Strawberry Watermelon Cocktails…just in time for the weekend!

Matt has been away on business all week so I always like to try and surprise him with something special when he arrives home. I thought that since he’s been so busy, a cocktail would be the perfect sweet treat to come home to and relax with. He’ll be the first to tell you that he’s manly enough to admit to enjoying fruity drinks. He’s been sipping on my fruity drinks for the past 5 years and realizes most often they really do taste better then the more manly counterparts. We’ve been married for over a year and a half now and he’s finally started ordering his own sweet tasting cocktail, instead of always stealing half of mine. Don’t get me wrong…he still enjoys a good beer or good glass of wine, but we both agree that nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day than a light, crisp cocktail. I’ve never made a watermelon cocktail before, but I fell in love. I see many more Strawberry Watermelon cocktails in our future–with or without alcohol, both versions taste fabulous.

The Ingredients:

Equipment needed: blender & a small mesh strainer

• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Sparkling water or Sprite
• Liquor of your choice–I used Tequila
• Lime juice or a splash of orange juice

The Perfect Summertime Snack–Fresh Fruit Salad

Summer is great for a lot of things…sun tans, BBQs, outside sporting events…but out of all perks of summer, I’d say my favorite is the overabundance of fresh, delicious fruit. As much as I love sweets like chocolate–I’d still take this sweet treat over any cake or cookie any day. So if you are looking for a light, refreshing snack go to the grocery store and stock up your refrigerator. Prices are so low on fresh fruit currently and it’s an easy way to ensure you’re snacking healthy. Add your favorites to a bowl with a little lemon juice and enjoy. My fruit salad contained: watermelon, plums, sliced strawberries, raspberries, cherries, & blueberries. I topped it with a little whipped cream–I feel like that tiny addition helps it read as a dessert and cuts my craving for all things junk later. You can also serve this as a side for dinner–it tastes great with grilled chicken or fish–plus it’s a light way to help fill you up so you don’t consume a high calorie dinner. I was always taught to: “Eat like a King at breakfast, a Queen at lunch, and a Peasant at dinner”. It’s a great strategy because it allows you to burn off all the calories while you are the most active during the day. If you want to eat it for breakfast–top with some greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. Keep an eye out for my own homemade agave granola–it’s the best.