Summer Detox-Thirsty Thursday

I can't believe it's the last day of July!  Nothing makes me more sad than summer flying by and thinking of back to school.  Maybe it's the kid in me or the former teacher???  I love summer for the freedom, the sun, the later mornings and the longer nights.  School starts August 25th around here which means that August is last call.  It's the month that we cram everything we haven't done on our summer bucket list into our last days and nights.  This thought calls for a drink-Ha!  But today it's not the alcoholic kind-it's for a detox water that will make you feel great even with the thought of school right around the corner.  

I tend to take it easy at the gym during the summer months only because its difficult to maintain any sort of a schedule with the kids going every which way.  I workout when I can and I try to make good choices when it comes to eating. That way I can enjoy summer without feeling guilty that I'm not being a gym rat.  One great way is by drinking more water and infusing it with fresh, available fruits.  It makes the water taste great as well as boost your metabolism and help kick start or maintain your slim down.  Give this one a try as well as this one.  And let me know what you think.

Summer Detox Water

1 pitcher or carafe of H2O

1 lime

1 peach

1 cup of blue berries

1 cup of strawberries

Slice your favorite summer fruits and combine into pitcher.  Allow to chill in refrigerator for 1-2 hours.  

Make a new pitcher each day for maximum freshness.  

Happy Thirsty Thursday!  Enjoy!

Smore's On A Stick

My kids love to eat things on a stick.  Lollipops, cake pops, corn dogs, and now s'mores.  After spending a long weekend at the lake we have plenty of leftover fixings for s'mores and what better way to use them up then by enjoying them on a stick-right??  Anyway, we are holding onto lake life this week with these tasty snacks!  And if you really want a treat try using these homemade marshmallows that we made last fall.

S'mores On A Stick

Ingredients:

• graham crackers
• large marshmallows
• chocolate squares
• parchment paper
• baking sheet
• serrated knife
• lollipop sticks

1. Line the tray with wax paper.
2. Break the graham crackers into the four rectangles; place them wrong side up on the wax paper.
3. Skewer marshmallows with a stick.
4. Place chocolate squares onto rectangle graham crackers.  Place on parchment covered baking sheet.
5. Heat the graham crackers and chocolate in a preheated 350 degree oven for 3 minutes or just until the chocolate is soft but not melted.  
6. Place the marshmallows on a stick between the chocolate and graham crackers.
7. Let it set for about an hour, or even put it in the refrigerator, so it’s good and solid.
8. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat..until you have enough to satisfy everyone!

That’s all there is to it.  Tasty inside s'mores that are perfect for dessert any time of year!

Night Out

Hope you all had a great weekend.  We took several days and went to the lake to relax and spend some time with family. The kids had a blast with their cousins and we were all excited to   get away from routines.  Today I spent running to the grocery store, unpacking and lotsa laundry. I am looking forward to tonight when I am meeting up with some friends that I used to teach with for dinner in the city.  I just bought this Equipment dress that's perfect for summer going into fall.  Tonight I'm going to pair it with a denim jacket because the temps are supposed to be in the mid 60's.  I mean really…….Where's summer?  Hope your Monday is off to a great start!  

                                       

                                                 

bare Minerals Liquid Foundation

I love beauty products and I am open to trying new things.  One of my favorite new discoveries is bareMinerals bareskin foundation and applicator brush.  When I saw that bareMinerals has a new liquid foundation I jumped at the chance to try it.  I have fair, freckly skin so I went with "bare shell" and it's perfect for my tone.  I recommend finding a shade that is a shade or two lighter than your actual skin color.  Don't let the outer bottle color convince you-make sure you test the color on your skin before you commit.  Also, the dedicated foundation brush is a must when purchasing.  It enables the best possible application.  Place a few drops in the well of the brush and buff into the skin starting at the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.  Apply a couple more drops when necessary.  I like the coverage that this foundation provides as well as the lightweight nature. It's hydrating and leaves no "cakey" residue. I like the light, hydrating feeling that this foundation gives.  It's perfect coverage for summer-not too

think or heavy.  

Lightweight, easy to apply and perfect amount of coverage.  Perfect for this busy mom that wants a natural look when I run out the door.

Here are some more great bareMineral foundations liquid as well as powder:

Our BOY is Twelve

Our first born is twelve today!  I remember the day we brought him home and he was ours-like it was yesterday.  I was four months pregnant with our daughter.  We wanted to have a dog before baby.  Doggy first, baby second.  He has watched us become parents over the last twelve years-4 times.  He is our rock, our comfort, our snuggler, our playmate.  He is all powerful-He can melt our heart with a single gaze.  He loves water.  Water of all kinds-lakes, pools, snow!  He is our companion our friend our fur baby.  He's a little slower than he used to be.  A little gray in the face.  He sleeps a little more than he used to but he remains so happy and content.  We love him so and he knows it.  Today he gets lots of extra belly rubs, more walks and treats.  He is one lucky pup and so are we, cause he is ours. Happy Birthday ole'man Carlton.  

