Take Me With You...: Ladies Night: Hookah, Cupcakes and Martinis

Last night eight ladies gathered around here in Lusaka to simply bond over hookah, cupcakes and adult vodka beverages. The idea came to three of us on a day off as we were sitting around enjoying pedicures. We were chatting about the Marines' past cigar night and we pondered "What would a ladies version be like?" We thought cigars and cupcakes but then many of us did not smoke cigars so why not something softer and more enjoyable? Hookahs. Perfect.

After a week of planning via emails and hallway chats one of the ladies, Ashleigh, added the fun idea of adding a henna artist and belly dancing! Two amazing ideas!

The food was even amazing! Ashleigh made some amazing food - chicken kabobs, hummus, pita bread, couscous and homemade tzatziki sauce. Another guest, Emily, made yummy mango salsa. Tamu's husband went all out and dazzled us ladies with chicken curry and shrimp curry. The hostess, LaDonda, not only opened her home, but also made amazing cupcakes: limoncello, strawberry margarita and pinotage/chocolate! The rest of the food was mainly catered by a local Mediterranean restaurant, Mezza: beef and chicken schwarma, fried pita bread, baba ghanoush and falafel. SO GOOD!

Chicken kabobs

Falafel and other yumminess

Fried pita chips and baba ghanoush

Couscous

The healthy side: fruit and veggie trays

I, of course, was on bar duty and made the 'welcome drink' - Tropical Skittles Martini - which I served to the ladies as they arrived. The bar was stocked! Ashleigh also made a refreshing pomegranate blueberry vodka drink and one of the guests, Joi, made what she named the "McBride special" which consisted of vooooooodka, peach juice topped with sprite, garnished with mango and strawberries. There was also wine - red, white and prosecco. Again, all of this was for EIGHT ladies!

Welcome ladies! LaDonda with Tropical Skittles Martini

Blueberry pomegranate vodka goodness

The wine selection

Dark chocolate filled with various liquours

It was a wonderful evening with 7 ladies ... you know we are already planning the next party! Special thanks to LaDonda and her husband for opening their home to host this wonderful event! Enjoy the photos of our amazing ladies night!