How To Make The Perfect Summer Cocktails To Beat The Heat



Cocktails are the perfect way to cool down and refresh yourself from the hot days of summer.  

Below are three delicious non-alcoholic cocktails made with fresh fruits and vegetables that will certainly cool you down on a hot humid day.  

Limonana

Ingredients

Directions

Fill a collins glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 1/2 ounces mint syrup and 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and shake until chilled. Pour into glass. Top with East Imperial Yuzu Tonic. Garnish with a mint sprig and a lemon round.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add 1 packed cup fresh mint to boiling liquid, and cook for 17 seconds. Using a strainer, transfer mint to the bowl of ice water. Strain, and squeeze out excess water. Blend mint with 1 cup simple syrup (1 part sugar and 1 part water). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.


Watermelon

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist
  • Pomegranate-Aleppo Pepper Syrup
    • Directions:
    • Fill a collins glass with crushed ice. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 3 ounces watermelon juice, 3/4 ounce pomegranate-Aleppo pepper syrup, and 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice. Shake until well chilled, then pour into prepared glass. Garnish drink with a watermelon cube skewered on a toothpick.
    • Pomegranate-Aleppo Pepper Syrup
    • In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup pomegranate juice, 1/2 cup turbinado sugar, 4 1/2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses, 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, whisking to combine. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl. Let cool completely.
    • Lime

      Ingredients

      Ingredient Checklist
      • Parsley Syrup
        • Directions

          Instructions Checklist
          • Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 ounce fresh lime juice, 1 ounce freshly pressed cucumber juice, 1 1/2 ounces parsley syrup, and 1 dash celery bitters. Shake until chilled; pour into glass. Garnish with ground cumin.

          Parsley Syrup
          • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Add 1 packed cup fresh parsley to boiling liquid; cook for 17 seconds. Transfer parsley to a bowl of ice water. Strain, and squeeze out excess water. Blend parsley with 1 cup simple syrup (1 part water and 1 part sugar). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.


          •                             Limonana Cocktail Source: Shape.com

                                                             


                                                    Watermelon Cocktail Source:  Food Network







5 DIY Projects To Do When You Are Bored At Home

“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”         Unknown


While the world is slowly getting back to normal and people are going back to the office, some people are still experiencing lockdown.  If you are working from home or staying home due to lockdown and are bored of your everyday tasks, here are a few things you can do to alleviate the mundane:  


Paint Furniture

If you have outdated furniture that needs a little TLC, painting it could be a solution.  It is an easy and affordable way to have aesthetic furnishings without spending a lot of money on a new piece.  When painting furniture make sure to use the appropriate paint i.e. Milk paint, latex paint, and chalk paint in either semi-gloss or satin finish.


DIY Artwork

Adding artwork to your home's interior can be very expensive and time-consuming. One way to remedy that is to DIY your own artwork.  With just a little creativity and a few minutes of your time, you can create your own unique object of art that will take your walls from boring to beautiful.  A few examples of DIY art:  wall tapestry, pop art, spray bottle art, oversized family portraits, painted ombre canvas, and foliage wall art.  


Clean Your Patio or Deck

Summer is the season for entertaining on your patio or deck and now is the best time to start getting it in order.  First, you have to declutter your patio and then proceed to clean it. If you are on a budget you can eliminate using a power washer and opt for a homemade cleaning solution using baking soda, water, and liquid dish detergent.  Maintain your patio daily by sweeping it and hosing it down with a garden hose to remove debris.   

Refresh Your Bedroom

You can instantly refresh your bedroom in three easy steps:  

  1. Add texture and pattern to your bed linens (throws, comforters, duvet covers)
  2. Switch out your nightstand lamps or ceiling light fixture
  3. Update your headboard


Cover Your Books With Fabric/Paper

If you enjoy crafting then covering your books with fabric/paper is the project for you.  This is an affordable way to elevate your built-in bookcase or bookshelf and make your room look more expensive.  Check out this tutorial from Magnolia.com the blog.  


                                                               Source:  BHG 
                                                       Painted Dresser in Pale Pink
                                                          
                                                                           



                                                                Source:  Magnolia Home
                                                                Fabric Covered Books
                                                                      



                                                                 Source:  BHG
                                                            Fresh Foliage Art Print
                                                 

             Which DIY project are you more likely to do?  Leave a comment below, thanks!




How To Make Healthy Turmeric, Ginger And Apple Smoothie

 "Let Juice Be Thy Medicine And Medicine Be Thy Juice"

                                     Hippocrates


Refresh your thirst this summer season and stay healthy with this delicious Turmeric smoothie. 

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (ease joint pain and stiffness) as well as protecting the body from heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.  

