Thursday, June 23, 2016

Currently



r e a d i n g // This post on grace - "Can we please remember what mercy is like? Can we please remember that we were given reprieve from death by our Savior when we had done nothing to deserve it?" So good. Also this post on an approach to summer. Loved thinking through summer this way!

w a n t i n g // A good decaf cold brew. I mentioned last month that I had found my perfect coffee combo, but it was short-lived due to the caffeine. I have a history of really bad migraines and also an ulcer, so I really am not supposed to have caffeine. I might go back to making these iced mochas, but I wanted something with a little less sugar. Do you know of any good cold brew options, preferably already lightly sweetened? I'd prefer not to make my own, because it never turns out just right for my taste.

w e a r i n g // We're keeping it pretty casual over here in the summer time - I'm talking shorts + tank tops / long tees on repeat. Also not a whole lot of makeup, because I like to keep my face bare when I'm out in the heat and humidity. 

w a t c h i n g // The Bachelorette. Duh. Who are your favorites? I like Chase, Robby, Derek, and James T. Luke kinda weirds me out, something about Jordan seems sketchy, and Alex is so annoying! Fun fact: once upon a time I knew James F. (who got sent home in this week's episode); we met in China and I have a picture of us together on the Great Wall. Too good, right?

l i s t e n i n g  t o // My girl snoring in the next room. Poor thing is teething and is handling it like such a champ. She tries to be so brave when she has a fever and doesn't feel good, and it's so precious. She always snores, but I love knowing she's getting good sleep when she isn't feeling well!

e a t i n g // Fruit pizza. Also Chicken Salad Chick. Do you have one by you? I've loved everything I've tried there - the chicken salad is flavorful without having too much mayo, which is so hard to find! A perfect lunch spot for summer, I think.

e n j o y i n g // Summer! Madeleine loves the pool, I can't get enough fresh fruit, and in the evenings you can find us on our front porch chatting. I've (obviously) cut way back on my blogging, and I'm totally okay with that. Summer always seems to go by too quickly, and I want to savor it as much as possible.

l o o k i n g  f o r w a r d  t o // This weekend! We're heading to Virginia for a long weekend with Caleb's family, and I'm excited about some family time and no responsibilities. Also my sister-in-law is picking up donuts from Carol Lee Donuts (the best donuts on the planet), so there's that.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Blueberry & Mint Lemonade


In the summertime one of my favorite treats is homemade lemonade. I love making variations with different fruits and herbs. Most recently I whipped up this blueberry & mint lemonade. It is so refreshing, and I loved the subtle aftertaste of the mint. This weekend we're supposed to get temps up to 99 degrees, so you'd better believe you can find me with a glass of this in my hand. Happy weekend!

Blueberry & Mint Lemonade
2 cups fresh blueberries (frozen will also work)
1 cup mint leaves, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar
4-5 cups filtered water

In a blender add blueberries, mint, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Blend until smooth and deep purple. The mixture will look a bit like a smoothie.

Pour mixture into a fine mesh strainer placed over a medium bowl. Use a spatula to press the liquid through the strainer leaving the blueberry pulp and fresh mint in the strainer. Discard the pulp. Pour the blueberry, mint, lemon juice into a pitcher and add water. Taste and add more water or sugar according to your taste. Serve chilled. Makes 2 quarts.

source: recipe from joy the baker