit Inspiration

    This lightweight gingham top looks fresh with white denim and layered necklaces. Available at www.bloomingdales.com

    Style & Life Blog: 4th of July Outfit Inspiration

    This flattering floral dress is the perfect style for your BBQ’s…pair with sneakers to make it even more casual. Available at www.bloomingdales.com

    Style & Life Blog: 4th of July Outfit Inspiration

    This high low gingham skirt is a pretty option for those events when you want to put your best fashion foot forward. Now on sale at www.netaporter.com.

    Style & Life Blog: 4th of July Outfit Inspiration

    This striped tee is easy to throw on with white or blue denim…it’s made of a super soft jersey and available at www.revolve.com

    Style & Life Blog: 4th of July Inspiration

    This flirty polka dot dress is fun and flattering…an easy style you will all summer. Available at www.freepeople.com.

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    Hope these looks and the styles shown below give you some 4th of July Outfit Inspiration…be bold and wear this patriotic palette!

    Bisous,

    Rebecca

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  • Your’e Invited to a Rosé Soirée with Ann Taylor

    Your’e Invited to a Rosé Soirée with Ann Taylor


    Style & Life Blog: You're Invited to a Rosé Soirée with Ann Taylor

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    Your’e Invited to a Rosé Soirée with Ann Taylor

    special thanks to Ann Taylor for sponsoring this post! 

    Join me tomorrow night for a lovely evening with Ann Taylor at Dadeland Mall. I will be sharing my favorite pieces from their new collection plus there will be two drawings for a tote filled with a new summer outfit! This white dress is one of my favorite pieces and is perfect for your summer occasions.  Bonus: you will receive a Sea Salt Hair Spray with every $100 purchase. 

    Event Details

    Date: Wednesday June 27, 2018

    Time: 5:30-7:30 pm

    Location: Dadeland Mall

    I hope you can join me for this fun evening! 

    Bisous,
    Rebecca

     

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  • Tropical Beauty Essentials

    Tropical Beauty Essentials

    Style & Life Blog: Tropical Beauty Essentialss

    Tropical Beauty Essentials 

    Summertime is all about looking and feeling fresh, carefree and natural. I have curated some of my beauty essentials that are perfect for warm weather! From left to right, here is a list of my favorites. 

    Dr. Jart Water Replenishment Mask is incredibly cool and soothing to the skin…it feels amazing after a hot day in the sun and will give your skin the moisture it needs. 

    I like to use this Kocostar Split End Hair Mask after a day at the beach or in the pool because it keeps my ends smooth and shiny. 

    If you have read any of my other posts, you know I love Tan Towels…I try to stay out of the sun to prevent skin damage, but I like to have color and these are easy to use. When I want a darker tan, I will use two. I just apply one, wait 2 minutes and then apply another. 

    These fun Zoya nail polishes look great on tan skin…I vary between the Purity (white), Winnie (bright pink) and Kara (orange-ish coral). Their nail polish remover (not pictured) is also the best. 

    Keeping skin hydrated is essential and this amazing Midsummer Dew body oil should keep your skin gorgeous…it smells as good as it feels.

    We all know the importance of sunscreen…this Coola Sport Sunscreen is my favorite because it is a breeze to apply. I keep a can in several bags to prevent sun damage on-the-go.

    Another favorite product that you have seen in previous posts…I have these Evian mists with me everywhere (work, handbag, beach tote). They keep skin cool and hydrated.

    Since I spend time in the pool and ocean, I like to keep my hair healthy and so I use this Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser. It removes chlorine and salt from the hair.  I also use their After Sun Hair Masque from time to time (not pictured) to keep my hair soft.

    I discovered Conscious Coconut Oil when I got stuck in New York unexpectedly one night and have carried a tube in my suitcase ever since. Coconut oil is quite possibly the most versatile product…it can be used as a mouthwash, eye makeup remover, body oil and if you mix it with sea salt or raw sugar, a body scrub. 

    For times when my skin needs a good scrub, I like this Baudelaire Sisal Body Scrub. Its effective at exfoliating without damaging the skin.

    Nothing complements your summer glow better than pearly whites. I partnered with Smile Brilliant last year and absolutely love using my whitening trays! 

    I use natural deodorant (see recommendations here) and, in the summer months, I like to keep these deodorant swipes with me to ensure I stay fresh. I literally have them everywhere (work, car, beach bag, purse)!

    Hope you like these tropical beauty essentials…they are my summer go-to products! 

    Bisous,

    Rebecca 

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  • Tropical Print Accessories

    Tropical Print Accessories

     

    Style & Life Blog: Tropical Print Accessories

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    Tropical Accessories

    Tropical prints are not only having their moment in clothing but also in accessories. The palm prints and rich textures in this little edit will infuse your basics with a pop of summer. These pieces are versatile and can be worn for the entire season…you may be surprised how easy it is to style them with your existing wardrobe.  

    A Fedora

    Fedoras are a staple summer hat…they add that stylish touch to your ensembles and help protect your face from the sun. 

    The Printed Sandal

    These gorgeous sandals steal the show with their pretty print and straw heel…pair with a little white dress, bamboo bag and you are ready for drinks with the girls. 