We picked up a few of his favorite toys and treats.  His favorite treats in the whole wide world are found here.

Happy Birthday Boy!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale-Kid Picks

It's the sale of the year and it's going on now.  WAHOO!!   Just in case you’re unaware, the Nordstrom Anniversay Sale is amazing. It’s brand-new-for-fall merchandise that’s marked down before it hits the floor at it’s regular retail price. That means there are deals you just can’t miss!  I've picked out some of my favorite things for the kids.  If your looking for my faves for me click here.
I hate to think about back to school in July but…...

'Larynn' Boot

Girls Striped Dress

Girls North Face

Boys Nike Gym Shoes

Girls Nike Gym Shoes

Girls Hudson Jeans

Boys Patagonia

Little Boy Jeans

Boys Under Armor Hoodie

Boys North Face

Girls Leopard Kicks

"Tea" Dress

Girls Dress

Boys T

Boys Sperry

Check out my favorite sale and deals to be had.  It's hard to beat, and remember free shipping and free returns-AHmazing!  Happy Shopping and Happy Weekend!  

Summertime Drink Round Up

Summer calls for tall ice filled glasses with cool refreshing drinks.  Whether you choose a crisp green iced tea-my fave or a ice cold smoothie, it's fun to mix it up a bit.  Today's Thirsty Thursday is a round up of my favorite ice cold drinks for day and/or night.

Click below for links to all the recipes.

Grapefruit Margarita

Detox Water

Watermelon Cocktail

Fruity Ice Water

Cucumber Lemonade

Lavender Lemonade

Bloody Mary

Strawberry Smoothies

Hope you are having a great week!  Loving that tomorrow is Friday!

Summer Appetizer

Well, we survived our backyard bash this past weekend despite a crazy day with two kids in the baseball/softball championships and a evening full of thunderstorms!  We had about a hundred neighborhood friends filling our tented backyard and house.  It was a ton of preparation but a ton of fun!  I have been spending the last few days playing catch up and clean up. 

Despite the hard work, I love to entertain and in the summer I am drawn to ease and simplicity.  Foods that don't require an oven or even a stove.  This cool appetizer is perfect for a summer gathering.  Few ingredients that are plentiful in summer months.  

Watermelon Feta Bites

1 small watermelon sliced-

1 boxes of chunk Feta cheese

1 cup of fresh basil for garnish

optional-balsamic vinegar 

Use a small round cookie cutter to cut small circles from the watermelon slices.  Cut Feta into bit sized cubes.  Place Feta cube onto watermelon round and garnish with fresh basil leaf.  Place on to platter and drizzle with balsamic.

Super simple!  

Here are some pics from the Saturday preparation:

Happy Wednesday!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

My favorite summer sale is on!!!  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is underway for Early Access.  Which means if you have a Nordstrom card you can shop now before everyone else!!  If you're not a card member the sale begins July 18th! I love the vast selection of things for everyone in the family.  And did I mention that I always buy the kids back-to-school shoes now during the sale.  I have picked out some of the best deals that I would love to grab for myself but remember there are so many great deals for everyone in the fam.  And remember there is always free shipping and free returns-score!

1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8.  9.

Here are my favorite picks for the kiddos.

Thirsty Thursday-Watermelon Cocktail

How is it even possible that it's already Thursday!?!  How come the summer weeks go flying by and the winter seems never ending??  Anyway, weekend BBQ planning is in full swing and I'm finding myself feeling a bit of motherly guilt.  Except for a trip to the library, a quick trip to the pool, and outings for ice cream-we have been so busy running errands, cleaning the house, preparing the yard that kids summer fun has been minimal this week.  Hoping to make it up to them after Saturday!  

Today is Thirsty Thursday and I'm whipping up this cool watermelon tequila cocktail!  We all deserve a break and I'm sure it's 5 o'clock someplace??!!

Watermelon Cocktail 

1. 8 cups diced seedless watermelon (1 pound)
2. 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3. 1 can of Sprite*special ingredient, use instead of simple syrup
4.  Fresh mint leaves for garnish
5. 1 1/4 cups silver tequila
6. Ice
7. In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the watermelon juice, pressing gently on the solids to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp.
8. In a large pitcher, combine the Sprite with the lime juice.  Add the watermelon juice and tequila. Refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
9. Pour the cocktail into tall ice-filled glasses. Garnish with the mint sprigs and serve.

Hope you will enjoy this summer-y drink!  I plan to enjoy mine as I check out the Nordstrom Anniversary Preview Sale online tonight.  It's my favorite yearly sale.  I love to pick out the kids shoes for back to school!  I will find my faves and share them with you tomorrow.  

Happy Thirsty Thursday!