Ginger helps the body fight diseases such as high blood pressure and chronic lung disease. Ginger is full of antioxidants that protect the body from stress and promotes healthy aging.

Give your body the necessary fuel it needs to protect it from disease with a healthy smoothie.  Juice smoothies are an excellent way to get the proper nutrients to your body quickly and efficiently.  See below for the recipe:

How To Make Healthy Turmeric, Ginger, And Apple Smoothie


Ingredients

2 apples, cored, peeled, and chopped
1/4-inch fresh ginger
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 cup ice
1 cup water
Maple syrup (or any other sugar substitute, to sweeten it such as Stevia)

Directions

1.  Add all the ingredients to a blender.

2. Pulse to form a smooth mix.

3. Pour in serving glasses.

4. Enjoy fresh or store in the fridge for up to 2 days.


                                                        
                                                                      Source:  Getty Images


5 Spring Shoe Trends Everyone Is Wearing In 2021

 

  • "Fashion is like eating, you shouldn't stick to the same menu" — ...Unknown


Spring is the season of change!  No matter who you are, spring is beckoning us to change.  Whether it is personal changes, fashion changes, or a location change, it seems this time of year is calling for some type of change.  

Footwear is ever-evolving and this year is no different.  Even though we are still technically in a pandemic, we shouldn't let that stop us from updating our wardrobes to reflect the times.  An updated shoe collection is the perfect place to start.

Popular Spring Shoe Trends For 2021

                                                        Nike Air Force 1 Sneakers

Add a splash of colour to your wardrobe with Air Force 1 sneakers from Nike.    A  trusted brand name that gives you comfort and style.   

                      
                                                       Adidas Yeezy Slides

Step into spring with these lightweight comfy Yeezy slides from Adidas.  Perfect for running errands or just lounging at home.  





                                                              Wedge Sandals (Neutral)

This wedge sandal will boost your height, are easy to walk in and goes with just about any wardrobe style.







Dad Sandals (Platform)

                                    A versatile platform sandal that can be dressed up or down.  



                                                   Black and White Mary Jane Pumps 


A classic shoe that will never go out of style.  Wear these pumps with black dress pants, pleated skirts, or wide leg trousers.  

Start the spring season on the right note with an updated shoe collection with these 5 spring shoe trends.  

   
           

How To Make A Scrumptious Lemon Cake With Edible Flowers For Spring

 "Life Is Too Short To Say No To Cake:

                                              - Unknown


Let them eat cake!...no really let your guests eat a scrumptious lemon cake decked out with edible flowers for spring/Easter.  

This cake recipe is quite easy and is the perfect dessert for Easter or any other spring celebration such as a garden party, baby shower, bridal shower, graduation, or anniversary celebration.  See recipe below:


Lemon Cake With Edible Flower Crown

Ingredients:

  • 2(15 1/4-oz.) pkg. lemon cake mix (such as Betty Crocker Super Moist Delights Lemon Cake Mix)
  • Lemon-Vanilla Buttercream
  • Edible flowers (such as tuberous begonias, stock, violas, English daisies, and pansies)
  • Fresh mint leaves

Directions:  

1.  Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together all wet ingredients needed to prepare cake batters (per package directions) in 1 large bowl. Stir together all dry ingredients from cake mix packages in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir together until well blended. Divide combined batter among 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool cake layers in pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Invert cake layers onto racks, and cool completely for about 45 minutes.

2.  Prepare Lemon-Vanilla Buttercream.

3.  Using a serrated knife, trim domed tops of cake layers to make them flat and even. Spread Lemon-Vanilla Buttercream between layers and on top and sides of the cake, allowing some of the cake to remain visible on the sides. Smooth with an offset spatula. Arrange a ring of edible flowers and mint leaves around the top edge of the cake to form a “flower crown.”

This cake serves 16.  


                                       Source:  Southern Living Magazine 






Take Your Self-Care To The Next Level with Carol's Daughter Hair Care and Body Products

Beauty By Nature That’s Made With Love; that is the motto of Carol’s Daughter.

Lisa Price is the founder and creator of Carol’s Daughter, a hair care, bath, and body line of products made with essential oils and natural ingredients. Carol’s Daughter hair and bath products are sulfate-free and contain no parabens, no sulfates, no petrolatum, no mineral oil, no artificial colors, and not tested on animals.

Lisa Price started the company in her kitchen where she whipped up organic beauty products for family and friends to enjoy. In 1993, she started an online mail-order business and then went on to open her first store in Brooklyn in 1999. In 2005, she opened her second store in Harlem on 125th Street, and in 2014, she sold her company to L'Oreal Cosmetics. Also in 2014, Carol's Daughter hair and skincare products launched at Target stores making them more accessible to consumers. In 2016, the brand launched into 30,000 retail stores across the USA and in 2017, Carol's Daughter made history by being a first on exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture as a pioneer of natural hair care resurgence. You can purchase her line of products at www.carolsdaughter.com and The Home Shopping Network (HSN.com).