    A Printed Sneaker

    These adorable palm printed Keds are a great way to add finesse to casual outfits. They are comfortable to wear while touring your summer destination of choice.  

    A Natural Sandal

    A natural colored sandal will complement all of your tropical printed clothing  perfectly…you will wear them over and over this season. 

    A Decorated Slide

    Slides are having a moment in the sandal world and these are like jewelry for the feet. Pair with maxi dresses, shorts, slim pants…they will always steal the show.

    The Bamboo Bag

    As you have probably seen in a blog post or on Instagram…I have worn this bag constantly this spring. It is such a fun bag and always receives a ton of compliments. 

     

    Keep your look fresh and fun this summer with these tropical accessories. 

    Bisous,

    Rebecca

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  • Warm Weather Tropical Prints

    Warm Weather Tropical Prints

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    Warm Weather Tropical Prints

    Floral prints make me think of spring while tropical prints say summer.  As the days continue to get warmer, make a splash with these bright and bold tropical prints. There are options everywhere…give them a try, they will put you in a vacation frame of mind. 

    Style & Life Blog: Warm Weather Tropical Prints

    This strapless silk dress has a rich tropical print that makes you want to order fruity cocktail. Perfect for a dinner date on all of your summer vacations.  Available at www.saks.com

    Style & Life: Warm Weather Tropical Prints It is always nice to pack a long sleeve top for your summer trips…the air conditioning can be freezing and this gorgeous top fits the bill. Pair with white or blue colored denim. Available at www.saks.com

    Style & Life Blog: Warm Weather Tropical Prints

    This lovely tropical print dress creates a romantic vacation vibe. It features a faux wrap and asymettric ruffled hem. Dress up with a heel or down with a wedge or espadrille.  Now on sale at www.bloomingdales.com

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    Bisous,

    Rebecca

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  • 3 Tropical Cocktail Recipes

    3 Tropical Cocktail Recipes

    Style & Life Blog: 3 Tropical Cocktail Recipes

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    3 Tropical Cocktail Recipes 

    If tropical printed clothing or accessories are not your thing, than maybe these tropical cocktail recipes will get you in mood for summer?  These delicious recipes are perfect for a cocktail party or to enjoy after a day at the beach or in the pool. I found these gorgeous palm tree and pineapple glasses…they have a luxurious vibe because they have that slightly heavy, substantial feeling. Whip up one of these tropical cocktail recipes and enjoy! 

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    Coconut Margarita

    Ingredients:

    Coconut Ice Cube Ingredients:

    1/2 cup coconut water
    1/2 cup cream of coconut

    Optional Rim Garnish:
    lime wedges
    sweetened shredded coconut
    coarse rim salt

    Coconut Margarita Ingredients:
    1/2 cup tequila
    1/3 cup freshly-squeezed lime juice
    3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed orange juice
    coconut ice cubes, see above

    Instructions:

    To Prepare Coconut Ice Cubes:
    Whisk together the coconut water and cream of coconut in a mixing bowl until combined. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, then freeze for 12 hours, or until frozen (cream of coconut does not always freeze completely). Keep frozen until ready to use.

    To Rim The Glasses:
    Run a lime wedge around the top of each glass until it the top 1/4-inch is moistened. Dip the glass in a bowl that has been filled with either shredded coconut and/or coarse rim salt (I used salt). Chill the glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes before filling with the margarita mixture.  If your coconut is not sticking, you may need to pulse it a few times in a food processor until it is the consistency of coarse salt.

    To Make The Coconut Margaritas:
    Add all ingredients (including the coconut ice cubes) to a blender and pulse until combined. If needed,  add simple syrup to sweeten…you can also add extra ice cubes (regular or more coconut ice cubes) to thicken the consistency.  Pour into prepared glasses and serve immediately, garnish with an extra lime wedge on top.

    source: www.gimmesomeoven.com

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    Grapefruit Basil Smash

    Ingredients:

    1 ½ oz vodka (approximately one shot)

    1 3/4 cups red grapefruit juice

    fresh basil leaves

    sugar (to taste)

    square ice cube tray

    Instructions:
    Place a basil leaf in every cube of an ice cube tray, and fill each cube with grapefruit juice. Place tray in freezer to freeze overnight.  Place glasses in the refrigerator to chill.  In a cocktail shaker, mix vodka, sugar, and grapefruit juice.  Fill each glass with grapefruit ice cubes, then pour in cocktail mixture. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a straw.
     
    source: www.jacquelynclark.com

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    Pineapple, Lime and Coconut Spritzer

    Ingredients:

    3 cups pineapple juice

    2 cups coconut water

    1/2 cup fresh lime juice 

    2 cups club soda

    1/2 pineapple, cored and cut into spears

    splash of rum

    Instructions:

    Combine the pineapple juice, coconut water, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Chill for 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.  Just before serving, add the club soda. Serve over ice, garnished with a pineapple spear. Add a splash of rum, if desired.

    source: www.realsimple.com

     

    Cool off this summer with a tropical cocktail! 

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    Bisous,

    Rebecca

     

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