The Best of Carol’s Daughter:

Almond Cookie 3-piece Bath and Body Set

This set is the perfect solution to dry skin. It includes an almond cookie body cleansing gel, frappe body lotion, and nourishing hand cream. Indulge yourself with the sweet essence of almond oil that will leave your skin soft and silky.

Monoi Repairing Hair Mask

This is the perfect mask for chemically treated or fine hair. It will strengthen the hair shaft, detangle strands, and repair split ends. Formulated with monoi oil, coconut oil, and provitamin B5 to combat breakage for stronger, longer hair.

Black Vanilla Shampoo, Conditioner & Hair Smoothie

A richly scented moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for dry, brittle, unmanageable hair. This formula will tame your hair and leave it soft, shiny, and manageable.

Cactus Rose 3-piece Water Volumizing Hair Care Set

A Rose Water shampoo, conditioner, and volume spray that boosts the look of thin, flat hair into full-body voluminous moisturized locks.

Hair Milk Style Gift Set

Tame your curly hair with this lightweight refresher spray and combing creme. The Hair Milk is blended with Agave, Cocoa and Shea, to keep your hair moisturized and frizz-free.

Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cream

Fast-absorbing body cream for dry parched skin made with coconut oil and sunflower seeds. A beautifully scented vanilla and water lily fragrance with a hint of spun sugar - a cult classic.

Mimosa Hair Honey

A sweet-smelling miracle hairdress for your hair and scalp. It moisturizes the hair, smoothes edges, controls frizz. This hairdress contains powerful ingredients such as nettle, sage, lavender, and rosemary that promote healthy hair.

Monoi Body Scrub Luxe Polish

Exfoliate and remove dead skin with this luxurious body polish. It contains no parabens, or mineral oil and is made with Monoi oil, Tiara flowers, Tahitian Gardenia, and Coconut oil. It will leave your skin silky smooth and scented with Monoi oil.

Coco Creme Shampoo, Conditioner & Coil Butter Gift Set

This is the remedy for very dry curly or coily hair. The Coco Creme recipe is blended with coconut oil, mango, and Murumuru Butter. The Murumuru Butter defines curls, softens, and enhances coils leaving your hair shiny and soft to the touch.

Giving Back

Lisa Price is a philanthropist and presently sits on the board of Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN), a charity that focuses on empowering women to achieve their dreams.

The brand's mission is to provide exceptional quality hair, and skincare products made with natural ingredients, are cruelty-free, for a diverse community.


                                                                 Source:  HSN

       

3 Easy Ways To Instantly Improve The Look Of Your Home


 

“As we evolve, our homes should too.” – Suzanne Tucker


Improving the aesthetic of your home is basically making it feel and look pleasing to the eye (aka beautiful).  Aesthetic homes are organized,  design flows from one room to another, and there is a feeling of simplicity.  

HOW TO IMPROVE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME


Repair/Replace/Fix 

One of the first things you can do to instantly improve the look of your home is to fix and repair broken items such as loose cabinet knobs, patching walls, fix leaky plumbing, bleach away water stains, and fix cracked grout.  Replacing burnt-out light bulbs and removing a popcorn ceiling is also a great home improvement tip.


Organize and Declutter

An organized home is the key to home improvement.  When your home is organized, it will run more efficiently and look more aesthetically pleasing.  Here are some things you can organize instantly:  
  • declutter entryway junk
  • dispose of/compost dead plants
  • organize laundry room with hampers
  • re-organize clothes closets and donate items you no longer need
  • donate old magazines to your favorite thrift store or give them to a friend
  • throw away expired pantry items
  • organize your make-up drawer and linen closet
  • get rid of electronic cords/cables that you do not use
  • use a charging station for electronic items


Create A Designated Office Space

Having a designated office space might is an instant way to improve your home as it divides the living space from the workspace giving your home a streamlined look.  When you are creating your office,  make sure to provide ample task lighting and multiple storage containers so your space does not get cluttered.  Also, an ergonomic desk and chair are important for the overall look as it will make your workspace feel more professional and keep you productive. 

Improving the look of your home can be done very cheaply and easily.  Make a to-do list of the things that you want to improve, follow the tips above and you are on your way!  See photos below for inspiration.  



                                                          Decluttered entryway



Organize keys and mail in the entryway



Utility shelf for laundry room        


                                        
                                             Executive Desk with Hutch from Wayfair

How To Cleanse Your Body Naturally With A Lemon Ginger Detox Drink

                                                 Source:  Pinterest  Looking for a natural way to rejuvenate your body and boost your energy...